Homecoming and Mission Tour

Well I don't even know where to begin! I have had so many wonderful blessings these past few weeks! Obviously, the first and most wonderful is having our son Conner return from serving his mission in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission. After two long years of being away from this young man, he is back! Kind of... he's with us, but in Uganda! He came walking through the doors at the airport and just had such a light about him. He served faithfully, and it was evident in the light in his eyes and the confidence in his step.  We are so proud of the man he has become. It's been interesting to see him continue to be a missionary here. Seems like every time I turn around, he's talking to someone about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and inviting them to come to church and learn more.

My mom and dad are serving a mission in Rwanda, and they were able to take the quick flight to Uganda so they could be there at the airport with us to welcome him.

On a side note... President Collings, for the first time since his mission started, got sick. While we were waiting for Conner at the airport, we thought he would take quite a while to pick up his baggage, so President Collings decided to run to the bathroom. Conner decided to come out before he retrieved his bags, so he came out really quickly. Dad was in the bathroom, so mom got to see him and hug him, and Grandma and grandpa got to see him and hug him. Then Conner  surprised his dad by waiting for him in the bathroom. It was pretty funny. We had a difficult time convincing the security at the airport to let him go back in and retrieve his luggage, but after a bit of pleading, he was able to return to baggage claim.

Unfortunately, Steve was pretty sick for quite a few days, and we saw miracles as he was able to take care of his responsibilities while dealing with this illness.

Conner came home on Friday night. We kind of hit the ground running when he arrived. We took him back to the mission home along with my parents. The very next morning, President Collings had to perform a wedding. It was a wonderful experience! It was a wonderful couple from Gulu. They traveled 5 hours to get to the chapel in Kampala where the wedding would take place. They had several family members and friends who made the long journey as well. It was a beautiful day, a wonderful ceremony, and a special experience for us.

Right after the wedding, we loaded up the car and traveled to Gulu. President Collings had to change out a branch presidency in the Gulu branch there. We took Conner and my parents along with us. We stopped for the night at Chobe, which is a lodge that's located right on the Nile. It's close enough to Gulu so we would be able to get to church in the morning.

It was amazing how many animals we saw as we were driving to the lodge. We saw kobs, giraffes, an elephant, cape buffalo, amazing birds, monitor lizards, hippos, and warthogs. We saw a lot of baboons, and even had one jump on the hood of our car. Conner rolled down the window to toss out an apple. We were hoping it would jump off the car and go after the apple. Instead, it reached it's hand in, and grabbed Conner's hand as it was trying to grab the apple. Pretty funny. It was incredible.

When we got to church on Sunday morning, we had a boy come up to us in the parking lot, and show some interest in coming to church. He and Conner hit it off right away. He ended up staying through sacrament meeting. He didn't speak very good English, but acted like he really enjoyed it. As the opening song began, Conner showed him how to turn to the right page in the hymn book, and how to read the words in the verses. It was very sweet.

The branch presidency was released, and an amazing new branch presidency was called and set apart. The meeting went relatively well, and we all felt blessed to be there. The branch presidency will do a great job, and we are so happy for the branch.

Driving back from Gulu, we decided it would be a good idea to let Conner get used to driving, since Steve was still sick. There is not a lot of traffic, and he could get used to driving on the left side of the road, etc. Well, an hour or so into his drive, he was pulled over by a traffic officer... who decided he would like to throw Conner in jail. We spent a lot of time talking it over with the officer, and after promising to teach him to drive more carefully, and a little bit of begging and pleading... he decided to let him go without going to jail. I quickly traded places with Conner in the car, and I drove the rest of the way to Kampala. (I figured he wouldn't be wanting to drive here in Uganda for the next two months that he's here.)

Conner's first Rolex, along with other local food. 

By the time we got back from our trip to Gulu, it was time to take my parents back to the airport, and get them on their way back to Rwanda. It was so nice to have them around for a few days to welcome Conner home from his mission. They were so sweet to come, and we love being with them.

