Alright, funny story. So to get to one part of São João, we have to go over some train tracks. Well, there are three ways over them. Option Number 1: Go over the bridge and walk super far around tons of buildings. Option Number 2: Go over the bridge and go down some stairs and then walk a little less around some natural obstacles. Option Number 3: Cut through the graveyard, walk over the train tracks, and then follow the train tracks until you get to a pool thing where the old Portuguese ladies wash their clothes, and then go up some stairs. So which option do we take? Option Number 3, pois! So we're walking with a member, Miguel, and he was telling us that we were going to get run over by the train. We tell him that the chances are very low. But as we're walking on the tracks, we hear some lady screaming, "COMBOIO!!!" or in other words, "TRAIN!" So then we scream and start booking it up the hill next to the tracks and then Miguel just laughs and now every time we see him, he yells COMBOIO! It was a lot more exciting if ya'll were there but olha, paciência...
This week we had divisions in Gaia with the STLs which was a load of fun! But then the next day, we had to go back up to the Porto area so Sister Bushman could go to the hospital for this crazy tooth pain she was having. Turns out she has to get a root canal next Monday, for which I'm really excited for because I want to see how they do it!! But I'm also sad for Sister Bushman, pois. She's been in a lot of pain :/ But after the hospital appointment, we had interviews with Presidente Amorim. He is so amazing! He's definitely been called by God to be our mission president!
Well, we had to drop one of the families we were teaching. They really didn't have much interest but it was super sad because they're 5-year-old daughter, Solange, is amazing and adorable. She always gets so excited when we come over. But we had to tell her we wouldn't be coming anymore so I gave her one of our pass-along cards and told her to never lose it. She said that she keeps everything that we give her hidden away and that she wouldn't ever forget us. Afterward, Sister Bushman and I imagined Solange finding the missionaries when she's older and it just made us so happy!
ALSO! GENERAL CONFERENCE!! It was SO good!!! I can't wait to get to study all of the talks! AHH, it was great!! Also, this might be my last week in Sâo João da Madeira! I'm probably getting transferred next week.. SCARY!
Love ya'll!!
Sister Hillam
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| Me and Solange!!! |
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| Some Sweet Graffiti with Scriptures |
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| Sister Bushman jumping into the gross algae-filled pool where the Portuguese women wash their clothes. |
Dear Sister Hillam, My name is Sister Lauren Ross. You don't know me yet, but I am your cousin, Miles Hillam's mother-in-law.We didn't get to meet you at Miles' and Jordan's wedding, but I have had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with your wonderful family! Jordan and I have stayed in your room, and have been so loved and embraced by your parents, brothers and little Mere!(She is a DOLL!)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your posts each week, and I'm sorry that I haven't written to you sooner. I know how important it is for our missionaries to receive support from home and family. (My own son served in the NY Utica Mission, in 2007-2009, speaking French, and becoming fluent in Spanish.)
I know how blessed you really are to be serving the Lord, in such a special place to your family. Your uncle Glenn speaks often of how they all look forward to visiting Portugal once again, to see yet another House of the Lord be constructed and dedicated.
You have truly been called. It is no coincidence that our Savior has asked you to seek out those in need, in a land of such deep family roots. You have been asked to carry on a deep tradition of sacrifice, and I know that you are doing so with strength and honor. My daily prayers include all the missionaries who labor, but I am pleased to call you by name.
May the Lord continue to place His loving care upon you and your companion, in your efforts. May he also keep his protecting arms around you, as you seek out those that watch for your arrival.
Lovingly yours, Sister Ross