Well, just a few of them. Then we had one big headache.
First the happy news: The B family is getting baptized on December 2nd! They all passed their interviews with flying colors, and the two oldest boys came out beaming from ear to ear! They are all so happy and it helps me remember what missionary work is all about. The headache, on the other hand, was simply the day we spent almost 3 hours trying to fill out paper work. Do you know the people here don't keep record of anything? We had a really good laugh, talking about whose parents were born where, and what year the marriage(s) were (both the B parents had been married before--ayi that was a nightmare). Sister B could only tell us the names of her first two children, and that they had been born a year apart, but not the years they were born...
My companion and I are getting dresses made for the occasion, and I'll be sending pictures next week of the big day!
This Sunday we got to celebrate Thanksgiving with the B family, and boy was that food good! I stuffed myself silly and then even found room for the pumpkin and apple pie that the P's had made and served with ice cream. All us missionaries played a few games, and we really just enjoyed the evening.
I do like the summers back home, but I'm pretty sure I'll love the winter when it comes once I'm home. Here it feels like July all the time, and I could do with some snow. The coolest I've ever felt here was still not cold enough to really need a jacket. The rain is even warm, and only comes once in a while, but I'm told that its going to change.
On Saturday we're having a Branch Christmas activity, and us Missionaries are doing something... but what it is I have no idea... We're meant to practice our whatever on Tuesday, and I really hope for a miracle!
**
Well, my friends, it has been another wonderful week here in the Celestial Kingdom of Areas, and the work is only skyrocketing from here! Like Elder Holland said last spring, "It is never too late so long as the Master says there is still time!"
I love you all so very much!
Sister Adams
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Busy, Busy
My dear family and friends,
This week has seemed a bit more busy than usual because on Thursday we made the 6-hour drive back to Lilongwe! Our new flat is really nice, and it's not nearly as big as the one before so it feels more like home. There are even screens on all the windows so we don't have to sleep with mosquito nets if we don't want.
The people here were really happy to see us, and we're trying to see as many people as we can! There's one brother, V, who is from Mozambique who is getting baptized on December 16. He's really eager to do the will of the Father, and he's so in-tune with the Spirit that sometimes he teaches us!
There's also the B family, who stand as an example of faith. Brother B, as it turns out, was chased from his job because he goes to church every week. But he told us that if the Lord wants him to have a job, then he'll find a job. This man and his family have such a strong testimony of this church that the are willing to give up absolutely everything just so they can follow Christ. I pray that I can have such faith!
I made mashed potatoes the other night, and everyone loved them. All the African missionaries were astounded at the amount of milk I poured into them--they usually only do a little, but I was very liberal with it. The end result was a very good pile of potatoes!
I got a Conference Liahona from fall last year, and I was surprised and happy to discover President Uchtdorf's Forget-Me-Not talk in the back. I listened to it once in the MTC, and I've been wanting to read through it again. I took chicken-scratch notes when I was listening, and I plan on making them look nicer now that I have the talk.
As a final thought, I would just like to give a suggestion: This week we've focused a bit on trusting in the Lord. One way we can do this is handing over our trials and problems to Him. When you've got the time, write down any problems you might have, and crumple the paper into a ball. Then burn it. You're handing over those problems to the Lord, showing your trust that you know He will take care of them. And once the paper is nothing but ash, you'll find those problems don't really matter any more.
I love you all, and more importantly Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. Always remember that.
Sister Adams
This week has seemed a bit more busy than usual because on Thursday we made the 6-hour drive back to Lilongwe! Our new flat is really nice, and it's not nearly as big as the one before so it feels more like home. There are even screens on all the windows so we don't have to sleep with mosquito nets if we don't want.
The people here were really happy to see us, and we're trying to see as many people as we can! There's one brother, V, who is from Mozambique who is getting baptized on December 16. He's really eager to do the will of the Father, and he's so in-tune with the Spirit that sometimes he teaches us!
There's also the B family, who stand as an example of faith. Brother B, as it turns out, was chased from his job because he goes to church every week. But he told us that if the Lord wants him to have a job, then he'll find a job. This man and his family have such a strong testimony of this church that the are willing to give up absolutely everything just so they can follow Christ. I pray that I can have such faith!
