A note from a thankful family- To Phillip Ray Brown

President Brown insisted that he’d never want us to say that “the mission years were the best two years of our lives”… So we won’t say that here… but for both Angie and I those years still hold some of the choicest blessings and some of the fondest memories we’ve experienced so far. And how we miss our dear mission family, our great missionary friends, and the people we were called of God to serve!

The Câmara Manoels are the merging of two Porto Portugal missionaries- Sister Angela Fawson and Elder Câmara Manoel, and rather than entertaining you with how that ever came to pass, we’ll tell you a bit about where we are today.

Angie ended her mission in mid-1993, and at the end of the same year I ended my own. At that time I came to the United States to spend Christmas with a good mission friend. During that stay Angie and I went on a date, and 23 days later we were married in the Salt Lake Temple (we had other dates during that period of time- at least two or three more). Heavenly Father has since blessed us with four beautiful and healthy children. Two boys and two girls (David- 13, Stefanie- 10, Daniel-8, and Anna-4).

We lived in Utah while I completed my undergraduate at BYU, and shortly after graduation was hired by Novell where I worked for the better part of a decade. We’ve since moved to the Pacific Northwest where we’ve been living for the last five years, thanks to a departing Novell VP who snagged me to work with him at Microsoft, in Redmond Washington. At Microsoft I work as a Group Program Manager (that means that I manage a group of developers, testers and project managers) in the software virtualization space. I have since then also completed an MBA.

While I’ve been having fun with computers and school books, Angie has taken upon herself the responsibility of full-time motherhood, running our household, raising our four children (and now homeschooling them), and serving in a variety of callings in the church, from cub leader (this one came handy), primary president, to counselor in the relief society presidency, to now a teacher in the primary. My church service has been almost exclusively in the young men, serving in various callings in the ward, stake and with the Boy Scouts of America’s Western Region. Only recently was I called to serve as an Elders Quorum president in my ward where I still work with “young men at heart”.

The one constant thread throughout our journey together has been our deep and abiding testimony of Christ’s atonement, and the truthfulness of His gospel. This we have today, in great measure, because of a loving mission family who nurtured, loved, taught, and chastised us when we needed a loving and firm father and mother. They were instrumental in instilling in us the good faith-promoting habits that have since shaped our lives.

Still today, whenever my own family kneels to pray, I remember Sister Brown’s pleading to the Zone Leaders (who were not kneeling to pray), to show reverence for the great Jehovah.

Still today, whenever I kneel to pray in the morning, I remember how President Brown taught us that the first part of his body to touch the floor when he got out of bed was his knees.

Still today, when I open my scriptures daily, I remember how he taught us that his life-changing Zone Conference talks had taken him over forty years of preparation, explaining that they were the fruit of consistent scripture study.

The truth is we all just wanted to be like them back then, just as we still do today.

And with those teachings they left us, with their great legacy of faith, and in following with President Brown’s loving admonition, we will continue building the best years of our lives.

We love you President and Sister Brown.

Com o seu poder e no seu amor, nos encontraremos em jesus. Com seu poder e no seu amor, oh, que deus vos guarde em sua luz.

An Early Start to a Life of Service

Once in a while our kids will do something so amazing that you just have to stand back in awe. Almost two years ago Stefanie had a friend who was growing her hair out for locks of love, a charity in which you can donate your hair to make wigs for people who are losing their hair from cancer treatments or for various other medial conditions. It's not as easy as you might think. They need a minimum of 10" in order for them to accept you hair. Stefanie has Very thick coarse hair and so the morning brushing of this hair at times was taxing on her because she has a very sensitive head. We've taken a few trips to the salon over the months hopeing that it would be long enough but it just hasn't been until this last weekend




Last night we shipped her hair off to Locks of Love. I'm just so proud of her willingness to do something bigger than herself. As you can see she feels pretty good about it too. What an amazing daughter I've been blessed with.

The Best Part of Summer?

The best part of the summer? That's easy. We had the honor of having my wonderful in-laws at our home this summer. Eduardo and Manela What amazing people. I can't say enough about how much they have enriched our lives and I just think the world of them. I'm so grateful we got to spend the summer with them and I'm truly grateful for the amazing moments that presented themselves. The Lord truly does bless our lives in wonderful ways.

