Monday, August 12, 2013

Our dear departing 12!

                                                                  Sister Njoroge
                                                                       Sister O'Barr
                                                                     Elder Fly
 Elder Ariho
 Elder Horne
 Elder Mantchichi
Elder Cook 
 Elder Ngaira
 Elder Perkins
 Elder Masika
 Elder Fairbanks
                                                 yes... Elder Shurtz...you got to be last!

Sweet day!


Our first departing missionaries! All 12 found a place in our hearts and we will love them always!

 Saturday lunch at the mission home after a baptism and service project.


 Sunday BBQ to say farewell to some pretty incredible missionaries!
 Thankfully these wonderful senior couples are staying with us for some more time!
 Following a tearful and powerful testimony meeting, the love was evident!






Let the haircuts begin! Elders Ngaira, Fly, Perkins and Fairbanks all trust the President to help them look handsome for going home.








Sunday, August 4, 2013

We have just spent our 6th Sunday in the mission. Every week has been packed full! We love Sundays to meet the members and feel of their love for and faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today we were in Ndola, which is about a 5 hour drive north of Lusaka. The testimony meeting we attended today was wonderful. 2 women bore their testimonies in Bemba, the local tribal language and a brother interpreted. They love the Book of Mormon and their Savior. They all know that God loves them...they give great thanks for their lives and for the restoration of the Lord's true and living church. It is humbling to say the least to be part of their worship. They laugh easily and everyone shakes hands with everyone. Women greet cheek to cheek, first one side and then the other.
Last night we went to dinner with President Chisimba and his wife. We had such a lovely time visiting and I asked about every question I had about their culture, food and traditions. Nshima really is eaten every day! It goes by a different name in each African country...but it is the staple. President Chisimba said that most Zambians don't consider that they have eaten real food if they haven't eaten nshima that day. For any of you who don't know what it is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nshima
I like it...and you eat it with your fingers.
We were told in the mission president's seminar..."get ready to be on the front row of witnessing miracles". Well... it is true. We have seen and been part of some wonderful workings of the Lord's hand. He is in charge. This is His work. How blessed we are to be tools in His hands.
D&C 101:16 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine ahands; be still and bknow that I am God.

These are all the goods you can purchase along the side of the road from Lusaka to Ndola. You don't even have to get out of your car. They will run it right up to your window.

                                         Hoes & Axes

                                         Rakes
                                         Bamboo mats
                                         Charcoal

                                         Hollow Gourds




                                         The best tomatoes you have ever had
                                         Wild Honey


                                         Pumpkins and more tomatoes...always in pyramids:)