Conference, Feliz Pascáo, and Sad News

April 4  Saturday

Easter Sunday in Canela/Gramado brings the tourists!  We caught the bus at 11:00 a.m. with the hope of arriving at the chapel in Gramado for the first session of General Conference (starting at 1:00 p.m.).  We had plenty of time as the traffic flow was good - at least for our way.  Traffic coming the other way was backed up. 

Eduarda, Nataly, me, and Larissa

In the chapel, conference was played in Portuguese with Portuguese subtitles.  I tried the Portuguese version for a while (thinking it would help me with the language), but the subtitles were so far behind the actual speaking that I finally gave up and went to the Family History room to watch it in English.  The internet feed was delayed/stopped frequently, so we were still watching the session 15 minutes after it was over upstairs.  I enjoyed sitting with Clara, Pres. Caio's daughter, and listening to the wisdom and testimonies of our leaders.

Sister Copa's live flower
arrangements - beautiful!

 Between the sessions, the missionaries had two baptisms:  Maria Luciana Dos Santos (Hortencia Branch) and Julia Sofia (SF de Paula Branch).   We had a quick lunch at Copa's apartment; they are always taking care of us.

The missionaries whose native language was English (Elders Sheridan and Janeckyj) joined us for the English broadcast.  They said it is easier to stay focused when listening in English - they don't have to work so hard to understand.  After the session, Elder Gallardo asked if I would help provide lunch for the investigator/member bus from SF de Paula tomorrow (Sunday).  With several baptisms scheduled between the sessions, having lunch provided would be helpful.

Sister Copa gave us a ride to Nacional to purchase some groceries to make lunch.  Saionara was also asked to help provide lunch.  Between the three of us, we hope we have enough.

David stayed in Gramado for the Priesthood session; Merl chose to go to the Feliz Pascáo pageant in Canela with the "girls."  Our good friends, the Lefi family, were performing in the production.  Paulo Lefi came to the apartment to give us a personal invitation - and tonight was the last night. 

We arrived at home at 8:30 p.m. to drop off groceries and to pick up jackets.  The pageant was held at the lake by the cathedral.  The sets, costuming, sound, and message were incredible. 

Paulo Lefi played the part of a Pharisee leader, and Leandro (his son) was Judas.  Paulo's wife and Leandro's girlfriend were women in the city/crowd.  It has been an amazing experience getting to know this family - a family we are grateful to call friends.

We arrived home about 10:30 p.m. and later received a Skype call from Curtis informing us that Grandpa Egbert had fallen down the stairs at his home and had passed away.  We were all stunned - he had been doing so well after receiving a pacemaker.  Curtis had set up a Skype account for him so we could talk with him.  He said he was feeling better than he had in years - and he looked it.   Now decisions had to be made to know our next steps.  We all went to bed with heavy hears and mixed feelings.