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
Monday, November 26, 2012
Happy Days
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
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 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
Monday, October 29, 2012
Hey, this week has flown by! And let me tell you, the work in Blantyre is worthy of the word! Nearly every day this week, we've hiked up and down the streets in the Waterboard and Naperi districts, looking hard for people to teach. We've found a good number of people, but only a handful of them are actually serious. There's one sister, R, she is so powerful, she actually came to the Saturday morning session of conference after only two meetings! She could only go to the one session, but she's really excited about the--well, everything! We've given her a Book of Mormon and got a promise to read, and she's really bright and we can already tell that she holds the things we've taught her close , after taking two meetings to explain the restoration, she was able to tell it back to us perfectly! And even though her father (a pastor in their local church) has met the missionaries and "doesn't believe the mormons", she is being strong enough to form her own opinions about the church, which is really encouraging to us as missionaries!
Here in Blantyre it is much like South Weber in the respect that there are some flat parts and some extremely hilly parts. The people here are generally richer, and that means that we get a lot more people who aren't as interested... BUT there are some people who are so willing to hear the Gospel!
Today we watched Errand of Angels, and it made me so grateful that I've been called to a place where the people are a God-loving, humble group. Nearly everyone here is approachable with the Gospel, and I am able to smile just about every day.
The thing I love most about the people is how hard-working they are. You know that they'll either be committed 100% or not at all, and the only trick is to figure out which side of the kwacha will fall. And the best way to know is to ask our Heavenly Father, because He'll truly answer all of our prayers!
Hey, and I don't have trouble finding people who have to be baptized, it's finding people who want to be baptized is the challenge! The people here have more money than those in Lilongwe, so they're not nearly as humble! There are a few people, like R, whom I believe will be baptized because they love what they're learning, and this sister is so willing to do the will of the Father!
As for your questions, I'll answer all three of them.
1) I had a crazy thing happen to me this morning: A man who we've been teaching asked if I was married. The question threw me off, and before he could propose to me right then and there, I quickly said that I had a boyfriend back home and that we were going to get married! He then said that he should be invited to the wedding... now the trick is finding a boy to agree to be a missionary's boyfriend...
2) I haven't been transferred, even though I am in a different city than where I started. Maybe you could look on a map: I've gone from Lilongwe to Blantyre. And I have a feeling that I'll be in Lilongwe for a good while longer.
3) The security is so getting beefed up! There's a flat that is getting electric and barbed wire put up on the wall, we're getting motion sensors and panic buttons and burglar bars, and in the compound we'll be guarded all night by these guards called PRO-telligent, and they usually guard people like presidents! I'll take pictures of it when we get back to Lilongwe to show you!
They don't celebrate Halloween here. At all. I think I died a little inside at that fact...
About the rain... It's getting cooler here--I've actually been seeing people in heavy jackets in the morning, and it's only in the 70's! It's really nice! But we haven't had any rain yet. Sister N keeps telling me that we have to get some wellington boots for when the rain finally comes, because the water will be up to my calves and full of worms... I really hope she's exaggerating (because she does that a lot!).
Well, my lovelies, I cannot say more than I love it here, and I love doing the work here! This is a wonderful place, and it is truly Africa's time for sharing the Gospel!
I love you all!
Sister Adams
Here in Blantyre it is much like South Weber in the respect that there are some flat parts and some extremely hilly parts. The people here are generally richer, and that means that we get a lot more people who aren't as interested... BUT there are some people who are so willing to hear the Gospel!
Today we watched Errand of Angels, and it made me so grateful that I've been called to a place where the people are a God-loving, humble group. Nearly everyone here is approachable with the Gospel, and I am able to smile just about every day.
The thing I love most about the people is how hard-working they are. You know that they'll either be committed 100% or not at all, and the only trick is to figure out which side of the kwacha will fall. And the best way to know is to ask our Heavenly Father, because He'll truly answer all of our prayers!
Hey, and I don't have trouble finding people who have to be baptized, it's finding people who want to be baptized is the challenge! The people here have more money than those in Lilongwe, so they're not nearly as humble! There are a few people, like R, whom I believe will be baptized because they love what they're learning, and this sister is so willing to do the will of the Father!
As for your questions, I'll answer all three of them.
1) I had a crazy thing happen to me this morning: A man who we've been teaching asked if I was married. The question threw me off, and before he could propose to me right then and there, I quickly said that I had a boyfriend back home and that we were going to get married! He then said that he should be invited to the wedding... now the trick is finding a boy to agree to be a missionary's boyfriend...
