I've finally done my first 12 weeks. That means I'm done training and waiting for transfers to happen. It's an exciting process. You don't want anything to change but you also know that the change is good and that when the change happens you'll get used to it. I was able to finish the Book of Mormon on the same day that I finished training, I feel I can testify with boldness about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Every time I finish the Book of Mormon I follow Moroni's counsel and promise to pray about the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I see it bless my life and the life of others. I don't know what I would do without the Book of Mormon.
Everyday I experience the African sun and the African rain. I always say to myself and my companion "I'm in Africa". I can't complain about anything. Africa is amazing. But it's the people that make it so amazing. It's true that where i'm working there are a lot of drunk people, but there are a lot of really super awesomely cool people as well. When I sit down and talk with them I get a new perspective on life. Some people are poor but make the most out of life and don't complain, other people are really self reliant and can relate to everyone. One of my favorite things about my area is the little kids. The baby's are often scared of me, the toddlers are shy but curious and the older ones try to challenge us with the language. I try to fist bump all the kids, and I'm starting to see the fruits of my labors, every once in a while kids run up to us with their fists out and I'm just silently proud of myself as I fist bump them all.
There are some kids we met and we introduced ourselves as Chimutu and Chimpunu(Meaning Head and Nose in Nyanja) Now those kids call us Uncle Chumutu and Uncle Chimpunu thinking we have no idea what those words actually mean. It makes them laugh and it makes me smile because it's funny.
Because I'm 9 hours ahead of the States, I have to wait 'till next week for conference:( So, yesterday I walked with one of our investigators to church, which is between 45 minutes walk to a 1 1/2 hour walk. It was fast Sunday so I was ready to have my energy drained, we walked for 15 minutes and the Bishop pulled up and gave us a lift to church. Saving us time and energy. Because of the time we had we were able to teach a lesson to our investigator(Sean) and help him progress towards baptism faster. Even though I was saved from a walk to church, I wasn't saved from a walk back. By the time I got back I was dead tired. After my rest we went to our area to teach some people. I was super hungry but when I teach a lesson all thoughts of hunger leave. I really do feel Gods help in my life.
I feel there is so much more to tell you. But for now I'll leave you with my pictures In my next email.
-Investigator Bright's cat not caring what we do
-Left to right: Me, Sean, Elder Blanchard
-16 Bananas in one bunch
-A Funeral truck
-Cooperative Collage grounds
-A Soccer team practicing
-Nshima, Fish and Chinese cabbage for lunch. Yum Yum.
-My companion and I bought Zambian Soccer Jerseys. I have no idea who these players are.
-Right to left: Me, Brother Noel, Sean
-Elder Blanchard bought a sling shot for 6 Kwacha
-Easter Candies from the ward.
Videos:
Me Trying cooked maze.
Nshima Lunch
Trying out the new sling shot
Crazy weather.
From Dad:
Hey Sam. Sorry we didn’t get an email out sooner. We lived General conference. You may have heard of some pretty significant changes including disbanding high priest groups at the Ward level and changing and simplifying home and visiting teaching and calling it ministering. Reminds me of the change for missionaries to use preach my gospel vs. memorized lessons.
I’ll post a couple of videos up to your drive shortly. Lots of snow this easter.
Josh and Ben took a bro trip down to Utah and will be back tomorrow. We’ll try and post some of their Facebook pics.
They even got some climbing in with Tyler
I love your enthusiasm for the work. I felt a strong confirmation this conference of the calling of President Nelson. He is the prophet of the Lord for this time. What a marvelous blessing to live in days such as these.
Keep up the good work. I think Mom will be sending a letter too shortly.
Love Dad.
From Tyler:
Sam, not sure if you remember this one, but here is Ben cruising his way to the top of the 90' route in Rock Canyon-- the last "warm up" we did before heading south on our road trip.
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