February has been a month of changes in our schedule for us.  Our shift at the temple was changed to mornings, at least for this month.  We weren’t sure how that would be after being on the afternoon and evening shift for 2 months, but we are adjusting to it.    Don’t know yet if this will be for the month of March also or not.  At any rate, to give you an idea of our schedule this is what our week looks like:

  Monday is our preparation day, which usually involves doing any necessary shopping, household chores, as well as trying to also mix in a fun activity.  Last week we introduced all of the American couples to our favorite Chinese restaurant as there were two of us who had birthdays the previous week.  It was doubly good because on the way home, we discovered a Mexican restaurant that we will try some Monday. I had a great birthday with a Chocolate Mousse birthday cake to top it off - second only to Donna’s “Magelby’s” chocolate cake.

Monday is also a day to do a little baking when I can.  I am still working on getting a small oven but in the meantime, going up and down the stairs while trying to bake cookies or muffins, I figure is working off the calories that I might gain by eating them.  Dad is so skinny now he doesn’t have to worry!  How about that!  I have already had to take his pants in a couple of inches.  The evening is our time to catch up on BYU sports as well.

   Tuesday – We enter the temple with one of the members of the presidency at 6:00 am, dress and then serve at the reception desk until about 9:00.  Then we do our assignments until about 2:45pm when the next shift comes on.  The President has been working hard to get local stakes, as well as the stakes that come via excursions, to provide people to help.  This past week there were so many officiators available, we had to just step back and fill in where and when we could.  It’s a good thing but makes for a long day when you are not completely involved.  This map gives you some idea of the huge area this temple serves.  The red circles are stakes (70) and the blue circles districts (8). 

   Wednesday – We are back in the baptistery which we enjoy so much.  By the end of the week we are really getting acquainted with all the youth and hate to see them leave.  One of the excursions this week was from Belem, so we especially enjoyed them being here. 

   Thursday – regular assignments.  After our shifts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it’s time to do our washing.  We sometimes try to have a date night at the shopping mall that is located just behind the temple, to hear the pianist and have a treat.

   Friday – Baptistery

Saturday – regular assignments, but we get off at 12:30 because the temple closes at 6pm. In the evening, we usually try to catch up on BYU games that happened during the week via BYU-TV.

   Sunday – Church at 3:30 to 6:30 pm.  We weren't too sure about that schedule but it does give us a chance to sleep in a little after rising early all week.  We also have time to read, write in the Blog or journal, and still have time after church to talk to some of the family. 

  Yesterday Dad woke up with Açai on his mind, so for lunch, we went to a little place called Ponto de Açai. As you can see, he got his fill.  There was a TV crew doing a story for one of the local stations on Açai.  So who knows, Dad may be on TV one of these days.  If you don’t know about Açai, look it up on the internet.  It is a berry that grows on a specific species of palm tree here in northern Brazil, usually in the Amazon region.  Very high in iron and leaves your mouth and teeth blue for a short time.  Dad says it is delicious.  Me, I’m not so sure, so I had a strawberry, pineapple and orange smoothie.