Summer Summary

What an amazing summer we've had this year! We kicked off our summer fun with a Mariners baseball game. Our first game as a family since we moved up here 3 years ago. We spent the evening with our friends from the ward as it was LDS night. We all got the giggles as the poor beer salesman climbed to the top of the nose bleed section to no avail. The Mariners lost, but Daniel has been showing an interest in playing next year.

David Camara Manoel Earns Star Rank

David, our 12 year old has just earned his star rank in our local scout unit. We are all very proud of the work he is doing to advance in scouting. This is something he has grown to enjoy quite a lot. David loves camping and the outdoors and demonstrates a great deal of desire to serve others, which is a core value of scouting. Kudos for a program that does so much to develop strong young men, and to his leaders as well, who are tireless in helping the boys meet their goals.


____________________________


O David, nosso filho mais velho (12 anos), recebeu recentemente o ranque de "Star" na nossa unidade escutista local. Estamos todos muito orgulhosos e gratos pelo trabalho que o David está a desenvolver no escutismo, um programa que ele parece apreciar bastante. O David gosta muito de acampar e da natureza, e demonstra um grande desejo de ajudar ao proximo, o que constitui um dos valores centrais do programa do escutismo. Estamos gratos por um programa que tanto faz para desenvolver os rapazes, assim como pelos seus líderes que são incansáveis no seu apoio aos jovens.

The Easter Message

Very little can be said that will add to the majesty of the atonement of Christ. The following testimony recounts the final and darkest moments in His mortal life, as well as the most glorious event in the history of mankind- His resurrection. This is well worth watching and pondering regardless of one's faith.

______________________________________

Pouco ou nada poderá ser dito que adicione algo à majestade da Expiação de Jesus Cristo. O testemunho aqui incluído, relata os escuros momentos finais da sua vida terrena, assim como o mais glorioso evento na história da humanidade; a sua ressurreição. Vale bem a pena ver e ponderar seja qual for a nossa fé.

2007 In The Balance

As we come to the end of another year and prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, our thoughts turn to those who have touched our lives in countless ways. We hope this letter will find you and yours in good health and blessed circumstances, as we share with you the news and testimony of the Câmara Manoel family.

This year’s spring brought two very long awaited events. First, Luis finished his MBA. The long-drawn study sessions till three AM and Saturdays away from the family are finally over. We are proud of his hard work and the example he has set on our children. Second, the arrival of Luis’ dad and his wife Manuela to our home. It was their first time in the US and our family couldn’t have been more excited to have them with us for a month. We showed them as much of Washington and Utah as we possibly could. We started at the Puget Sound in Seattle then to the Pacific Ocean and Mt. St. Helens. We drove down to Utah to show them downtown Salt Lake City and all the wonderful LDS sites, then down to BYU in Provo, Richfield, Moab, Bryce Canyon, Cove Fort and metropolitan Grantsville (Luis’ edit). Our kids loved having grandpa around and now miss them very much.

Anna, our beautiful little two year old, is the sunshine of our family. Her favorite thing to do (besides snuggling on mom and dad) is mimicking her big brothers and sisters as if she’s just as big as they are. As vocabulary is now beginning to expand, she becomes more expressive with every day that passes. She can even hold her own in an argument with her siblings when she wants something they are not willing to give her.

Daniel, now five, has grown up quite a bit this year. He’s gone from our little “preschool guy” to becoming our “big kindergarten kid” who’s starting to read and sound out words on his own. He has an amazing imagination and the wittiest sense of humor at the most randomly unexpected moments. We have often wondered where he comes up with his “material” which is worthy of a high-priced comedian.

Stefanie, seven, is our reader. She keeps mom a regular at the local library. She has an incredibly amazing thirst for knowledge, which keeps her awake into the night as she consumes massive amounts of literature. And her grades show it. This week Stefanie has started taking the missionary discussions in preparation for her baptism in March. She is very receptive to the teaching and excited for this opportunity to learn more. After years of asking, she has also started taking ballet lessons.

David, eleven, completed cub scouts this year and received the arrow of light award. When he put on his new Boy Scout uniform for the first time, dad couldn’t help thinking he remembered the first time he put on his own scout uniform over 23 years ago. It was one of those awakening moments of “He’s not our little boy anymore”. We are proud of the young man he is becoming. He’s an amazingly hard worker and takes any opportunities to serve.

