This week our Area Authority ask if Paul could meet a dignitary at that same hospital. He said, “Just be kind and take a few snaps.” Paul had a conflict so I went in his place. Surprise!!! I was honored with a Member of Parliament and every important person in the county. Twenty people were waiting as I arrived to cheer for me. I might have washed my hair had I known. Each had prepared a little speech of gratitude for the “Church of Latter Day.” Then my turn to talk. Camera’s flashing, people cheering. Funny thing -the meeting was intended to gather info for the church to see if they would consider the proposal. No Parliament member had ever been here to serve our 18,000 neighbors. I was the star of the occasion. Check out the photo of the sink in the laboratory. Even though they cleaned the place up for the important day. Afterwards we had a procession to the elementary school that is in need, for another round of my 15 minutes of fame. Best part of the event is the MP and I are now best of buddies. She is adorable and has invited me to join her for a few things.

We finally made it to our smallest church group, (not quite a branch) Largo. They’ve been meeting for at least 8 months. Everyone just brings their own plastic chair and they have a few benches. That’s it. Seriously. No hymn books, podium, alter for the sacrament. In fact, no sacrament at all. It was a beautiful experience to teach them what the sacrament really is and how to administer and pass it. Funny how we just assume things.


Learning everyday here in Sierra Leon. Example: Everyone just throws their trash on the ground. I haven’t seen garbage cans around. The perspective missionaries were with me on a day’s journey and I bought them all sodas for the car ride home. One elder who is super inquisitive and intelligent, threw his empty can out the window. A few days later I asked him why (thinking it would be a good teaching opportunity). “Sister, that can is worth money to someone in need, most garbage is.” I started to look around and recognized even though littering is the only way they deal with trash, it isn’t a trashy country. Somehow it disappears. I have been humbled so many times. We don't know what we don't know. New motto: LISTEN TO LEARN

I haven’t gotten use to the poverty. All day I’m confronted with needs. My deepest desire is to hear the whispering of the Holy Ghost to guide me. Funny how you start dialing in when you’re desperate.
Mosiah 4: Are we not all beggars?
If God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, o then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.


And if ye judge the man who putteth up the petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more will your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God to whom also your life belongeth;

I’m feeling such a heavy weigh of responsibility and yet have know clue which is the best way to help. I too am begging you to send any suggestions you might have for a good business plan or creative ways to help. Giving a fish won’t help. It actually hurts. These sweet people have come to depend on others to solve their problems. I NEED fishing pole ideas.

One thing I am sure of is the gospel gives hope, direction, peace, a loving church family, etc.

Biggest surprise, I enjoy the sound of the many megaphones at 5:15 am for the Muslims call to prayer. What I hate is the dog barking from 3-4 am.

My joy is full. My joy is deep and wide. My joy is running over. All praise to our loving God.
Sending all my love,
Mom (and whoever else plows through this long thing)