Lira, Mbale, Busia, and Kololo

We are now starting interviews throughout Uganda. President was able to interview the missionaries in Rwanda and Ethiopia,which was a treat. For Uganda, we will be traveling to the outer branches, and then have missionaries from the Kampala area come to our home. We left early Tuesday morning and made it to Lira. We were able to meet with all of the missionaries in the Lira Zone.

We haven't forgotten our goal of finding people to be baptized. Although it feels like we are always running from place to place, the Lord puts people in our path. As we were getting into our car in Lira, President Collings called to a man who was walking by the church. He asked if he knew this church. The man said he walks by it every day. Then President asked if he'd ever been inside. He said he had not, and was promptly invited in. He was introduced to the missionaries, and his whole countenance changed. He said he was interested in learning more and will come to church there on Sunday. We aren't sure how we will meet our goal, but the Lord knows our heart, and we really believe that we need to set an example for our missionaries.

Our next stop was Mbale. We had training planned for that evening for the Mbale Branch Council. It was an extremely long day of driving, I think 8 hours total from Kampala. The last time we went to Mbale it was raining hard, and then was overcast the whole time we were there. This time it was clear, and the landscape is so much different from the rest of the country. They have amazing mountain views!

I couldn't get enough pictures. There was also a village we passed by on our way to Mbale that is right at the base of a mountain. As we drove past it, I could see that there were people all over the mountain breaking rock into gravel by hand. There were small piles all over the place.

It was so interesting to see. I also saw fields of rice and corn growing.

As we got into Mbale, I guess it was time for school to be out and everyone was walking home. I took a picture of all the school kids, then we turned the corner and there were so many more! It was amazing.

There was quite a group of people waiting for us when we arrived at the Mbale Chapel. We had training again, and every auxiliary of the branch was represented. It went very well. After the meeting, there were around 8-10 people who needed interviews from President Collings. Because they are not a stake yet, Steve is the person they go to for any stake business, like temple recommends, priesthood advancements, submitting mission papers, etc. We only get to these outer branches every 6 weeks or so, so they have quite a few things lined up when we get there. We were at the chapel until late into the night.

The next morning we had interviews for our Mbale missionaries. President Collings has said that he really feels like he is being blessed. He is still new, and doesn't know the missionaries very well, but when he sits down with the missionaries he receives impressions as to which questions to ask. He understands what they may be struggling with. It's one of those tender mercies of the Lord with this calling.

We had training in Busia that same evening with the Branch Council. Busia is on place in Uganda we haven't been yet. When we came for zone conferences, the Busia elders came to Mbale. Busia is a border town. It sits right on the border of Kenya, an hour and a half outside of Mbale. We thought while we were there that we could find a hotel. When we looked online, the hotels on the Uganda side were poorly rated, but there was a 5 star rated hotel on the Kenya side. Unfortunately it costs $50 each to cross the border and permission from our church leaders in South Africa. We decided it would be easier to just find another hotel. We were told that there were possibilities in Tororo Uganda, and had a room reserved at Green Meadows resort.

The training went well again. There were representatives from every auxiliary.  Again, after the training, there were interviews that needed to be done. We didn't get out of the church until after dark.

Busia Branch Council

 Agnes and Jackie

 Laston

Then we had to drive 40 minutes to Tororo, to a hotel we have never been to. Addresses in Uganda are very hard to find. There aren't a lot of house numbers. It was just listed as a hotel on a certain road. We called and got directions, but that doesn't always go well. It was very dark, there are diesels coming toward you with their lights on, on their way to the border, and there are still people walking up and down the roads in the dark. It's very hard to see them. Luckily we made it. It was clean, and they had a restaurant where we could eat before going to bed.

The next day we were able to visit with the Busia Elders. They are doing really well here.

We drove back to Kampala that same day, and decided that Saturday needed to be a day off. We had been busy every day for two weeks straight. It is really starting to feel like home in Kampala, and we were able to get some much needed R&R.

On Sunday we decided to go to our Kololo ward. That is the ward where the mission home is located. We have been so busy attending all of the mission branches, that we haven't been to this ward yet. We have been teaching an investigator, and this week, he and his cousin came to church. It was so fun to see his excitement. He had his Book of Mormon, which he says he takes everywhere with him now. He also had a red marking pencil, and throughout the meetings he would look up the scriptures that were discussed, and would highlight them. He asked lots of questions. I really loved going to this ward. It felt a lot like home. The Kampala Stake is very strong, and it's really neat to see the Gospel growing from this strong foundation. We were excited to see that our missionaries were on the program to speak. Two were invited to give their testimonies, and two others gave a talk. They ALL did very well! We love these missionaries!

