8/26
Well..P-day. What can I say? The most interesting thing is that we spend an hour looking for a barbershop where the owner was actually around. We visited roughly four of them where the owner wasn't around, but they had opened up the shop. I really don't get that by the way. Why open your shop if you're not gonna be around? What if people steal your things? What if people like us come along and want to give you money, but you're not around to take it? WHY?????
Anyway, I spoke too soon. We did have one more interesting thing happen. Census came by to count us today. It was really weird.
Also, when I finished calling my parents I went looking for E.Bamongo because he wanted a turn after me. I found him asleep on my bed and -after a moment of contemplation- decided to wake him. It was kinda funny.
8/27
Today was a good mix of useful and useless. Quite literally half/half. We had four appointments two were in English and two were in Swahili. We also had the Zone Leaders come by for flat checks. So today was all right. We got to meet with a RC who shared some interesting stuff with us about a dream he had that reminded him that this was the true church of Jesus Christ.
8/28
Well, today is another exchange. We've got Elder Kulondwa with us for the day; I have yet to formulate an opinion on him. Every time I lean toward a conclusion I back off. What I can say for certain: he still doesn't know English. That kinda hinders my ability to reach a decision.
We started the day off with DDM. Nothing much there. From there we went contacting in Lucky Summer 2's area. It went well enough, but I couldn't wait for it to end. After that we went to visit S.Niece, we ended the day getting rained on as we headed back to the flat. It wasn't bad, but I got mad because the rain stained my shirt. Took a few minutes to scrub all that out.
E.Bamongo and I had a long discussion on Missionaries and missionary work after that. It was nice to chat a little and swap some stories. It was nice.
8/29
Well, E.Kulondwa kinda gave me a wake-up call in regards to Chapate when he ordered ten of them, and ate seven in one sitting. I realized that I have a problem, and I saw the end of the road I was walking on. End Result: I'm cutting back on chapate.
Anyway, for today we spent a lot of time waiting. We got to see three people for all that waiting. That kinda sucks, but it's fine. My patience with waiting for appointments in infinite.
The Nairobi rainy season appears to have arrived as well! We have gotten rained on two days in a row. It's fine, but not fun. I liked Dar's rainy season more.
We also got to spend some time hanging out with Bradley today. It was too much fun talking with him - he even grabbed lunch with us.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
8/25/2019 -- having your food stare at you is rather unpleasant!
8/22
Well, today was fun. I got to spend A LOT of time talking to E. Cole. We had service first thing in the morning, then we picked up E.Tshangu and gave back E.Smith to E. Segale. After that was lunch, and by this time it's already 3. So we headed back to the flat, dropped off E.Tshangu's overnight stuff and went to pick up Redick. After we picked up Redick we went to meet up with E.Cole and went to visit a member who lives on the extreme end of Lucky Summer. We had a really good visit, but the Mother of this little family did little to hide the fact that she was trying to kill us with food. I had 7 Chapate, 7! I won't be using the bathroom for a while! We were also home late because of how far away their home is, but that's a minor detail.
8/23
We killed Redick today. I dunno how long we contacted for certain, but it was a long stinking time. Redick certainly wasn't used to walking that much or talking to that many people. He made it very clear that he would be going to bed early tonight. I don't blame him.
Anyway, aside from contacting we got to teach Anthony's brother -Jack- who has accepted Baptism, but who will be leaving for boarding school next week. Side note: I've decided that boarding school may be the root of evil here in Kenya. These kids spend so long away from home it doesn't allow them to grow deep roots in the gospel. It really, really, really sucks.
Well, we had lunch after that, then more contacting, from there we spent a significant amount of time contacting. Watching Redick slowly die was funny. He made it easier by talking about how wiped he was, and it was only 2. Lol! He kinda reminds me of how E.Kulondwa was when he first started training. This newbie would pass the heck out at every opportunity; he's gotten a lot stronger as of late and it no longer happens, but still - it was funny.
Anyway, we taught a lesson with a Former Investigator (not sure what happened, signs point to not keeping commitments) that E.Johnson and E.Kanda were teaching. We'll see how he does.
