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.

Fun news and a few videos

So many wonderful things going on, I don't know where to start. I'm a little preoccupied by the fun pictures I got from home. I just love my grandchildren! It's so fun to see them growing up and having fun for Halloween. I miss them so much!

Another proud mom moment... Well, proud Mission Mom moment. We received news that two of our returned missionaries were called as Branch Presidents in their Branches. This makes three that we know of who are serving as Branch Presidents now. When we send them home from their missions, we really see the potential they have to be strong leaders in the various areas where they live. It's so fun to see them actually called and serving... and getting married! 

President Manqele in South Africa

(he has served for over a year now, and was recently married)

President Andriatsitherina from Madagascar

(just called and also recently married)

President Fiagbedzi from Ghana

(also just called)

We have had a few changes in the Branch Presidencies here in Uganda. We are so grateful that President Collings has two capable counselors who are able to make these changes. It seems we always have somewhere to be, and they are able to step in and help very often. Our most recent changes were in Bardege Branch, which is in Gulu.

Bardege Branch Presidency

There was also a change in the branch presidency of the Lira Branch. I have a fun picture of the branch. We are so grateful for all of our faithful members in the Lira Branch!

Lira Branch Presidency

President Collings and I just got back from Rwanda where we met with the District Presidency and the Maughans, the new senior couple.  I just have to say, I am so excited to have Elder and Sister Maughan here. They are so energetic and organized. They have really taken the vision that President Collings gave them of this District, and they have just run with it. They have shared their ideas of what they feel like they want to do, and are just going to work. The District Presidency warmed up to them right away, and we are excited to see how Rwanda will continue to improve in the coming months.

We went to church in the new Kigali 2nd Branch Building, and were so happy to see almost 100 people there. They have really had an improvement in attendance since the new building was finished. We are so happy for them. We are just praying that Kigali 3rd Branch will get a building soon. 

Members of the Kigali 2nd Branch in front of their new building

We also had interviews and Zone Conference while we were in Rwanda. It was the first time since February that we were able to hold Zone Conference in the church building. The buildings were all closed by the government, so we had to have our Zone Conferences in the senior couple's apartment. It was a nice set up and worked while we had no other option, but is was so wonderful to have more space, and actually be in the chapel again. Elder and Sister Maughan took care of shuttling us around, which was pretty good since they had only been in Rwanda for about a week. They also took care of food for the zone conference. It worked out really well. I didn't realize that Meze Fresh actually delivers! It's a restaurant that is similar to Cafe Rio in the United States. The Maughans also had drinks and dessert  for us. The missionaries came prepared, and we really had a wonderful experience with them.

Kigali Rwanda Zone

Some other fun news from Rwanda. A couple of months ago two of my cousins came to visit the mission with some of their friends. They spent time in Uganda and Rwanda. It turned out that my cousin Shayla and a member in Rwanda, Paul, hit it off. It's been really fun to watch it all come about.  Paul was actually a missionary in the Uganda Kampala Mission, and went home at about the same time we came out. President Collings called him as a counselor in the Kigali 1st Branch a year or so ago, and he did an outstanding job. He also helps the missionaries in Rwanda to get their work permits, so we have really spent quite a bit of time with him over the last 2 1/2 years. We were so excited to hear that they decided to get married!! 

Paul and Shayla!

Here is where it gets interesting... Shayla will be coming out at the end of the year for a traditional Rwandan introduction ceremony. They have asked President Collings and I to stand in as Shayla's family. Essentially in place of her mom and dad. (Hope you're okay with this Uncle Roy and Aunt Karen!) We will dress in the traditional Rwandan attire, and be doing official... things... basically, we have no idea what we are actually doing. We know we won't be negotiating for any dowry (no cows at this ceremony). But it will be a lot of fun. They won't officially get married until later when they can go to the temple. It was fun sitting down with Paul while we were in Kigali, as he explained the things they wanted us to do.  

In Kigali with our future cousin-in-law, Paul.

Never expected to be mother of the bride again! What a sweet thing for them to ask us to do. Sounds like a fun Christmas! Stay tuned for pictures!

After returning from Rwanda, we had a Sister's Conference. Most of our sister missionaries are very close to the mission home in Kampala. We invited them over to the mission home where we had a very good experience. 

The sister training leaders taught a principle, and then we had team building activities that represented what had been taught. 

Sister Hedzro talked about how we are all Christ's hands, and how we should lift and help each other as Jesus Christ would do. Then the sisters built a "no hands" pyramid, where they had to stack 10 cups together without touching them with their hands. We talked a bit about how we are trying to build a strong foundation of members here in the Uganda Kampala Mission, as they were putting the foundation of their pyramid down. 