Later that evening the investigator came to our home for dinner and another lesson. He said that as they left the meeting, his cousin turned to him and said, we really need to be baptized into this church! There is a baptismal date scheduled for them on September 11th. We are all excited.

It has been a very good week. Monday we leave for meetings in Johannesburg. I'm so excited to see our friends who are serving as mission presidents throughout Southeast Africa. We were really able to make a connection with them at the MTC in Provo. Now 2 months into our missions, it will really be neat to see how things are going for them.

District Conference Ethiopia

We arrived late Friday night in Ethiopia. We had District Conference scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. Last time we stayed at this hotel in Addis Ababa, Steve left a pair of flip flops. We were sure they were lost forever, but when he asked them about it, they went to the lost and found and brought them out to us. We were so surprised.

This is a Plexiglas covering (or glass, I can't tell) that cars drive under to drop off hotel guests. These workers are cleaning it and using a squeegee to push the water off after a rainstorm. They are standing on top of it without any safety straps. It is about 4 floors up. I was so shocked to look out the window and see them working out there. Obviously there is no OSHA in Ethiopia.

Saturday morning, the district leadership went out with the General Authority that was there, and the mission president. They divided up and visited members of the District who needed to be strengthened. President Collings went out with his companion, and they ended up meeting with a couple who had been separated. They came together for the meeting. President Collings shared scriptures, and gave them encouragement. He said the Spirit was very strong in their meeting, and the couple decided to try to work out their differences.

Once they were done with visits they all came back to the church for a priesthood leadership meeting. At this same time, I was in a women's auxiliary training meeting. When I first received the notice of how the meeting would go, I was a little bit nervous. It was 2 hours long. It said the District Relief Society president would take 15 minutes, the District Young Women's president would take 15 minutes, and the District Primary President would take 15 minutes. Then it said Sister Collings would take the remainder of the time... ME?!? That would have left me at least an hour. I kind of panicked. This mission is definitely stretching me. Well it turned out that all of the ladies speak Amharic, and none of them adjusted their time for the translator, which usually takes twice as long.  I had prayed pretty hard that I would be able to know how to teach these ladies. It was an answer to my prayer when we were in Rwanda, and the wives of the Area Presidency taught on exactly the same subject. I was able to see what was expected, and was at peace. The meeting was very nice, and was very well attended. And I felt good about what was taught.

That evening we had an adult session. We were able to hear from the District President, who spoke on Traditions of Latter-Day Saints, like family prayer, scripture study as a family, family home evening, Sabbath day worship, tithing, and having fun together. The Ethiopian people have many other traditions, and I think this really helped them to see how traditions can be positive and can bring your family closer to the Lord.  Then a return sister missionary spoke. She spoke on keeping the Sabbath day holy, and the blessings associated with that. There is a brother who is a counselor in one of the branch presidencies. He gave a powerful talk on improving the spirituality of Sacrament meetings. He promised that if they would come early, purify their heart and mind before coming, and keep the commandments, that they will receive constant companionship of the Spirit, and wisdom to choose the right.  A member of the district presidency spoke on teaching the Savior's way, and why it's important. President Collings then spoke on the way the Savior strengthened the one. He told them the way to do this is to complete their home teaching and visiting teaching. This is something that isn't happening in Ethiopia now. Our final speaker was Elder Chatora, who presided over the meeting. He quoted Psalms 30:5 "joy cometh in the morning". He said that through the atonement we can overcome ALL issues of the world. He asked if we are taking sacrament meeting seriously. Do we come prepared to offer our hearts to Jesus Christ? Do we know the importance of sacrament prayers? It is the only ordinance done EVERY week. We can't afford to miss the sacrament.

District Presidency with Elder Chatora

Elder Chatora had asked for a choir to perform for the Sunday session of district conference. During preparations it was obvious that there was a struggle getting a choir together. President Collings offered to have our missionaries sing. There were about 17 of us including the office staff, senior couple, and President Collings and myself. Our missionaries sang "Called to Serve", and it was AMAZING!! I was so proud of them!! Elder Chatora thanked them as well for bringing the spirit into the meeting. It was wonderful! I saw several members recording it and taking pictures, that's not usually the case in a session of conference, but I wish I had a copy...