A little KFC before the flight home. 

Two days later, we had Elder S Mark Palmer and his sweet wife Jacqui arrive for a mission tour. What an amazing experience to spend 10 days traveling around our mission with them.

The first two days were spent having zone conferences. We had the North and Masaka  Zones combined the first day. We met at the Kololo chapel in Kampala. They started out with a leadership meeting for all the trainers, district leaders, sister training leaders, zone leaders,  and assistants to the president. Then we met with all the members of the zones for a zone conference. Elder Palmer really has a way of making it very personal for each zone. He followed the spirit and focused on the needs of each missionary and zone, which means every meeting was different. President Collings and I were each asked to give a training, followed by Sister Palmer, and then Elder Palmer took the rest of the time. He spent a lot of time answering questions or concerns that the missionaries had, and then would have them role play. The Role Plays would help them understand how to use the things he was teaching them in their own missionary work. They would open their planners, focus on an individual, and then seek revelation on what that person might need as they were doing the role play. The missionaries really were edified.

North and Masaka Zones

The Central and South Zone Conference was on the next day. It was carried out in the same manner as the previous day, but obviously was very different because the missionaries had different questions and concerns. I was surprised how much he focused on role plays, and President Collings and I decided we need to use them a little bit more in our training.  Each day we had zone conference in the morning, then had a break for lunch and a picture, and then went back to training for a few more hours. The missionaries really were able to spend quality time with Elder Palmer.

Central and South Zones

On one of the evenings while the Palmer's were here, we arranged for all three Stake Presidents and their wives to come enjoy a nice dinner with us. President Mbiro came all the way from Jinja with his wife.  President Okot of the North Stake brought his wife. And, President Kamya of the South Stake came. His wife was unable to attend. We were disappointed, but we understand, and were so happy for the ones who were able to come. I know it was a sacrifice for them. We had such an enjoyable time. We were able to get to know each of them better, and they were able to ask Elder Palmer any questions that they might have on their minds. It was a beautiful evening.

Dinner with the 3 Stake Presidents and their wives.

We spent our preparation day with Elder and Sister Palmer, visiting The Source of the Nile in Jinja. We go to Jinja about every three weeks, and have never taken the opportunity to go to the Source of the Nile. It was really a neat day. Elder and Sister Palmer were so fun to be with, and I think Conner really enjoyed it as well.

On the boat

On the dock with our driver

At the Source of the Nile

Where the Nile exits Lake Victoria, and the springs are flowing.

Tuesday we had zone conference with Jinja and Iganga Zones. The best part about these zone conferences is hearing the inspired questions that the missionaries ask. It really gives us all a chance to be taught and edified. We have such great missionaries serving in the Uganda Kampala Mission!

Jinja and Iganga Zones

Conner helping to sweep the floor after lunch. Doing it like the locals!

After zone conference in Jinja, we drove to Entebbe to spend the night, because we had a flight to Rwanda very early the next morning. One thing I am learning about General Authorities, their schedules are incredibly busy. It was amazing to see how full his schedule was, and how he kept each meeting personal and spiritual. We learned so much from him, and our love for him and his wife really grew over the course of the mission tour.

Our experience in Rwanda was incredible. It was very special having my parents, us, and Conner, all missionaries (well, one return missionary) together. Elder Palmer took time during each zone conference to talk about the significance of “returning home”, but to our Heavenly Parents.

While we were in Rwanda, he talked more about our missionaries being the beginning of multi-generational families in the Gospel. He had all the missionaries take a picture of us all up there, and talked about how they should live their life in a way that they can reach this goal, to see their children and grandchildren serve missions. I must say, I feel blessed to be part of a multi-generational missionary family. We had 3 generations of missionaries in Rwanda, and I know my family has at least 3 generations of missionaries before that, dating back to pioneer times. That is something that is pretty rare today, but a great blessing to be part of such a rich heritage.

