The Dust

So, apparently we're in the middle of our annual dust storm! A couple days this week we haven't even been able to see the city because of all the dust-smog. It's also super windy, so every day we come home covered in dust, and you could plant a garden in the dirt that's been pouring through our screen windows. BUT, it's supposedly the dust blowing all the way from the Sahara Desert, so it's okay. :)

It's been a busy week. We taught almost 40 lessons! Which is a lot. Sunday alone we taught eight lessons, and by Sunday night: we were pooped. Sister Turnbow is a great worker. But we've found out that when people see two white girls trying to speak Portuguese (to those who only speak Creole), they don't really try too hard to understand. We've decided that the people who are actually ready to hear the gospel are the ones who can focus long enough to try to understand us. And we've also realized the importance of having a member teach with us! We've been giving some members some great missionary experiences as they've helped 'translate' and explain principles with us.

Want to hear something depressing though? Out of the 30 lessons we taught to investigators, not a single person came to church. Phooey.

We have had some good lessons though. We've been teaching a member's brother, and as we were teaching, Sis. Turnbow asked if he believed Joseph Smith was a prophet and he pulled out his Book of Mormon and said (in Portuguese): 'I believe it. Because a man couldn't write a book like this.' That was awesome. Sis. Turnbow and I looked at each other and had to stop ourselves from breaking out into the "Hallelujah Chorus"!

Well, not really. But it was awesome.

Maria and Nene were baptized and confirmed on Saturday and Sunday! I can't even begin to describe how awesome it was. There wasn't water in the church again, so the the baptism was in the ocean! The waves were even crazier than last time, but it was such a great day for them.

Cape Verde just had its elections. In a few words that means: parties, really loud music, and lots of drunk people. But we got some free hats. That we can't actually wear in public. :)

Also this week, we found and bought a chocolate cake mix! A Betty Crocker cake mix! It was awesome. Well, actually Sister Turnbow found and bought it. And then we made it (Sister Turnbow made it). And then we ate it! I helped with this part. It was incredible. I love stolen American goods.

Kidding. I'm pretty sure it wasn't black market.

Today was sweet. We went to the lighthouse again and had some bread and Nusco (chocolate hazelnut spread), and then we spent most of the day at Sucupira (the Cabo Verde version of a mall).

And....! We ate there! It was so awesome. I think we're the first sisters to dare eat in one of the restaurants there. Totally worth it. A giant plate of rice, beans, chicken and fries and a cool-looking bottle of Sprite for 200 escuros. And a couple elders showed up too and couldn't believe we were eating there.

And then I bought some African fabric and they're going to make me a dress! I'm way excited.

Tried some kiwi ice cream--delicious. Not quite as good as the mint and chocolate, but still good.

Oh, and I gave a spiritual thought at our district meeting. There were five new elders there and they looked SO tired! It's hard to believe that just six weeks ago I arrived at 2 am after a very long trip. But they seem excited to be here. :)

Well, I guess that's about it. I'll teach you some of the Creole I'm learning. Sister Turnbow and I are going to learn it this transfer. And we plan on teaching tons of lessons this week, too!

Modi que bai bu skola hoje? = Como foi escola hoje? = How was school today?
A mi kre so bo. = I only want you. :) It's a song! I don't actually use that sentence.
Ka sta = Not here. We hear this a lot when people don't want to talk to us. :)

Allons-y!
Sister Brooks