During this session, we again heard from the District President. He talked about how our leaders care for us. He said we all have moments of need, and that we need to carry each other. Then we heard from the District Relief Society president. She spoke of the importance of paying tithing. She talked about how paying tithing will lift them out of poverty. Next was a young woman who is about 13 years old. She spoke on the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. I was very impressed with how much knowledge she showed. She had worked really hard, and was very confident in what she was saying.  One of the district presidency spoke on sacrifice. He said no good is done without sacrifice. He told the story of the rich man who had kept the commandments from his youth. He asked Christ what more he could do. He was told to sell everything and follow the Savior. He told the story of Abraham, and said we can't come close to God without sacrifice. I was asked to speak, and talked about the importance of reading the Book of Mormon everyday with your family, and alone. Then President Collings spoke on sustaining your church leaders. He quoted the scripture in D&C 1:38, and said that the District President is one of the Lord's servants who holds keys for this district. The things he tells them are things that they should be following.  Elder Chatora then quoted the scripture that says something like, "do not be weary in well doing, you are laying the foundation of a great work." Then he said, "I call upon each of us to ask, what can I do to build the kingdom of God in Ethiopia?" In 2001 priesthood session of General Conference, President Monson said something like, "The world is in need of your help. Don't be spectators." Elder Chatora told them to listen to the prophet's call. Save those that need saving. He said the parables of the lost sheep, prodigal son, and the lost piece of silver all focus on saving the one. He told the story of Ammon and King Lamoni's flocks, in a way I have never thought of before (Alma 17). When his flocks were scattered they rushed with swiftness and gathered them, and brought them to the place of water, and encircled them. He said the flocks are members of our church who are lost, and the church is the place of water. We are Ammon and the servants of King Lamoni, and it's our responsibility to rush with swiftness and encircle them, and love them, and bring them back. 

This is a panorama outside of the conference. President Collings was moving so he looks a little weird, but I like the picture.

Overall a very good conference. I truly enjoyed the spirit that was there, and the time I was able to spend getting to know the people of Ethiopia.

Elder Chatora

An amazing Branch President

After the meeting, President Collings spent time with the District Presidency, and Branch Presidencies, and trained them on having District and Branch Councils. The meeting went really well, and the spirit was very strong.

There was some other things going on in the country while we were there. There has been some civil unrest. There were whisperings that there may be riots in the country outside of Addis. When the mission leadership in Ethiopia heard about it, they contacted the missionaries and had them come to the district conference a day early. They were able to be here and enjoy the wonderful district conference, and also be a safe distance from the other things that were going on. It was not happening where the missionaries are staying, but there was a concern that the road they would travel may be closed. I just love how the Lord protects his missionaries. The only issue we had while in Ethiopia was that all social media and internet access was shut down. A bit inconvenient, but we never felt like we were in any danger. I did see a clip on the news, that looked a bit scary. I thought if I was at home and saw this, I'd be worried about my son. I was able to get a message to Sister Goodwin, and asked her to let the missionary moms know their sons were all safe. We also contacted the Southeast Africa Area President to let him know everything was okay. By the time the 2 day conference was done, and interviews were done, they were able to return to their areas with no issues.

On Monday we were able to meet with all the missionaries. President Collings interviewed them all, one by one, and I got to spend time asking them questions, and getting to know them better. It was such a great day! They are truly good missionaries. They put their whole hearts into what they are doing.

A few sights in Addis. These are shelters right on the side of the road. They are everywhere. The one on the right is the length of a person, it's just big enough that they can slide in there to sleep. I'm told that a lot of the security guards have one of these right outside of the gate that they are guarding.

This is on Ethiopian Airlines. Isn't Amharic beautiful? It sounds beautiful too.

We flew home on Monday night, and have started traveling the Uganda loop again to interview all of the missionaries. There's never a dull moment here. We love it!!

New missionaries and an Apostle

Well, the adventures continue. On Saturday we took our first road trip alone. Previously, we followed the AP's, or rode with the Goodwins. This weekend we had training for Branch Presidencies in Lira, Adyel, Gulu, and Bardege. We took our trusty GPS, and set out on our own. It went really well.

