A delightful time among 60+ "re-emerging" friends. How's that to describe our friendships that began 50ish years ago. The big surprise for me was to figure out why a young woman (younger than me) looked so familiar. She was Eliana the infant daughter of our Santos branch president Saul Messias de Oliveira. Now she and her husband Roberto Oliveira are about to embark on their mission to lead the Cabo Verde Mission. Its enough to boggle one's already troubled mind.
So nice to reconnect with many and to hear from the recently returned. Kim Russell conducted the meeting. Cory Bangerter outlined the program and shared news. Paulo was briefly in and out. A few of the highlights:
- The new biography of William Grant Bangerter should be published in a year.
- Robert Newman reported on their area medical advisor mission. Their efforts successfully reduced from 15% to 3% the missionaries that return home for physical/mental health issues.
- Nolan Steadman reported on their service with PEF. 60% of the church leadership in Brazil have benefited from PEF. 12,000 participants in Brazil. 30% of all PEF participants live in Brazil. They will be returning for another go around.
- Daryl Hobson reported on their presidency in Cabo Verde. Creole version of Portuguese is the language outside of school and I suppose, formal business. Lots of progress there.
- Roberto Oliveira, new president of Cabo Verde Mission in July and his wife, Eliana, spoke of their anticipation of service and some of their personal lives leading to this calling.
- Sister Julie B. Beck spoke of her recent visits to The Congo and Mozambique which is now as Brazil was when she was baptized as a child in Sao Paulo. That is a message few general officers are able to share.
- Sister Geri Bangerter spoke on the pioneering they witnessed in Brazil. This is just a sample--
- Sixteen U.S. sisters arriving over a short period of time prompting the calling of Brazilian sisters.
- Building missionaries, the first Brazilian young men serving.
- Brazil MTC, first in their home to help one young man get ready to serve as well as have an LDS family setting experience, then their garage at Rua Itapeva 378.
- $20,000 donors for PEF solicitied.
- “Enjoy It”, Sister Bangerter's adjustment to life in Brazil and an inspiring assist to the rest of us.
- The beginning of the end of hepatitis.
With that brief summary of the evening here are a few photos to whet your appetite to join us next year in Alpine. (Thanks to Kim and Marlene.)
Introductions from all in attendance.
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| Ross Andra speaks and . . . |
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| the rest of us enjoy and . . . |
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| anticipating more to come. |
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| Greetings. |  |
| | Sister Geri Bangerter and Rose Neeleman. |
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Foreground: The Scaddens and Roberto Oliveira.
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| Background: Chuck Carlston and Sam Morrison.
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| Eliana Oliveira and Sister Julie B. Beck |
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| Sister Bangerter, Rose Neeleman and Kay Hamblin. |
Refreshments headlined by Guarana which has become increasingly difficult to find.
Kim is very, very good in rooting out the supply up and down the valley.
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| Spouses enjoy too. Ramon Beck and Sister Carter. Coxinhas e empadinhas. |
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| Marlene Russell, Sister Bangerter and Carl Jensen. |
Remember the "dart board"? That's it on screen. If you'd like your spiral-bound copy, contact Sister Bangerter.
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| Ann Hobson and Mac Bills. |
More conversations, some more animated than others.
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| Glen Humphreys and Lola Gygi Timmins. |
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| A Brazil PEF reunion--The Russells and the Cobras. |
Thanks to all for a wonderful time.
Saudades de todos os otros.
For the sister missionaries, reserve the Saturday, 17th September for our annual gathering. Program, location and other details will be announced in August. See you then . . . .
