Well, my friends, as this year draws to a close, I've often reflected on how I have spent my time, and how I will be spending my time. I'm starting my first full year on mission, and somehow I feel like it's a very monumental thing. Some of the dying horses (missionaries going home soon) are excited that they get to start saying "I'm going home this year!", and even some of the new missionaries are going to start saying "I'm going home next year!"... I won't be one of them, at least not until I've passed my mid-way mark.
This week we had a wonderful event: B B got baptized! He was silent and his eyes were huge the whole time, and I could tell he was very excited! The only thing he was really nervous about was being totally immersed in water; they don't really do that sort of thing here, especially in Makatani!
In other news, Sister N is getting baptized next week! She's so very excited, and she seems to be glowing with the Light of Christ. This was a woman who would run away/chase us out in times past. At one point she even told us not to come again. But something changed in her, and we are so very happy that it did! I don't think I've seen her sad since we've come back from Blantyre, come to think of it. But because of this woman, I have a testimony that this Gospel will change your life if you let it.
We're starting something new with the new year: leaving the house at 9! It makes sense, because we have to come in earlier, but I like my personal study in the morning! My companion and i have decided that instead we're going to do our personal study at night, and the next morning do our companion study. We'll see how it goes but I'm hoping it works!
**
Well, my lovelies, I hope this letter finds you all in good health on this, the last day of the year the world was supposed to end. I hope you haven't been raptured, or zombiefied, or apocolypsed, or what have you, and I hope you're finding the joy in your life that is promised to us by our Heavenly Father.
I know that this church is true, and I know that our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, truly lives.
Lots of love from your dear Sister Adams
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Moppin' around the Christmas Tree
It's not something I ever expected to do; but lo and behold what I did this morning! Our little tree isn't covered in homemade ornaments or even piled high with gifts, but it certainly adds a bit of charm to our small flat.
This week we've been preparing two people for baptism: B B and Sister N. B turns 8 on Christmas, and he's my first child-of-record! If you ask him what he thinks about his baptism, his eyes will just get big and his mouth will get small (his way of saying he's excited). Sister N, on the other hand, keeps insisting that we're going to end up moving her date again (but we only did that because we hadn't taught her everything, and now we have!) and we had to make her a countdown chart just to assure her that she will be entering the water on the 6th of January. She's so excited, and her husband is so happy! It's people like them that make me feel really good about being here!
On Saturday, we had our Christmas party, and it was a huge hit! We had upwards of 400 people there (mostly kids) and everyone enjoyed it. There was singing, both in English and Chichewa, the Nativity story told by the children, and even a Gospel Hip-Hop number by the young men! Then, to everyone's pleasure, there was volleyball, and to finish it all off a lot of nsima and goat to go around! (us missionaries didn't actually eat at the party--good thing, too. They don't waste any part of an animal when cooking.)
**
Well, my loved ones, at this time I would like to give some fair council. Don't ever forget, in this season of gift giving, the greatest gift ever to be presented. Two thousand and twelve years ago, our Heavenly Father gave us the most precious thing He could; He gave us His Son. He gave to us a way that we could return to live with Him, and we should keep this gift close to our hearts--not just when there's tinsel and colorful lights, but every waking hour of our lives. Think on it; if Jesus Christ hadn't come to earth, we would be wandering lost, with no light to find our way on the stormy seas of sin. Instead the Savior acts as a lighthouse to guide us to the calm waters of our Father's mercy, where we can find the purest joy that we will ever come across.
I love you all so very much, and I keep you in my heart next to our Heavenly Father's gift. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Monday, December 17, 2012
3 Months on a Mission!
I almost lost a shoe this week.
On Monday, my companion and I learned the true definition of floods, as we sloshed through the rain to Makatani. We were soaked, we were trying our best to keep our bags dry (failing), and the running water on the roads was up past my ankles!. I decided to give up hopping from bank to bank, and just started walking through the water. The problem with that is my shoes don't have straps, so at one point I stepped out and my shoe started sailing down the road! My companion was wonderful in chasing it, and when I finally got my shoe back I did something not many sisters would (or probably should) do--I went barefoot.
You don't know drenched until you've been in a Malawian rain. Just go stand fully clothed under the shower for about ten minutes and you might have a small idea of how it is here. Its a disaster if we don't carry an umbrella!