When we got to the Nile River, there were monkeys and baboons everywhere. Steve pulled the car over and actually got out by the Nile to take some pictures. As we drove further, he stopped a few times to get pictures and videos of the monkeys and baboons. At one point, he had stopped the car and had the window down on the driver's side to take pictures. All of a sudden a big baboon jumped up on my side and was hanging on the mirror. I screamed, and had a million thoughts running through my head. Was the window up? Was he going to reach in and scratch my eyes out? You know, basic questions. My window was up, and the mirror kind of folded in and he lost his balance and fell off. I think I screamed a couple of times. Scared my hubby to death. I have fingerprints from the baboon on my mirror. It scared me to death.

When we arrived at the Hotel it was just early enough to get some lunch before our meeting. I love the menus here. They have everything from hamburgers to goat meat. They offer matoke, rice, or chips (fries) with just about everything. It was funny today, for the first time we saw Goat Spit, Beef Spit, and Pork Spit on the menu with a salad and chips of course. I got a club sandwich, which reminded me of what we used to make with the sandwich makers back when we were first married. It was 4 pieces of bread with a different kind of meat between each one. I know one was beef, and I believe turkey, but I'm not sure the third type of meat. Then there was a cooked egg, and tomato all squished together like a panini, but sealed on the edges. It tasted pretty good! There is avocado, watermelon, and pineapple with everything. I had no idea I would get so much of those three fruits. Or is avocado a veggie? Good thing I really like all 3 of them.

The meeting with the Lira and Adyel branch councils was really incredible. I'm not sure how or if they have been holding Branch Council meetings, but this was just a basic lesson on how to Shepherd the Lord's way. The Spirit was so strong in the meeting. At one point President Collings told them that Elder Holland had said the Saints in Uganda have the blood of Israel in them. They all started clapping, they were so happy. It was very touching. They are really trying to lead the branches the  way the Savior would, and I believe they were very happy to have a little guidance in how to go about doing it.

President Collings asked one of the branch presidents if he would provide a small refreshment after the meeting. He brought a variety of soda pop, and a bag of donuts. Donuts in Uganda are a mix between a cake donut and a bagel. There is no glaze or frosting on them. They look just like a huge donut, but they are thick like a bagel. I also tried a new soda called Stoney Tangawizi. It is a ginger soda, but the ginger is very strong. I've seen it a few times, and decided when I saw it among the choices, that I'd try it. I LIKE IT!

We have been asked to help all of the branches to go online and map the locations of every members home. I spoke with the branch presidents and they said that they were unsure how to take care of this. I had my computer there in the building, so I said we could sit down and I'd show them how to do it. I asked them to log on to LDS.org. Nobody could remember their user  name or password. I finally was able to get the Branch Clerk online, and pulled up the Branch map, which is just a satellite view from Google Earth. I asked him to just show me where his house is on the map. We looked for a very long time, and he wasn't able to figure out where his house was. There were enough men at the meeting, that I thought we could get all of their homes listed. Unfortunately, we weren't even able to find one. I asked him to go home and study the map, and maybe find homes of members who are closer to the church, which was marked. And then work your way further out. We were hoping to have the entire mission mapped by the middle of September. I guess we could use a few prayers. This poor branch clerk seemed a little overwhelmed.

It was fun to bump into our missionaries in the Lira, Adyel area. As we were getting ready to leave, they were setting up a movie night for the young single adults. It sounds like they were going to watch Jungle Book. Fun times. We have great elders here.

We had to run an errand before it got dark, and can I just say, the driving at dusk is INCREDIBLE! In a crazy way!! I really want to take a video of it, but it's too intense. I have to help watch so we don't run over anyone. Unlike anything I have ever experienced. There are people everywhere, bicycles carrying huge loads, bota-botas usually carrying several people and huge loads,  cars, huge trucks. The streets are narrow, sometimes pavement, sometimes dirt, but mostly both. Huge pot holes on both sides of the road, so you're dodging a pothole, and trying not to hit traffic the other direction. There are people sitting on both sides of the roads with things that they are selling laid out on blankets or in piles. And they are sitting so close to each other, it's no wonder the people are walking down the streets. You hit an intersection, and there is no light, sign, or right of way. You just slowly go, and stop if you are getting close to hitting something.  On our little excursion, we had a conversation with a young man. He told us that he had never met a white person before.  It was pretty funny.  We were so grateful to finally be back at our hotel for the night! We pulled the mosquito net over the bed and were happy to collapse into bed.

