Wednesday August 10

Today we continue our journey. We were up early and over to the airport. Then we got in lines. We nearly were late but we made it. The plane was clear full but we had checked all our luggage plus 2 carry ons

through to Idaho Falls. The ride over to new york was difficult. Sitting that long gets harder with time. We made it through customs with ease and even had time to get a baconater and two medium frostys at wendy’s, $25.82. Next a long flight to salt lake. This was a shorter lay over then on to Idaho. What a great thing to see our grandkids and kids. And so this adventure ends. It was a long time and had a few hiccups along the way, but all in all we are glad we got to do it. We love the people of Portugal. We love you all.

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Tuesday August 9

 

Today we head home. We were up early and off to the airport. Grandma had forgot her passport so a fast trip back for that. We got all checked in then we flew away leaving São Miguel for the last time. We had a nice flight but waited on the tarmac a long time. Then off to lunch

and then we went to the mission office to wait.

We went to dinner at the mission home and had a wonderful meal and visit.

We love you all.

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Monday August 8

 

Today is our last full day on the island. Grandma needed to drive once so off we

went.

She did really well for not driving in 14 months. One of the first things she wants to do on arrival home is drive off by herself shopping. Guess she is tired of always being with me. Go figure. We went and got the elders from Ribeira .Grande and set off. The flowers are even more full. This is the best week yet. I think if you were coming to see pretty now is the time. The pictures got out of order again sorry. I am writing this in the airport. We had lunch with the missionaries and played a game. Then zoom meetings and packing nd cleaning what a lot to do. I will try for some video but no guarantee. We love you all.

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Sunday August 7

 Well the last day of church here. Everyone is crying, hugging, talking fast. Both happy and sad. It was fast and testimony meeting so many mentioned us. Maybe this is why change is good, before you get so entrenched you can’t leave. After lots of pictures and long goodbyes. We next had lunch and then drove the elders back to ribeira grande. Next was packing and calling kids. We are excited to go home we love you all.

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Saturday August 6 surprise

 

Today we were up and at it fairly early. We wanted to wait to visit all the gift shops and finish off buying souvenirs. We had a nice walk down town and made all our purchases. The area is in full party mode. 

We hurried home for lunch. We headed next out to Ribeira Grande to help with a lesson. They had kittens.

We came back home and I started cooking for tomorrow. We next headed over for our last branch council meeting. When we entered the parking lot there were so many cars. Then inside there were tables of food we went into the chapel area and all these members were waiting for us. It was a surprise party. I hate surprises but I loved seeing all these people and I especially liked to see grandma be hugged and kissed by everyone. 

Once again it got away from me and put the pictures where it wanted. The party was wonderful. If I had said I liked a food we had it. Que Coisa. We visited and ate. I will truly miss these people. We next came home and decided to walk down to see what the celebration was about. Everyone wears white and the lights make it look strange. Think fair crowds back home. They just walk up and down the roads there are lots of bars open and several music venues. But we left before the majority of these started. Just thousands of people walking in the streets.

We plodded home as we had walked a lot and been on our feet a lot all day. Lots of fun, lots of memories. We love you all.

22022   8.4 miles