On the opposite side of things, I just want to say how wonderful it is to find new families that are interested in the Gospel. We managed to meet with S's mum this past week, and we even met her older brother and sister! We're going to start teaching them, and we're so grateful to find such a humble family who is willing to learn! We also got some really good news: we might be able to have baptisms on the 29th of this month, so we can have a 'white' Christmas! The only person we feel might be ready is B B, a boy who is turning 8 on Christmas. He's got really great potential, and he's really clever, he's just really quiet as well so its a bit hard to figure out if he'll be ready. But we are praying for them!
We're having a Branch Christmas party this Saturday. The Relief Society is singing two songs in Chichewa: Joy to the World and How Great Thou Art. I got a new chitenje to wear; I'll be sure to take pictures (and maybe even make a video of the songs so you all can enjoy). On Sunday we actually got a strange surprise. We pulled into the compound for church, and the first thing we hear is the bleating of two goats. At first I thought they had wandered in because goats wander everywhere, but then I noticed they were tied up. Then one of the presidency tells us that the goats are going to be for the lunch on Saturday. Elder S wants to do the honors, and he wants me to film it. I'm still not sure.
Something that is a bit freaky here--occasionally we'll pass a person who looks like someone I know back home. There's a woman at a tailor shop who looks like Aunt S. There's a little girl in Kauma that looks like A S. It's just a little unnerving...
It's so wonderful to hear the youth enjoying a trip to Temple Square. I'm becoming more and more grateful that we live in a place with several temples within a short driving distance. The people here, if they want to attend the temple, have to take such strenuous steps just to do so! They have to get passports and save and plan a whole trip through the Branch, and then a bus is booked and they take maybe 1 1/2 weeks for the trip! I'm going to go as often as I can when I get home!
**
I'd like to close this week by bearing my testimony. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this church is true. And that means everything about the Gospel. I could list all of them but I'll just save time by listing a few things. The Book of Mormon is the most correct and important book on the face of this earth. Read and study it every day and you can never go wrong. Our Savior came to this earth with a single mission. He died for us, to save us from our mistakes, and then on the third day He was risen. By relying on the Atonement of our Redeemer, we can be pulled even from the deepest depth of sin and despair. There is nothing that the Atonement cannot save us from. It is an Infinite Atonement.
I love you all very much, and I keep your prayers close to my heart.
Sister Adams
On Monday, my companion and I learned the true definition of floods, as we sloshed through the rain to Makatani. We were soaked, we were trying our best to keep our bags dry (failing), and the running water on the roads was up past my ankles!. I decided to give up hopping from bank to bank, and just started walking through the water. The problem with that is my shoes don't have straps, so at one point I stepped out and my shoe started sailing down the road! My companion was wonderful in chasing it, and when I finally got my shoe back I did something not many sisters would (or probably should) do--I went barefoot.
You don't know drenched until you've been in a Malawian rain. Just go stand fully clothed under the shower for about ten minutes and you might have a small idea of how it is here. Its a disaster if we don't carry an umbrella!
On the opposite side of things, I just want to say how wonderful it is to find new families that are interested in the Gospel. We managed to meet with S's mum this past week, and we even met her older brother and sister! We're going to start teaching them, and we're so grateful to find such a humble family who is willing to learn! We also got some really good news: we might be able to have baptisms on the 29th of this month, so we can have a 'white' Christmas! The only person we feel might be ready is B B, a boy who is turning 8 on Christmas. He's got really great potential, and he's really clever, he's just really quiet as well so its a bit hard to figure out if he'll be ready. But we are praying for them!
We're having a Branch Christmas party this Saturday. The Relief Society is singing two songs in Chichewa: Joy to the World and How Great Thou Art. I got a new chitenje to wear; I'll be sure to take pictures (and maybe even make a video of the songs so you all can enjoy). On Sunday we actually got a strange surprise. We pulled into the compound for church, and the first thing we hear is the bleating of two goats. At first I thought they had wandered in because goats wander everywhere, but then I noticed they were tied up. Then one of the presidency tells us that the goats are going to be for the lunch on Saturday. Elder S wants to do the honors, and he wants me to film it. I'm still not sure.
Something that is a bit freaky here--occasionally we'll pass a person who looks like someone I know back home. There's a woman at a tailor shop who looks like Aunt S. There's a little girl in Kauma that looks like A S. It's just a little unnerving...
It's so wonderful to hear the youth enjoying a trip to Temple Square. I'm becoming more and more grateful that we live in a place with several temples within a short driving distance. The people here, if they want to attend the temple, have to take such strenuous steps just to do so! They have to get passports and save and plan a whole trip through the Branch, and then a bus is booked and they take maybe 1 1/2 weeks for the trip! I'm going to go as often as I can when I get home!
