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!
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.