2) I haven't been transferred, even though I am in a different city than where I started. Maybe you could look on a map: I've gone from Lilongwe to Blantyre. And I have a feeling that I'll be in Lilongwe for a good while longer.
3) The security is so getting beefed up! There's a flat that is getting electric and barbed wire put up on the wall, we're getting motion sensors and panic buttons and burglar bars, and in the compound we'll be guarded all night by these guards called PRO-telligent, and they usually guard people like presidents! I'll take pictures of it when we get back to Lilongwe to show you!
They don't celebrate Halloween here. At all. I think I died a little inside at that fact...
About the rain... It's getting cooler here--I've actually been seeing people in heavy jackets in the morning, and it's only in the 70's! It's really nice! But we haven't had any rain yet. Sister N keeps telling me that we have to get some wellington boots for when the rain finally comes, because the water will be up to my calves and full of worms... I really hope she's exaggerating (because she does that a lot!).
Well, my lovelies, I cannot say more than I love it here, and I love doing the work here! This is a wonderful place, and it is truly Africa's time for sharing the Gospel!
I love you all!
Sister Adams
Monday, October 22, 2012
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ
Eya, my friends, this week has been crazy! Not as crazy as last week, but still...
So a decision was made on Thursday about what to do with us; because Tuesday night a group of thieves decided to try robbing the Elders' flat again, but there were guards and even a dog, so they got chased away. But it made President Padovich very certain in what we're doing. So, they had us all pack up and took us down to Blantyre!
The work here is not flourishing so much as it is in Lilongwe, and the focus here is Less Active members (that list is longer than the Investigators, and it breaks my heart!). Most of these people have powerful testimonies, but they have concerns like football on Sunday, or maybe they don't have friends in the branch, or they just can't get transportation. Our duty here, for the next three weeks, is to find those concerns and eliminate them. We can find Investigators when we've got nothing else to do, but President said the branches need to be stable before we can bring in many more members.
Sister N and I did find one sister this week; Her name is T, and she's what we call a 'dry Mormon' (just add water). She's so well acquainted with the scriptures, and she is so open to the teachings! What's better is her younger brother is a member, and preparing to serve a mission, and we've assigned him to help her in any way he can.
My favorite thing about the people here is how friendly and open they are. Everything about this place is putting things in perspective for me, and I'm starting to understand more and more about how the Gospel blesses our lives. It shows us how to put aside the little things that don't really matter and helps us focus on what's most important. Just remember that, and you'll be sorted for life!
Cars are certainly useful in getting around quick. In Lilongwe, us sisters had to rely on the Elders for rides, but here in Blantyre we have our own truck! There's 7 of us, so two of us have to ride in the back, but it's nice. We all leave the flat at the same time, and then we're taken to our areas in almost no time at all! It's much better than riding the mini-buses... they're often over-crowded, over-priced, and falling apart (if you saw these driving around, I'm pretty sure you would cry). One we went on was terrible--the door was literally falling off!
Let me tell you about panga knives. They are long, sharp, and usually look dirty and/or rusty. Also, they are a favorite toy of these people called the Ngulwankulo. These people are in every sense traditional Africans. They dress up in costumes, have ritual clothing and dances and--get this--they live in a GRAVEYARD.
I haven't seen them up close, because my companion is scared to death of them! I've tried to convince her to let me get a closer look, but she won't let me... Apparently they come up to people and dance around them with their panga knives, and if you give them money they go away.
But the freakiest thing about them is this--Do you remember on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, when the people brainwash Indy after they kidnap him? I've heard they do that too! If you don't give these people money, they'll take you to their graveyard, and make you one of them! We have a member in Lilongwe who says it's happened to him before.
It's funny that you mentioned the Gadianton Robbers... Pres. Padovich has said just about the same thing; that they were there from the beginning of time, and they'll be there until the 2nd coming. He said he's got no doubt that Satan is furious with the progress of the Church in Lilongwe, and he's trying to drive us out. But like Elder Holland once said, "the Church of God will never again flee!"
Something we also talk about in relation to Lilongwe, is that it's 1833 for the church. It's brand new there (there's not even proper church buildings, just houses!), and that because it's new there are no real anti-mormon groups, which is really nice.
This Sunday was wonderful--President talked about when you're riding a bike, and you look directly in front of you to avoid holes and things that could damage your tires. He told us that we should be like that in life; not looking so far down the road that we can't see the danger right in front of us.
Well, I love you all! Remember, obedience brings blessings, but exact obedience with a willing heart brings miracles!