I made mashed potatoes the other night, and everyone loved them. All the African missionaries were astounded at the amount of milk I poured into them--they usually only do a little, but I was very liberal with it. The end result was a very good pile of potatoes!
I got a Conference Liahona from fall last year, and I was surprised and happy to discover President Uchtdorf's Forget-Me-Not talk in the back. I listened to it once in the MTC, and I've been wanting to read through it again. I took chicken-scratch notes when I was listening, and I plan on making them look nicer now that I have the talk.
As a final thought, I would just like to give a suggestion: This week we've focused a bit on trusting in the Lord. One way we can do this is handing over our trials and problems to Him. When you've got the time, write down any problems you might have, and crumple the paper into a ball. Then burn it. You're handing over those problems to the Lord, showing your trust that you know He will take care of them. And once the paper is nothing but ash, you'll find those problems don't really matter any more.
I love you all, and more importantly Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. Always remember that.
Sister Adams
Monday, November 12, 2012
Into the bush
It has been another good week in the Warm Heart of Africa! We actually taught a powerful young man a few days ago, who accepted our invitation to be baptized on the first visit! I'm really just sad that I won't be here in Blantyre to see it happen... Actually there are several progressing people that I would like to stay here in Blantyre for, but there are people in Lilongwe who are ready to enter the waters that cannot because us missionaries are absent. So I'm dying to travel back up north!
This morning, we had a zone activity. All us missionaries left around 6:45 and went to a nature park. We were in for a real treat, going to a park where there was the promise of lots of monkeys and a hyena cave. Remember in the Lion King when Simba is climbing up the pile of rocks? That's what the hyena cave looks like. The guides told us that they were deep under the rocks, so we thought it would be clever to climb down into a few of the holes and say "Odi?" (when you say that at any given Malawian home someone will come to the door). Unfortunately, these hyenas must have been warned that we were missionaries because they did not come to the door--that happens sometimes, too.
Continuing on the trail, I got bit by a few ants that were about four times as big as the ones back home, and they've left red dots to add to my collection of mosquito bites. Then everyone stopped suddenly because they saw a monkey a few trees away! He was just chilling, munching on something, but as soon as he realized we were taking pictures he started moving, and he was gone within five seconds! I'm really sad that I didn't get a picture...
When we finally got to the picnic area, the drivers of the cars went to get the braai stuff (barbeque), and we played some games while we waited. Mom, I made potato salad and it turned out almost exactly like yours (we couldn't find pickles) and I'm feeling rather proud of myself.
Yes the work is taxing, and draining, but its satisfying. I konk out as soon as my head hits the pillow at night and sometimes I feel like half-six comes too soon. Besides a dozen or so mosquito bites, I'm in pretty good health; except for a spot on my head that I'm pretty sure is bruised because I hit it getting into the truck one day. But no worries! It's not stopping me from working, so it's no big deal!
Transfers... Well, I'm in a 12-week training program, and so I'm at least with my companion for a while longer. And I'm pretty sure we'll be in Lilongwe for the rest of it, too. They happen every six weeks, and every transfer we get a new planner. I've just switched from one that is brown and battered to one that is white and clean. I'll take a picture of the two side-by-side and send it sometime.
Last week the wi-fi all around Blantyre was down, so we didn't get to email until the next day. It was kind of a let-down of a P-day, but it made for a pretty good Tuesday!
We've been studying a lot from the Book of Mormon edition of the Liahona (last October), and there was an interesting bit in there about how to study it: Because the Book of Mormon was written for our day, we should ask the following questions: Why was this included? How can I apply this to my life? It's really helping me, and I'm getting much more out of those scriptures now!
Well, my family and friends, I love you all so very much. It's your love and support that keeps me going some days, and it fuels my resolve to keep the work going here in Malawi. The church is true, and the Book of Mormon is indeed the most correct of any book on earth!
Sister Adams
This morning, we had a zone activity. All us missionaries left around 6:45 and went to a nature park. We were in for a real treat, going to a park where there was the promise of lots of monkeys and a hyena cave. Remember in the Lion King when Simba is climbing up the pile of rocks? That's what the hyena cave looks like. The guides told us that they were deep under the rocks, so we thought it would be clever to climb down into a few of the holes and say "Odi?" (when you say that at any given Malawian home someone will come to the door). Unfortunately, these hyenas must have been warned that we were missionaries because they did not come to the door--that happens sometimes, too.
