A Helping Hand

A very kind and helpful people

This week we thought we would do a short blog on the helpfulness and kindness of the people of Cape Verde.  Every day we run into someone who goes out of their way to help us in some small way.

Previously we shared the story of the bed frame and our trip from the island of Santo Antão back to our island of São Vicente.  Here is a picture of the bed frame.

We will buy a new mattress for the first person or couple that comes to visit us.

When we first arrived in Mindelo, we wanted to buy a  desk for the office.  However we were not sure how to get it from the store to our apartment (they don't deliver).  Sister Erickson ended up talking to a neighbor down the street with a small truck and she asked him if he would help us transport the desk.  Not only did he agree to do it, but he enlisted the help of a young man who worked in the store below our apartment.  Together they picked up the desk and carried it up to our apartment and wouldn't let me help.  Unfortunately we couldn't get the desk into our spare room that we use for an office.  After an hour of trying to squeeze it through a tight corner, the young man took a screw driver and dismantled the desk.  We got it in and he put it all back together again.  Then he left and would not accept any pay.  Sister Erickson delivered them both a batch of brownies the next day.

Our new desk

Fernando used his truck to deliver the desk.  Note the bumper sticker on the front windshield. He also helped us move the East Zone leaders to their new apartment when they had to move.

As is the case with all homes here, we use bottled propane gas to operate our stove.  Last week we ran out of gas, so I disconnected the propane can and started to carry it to a service station about three blocks away.  As I walked out on the street, another man walked by and noticed my awkwardness in carrying the can.  He asked if he could help.  Of course I said yes.  He picked up the bottle and threw it over his shoulder and was off down the street.  I could barely walk fast enough to keep up with him.  At the service station he set the bottle down and kept right on walking.  I barely had a chance to thank him.

On the way back home, I carried the new can for a little ways until another man walking toward me asked me if he could help.  Again I said yes and he picked up the full can, threw it up on his shoulder, and turned around and walked back to our apartment even though he was back tracking on his original route.  He set the can down on our doorstep and immediately turned around and started away.  Again I only had a brief moment to thank him.

Our propane can


I asked a woman in one of the wards to make a carrying bag for Sister Erickson for our anniversary which was today.  When we met with the lady on Thursday, she handed me the beautiful purse concealed in a paper bag so that Sister Erickson would not know.  When I went to pay her, she was adamant and would not let me pay anything.  I was surprised and then I felt guilty.  But I think that we know of a way to help her.

A beautiful shoulder bag with accessories, thanks to our dear friend Odeth Simiao.

Yesterday, we were on the Island of Santo Antão to followup on our Dental Hygiene kit project (more about that on another week).  When we finished our visit in a small village, the people we were with returned to their city while we waited for a taxi van to take us the other direction to the ferry.  One of the women in the village invited us to sit with them and brought out two chairs for us.  While we waited, another young women provided a plastic sack with some water for some plant starts that another lady had given Sister Erickson.  They have so little, but they are so generous in their friendship and kindness. 

A small two year old girl kept us company and reminded us of our granddaughter.

We came to Cape Verde to serve, but often we are the ones that are being served. It is truly remarkable how thoughtful and kind they are to us.

Look out for the taxi drivers.

When we get off the ferry on Santo Antão and walk up the stairs to exit the terminal, we are met with a deluge of taxi drivers who are shouting and trying to get people to ride in their vans.  In fact they can be so hectic and aggressive that usually two police officers are in front of the drivers to hold them back.  The first time we experienced it, we where somewhat taken aback and unsure of what was happening.  But now we take it all in stride. Thankfully, we have a Taxi friend named Tony. (Elder and Sister Gerritson introduced us to him before they left),  We call him on the way over on the ferry and then he saves us two seats in his van.

Just trying to get more riders for their vans.

Dinner with the Missionaries

One of our favorite Sunday activities is having missionaries over for dinner.  We are continually impressed with their dedication and love for the Lord. We love hearing their stories of how they decided to serve a mission. We are blessed in our association with them.

Elder Sá, Elder Robinson and Elder Ramirez.  Because of General Conference we had them for dinner on Monday.

When we were on Santo Antão, we took Elder Coulibaly and Elder Alealua to lunch.

Today we had Elder Roark and Elder Elison.