We visited Bradley after that to see if he was doing better and ended up swapping war stories from our respective missions. It's always fun to hear people talk and chat about that kind of stuff.
We came back to the flat after that and my companions tried to kill me with Ugali. I ate too much, (I still don't like it) it sits like a rock in my belly, (I still don't like it) I had to eat it with dagaa, (I still don't like it) let me tell you, (I still don't like it) having your food stare at you is rather unpleasant! I STILL DON'T LIKE IT!!! Oh well, I'm used to it by now. Oh, by the by, dagaa is these tiny little fishies that you eat whole. The range from the size of two joints of my pinky finger, to the size of my thumbnail. You just pick up a little bundle of them with every bit of Ugali. Always pleasant when the heads fall off and you eat them separately.
It's a good thing you're not on this mission Mom, you wouldn't be able to handle all the fish here, and I haven't even had that much. If I want a lot of fish, I need to go to Mwanza or Kisumu. You don't get a lot here.
8/24
Seven Months!
Anyway, we went out to Mwiki today to visit Tracey, then came back for a meeting that was cancelled. That was it for today. It's currently past midnight because I was told that census takers would be coming today and that I was required to cooperate with them, so that's fun. I'm giving up BTW, I need sleep for tomorrow.
8/25
Well dang. There was no guarantee that they'd come yesterday. I was sleep-deprived for no reason. I only found out today.
Anyway, the Lord really blessed us today. Well, I feel less blessed, but the companionship was heavily blessed. Brother Joab came to church today, we taught him then he introduced us to his friends, six of them. That's a huge blessing, now the reason why I don't feel so blessed is because it's a Swahili only type situation. Oh well, it's an answer to prayers and we don't often get prayers answered in the way that we want.
Regardless, the lesson after that one was in Swahili too, then the last one was in English. I was very happy to help out in my own little way with the first and last lesson of today. It's nice to see things moving along at a good rate. It's late again, so I'm going to bed. Night.
Well, today was fun. I got to spend A LOT of time talking to E. Cole. We had service first thing in the morning, then we picked up E.Tshangu and gave back E.Smith to E. Segale. After that was lunch, and by this time it's already 3. So we headed back to the flat, dropped off E.Tshangu's overnight stuff and went to pick up Redick. After we picked up Redick we went to meet up with E.Cole and went to visit a member who lives on the extreme end of Lucky Summer. We had a really good visit, but the Mother of this little family did little to hide the fact that she was trying to kill us with food. I had 7 Chapate, 7! I won't be using the bathroom for a while! We were also home late because of how far away their home is, but that's a minor detail.
8/23
We killed Redick today. I dunno how long we contacted for certain, but it was a long stinking time. Redick certainly wasn't used to walking that much or talking to that many people. He made it very clear that he would be going to bed early tonight. I don't blame him.
Anyway, aside from contacting we got to teach Anthony's brother -Jack- who has accepted Baptism, but who will be leaving for boarding school next week. Side note: I've decided that boarding school may be the root of evil here in Kenya. These kids spend so long away from home it doesn't allow them to grow deep roots in the gospel. It really, really, really sucks.
Well, we had lunch after that, then more contacting, from there we spent a significant amount of time contacting. Watching Redick slowly die was funny. He made it easier by talking about how wiped he was, and it was only 2. Lol! He kinda reminds me of how E.Kulondwa was when he first started training. This newbie would pass the heck out at every opportunity; he's gotten a lot stronger as of late and it no longer happens, but still - it was funny.
Anyway, we taught a lesson with a Former Investigator (not sure what happened, signs point to not keeping commitments) that E.Johnson and E.Kanda were teaching. We'll see how he does.
We visited Bradley after that to see if he was doing better and ended up swapping war stories from our respective missions. It's always fun to hear people talk and chat about that kind of stuff.
