Much to be Thankful for

Wow, what a whirlwind of a week! Transfer weeks are always busy, but this was extra busy! I just have to say... I say this every 6 weeks... it's SO HARD to say goodbye!!! We have such amazing missionaries and I hate to see them go!! All of these elders served in two countries. Three of them served in Uganda and Ethiopia, and two of them served in Uganda and Rwanda. They have been stalwart missionaries and can go home with their heads held high. We are so grateful for their service and wish them all the best in all that they do. 

Moncur, Neff, Mukaro, Chandler, Richardson

Departing missionaries with the AP's and us.

We had a farewell dinner at the mission home, but then decided to treat the missionaries to a nice dessert before they got to the airport. We leave early because sometimes traffic is so bad that we don't want to be late.  There's a nice place we can stop if there is time, and on this evening we had plenty of time before the missionaries were supposed to fly out. 

Four of the five departing missionaries are from the United States, but we only took two to the airport because one was leaving to Zimbabwe the next morning...

 ...and two of them had their parents come to Uganda to pick them up.

It was so fun to meet Brother and Sister Richardson, 

 and Brother and Sister Chandler and their daughter Mesi. 

We really enjoyed spending a little bit of time with each of these families. They will be touring around the mission for a little while before they return home with their missionaries. I think they will enjoy their time here. 

The missionaries usually depart on Tuesday night or very early Wednesday morning, and while we are at the airport dropping them off, missionaries from Johannesburg MTC are arriving. After sending 5 missionaries home, we welcomed 10 new missionaries from Johannesburg MTC, 3 new missionaries from Ghana MTC, and 2 new missionaries from New Zealand MTC. 

FIFTEEN new missionaries! 

What an exciting time it is.There are a lot of emotions as we bring these new missionaries to the mission home. Some are extremely excited, some are a little bit nervous, some are full of energy and just want to go to work, some haven't slept in many hours and are exhausted. 

We are so grateful to have them all here. We can't wait to get to know them better. We spent time with orientation, work permits, and had a devotional and testimony meeting. We had three Polynesian missionaries staying at the mission home. Two new and one who will be transferring to Rwanda. As part of their morning work out, President Collings asked if they would teach the missionaries a HAKKA. It's what they do when preparing to go to battle. We decided it would be like preparing to fight against the Adversary as missionaries. I'll say this... Elder Moller scared me a little bit. He is usually so quiet and sweet. He led the Hakka, and was pretty intimidating! I'll attach the video below.

Then on Thursday (Thanksgiving) they went to their new apartments and met their new companions. It was a very busy day with missionaries traveling all over Uganda and flying to Ethiopia and Rwanda. It didn't feel much like Thanksgiving, but it was a very good day and week.

President Collings and I decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday evening. We invited the Mission Presidency and their wives along with our friends Godfrey and Beatrice. They all brought food with them and we had such a FEAST! We had beef, pork, and goat, along with potatoes, chapati, and matooke. We also had some veggies, salad, and dessert. It was a different kind of Thanksgiving Dinner, but wonderful feelings, wonderful friends, and plenty of food. We can't complain at all. We are so blessed!

After Thanksgiving, it's time to set up the home for Christmas, right? So we spent Monday setting up the Christmas tree with Christmas music playing in the background. I realized when the song "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" started to play on the radio, that I was starting to sweat and had to turn on the air conditioning. The thoughts of sitting in front of a fire seems so funny when it's 85 degrees outside. All part of the Ugandan experience! We love it!

Looking forward to a wonderful Christmas Season.

Our trip to Jo-Berg!

Here's a selfie to start with...

We spent time with Jinja and East Zones for Zone Conference. It was held at the Jinja Stake Center. Missionaries from the East Zone traveled the day before, and President Collings did interviews. They were able to spend the night with other missionaries in the Jinja Stake, and then join together for Zone Conference. 