Kigali Zone 

Family Reunion in Rwanda 

Elder and Sister Palmer with the sister missionaries 

We spent time that evening with the district presidency in Rwanda. They were able to spend time asking Elder Palmer questions, and just being taught by him. There is strong leadership in Rwanda, and this lifted them, and helped them even more.

The next morning Elder and Sister Palmer went to visit some of the Humanitarian sites in Rwanda, and then we left for Ethiopia.

Our time spent in Ethiopia was amazing. The missionaries were all there on time, and had prepared themselves spiritually by reading conference talks, studying the scriptures, and praying about what questions they might have. The spirit in the meetings was wonderful. We have strong missionaries in Ethiopia, and they are growing and stretching themselves, and learning every day.  They love the people, and are learning to live the mission motto which is in Omni 1:26. In short we say, “Come unto Christ and offer your whole soul.”

Ethiopia Zone 

 This was a difficult trip to Ethiopia because this would be the last time we see Elder and Sister Harline. They were completing their 18 month (19 month) mission, and were leaving two weeks later to go home. We would not be able to be there when they left. They have been such an incredible support to the mission in Ethiopia. They have been there for the missionaries in sickness and health. They have loved them and mentored them. They have been a support to the District and Branches. They have been able to do their own missionary work, and even see their own baptisms. We have been so pleased with the wonderful way they have served. It was so difficult to say goodbye. We have made life long friends.

Elder and Sister Harline with Conner 

 We went to dinner with Elder Palmer, some of the District Presidency,  and the Harlines. It was a wonderful evening together. Again, Elder Palmer was able to teach, answer questions, and just get to know the leadership  of Ethiopia a little bit better. The District Presidency is amazing, and they work so hard. We are so blessed to have them leading the members in Ethiopia.

Harlines, President and Sister Eyob, us,  Brother Habtu,  and Elder Palmer 

 We attended church together, and then we had to go back to Uganda. The mission tour for us was over. We really enjoyed our time spent with Elder and Sister Palmer. We were so grateful that our son was able to get to meet them as well. It was such a blessing to be able to have him here with us throughout this mission tour.

These are truly experiences and friendships that we will cherish forever.

Sacrifices

Lately President Collings and I have been making our way around the mission, doing firesides and Branch Conferences. We had such a great weekend as we drove to Iganga Ward in the Jinja Stake for a fireside on Friday night. We have driven through Iganga, and seen where the church is, but have not been able to attend church there. Iganga is about 30 minutes outside of Jinja, so it is about 2 1/2 hours drive to get there. We have Zone Leaders and another missionary companionship who are in the Iganga Ward. They are doing such a great job.

Elder Cook, Elder Sibeko, US, Elder Dhlamini, and Elder Raobiarivelo

after Iganga Ward fireside

When we arrived, we were happy to see so many people there to greet us. The spirit was amazing, and the people were so kind and welcoming to us. We really had a wonderful evening.

On Saturday we drove to Mbale. We had a fireside planned for Saturday afternoon, and then Branch Conference the next day. I have a few stories about what happened while we were in Mbale. As I contemplate what happened this weekend, I am in awe. So many of the people here have such great faith, and are making such sacrifices to be a part of this Gospel of Jesus Christ, it makes the efforts I have made to go to church seem so insignificant.

Mbale Branch 

Over the past few weeks, President Collings has received correspondence from missionaries in Utah, as well as people from Uganda. There is a young man who has been learning about the church online from sister missionaries in Salt Lake City. He has been taught for almost two years. The sister missionaries contacted President Collings and said, this young man is ready for baptism. When we tried to find out where he lives, so we could have him start attending church, we were told that he lives about 1 1/2 to 2 hours away from church. This young man said that he is willing to make the sacrifice to come to church at least once a month, if he can be baptized. We met him at the church in time for the fireside on Saturday afternoon... He had traveled 9 hours by bus to get to the church, not 1 1/2. He had been sick for two weeks with malaria, and still wasn’t back to full strength, but had committed to come to church that weekend. And he said he will continue to do that every month so he can be baptized. NINE HOURS! This young man is so prepared for the Gospel! I’ll tell more about him later.

