Lehi's Tent

After a week of travel, we decided traveling several hours to a mission branch would be too much on Sunday, so we chose a branch in Kampala to attend. The Ntinda branch is near the mission home, and we were told it is held in a tent. I'm really enjoying all of these new experiences... Sacrament meeting in a tent? CHECK! I'm there!

It is in a good part of town, and was so nice. There is a tent set up for sacrament meeting and the Gospel Principles and Priesthood classes. Then there are a couple of small buildings beside the tent, one for Gospel Doctrine and Relief Society classes, and the other one for Primary.

The sides of the tent are open and the breeze just blows through. You hear birds in the background during the church service. I think everyone should worship in a tent at least once in their life. I was so happy we chose this branch because we ended up seeing some of the people we work with on a daily basis. One of our office admins, Suzan played the keyboard for the sacrament meeting service. That is the first meeting we have been to here in Africa that we had someone playing music! She does a wonderful job!! We also saw the sweet young lady who does the cleaning in our house, Jackie. She teaches primary in this branch. She also does an AMAZING job for us, but that's another story.

During the service, there were two sisters who were confirmed members of the church. I was so impressed with the Branch President, he explained to the members of the branch, that these ladies would need friends to help them to know where to go during church service, but also to understand things as simple as using their scriptures and the hymn books. He tried to help them understand that these ladies had made some dramatic changes in their lives, and would need help adjusting to a new culture in the Gospel. After their confirmation and the Branch President's remarks, we took the sacrament, and then it was time for talks. I moved up beside the newly confirmed sisters, because the speakers kept referencing scriptures, and I wanted to help show them where to turn in their new scriptures. I'd like to say it was my idea, but it was President Collings. He always seems to know what people need. They were so grateful when the meeting was over and both hugged me.

I really enjoyed Relief Society because it was Chapter 12 of the teachings of Howard W Hunter. Which is the same thing we have been studying in Grantsville. Each time I attend a new Branch, it just feels like coming home. The Gospel really is the same everywhere around the world.

We were able to talk with the missionaries serving in this Branch. They were each taking time sitting next to investigators or new converts, and helping them understand what we were being taught. There were 2 sister missionaries, and 4 elders. Really great young men and women.

At the end of the meeting I approached Suzan and gave her a hug. She asked how I like their building. I said I absolutely love it and she said, "We affectionately refer to it as Lehi's tent." I LOVE IT!! How perfect is that?? I just went to church in Lehi's tent! So fun!

This week we had zone conferences again, but they were each held in the mission home. The senior missionaries and Jackie our housekeeper have been helping each day with the meals. I'm so blessed to have them here! I'm not good at entertaining, as my family can attest, but they have really made things so nice for me. Jackie cooks rice and beans, and she'll buy pineapple and watermelon at the market for us to use, then the senior couples will make salads and a main course. I like to keep it simple, so on Tuesday and Thursday we bought pizza because they are buy one get one free.

We have continued to teach the same concepts at each zone conference. I am learning to love these missionaries!!! They are each so uniquely different. It's hard to take time to get to know each one, but just a simple question, "Tell me about your family." Brings the most amazing stories. I can't tell you how many Aftican missionaries tell me that they came on a mission as the only member in their family, or just them and one brother or sister, and are so excited because once they left on a mission their mom and sister, or mom and dad, or brother, or some family member joined the church. One young man told us that his parents were separated most of his life, and while on his mission, his mom and dad got back together and were  both baptized. He said he didn't believe it when they told him, but when he saw pictures, he had to believe it was true. He said he had wanted to return from his mission and start a family of his own, but now he wants to just be with his mom, dad, and siblings, and just FEEL the love in his home.

Kabowa Zone

It makes me so happy when they tell me that they were raised in the gospel. Most Africans are first generation Latter Day Saints. It's so exciting to see second generation Latter Day Saints here from Africa. Such a blessing. I feel guilty at times when they ask if I've seen the Salt Lake Temple. Those who have been to the temple, have been to Johannesburg. The Stake President here told me that he dreams to one day set foot in the Salt Lake Temple. We Saints from Utah really need to appreciate what we have. How many temples within an hour drive of downtown Salt Lake? And how many more within a day's drive? We are so blessed! There is a man here who is a counselor in a Branch Presidency. He was one who President Collings helped to renew his temple recommend. I don't know how many times he's renewed his recommend, but he has yet to be able to go to the temple. He told me he has saved enough for himself, his  wife and one of his children to go. He can't wait until he is able to save for the rest of them. In the meantime, he continues to live worthily, and carries a temple recommend that he may not use.