The focus for all zone conferences in the mission was on understanding and following the Spirit. It's especially important as missionaries because we absolutely have to have the Spirit with us or we would not be effective teachers. It's a huge comfort knowing that we are not alone in this work... D&C 84:88 "I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."  President Collings focused on the quote by Joseph Smith, "Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it." Then we talked about different forms of revelation; a thought in your mind, a feeling in your heart, a dream, a voice, counsel from a teacher or leader, a scripture, general conference, etc. The missionaries then talked about what they need to do to be worthy of receiving revelation throughout the day, every day. They talked about things like prayer, study the scriptures, being obedient to the missionary rules (the white handbook), following the counsel of your leaders, offering your whole soul (Omni 1:26), etc. 

My training was on having a good attitude. As missionaries we face trials every day, but how we react has a huge impact on the kind of missionary work we are able to accomplish. We talked about the story of Ammon in Alma 17:27-29 and compared the attitude of Ammon in those verses to the attitude of the other servants of the king. I compared the missionaries to Ammon. He knew the bigger picture. He understood the things of God and saw this as an opportunity to show the power of God that was in him. We talked about situations when we are talking to people who are not of our faith, and how we can bless their lives as we show them the bigger picture. There are so many amazing stories in the scriptures where someone stuck up for what they knew was right, and even though they didn't know what the outcome would be, they trusted God. I tried to help the missionaries see that when difficulties come their way, even though they may not know the outcome, change their attitude, and  try to look at the bigger picture, "How can this trial help me show others the love of God in their life?" "How can I react in a way that will lift others and help them see an example of the Savior?" "What is the bigger picture here?" 

The Zone Leaders taught on Christ-like leadership and setting prayerful goals. Our zone leaders are really great. I love attending zone conferences and listening to the missionary leadership teach. They do such a fine job, and I really learn so much from them. It's neat to see how they will take the subject that is given them and teach according to the needs of their own zones! Missionary Life is such a great time to watch the growth of these young men and women! I think it's my favorite thing about being a missionary mom, just seeing the changes that take place in the lives of our missionaries.

After the meetings, Sister Mbiro served another wonderful Ugandan lunch for the missionaries. It's amazing how they can pile so much food on their plates, and how there can still be so much left over. It's such a blessing for me to have her serve these meals because I am far from home and would struggle with what to bring for lunch otherwise. I think the missionaries really enjoy it as well. It's quite a task feeding around 40 missionaries! 

We had zone conference for Kampala North and South Zones as well, but I completely forgot to pull out my camera. The lunch was made by Sister Christine in Kampala. I helped with serving, which is usually when I remember to take pictures... it's just an excuse, but I really feel bad.

We had a wonderful experience on Sunday. President Collings has had some wonderful experiences with sharing the Gospel on social media. Several months ago, a young woman named Agnes asked him about the church. He was able to teach her and invite her to come to church. She came to the mission office and was introduced to missionaries serving near where she lives. She started coming to church and she loved what she was taught and was excited to be baptized. She requested that President Collings baptize her because he was the person who introduced her to the missionaries. It's been such a tender mercy for President Collings. He has been able to reach so many people on social media, not just in Uganda. There are many who accept and are baptized. It's been fun to see. It just shows us that we can be missionaries anywhere in the world, right from our own computer.

Agnes on her baptism day. She brought her friend who is now taking lessons from the missionaries.

Monday morning we left for a Seminar for Mission Leadership in Johannesburg South Africa. We have really been looking forward to this for 6 months! We travel to South Africa every six months for training, which is wonderful. This time we were especially excited for two reasons: First, we had arranged a missionary reunion with our return missionaries from this area, and were excited to see them. Second, we would be taught in this seminar by Elder Neil L Anderson and his wife, and we were excited to see them!

First stop for us while we were in Johannesburg was a restaurant that serves STEAK! This is probably what President Collings misses most in the Ugandan diet. There is steak here, but the beef tastes different. He misses a really good juicy flavorful steak! It did not disappoint!

