great stuff

THis has been a great week full of growth, prayer and wonderful faith confirming miracles. The Lord is at the head of this His work. I absolutely love what I am able to do here in Portugal and the love that I feel for these people! The Lord has richly blessed me in so many ways. We had a wonderful mission conference yesterday to hear our president and his wife give their support for the work and their last words of advice and council. It was just the boost I needed. This is such a rewarding time and I am so very grateful for the way the Lord is able to speak directly to me through His servants. I also have been reading lately in the book of Isaiah during my study of the Bible to accompany the study of the book of Mormon. I absolutely love the way that Isaiah paints pictures in my mind. He really did see our days. There was one chapter where he talked about debt that was so great. Round about 35-50, I don't remember the chapter. THere is no doubt in my mind that the Lord inspires prophets and gives them council to give to us so that we can be successful and happy in this life, and that continually throughout eternity. I am just so happy! I feel like I'm just starting to barely understand a little of what the Lord has planned for His children. All of us whom He loves so much. Anyway, just that, that the Lord knows what He's doing and does it so well.

This week will be a bit different. I get to be with Sister Call for three days because we are renewing our visas. It is really fun to be able to work together. It is fun to see our progress that is in some ways very parallel, but in some ways completely different.

Samuel, mandarei-te aquele puzzel quando eu acabar. Acho que estamos a ensinar uma mulher de Morumbi. Vou ter que lhe perguntar para ver se ela tem quaisquer familiares que deves ensinar. A oposição nesta área é muito forte, qual quer dizer que estamos a ser como José Smite disse 'destroyers and annoyers'. Realmente esta é a obra do Senhor e sou muito grata pelo amor que sinto durante as tribulações. Porta-te bem e quem sabe, é capaz que eu vá ter que te buscar na fim da tua missão. Seria fixe não seria? Bem, realmente não sei se é possível, mas procurarei saber. Tá? Então, até já porque nossa vida só é um sonho e a missão um secundo.

Love you all and pray that all is going well!

ellen

Great stuff!

So, we´ve been having a great time...I love what I'm doing. We had a great experience yesterday: we were working in Valadares, which is out of our area and we only know a limited number of people. We had a space of time that we tried to fill, but it just wouldn´t work with any of our known ways. It ended up that at that hour (about 3:00pm) we had not yet eated lunch and so we went in search for a cafe that was not absolutely filled with drunken men watching the world cup game between Portugal and Mexico and that would serve us lunch. We passed quite a few and we´re about to despair, but then happened upon 'Mommy's Cafe' and it looked well-lit, clean and like it might work. Our hostess noted our accent and she began to speak with us in English. Turns out she is from South Africa and is passing a difficult time in her life at the age of 45. She has ideas about life that are very correct and is looking for the truth. Anyway, it was our immense pleasure during our lunch to talk with her about the Book of Mormon and the joy that it brings to our lives. Also about the guidance and direction we have as a result of a living prophet. It was a great conversation and we left a copy of the Book of Mormon with her. When we passed the cafe on our way home it appeared to me that she was reading. She is such a darling woman! I am so glad that the Lord was able to place us in her path so that she could have the help and direction that she needs to encounter the difficulties in her life. I know that this is the Lord's work and am so grateful for His grace in letting me be a small part.

Ótimo! Estou entusiamada que recebeste a minha pacote. Gostaste daquelas coisas metidas lá dentro? Espero que sejam úteis para ti. As vezes esta obra é um pouco dura, mas é também gratificante mesmo. É uma grande pena que O Brasil não vai ganhar o Mundial...mas traz me algeria para saber que vai ser O Portugal até o fim! Vive Portugal! Tens aquele puzzel do plano de salvação? Se não eu vou te mandar o meu quando eu acabar, se sim darei para alguem aqui. Porta-te bem! Fiques feliz!

