Fast Sunday, Yay!!

So what's for dinner? Thankfully nothing. It was so nice not having to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I found time to enjoy a peaceful space that opened up. Cooking takes more time than ever before. Everything is in the rawest form. But the truth is we are eating better than ever, and all three meals are together at the table. You get creative when you have to think about what you will conjure up. I'm getting smarter and using the internet to find ways to use cabbage, pumpkin, rice, and beans. I'm rationing the food we stocked up on the first week in the capital, and it bugs Dad to death. But that fills in the gaps nicely. I made oatmeal raisin coconut cookies. I've made homemade bread by hand kneading. I won't do that too often.

We are going to the second largest city (3 hours away) tomorrow during our p-day to see if we can stock up again. Word is they don't have much. We will be taking our lunch, for there are no safe restaurants in that city to eat at. In the capital of Freetown (4-5 hours away), there are only two safe restaurants and a couple of beach resorts that Europeans go to. Trust me, we will check them out if we can store up some p-days.

If you think not eating is a problem, you're wrong. Eating is hard because of preparation, but the hardest part is knowing those around me are hungry. As I explained, we have a rotation of guards earning their way to become missionaries. No money is exchanged. We, and other donors, just send them off, paying for their visa, luggage, and clothing. One day, the most adorable young guard said, "Sister, I'm hungry. Can you give me some food?" You know me... I would give them all I had. But we can not. It would be a snowball catastrophe. I tried my best to explain that it's against our rules. Which, of course, sounded ridiculous. So now I try to make extra and act like they are doing me a favor to get rid of it. And I try not to do it often so they don't expect anything. Why? Why? Why? Very humbling.

Everyone is suffering from - not enough. With time, maybe we will think of things you can try and send to start small businesses. We brought $132.00 of garden seeds. It filled only a tiny Home Depot bag. Those seeds are worth more than gold. Now, trying to be wise with them is our goal.

I noticed one of our friends had goats roaming in the yard. I asked if he milked them. He looked at me as crazy as I looked at him.

"What? Milk them? No, we eat them. I've never heard of milking them."

I said, "What? You eat them, not milk them? I've never heard of someone eating goat meat."

We started brainstorming how he could sell goat cheese. I came right home and googled. We might get something going. Cheese is one item I bought in the capital for a very high price. When I had several guards in the house that evening, I asked if they had ever heard of cheese. None had. They loved it.

On the other hand, google tells me goat meat is sweet and doesn't have the game flavor like lamb. It is one of the healthiest meats, even better than chicken. I'll let you know.

Speaking of things I’ve never heard of... We are learning they only know about what is happening in this little area. They have never been far from home, never had a TV, and computers are rare. Some have cell phones but only use WhatsApp. Without electricity, imagine what they don't have. They have yet to learn who the Beatles are. Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean get us blank stares. There is beauty in their simple lives. Is mine filled with static and gibberish? Yep.

Oh, the music is worth the trip. Every meeting we go to gives me goosebumps. They all just belt it out. Luckily, I can't even hear my own voice. Today was the first day with someone playing a keyboard. He was just as off-key as the congregation. I'm not sure what he was playing, but it all sounded great together.

My favorite thing is being out with the people in their homes' front yards (they bring plastic chairs outside for us and a bench for them). These people have strong testimonies of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. There is no fluff. They are converted, and it means everything to them. Really! They love the Book of Mormon and focus on its teachings. I have discovered that when you don't need God that much, you can take your relationship with Him for granted. When your life and comfort depend on Him, you take it seriously. Yes, I have much to learn.

Let me paint a real picture. Last week, I made it sound very grim. That's probably natural because it is a little different. But the truth is we live in an incredible home with a room full of generators and solar equipment that keep us comfortable. Let's just say we have the nicest home within 50 miles by a long shot. It's now clean and has everything we need, including a large guest room with a king-size bed. I'm just trying to tempt anyone to come. And did I mention I'm very popular here with the kids?

The only thing we are missing is all of you and our most amazing grandkids. Thank you for Instagram. I feel connected.

I am grateful for the things that mean the most to me: Paul, you, and God.

Keep in touch.

All my love and hugs,

Mom

xoxoxoxoxoxox