Continuing on the trail, I got bit by a few ants that were about four times as big as the ones back home, and they've left red dots to add to my collection of mosquito bites. Then everyone stopped suddenly because they saw a monkey a few trees away! He was just chilling, munching on something, but as soon as he realized we were taking pictures he started moving, and he was gone within five seconds! I'm really sad that I didn't get a picture...
When we finally got to the picnic area, the drivers of the cars went to get the braai stuff (barbeque), and we played some games while we waited. Mom, I made potato salad and it turned out almost exactly like yours (we couldn't find pickles) and I'm feeling rather proud of myself.
Yes the work is taxing, and draining, but its satisfying. I konk out as soon as my head hits the pillow at night and sometimes I feel like half-six comes too soon. Besides a dozen or so mosquito bites, I'm in pretty good health; except for a spot on my head that I'm pretty sure is bruised because I hit it getting into the truck one day. But no worries! It's not stopping me from working, so it's no big deal!
Transfers... Well, I'm in a 12-week training program, and so I'm at least with my companion for a while longer. And I'm pretty sure we'll be in Lilongwe for the rest of it, too. They happen every six weeks, and every transfer we get a new planner. I've just switched from one that is brown and battered to one that is white and clean. I'll take a picture of the two side-by-side and send it sometime.
Last week the wi-fi all around Blantyre was down, so we didn't get to email until the next day. It was kind of a let-down of a P-day, but it made for a pretty good Tuesday!
We've been studying a lot from the Book of Mormon edition of the Liahona (last October), and there was an interesting bit in there about how to study it: Because the Book of Mormon was written for our day, we should ask the following questions: Why was this included? How can I apply this to my life? It's really helping me, and I'm getting much more out of those scriptures now!
Well, my family and friends, I love you all so very much. It's your love and support that keeps me going some days, and it fuels my resolve to keep the work going here in Malawi. The church is true, and the Book of Mormon is indeed the most correct of any book on earth!
Sister Adams
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The days fly by....
And by days, I mean weeks. We're almost done with a transfer!
We're still in Blantyre, and the P's have said that we're most likely going back to Lilongwe by the 15th. There are some days where I can't wait to go back, because the people there need us missionaries--the branch is still under the mission, so they can't have any baptisms unless we're there. And there are some days when I just don't want to leave because of a few people we've found here. There's three girls; A, R, and L, who are very powerful and very spiritually ready for the Gospel. We try to meet with them as much as possible, but all three of them have school and other obligations.
A few nights ago, I had a really cool experience. I woke up in the middle of the night to hear water running on high in the bathroom. The evening before, our water had been really low and I guess someone turned on the tap and forgot to turn it back off. Anyway, I listened to the tap going and had the thought that I should get up and turn off the water. I pushed the thought away because I wanted to sleep, but then the thought came again. I realized it was the Spirit telling me this, but still I did nothing. I silently prayed for Heavenly Father to wake up one of the other sisters, because I was tired, I had a cold, and wanted to sleep. But then I heard a distinct voice saying, "I woke you up. You go turn off the tap." I didn't need much more convincing than that! What I learned from that little experience in the middle of the night is that we should always follow the promptings of the Spirit. Even if we think it might be our own thoughts, we should follow it. You never know what might happen; our flat could have been flooded by morning if I hadn't acted!
As for the sisters here in Blantyre right now: There's M, she's from Zimbabwe, and her baby shark S from Angola. They work in an area that is practically on the side of mount Soche, and they tell us almost every day about how S is always ahead with M crying for her to wait up! A lot of times Sister M calls herself Agogo, which means grandma!
There's also sister P, who is from somewhere in Utah (Orem, I think?). She's very good at making desserts, and she makes the best chocolate cake I've ever tasted! Her companion, Sister K, who is also from Zim, is the 'fashionista' of all of us, and she favors stylish clothing over clothes that allow her to not be hot.
Then there's my momma shark, Sister N. This woman is a little spitfire! I think she's maybe pushing five-foot-nothing, and she always has us 'marching' and calls us soldiers. She's a really good teacher, and I'm learning a lot about being a missionary from her.