Mbale branch members

There was another young man, Ema, he joined the church in Walukuba, which is in the Jinja Stake. He contacted President Collings and said that he had been teaching his family about the church, and they are all interested in coming. On Sunday morning, his whole family came to church. It turns out that they have to come by taxi, and it is a 20 minute drive for them to get to church. I spent some time talking with his mother, she kept saying over and over how much she loves this church, and she wants to join. It will just be a great sacrifice to get there each week.  But they were so excited to be there. Their son, who had taught them was just so happy. You could see in his face how thrilled he was to be able to share this message of the Gospel with his family.

Ema and his family 

There was another man, Peter, who lives nearer to Mbale, he as well was searching for the true church. He reached out to President Collings online, and he told Peter where the church was located in Mbale. He came to church two weeks in a row, and he also is being taught by missionaries online. When we spoke with him on Saturday, he said that he is a teacher. He has found the truth in this church, and wants to be baptized. The school where he teaches told him that if he joins the church, they will fire him. Jobs here in Uganda are so hard to come by. He bore his testimony that he knows that this is where he needs to be, and asked us to pray for him. He is planning to continue learning more about the church, and wants to still be baptized.

On Saturday after the fireside, I sat next to a woman, Harriet, while we were having our refreshments (which, by the way were amazing! Rice, beans, and meat... eaten the local way with our fingers).

She told me that she had been coming to church for 2 1/2 years, and was praying for the day she can be baptized. I asked her why she hadn’t been baptized, and she said it had something to do with her husband. Shortly after our conversation, one of our Assistants to the President, approached President Collings and asked him if he could speak with this woman. As he talked with her, she explained more about her situation to President Collings. He realized that there had just been a misunderstanding, and that she shouldn’t have had to wait 2 1/2 years to be baptized. He gave her permission to be baptized.   She was SO EXCITED! She asked President Collings when she could be baptized and he said she could whenever she wanted. She asked if she could do it the next day, and  if he would baptize her. Of course he said yes.

Harriet on her baptism day

On Sunday as we were waiting for church to start, we saw a group of men and women walk in and sit down. The branch president told us that everyone in that group comes to church every week. They are so faithful. Then he proceeded to tell us that they walk 18 kilometers to church every week. That’s 11 miles!  And they come every week!

Relief Society in Mbale Branch 

The meetings were all wonderful. The branch conference went well. During Sunday School, they taught about temple work and family history. The teacher was very prepared, and although he said he hasn’t been to the temple yet, he really encouraged everyone to do all they can to prepare themselves, and to find the names of their deceased family members to take to the temple when they are able to go.  He was a powerful teacher.

President Collings with some recent converts and the Assistants to the President

After church, it was time for the baptism. We all gathered in the Relief Society room, and apparently there was a problem with getting water into the baptismal font, which sits right outside the Relief Society room window. As you sit in the room, you can see the top of the font. The men decided to take buckets to the water tank which is located across the property, and one by one fill the buckets, walk back, and pour them into the font. This process took about an hour.  As we sat in the Relief Society room waiting, the women began to sing the church Hymns. I saw the young man who had traveled 9 hours, still getting over malaria, bringing bucket after bucket of water and dumping it into the tank. He worked probably double what the other men worked, he was so positive and helpful the entire time. He later told President Collings that he wished he had started coming to church a year ago, then this would be his baptismal day.  As I sat there listening to the hymns. I couldn’t sing because I had a lump in my throat, and my eyes filled with tears. I looked around me and saw these wonderful people sacrificing their time and efforts for something that they understand is of great importance. The people were singing, the men were hauling buckets, the thoughts of the people walking 11 miles, Ema’s family, who were so thrilled to be there, the young man traveling 9 hours, the woman who waited 2 1/2 years for this special day, the man who may lose his job for this choice, it all just hit me. I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. What an amazing experience to watch the faith of these people!! Truly we were blessed that day!!