Next, Sister Afrah talked about how a chain is only as strong as the weakest link, and what we can do as sisters to strengthen each other. We talked about what a strong tool a chain can be, and what a great force for good the sister missionaries can be if they are all firm in the faith and obedient. The activity we did for this session was making paper chains. Each group was given a single piece of paper and they were supposed to see which group could make the longest chain. 

Then we all went upstairs for a more spiritual program. The sisters each taught on principles of the mission culture. They all did a really good job  as they taught about what we as a mission have set as standards for the missionaries. Then President Collings taught about what it really means to "offer your whole soul" as it says in our mission scripture: Omni 1:26. He taught about doing the right things for the right reasons. 

We ended the night with some pizza, and then the girls got a little silly. They decided it would be fun to "act" like President Collings and myself. Those of you who know us will have to tell me if you think this is accurate. 

Sister Macanda as President Collings

Sister Mukundu as Sister Collings

All in all, it's been a really great week! We're still just happy to be here!!

Transfers Again, and a new Branch!

Time to say goodbye once again to our veteran missionaries. This group was tough to see leave. They have been an amazing force for good in the Uganda Kampala Mission. Among these missionaries we have individuals who have served in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. We have had great leaders, trainers, and disciples of Jesus Christ. There have been trials and triumphs, refining and rejoicing, and we can say with confidence to each of these young men and women, well done!!

As usually happens, we had a special testimony meeting as well as a farewell dinner. The dinner was local Ugandan foods that they could enjoy one last time before going home. It's incredible to listen to the testimonies of these missionaries and to feel of the strong spirit in the room because of their obedience and sacrifice. 

As quickly as one group leaves, another group comes in. We said goodbye to 10 missionaries and the next day we welcomed 4 new. 

Elder Schwendiman from Idaho, and Elder Konde, Kasaka, and Tshimanga all from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They have all come with a zeal for missionary work. The Congolese missionaries are working really hard to learn the new language. You can feel their strong spirits and I know as they are able to speak more freely, they will be great teachers. Our new American missionary is adjusting very well to the culture shock of a new country. We are grateful to have them all.

We have had such exciting growth in the Southern Town of Masaka! Less than a year ago Masaka Branch was split and we formed the Kijjabwemi Branch which is located more in the Southern side of Masaka. On October 14th, the Masaka Branch was split again. This time, the new Nyendo Branch was formed in the Northern side of Masaka. We have such strong members in this part of our mission, with great men who are able to lead the branches. We also have many return missionaries (men and ladies) from this area who are able to help with teaching, leading, and missionary work. 

Robert Ssekitto: MASAKA Branch President (Center)

Charles Elijah Mabibi: 1st Counselor (Left)

Jeremiah Mark Muwanika: 2nd Counselor (Right)

Vianney Ssenyonga: NYENDO Branch President (Center)

David Akatwijuka: 1st Counselor (Left)

Yasin Kiyimba: 2nd Counselor (Right)

Members of both Masaka and Nyendo Branches right after the branch split.

October 14, 2018

About two years ago, President Collings and I went to a training meeting  with the branch council of the Masaka Branch. At that time there was only one branch in Masaka, but we had a very interesting experience. We left Kampala 4 hours early to make it to this meeting. We had so many issues trying to reach Masaka! We were pulled over by a traffic officer. We found out we took the wrong road and went about 40 miles in the wrong direction. We went over a small dirt road to try and get us back where we needed to be (on the GPS our car was flying through space because it didn't show any roads where we were driving). At the end of the dirt road, there was a nice asphalt road just being finished, but a large group had gathered and there was a young boy stuck in a hole or pipe. While they were getting him out, they wouldn't let anyone pass. (Good news, he was okay. We saw him come out.) Once we finally got on the right highway there was a large diesel that had rolled and traffic was backed up for miles. By the time we finally got to Masaka we were about 30 minutes late. We decided that there was something special in Masaka and the adversary was trying to distract us from going there.

Once we got to the meeting it was incredible. The leaders were all engaged and you could tell they were really leading by example. There was a great feeling in the church in Masaka. As President Collings spoke to them he said that he could see a stake there in  the near future. He said he could see a District created there before our mission was done. It's wonderful to see it grow from one branch two years ago, and now with the creation of a third branch, we can start the process of creating a district. It's just been wonderful to see the growth of the church since the time we arrived. President Collings always says, "When the people are ready, the Lord will send people who are prepared, and the church will grow." We believe the people of Masaka are showing that they are ready to receive as many people who want to come to church. They will be welcomed and treated with love. Very exciting times in Masaka.

Our friends, the Phelps served a mission here over a year ago. We were so excited when we received news that they were going to come and visit some friends and vacation in Uganda again! We were especially excited to be able to take a couple of days and spend it with them. Because we were going to be in Masaka for the weekend, we were able to go a little bit further and see them. It was so nice.

