We arrived at the bus station that was very familiar
to us. It is the hub for all our
transportation within the city and to surrounding cities and branches. David had arranged for Aristeu Menezes to
pick us up so we wouldn’t have to walk to the apartment in the rain with six
suitcases. When we arrived at the
apartment, no one was home, so we drove around town a bit and found David who
gave us a key. “Ari” (or Teu as he is
sometimes called) helped us up the stairs with our load and left us to settle
in. Our apartment is on the top left side. D&A returned shortly in time for
us all to change clothes and go to a piano recital.
When D&A came on their first mission, no one in the branch played the piano. The church has a program for helping members learn to play the piano. The piano lesson book is all based on single notes of hymns. Students go through the book, and if they are progressing well and are willing to assist other students to learn, arrangements can be made to obtain a keyboard (teclado). Based on their financial ability, they may purchase or receive one for free through a music store associated with the church. Due to this program, Ann has given lessons to many young people who would never have the opportunity to play. One of her students, William Cognoe (16 years old), has been teaching piano to several non-member youth this last year; the recital was for his students and himself. He asked both Ann and I to play a piece; Ann had one prepared in advance, I played a medley of Christmas hymns. As is custom, anytime there is an activity in the Branch, refreshments are served – but their refreshments resemble a meal – main dish finger foods and desserts. Many members we had met before and some who were new greeted us with hugs and kisses. The Brazilian people are the most warm, affectionate people we have been around. You can’t help but love them! We walked home in the rain, cleared luggage off the bed, and fell into bed. Our first night in our new home.
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