President Collings and President Etiang  preparing to baptize two amazing people 

An hour away, there was a branch conference being held in the Busia, Uganda branch. President Okello presided over it. We didn’t hear a lot about it, but from what we heard, there were 160 people there! This is a branch that only had about 25 active members a year ago. President Okello also met with President Msane who is the Mission President in Kenya, and they had a special meeting for the members in the Busia, Kenya branch, which is located about 10 minutes away from the Uganda branch. They announced that the Busia Kenya Branch is now part of the Uganda Kampala Mission. In doing this, and the strength of the Uganda branch, it’s very possible that we will be able to form a District in the Busia area very soon, which will bless the lives of the members there. We  are excited for the growth of the church in this area.

A couple of more pictures... I spent preparation day with all the sister missionaries in Uganda. We played UNO Spin, which was hilarious, and took quite a long time as one by one as the sisters won, they would move out and let the game continue. As they would finish the UNO game, they would start to put together a puzzle. We really were able to enjoy each other, and build unity between the sisters.

MLC in the Rainforest

I wanted to share a fun Mission Leadership Council we did last week. Usually for our Mission Leadership Council, we, along with the Assistants to the President, present the training we want the leaders to study about, and focus on for the upcoming zone conferences. We as a whole mission are then focused on the same aspects of studying, and training, and we believe it really unifies the mission. This transfer is a bit different, because we have a mission tour coming up. The zone conferences will be presented by myself, President Collings, and a member of the Area Presidency and his wife. So we did Mission Leadership Council a little bit different.

We are really trying to build a mission culture. A couple of months ago, one of our Sister Training Leaders did a wonderful presentation on the mission culture, and what we feel each missionary should focus on. We felt like it needed to be brought to the forefront once again because of all the new missionaries who have joined us in the Uganda Kampala Mission. This was a perfect opportunity to talk about each aspect of the mission culture, have a spiritual activity with the leadership, and hopefully build confidence and unity with the new leaders.

We gathered together at the mission home for an opening song and prayer, and then loaded up into two vans. We would be driving to the Mariba Forest, which is between Jinja and Kampala, so the Jinja and Iganga Zone Leaders just met us at the forest.

Van One in front of the mission home

Inside of Van Two

Inside of Van 2

It was such a beautiful setting, and the opportunity to build unity and feel the spirit was amazing.  We parked at a place called the Rain Forest Lodge. Then we walked along a dirt road into the rain forest.

We have a saying, “Deny yourself and weave your strength into the RC Basket”. Along the walk, zone leaders or sister training leaders would teach what RC BASKET stands for.

Elder Davidson and Elder Carter

Ethiopia Zone Leaders were first with R- Repentance

• Repentance is a way to happiness. Be proactive, have the desire to be accountable, and do not wait to be told what you need to do and change.
• We cannot teach repentance when we are not repenting ourselves

Elder Kampelya and Elder Barrington

Then Jinja Zone Leaders C- Constant Finding

• We need to identify the what, the why, and the how behind constant finding.
• The Why: D&C 75:2-3 We have volunteered our names to labor in the Lord's vineyard for two years. The Savior provided the perfect example for us to follow. We need to emulate his example.

The group during one of the training stops on our walk.

Elder Obeng and Elder Njezula

North Zone Leaders B- Baptise Converts

• Conversion is a different view of ones self and God by following the principles of the Gospel.
• Preach My Gospel pg 6 quote box. People have to understand the Gospel in order to act. When they understand then the Spirit can teach them.

Elder Moncur and Elder Phiri

South Zone Leaders A- Accept Correction

• Correction is a sign of care and love towards others, especially those that we have been called to serve. Correction does not mean hatred, but it is a way to progress.
• When we seek to improve by accepting correction, it brings us to greatness: For example, Paul and  Alma in the scriptures.

