Trucker Strike

Hi Y'all!

I know Amy just posted something from me but I thought I'd catch everyone, especially the families of our missionaries, up on what's going on here.

First we had a wonderful visit from extended family.  These visits add an extra ray of sunshine to our lives.  And even more than the delicious American food they brought, their company was so loved and appreciated!

Our visit from Elder Cook was cancelled, but it's just as well.  With the strikes going on here he probably couldn't have made it to Piracicaba anyway.

As many of you are probably aware, the truckers are on strike here.  They're striking against the outrageous hike in gas prices as well as the general government corruption.  So far the work hasn't been too greatly affected. Howard has given the missionaries extra money so they can stock up on rice, beans, spaghetti, etc.  We have been blessed to be able to find the gas we need when necessary and have been walking and working from home most of the time.  Everything has been peaceful, with just an occasional march with honking horns etc.  We feel safe and we feel that our missionaries are safe.  We continue to pray for this wonderful country and people and keep an eye on our missionaries and how they're being affected.  We continue to have our leadership counsels and zone conferences.  We did have a pair of sisters who got stuck in a city away from home, but were able to stay with the sisters there and make it home the next day.  The missionaries have also complained that since their investigators don't have gas they're staying home and having family parties on Sunday.  This is disappointing but we know that "no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing".

We love you all!

Mom/Vovo/Lissa

Duella, Howard, and Peggy at the Piracicaba River

Piracicaba River

At the mission home 

 So great to have family visit!

Sao Paulo

Our beautiful Piracicaba

Family dinner

Big brother with his sisters

Highlights of Early May

Hello dear family and friends!

Here we are in Piracicaba, living the dream.  Time rushes by as we continue to receive new missionaries and send others off to continue on their life mission.  We truly love this mission; the missionaries, the people, the food, the cities and the gospel.  

We've had several highlights lately.  My favorite was a visit from Amy, Dave and family.  I loved jumping into my role as a mother and grandmother again.  We've also had fun with Howard's family and are looking forward to more visitors coming soon!  We've also been blessed to have some visits from some ex-missionaries.  It's always good to see them again and see how wonderfully they're doing.  I'm glad they haven't forgotten us.  We certainly haven't forgotten them.

Of course conference was a highlight.  How blessed we are to have a prophet and to receive revelation and guidance from him.  And the revelation continues.  No more Scouts.  I have loved Scouts and my opportunity to serve in scouting for so many years.  I guess I won't have as many opportunities to show off my Brazilian scout shirt and scarf I bought.  Oh well.  I am excited however for a new worldwide program that will include the YW.  I really thought when we were being called on a mission they were calling Howard to be on a committee to develop that program!

Last week we had a Mission Tour will Elder Pinho, a Brazilian Area Seventy.  These Brazilian leaders are amazing, so powerful.  I really felt a bolt of energy being shot through the mission.  Then yesterday Howard received a call that Elder Cook will be visiting us at the end of the month.  

We work in ix week transfer periods here but once a year we have one five week period.  We're in the midst of that right now so that keep  us on our toes!

We love you all and are grateful for you love and prayers!

Love,

Mom/Lissa/Vovo

 Gigi, Coco, and baby Jett at the Christus in Sao Pedro

 Amy's family

Loved watching the kids for a couple days while Amy and Dave were in Rio 

 Piracicaba River

 Cute little Jett, loving the beach

Dinner at home on the patio