We came back to the flat after that and my companions tried to kill me with Ugali. I ate too much, (I still don't like it) it sits like a rock in my belly, (I still don't like it) I had to eat it with dagaa, (I still don't like it) let me tell you, (I still don't like it) having your food stare at you is rather unpleasant! I STILL DON'T LIKE IT!!! Oh well, I'm used to it by now. Oh, by the by, dagaa is these tiny little fishies that you eat whole. The range from the size of two joints of my pinky finger, to the size of my thumbnail. You just pick up a little bundle of them with every bit of Ugali. Always pleasant when the heads fall off and you eat them separately.
It's a good thing you're not on this mission Mom, you wouldn't be able to handle all the fish here, and I haven't even had that much. If I want a lot of fish, I need to go to Mwanza or Kisumu. You don't get a lot here.
8/24
Seven Months!
Anyway, we went out to Mwiki today to visit Tracey, then came back for a meeting that was cancelled. That was it for today. It's currently past midnight because I was told that census takers would be coming today and that I was required to cooperate with them, so that's fun. I'm giving up BTW, I need sleep for tomorrow.
8/25
Well dang. There was no guarantee that they'd come yesterday. I was sleep-deprived for no reason. I only found out today.
Anyway, the Lord really blessed us today. Well, I feel less blessed, but the companionship was heavily blessed. Brother Joab came to church today, we taught him then he introduced us to his friends, six of them. That's a huge blessing, now the reason why I don't feel so blessed is because it's a Swahili only type situation. Oh well, it's an answer to prayers and we don't often get prayers answered in the way that we want.
Regardless, the lesson after that one was in Swahili too, then the last one was in English. I was very happy to help out in my own little way with the first and last lesson of today. It's nice to see things moving along at a good rate. It's late again, so I'm going to bed. Night.
8/21/2019 -- God suddenly blessed me with enough patience to be willing to greet some children
8/19
I had an interesting piece of revelation: think of pessimism like a sin. Look, the opposite of pride is humility. What is the opposite of Hope (one of the Christlike attributes)? Pessimism. It's not a sin like pride, but it certainly keeps us from something desirable.
8/20
Well..President Mdletshe was funny today. It was Zone Conference, and he just made it a lot of fun. He talked and joked with us, then gave fire in the next breath, then went back to talking and joking. It was great.
The best part? He never told me to stop talking. With President Msane I never got further than 15 to 20 minutes into any Zone Conference or Training without him saying "your mouth is now closed" or "threatening" (it wasn't really a threat) to say it.
The only issue that arose was the section of Zone Conference where I couldn't be actively involved - I slept through that one. I woke up again when it got back to being actively involved again. I had to set a low-key rule for myself as well: I can't comment twice in a row. I have to be fair, right?
(One of) My philosophy in life is to never speak unless I have something to say. The great thing about Zone Conference -or any discussion- is that it always gives me something to say. The trick is getting me to shut up. So, summary: Zone Conference is a fun, fun, fun playground for me.
After Zone Conference, we came back and did some contacting. Now, I don't remember where it came from, but God suddenly blessed me with enough patience to be willing to greet some children, I also reminded myself why I don't greet children. When I greeted one, and suddenly a group of 20 surrounded me. What do I do in this situation? I explained that I hated being called Mzungu, I taught them Rock Paper Scissor in Japanese and how to say "I am a Child of God" in Japanese. I tried to teach them how to sing I am a Child of God as well, but they were pretty sidetracked by the first two things by the time I tried that third one. This went on for a while, and I ended up contacting the whole bunch of kids. 20 contacted in less than half an hour. They borrowed my pen and started writing our phone number on their arms. When they were done they came to me to see if it was right. I'm still wondering if that was okay. Well, whatever.
All I know is that Zone Conference always relights the fire in me for the work, and that this fire won't last long. Don't get me wrong, I work. I will work to the end of my mission, but the difference is: once I have that fire, I have a passion for the work, not just understanding the importance.
Eh, it'll go out soon, but I'll try to keep it going as long as possible. That fire is the one that would (in other missions) give me the strength to keep knocking doors, even though it's 8:30. That kind of stuff.
