Self Reliance in the Azores!

The second week of January, we were asked to travel to the Azores to conduct a Self Reliance Devotional.  There are several branches of the Church on the two main islands in the cluster of islands that make up the Azores.  Antonio needed to travel early to conduct interviews pertaining to the Lisbon Mission (he is a counselor in the mission presidency)  There was a devotional scheduled on each island for the same night so we flew to take care of the one on San Miguel.  There was a good response with about 25 in attendance.  There is a great need for support in the area, both material & spiritual.  We met many wonderful people and we pray this initiative will help them improve their situations.  We will check back with them later and see how things are going for them.

Of course, after making the trip...couldn't help but take in some of the sights.  We have heard so much about the beauty of the Azores.  It is a volcanic island and the flowers in the spring are supposed to be amazing.  However, we arrived a few days after a hurricane had passed by...I'm not so sure that it didn't just circle around and return while we were there!!  It rained like MAD and the wind was CRAZY!  We were there 2 nights and they closed down the airport the day before we were supposed to fly out.  That being said....it was still a BEAUTIFUL place and we did get around a bit in our rented car.  Here are a few of the highlights!

These are in the center of the old part of town.  The use of the black volcanic stone in the buildings with the white is really beautiful.  AND just look at the intricate design in the stone walkway!  Amazing!

I told you it was raining Cats & Dogs!!
Nearly flooded the roads out!

Most of the fencing of the fields are made of black volcanic rock as is many of trim pieces and brick of the buildings in town.  It makes a beautiful contrast to the green of the fields!  You can tell that the majority of those rock fences were put up a LONG time ago.

Not sure if you can see the cow there...We've been told there are more cows on the island than people...that's where all the milk & cheese come from!

Temple in Madrid

You never know until you ask?  Antonio Paulo's family was planning a trip to Madrid so Diana could attend the Temple before leaving on her mission.  They asked us if we would like to attend with them.  Madrid Spain is definitely outside our mission boundries.  We assumed we would be unable to go but decided to ask President Travares anyway.  He gave his permission and we happily accepted.  We were so excited...  We have come to love the Paulo family and Diana and wanted to spend time with them... we would be able to attend the Madrid Temple.. AND we got to see a little of Spain while we were there!  Being in the temple with their family was a wonderful experience.  We had time for a quick bus tour of Madrid and got a feeling for some of what is there.  Basically, we were just so blessed with the whole experience!

 If our faces look frozen into position...they ARE!  It was FREEZING in Madrid!  The coldest we have been since arriving on this side of the ocean.  The wind is blowing and it is about 20 degrees.  This arch is probably the most photograhed place in the city.

This is in a beautiful park in the city center...much like Central Park in New York City.  You could spend the whole day exploring everything to see in this enormous park...we had an hour.

Government building just as the sun was rising!!

 This statue is Don Quixote, if you know your Spanish history.

And NO I'm not the one to ask...don't even think I spelled his name right?

We Offer Our Sincere Apologies

We did it on a whim...not thinking of the consequences!  It was a moment of weakness that will effect the lives of all those who view this blog.  It is odd how something that we have often scoffed at when seeing others use it, could become a treasured item.  Yes!  We are now the owners of a 'SELFIE STICK!"  Sorry, you will probably be seeing much more of our faces in front of otherwise beautiful and ancient works of art!  We will do our best not to become obsessed with it and use it sparingly- feel free to point it out to us if we get carried away!

This was our 'test' shot...so you can imagine the amazing photo shots to come!

Odds & Ends

This house is for sale a few blocks up the street from us....any takers?  Elder Anderton has inspected it more than once as we have walked by.  Looks like there would be a lot of room for company!!

 This is the design of the sidewalk tiles on the busy street around the corner from Av Antonio Serpa.  One of the things I love most about Lisbon is all the different designs in the walkways and plazas.  It took someone a lot of time to lay out those intricate designs of stones one by one!  The city is full of them- beautiful.

This is probably our favorite statue we have seen in Lisbon.  It has to do with their revolution and looks like the final scenes of Les' Mes.  We drive past it on our way to Staples.

 Graffiti is all over the city of Lisbon.  Instead of trying to erase it, the city has instead embraced it and it is just part of the landscape.  These are not the best by far...some of them are true works of art!

 

 When we get home...I'll be open for business!  This will be the true test of our relationship!?!  But, after 3 cuttings, we're still getting along great.

The  Gym we go to 3 times a week...trying to maintain our buff & youthful profiles!

Weird cauliflower/tastes like brocolli!

 Between the gym and all the fruit & vegetables we eat...you'd think we would be skinny as a rail!  Must be the humidity?!?

Ran into some old 'friends' at the mall, and they insisted I take a picture with them!