Thanks to a very supportive husband, I spend a week down in Provo this year at BYU’s education week. I got to attend classes with my sisters and mom and even my brother Dave took a couple of classes with me. It was so great to go and spend a week immersed in gospel study. It really gives me a desire to study more and understand the scriptures better.

During Thanksgiving break Luis was asked to go to Barcelona to present at a technology conference, and whenever he goes to Europe on business, we try to take advantage of it and send him home to Portugal to spend time with his family. My family was kind enough to drive up to Washington to spend Thanksgiving with me and the kids. My mom and dad, Adrienne and Neal, and Julie’s little Jason came up and we had a great time. We’re thinking that Washington should be the family’s new Thanksgiving destination.

Though we sorely miss Utah, and the family and friends we have left there, we love Washington and have not regretted the move. Luis feels challenged and fulfilled in his employment with Microsoft and the family loves the perks that come with it. We even find the northwest rain charming and the ever-green views breathtaking.

We want you to know that we have a testimony of our Savior and of His love for all of us. The Man whose birth we celebrate this time of year still lives. By His humble example and through His selfless atoning sacrifice we are able to return to Him and our Father in Heaven with our eternal families. May His choicest blessings be yours and your family’s this New Year.

_________________________________________

Ao findar mais um ano os nossos pensamentos inevitávelmente voltam-se para as muitas pessoas que nos tocaram nesta vida de formas variadas e incontáveis. Esperamos que esta carta vos encontre bem, e que o Senhor vos abençoe abundantemente com a Sua paz. Estas são as notícias e o testemunho da família de Luis e Angela Câmara Manoel.

Este ano trouxe consigo dois eventos há muito esperados. O primeiro foi a conclusão do mestrado de gestão (MBA) do Luis. As sessões de estudo até às três da manhã e os muitos Sábados fora do lar e da família chegaram, finalmente, ao fim. Estamos orgulhosos do seu trabalho e pelo exemplo que deixou para os nossos filhos. O Segundo evento diz respeito à visita do pai do Luis, o Eduardo, e da sua esposa, a Manela. Foi a primeira vez que ambos vieram aos Estados Unidos e a nossa família não poderia estar mais ansiosa pela sua vinda. No curto mês que passaram connosco tentámos mostrar-lhes o estado de Washington, onde agora vivemos, e o de Utah, onde passámos 12 anos do nosso casamento. Começámos por visitar a Puget Sound, em Seattle, depois levámo-los ao Oceano Pacífico e ao Monte Sta. Helens (vulcão). Dirigimo-nos depois ao Utah, onde visitámos a Praça do Templo na Cidade do Lago Salgado, o campus da Universidade de Brigham Young, em Provo, onde o Luis fez a licenciatura, Moab, onde se encontram os famosos arcos de pedra vermelha, o lindo Bryce Canyon, o Forte de Cove, um forte antigo onde os pioneiros Mórmons se estabeleceram no sul de Utah, e a cidade de Grantsville, onde cresceu a Angela. Infelizmente o mês passou depressa demais, deixando-nos saudosos pelos breves momentos que passámos juntos.

Quanto aos miúdos; a Anna, a nossa linda menina de dois anos, é o “sol” da nossa família. A sua actividade favorita, (além da de se sentar encima do pai e da mãe), é imitar os seus irmãos e irmã como se fosse da sua idade. O seu vocabulário está agora a expandir-se e está a tornar-se mais expressiva com o passar dos dias. Inclusive já ralha com os irmãos e irmã quando ameaçam o seu espaço e propriedade.

O Daniel, agora com cinco anos, cresceu bastante este ano. Deixou de ser o nosso “menino” de jardim-de-infância para passar a ser o nosso “gajinho” de pré-primária. Já começou inclusive a ler sozinho. Uma das suas características mais interessantes é a sua imaginação e o seu sentido de humor com que nos brinda tão frequentemente. Perguntamo-nos por vezes onde ele encontra o seu “material” hilariante digno de cómicos assalariados.

A Stefanie, de sete anos, é a nossa leitora. Ela tem feito da mãe uma visitante assídua da biblioteca da nossa cidade, consumindo volumes inacreditáveis de livros pela noite dentro. Na escola é uma estudante perfeita, e as notas que traz das suas professoras demonstram-no. Esta semana começou aulas de dança, o que há muito queria fazer. Começou também a receber as palestras doutrinárias que lhe darão o conhecimento e discernimento que necessita antes de decidir se aceita o baptismo.