Kololo Zone

Not to be left out, our American Elders are incredible. I really think we are sent the BEST missionaries. This mission is far from home, and can be intimidating. We are sent missionaries who have strong testimonies of the Gospel, who are hard workers, and who are natural leaders. Each zone conference I think, why are all the best missionaries put together in the same zone? And then I get to the next, and they are just as faithful, and enthusiastic. I'm so thrilled to be able to get to know these missionaries, because I believe I am witnessing many future church leaders in their youth. I can't say enough about them. I have appreciated the way their families will not only support their own missionary, but are so supportive each other, and of their missionary's companion who may be African. Truly amazing people!

Nsambya Zone

I have had several people contact me about writing letters to our African Elders and Sisters who don't ever receive letters. When I went to the office and looked at how many there are who don't receive letters, I was overwhelmed. We have 137 missionaries. Roughly half are Africans. Most of them don't receive mail. I think if people are interested in sending letters to our missionaries, you can write one to either an Elder or a Sister and I'll make sure it is given to one who would absolutely love it. It's just too many to narrow down. It would make their day. We have missionaries who are serving in other parts of Africa, whose home is in Uganda. Our amazing senior missionaries make sure they get one letter a month. I'm so happy to know they care enough to take care of our missionaries who are out serving from Uganda. If you do send letters, please send them to:

Uganda Kampala Mission
Nakawa House, Ground Floor
Plot 7 Port Bell Road
P.O. Box 8989
Kampala, Uganda

This week, since I've finally been able to spend a little more time at home, I have tried to move around furniture and make this house feel a little more like a home for us. I'll put a few pictures up of some of the rooms people may not see unless they come stay a while.

This is an upstairs family room. It's a sanctuary away from everything else where Steve and I study.

This is a room where missionaries would stay. Mostly they stay with the other Elders and Sisters who live close by, but if we have a really big group, we can accommodate them here. 

This is our guest room for visiting General Authorities and other dignitaries.

Today was my first attempt at baking since I've been here. Nothing says home like homemade cinnamon rolls. Ingredients are a little different, but I was happy to see I can get good yeast along with most everything else I need. YUM!!

I have a couple of friends living here at the house with me.  I might need to name them if they stick around a while.

This is the biggest snail I have ever seen.

And this is my friend the gecko. I like him because I'm told he's there to eat all the critters I DON'T like.  However, when I'm in my kitchen at night and he goes running across the floor, he seems very much like a mouse, and I've caught myself whelping and running from the room... I'm still trying to decide if I really like him.

There is also a monkey somewhere in my yard... I think it's a monkey, but Steve says it's a bird. He makes noises all the time that sound like a monkey. I'm too embarrassed to ask the Ugandans that live here if it's a monkey or a bird. I think they'll just laugh at the silly muzunga!

That's it for this week. We are off to Rwanda tomorrow... the adventure continues!

Zone Conferences

Monday we started a tour of the mission. We drive a loop around the mission in Uganda and it takes us 5 days to visit the outlying zones. Then it will be another week of zone conferences at the mission home, and then fly to Ethiopia and Rwanda before we are done, but it will give us a great opportunity to meet all of the missionaries. On our first day here in Uganda we met all of the mission leadership at the mission office, and then we called the rest of the missionaries on the phone and introduced ourselves. We knew we would see them in the next few weeks, but really wanted to just say hello, and thank them for their service.

The first day of travel didn't start well, we woke up at 6:00 to get ready, and we had no water. Not hot or cold. We are getting skills at showering with bottled water!!

