Today was the "real" meeting in Gramado for the missionaries. We caught the bus early and road over with the four elders in Canela. I must say I did not gain a lot from the lesson today as Sister Copa and I were reviewing the talk I was preparing for Sacrament meeting on Sunday.
There was a fun, interactive game that everyone played: Everyone sat in a circle and were given three small pieces of paper. The instruction was to write (escrivar) one or two words (in English - English proficiency test for Missionaries) on one piece and pass all three papers to the right. We then were instructed to turn over the paper (the one with the words) and draw a picture (desenhar) on the back depicting the words. Next, pass all three pieces to the right with the picture showing. Look at the picture and write what it is on the front of the second piece of paper, placing the completed piece on the bottom of the pile. Pass to the right again with the words showing. Turn over the paper and draw a picture (should have two papers with words and pictures). Repeat with the last piece of paper. It was amazing how exact some of the words and pictures were at the end - and how far off others were.
We rushed back home to fix lunch for all six of the Elders. The San Francisco de Paulo (Cisco) Elders were invited to come, but had a more rigid schedule to meet. D&A went home, Merl and I stopped at a grocery store to pick up some more things to feed the additional missionaries coming. Across from Brombatti (the grocery store) is a building that is under construction. All activity ended during the Christmas season, but it has started again. I always wonder how such primitive looking construction ends up with beautiful buildings.
We walked through the park where workers were still taking down some of the Natal houses - it is sad. . . the only one left is Papai Noel's house - and they were heading that way.
 |
| Elder Ribeiro, Elder Spadardi |
As we were going through the gate to the apartment, the Cisco Elders were coming down the hill. I like this picture. . I sometimes groan about all the walking and climbing we do during the day. These dear Elders are on their feet covering miles every day with no bikes or cars - without complaint.
Lunch today was considered an all American lunch - hamburgers with all the trimmings, French fries, tangerine/orange juice (instead of a milkshake), and a big tossed green salad. The Elders love the green salads! I brought several packages of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mixes when we came. Ranch dressing does not exist here. They squirt the dressing on almost everything we serve them. Somebody could become rich if they introduced this to the whole country. After lunch and the departure of the missionaries and the dishes were done, D&A took a nap while Merl and I went back to working on our talks.
D&A took the bus to Sao Lucas to find some inactive primary children and take their pictures for our bulletin board. It was a pleasant evening, so they walked back home. In the meantime, Merl and I needed a break from our studies and went for a walk. That usually means up into town to get a cup of sorvete. We met Elders Piccini and Ribeiro as they were going home. We offered to treat them to a sorvete, but our favorite place was closed. They didn't have time to look for another place, so they took a rain check. We walked a bit doing some window shopping and found another gelato place - purchased a big cup to share and walked home. Beautiful evening!
No comments:
Post a Comment