Special Visit!

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his lovely wife Mary visited Lusaka in October.
We enjoyed every minute we were with them. They greeted the saints in the Lusaka District with open arms, taking the time to shake hands with everyone present. Although the meeting was on a Monday morning there was a crowd of about 250. 
Elder Cook encouraged us all to increase our faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, to build Zion in our hearts and in our homes, and to focus our attention on the covenants we make in the temple. He told some terrific stories, one about a family home evening when his children were young that had everyone laughing.  He told about being called as an apostle by Gordon B. Hinckley. Leif and I both noticed when he started telling of his apostolic call and how he knelt and wept in his office afterwards, the feeling in the room changed. He described the peace that came over him as he realized he could, without any hesitation, testify of the reality of the living Christ. The Spirit truly did testify that this humble servant of God standing before us was and is called to be a special witness of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What an honor for us to have them come to our Lusaka district.

         Sister Mary Cook and Sister Lynette Cook (wife of Carl B. Cook, our Area President)

October 2014 has been a good month in the mission!

 

Growing my hair out. What do you think?

Sister Mitambo...she staged this pose! I love her.

Mitambo cousins

                                             Look whos 50! Zambia not president!

 Bushes made perfect for drying the baptismal clothing and towels. I was taking this picture and a girl asked me "do they do this in America?" Before I could answer, her friend said ...of course not...that is why she is taking the picture.

 The Woodlands branch has been baptizing like crazy lately!  Sister Dlamini and Sister Rakotonindriana are such sweet missionaries. They have been finding and teaching families!

 Sister Fuamatu and Sister Rametsi (below) all claim part of this wonderful family joining the church.

 Kephas with the unbelted belt was baptized a few months ago and is now baptizing his daughter Sarah.

This is Lucy Nthani and baby Elijah with Sarah getting baptized.
Her husband, Kephas was baptized first, then Lucy and now the children. Sarah was baptized by her father.
Lucy is a Malawian princess. Meaning her father is the head of their tribe. Now living in Zambia, she and her family have found the Gospel!

 The flamboyant trees (flame tree) are in full bloom and we marvel at them every day.

 Best shoe repair in Lusaka...just around the corner from where we live and the best part is the drive up service.

                                                   My favorite tree in Lusaka

8 new missionaries arrived in October and 3 WONDERFUL Sisters departed!

                                                       Elder Malinga from Swaziland

                                                         Elder Brewerton from Canada

                                                            Elder Maaka from SA

                                                       Elder Kapande from Zimbabwe

                                                    Sister Muthengo from Kenya

                                                     Sister Nyachwo from Uganda

                                                     Sister Frimpong from the UK

                                                          Elder Etiang from Uganda

                                Sister Gehring going home to Texas and Sister Jaker home to Uganda

Sister Ntuli made an unexpected flight from Lilongwe straight to Johannesburg due to our flights to Lusaka being cancelled.

Malawi visit September 2014. The rewards of our labors are worth every minute and every mile... on the long and bumpy road.

7 prospective missionaries in Lilongwe, Malawi who waited a long time (almost a year) to get their passports to be able to submit their mission applications. 

Much effort on the part of the senior couples to make it all happen.

 Aaron Benjamin (right) returned to Liwonde, Malawi from his mission in Uganda. He has 3 younger siblings, all terrific. Aaron is the first missionary to serve from this group. They are not even a branch yet. We know there will be many to follow.

 Liwonde Primary and Youth.

 Sights along the road from Malawi, west to Zambia.

 Have you ever seen a larger bag of onions?

 Ever thought of carrying this on your bike?

Never a dull curve on the road. 

Jacaranda trees in Lusaka! This beautiful tree blooms in the middle of the hot, dry season. To me it is a symbol of HOPE and everything good in a world that can be pretty ugly.