 On Tuesday, we had a dental check up, and were able to get some shopping done for things we can't find in Uganda. It was nice to go to the malls and see so many wonderful shops!

Tuesday evening we met with some of our return missionaries and went on a session in the Johannesburg Temple. We felt so grateful to be there with these young men and women who we love so much! There were about 15 in the temple with us, including some we haven't see for about 2 years!

Malaza, Mahlangu, Gwazvo, Sibeko, Dlamini, Kgomo, Mbuli, Lukele

 After the temple, we made our way to one of the hotels that has a buffet, where we met up with the rest of the return missionaries. In all there were 25, four of which brought dates, so 29 total. It was so sweet! It felt like a family reunion!

 Everyone took turns introducing themselves and talking about their favorite memories from their mission. Lots of sweet feelings and laughs. It was fun seeing missionaries reunite with each other as well.

We had one married couple, one engaged couple, and several brought dates. Most came from South Africa, but some came from Swaziland and Zimbabwe, which was such a fun surprise.

We were so surprised when they presented us with gifts. They gave us amazing articles that represent royalty, which really touched our hearts. Then they presented us with a journal. They had asked all of the returned missionaries to send a message for us, then they took the messages and put them into a book which was decorated. It was so neat. There were messages from MANY of our African missionaries who couldn't come that far from places like Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland, and even South Africa. 

 We are not sure when we will make it back to Johannesburg. When the next seminar is held in Johannesburg, we will be home... We have so many wonderful return missionaries from all over Africa, I think we want to travel here every few years and just have reunions in some of the different countries. Thankfully, the internet keeps the world a little bit smaller so we can keep in touch with many of them. We are so blessed to know these wonderful young men and women! It was hard to say goodbye.

Front Row: Sibeko, Malgas, Gwazvo, Mokoena, Mbuli, Dlamini, Lukhele, a friend, Mudau

Back Row: Shongwe, Mutamburigwa, Manqele, Shabalala, Mahlangu and date, Ntuzela and fiance, Malaza and date, Thomas and date, a friend, Ngwenya and wife, Shoba, Kgomo, Mashego, a friend

 During our stay we were able to meet some of the parents of our missionaries. We received many packages to take back to them from their families. It was fun to connect with their parents and get to know them better.

Sister Macanda's Mom

Elder Mdletshe's Parents

When the actual seminar began, we had already had a perfect trip. How could it get any better? But of course, when you get to sit together with an Apostle and his wife, and even have lunch at the same table, sitting right next to them... it was pretty special.

During the seminar we were asked to share some things that we have found to work on our mission. They asked different mission presidents and their wives to do this, which really helps get new ideas for the missions.

The Area Presidency's wives were taking pictures and shared this one with me. 

 Each day we are assigned a seat for the seminar. On day two, this is where we were sitting. Front row, facing Elder Sitati, Elder Koch, Elder Palmer, Elder Anderson, and Elder Vinson. Talk about an amazing meeting!

 I think this is a time for us to refuel. We felt inspired and motivated to do our very best right to the end of our mission!

 I was taking pictures of this quote from President Nelson when Elder Anderson accidentally got in the way. A  pretty good photo bomb, I think!

 During a break in the sessions, President Collings took some pictures of many of our dear friends. We have really gotten to know and love the mission presidents and wives who are serving in the Southeast Africa Area. It was fun for him to practice his photography skills and save some memories.

 His pictures are much better than mine from my iPhone. 

President and Sister Kupu

President and Sister Chadambuka

 On the third day the women and men separated into our own training sessions. The women were blessed to be taught by Elder and Sister Anderson. Elder Anderson later went to the session with the men, but it was really nice to spend even more time with him and his wife.

Some of the women I have grown to love!