We left Kampala, and Steve got behind the wheel. It was good for him to be able to get a few hours of driving in. The drive throughout Uganda is absolutely beautiful!! I didn't realize that people still live in mud huts, but they were everywhere!! The cutest little huts, with curtains across the front door, and laundry hanging on the line. It's so green here!! And the huts are made with red mud, quite the contrast! The little villages seemed a lot cleaner than in Kampala. All along the road people are walking. There may be several miles between the villages, but the roads will be lined with people walking each direction. The ladies carrying bundles on their heads and babies on their backs, the men pushing bicycles loaded with bags of produce or jugs of water, and even children holding hands and walking along.

While driving to Gulu there was an area where the road was lined with monkeys and baboons. The AP's were in front of us and they stopped the car to take pictures. They later told us that they had never seen so many on the road in all the times they had traveled through that area. One of the Elders reached out the window to give a baboon a pass along card about the church. The baboon jumped really high in the air!! Almost as high as the car. I was really laughing, I think it scared the Elders a bit.

Further up the road we got our first glimpse of the Nile! Wow! It's beautiful!! We crossed it a few miles later. It's just amazing.

Once we arrived in Gulu, we checked into our hotel... Mosquito net and all... And then had lunch with the Elders. We ordered hamburgers. They were HUGE! We waited probably 45 minutes for our meal, but it was well worth the wait. The missionaries showed us where the Church building was and then they left to spend the evening with the missionaries in the Gulu area.

There are two mission Branches in Gulu. Each branch had a list of things they needed President Collings to do. He Reorganized a Branch Presidency  and called a new Elders Quorum President, did temple recommend interviews and priesthood advancement interviews. He met with about fifteen branch members from both branches combined. One of the Branch Presidents had set up meetings with two families, and asked that we go with him to strengthen these families. What an amazing experience. We met with two mothers who have been baptized and are working on going to the temple. Both had struggles they are going through, and both were touched by the Spirit as we bore testimony to them of the blessings of the temple. They both lived in homes that were surrounded by the cute huts!! Their homes were humble, but comfortable. We remove our shoes as we enter each home we go to, no matter how humble. Each time as we left, we asked if they would like to leave with prayer. Each time they asked "my sister" to pray... Which means they wanted me to pray. I was touched. It was a neat experience. The ladies here in Uganda are referred to sister or mama.

Our week basically consisted of traveling to a town, meeting with branch presidents. Strengthening them and taking care of any priesthood business in the area. Rolling into bed around 10-11:00. Waking up the next morning, having Zone Conference from 9-1:00, eating lunch with the Elders and Sisters in the Zone, and then travelling to the next town and meeting the branch presidents there. This was our entire week, Monday through Friday when we finally drove home. We woke up Saturday morning for another Zone Conference at the mission home. The days have been COMPLETELY full, and exhausting. But we have been really surprised. President Collings referenced a promise in the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. In D&C 84:33 it states, "For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies." We have never felt that promise more than we have here in the Uganda Kampala mission. We truly are blessed!


For our first Zone conference in the mission We introduced ourselves to the Elders and Sisters, and then they were taught by President Collings and the AP's. They taught the missionaries how to recognize and follow the Holy Ghost while planning, finding, and teaching. The missionaries had been given some scripture references to study before coming to the Zone Conference. President Collings showed them the model of "Prepare to Learn, Interact to Edify, and Invite to Act". He talked to them about the example the Savior set. Throughout his life he "did the will of the Father." President Collings challenged the missionaries in each zone to find out what the will of the Father is for them individually, and then do whatever it is that they are inspired to do.

The missionaries are great! After each of the zone conference we had lunch together and then a few snaps. (Ugandan for taking pictures... I'm trying!)  It was fun finding out about each of the missionaries, and making connections. The world is a very small place in the Gospel!

I've learned to ask the missionaries to tell me about their family instead of asking specifics about their mom and dad. Many of the African Elders are orphans or are the only member of the church in their family. At lunch after a zone conference we had 6 African elders sitting around us at the table.  One spoke with us, asking how he can not be so depressed when his companion is receiving letters from his family, and this elder doesn't have anyone who will ever write to him. Several of the missionaries in the group nodded their heads as if they were wanting to ask the same question. President Collings was impressed to tell him that when his companions are reading letters from home, he should turn to the scriptures, and read them as letters from his Father in Heaven. His whole face lit up. It was hard to hold back tears. We truly felt the love Heavenly Father has for each of His children while we were talking with these young African Elders. Their lives are so difficult, and yet they are so happy.