Janell and Rick Phelps

We were able to spend a night at Queen Elizabeth Game Park. It was fun because there were about 5 elephants that we could see right in front of our room. Beautiful views, and a little time to relax. (Relaxing with our phones close in case missionaries or branch members call.)

We also got to go chimpanzee tracking. I have never had this experience before. Can I just say, "WOW!" It was incredible! We hiked in and got to see quite a variety of monkeys, and then we came across a male chimpanzee. He was high in the tree, just eating figs. We watched him for quite a while, and then he decided to leave. They travel so fast, we lost him pretty quickly. We hiked for a little while and then our guide received notification that there were a few other chimpanzees. We quickly went to the area she was given, and there was the same male with a female, they were grooming each other, and there was a young one climbing around as well. As we moved in to get a better view, we heard a rustling in the trees right by us. There was another large male who was coming to join them in the tree. When he saw us, he started to scream and run back and forth. He ran just out of sight and started banging on a tree stump and scream again. He did that twice. We could see his shape running, but he stayed away from us.

It's not easy to get good chimpanzee pictures with a phone. But we really enjoyed the experience.

President Collings and I also got to ride a camel. Let's just say, I am really glad I don't have to cross a desert on the back of a camel! Not very comfortable! But fun to say we did it.

The Phelps spent most of their mission in Mbale which is in Eastern Uganda, so after spending a couple of days with us, they traveled west to spend time with their friends in Mbale, and we went  back to work.

More good news! We just received a new senior couple! They arrived on Tuesday night and spent a couple of days with us in Kampala before traveling to Rwanda where they will be serving. We are so excited to welcome Elder and Sister Maughan to the Uganda Kampala Mission!

They are really troopers! I know they were really suffering from jet lag, but they forced themselves to stay awake and to keep the schedule so that they could adjust more quickly. We offered to let them take a nap during the day and they just said no, they wanted to work.

On Wednesday and Thursday they came to the mission office. President Collings was interviewing missionaries from the South Zone on those days so the Maughans were able to meet some of them. In fact, many of the missionaries they met had served in Rwanda, so they were able to ask a lot of questions and just get an idea of what their new assignment would be like. They were also taught some of the office duties. They will be Member and Leadership Support missionaries, but will also be taking care of the young missionaries and some of the office duties as well. They will do great!

We took them to Ndere Cultural show on Wednesday night. It was fun to let them eat local food here and to see some of the traditional dances from all over Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.  We also had them go to the Entebbe Zoo and take the behind the scenes tour. It's just something you would never be able to do in the United States, and well worth your time.

On Friday we had Mission Leadership Council where all of the Zone Leaders and Sister Training leaders from all over the mission come for a leadership meeting. The Maughans were able to join us for this meeting, and were able to meet the zone leaders from Rwanda for the first time. The meeting was really great. We really have such great missionaries serving here! Each of the new leaders and the Maughans bore their testimonies, which really brought an amazing spirit into the meeting.

Our office elders taught on baptismal records, apartment and vehicle care, and showed the leaders how to replace the filters in all the missionaries water filtration system. Now that we no longer have a senior couple in our office, our office missionaries will not be traveling to all apartments to do inspections, instead this will be left to the zone leaders. The training will help them to know exactly what is needed.

I taught on having a good attitude. It's something I taught on at the beginning of our mission, but I realized most of the  missionaries have  not heard this training, so it was time to bring it back. President Collings taught about how to follow the spirit. Understanding how to feel it, and how to help those we teach to feel and follow promptings of the spirit. He showed video that was put out by the church, I will attach the link HERE. It really helped the missionaries understand the importance of using the spirit. Elder Gilbert taught on how to be good leaders, or shepherds. And Elder Gwatidzo taught on setting goals.

As always, MLC is a wonderful time spent with our missionaries. It brings me great comfort to know that we have such great missionaries who are helping and serving the rest of the missionaries. We are so blessed!

With our office couple gone home, I had planned to spend most days in the office, but I'm happy to say our young missionaries are working circles around me! I'm so impressed with how quickly they catch on to what is required of them. Because they are doing such a good job, I have had time to catch up on a few things that I have neglected over the past few months. I have been working on the mission history, travel coordination, continuing education to keep my nursing license, and credit card expense reports. I feel so grateful that they are able to step in and help during this unique time.

As I look over the past year, I'm just filled with gratitude for the way the Lord has poured out blessings on this mission. When we are faced with tasks that we feel there is no way we can handle, we just push forward with faith, and things seem to work out. It reminds me of the story of Jesus Christ feeding the 5,000. The people only had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. Obviously, not enough to feed so many people. But they still presented it to Jesus Christ and he made up the difference! They gave him something to work with. They gave him all they had, and then he miraculously made more than enough for them! I have felt this way, that what we have to offer is so limited, but he miraculously makes our efforts become more than enough. I'm so grateful to him for all he does for us!  We are so blessed!