Mission Adventures in Uganda: BEST NEWS!

Friday, January 18, 2019

BEST NEWS!

I don't even know how to begin this post. I'm so excited to announce the birth of another grandson! He was born January 14th, and we are so thrilled. I'm wishing so badly I could just go snuggle this little guy for a few hours. I guess FaceTime and pictures will have to do for now.

This is the most difficult part of serving a mission, but I just keep seeing my family blessed in so many ways. I guess the blessings out-weigh the sacrifice we are making. I'm just so happy for Sarah and Steve. They will be such great parents. And when we come home, this little guy will be 6 months old! What a fun age to play with a baby! So grateful for him!!!

We are starting another round of Zone Conferences. We traveled to Gulu for the Uganda North Zone Conference with our Gulu and Lira Elders. We decided to spend preparation day with them playing volleyball, and letting them see some of the wild game in Murchison Falls National Park.

The whole zone in front of the NILE

Lira District all wore red socks.

Gulu District put up a good fight during volleyball

We got them box lunches from the Lodge. I think they enjoyed it.

Chatting with President Collings

On Tuesday we held Zone Conference at the Bardege Chapel in Gulu Town. They are building a new chapel on the lot, so it was difficult finding a place to take the picture. The whole parking lot looks like a construction zone. We found a nice spot under a mango tree. This is a great group of young men. We are blessed to be serving with them.

Uganda North Zone

Uganda East and Jinja Zones

For this round of zone conferences, we are taking the Assistants to the President with us, to help with a leadership training meeting before the actual zone conference starts. It has been really nice to have them come along, and to have them see all the missionaries in their different areas.

The training for the East and Jinja Zones was really amazing. We have been blessed with a lot of strong young missionaries. They are really doing well. Many of them are just learning English, but they are picking up on it so fast, it's amazing.

This is a short post, but life continues to move forward. We are just enjoying the ride.

Biographical Information

Steve and Tracy both grew up in Utah. Both born into large families who were active in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Steve loved basketball and track, and anything outdoors. He was the second of 7 boys. Tracy was the second of 8 children. She was a gymnast, loved dancing, and always loved babysitting her siblings or the children in the neighborhood. Steve served in the Washington DC South mission, and upon his return was set up on a blind date with Tracy. They were married shortly thereafter. They were blessed with four children, who made life very exciting. Steve pursued a career in business management, and has started and sold several businesses. He has especially enjoyed teaching others about business, and watching them grow and excel in their careers. He has always tried to lift others to their greatest potential in work and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As their kids grew older, Tracy went to nursing school. She loves being able to care for those in need, who can't care for themselves. After 30 years of marriage, they have learned to rely on and lift each other. They have been humbled as they have seen all four of their children married and starting families of their own. They love their six grandchildren and can’t wait to meet them when they return home.