Love,
Sister Adams
So a decision was made on Thursday about what to do with us; because Tuesday night a group of thieves decided to try robbing the Elders' flat again, but there were guards and even a dog, so they got chased away. But it made President Padovich very certain in what we're doing. So, they had us all pack up and took us down to Blantyre!
The work here is not flourishing so much as it is in Lilongwe, and the focus here is Less Active members (that list is longer than the Investigators, and it breaks my heart!). Most of these people have powerful testimonies, but they have concerns like football on Sunday, or maybe they don't have friends in the branch, or they just can't get transportation. Our duty here, for the next three weeks, is to find those concerns and eliminate them. We can find Investigators when we've got nothing else to do, but President said the branches need to be stable before we can bring in many more members.
Sister N and I did find one sister this week; Her name is T, and she's what we call a 'dry Mormon' (just add water). She's so well acquainted with the scriptures, and she is so open to the teachings! What's better is her younger brother is a member, and preparing to serve a mission, and we've assigned him to help her in any way he can.
My favorite thing about the people here is how friendly and open they are. Everything about this place is putting things in perspective for me, and I'm starting to understand more and more about how the Gospel blesses our lives. It shows us how to put aside the little things that don't really matter and helps us focus on what's most important. Just remember that, and you'll be sorted for life!
Cars are certainly useful in getting around quick. In Lilongwe, us sisters had to rely on the Elders for rides, but here in Blantyre we have our own truck! There's 7 of us, so two of us have to ride in the back, but it's nice. We all leave the flat at the same time, and then we're taken to our areas in almost no time at all! It's much better than riding the mini-buses... they're often over-crowded, over-priced, and falling apart (if you saw these driving around, I'm pretty sure you would cry). One we went on was terrible--the door was literally falling off!
Let me tell you about panga knives. They are long, sharp, and usually look dirty and/or rusty. Also, they are a favorite toy of these people called the Ngulwankulo. These people are in every sense traditional Africans. They dress up in costumes, have ritual clothing and dances and--get this--they live in a GRAVEYARD.
I haven't seen them up close, because my companion is scared to death of them! I've tried to convince her to let me get a closer look, but she won't let me... Apparently they come up to people and dance around them with their panga knives, and if you give them money they go away.
But the freakiest thing about them is this--Do you remember on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, when the people brainwash Indy after they kidnap him? I've heard they do that too! If you don't give these people money, they'll take you to their graveyard, and make you one of them! We have a member in Lilongwe who says it's happened to him before.
It's funny that you mentioned the Gadianton Robbers... Pres. Padovich has said just about the same thing; that they were there from the beginning of time, and they'll be there until the 2nd coming. He said he's got no doubt that Satan is furious with the progress of the Church in Lilongwe, and he's trying to drive us out. But like Elder Holland once said, "the Church of God will never again flee!"
Something we also talk about in relation to Lilongwe, is that it's 1833 for the church. It's brand new there (there's not even proper church buildings, just houses!), and that because it's new there are no real anti-mormon groups, which is really nice.
This Sunday was wonderful--President talked about when you're riding a bike, and you look directly in front of you to avoid holes and things that could damage your tires. He told us that we should be like that in life; not looking so far down the road that we can't see the danger right in front of us.
Well, I love you all! Remember, obedience brings blessings, but exact obedience with a willing heart brings miracles!
Love,
Sister Adams
Monday, October 15, 2012
Welcome? to Malawi
This has probably been the craziest week of my whole life! I can definitely say that about my mission. First of all, before I disclose the events that happened this past week, I AM FINE. Nothing bad has happened to me, it's just been a little exciting!
Okay, so last Monday was the relaxing p-day everyone wanted. We shopped, we played ball, and we had a marvelous dinner at the P’s. We went to bed happy that night. Then, sometime in the night, a person(s) broke into our flat and took Sister N's purse and two dvd players! We woke up the next morning to find my first aid kit shuffled through next to the kitchen window, which was missing a pane of glass and the burglar bar was bent way out of shape! I felt like I was in a Sherlock Holmes episode...
Well, we sisters got more security at our flat, and we were able to rest peacefully. We scratched our heads a bit about the break-in, especially since the thieves didn't get very much. We've got these PRO-telligent guys guarding us every night, and apparently they guard people that are really high up in the government.
Well, the rest of the week passed by pretty much without further incident (though on Thursday I got the 'welcome to Africa' stomach flu). Friday we were in the village of Makatani and had appointments lined up back to back--we were having a really productive day! Then, Pres. P calls us and says very shortly that we were to get to the street to be picked up and to stay put once we were. We didn't have to wonder very long about what happened when Pres. P came in and explained the situation to us: Elder and Sister S, who were going to replace the P’s, were being shown to the church house. When they stopped to wait for the gate to get opened, four men appeared around their car and took Sister P's and Sister S's purses, and the result was four smashed windows and a long cut on Sister S's arm from a panga knife.