On our final evening in Johannesburg we spent several hours with our friends, President and Sister Okot. President Okot was the stake president in Kampala, and the FM Manager for the church in Uganda. We worked very closely with him for about two years, and got to know him and his wife. We were so happy for them when they were called to preside over the Zimbabwe Bulawayo mission!. We enjoyed so much spending time talking with them and hearing about how their children are doing in Zimbabwe. This is quite a change for their sweet family, but they are handling it masterfully. 

There are so many wonderful memories from our time in Johannesburg. We are so grateful for the great people we serve with, and the great people who lead us. It's amazing how the Lord's work continues to roll forth!

Coming home from the airport, I realized with all the traveling we do, I don't have any pictures of our airport routine.  This is another memory for myself that I want to write down (forewarning it might be boring). We drive to the long term parking at Entebbe International Airport. Our car sits there for a week, or however long we are gone. We grab a cart, or not depending on how long we will be gone. Sometimes we just take two small bags and can pull them behind us. It's quite a walk to the airport, and there isn't any type of shuttle, so we just walk. To get to the departure gate, we have to go to the second level of the building. The airport is under construction, so the only way to get to the second level is to walk up a flight of stairs. There are porters placed at the staircase who are very happy to take the bags up for you (no charge). When we get to the entrance, there is usually a line outside the door. We wait in the line and place our bags all in a row. The security has a dog that they bring out to sniff every bag. My favorite dog there is a cute Cocker Spaniel. They always look like they are having so much fun playing a game of hide and seek. If you arrive too early for your flight, you don't even get in the front door. You have to go to a separate waiting area.  What is most different from airports in the United States is that you have to get out of the car and go through a metal detector as you're driving into the airport parking lot, then again to enter the airport. You have to put all your suitcases on a giant x-ray machine. Then again just before you board the plane. This is the case in most of the airports we have been to in Africa.

Great Weekend in Ethiopia

We were scheduled to go to Ethiopia for interviews and zone conference. For the past few times we have planned to go to Ethiopia, we have tried to get to Awassa, but something always came up. It was time for us to call a new Branch President for the Awassa Branch, but we had other obligations in Debre Zeit, and Addis Ababa. We are so grateful that President Collings has capable counselors who are able to help out when he isn't able to be there. President Okello went to Awassa, and then while counseling with President Collings, called and set apart a new Branch Presidency.

President Okello and his wife Martha

Branch President: Eyobe Kassa Abate (Center)

1st Counselor: Sintayehu Demeke Doboro (Left)

2nd Counselor: Desalegne Deyaso Kare (Right)

Members attending the Awassa Branch

 We are very excited for these new leaders. Awassa is a very special place, and with the help of the Branch Members and the 4 missionaries who are assigned to this branch, we will be able to see the church grow even more here. 

President Collings and I attended church in the Debre Zeit Branch. We were with President Eyob, and while we were traveling to the meeting that morning, President Collings said that he didn't plan on speaking or teaching at all, he just wanted to observe. When we arrived though, he felt something completely different. There were about 75 people at church, and 14 of them were people who were interested in learning more about the church. Some of them had just walked in off the street. We have security guards at the church who are being taught by the missionaries, and when people are walking by, showing any interest at all, the security guards will invite them in and even give them a pass along card with the missionaries phone number on it. 

President Collings felt very strongly that he needed to teach the people after sacrament meeting, and it was very inspiring. The feelings in the meetings were really wonderful. We did have a group of people from the United States who came for sacrament meeting. It was the final week for our senior couple and was a wonderful way to wish them a safe journey home, as we all sang, "God be with you till we meet again."

There are two sisters who just returned home from their missions. Sister Tigist, and Israel both served their missions in Ghana. They spoke to us after the meeting and talked about how their missions are not over, they have just taken off their name tags, but they are continuing to teach and  lead people in the branches where they stay. We are blessed to have them!

After church, we visited Sister Yeshi and Israel's home. We have had some wonderful experiences as we have felt of the goodness of the members here in Ethiopia.

