Sense of Accomplishment

- April 25, 2026

Elder Nunes goes home soon.

I got to work with him in the English Connect program.

He is very bright, good hearted and will be working with

BYU Pathway to earn a college degree.

Yep. He's tall and I am ... not.

The other day, I was talking to someone who lives here. We were discussing businesses and how employment is different here. It's like this country is 10 years behind. It's not against the law here to ask about a person's family situation. There are other little things I've noticed that show a level of sophistication that isn't the same as the U.S. Not that it's good or bad. Just different. So many interesting little things to notice and try to understand.

I've been to the dentist here. She's a lovely woman whose English is very good. Her dentist chair is beautiful. She has all the latest equipment but they don't use gas here. There's also a poster that shows the proper way to brush your teeth. No mention of flossing.

One day at lunch, I asked the four senior Elders who were there waiting for their wives, who packed their lunches. One of the men had purchased a salad from a vendor down the street. We get salads there too and they're yummy. Two of the three others said that they packed their own lunch. The one remaining, the area mental health consultant, said his wife packs his lunch. Why did I ask? Just curious. Relationships are different. Each of the senior missionary couples are great. Every relationship has its own quirks, demonstrating how two imperfect people work things out in ways that suit them perfectly.

Here's an example that makes me chuckle. After these experiences, I told Mike I think we are doing something wrong. We have gotten rides with two other couples. Separate experiences. Both times, the couple had a running dialogue about where we were going and how we were getting there. No raised voices, all very civil but definitely disagreement. Why they didn't use GPS is beyond me.

Now that the 2025 history is done, my attention is turned to helping the 29 area missions write histories. Half have completed their histories and submitted them. The projects I've been working have been very enjoyable and the sense of accomplishment is a real boost!

Mike's assignment is with the temples and he enjoys it. Much better than car accidents and wrongful terminations.

There is a beautiful park near our apartment. Actually discovered that there is a restaurant row in the park. Took a few photos. There are two rib places side by side and since we enjoy ribs, I think we will be going there soon.