The next thing we knew, all us missionaries in Lilongwe were being given hotel room keys and told to pack enough things for a few days, just so we have a safe place to sleep while they amp up the security in our flats.
So, I don't want to scare anyone, because I'm safe and not scared. The hotel is really nice, but the bed is flat and hasn't got good support. The food is okay... mostly chinese, which is weird for a breakfast buffet.
The systems of teaching (at church) are so different here! First of all, every speaker or teacher has to have a translator, so the lessons are half as long. There's no wi-fi in the building, but no one has anything to connect to it anyway... Most of the members come out of Kauma and Makatani, which are literally dirt floor villages. It's nice though, everyone is so humble here.
One of my favorite things about the people is how willing they are to learn the gospel. There's one family, the B's, who I love especially. There's four boys; J, J, B, and S, and they pay attention in our discussions really well (especially if they know i have sweets). The Abambo (father) last week went to his boss after we taught the word of wisdom, and said his boss was right for making him stop smoking because of it. Upon hearing that he was talking to missionaries though, Brother B was told to make a choice: keep his job or go to church. And guess what he chose? He told his boss that the church is better for him, and that he would rather live with God than ease. We were so proud of him! Of course, because the Lord blesses families, when we were talking with him yesterday he said his boss let him keep the job! Such a powerful man!
Considering the amount of time I focus on learning Chichewa, I actually know a lot. I know how to greet people, I know how to be polite, and I even know how to get the kids away (joka! joka!). Because I'm starting to recognize some of the words, I am starting to follow what people are saying better, which is pretty good for only being here 1 1/2 weeks!
I discovered a sadness. You know how much cheese I would put on just about everything I made for myself? Cheese here is a luxury. It is expensive! A 1-pound block of cheese is upwards of 2000 kwacha, which is pretty darn pricey! We had a bit of cheese available to us once at the Prete's when they served baked potatoes, but there was no ranch dressing... or sour cream... So I had to make do with cheese and butter and their version of ketchup (which is a lot sweeter than ours).
I love you all, and thank you so much for your letters! They really mean a lot to me! The church is true, and the scriptures are the only roadmap we'll ever really need!
Love from,
Sister Adams
Okay, so last Monday was the relaxing p-day everyone wanted. We shopped, we played ball, and we had a marvelous dinner at the P’s. We went to bed happy that night. Then, sometime in the night, a person(s) broke into our flat and took Sister N's purse and two dvd players! We woke up the next morning to find my first aid kit shuffled through next to the kitchen window, which was missing a pane of glass and the burglar bar was bent way out of shape! I felt like I was in a Sherlock Holmes episode...
Well, we sisters got more security at our flat, and we were able to rest peacefully. We scratched our heads a bit about the break-in, especially since the thieves didn't get very much. We've got these PRO-telligent guys guarding us every night, and apparently they guard people that are really high up in the government.
Well, the rest of the week passed by pretty much without further incident (though on Thursday I got the 'welcome to Africa' stomach flu). Friday we were in the village of Makatani and had appointments lined up back to back--we were having a really productive day! Then, Pres. P calls us and says very shortly that we were to get to the street to be picked up and to stay put once we were. We didn't have to wonder very long about what happened when Pres. P came in and explained the situation to us: Elder and Sister S, who were going to replace the P’s, were being shown to the church house. When they stopped to wait for the gate to get opened, four men appeared around their car and took Sister P's and Sister S's purses, and the result was four smashed windows and a long cut on Sister S's arm from a panga knife.
The next thing we knew, all us missionaries in Lilongwe were being given hotel room keys and told to pack enough things for a few days, just so we have a safe place to sleep while they amp up the security in our flats.
So, I don't want to scare anyone, because I'm safe and not scared. The hotel is really nice, but the bed is flat and hasn't got good support. The food is okay... mostly chinese, which is weird for a breakfast buffet.
The systems of teaching (at church) are so different here! First of all, every speaker or teacher has to have a translator, so the lessons are half as long. There's no wi-fi in the building, but no one has anything to connect to it anyway... Most of the members come out of Kauma and Makatani, which are literally dirt floor villages. It's nice though, everyone is so humble here.