I am so impressed with all the missionaries we have met!! They are very obedient, and many are becoming great leaders. We still have several weeks before we meet all of the Zones, but I will post the pictures of the Zones we met this week.

Gulu Zone

Lira Zone

Mbale Zone

Jinja Zone

Iganga Zone

Our Amazing Support in Jinja

Elder and Sister Taylor

Mukono Zone

This really has been an amazing week. I just have one more tidbit to add. Take it for what it's worth... THIS happened on this trip, and I am NOT a fan!  Haha!! Definitely not in Kansas anymore. 

Some of the Branch Leadership

Throughout the past week we have had the privilege of meeting with Branch Presidents and other members of the church in Uganda.

On our first Sunday in Masaka, we met the branch president. He has been responsible for this branch for about 7 years.

President Collings met this man who is a pioneer in the gospel here in Uganda. He has been a member of the church here for 20 years.

While here there was a man who is interested in joining the church. He has been a pastor of another church for many years, and was convinced that this is the true church. He spent 3 years breaking ties with his other congregation so that he could be baptized. He and his wife and children are planning to be baptized. He said that there are several members of his old congregation who he has taught what he knows about the church. They are interested in being baptized as well. We will see what happens. If they take lessons from the missionaries and start attending church, it would be a really neat experience for everyone.

We traveled to Gulu and met with the branch presidents of the Gulu and Bardege branches. Both had a lot of work for President Collings to do. He interviewed 16 people between the two branches and was able to make some changes in the branch presidencies and elders quorum presidencies, along with renewing temple recommends and interviewing for priesthood advancements.

Next we drove to Lira and met with the branch presidents of the Lira and Adyel branches. One of the branch presidents invited us all (AP's, the other branch president, and us) to his home for dinner. We had our first home cooked authentic Ugandan meal. It was wonderful! Rice, beans, vegetable, Irish (which is what they call potatoes), and chicken. His family was so welcoming and kind to us. The children were so respectful. It was truly a wonderful evening.

Mbale has a branch president as well as Busia, which is an hour and a half outside of Mbale. We met both of the branch presidents for dinner as well as their children. Both branch presidents had a list of things for President Collings. We all sat down to dinner. President Collings sandwiched between the men, and I got to sit with the sisters and children. The children were ages 7, 6 and 2. The seven year old girl is just a few weeks away from her birthday, and baptism. She was dressed up so nice, and was excited to tell me about her upcoming baptism.

When we got to our last stop in Jinja, it was a little bit different because Jinja has been made a stake. The Stake President met with us, and he was so welcoming. He is a new stake president, but was a District President over the area before it was made a stake. He told us about his family, and his excitement for the growth of the church in Jinja.

It's been exciting to meet these great men who are really all pioneers here in Uganda. The church is steadily growing, and it takes men like this who are worthy priesthood holders who will shepherd their branches and strengthen them. We are honored to know and work with them.

Masaka Branch

On Sunday we drove with Elder and Sister Goodwin, two and a half hours South of Kampala to the Masaka Branch where we attended fast and testimony meeting.

The Branch members were so happy to see us, and it was such a neat experience. I have felt far away from home these past few days, but when we sat down in the LDS church house, it felt like coming home. They had a baby blessing and two confirmations. Then they blessed and passed the sacrament. The branch president stood and bore his testimony and then asked if I would come and bare my testimony. The other ordinances that had taken place took a long time, and so there wasn't time for others, but President Collings was able to end with his testimony. There was a little boy there walking around in the room, he was probably two or three. He came and stood next to me, just staring at me. I smiled at him, and then he reached out and touched my leg with his finger, and then ran away. He touched the Muzunga!! (Their name for white people, I don't think it's a very flattering name) He was cute!!

Because the members weren't able to share their testimonies, the Branch President said if they would like, they could have a testimony meeting in their individual classes. After Sacrament meeting we went to Gospel Principles class where we learned about keeping the sabbath day holy. The sister who taught the class recently returned from a mission. She had been called to Manchester England, but because of VISA problems ended up serving in Zambia. The class was full, and there were many very good questions from the members of the class. When they asked a question that she couldn't answer, she turned to us... Little bit stressful for my first Sunday in Africa, but I taught primary for at least 20 years! I can answer basic gospel questions! It was a great class, and she did an amazing job!!

