Olá!

Olá!

This week I finally got better from my cold! I guess the shock from moving from a tropical island to a cold city was a bit too much for my throat, because the first week I was here I could barely talk. It was a really good first impression to make, probably scaring everyone off because of my crackly voice, haha. But now I´m better, so that´s all that matters, :). 

Something that I have noticed right away since I´ve arrived in Viseu is that the members really take care of the missionaries. We have started making a list of each time someone feeds us, and so far we have been fed randomly seven times since I´ve been here, haha. THere is a really nice member family that lives two minutes from our house, so they like to invite us over for dinner a few times a week. The first time I went, I was super sick. When they noticed this, they right away found some medicine, some lemons to make homemade lemon tea, and the husband gave me his scarf because I didn´t have one! They are Galega Family, and everyone that passes through Viseu loves them. 

Sunday was the first day that I attended Church here, and I´m sure it´ll take awhile to get to know all the members and remember their names. Apparently the members in Viseu are some of the oldest members of the church in Portugal. There are so many "pioneers" in this ward, and they are so faithful, and willing to help. I was talking to one man after Sacrament meeting, and he promptly told me that he is willing to help us with teaching people, whenever we need him!

The wife(Nela) of our ward mission leader (Miguel) had to have surgery last week in order to remove two tumors in her intestines, and when the surgery was over, they found out that it was worse than they thought. So when she recovers from her surgery, Nela will have to immediately start chemotherapy (probably this week). This was a big shock for their family, and they are having a bit of a hard time. So I´m sure that they would appreciate any extra prayers on their behalf. I had never met Nela yet, so on Saturday Elder Alves and I decided to go visit her in the hospital.  On the way, we ran into the two companionships of Sister Missionaries in our district, and turns out they had the same idea as us! So we all went together. When we got there, it was almost time for visiting hours to end, but we went up anyways, haha. Irmã Nela was so happy to see us. Even though she was in so much pain, she was smiling so much and joking around. It felt nice to be able to pay her a visit, and I know that everything will work out!

I had an interview with Presidente Amorim this week (probably one of my last interviews!), and it went really well. He told me that he was grateful that he never has to worry about me, and that he has a lot of confidence in me! So that made me feel good!

Remember Linton from last week? Turns out that he was already a member, haha. We had gone to the lesson prepared to teach a new investigator, but we were surprised when he said that he was already baptized! He has been inactive for a few years, but recentely has wanted to come back, and this sunday he did!

We haven´t been able to teach any new investigators this week, but I have more faith for this week. I know that there are people being prepared to here the message of the Restored Gospel here in our area, and I won´t give up until I find them!

I love and miss you all! I hope you have a great week!

Love,
Elder Barker