LIFE IN PORTUGAL

Here in the good ole USA we have A LOT of opportunity and prosperity not found in other countries. If you are like me, you may be complaining about our government and politics...but the reality is, we live in the promised land, and it is great. Madison reminds me each week how blessed we are to live in the USA.

She is still jumping!

Some interesting facts about people in Portugal in Madison's own words:

"Portuguese people are so funny. Let me tell you some fun facts...

They all ALL smoke, and they also all hang out their windows. No windows here have screens and so they will just open them and lean out to watch everyone below. Sometimes I will walk right by a window and all of a sudden there is a face! It usually always scares me. They will do that and have conversations across the street with each other. Everyone here is SUPER nosey! 

They also almost always serve their food to us cold. If we eat in a members house, the food is never ready when we get there.

They like to correct everything we say. They also talk really fast and a lot and they use crazy hand gestures and almost always hit me in the face. A man accidentially hit my...chest when he was aiming for my arm. Everyone feels the need to touch us... NAO TOCA DA MIM! (don't touch me!) I want to yell. haha. oi. Vida! 

But for real, I love the people here. It's so insanely different than America. But it's cool. It helps me appreciate things more." 

Night shot of her companion and a lady they helped out.

It has been awesome to learn all these things and feel more like I know a little about her life halfway across the world. And even though I miss her immensely, I am NOT sad she is there, spreading the good news about Jesus Christ and His redemptive power. I must admit when I see night time pictures I get a little concerned that she is out walking the streets in the dark...but I know she is smart and can take care of herself. I am a mom, what can I say?

This is the son of Solange, who got baptized last week.

"During the Master’s ministry, He called fishermen at Galilee to leave their nets and follow Him, declaring, “I will make you fishers of men.” May we join the ranks of the fishers of men and women, that we might provide whatever help we can."

- THOMAS S. MONSON