One of my favorite things about the people is how willing they are to learn the gospel. There's one family, the B's, who I love especially. There's four boys; J, J, B, and S, and they pay attention in our discussions really well (especially if they know i have sweets). The Abambo (father) last week went to his boss after we taught the word of wisdom, and said his boss was right for making him stop smoking because of it. Upon hearing that he was talking to missionaries though, Brother B was told to make a choice: keep his job or go to church. And guess what he chose? He told his boss that the church is better for him, and that he would rather live with God than ease. We were so proud of him! Of course, because the Lord blesses families, when we were talking with him yesterday he said his boss let him keep the job! Such a powerful man!
Considering the amount of time I focus on learning Chichewa, I actually know a lot. I know how to greet people, I know how to be polite, and I even know how to get the kids away (joka! joka!). Because I'm starting to recognize some of the words, I am starting to follow what people are saying better, which is pretty good for only being here 1 1/2 weeks!
I discovered a sadness. You know how much cheese I would put on just about everything I made for myself? Cheese here is a luxury. It is expensive! A 1-pound block of cheese is upwards of 2000 kwacha, which is pretty darn pricey! We had a bit of cheese available to us once at the Prete's when they served baked potatoes, but there was no ranch dressing... or sour cream... So I had to make do with cheese and butter and their version of ketchup (which is a lot sweeter than ours).
I love you all, and thank you so much for your letters! They really mean a lot to me! The church is true, and the scriptures are the only roadmap we'll ever really need!
Love from,
Sister Adams
Monday, October 8, 2012
Heaven on Earth
Banja mulibwanji?? (how are you my family?)
Well, as you can imagine, the flight overseas took a very long time. My flight from Chicago to London I didn't get much sleep because there was a poor girl a row behind with an upset stomach... For those of you who know me, you can imagine how that night went... The next flight was better, and I woke up in time to watch the sun rise over Africa! All the while, the sky was red on the horizon and I had the Lion king playing in my head!
When I finally got to Lilongwe, I was taken aback by the openness and small size of the airport. While standing in line for customs, I actually saw a bird fly in, zoom around one of the shops, and fly back out! Everyone simply acted like this was a normal thing, too! I just thought it was so cool! I got my luggage, and went around to the waiting area, looking (almost frantically) for anyone who looked like a senior missionary couple (the actual flight to LLW my motion sickness got the better of me, so I wasn't in the best of moods--actually I was just hoping they'd let me stay in the country just in case I had to dash to the toilet). I got around to the front lobby--this place was small enough that the front was lobby sized--and started looking around. There on the stairs were four heaven-sent angels!
President and Sister P, Sister M(a ward missionary), and my companion Sister N. She's from South Africa, and her first language is the click language that everyone told me to learn (see? it's too far south for me to need to learn it!) Her name has a click in it, which explains the q.
On our way to the area, Sister N told me that I'm not a greenie, I'm a baby shark. Pres. P calls us that because baby sharks are born ready and they snap at anything! It's funny, because now she calls me Baby all the time, and I call her Amayi (so much easier than saying her name). We work in two villages and one 'tall gate' community; Makatani and Kauma, and Area 11. Walking through the villages is a hassle all its own, because most of the kids have never seen a white person before. They'll trail after us, calling 'Azungu!' and in Kauma, they'll clap their hands like it's a chant!
One of the Elders (also American) told us that he once made the mistake of freely handing out sweets, and now they run after him yelling "Azungu ma sweetie!" (white boy, give me sweets!). But the kids are, for the most part, sweet and very curious. Today while waiting for a mini-bus (an adventure all it's own, my friends) a couple of children ran up to me just to touch my skin. The little boy, after touching my hand, grinned and hugged me around my legs! There's not much else I can do there than just let them be!
I also had a really cool first Sunday: There were ten investigators getting baptized! I was so happy for them!
You see, it's not a problem finding people who want to be baptized. It's not even a problem teaching them why it's important. The problem is keeping them active once they are baptized. The branch here in Lilongwe is very new, and they're still forming even simple things like Visiting and Home teachers. But I have the faith that it will be done!
Overall, my first few days here in Lilongwe have been amazing! The people are so kind and humble, and so open to the Gospel! As Sister Ngqo says, "This is Heaven on Earth!"
Well, banja, I close today with this: The church is true! God has called special men to lead us with the wisdom of their years and the words of our Lord! And we, as members, need to 'let the lower lights be burning', because there are many out in the dark waters of the world who need and want to come to shore!
I love you all! Sister Adams
Well, as you can imagine, the flight overseas took a very long time. My flight from Chicago to London I didn't get much sleep because there was a poor girl a row behind with an upset stomach... For those of you who know me, you can imagine how that night went... The next flight was better, and I woke up in time to watch the sun rise over Africa! All the while, the sky was red on the horizon and I had the Lion king playing in my head!
