Another week has gone by with many new sights and sensations. On Tuesday we took benches that were used at the Medina School for Sacrament meeting before the church was built in Mosenesie JCT, up to Mokanji. They are in need of more seats in the rented place they call church. As we were coming home with Augustine and Andrew our two helpers and prospective missionaries we passed by Andrews small Village. He asked if he could stop and introduce us to his mom. We pulled over and began to walk about a half mile through the homes and huts of the village. It was quite typical of many of the places we go. As we walked I found a blacksmith making a machete with hot coals and bellows .... It was pretty cool... just like in the movies. I will send the video via messenger.

We weaved in and out of many home sites down the small trail (seeing the villagers in their natural state... if you get my drift).... that led to Andrews home and finally found his hut. It is the last one built against a vast expanse of green foliage and trees. See photos. His mom was shaving potato leaves with a knife into a small bowl for dinner that night.
She uses a very sharp knife and while holding the leaves very tight in her hand shaves off thin layers of the delicious leaves. Then she will boil them on her bowling ball rock fire and create a local favorite meal to go with rice. Her husband has created a large mound of dirt dug out from a space just behind the home to make an oven. It stands about 10 feet high and has one opening like a pizza oven where they bake bread to sell each morning on the main road. It is the simple life for sure.

As you may have noticed my pants are not fitting too well these days.... the bunch up around the back is getting pretty large... This new diet discovery has been a pleasant surprise to tell you the truth. I have not weight 170 pounds (Wednesday) since I was just graduating from college in 1976. That is a long time ago. Jane watched as I dried myself off from the shower this morning and commented on my Arnold Schwarzenegger look. (right)

Mom has been wonderful with the food we eat and conjures up some of the best tasting meals out of thin air it seems. We eat well I feel... just less. And oh... there is no ice cream, or burgers and fries around. This week I went to lunch for the very 1st time with 3 of our prospective missionaries in Moyamba. We found a small cafe... very rustic where they serves chicken or Cow and goat with cassava greens mixed to go over rice. I decided to go for it. The worst that could happen .... I die.... Not a bad way to go at this point in my life. It was actually quite tasty and did not seem to give me any side affect.

The photos showing the creative book stand for the music and the jammed people at the meeting was in Moyamba branch last Sunday. The place was packed. Over 200 showed up and were crammed in there like sardines. It was such a thrill to see all these people and feel their spirit and energy. There were people down the hall.... in each class room and outside to try and participate in Sacrament meeting. After I was able with President Jarvis to interview 4 new Elder to advance in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
I also interviewed a man for his temple recommend. As this was all happening the spirit spoke to me and shared that the reason that this is happening here... the energy and amazing growth is because there is a strong team of worthy and righteous Priesthood Holders serving in this branch. Somehow President Kangoley who is the BP. has assembled a team of men who honor their Priesthood and valiantly serve. The power and spirit there was evident and awesome. This is just the kind of thing that we need to see in all of our branches.

Due to the vast gap in culture and expectation I fear it will take time and a lot of patience (on my part) to move the needle in some places. There are dedicated converts in each area... However their ways and organizational skills are not what we are used to. This morning we arrived at a branch where we have spent a lot of time trying to help organize things...... like the water tank so water is available to the church... and the generator so we can have power for lights and sound and fans. When we arrived the large tank that provides water is empty.... the gen battery is dead and there was no concern about it.
My way is to be frustrated that these things are not ready for church to begin. We did remedy the problem with my trusty small battery charger..... So we had power and can fill the tank. You all know that my hearing is not the best... even with my hearing aids in. Today after the meeting I tested the microphone to just check out why maybe I was struggling. to hear... It had not been turned on. The reality as Jane so accurately put is as we discussed this issue over dinner today.... is.... they don't care. It is true.. water, power.... bathrooms... sound system is not an African luxury. They do NOT Care. I need a chill pill.
We lost 4 of our district this week to transfers. It is sad to see them go... but as you know... they come and they go... We have some good new ones who we will grow to love.... This photo of out district was taken Thursday. We are now our own Zone... 4 news Elders down in Matru Jong where they have never had them before. We drive down on Wednesdays and take 2 with us. Now they have their own. It will be good.

We are surviving and having a meaningful experience. One that will teach us much about what matters most in life. I pray that I will learn the lessons God has to teach me here. There are many.

God is in this work. He has definite purpose in having us here, both for us and for them. We love to be with them and feel their warmth.
We miss you and love you all.
God Bless.
Dad