Love you all!

ellen

Fw: Here Comes the Sun

Oí Família,
Surprise. I am writing an email on Tuesday and not on Wednesday because transfers will be next week (one week early due to the arrival of the new president). Our president is doing all of the interviews this week and our interviews will be tomorrow thus our p-day is today. We are working hard and we will have a baptism this week. I am very excited about it. Our investigator Tânia is very excited as well. She shows everyday how the gospel can change anyone´s life for the better.
Manys times I think where has the time gone. There is so much to do and the next time you turn around the time is gone. I guess that´s why it is so important to have goals and be focused so that you use your time to its fullest potential. I always think the mission is only two years long and it is a once in a life experience. You won´t have the mantle or the spirit with such force and intensity as you do on the mission because of the importance of the calling and the separation from the world that you make. It is the the World Cup here right now and everyone gets excited. They paint the roads, put off fireworks, and party during this time. Everyone invites you to watch the games and it is quite the temptation. We really have to be focused during this time.
I was reading in 1 Nephi 10:19 a couple days ago. It says that we will know of the mysteries of God if we will search diligently. It comes down to our desire, faith, and diligence. If we really want something. we will certainly work very hard to get it. We should seek after the good things of the world and the mysteries of God. Our purpose on this earth is ultimately to be a god and so it is important to start to learn about his ways on this earth. I have to always remember the reason for me being on this earth. It gives me so much more desire to go and do what is right.
Thanks everyone for everything that you do. Ellen, eu recebi seu pacote. Foi uma surpresa mas eu estou tão feliz. Eu sei que tu me amas.

Love you all

Elder Thompson

Fw: A Snake Story

Last week Dad parked the blue Olds upstairs. We were talking to some people inside and when we came back outside there was a large gopher snake under the car. The lady that was with us moved closer to see the snake and scared him so he went up into the car.
We couldn't see where he went but we weren't going to wait for him either. He was big 4-5 feet and may have had a bump in him from a mouse or whatever. So we drove up the road. The other people were behind us but didn't see the snake come down. Well, we had a few other stops to make and then took the car over to the ramp to see what we could see. Dad finally spotted the snake's tail on top of the gas tank. He got a stick and touched him to see if he was still alive. He was. So Dad parked the car back at the house under the tree. That was a bad idea. The next dad the snake was still there on top of the gas tank. Later in the afternoon, Dad parked the car down below. But he did not park it in the garage. The next day the morning sun must of made the snake too hot so he moved out. We are glad! We like the snake to do his job of catching mice. But Dad says, "Our snake is the best traveled snake around."

Thursday Dad came to the school and loaded up his pickup with most of my stuff. I guess I've been the librarian for over 10 years so I've collected a lot of things. Then on Monday I came up to clean out my desk. So all I have left is to do the final inventory and I will probably put barcodes on the new books that came in. Then I will be done. I'm not even sad. I guess it's time for me to get on to something else--like keeping Dad company.

Last week Dave Spitzer, a teacher at the Cedaredge High School had a stroke on Tuesday. They took him to St. Marys and they operated on him. He was doing well. Then on Friday morning he had a massive stroke and died. He was 52. So you never know what will happen next. So have a great week ! Make you time count.
Love,Mom

technical difficulties

Due to technical difficulties I will not be writing a very long letter today. I haven´t yet seen the picture of Aaron pregnant, but I am so excited to see it. Congratulations to Bethany and thanks for the great laugh! I did receive your pictures and letter Martha, Thanks so much! You have some cute kids for sure.

The work is going well. I love these sisters that I am working with. With three of us we get to better our communication which is really good for me, seeing as I sometimes am a bit faulty in that area. It´s been really good for me. We have had some really great lessons lately. With three of us and the Spirit, there is nothing that we can´t do. It is a marvelous feeling to be part of something so much greater than myself. I know this is God´s work on the earth and am so priveledged to be a part of it!

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement Mom and I love you! Love to everyone! E especialmente para ti o meu missionário lindo! Eu fico tão animada para falar contigo!!! Esta é uma experiência inesquecível!

ellen

ellen

June 13

June 13. Is that a lucky day? Well, I got a call today from the school library asking if any of the stuff on the floor is to be thrown away or what? Maybe I should let them throw it all away--but that is hard for me to do. They are going to start on the wall in the middle of the library and need to move everything 12 feet from the center line. So I'd better get this stuff organized quick! But I have been doing my Church work--Humanitarian Monday--Horizon's Care Center on Tuesday--Substitute Visiting Teacher on Thursday. Where does my time go?

