JOSÉ AND ILDA (In Portuguêse, "José" is pronounced [djo-ZÉH], NOT [ho-ZÁY], as in the Spanish "José.")
We found out from the Elders that José's birthday was the next day, and that they didn't have plans to celebrate. So we invited them over for a Family Home Evening and surprised them with a little birthday party. After a gospel message by Elder Rodriguez, the activity was: everyone had a knife to help frost the cake, then enjoyed licking off the knives and the bowl. I sprinkled coconut all over the cake, placed 7 candles for his 73 years. José made a wish, blew out the candles, then opened the gift from Dennis. It was a leather Brazilian wallet (Dennis got for himself, of course). Their grand-daughter Leticia came with them. Thanks to Elder Ferreira and Rodriguez, the evening was great.
Notice Ilda's black t-shirt: "Olhos de Aguia," which is a theme for the Universal Church, to which she has belonged for years. She was a leader, has many friends there. She was in charge of donations, and was considered to be one of their healers. Accepting the message of the Restored Gospel and switching their membership and allegiance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been hard for them, since she has dear friends constantly trying to "save her soul." We're trying to help, and our friendship is growing daily. They both have strong testimonies, and need continued support and learning.
We found out from the Elders that José's birthday was the next day, and that they didn't have plans to celebrate. So we invited them over for a Family Home Evening and surprised them with a little birthday party. After a gospel message by Elder Rodriguez, the activity was: everyone had a knife to help frost the cake, then enjoyed licking off the knives and the bowl. I sprinkled coconut all over the cake, placed 7 candles for his 73 years. José made a wish, blew out the candles, then opened the gift from Dennis. It was a leather Brazilian wallet (Dennis got for himself, of course). Their grand-daughter Leticia came with them. Thanks to Elder Ferreira and Rodriguez, the evening was great.
Notice Ilda's black t-shirt: "Olhos de Aguia," which is a theme for the Universal Church, to which she has belonged for years. She was a leader, has many friends there. She was in charge of donations, and was considered to be one of their healers. Accepting the message of the Restored Gospel and switching their membership and allegiance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been hard for them, since she has dear friends constantly trying to "save her soul." We're trying to help, and our friendship is growing daily. They both have strong testimonies, and need continued support and learning.