Thursday, December 12, 2013

BUSY DAYS IN LIFE OF COUPLE MISSIONARIES

November 12-13, 2013

There was an emergency transfer and Elder Chingudzi was 
leaving Busia. He came to Kisumu on the 11th and 
we met him at the bus station and early the next morning we
took him to the airport to fly to Nairobi then on to Mombasa.
After breakfast and ready for the day we took the sisters to 
Migosi so we could get the prescription for 
medicine for Sister Eises to get an injection. 
We then went to town and purchased the medicine then
back to Migosi so they could give her the injection.
After paying out Internet bill we met Elder Balls 
at the airport. He was with us for dinner and the 
evening until 8 pm when the Kisumu Elders were 
available to take him tot heir apartment.
Elder Ball is going to replace Elder Chingudzi in Busia.
On the 13th we took Elder Balls and met 
Elder Philip Okaka at the airport as he was returning from 
a mission in Ghana Cape Coast Mission.
Elder Okaka is from Busia and was to be released form his 
mission there. We took both missionaries to Busia
and took their picture as we crossed the Equator in Maseno.
There were many members at the Church to welcome 
Elder Okaka home!
Elder Balls was also welcomed by the members at the church.
President Imende greeting Elder Okaka.
Elder Okaka with his mother (on his right) and his 
sister and aunt.
The family members are not members of the Church and 
when he left two years ago his mother said to someone
that she knew she would never see him again!
Even though she is not a member of the Church and knew she
would never see him again she let him go!!
She was very happy to have him home!!
Elder Lytle and Elder Balls with a branch member.
Elder Lytle and Elder Balls - new companions!!
Branch President Imende, Marvin, President ChirChir
Mission President Counselor President ChirChir
came to Busia and released Elder Okaka and also
 interviewed Marvin for his mission
We were able to carry his papers to send them to Nairobi
on their way to Salt Lake City.
We then went to Kisumu and arrived before dark!
Long days and busy times with great people.

Days like these make missions wonderful!!

KISUMU - NYABONDO

November 10, 2013

We had training in Kisumu on the 9th and after the 
Leadership Training I did a training for the Primary teachers.
Here are the ones who came.
Sister Josephine (President), Sister Rosemary, 
Brother Elias, Sister Siada.
I modeled giving a lesson from the manual and they liked it.
They all thought they could do it with other lessons.
We went to Nyabonda on the 10th for Sacrament meeting.
The children are always a delight to be with!!
After the meeting there was a "conference" out 
by the tree for the men and Elder Moon.
They will often meet here after a meeting to discuss
concerns and plans and whatever they want to talk about!!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

ANNA'S FUNERAL IN BUSIA

November 7, 2013
Busia
We learned that Anna was playing with her mother
and she fainted then died! 
We were heart broken!
We went to Busia for the funeral that was
held at their home compound.
When we arrived Tumaini was in her in-laws hut
with her aunts and other women family members.
She was sitting on the floor near her sister and with 
a covered mound in front of her.
I went to her and knelt down and she wept in my arms.
Then she said 
"I know Anna is with her Heavenly Father and
I WILL see her again and be with her again!"
A sweet testimony because she KNOWS!
Nicodemus and Tumaini at the casket of their daughter.
As the casket was set on the stool the members of the branch
sang hymns of consolation.
Branch members waiting for the services to begin.
Sister Robai giving support as Tumaini spoke.
Tumaini's sister with Moses.
Three years ago Nicodemus and Tumaini also lost a two month
old son. He woke in the morning and she was playing with him
and he just died. Moses is their second child.
View of the compound waiting for the services.
Part way into the service it began to rain so someone cover
the casket with a piece of metal and a tree branch to keep it in place.
The cushions form the furniture was taken into the huts and everyone
found protection in the huts also. 
When the rain stopped the furniture was rearranged (for the shade)
 and the meeting began again.
These were relatives who spoke about the child.
Nicodemus' brother acted as master of ceremonies for the
part that was cared for by the family.
When the Church part began Sister Robai conducted the hymns
Tumaini, Nicodemus and Moses listening to the kind words.
During the funeral there was food being prepared in this hut.
Can yo see the smoke riding through the roof. 
This is Tumaini's kitchen and their hut is the one on the left.
Have you seen this at a funeral recently?
President Imende Speaking to the congregation.
Brother Abner is on his right and Brother Mmbulika on his left.
At he end of the meeting during the closing hymn these carried the
lace and the garland and placed them on the casket.
Moureen (sister to Nicodemus), Margaret (Branch member
also from Uganda where Tumaini is from),
Tumaini and Nicodemus.
Part of the congregation.
The back of the group as the coffin is placed in the hole.
More of the congregation.
The burial place all covered over with the garland on top.
(This is very common here or garlands to be used in this way)
In front of the bush at the top right if the mound of their first born.

A day or mourning but also a day that we are so 
grateful for the Plan of Salvation and what we KNOW!!
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST 
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
IS TRUE!!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

ZONE CONFERENCE

November 6, 2013
Eldoret
After visiting in Kitale we went to Eldoret for
Zone Conference.
The training was exceptional and the 
association with the Elders were fantastic!
 Elder Lyon, Elder Schneider, Elder Lewis, Sister Anderson
 Elder Schneider, Elder Cook, Elder Lewis, Elder Kagame, 
Elder
 Elder and Sister Moon (Kisumu), 
Elder and Sister Anderson, (Eldoret
Sister and Elder Hunter.(Kitale) went home the next week.
 Elders chatting after lunch.
 Sisterr Namugaya, Sister Eises
 Sister Hicken, Sister Eises, Sister Namugaya, Sister Moon
 Elder Elliott, Elder Nyambita companions in Busia.
 Elder Jackson, Elder Lewis, Elder Schneider, Elder
The Kisumu-Busia Zone.
Elder Nyambita (Busia), Elder Jackson (Kisumu co Zone Leader), 
Elder Moon. Sister Namugaya (Kisumu), Sister Moon, 
Sister Eises (Kisumu), Elder Lewis (Kisumu co-Zone Leader),
Elder Lydle (Busia District Leader), Elder Chingudzi (Busia),
Elder Elliott (Busia)

We love these missionaries!!

KITALE

November 4-5, 2013
On Monday afternoon we traveled to
Kitale to visit Elder and Sister Hunter.
Here are some of the scenes we saw in our travel.



 Notice the deep drop off at the side of the tarmac!!
 One misque and eitheer truck could have dumped their load!!

Loaded boda boda.
Market in Kitale.

Driving into Kitale. Beautiful roadway!!

Scenery in the area.

Road to Eldoret.
Drive to Eldoret.