But I always have time to send the Missionaries and Family an encouraging word or two. It is important to have the Spirit to guide, to prompt, to teach, and to testify. So do what ever you need to do in order to have the Spirit. It also can bring peace. And although things seem a little up in the air for me, I do feel peace and know that things will be alright! I feel sorry for those who do not know or have never felt this feeling. I testify that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us. Jesus Christ is our Savior and he provided the atonement because He loves us. The Holy Ghost does help and guide if we are worthy and will listen. Everything else is not that important. Things are not important. But People are important. I love you all. You are important to me. I hope that I can be an example for you to follow and that I can help you when you need something.

Have a great week!!
Love, MOM

Yea!

OLA!!!
Well, glad to hear from all of you...I did have a wonderful birthday and I got mypart of the quilting done and gave it to sister schneiber to do her part. It turned out really well given the conditions under which I was working...what I wouldn´t have given for some ´stitch witchery´or rotary cutter or a machine that winds the bobbin...however, seeing as time is limited and resources far away I did it without all of these luxuries.

Thanks MOM for my birthday package. I went and got it from the post office on my birthday and so I didn´t even cheat and open it early. I love the pen and I loved sharing the Reeces. The peanut butter M&Ms are just about gone. I shared a few, but not very many. Oh, and I love the card. Irmã Blocker also really liked it. I really had a great birthday. I got three different cakes from members and friends and my companion is just really sweet. I enjoyed myself and we taught a whole lot. That´s the part that really made me happy, that I was able to be useful and help the work move along, people are more receptive to 'the birthday girl'.

Oh, and today we had transfers...I didn´t move, so anyone still wanting to send a package or any type of letter can still send to:
Vereda do Espírito Santo
Nº12-2º esq-traz
Canidelo
4400 Vila Nova de Gaia
PORTUGAL

Although we didn´t move areas we did receive another companion, so now we are three.. Irmã Christianne Carter is from Orem, UT. I'm really excited to serve with her because I got to know her mom in the MTC and I wanted to serve with her then, so now my wish comes true. She is really a great missionary and we are going to have no end of fun and work here in Gaia. We are working a lot in Valadares recently and have been able to help some great people. I don´t know how I could be more happy...Really this is the life!!
I´ll send a picture when we get the quilt all finished. I think will be having a conference to change presidents here in a couple of weeks and we will present our handywork to our querida Presidente Greene e Sister Greene.

Dad--Eu percebo perfeitamente o que estava a dizer. Are you learning Portuguese? How did you know how to say that stuff? It is a beautiful language and I love trying to speak better every day...My goal is to leave this mission as a portuguesa...it will take CONSTANT VIGILANCE, but it´s possible...

Love you all and thanks for your love and prayers...I can't express how very much they help in my daily efforts. Oh, and happy birthday\anniversary to all those lucky people with celebrations in June. Especially to Martha, Blair, and Naomi. Really, June is a great month!

Oh, one last thing...do any of you know any basement apartment or little old lady in Idaho that would be economical, but practical for a mother and her two sons (7 and 13). Paula from São João da Madeira will be attending BYU-Idaho and will arrive august 14. Any information you have you could send directly to her (she understands English if it's not too complex) pjk_magalhaes@hotmail.com Thanks for your help and support for her.

Samuel, eu amo-te e sei que os teus esforços estão a contar...Tu és um bom missionário mesmo! As vezes a tua fraqueza mesmo é que és tão duro com ti mesmo. Eu gosto muito das palavras do Salvador no assunto. Ele disse para aquela mulher que realmente tinha feito asneiras: Ir e não faça mais. Então ele não condena ninguém. Ele sabe a nossa potencial, mas ao invez de castigar ele sempre vai ajudar nos a andar em frente a limpar o pó das nossas calças e a fazer melhor. Eu também gosto a escritura em Alma 42:29. Então não te preocupes com as falhas, mas confia no Senhor. Ele já te salvou e vai continuar. Só tens de pedir. Força! sempre em frente, sempre em cima, e sempre com fé!

Love all of you and you're always remembered in my prayers!

ellen

sorry

Well... didn´t write and won´t because i´m too busy quilting....We´re making a special thing for pres and sis greene for when they leave at the end of the month and therefore will be using all extra time..or all time not working...doing that . Love you all, write when i´m not...

ellen