O David, com onze anos, completou a sua carreira de lobito, recebendo a cobiçada “flecha de luz”, o rank mais alto concedido a um lobito. Agora membro duma patrulha do grupo escuteiro, foi eleito chefe da patrulha. Ao vestir a farda de escuteiro pela primeira vez, (deixando para trás a de lobito), o Luis ficou atónito por se lembrar claramento do primeiro dia em que vestiu a sua própria farda há mais de 23 anos atrás. Foi um daqueles momentos em que nos apercebemos que ele já não é o bébé que nos coube na palma da mão há pouco mais de meia dúzia de anitos. Estamos muito orgulhosos do rapazito que ele se está a tornar. Ele é um trabalhador árduo que procura incessantemente por oportunidades para servir aos outros.

Graças ao apoio do meu bondoso marido que ficou com as crianças em casa durante uma semana, eu passei uma semana em Provo, no Utah, onde participei na Semana da Educação da Universidade de Brigham Young. Participei os dias todos em aluas com as minhas irmãs e minha mãe, e que em muito me enriqueceram, e até o meu irmão David veio fazer duas aulas comigo. Foi fantástico poder passar uma semana com a minha família imergida no estudo do Evangelho. Deu-me um desejo renovado de estudar as escrituras mais para melhor as compreender.

Durante as férias de Acção de Graças, a Microsoft mandou o Luis a Barcelona onde fez uma série de apresentações num simpósio de informática. Dada a proximidade com Portugal, aproveitámos para o mandar a casa onde lá passou uma semana com a sua família. A minha família foi suficientemente bondosa para passar a semana de Acção de Graças comigo e com os miúdos em Washington. Estamos a pensar que a nossa casa em Washington precisa tornar-se o novo destino familiar para este feriado anual.

Muito embora tenhamos saudades do Utah, e da família e amigos que lá deixámos à dois anos, gostamos imenso do estado de Washington e não nos arrependemos da aventura em que embarcámos. O Luis sente-se realizado no seu emprego com a Microsoft, e a nossa família goza os benefícios que daí advêm. Gostamos imenso do charme das chuvas do Noroeste Norte-Americano, e das imensas vistas verdes que nos deixam sem respiração.

Concluimos esta mensagem, prestando testemunho do nosso Salvador, o Homem cujo nascimento nas mais humildes circunstâncias celebramos nesta quadra. Ele vive! É este o maior milagre do seu ministério e Expiação, o de que Ele, por nós, e para nós, conquistou a morte e o pecado, para que possamos, juntos um dia, voltar à Sua presença e à presença do Pai. Que as Suas bênçãos mais ternas e edificantes possam ser vossas neste ano que agora espreita, são os votos da nossa família, para a vossa.

Coat of Arms Revisited

Earlier in this blog, I've had a chance to share my findings in regards to the family coat of arms. In a recent trip to Portugal, my father informed me that he had found the confirmation I had long sought perched on top of a family mausoleum at the Cemiterio dos Prazeres, in Lisbon.

The first picture in this entry shows the family mausoleum, which on a close-up reveals that it was built for Joaquim Jose d'Almeida da Camara Manoel, one of my fourth great-grand fathers, and his family. On inquiry at the cemetery, we are informed that the crypt is still in possession of the family, owned by some of my father's cousins.

Above the crypt one can find the Pinheiro de Almeida Camara Manoel Coat of Arms, (Pinheiro on the top right, Almeida top left, Camara, bottom left, and Manoel on the bottom right). According to some of my findings, the representation seems to be slightly off, in the way Pinheiro and Almeida are switched in position. Regardless, I was very happy to verify that the Câmara Manoel quadrants seem to support my own findings.

One question now lingers in my mind: Can the Camara Manoel quadrants be represented alone without the Pinheiro d'Almeida on top since we are dealing with two distinct families? Or is it that the coat of arms, as granted, must remain forever with the two associated families?

