Last Thoughts

Following the baptisms of Luis and Fernando and his family, we had dinner with our Brasilian daughter, Natalia, and her parents. What a blessing this family has been to us. The first Sunday we were in Tatui we had dinner with them and now our last Sunday we once again had dinner with them. It was a tearful good-bye. That night we were picked up and travelled to Sao Paulo where we stayed with Presidente and Sister Ribeiro in their beautiful apartment. They could not have been more gracious or kind. We had a wonderful meal with them the next day, Monday, and a testimony meeting with the other Elders and Sister who had completed their missions and were returning home. I think there were about nine of us all together. Presidente and Sister Ribiero drove us to the airport that night for our long flight home. We left Brasil loving the amazing Brasilian people and grateful for the blessings we received serving our Father in Heaven in this beautiful country. I would like to bear my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is true, it is life changing, it blesses my life in untold ways. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and companion, Al. I am thankful for my children and the support they were to us while we served this mission. It was hard being so far away from our home and our children and grandchildren. My angel sister, Glenda, passed away a month and a half before we returned home and we had the joy of a new grandson being born one month before returning to the States. I am grateful for my family, for dear friends and our wonderful Pella 2nd Ward family. I leave with you a message to stay valiant in the gospel of Jesus Christ, be committed to serve our Father in Heaven by serving others. Our lives can only attain the joy our Father in Heaven wants for us by being obedient to the gospel standards and following the counsel of our leaders. I leave these thoughts with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR MISSION FROM ELDER BARRUS What a WONDERFUL experience to return to Brasil some 50 years after my first mission. This time was much better as I had the most WONDERFUL companion in the world. I am so grateful to her for the support and love she showed to me. To have the privilege of spending 18 months in the same branch and falling in love with the wonderful people of Tatui was a dream come true for me. I am grateful to Sister Barrus for the time and effort she put into this blog. It is great to be able to go back and remember the people and the feelings we had and relive those special times. I am grateful for the wonderful mission presidents and their wives that we were able to serve with. Our first seven months were with President and Sister Farnes. They treated us so well. They arranged for our great apartment and showed us unconditional love. Our last 11 months were with President and Sister Ribeiro. They too were wonderful. We were privileged to spend a lot of time with them and spent several nights in their home. I don't believe I have ever spent time with a more spiritual and loving couple than the two of them. I want whoever may read this in the future to know that I have a strong testimony of Our Father in Heaven - that He knows us and loves us and wants us to succeed. I know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can return to live with God and our family. Our Savior did His part and now it is up to us to follow His example and live like He would want us to live. I want my dear wife and my children to know how much I love and appreciate each of them.

Our Last Sunday in Tatui

Our last Sunday in Tatui was amazing. Elder Barrus baptized Luiz in the top picture and Fernando and Jananina and their two oldest children in the remaining pictures. Sisters Gerber and Correa taught them. Fernando is now the Young Men's President and Jananina is the secretary in the Relief Society Presidency.

Familia de Fernando e Jananina

Al baptized this wonderful family the Sunday we left Tatui on May 6, 2018 to return home. Fernando, Jananina, and their two oldest children. Beautiful, amazing family. We keep in touch with them. Fernando is now the Young Men's President and Jananina is the secretary in the Relief Society Presidency. They are planning on being sealed as an eternal family in May 2019.

Caldo de Cana

On our way home today, it was really hot, even though we are approaching winter here. 87 degrees. Are we going to miss the weather here come next winter in Idaho? You bet we are!!! Anyway, we passed the old VW Van that sells Caldo de Cana by the side of the road. He has a machine in his van that he feeds the sugar cane through and juices it Then he adds limao (lime) or abacaxi (pineapple) to it and it is icy cold. Delicious and perfect for a hot day.

A Special Family

Jocilene and Diego were some of the very first families we visited when we first arrived in Tatui. They hadn't been coming for quite some time. When we went to their home, only Diego was home. We invited Diego to come back to Church and he said he would but that his mother wouldn't come. Well, she did! And she and Diego have been coming every week since. Pictured with Jo and Diego is Jo's boyfriend Cosmo, a wonderful, gracious man.

Last Itapetininga District Meeting

Today, May 1, was our last District Meeting in Tatui. Our District is called Itapetininga and includes Tatui, Itapetininga, Cerquilho and Boituva. Since transfers are next week, everyone brought something to eat. The Sisters are Sister Barrus, Sister Gerber, Sister Correa, Sister Campos and Sister Giminez. Elders: Elder Barrus, Elder Amorim, Elder Freiria, Elder Egbert and Elder Swanson. These Elders and Sisters have been such a huge blessing to us.

Fernando and Janaina

We had a wonderful FHE with this family who will be baptized by Elder Barrus May 6. I watched the Sisters make pastells, they are really yummy! Edsen, Debora and Roberto all joined us for FHE.