We had been in Campo Largo for three months, and missed our dear friends in Bocaiúva do Sul, where we had served a full year, from May 27, 2014 thru June 8, 2015. We had promised to return. We were able to make only one visit, which was our way of celebrating our 46th anniversary.
After a lovely anniversary dinner with the Monteiro Family at the M___Restaurant in Curitiba, we were taken to the Hotel Bristol, a very nice hotel close to the Cabral Bus Terminal, where we had planned to go on our short journey to visit Bocaiúva do Sul and dear friends there. Here are views of Curitiba from the hotel. |
It was a "short" walk to the nearest bus stop; the bus took us straight to the Cabral terminal, which we are very familiar with. We had no trouble getting to Guaraituba terminal, finding the bus to Bocaiúva, waiting for us in its customary place. We arrived in Bocaiúva as planned, by 10:30 a.m. As we got off the bus, we were welcomed by "Sister Thomas! Elder Thomas!" It was Francinelli and Ingride, walking into town! We left Dieniffer and walked to the other end of town, where we were expected for almoço at Eduardo and Sandra's house. They are such beautiful people, some of the few strong, totally converted members. There had been a few changes made in town since we had left, and some new flowers to enjoy. I remember that w-a-l-k, from many times! We walked up to Livino's--not home; then to Aparacida's---not home. We had missed them several times. Back down the hill, to the center of town, caught a taxi out to Nino and Ana's. All were there; nice visit. We were still full from lunch, were offered lunch, but turned it down. Ana's son Henri was looking good, without his bleached hair & nose rings. They're still working the house, and have built a high security wall in front of the house. | We headed uphill to find Alvaro and Tatiane's new home, with very scant directions. As they were shopping in town, we went to visit Larissa and Paulo (Daniela and Willian weren't home). Still, Alvaro and Tatiane hadn't come home, so we walked into town to visit Cleiton at "his"store and Dieniffer at "her" new clothing store. She had quit her exciting biology lab job at the faculdade in Curitiba (hard on family). She is such a loving, sweet person--LOVE HER! |
Nino, Ana & Suellen gave us a ride back into town, to Dani & Dimis's home--where they offered us more food! They are such fun, gracious people. Her older daughter, son and his girlfriend were there. We visited a bit, left so they could eat their lunch, then walked back to the church. Just before we got to the church, we witnessed a car-motorcycle accident. The motorcyclist was thrown and probably broke his leg. We were amazed at how long it took for the police to come from across their street office and how poorly their investigation was handled. We weren't even questioned for our account. We waited until the ambulance arrived, then went on our way, past the locked, dark church, up the hill toward our apartment, over to see Maria and Inacio (new members), Ilda and José. As is their custom, we were again invited to eat an early dinner with them; we ate a little this time, hoping to ignite some of our dear friendship. Even though their picture at the Curitiba Temple was still prominently placed on the table, it was evident that they had returned to their old church, the Universal Church. With little in common to talk about, since they hadn't been to the LDS Church since before we left, we said good-byes, with hugs and invites to sit with us at church the next day. It was a "flat" visit---we left feeling heartsick. | |