When I finally got to Lilongwe, I was taken aback by the openness and small size of the airport. While standing in line for customs, I actually saw a bird fly in, zoom around one of the shops, and fly back out! Everyone simply acted like this was a normal thing, too! I just thought it was so cool! I got my luggage, and went around to the waiting area, looking (almost frantically) for anyone who looked like a senior missionary couple (the actual flight to LLW my motion sickness got the better of me, so I wasn't in the best of moods--actually I was just hoping they'd let me stay in the country just in case I had to dash to the toilet). I got around to the front lobby--this place was small enough that the front was lobby sized--and started looking around. There on the stairs were four heaven-sent angels!
President and Sister P, Sister M(a ward missionary), and my companion Sister N. She's from South Africa, and her first language is the click language that everyone told me to learn (see? it's too far south for me to need to learn it!) Her name has a click in it, which explains the q.
On our way to the area, Sister N told me that I'm not a greenie, I'm a baby shark. Pres. P calls us that because baby sharks are born ready and they snap at anything! It's funny, because now she calls me Baby all the time, and I call her Amayi (so much easier than saying her name). We work in two villages and one 'tall gate' community; Makatani and Kauma, and Area 11. Walking through the villages is a hassle all its own, because most of the kids have never seen a white person before. They'll trail after us, calling 'Azungu!' and in Kauma, they'll clap their hands like it's a chant!
One of the Elders (also American) told us that he once made the mistake of freely handing out sweets, and now they run after him yelling "Azungu ma sweetie!" (white boy, give me sweets!). But the kids are, for the most part, sweet and very curious. Today while waiting for a mini-bus (an adventure all it's own, my friends) a couple of children ran up to me just to touch my skin. The little boy, after touching my hand, grinned and hugged me around my legs! There's not much else I can do there than just let them be!
I also had a really cool first Sunday: There were ten investigators getting baptized! I was so happy for them!
You see, it's not a problem finding people who want to be baptized. It's not even a problem teaching them why it's important. The problem is keeping them active once they are baptized. The branch here in Lilongwe is very new, and they're still forming even simple things like Visiting and Home teachers. But I have the faith that it will be done!
Overall, my first few days here in Lilongwe have been amazing! The people are so kind and humble, and so open to the Gospel! As Sister Ngqo says, "This is Heaven on Earth!"
Well, banja, I close today with this: The church is true! God has called special men to lead us with the wisdom of their years and the words of our Lord! And we, as members, need to 'let the lower lights be burning', because there are many out in the dark waters of the world who need and want to come to shore!
I love you all! Sister Adams
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Sister Adams arrives in Malawi!
She's there! Safe and sound and very tired but ready to go. Here is a picture from the airport for proof! Next to Sister Adams is her new companion, Sis Ngqondela (the ngq is pronounced as a tongue click) from south Africa and next to her is Sis Mbwana, a branch missionary who has been serving with Sis. N for the last six weeks.
Sis Adams is serving in Lilongwe which is the capital of Malawi. There are 14 missionaries there, 8 elders, 4 sisters and a missionary couple.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Dear Lovelies,
This week has gone by so fast! I feel like I've only been here a few days, and yet they're telling me I'm supposed to leave tomorrow?! Funny story, actually; at the departing devotional, they called out the country of our missions, and when he called out Zambia (he said it like Zombia, so J you're not the only one to make that mistake) I was the only one to stand up. In fact, I think I'm the only one going to Africa at all this week!
One of the mission presidency spoke to us on Sunday about repentance, and a portion of his talk was headed 'the elements of repentance'... except he first said 'elephants of repentance'! So as I was taking notes, I drew a line of elephants to go with it ! Our Sunday night film was the Testaments, which I think I saw once when I was in Young Womens. The funniest part about that movie was Elder Moyle falling asleep!
I had a really awesome experience during one of the classes this week. We were with our 'investigator', teaching her how to pray. I volunteered to give an example before she said one herself, and right in the middle of the prayer, I could have sworn I almost heard a voice say "I'm listening." I was so overwhelmed with the truth that Heavenly Father hears our prayers that I almost couldn't speak! I think I actually almost tipped right out of my chair during the prayer!
I have had such a strengthening of my testimony this week: That Joseph Smith really saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ, and that they live, and that Thomas S. Monson is called of God, along with all his apostles. I know that when push comes to shove, I will stand tall in defense of this Gospel, because I know that it is true, and nothing in heaven or on earth can make me say otherwise!