**
I'd like to close this week by bearing my testimony. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this church is true. And that means everything about the Gospel. I could list all of them but I'll just save time by listing a few things. The Book of Mormon is the most correct and important book on the face of this earth. Read and study it every day and you can never go wrong. Our Savior came to this earth with a single mission. He died for us, to save us from our mistakes, and then on the third day He was risen. By relying on the Atonement of our Redeemer, we can be pulled even from the deepest depth of sin and despair. There is nothing that the Atonement cannot save us from. It is an Infinite Atonement.
I love you all very much, and I keep your prayers close to my heart.
Sister Adams
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Rains Came Down....
And so did Sister Adams! And when the song says the floods came up, I'm certain they were talking about Kauma. Walking away from a member's house this morning, I slipped in some mud and did a faceplant! The mud here gets really really slippery, so you have to be really careful about where you step.
In other news, the B family, as well as S, are now full members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I think I understand what Ammon meant when he was so full of joy that his strength was exhausted. And these people looked so happy about finally having the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. I just felt so happy for them, and I don't think anything got me down that day!
On Thursday we sent off Elder M, who is now enjoying the comforts of South Africa and the MTC in Joberg. That night at Devotional we taught about Missionary Work, and everyone enjoyed.
The Elders that work in Kauma (S and M) are complete comedians when they talk about their day, and we listen to them all the way home (seeing as I'm the one driving--didn't I mention that?). I don't think I could pinpoint one exact moment when those boys made us laugh, but if I can think of a moment I'll be sure to write it down so I can tell you.
The Christmas program here is still in the works, and the other day we heard the people in Branch Council talking very loudly at one another about something in Chichewa. We've also been listening to the little Christmas music we have, and some of the songs don't quite feel right if I'm not watching snow fall. The favorite (between those of us from North America) is 'I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas'. But now, it seems we'll be having a wet Christmas. I don't think there's a good enough pair of shoes to withstand the mud here!
Make sure there's a good balance between work and play! My companion and I are finding that balance. Sometimes there's just nonsense, and sometimes there's just work, but we're both working on figuring out what is good for us, and I'm certain you can too!
Once again my dear ones, I bid you adieu. As we sing quite frequently, "The time is far spent, there is little remaining!". I want you to think about, however, the meaning for the wonderous things that we do this month. The Savior's birth. What does it mean to you?
I love you all!
Sister Adams
In other news, the B family, as well as S, are now full members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I think I understand what Ammon meant when he was so full of joy that his strength was exhausted. And these people looked so happy about finally having the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. I just felt so happy for them, and I don't think anything got me down that day!
On Thursday we sent off Elder M, who is now enjoying the comforts of South Africa and the MTC in Joberg. That night at Devotional we taught about Missionary Work, and everyone enjoyed.
The Elders that work in Kauma (S and M) are complete comedians when they talk about their day, and we listen to them all the way home (seeing as I'm the one driving--didn't I mention that?). I don't think I could pinpoint one exact moment when those boys made us laugh, but if I can think of a moment I'll be sure to write it down so I can tell you.
The Christmas program here is still in the works, and the other day we heard the people in Branch Council talking very loudly at one another about something in Chichewa. We've also been listening to the little Christmas music we have, and some of the songs don't quite feel right if I'm not watching snow fall. The favorite (between those of us from North America) is 'I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas'. But now, it seems we'll be having a wet Christmas. I don't think there's a good enough pair of shoes to withstand the mud here!
Make sure there's a good balance between work and play! My companion and I are finding that balance. Sometimes there's just nonsense, and sometimes there's just work, but we're both working on figuring out what is good for us, and I'm certain you can too!
Once again my dear ones, I bid you adieu. As we sing quite frequently, "The time is far spent, there is little remaining!". I want you to think about, however, the meaning for the wonderous things that we do this month. The Savior's birth. What does it mean to you?
I love you all!
Sister Adams
Monday, December 3, 2012
I'm dreaming of a white christmas..
And now, thanks to the can of spray snow that I got, we'll at least
have a snow-like substance.
The baptisms on Sunday were powerful! The B family was so happy,and when we passed by their house later that day they were all grinning no matter what! It's their joy in the Gospel that makes me feel like what I'm doing is really worth it, and I felt almost as happy as they were!
There's a brother who is leaving on Thursday to go... to Joberg! He's been called to the Durban South Africa mission, and he's so excited to go! He also bore a powerful testimony on Sunday, and the Branch President called him a soldier going to war. Which is very fitting, if you think about it. We're all fighting the war against sin, and possibly the most active soldiers are the missionaries. We dedicate
all of our time to helping others resist Satan's influences, whereas others have things like jobs and families to worry about. It's really an honourable calling, and now even my view of return missionaries has changed; it's not just a thing they did, it's something to be proud of!