On Sunday we had to travel to Gulu for church, which was 1 1/2 hours away. There were some people out in the town, but it was much quieter than the night before. While driving, it was amazing how many people lined the road just walking. Mostly in their Sunday clothes. Many carrying plastic chairs or stools. You could see where the churches were, because people were all walking into them, or standing outside of them because they were filled to capacity. It looked like church for them started at 7:00am. We left at 6:30, and there were so many people walking.

By the time we got to Gulu, we were quite a bit early for our church. We had just over an hour wait. I was surprised to hear prelude music playing.  The organ was set to self-play the hymns . There was a young man putting hymn books on every chair, and people were starting to file in. The missionaries were there early, and the one elder sat down to the keyboard and started to play the prelude music. I was impressed! He did a great job. One man told us that he is always to church on time. He has been a member for 9 years. He rides his bike 30 KM to church every week. He leaves very early because he wants to ride slowly so he doesn't get sweaty for church. It was fun talking with him.

We were the speakers in the branch. I talked about reading daily to our family from the Book of Mormon. President Collings spoke about using the Priesthood, serving each other, and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. After sacrament meeting we drove over to the Bardege branch, which started at the same time, so we were able to sit in on Sunday School and a combined Priesthood/Relief Society meeting. We were very impressed with both of these branches. There are so many good people in both branches, and we really felt uplifted during the meetings.

There was a cute little baby who was 7 months old. She was holding on to the chairs to help her walk around. After a while she got fussy, as babies do at church. Her grandma took her out. When she came back in a few minutes later, she had been bundled on her grandma's back and was sound asleep. These babies are so comfortable when they are strapped on their mom's back, it's so cute. They just snuggle right in and go to sleep. It's surprising how often (several times a day) you see ladies with a baby on their back.

After church we had another combined Branch Council training. We were so happy to see that the ladies from both branches came, and participated in that meeting. President had asked for all members of the branch council to be there. The meeting on Saturday had been all men...except for me. And as the training continued, he stressed how important it is to get input from the Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women's president's when you hold a branch council. Seeing the way the ladies came on Sunday, made the training that much easier. Again the Spirit was very strong. They were anxious to find out what they need to do, and then do it.

The extension cord used with our projector

After the training, I again, tried to show members of the Branch Council how to map the houses for their branches. I came to realize that the only members who have an LDS.org account are the return missionaries. I spoke with a couple of them, and showed them how it is done. I could tell they were excited to get it done. It's just very difficult for them to find their houses. But they did have an easier time than the Branch clerk in Lira.

We met up with President and Sister Goodwin. He is the 1st counselor in the Mission Presidency. He had been conducting audits of the different branches. It was getting late so we caravaned together to our hotel for the night. Sister Goodwin had booked each couple a room at a safari resort called Chobe. It is in the Murchison National Park. The Hotel is located 20 minutes off the highway on a dirt road. Just as we got to the resort, the clouds opened, and there was a huge downpour. There was so much lightning and rain. It was crazy. We went inside and had an amazing dinner, and then went to bed. The next morning we were awakened by the sound of grunting. The hotel sits right on the banks of the Nile, and it's home to many Hippos! Apparently they come out of the water at night and roam freely  all around this resort. There was a group of them in the water right outside of our room. We got up and walked around the buildings for a while and saw water buffalo, wart hogs, baboons, monkeys, and other fun animals. After breakfast we drove into the national park and saw all of these animals along with giraffes! I've never seen so many all at once. There was a mom and her baby walking together. It was so cute!

Some of the bungalows to stay in

A family of wart hogs

Not sure what they call deer here. 

We were only able to spend a few hours before we needed to head home, but WOW, what a fun experience!

Tuesday we picked up our new missionaries from the airport. We took them over to the mission office for some dinner and interviews, and then they came to the mission home with us for the night. Before they even settled in, they were invited to teach one of our security guards. President Collings had given him a pamphlet on the plan of salvation. When they started to teach him, he just started asking all the right questions. He had read about Alma in the pamphlet and asked who that was. Then he said he always wondered why Jesus Christ only visited the people in Jerusalem. He was excited to hear that he visited "other sheep". The spirit was very strong, and it was a good experience for the security guard and the missionaries.  The next day we had a large breakfast with the new missionaries, AP's, and the Senior Missionaries. There was a missionary who was returning home to Ethiopia from his mission. He had a layover in Entebbe so he could get off the airplane long enough to be released from his mission, and then was back on the plane to Ethiopia again. President Goodwin went to the airport to release him early that morning, because President Collings could not be in two places at once. Along with training the new missionaries, he had to set apart a missionary who is on his way to Botswana, and  train the new trainers. We had lunch  with the new missionaries, their trainers, the AP's, and the senior couples, and then after a few photos, sent them off to their new areas. I'm really impressed with these new missionaries. They will do great things.