_________________________________________________

Num artigo aqui anteriormente publicado tive a oportunidade de compartilhar o que encontrei na minha pesquisa relativa ao brasão da família Câmara Manoel. Numa viagem recente a Portugal, o meu pai informou-me que tinha encontrado a confirmação que há tanto eu buscava, ao alto dum jazijo familiar no cemitério dos prazeres em Lisboa.

A primeira foto aqui incluída mostra o jazigo em questão, e revela ter sido construída para Joaquim José d’Almeida da Câmara Manoel, o meu quarto avô (tetravô), e para a sua família. Ao inquirir no cemitério, fui informado que o jazigo ainda é propriedade da família, registado como posse duns primos do meu pai.

Ao alto do jazigo encontra-se o brasão da família Pinheiro de Almeida Câmara Manoel. Sendo que Pinheiro se encontra no quadrante superior direito, Almeida no quadrante superior esquerdo, Câmara no inferior esquerdo, e Manoel, no inferior direito. De acordo com a minha pesquisa, a representação aqui esculpida parece demonstrar alguma discrepância em relação às regras da heráldica, visto que os quadrantes de Pinheiro e Almeida se encontram trocados na sua posição no brasão. Apesar disto, felicitei-me ao verificar que os quadrantes referentes a Câmara Manoel estão em aparente harmonia com o que a minha pesquisa indica.

Resta agora somente uma pergunta: Poderão os quadrantes da família Câmara Manoel ser representados sem o Pinheiro d’Almeida ao topo, visto este brasão claramente representar duas famílias distintas? O será que o brasão, como foi concedido, deve para sempre permanecer com as duas famílias assim associadas?

The Loss of a Loved Matriarch

July 19, 2007 marks the passing of a great woman, whose influence will continue to be felt through many generations of Câmara Manoels all over the world.

Olinda Amélia Martins Dias, our matriarch, was born of Alfredo Manuel Dias and Ana de Jesus Martins on the 29th of March, 1918. Married to Alberto José Pereira do Carmo da Câmara Manoel, Olinda was the loving mother of five children, and grandmother of many more who revere her.

On a more personal note, I hold a special memory in the corner of my mind, of the first day I felt the influence of God’s spirit. I was but a child of five, when my grandmother placed me on her lap, on a crisp and cold Christmas Eve in Setúbal, and told me amidst tears of the greatest story ever told. That day forever changed my life, shaping me into a man of faith. This I owe her, and no one else.

Her influence will continue to be felt through future generations of Câmara Manoels. Her example of unshakeable faith is perpetuated in her teachings, as her children and grandchildren now teach their own children and grandchildren.

May God’s peace, which is certainly hers, be granted unto us as well. May He place His calming influence on the discomfort of this recent farewell, and on the continued longing she will leave behind.
______________________________________________


O dia 19 de Julho de 2007, marca o falecimento duma grande mulher cuja influência continuará a ser sentida por muitas gerações de Câmara Manoeis pelo mundo fora.

Olinda Amélia Martins Dias, a nossa matriarca, nasceu de Alfredo Manuel Dias e de Ana de Jesus Martins no dia 29 de Março de 1918. Casou com Alberto José Pereira do Carmo da Câmara Manoel, de quem teve quatro filhos e uma filha, e era avó e bisavó de muitos mais que hoje a reverenciam.

Pessoalmente guardo com especial carinho num cantinho da minha memória, a primeira vez em que senti a influência do Espírito de Deus. Era apenas um menino, da idade do meu Daniel (5), quando a minha avó me colocou no seu colo em Setúbal, numa fria véspera de Natal, e entre lágrimas me contou a maior história jamais contada. Esse dia mudou a minha vida, e fez de mim um homem de fé. Isso devo-lhe a ela, e mais ninguém.

A sua influência continuará a ser sentida pelas gerações futuras de Câmara Manoeis. O seu exemplo de fé inabalável será perpetuado nos seus ensinamentos, à media que os seus filhos e netos ensinam agora aos seus próprios filhos e netos.

Que a paz do Senhor, que decerto é já dela, bafeje o nosso coração também. Que Ele nos conceda a sua influência pacificadora para acalentar o desconforto da despedida e a saudade que ela nos deixa.

DONE!!! ACABOU!!! YA ZAKONCHIL!!! JE SUIS FINIS!!! FINITO!!! KAPUT!