Next I went to Relief Society, and they did take the advice of the branch president and had a testimony meeting. The sisters bore powerful testimonies of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, The Atonement, etc. As the class was nearing an end, the Relief Society president asked me to stand and bare my testimony. I kind of thought I had already done that and was off the hook, but I stood again and bore my testimony. After I was finished one of the sisters asked if she could ask me a question. I said of course I didn't mind. She said, "You look very young, are you the youngest mission president's wife in the world?" The answer is no, absolutely not. Then she asked if I was the youngest mission president's wife in all of Africa. I still doubt it, but was very flattered. I spoke about my children and grandchildren, and they were all surprised that I am a grandma. After the meeting we took a picture of all the Relief Society sisters together. Then they all came up trying to get selfies with me. It was actually pretty embarrassing. But they were all so sweet. They shake your hand, and don't let go. We would hold hands for several minutes. They would hug me and were constantly saying, "You are welcome". Such a kind greeting.

President Colling was put right to work signing temple recommends and interviewing men for priesthood advancement. I didn't see much of him throughout the block of meetings. He presides at the branch, so he sat on the stand during sacrament meeting. When the meetings were over, they had a baptism scheduled. There were four people who were getting baptized. They asked Sister Goodwin to give a talk on Baptism, and I gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. (Primary days were kicking in again.) There were two ladies and two men getting baptized. They were so excited. The font is in the back of the building. It is filled with a hose which is attached to a water tank on a tower next to the building. Each of them were baptized, and then got changed and went inside the church, and  then each of them bore testimony of how they felt, and why they decided to be baptized. It was an amazing day!

As we were leaving I was stopped by two brothers who both have finished college and have degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering. They asked if I had any contacts either here or in the United States where they may be able to find a job. They were great young men, and I told them I would put it out there that they are looking for work. If any of you want an Engineer, Civil or Mechanical, I've got your guy! Let me know.

On our way home from Masaka, we had to stop on the Equator. It's a first for us, but I think it will be the first of many times we cross it. We travel every six weeks for the next three years.

Studying and Teaching with the missionaries

On Friday, President Collings arranged for us to go spend some time in the trenches with the missionaries. I went with two sister missionaries, and he went with two Elders. We participated in their morning companionship study and then went on a couple of lessons with them.

When I went with the sisters, I was so amazed with how diligent they were. They talked about the things they had been studying that morning, and how it made them feel and the lessons it taught them. Then they talked about each of the investigators they would be teaching that day, and what their plan would be. They talked to me about how sometimes things will change, and they have to change the lesson to fit the person's needs. They seem so mature in the gospel. One of the sisters is a Sister Training Leader and will be going home in two months. They were both really sweet.

Sister Shongwe and Sister Randrianandrasana

We had to walk to our appointments. Kampala is the city of seven hills, and those hills are steep. The roads we were on were all dirt, but there was quite a bit of traffic on them so the dust was really bad. Each home we went to, it didn't matter how humble it was, we removed our shoes before entering. Some didn't have any doors or windows, just cement floor and walls with a metal roof. As we were leaving one home, I realized there was a bush with beautiful red flowers all over it. I hadn't noticed because the bush and flowers were all the color of the dust on the road. The mother had two Dutch oven style pots with charcoal on top of them, cooking right outside the door, but the pots were the size of a small saucepan. The people were all so kind. They all have such strong beliefs in God, and want to follow him. They are just trying to find the right way to do that. It is so interesting to see that these people who have so little are so happy. Their faces just light up with smiles.

I snapped a few pictures on the way home from our appointment. These are new homes, each is divided in half, and two families live in each one.

This is the same development, but the homes have been around long enough to have rusted ceilings.

Driving down the road, just a few miles from my home, these are local shops and places to eat.

President Collings met with Elder Carter and Elder Darco. He says the are both excellent missionaries. It was good to feel the power of priesthood keys again. It was a great teaching opportunity during the companionship study. They had two amazing lessons. Both Elders did an excellent job. Their investigators Jonas and Lillian are both scheduled to be baptized. He also had one of the AP's with them, Elder Robinson. He says he can already tell he's an excellent elder.