Oh, by the by my Mission President may be getting rid of Home Safe, or changing it to later than it is now. President Mdletshe HATES how much time is wasted when we come back to the flat so early. I'm personally fine with the time we come back. When the sun starts to set I no longer feel safe. I do agree with the hatred of wasted time though. I firmly believe (that I've just decided to believe) that the Sisters should be home safe by seven instead of six.
8/21
Well, we had a very short day today. We had DDM, then we went to Githurai to contact with them. We also had exchanges, so E. Smith is hanging around with us today.
After we got back (with a very annoyed about being late E.Benson leading the group) we went directly to Anthony's place. Fortunately, we were only 15 minutes late. I thought we were later than that. At Anthony's place, we watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" It was good, but it was an hour-long. I was also really annoyed that I didn't get to hear "Praise to the Man" during the film. They completely had moments when they could have played it, but they didn't. Shame. I'm listening to it right now to console myself. Jk, it just happened to come up as I was writing.
After finishing the movie with Anthony we went to visit S. Sophie/Sophia (I swap between them - she has never told me which one is correct). She's a very nice lady, and I hope the message we brought today was helpful to her. We talked a little about the general conference talk "The Immediate Goodness of God" and answered some questions for her. We also committed her to read the Book of Mormon. She was very eager, she's the only person I've seen who uses a study journal while studying the Book of Mormon who isn't a missionary. It's really cool.
After that, we came back to the flat (with less than a minute to spare for home safe) and swapped stories. I did the evil known as laundry. E. Bamongo even told me as I was going to do it: "Stay Strong." He hates laundry more than I do, but that's because his old area is one of the few with access to a washing machine, so he's been spoiled for the first four months of his mission.
I had an interesting piece of revelation: think of pessimism like a sin. Look, the opposite of pride is humility. What is the opposite of Hope (one of the Christlike attributes)? Pessimism. It's not a sin like pride, but it certainly keeps us from something desirable.
8/20
Well..President Mdletshe was funny today. It was Zone Conference, and he just made it a lot of fun. He talked and joked with us, then gave fire in the next breath, then went back to talking and joking. It was great.
The best part? He never told me to stop talking. With President Msane I never got further than 15 to 20 minutes into any Zone Conference or Training without him saying "your mouth is now closed" or "threatening" (it wasn't really a threat) to say it.
The only issue that arose was the section of Zone Conference where I couldn't be actively involved - I slept through that one. I woke up again when it got back to being actively involved again. I had to set a low-key rule for myself as well: I can't comment twice in a row. I have to be fair, right?
(One of) My philosophy in life is to never speak unless I have something to say. The great thing about Zone Conference -or any discussion- is that it always gives me something to say. The trick is getting me to shut up. So, summary: Zone Conference is a fun, fun, fun playground for me.
After Zone Conference, we came back and did some contacting. Now, I don't remember where it came from, but God suddenly blessed me with enough patience to be willing to greet some children, I also reminded myself why I don't greet children. When I greeted one, and suddenly a group of 20 surrounded me. What do I do in this situation? I explained that I hated being called Mzungu, I taught them Rock Paper Scissor in Japanese and how to say "I am a Child of God" in Japanese. I tried to teach them how to sing I am a Child of God as well, but they were pretty sidetracked by the first two things by the time I tried that third one. This went on for a while, and I ended up contacting the whole bunch of kids. 20 contacted in less than half an hour. They borrowed my pen and started writing our phone number on their arms. When they were done they came to me to see if it was right. I'm still wondering if that was okay. Well, whatever.
All I know is that Zone Conference always relights the fire in me for the work, and that this fire won't last long. Don't get me wrong, I work. I will work to the end of my mission, but the difference is: once I have that fire, I have a passion for the work, not just understanding the importance.
Eh, it'll go out soon, but I'll try to keep it going as long as possible. That fire is the one that would (in other missions) give me the strength to keep knocking doors, even though it's 8:30. That kind of stuff.