I am done! I have finished my MBA! And am I happy to put this behind me! I find myself "fishing" for things to do now that I have all this time in my hands after work. I wonder if other student workers go through the same experience at graduation time. It is good to be done, I have time to smell a rose, to spend with my wife and children for a change, to render service, read a book, and heaven forbid, watch television (wow!). I even found the time to watch my oldest daughter learn how to ride a bike!!! Booooooyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
Now remains the desire to pursue a doctorate... maybe later.
__________________________________________________


Acabei! Conclui o meu Mestrado! E estou radiante por poder fechar este capítulo da minha vida! Dou comigo agora a “pescar’ por coisas que me ocupem dada a lacuna deixada pela falta das tarefas escolares, que tipicamente realizaria depois dum dia de trabalho. Será que outros estudantes trabalhadores passam pela mesma experiência ao concluir os seus estudos? É fantástico. Agora, para variar, encontro tempo para cheirar uma rosa, ou para passar mais tempo com a minha esposa e filhos, ou para prestar serviço, ou para ler um livro, e quem diria até se me apetecer, para me refastelar e ver um programa de televisão (incrível!) Consegui inclusive ver a minha filha mais velha aprender a andar de bicicleta.
Agora resta o desejo de fazer um doutoramento... Talvez mais tarde.

Arrábida, Um paraiso à beira mar plantado

This post is but a small homage to a place where I spent many summers, many years ago; the Arrábida mountain chain.
This small chain can be found west of the city of Setúbal, 40 Km south of Lisbon. There I spent the summers of my youth with my family, in the many and beautiful beaches that grace its shores. Arrábida is unique in that it combines the beauty of its green mountains with the ivory-white beaches and the azure of the Atlantic. Though I’ve traveled far and wide, this is one of the places I get to miss the most.
To view the video click on the play button in the middle of the image below.

________________________________________________


A título de curiosidade, o seguinte trata-se duma pequena homenagem que prestei a um dos locais onde cresci, a Serra da Arrábida.
A Arrábida encontra-se a oeste da baía de Setúbal a 40 km a sul de Lisboa. Lá passei os verões da minha infância com a minha família numa das muitas e belas praias que gracejam as suas margens. A Arrábida é única na forma como combina a beleza das suas verdes montanhas, com a alvura das suas praias e o anil do Atlântico. Apesar de ter já viajado por este mundo fora, este é um dos locais que mais saudades me deixa.
Para ver o video, por favor clique no icone "play" ao centro da imagem.

To come out for some fresh air.

Wow... With about 5 months to finish my MBA, I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel... However, to my dismay, the light I see seems to be nothing but an incoming freight train heading full throttle towards me, which is called MBA 510- Managerial Decision Making- Statistics. This is, by all accounts, the most difficult of all classes in the program and I am looking forward to putting it behind me. I confess I was somewhat tempted to drop the class and just take it at the end given that its beginning coincided with a trip to Utah to interpret for the October 2006 LDS General Conference. I'm glad I decided to bite the bullet.

At LDS General Conference (Photo by Eurico Costa)

As the program progresses I hope to find a bit more time to come out for some breathing.
I have been asked by the local ward to serve as a Cubmaster and as a Committee Chairman for the Scouts, Varsity and Venturers. Though overwhelming as it might have sounded, I find my continuing involvement in scouting to be therapeutic and somewhat reinvigorating.

This month I will be returning to Utah to, once again, serve as instructor for future Wood Badge course directors. I'm looking forward to see good friends again, and find another opportunity to come out for some refreshing air.
________________________________________________


A aproximadamente 5 meses do fim do programa do mestrado (MBA) começo já a ver a luz no fundo do túnel. Infelizmente, para o meu espanto, em vez da luz do sol deparo-me agora com, nada mais, nada menos, do que o holofote dianteiro dum comboio de mercadorias que ameaçadoramente se dirige a mim. A este comboio chamarei MBA 510- Estatística e Cálculo. Esta é, de acordo com todos os estudantes passados, presentes e futuros, a aula mais difícil do programa, e eu estou ansiosamente à espera pelo dia em que me passe e me deixe de novo na escuridão pacífica deste túnel tão comprido. Confesso que fui tentado a desistir desta cadeira e voltar a fazê-la no fim do curso, dado o facto de que o início da aula coincidia com uma viagem a Utah para interpretar a conferência geral da Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Últimos-dias, em Outubro de 2006. Agora estou grato por ter “mordido a bala”.

