Thursday, June 19, 1969

Yesterday marked the six-month mark since my arrival in Brazil. That seems difficult to believe. Nine months ago, a third of my mission ago, I entered the Language Training Mission. I have one month re­maining from today that I can still call myself a teenager.

Bus prices went higher Sunday. Those we had been taking at NCr$0,19 each (190 beans) are now NCr$0,24 each. The NCr$0,22 bus­ses are now NCr$0,28. Inflation.

Word reached me this week by way of letter from Dale that Bishop Varian Halliday passed away recently. Dale's letter was quite brief. He simply said, "Brother Halliday died." No further details. President Johnson knew Brother Halliday several years ago in Idaho Falls and thought quite highly of him. He was saddened to hear of his death. About a month ago both President Johnson and I wrote a letter to Brother Halliday and his wife.

Six new elders arrived today from the United States. It is always great to have more elders in the mission. Arrival days are always busy for the mission office staff. The group arrived a day later than scheduled because a flight was missed in Denver on Tuesday.

The new elders brought with them nearly 400 Blue Books that we had ordered from Salt Lake. Because there were so many they could not be carried onto the plane. Therefore, being instructed to pack them in their suitcases, the elders had to pay overweight and be re­imbursed upon arrival at mission headquarters. The cost? A costly little mistake of $320.

Elder Dennis Wade had his tonsils out this week, spending several days in the mission home recovering. There seem to be no complications. Jill Johnson is having her tonsils removed next week and is all super excited over the fact. School ends this week at the American School and will begin again in August.

The new baby grand piano arrived last week and keeps everyone excited. Wendy Johnson is a rather fantastic pianist who loves to play quite a bit. I even plunk away at the keys occasionally.
Tuesday evening we retaught a first lesson to Irmão Victor and his family. This time we taught the two older children also. He and his wife originally had the first lesson the same Sunday evening William received it back in March. Since William knows Victor, we are having William and his family help.