 Sunday evening we went with some of the missionaries in Addis Ababa and enjoyed listening to them teach. The family we met with were really prepared. It was such a great feeling as they would ask the different questions that they have had for such a long time, I kept thinking how blessed we are to actually  have the ANSWERS! The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has all the answers we need! This is a very strong family, and I'm excited to see them progress in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our missionaries taught very simply and were spot on in the things they said. I always enjoy listening to President Collings teach. He goes straight to the scriptures. There are a lot less questions when it comes from the mouths of the prophets and not just us. All in all it was a great evening. The people in Ethiopia are AMAZING!

For preparation day on Monday, we all met at a park and the elders and President Collings played Ultimate Frisbee. I actually forgot to bring anything but dresses, so I sat out and watched. The day was prefect. It was warm, but there were clouds in the sky so it never felt too hot. We really enjoyed spending time with the missionaries. They are good young men!

We were in a pretty nice park! The boundary lines were bricks, so the missionaries had to really watch where they would step as they were close to going out of bounds, so they didn't trip. I'm happy to report no injuries! 

Mostly it was just the missionaries playing. A lot of people would walk by, and a few tossed the frisbee back to us when it went out of bounds, but when we invited them to come play, they would just laugh and continue walking. 

A few pictures of the Ethiopia Zone. 

We are happy to have these hard working, dedicated missionaries serving in Ethiopia. They are far away from the mission president, and now are without a senior couple, but they are diligent, and stalwart young men who can be trusted. We are grateful for their maturity, and their love of the Lord, which guides them to be the best missionaries they can be.

Our last day was zone conference. The focus for all zone conferences in the mission was on understanding and following the Spirit. It's especially important as missionaries because we absolutely have to have the Spirit with us or we would not be effective teachers. It's a huge comfort knowing that we are not alone in this work... D&C 84:88 "I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."  President Collings focused on the quote by Joseph Smith, "Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it." Then we talked about different forms of revelation; a thought in your mind, a feeling in your heart, a dream, a voice, counsel from a teacher or leader, a scripture, general conference, etc. The missionaries then talked about what they need to do to be worthy of receiving revelation throughout the day, every day. They talked about things like prayer, study the scriptures, being obedient to the missionary rules (the white handbook), following the counsel of your leaders, offering your whole soul (Omni 1:26), etc. 

My training was on having a good attitude. As missionaries we face trials every day, but how we react has a huge impact on the kind of missionary work we are able to accomplish. We talked about the story of Ammon in Alma 17:27-29 and compared the attitude of Ammon in those verses to the attitude of the other servants of the king. I compared the missionaries to Ammon. He had the bigger picture. He understood the things of God and saw this as an opportunity to show the power of God that was in him. We talked about situations when we are talking to people who are not of our faith, and how we can bless their lives as we show them the bigger picture. There are so many amazing stories in the scriptures where someone stuck up for what they knew was right, and even though they didn't know what the outcome would be, they trusted God. I tried to help the missionaries see that when difficulties come their way, even though they may not know the outcome, change their attitude, and  try to look at the bigger picture, "How can this trial help me show others the love of God in their life?" "How can I react in a way that will lift others and help them see an example of the Savior?" "What is the bigger picture here?" 

The Zone Leaders taught on Christ like leadership and setting prayerful goals. Our zone leaders are really great. I love attending zone conferences and listening to the missionary leadership teach. They do such a fine job, and I really learn so much from them. It's neat to see how they will take the subject that is given them and teach according to the needs of their own zones! Missionary Life is such a great time to watch the growth of these young men and women! I think it's my favorite thing about being a missionary mom, just seeing the changes that take place in the lives of our missionaries.

We are anxious to watch the progress of the people in Ethiopia. The missionaries are working hard, the people in the church are sharing with others, and inviting them to church. The people who are being taught and baptized seem to really be prepared! We have great future leaders being baptized at this time! We are so blessed to be a part of the growth of the church in Ethiopia.