Na Conferência Geral (Foto de Eurico Costa)

À medida que progrido no mestrado, espero encontrar um pouco mais de tempo para vir à tona e respirar.

Foi-me recentemente pedido que servisse como chefe de agrupamento do grupo de escutismo e chefe da alcateia dos lobitos da ala. Apesar destas novas designações serem algo intimidantes, continuo a sentir que o meu envolvimento no escutismo me é renovador.

Voltarei ao Utah ainda este mês para, mais uma vez, servir no grupo de instrutores a futuros directores de curso de chefia Insígnia de Madeira. Estou ansioso por voltar a ver velhos amigos, e mais uma vez, vir à tona para uma lufada de ar fresco…

Um abraço para os Câmara Manoel da Microsoft

Apesar da distância não posso deixar de desejar as maiores felicidades para quem vai ajudar o Bill Gates a ficar mais rico ainda.

Para a família Câmara Manoel da Microsoft vai um grande abraço e votos das maiores felicidades.

Por aqui mantem-se o convite para ouvirem aos Sábados o "16 Válvulas" na RTA em www.rta.com.pt entre as 14 e as 16 horas GMT.Parabéns!

Movin' on up...

Life does these things, every-once-in-a-great-while. Perhaps explaining a prolonged absence in entries to this blog, we have lifted our “stakes” and moved to Redmond, Washington, a mere 800 miles from Provo Utah, to take on a new opportunity at Microsoft Corporation. Though moving a family might be a scary proposition, we have felt at peace while making this change at this time of our lives. Despite disparate home markets we have been able to find a little corner we will call home for the next few years.

Also worthy of note is the new shared nature of this blog. It is no longer a personal blog, but it is now truly a family blog. As such, I would like to welcome Bernie Tomas, Joao Camara Manoel and another Joao Camara Manoel, (brother and uncle). I am convinced they will provide insightful and enlightening contributions to this family blog. This “extending” of our team will also mean that entries will be written in both Portuguese and/or English depending on the language domain of the writer. My contributions will be translated as of this entry.
_________________________________________________


De vez em quando, quando o rei faz anos, a vida faz-nos destas coisas. Talvez explicando o porquê duma ausência prolongada nas intervenções deste blog, a nossa família desmontou a proverbial tenda e mudou para Redmond Washington, a 1300 km de Provo, Utah, onde aceitei uma proposta de trabalho da Microsoft Corporation. Muito embora intimidante esta mudança tem-nos sido agradável e sem incidentes de registo. Apesar dos dísparos mercados imobiliários, já conseguimos inclusivé encontrar um cantinho a que chamaremos “lar” durante os próximos anos.

Também digno de registo é a expansão da equipa de edição deste blog. O Câmara Manoel Standard já não é somente um blog pessoal, mas verdadeiramente um blog familiar. Como tal, gostaria de dar as boas vindas a Bernie Tomas, e a dois Joões Câmara Manoel, (irmão e tio). Estou convicto de que proporcionarão perspectivas inspiradoras e ilucidativas nas suas contribuições ao blog da família Câmara Manoel. Este alargamento da equipa também representa uma mudança linguística na forma como este blog é publicado, visto que a partir de agora, submissões ocorrerão em Português e Inglês, dependendo do domínio que o editor tenha de ambas as línguas. As minhas contribuições passarão a ser traduzidas no formato aqui apresentado.

My Brief Scouting Memoirs

My involvement with scouting started at age 15, as a member of CNE's 59th group in Setubal, Portugal. (CNE is the National Core of Scouts- Catholic Portuguese Scouting Association). This period also marked the beginning of my service as an altar boy in the same parish. During this time, I was heavily involved in the group's activities. Scouting was particularly precious to me during a painful parental divorce as it held my bearings through times of doubt and trial.

At age 18 I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (LDS Church or Mormons), and my membership with group 59 ceased. In the LDS Church, I was asked to help establish a local scouting unit, in accordance to the bylaws of the AEP, (Association of Scouts of Portugal, a non-denominational scouting organization). This I did until I turned 20 and went on a two year LDS mission.