This week we've been told that President P is coming for a Zone Conference (also to set apart Y), and us Sisters have been told that we're going to be housing Sister P. We're very excited to see Pres. again, because he's much like a father to us all.
The rains haven't come in full force just yet... mostly it will rain at night when I can't enjoy it :(. Once though we got caught in the area (Kauma village) during a rainstorm that lasted maybe fifteen minutes. We took shelter at a chips place that we go to sometimes, because it was the only place around with a roof and space to sit under.
I haven't tried the rats on a stick... the only place I've seen them selling it is on the roadside somewhere between Blantyre and Lilongwe, and I didn't feel so inclined to ask Elder S to pull over and get one. The people here actually like their food on the bland side, so I avoid eating in the area as much as possible (plus the Nsima gives me indigestion...) (*note from Naunie, and wikipedia- Nshima or nsima or bidia is a cornmeal product and a staple food in Zambia, Malawi and the Kasai). And yes, they eat anything that is edible (pumpkin leaves are a vegetable here--talk about bitter!).
I hope to see the Christmas Devotional. I'll just have to ask the P's if that's something we can do when it gets posted on the internet. I started watching one from 2009 in the MTC, but I only got halfway through it.
We find humble people in the most unexpected places! There's one girl, from the 'tall gate' area (rich people) who just came to church because she found a pamphlet she'd gotten over a year ago! When we met with her, she said she just wanted to know God better, and was very pleased to hear that we could help her.
Well, my friends, as we enter the last month of the year, please keep in your hearts the true reason we celebrate Christmas. It truly was a miracle that Christ came into the world, and its a wonderful thing what He did for us. When I think of what He did, I can't help but feel the peace that was promised us in this life. I can promise you that you can feel the same if only you let the Savior into your life.
I love you all very much! Keep going strong!
Sister Adams
have a snow-like substance.
The baptisms on Sunday were powerful! The B family was so happy,and when we passed by their house later that day they were all grinning no matter what! It's their joy in the Gospel that makes me feel like what I'm doing is really worth it, and I felt almost as happy as they were!
There's a brother who is leaving on Thursday to go... to Joberg! He's been called to the Durban South Africa mission, and he's so excited to go! He also bore a powerful testimony on Sunday, and the Branch President called him a soldier going to war. Which is very fitting, if you think about it. We're all fighting the war against sin, and possibly the most active soldiers are the missionaries. We dedicate
all of our time to helping others resist Satan's influences, whereas others have things like jobs and families to worry about. It's really an honourable calling, and now even my view of return missionaries has changed; it's not just a thing they did, it's something to be proud of!
This week we've been told that President P is coming for a Zone Conference (also to set apart Y), and us Sisters have been told that we're going to be housing Sister P. We're very excited to see Pres. again, because he's much like a father to us all.
The rains haven't come in full force just yet... mostly it will rain at night when I can't enjoy it :(. Once though we got caught in the area (Kauma village) during a rainstorm that lasted maybe fifteen minutes. We took shelter at a chips place that we go to sometimes, because it was the only place around with a roof and space to sit under.
I haven't tried the rats on a stick... the only place I've seen them selling it is on the roadside somewhere between Blantyre and Lilongwe, and I didn't feel so inclined to ask Elder S to pull over and get one. The people here actually like their food on the bland side, so I avoid eating in the area as much as possible (plus the Nsima gives me indigestion...) (*note from Naunie, and wikipedia- Nshima or nsima or bidia is a cornmeal product and a staple food in Zambia, Malawi and the Kasai). And yes, they eat anything that is edible (pumpkin leaves are a vegetable here--talk about bitter!).
I hope to see the Christmas Devotional. I'll just have to ask the P's if that's something we can do when it gets posted on the internet. I started watching one from 2009 in the MTC, but I only got halfway through it.
We find humble people in the most unexpected places! There's one girl, from the 'tall gate' area (rich people) who just came to church because she found a pamphlet she'd gotten over a year ago! When we met with her, she said she just wanted to know God better, and was very pleased to hear that we could help her.
Well, my friends, as we enter the last month of the year, please keep in your hearts the true reason we celebrate Christmas. It truly was a miracle that Christ came into the world, and its a wonderful thing what He did for us. When I think of what He did, I can't help but feel the peace that was promised us in this life. I can promise you that you can feel the same if only you let the Savior into your life.
I love you all very much! Keep going strong!
Sister Adams
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