Sister Kunene and Sister Ngulu

Uganda Sister Training Leaders S- Set Prayerful Goals

• Goals reflect the desires of our heart. Goals reflect our love for Heavenly Father and it enables us to align our will to His will. We need to counsel with the Lord always.
• Preach My Gospel pg 146 quote box. If we do not set prayerful goals, we will not reach our full potential. Goals allow us to align our will to Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness.

Hiking between the training stops.

Sister Shongwe and Sister Shabalala

Rwanda Sister Training Leaders K- Keep Positive Attitude

• We must smile always while we have all of our teeth intact. We are that we might have joy, especially with missionary work. Share the joy you have with others.
• Keeping a positive attitude on a daily basis helps others come to the knowledge of the truth. People can know that the Gospel brings joy.

Elder Mukaro and Elder Gilbert

Rwanda Zone Leaders E- Exact Obedience

• Obedience is the first law of heaven. Obedience brings blessings but strict obedience brings miracles.
• When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God endows us with power.

Elder Quinton and Elder Kagson

Masaka Zone Leaders T- Teach Simply

• We have to teach in a manner that the spirit can testify according to the understanding of our investigators.
• 2 Nephi 28:30 When we study we gain more knowledge. We do not teach it all at once. 

Then we had teaching by the Assistants to the President.

Elder Yemoh

Mission Hand Book pg 3: We have been recommended as one worthy. The gospel is preached by the weak and simple. The Lord qualifies when he calls. He does not call the perfect, but those that are humble, teachable, and willing to learn

D&C 46: 10-12: We need to seek after spiritual gifts. We need to always remember and retain in our minds what these gifts are given for; that all may be profited. If we believe and we ask for the right reason, it will be given to us.

Elder Fiagbedzi

As missionaries we need to remember the covenants that we made with God in the holy temple and remember that we will be held accountable one day for how we honored and kept those covenants. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Everything we do as missionaries should be centered on love for the Savior and our fellow men. Love should be the motive behind everything we do as missionaries.

 

President Collings

Standing in Holy  Places

• Mountains are significant: Mount of transfiguration where priesthood keys were given. Moses on Mount Sinai communed with the Lord and received commandments.
• It requires a great sacrifice in order to make it to the top of mountains which is a similitude of how one has to be worthy in order to enter into Holy Temples.
• Numbers 13:27-30 each one of us can be like Caleb with our own personal challenges. Caleb's leadership did not waver under adversity. Just like Caleb, we should not fear men

It was a unique and different Mission Leadership Council. It was an absolutely beautiful day! There were butterflies everywhere, every color and variety you could imagine. There were so many different flowers, everywhere! The foliage was lush and thick! I think we had a couple of monkeys watching us from the trees. It was a perfect day, with sunshine, but just a few wispy clouds to keep the heat away.  At the very end of our hike to the top of the mountain, the heavens opened and we were caught in a downpour... This is a rain forest, RIGHT??

The missionaries took it all in stride, they walked along the muddy road, completely drenched, singing, “There is Sunshine in my Soul”.  I loved it!

We walked back to the Rain Forest Lodge, where they had a buffet lunch prepared for us. We really enjoyed the time we spent together as a Leadership Council. The mission is in good hands. The leaders want to do what’s right and to help the missionaries they have stewardship over to catch that same vision.

A few other pictures I wanted to share. We had some interviews at the office this week. I took a few pictures of one of the groups. This is usually an all day thing, and I forget to take pictures, but when I can, I like to share.

Also, we received this package for one of our missionaries. There are no words.... I am happy to report that the most important things in the package made it! I just wish this package could talk. It has quite a story to tell.

On this same day, we had a mission call come to the office. This young man has waited a long time for his call. He was planning to take it back to his branch in Mbale, but decided to open it in the office instead. We are so excited for him, he has been called to serve in Cape Town South Africa.

Aaron Opolot with his mission call

He will be a great missionary. This has been a great week. We are so happy to be serving here in the Uganda Kampala Mission. Lots of wonderful experiences. Life is good.