(Tomorrow October 2nd) My plane from SLC leaves at 11:35, and it's all down hill from there. I've got a lot of layover time: 5 hours in Chicago--I'll be calling from there, so sometime tomorrow afternoon, maybe around 6. 10 hours in London, and 3 hours in Joberg. I'll be in Malawi about 12:30 local time on Thursday!
Here at the MTC we play games like Musical Washing Machines, Guess how many missionaries like a song, and Cafeteria Line races. On Saturday, we as a district played 'How Many Missionaries can fit in front of the USA on the World Map?' (the results are in the picture).
During the departure devotional, after I'd sat down, Sister B told me I would be converting all the lions and zebras. She also drew a picture of me showing a Book of Mormon to a lion and yelling, 'Here, read this!' It certainly made me chuckle!
This is how I'm predicting my first day in the field will go: "Welcome Sister Adams! We don't really speak English very much here, so go ahead and start learning [insert obscure African dialect here]!" I'm certain of it. And when it happens, and President Padovich says that, I'm going to laugh. And they're going to think I'm crazy. I'll be the crazy white Sister from America. But then again, the Sisters in my room already call me crazy, so it's not anything new!
I love you more than I have time to say, and I hope things go well for you in the ways of work and church!
The church is TRUE! Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ LIVE! I know I am doing the most important thing I can EVER be doing! "One chance to serve, the rest of eternity to think about how you served!"
Lots of Love from,
Sister Mzungu--that is, the white Sister; Sister Adams
Monday, September 24, 2012
My Dear Lovelies,
I got my marching orders on Friday! Okay, so they're really 'flying orders', but I like the sound of marching orders better. As it turns out, I am flying out Tuesday morning, so I get to enjoy a P-day as my last full day here at the MTC. According to the flight path, I'm actually going to Malawi first, which makes me wonder if I'll land and they'll tell me to learn Chichewa... But I'm eager to go either way!
I've been learning and growing so much this past week! On Tuesday, we had almost a whole day about strengthening our faith, and I certainly felt my testimony strengthen! Our Tuesday night devotional was by a man who has actually been to Jo-berg several times, and he talked about exact obedience.
The temple dedication was awesome! Sister H., who is a convert to the church of nearly four years, had never been to one before, and she was wide-eyed like a child almost the whole time. We all really enjoyed the broadcast (we went to the 3:00 session).
One of the things we love to do as a district is to take the ten minute walk up to the temple! Our P-day session, unfortunately, starts before breakfast and ends right after. It's a little frustrating, especially because there's something about the temple that makes us all hungry... I'm glad I get to go one more time before I leave! I actually checked on LDS.org, and the only temple in the south-east region of Africa is in Jo-berg. I'm certainly praying for a favorable temple announcement!
I love you all, and I'm having too much of a blast to miss you just yet! (just kidding!)
Love,
Sister Adams
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sept 17, 2012
Thank you so much for writing! I really enjoyed hearing about all the shenanigans you children have been getting up to...
Yesterday we had an absolutely wonderful fireside about the Book of Mormon. It was just so cool, and everyone was very involved with the speaker. I also got to watch a previous talk (from several years ago) by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, about the calling of a missionary. The most basic and memorable phrase from that talk was '4th floor, last door.' I wrote it down and will pull it out for a reminder every time I feel discouraged (hasn't happened much yet!). I am learning so much in my classes, and everyone in my district is so friendly and energetic! My companion, Sister B, and I have a lot in common, and we get along so well! And I love the other two sisters who came in with us, Sister H and Sister S (Sis. H is actually from Vancouver, and she keeps reminding us by talking about 'weird American things'). We're also in the same room as Sister A, our Coordinating Sister, who is going to Hong Kong! Every now and again, she practices her cantonese in the room, and I secretly refer to that as her 'secret combinations' (oh, missionary humor seems strange, but it's about ten times funnier than any jokes I've ever made!).
The spirit here is so strong, and so wonderful! And yes, now that I've made it through my first Sunday I feel like the time is flying! (I know it's only Monday, but the day is going pretty fast, okay?)
We have firesides twice a week here, on Sunday and Tuesday, and the room fills up fast! The sisters who were helping us greenies escorted our whole district there, and we got seats on the side near the door (to get out fast, they said), but it was an amazing fireside all the same. Have you heard of the Book of Mormon musical? It was so misrepresentative that a week before it opened Mormon.org had an explosion of ads in New York--not just on billboards, the subways, and taxis, but in the playbill for the show as well! (one of the ads said 'the book is always better'; everyone clapped and cheered at that!)