Today was Saturday. We have zone conferences coming up next week, and will be traveling to different areas throughout Uganda. President Collings wanted to meet each Branch President and Stake President while we are in the area. He decided to call each one individually and work out a time to meet with them. As he was sitting down to make the phone calls, his phone rang. It was one of the Branch Presidents. He told the Branch President that he would be gone all week, but when he said we will be in Gulu on Tuesday, the Branch President said he would be there. He tried to tell President Collings what he needed, but no matter how hard he tried, Steve couldn't understand what this man was saying. He didn't know which Branch President it was, or actually where he lives. He was very frustrated, and just asked him to please send him an email with what was needed, and he would do whatever he could to help. Once he hung up the phone, President Collings said, "I'm in trouble. I can't understand anything he said." He was taking so fast, with such a strong accent, and the phone was not a very good connection. There was no phone number on his list that matched the one that had called from, it was very frustrating. He decided he needed to say a prayer before he tried to call anyone else. After the prayed Steve again started to dial the phone. We was able to reach every President and arrange to meet them all. Once he was finished talking to all of the other Branch Presidents, the first one that he had spoken with sent him an email. He was able to understand everything that was needed, and arrange meeting with everyone for next week. It really was a miracle, and we feel so blessed. Elder and Sister Goodwin said it takes a little while for us to get our "African Ears" working. I actually haven't had any problems understanding people here except when they talk to each other in some Ugandan dialect, which they do a lot.

We have appreciated our senior couples so much!! Driving has been an issue here. Steve is getting better, but we are still learning our way around. The Goodwins have taken us under their wings, and we are so grateful. They have taken us to several grocery stores, a couple of restaurants, and even the mall! They have taught us how to drive, and how to  pay for our dinners at restaurants. They brought us a filter for the water in our home, and have treated us so well. I feel like a child here trying to learn this new culture, but they have become friends that we will cherish forever!

Speaking of driving. I will not drive here. I'm good with that. All of the vehicles are stick shift, you drive on the left side of the road, and the traffic is horrendous! With all this in mind, Steve has driven us home from the office twice. The first time we followed Elder and Sister Goodwin, and the second time we followed the AP's. We are so focused on all the craziness around us, that even though it's only a couple of miles, we had never learned our way from the office to our home. I don't know how long it will take to actually feel like I know my way around here, I hope it's soon. If you need to turn across traffic going the other direction, you just ever so slowly push your nose into the traffic. Once you get far enough out that the other cars HAVE to stop, then it opens a floodgate of cars turning across that road until those who are going straight push their nose in far enough so that the turning cars HAVE to stop. Meanwhile the bota-botas just slip in and out between vehicles, going against traffic, and every which way.  You have to look EVERY direction or you could hit a bota-bota. Now try to deal with all that traffic while you're turning onto the wrong side of the road. Every time Steve tries to turn on his blinker, the windshield wipers turn on instead, because that's backwards as well. It is getting much better, and the missionaries that are here really do an amazing job. We just really appreciate them, and their patience while we learn.

Funny story. We had a leak in our bathroom. I walked in there one day and there was water all over the floor. I spoke with Phillip, our gardener, and he said he knew the plumber who had worked on the house before we came. The very next day Phillip brought this plumber in to fix the leak. He is a member of the church here in Kampala, and acted so excited to meet President Collings, it was so sweet. I have fixed plumbing issues many times in our homes. You turn off the water where the leak is, and then replace the broken part. Then you turn it back on and check for leaks. This was NOT how is was done. The leak was at the knobs where you turn on the shower. He removed the knob and the water just ran full force out of the open hole where the knob once was. He came out with the part and said he had to go buy a part and would be back. Then he left, with the water still running in the shower. He came back and fixed it about an hour later. While he was gone, there was no water pressure at all in the house. Steve hadn't showered yet, and even though he would be using a different bathroom. He wasn't able to shower. He just used bottled water. It was pretty funny. Once the shower was fixed, the plumber came out, shook our hands and said goodbye. He was sopping wet from his knees down. Definitely a great memory.