“The work here is never easy- good thing I did not come here expecting
it would be- The Lord knew
the challenges that I would face and that those challenges would work to
strengthen me and make me a better servant and a better person. So I never get too stressed out over
difficult things that happen, I just take things as they come and do my best.”
Dear family!
I'm glad to read all about your week and to know that everyone is
doing fine
I had a good week. On P-day there was an activity for the Manga
zone with all the missionaries, at Manga chapel (not our house). There was food
and games, we played volleyball and other stuff it was fun. Thursday morning we got a call from the zone
leaders telling us that we all had to stay in for the day. All the missionaries
in the mission did not leave their houses on that day. The reason for this
decision was because on Thursday, the results of the presidential elections
that happened a few weeks ago were to be announced, and there were rumors that
there might be conflict between supporter of the contending parties, which
could escalate. So as a precaution we
were told to stay in our houses. But in the end we did not hear of any trouble. So
it was a rare day off for us. Since we could not go out and work we took
advantage of the day by relaxing a little and hang out around the house, and
because our house is also the chapel, we have a TV and a DVD player. So we
decided to watch some church movies, we also had received the DVDs of General Conference,
so we watched all the sessions in English. So in a way it was nice, I enjoyed
all of the talks.
On Friday, as you know, was Halloween in the States! But not here, for us it was just a normal day. But I
really enjoyed your pictures in your customs, Dad and Jake look
great, I also love that picture of Mom, with that mask and the U of U t-shirt that was
funny. I’m glad the weather was good there for you that night.
Friday evening we prepared the
baptismal font and cleaned the Manga chapel in preparation for the baptisms that
we had on Saturday morning. So on Saturday morning three young women were baptized. Attendance was
low, but it was still a very special service.
That day in the afternoon we put on general conference for anyone in the branch
that could attend. Only five people five showed up, but we watched it anyway.
We also watched conference the next day on Sunday, and 90 people showed up for
that one, so it was a pretty good crowd. Everyone seems to have enjoyed General
Conference. We only watched one session on each day, so we'll set aside another
weekend to watch the remaining sessions. What a great blessing to have modern prophets
that guide us in this latter days and what a blessing it is that even in these
remote corner of the world you see them and hear their voices- even if its through DVDs.
To finish up our Saturday, that evening we went to a family night
at the house of a member family, Wingue and Ines. one person shared a spiritual
thought, and then we played some games and after that we ate. The food was super
good, rice, beans and chicken- that is the food in every party but I love
the food that our wonderful members prepare for social and church activities.
Anyway, our investigators are doing well. Couple #1 is still on
track to get baptized on the 15th, but everything will depend on the next
couple days. We are anticipating that they will be able to get the documents that they need and then we'll open the marriage process by Friday
(11/7) so they can get married on the 14th and baptized on the 15th. So we'll
see how it goes. Couple #2 is also doing great and continues to make progress.
We're hoping they can get baptized at the beginning of December.
This transfer is flying by! The next transfers are in two weeks
from today! I expect I'll stay in this area at least through the New Year, but
you never know what the Lord has in store for us when it comes to transfers. However, I’m enjoying my time here, and I
love being in the Mascarenha branch. The work here is never easy- so it’s a good thing I did not come here expecting
the work to be easy- The Lord knew the challenges that I would face
and that those challenges would work to strengthen me and make me a better servant and a better person. So I never get too stressed out over difficult things that happen, I
just take things as they come and do my best.
I appreciate how you guys are always thinking of me and praying
for me every day and night. I pray that the Lord will continue to watch over me here and you at home. I thank the Lord every day for keeping me safe and
healthy.
I hope you have a great week.
I can't wait to hear from you again next week!!!
I love you sooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Josh
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