Well, my lovelies, have a good week, stay of good cheer, and remember the Church is true! I love you all!
Sister Adams
Yesterday we had an absolutely wonderful fireside about the Book of Mormon. It was just so cool, and everyone was very involved with the speaker. I also got to watch a previous talk (from several years ago) by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, about the calling of a missionary. The most basic and memorable phrase from that talk was '4th floor, last door.' I wrote it down and will pull it out for a reminder every time I feel discouraged (hasn't happened much yet!). I am learning so much in my classes, and everyone in my district is so friendly and energetic! My companion, Sister B, and I have a lot in common, and we get along so well! And I love the other two sisters who came in with us, Sister H and Sister S (Sis. H is actually from Vancouver, and she keeps reminding us by talking about 'weird American things'). We're also in the same room as Sister A, our Coordinating Sister, who is going to Hong Kong! Every now and again, she practices her cantonese in the room, and I secretly refer to that as her 'secret combinations' (oh, missionary humor seems strange, but it's about ten times funnier than any jokes I've ever made!).
The spirit here is so strong, and so wonderful! And yes, now that I've made it through my first Sunday I feel like the time is flying! (I know it's only Monday, but the day is going pretty fast, okay?)
We have firesides twice a week here, on Sunday and Tuesday, and the room fills up fast! The sisters who were helping us greenies escorted our whole district there, and we got seats on the side near the door (to get out fast, they said), but it was an amazing fireside all the same. Have you heard of the Book of Mormon musical? It was so misrepresentative that a week before it opened Mormon.org had an explosion of ads in New York--not just on billboards, the subways, and taxis, but in the playbill for the show as well! (one of the ads said 'the book is always better'; everyone clapped and cheered at that!)
Well, my lovelies, have a good week, stay of good cheer, and remember the Church is true! I love you all!
Sister Adams
Saturday, September 15, 2012
September 13,2012
Dear Mom and Dad,
I am absolutely loving it here! On the drive down yesterday, I was a little worried it would be difficult for me to maintain a good level of spirituality while here, but it’s really not that hard! Just about everything here is fueled by the Light of Christ, and I just feel happy and willing to help all the time.
My companion is Sister B., who will be serving on Temple Square. Two other sisters in our room, Sister H. and Sister S., are also going there. We’re also in the same room as our zone leader, and Sister C.- they’re both going to Hong Kong (Sister C. prayed in Cantonese last night; it was really cool!)
Last night, we had a really intense teaching experience- a brother from Guatemala came and (after we’d given scripture stories & whatnot) basically challenged us to make him understand the Savior’s love without our books. He talked about the trial and hardship he’d seen and experienced growing up in Guatemala and didn’t hold the belief that Heavenly Father is a just God. Several testimonies later and the Spirit was so strong it was pretty much impossible not to be touched (a box of tissues was even passed around!).
All the lessons here are very involved. I’m really starting to understand the whole ‘speak by the spirit’ concept, which is a huge leap for me, because I’m used to ‘scripting’ my words before I speak!
The thing I love most about this place is how happy everyone is! There are smiling faces everywhere I look, and it helps keep a smile on my face. I also have this wonderful sense of peace, and I’m hoping it’ll be a while before I feel homesick!
Much love and smiles, Sister Adams
Dear Mom and Dad,
I am absolutely loving it here! On the drive down yesterday, I was a little worried it would be difficult for me to maintain a good level of spirituality while here, but it’s really not that hard! Just about everything here is fueled by the Light of Christ, and I just feel happy and willing to help all the time.
My companion is Sister B., who will be serving on Temple Square. Two other sisters in our room, Sister H. and Sister S., are also going there. We’re also in the same room as our zone leader, and Sister C.- they’re both going to Hong Kong (Sister C. prayed in Cantonese last night; it was really cool!)
Last night, we had a really intense teaching experience- a brother from Guatemala came and (after we’d given scripture stories & whatnot) basically challenged us to make him understand the Savior’s love without our books. He talked about the trial and hardship he’d seen and experienced growing up in Guatemala and didn’t hold the belief that Heavenly Father is a just God. Several testimonies later and the Spirit was so strong it was pretty much impossible not to be touched (a box of tissues was even passed around!).
All the lessons here are very involved. I’m really starting to understand the whole ‘speak by the spirit’ concept, which is a huge leap for me, because I’m used to ‘scripting’ my words before I speak!
The thing I love most about this place is how happy everyone is! There are smiling faces everywhere I look, and it helps keep a smile on my face. I also have this wonderful sense of peace, and I’m hoping it’ll be a while before I feel homesick!
Much love and smiles, Sister Adams
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