In the center, President Manuel J Fortes (Espargos Cabo Verde District). We're so glad we decided Carlos should bring a couple of suits, even though the senior missionary clothing list only said slacks with white shirts and ties. :)

On the left, Elder Moreira's secretary, Leonel Da Cruz. In the middle, President Cesar Augusto Medina Fortes (Mindelo Cabo Verde Stake).

Saturday was CCM meeting with the Area Authority Seventy, the mission president and all stake and district presidents. In this picture are President Alector Manuel Gomes Torres (Assomada District), on the left, and Elder Joaquim Moreira (center)

This is the Relief Society president of our ward and her little family.

Our first Sunday at our new ward, the Ala Praia Quatro. This is the Rafael and Albertina Vieira family. Their 12 year old daughter was the first one converted to the gospel 3 years ago, when she was 9. A year later her parents were baptized.

The wind was blowing so hard we could hardly stand up straight.

Lovely sunset from the Faro (lighthouse).

A leisurely Sunday ride to the city lighthouse.

While waiting at the bank, we saw this beautiful little girl that reminded us so much of Cora because of her sweet smile and personality and of course, her curly hair. :)

This is one of the seminary teachers and his family.

The Stake presidency of the Praia Stake. On the left is the Stake Clerk (irmao Da Cruz), then Pres. Monteiro (counselor), Pres. Teixeira (President), Pres. Pires (counselor). Pres. Teixeira is the first stake president in Cabo Verde and was installed in 2012. Look how young they all are.

Beautiful sunset in Praia.

The neighbors in back of our apartment are building something. We haven't figured out what yet, but notice how the workers are laying the cobblestone on the left. Almost all of the streets here are cobblestone, each stone laid by hand one by one.

 Arriving in Praia, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) at midnight.

Looking over the city

Narrow but well paved roads

Beautiful scenery

One of the universities in Praia

Women carry heavy loads on their heads

Round abouts all over allowes to have only one trafic light in the city close to where we are going to Church.

First lighthouse in Santiago Island where Praia is located.

Here with the Carnells - a couple from Canada - serving as humanitarian missionaries (Very nice people)

Sister Alvarez for all those that don't recognize her.

Me here with the lighthouse and part of the city in the background.

Beautiful bay with an island in the middle.

Melina -  new member of the Church. She sells fruit. Look at that plastic tub full of bananas and papayas. I helped her put the tab on her head and it was heavy.

With Carnells at the lighthouse.

There are markets all over the city.

This is a big market.

One view of the business district.

The business district.

 At the Paris airport.

Glass everywhere at this part of the airport - Charles De Gaulle.

And more glass - interesting airport

Pretty villa outside the airport in Paris

Lisbon on the horizon.

Flying over Cape Verde o Cabo Verde.

View from our apartment this morning.

Beautiful people - hard workers everywhere.

Business district in Praia.

 Saturday March 12, 2016

We are leaving today for Cape Verde or Cabo Verde for our 23-month mission. We are so excited to arrive and get to know those special people. We already love them and want to serve them. If you want to know why we love these people, please click on the video below.

The family gathered at the airport having fun to not think of the inevitable - leaving them for 2 years.

 




Our family (without the Smiths) - as we left them.

The inevitable arrived and the hugs and kisses of resignation showed up from everyone.

 

On our way to Paris - our first leg of the trip.

Friday March 11, 2016

We finished our experience at the MTC in Provo, Utah. Wonderful spiritual experience that strengthens my witness of the truthfulness of  this work. Of course being the last day of meetings, it was in order lots of goodbyes, hugs, and tears.

Group of Senior missionaries going to Nauvoo - great people of many specialties and experience.

 Having dinner with Funks.

Last day of training. Here showing where each one of these three couple will be serving: Bakers in California, Alvarez in Cape Verde, and Martins in Mozanbique. 

Our district, I was appointed the district leader, here with our instructor.

With Romeo Barragan who works at the Cafeteria at the MTC. Old friend from Mexico.

Last general session. All ready to go out to the world - abut 80 couples willing to serve the Lord.