That's really cool to hear about how the sessions are organized in the Brigham City temple. It's so different here; the people have to organize a trip almost a year in advance, and everyone has to get passports, pay for transport... I feel so blessed that I grew up in a state where there's a temple twenty minutes either way. I know that when I get home I'll take advantage of that and go as much as I can!
I don't really have a boyfriend, I just said that so that some random Malawian didn't ask me to marry him!
The thing about the guards is they salute every time they see us, which is kind of funny, but cool at the same time. Also, next week all the missionaries will be going to a sanctuary, but I can't promise we'll see any big animals!
I had a pretty bad cold... and a funny night! Sister S gave me some medicine that was to be made into a hot drink. She told me it would make me sleepy, but I think she underestimated its power. I drank it about half-eight, and within ten minutes I was loopy and dizzy. I tipped over during our planning, and I barely made it onto my bed before I was out! I felt like my head was full of soup, and every time I moved it I just about overbalanced!
**
Well, my lovely family, I bid you adieu, and I want you all to know that I love you! There's something special about families, and once we find it we should hang onto it and never let it go!
Lots of love from,
Sister Adams
We're still in Blantyre, and the P's have said that we're most likely going back to Lilongwe by the 15th. There are some days where I can't wait to go back, because the people there need us missionaries--the branch is still under the mission, so they can't have any baptisms unless we're there. And there are some days when I just don't want to leave because of a few people we've found here. There's three girls; A, R, and L, who are very powerful and very spiritually ready for the Gospel. We try to meet with them as much as possible, but all three of them have school and other obligations.
A few nights ago, I had a really cool experience. I woke up in the middle of the night to hear water running on high in the bathroom. The evening before, our water had been really low and I guess someone turned on the tap and forgot to turn it back off. Anyway, I listened to the tap going and had the thought that I should get up and turn off the water. I pushed the thought away because I wanted to sleep, but then the thought came again. I realized it was the Spirit telling me this, but still I did nothing. I silently prayed for Heavenly Father to wake up one of the other sisters, because I was tired, I had a cold, and wanted to sleep. But then I heard a distinct voice saying, "I woke you up. You go turn off the tap." I didn't need much more convincing than that! What I learned from that little experience in the middle of the night is that we should always follow the promptings of the Spirit. Even if we think it might be our own thoughts, we should follow it. You never know what might happen; our flat could have been flooded by morning if I hadn't acted!
As for the sisters here in Blantyre right now: There's M, she's from Zimbabwe, and her baby shark S from Angola. They work in an area that is practically on the side of mount Soche, and they tell us almost every day about how S is always ahead with M crying for her to wait up! A lot of times Sister M calls herself Agogo, which means grandma!
There's also sister P, who is from somewhere in Utah (Orem, I think?). She's very good at making desserts, and she makes the best chocolate cake I've ever tasted! Her companion, Sister K, who is also from Zim, is the 'fashionista' of all of us, and she favors stylish clothing over clothes that allow her to not be hot.
Then there's my momma shark, Sister N. This woman is a little spitfire! I think she's maybe pushing five-foot-nothing, and she always has us 'marching' and calls us soldiers. She's a really good teacher, and I'm learning a lot about being a missionary from her.
That's really cool to hear about how the sessions are organized in the Brigham City temple. It's so different here; the people have to organize a trip almost a year in advance, and everyone has to get passports, pay for transport... I feel so blessed that I grew up in a state where there's a temple twenty minutes either way. I know that when I get home I'll take advantage of that and go as much as I can!
I don't really have a boyfriend, I just said that so that some random Malawian didn't ask me to marry him!
The thing about the guards is they salute every time they see us, which is kind of funny, but cool at the same time. Also, next week all the missionaries will be going to a sanctuary, but I can't promise we'll see any big animals!
I had a pretty bad cold... and a funny night! Sister S gave me some medicine that was to be made into a hot drink. She told me it would make me sleepy, but I think she underestimated its power. I drank it about half-eight, and within ten minutes I was loopy and dizzy. I tipped over during our planning, and I barely made it onto my bed before I was out! I felt like my head was full of soup, and every time I moved it I just about overbalanced!
**
Well, my lovely family, I bid you adieu, and I want you all to know that I love you! There's something special about families, and once we find it we should hang onto it and never let it go!
Lots of love from,
Sister Adams
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