While on my mission I was still able to continue helping local LDS units develop scouting programs, training local leadership on the aims and methods of scouting. While on my mission I also sought to establish organizational supporting committees. As my missionary service came to an end I moved to Utah, where I would attend Brigham Young University. There began my service in the Boy Scouts of America.

In most cases my service to the BSA was in the area of training, becoming first involved with basic leadership training at the district level, and later, (2001), in advanced leadership training, or Wood Badge, as known throughout the world. This I did for the next four years.

This year, (2005), I was asked to take on the responsibilities of a Wood Badge course director. I was both flattered, (being a Portuguese kid among MANY, VERY talented US-born leaders), but also saddened, as I knew that this would mean the end of my involvement with Wood Badge. (Course directors are invited to end their service to advanced leadership training). And so it was... In April 2005, after almost 12 months of logistical and educational preparation, we took to the hills of Maple Dell, in the Mountains of Payson Utah, where we welcomed and trained 52 adults leaders in state-of-the-industry concepts of leadership development.

Now that my service to Wood Badge has ended, I still seek to find opportunities to serve in scouting. Something that brings me a great sense of fulfillment.

My scoutmaster used to say that "once a scout - always a scout." As a boy I took this principle to heart. Though I might never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I have for what this movement did for me while a young man, I hope somehow I too can make a difference in another boy's life.

A Sneak Peak

Here are some additional pictures I took yesterday. I wanted to gage the kid's reactions to Anna. Stefanie has shown great tenderness for her sister as has David. Daniel seems to be in his own little world, playing as usual. He'll approach her at times, but I don't think he quite knows yet how to act twoards her. It is probably normal for the older children to be a bit more attentious as they have gone through this experience at least once, (twice in David's case). They know our love for them does not diminish. Angie and I will have to pay close attention to little Daniel to ensure he knows he is not being replaced. We are still trying to figure out who Anna looks like. She has a hit of stefanie, but her hair is a bit different, (curly and black). It is too early to determine the color of her eyes though likelihood is that they will be blue.

To view larger versions of the pictures just click on them.

Blessed Day

Friends,

I am pleased to announce the birth of Anna Marie Câmara Manoel September 12, 2005 at 17:24 in Salt Lake City. Both mother and daughter are doing very well. Anna weighed in at 8 lbs.

They will be coming home tonight.

Thank you.

Luis

My Precious

I am not sure how well you can see the drawing on the whiteboard, but it is my daughter's depiction of her and her dad, (me). She happened to have come to my office this day while her mom went to the doctor. In very little letters by the girl's head the following is written: "I love (heart) dad...

As one who has been working with teens for quite a while, I realize how fleeting moments like these can be.

As children become teenagers and stretch their own wings for the first time, they tend to want to shirk all that might represent their previous dependency to their progenitors. Among other things, at that age it is "no longer cool" to tell a dad or a mom that they are loved... Thus my wish to immortalize the statement on the board. It is mine, and it is precious.

She is now five. It is my hope and prayer that when she is sixteen she will feel the same way. I will try to do my best to give her, and her brothers, excuses to do so.

The value of independence...

From political scientists to family therapists, many are those who seek to analyze the value of independence.

From a geopolitical standpoint, it means that a specific nation has found a voice and sovereignty in the international community as it breaks its ties to a former colonist, regime, ruler, etc. From a childhood development perspective, it means that one was given the power to act independently from parental overview. As well documented in this picture, or as obvious in the rising of new nations, either process is messy and can cause great chaos.

In this example, our son, of only 2 years of age at the time, is experimenting with eating without adult supervision. To us, his parents, it became painfully obvious that there was a price to pay for the great blessing of free agency. Here, a bath-full of water and a batch of laundry were sufficient to minimize the effects of this experiment- In the case of newly emerging democracies, the blood of warring factions engaged in human kind's most primeval form of conflict resolution is not so easily washed. Tears of longing and a debt of gratitude by those whose freedoms were assured is often all that is left behind.

The question becomes: "When does freedom ever become too expensive?"

Camp Maple Dell

A Little bit about the surrounding areas where we live. This is a picture I took at the montains roughly behind our home. (about 25 miles). It is a Scout Camp called Maple Dell where I served as a Wood Badge course director for the Boy Scouts of America earlier this year, (April 2005). It is located at Payson Canyon, at the scenic Mount Nebo Loop. Inspiring and breath-taking vistas!