Well, that was only half our day. We then had our missionaries who are leaving to go home come over for a farewell dinner and testimony meeting. I made my first pot roast dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy. The senior sisters helped me (actually throughout the day) with salads, desserts, and vegetables. I couldn't have made it through the day without their help. After dinner, we had a testimony meeting. I have only been here for a month, but I feel like I'm sending my own sons away. I can't believe how attached I feel to them. They are great men, and I can see them being future leaders of the church. They bore strong testimonies of the Savior, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of missionary work, and personal growth. Many tears were shed... Okay,  mostly by me. We are losing one of our AP's. We appreciated how they all helped us this first month to learn our way around. Just wanted to share this fun picture they left for President Collings.

Immediately after the testimony meeting, with everyone still in my house, we rushed off to the airport to catch a flight to Rwanda. Elder Bednar was scheduled to visit the 3 branches in Rwanda, along with Elder Hamilton, the President of the Southeast Africa Area, and his counselor Elder Palmer, along with their wives.

Traffic was horrible, and Godfrey, our driver thought we would miss the flight, even though we left 4 hours early. I knew this is where Heavenly Father wanted us to be, and we would make it just fine. We made it, but it was very close! We didn't get to our hotel in Rwanda until about 1:30am. After an extremely long day, we collapsed into bed again.

Bright and early the next morning we got up and helped finished the preparations for our visitors. The senior couple serving in Rwanda made a simple meal for them, and the branch members worked very hard to prepare the buildings where the meeting would be held. It was a perfect day. The weather was amazing. We were able to spend one on one time with them talking about the Saints in Rwanda. There were 3 meetings held. One for priesthood leadership, and at the same time one for women's auxiliary leadership.  Then a general meeting for all of the Saints and anyone else who wanted to know more about the church.

President Collings said the Priesthood leadership meeting was really amazing. There were over 60 men who attended. They were taught by Elder Bednar, Elder Hamilton, and Elder Palmer. In the women's meeting, there were about 40 women. We were taught by Sister Bednar, Sister Hamilton, and Sister Palmer. Then the General Meeting had close to 200 people. In each meeting, we were taught, and then they opened up for questions. I felt the spirit over and over as I was able to listen to an Apostle and General Authorities bear testimony of Jesus Christ and his Atonement, the Book of Mormon, the Prophet, Joseph Smith, and our prophet today, President Thomas S Monson. I was thrilled to hear both Sister Bednar, and Elder Hamilton bear testimony that Elder Bednar was called of God as an apostle, and it strengthened my testimony again, that this is the true church, led by Jesus Christ. At one point Elder Bednar had all of the missionaries stand up. They all looked so great in their white shirts and ties.  I'm proud to be their mission mom.  I spoke with members after the meeting, who said they could not believe an apostle would come visit them. They truly want to do what's right, and want to be taught.

We went from the meeting directly to the airport to drop them off,  and said our goodbyes. But what a day to remember.

On Friday President Collings had interviews with each of the missionaries in Rwanda. I got to spend time talking with them, and getting to know them better. They told me some fun mission stories, and stories of back home. I learned about their families, and hobbies, and things they like to eat. It was a fun morning for me. After the interviews, we went with the Gilletts to lunch, and then went to a park in Kigali. The park is where Elder Holland dedicated the land of Rwanda for missionary work. It's a beautiful park on a hillside that looks over all the city. I can imagine what an amazing day that was. We spent some time taking it all in, and then after a couple of pictures, ran to the airport.

We had to fly to Ethiopia for District Conference on Saturday and Sunday. The flight was hot and cramped. We didn't sit together. I was beside a man who kept asking for beer. He would wave his empty beer can, which would splash beer on me. He had two waters and 3 cans of beer on our flight. It was very uncomfortable, not because he was drinking, but he was just being obnoxious to the flight attendants. And I don't like having beer splashed all over me...

We arrived late, and (this seems to be a trend) passed out as we hit the pillow.

We haven't had internet access for several days, so I will post on our Ethiopia District Conference in the next week. It's been such a fun and busy week.