Guess what--we got whitewashed! Ou seja, both Sister Derrick and I got transferred. Now I am in Miratejo, the other side of the river. That means that there are only three zones in the whole mission I haven´t worked in--Madeira, the Algarve, and Coimbra.
So this week was exhausting. On Monday we went to a castle in Lapa with our district and we saw the "classic view" that you get when you look up "Lisbon" on google images. It was so pretty. Also it was free because we are residents. We got ice cream from an Italian gelataria on the way home, which was incredible. I love ice cream.
On Tuesday, we had mission council! While we were at lunch, I was sitting next to Sister Fluckiger. She looked at my eyes and asked if they hurt because of the sun, because they are so light. I said yes and she said I can wear SUNGLASSES. I´m going to be the coolest missionary on the block.
On Wednesday we taught Simeão, who is going to be baptized on Saturday (so sad I´ll miss it). He is AWESOME. We taught him the word of wisdom--"Oh I already am living that" and the law of chastity--"Yeah I´m living that too." He knows the Book of Mormon is true and knows the Church is true too!
On Thursday we went on one more division, with the other sisters of Povoa, Sister Mullen and Sister Brooks. I was with Sister Brooks, who is going home tomorrow. She is from Georgia but goes to BYU. I really really like her.
That evening, the jovens threw a "surprise party" for Elder Bluemel since he is going home as well (lame). The party was a good idea but... it ended up being more hilarious than it was meant to be, because when we got there, we went downstairs, expecting them to be hiding and jump out to say surprise. But to OUR surprise, when we got downstairs, there was literally just some balloons on the floor, one 12-year-old investigator, a thing of juice, and a plate of cheese. Sooo we left out the back door, and the sisters went in first to tell all the jovens (who ended up being in the kitchen) to run down, and then the elders came in AGAIN and they "surprised" Elder Bluemel. Good thing he likes musical theater---he managed to act surprised.
Friday was the 4th of July! We ate ice cream to celebrate (we would have eaten it anyway but this time it was in honor of America). They had a Ferrero Roche flavor--those delicious chocolates you know? So good.
As we were doing weekly planning, the APs called us and told us we were going to be whitewashed. So we already knew we would be both be leaving. Luckily, one of the sisters who will be taking over, is Sister Taylor! So they said to do a division with her to show her around. We did that on Saturday.
Saturday morning though, we had a ward party! It was called a "Freedom Party", secretly also for the fourth of July. We had a barbecue, melon, and some "homemade" lemonade (in Marina´s Bimby). It was very fun and we took a bunch of pictures with the members.
Saturday afternoon was our mini-division. I went with Sister Taylor to show her around. It was an inspired division because, remember Bea? We basically saved her life. It´s kind of a long story (and sensitive) but basically we were out until 10:30 with the elders and a bunch of members to resolve the situation.
Yesterday was the last day in Odivelas! Maria do Carmo cried and our investigators were all pretty sad that we´re going, so that made me feel good (not that they were sad but that they cared). Yesterday night the stake had a musical fireside about the Restoration. The missionaries from the stake all sang "No monte a bandeira" (high on the mountain top). Afterwards we said goodbye to the jovens for the last time :( Some of them cried (Brendo, Ianik, Marina) because all three of us are going (me, Sister Derrick, and Elder Bluemel). Sister Derrick and I have stayed here longer than almost any other missionary has in a long time. I really love those kids.
This morning we caught the train to the other side of the river, and now I´m here in Miratejo! That´s in the Setubal zone. I know that means a lot to you ;) My new companion is Sister Isabel Cardoso--she´s from Angola! Either my portuguese is going to get really good, or her english will. She is really cute and I am excited to be with her.
I can´t believe that another transfer has already come and gone. I realized today that this might be my last area, and that I don´t have very much time left here :( I kept thinking "Oh I have plenty of time, I have at least the whole summer"--but now it´s already JULY and I don´t want this to end. I love Portugal SO much--and the people here are my brothers and sisters. It makes me want to cry just thinking of leaving them. Can I just take like a two-week break at the end, but then come back?
I love you all so much, and I hope you are doing well. Please pray for Bea, and also for Sister Derrick--she will be training a new missionary this transfer!
Vos amo,
Sister Gidney
P.s. Us at the view near the castle and us with Marina
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