Oh, by the by my Mission President may be getting rid of Home Safe, or changing it to later than it is now. President Mdletshe HATES how much time is wasted when we come back to the flat so early. I'm personally fine with the time we come back. When the sun starts to set I no longer feel safe. I do agree with the hatred of wasted time though. I firmly believe (that I've just decided to believe) that the Sisters should be home safe by seven instead of six.
8/21
Well, we had a very short day today. We had DDM, then we went to Githurai to contact with them. We also had exchanges, so E. Smith is hanging around with us today.
After we got back (with a very annoyed about being late E.Benson leading the group) we went directly to Anthony's place. Fortunately, we were only 15 minutes late. I thought we were later than that. At Anthony's place, we watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" It was good, but it was an hour-long. I was also really annoyed that I didn't get to hear "Praise to the Man" during the film. They completely had moments when they could have played it, but they didn't. Shame. I'm listening to it right now to console myself. Jk, it just happened to come up as I was writing.
After finishing the movie with Anthony we went to visit S. Sophie/Sophia (I swap between them - she has never told me which one is correct). She's a very nice lady, and I hope the message we brought today was helpful to her. We talked a little about the general conference talk "The Immediate Goodness of God" and answered some questions for her. We also committed her to read the Book of Mormon. She was very eager, she's the only person I've seen who uses a study journal while studying the Book of Mormon who isn't a missionary. It's really cool.
After that, we came back to the flat (with less than a minute to spare for home safe) and swapped stories. I did the evil known as laundry. E. Bamongo even told me as I was going to do it: "Stay Strong." He hates laundry more than I do, but that's because his old area is one of the few with access to a washing machine, so he's been spoiled for the first four months of his mission.
8/18/2019 -- I've developed this habit of bugging people half to death if I want something done.
8/16
Well, today was a..."singular" day. We had two activities planned today: A leadership meeting and a single Appointment. During planning last night I made the call to only schedule this one due to time. It seems like this was a good decision since the guy lives far. We're not sure whose area he's in. We didn't get to teach him, but we did introduce our message to him. We learned about this guy from a referral. Nice guy.
Anyway, nothing else today. The few things we had planned took so long that we couldn't do anything else.
8/17
We had "Mormon" Helping Hands today. (They still haven't told us of an alternative name) It went well, we were just cleaning up trash in an area called Githurai 45. It's where E.Sharp and E.Kasongo work, and their chapel will be built there in a few months. It was fun, I spent the time chatting with E.Cole as I picked up trash. No, the fun part wasn't picking up trash, it was blowing E.Cole's mind with some "Deep" Doctrine that I'd learned (ask my parents if you want an example of what I shared with him). It was just fun talking with him in general.
We came back to the chapel after that, had refreshments, then held the most productive correlation meeting I've ever seen or heard of.
This was the first correlation meeting I've attended that had the Ward Missionaries present. It made a huge difference. It makes me really sad that we'll have to be bugging the Ward to call more Ward Missionaries in three months when all the current ones have left on their missions, but I don't know if I'll be around for that headache, so it's fine. The other Elders can suffer in a few months.
Oh yeah, there was a funny moment today when Eugene pointed at E.Cole and told him to learn from me. I've developed this habit of bugging people half to death if I want something done. It works really well on Kenyans. Eugene told E.Cole to follow that example. I'm over here thinking something along these lines: "Okay, cool. I'm an example now. I'm just doing what works." That was a really humble paraphrase of what I was thinking. It was probably more along the lines of: "Boo-yah! Fear me you foolish mortals and follow the great example set by the wise and all powerful ME..." Okay, jokes aside I was really happy at that moment.
It was a fun day, but not much was done as far as appointments. We just visited Bradley to check in on him.
8/18
Maa, kyou wa osoi desu yo. We had services then we just kinda...didn't have any meetings. It was a weird feeling. We were expecting to be needed for something after church, but it didn't happen. Eventually, we left with a member in tow: B. Kelvin.
We contacted a guy as we were walking and...I'm not even sure what happened. Was it a Bible Bash? E.Tsangu didn't think so, but I lost the spirit, so it felt like one. The guy kept demanding us to show him in the bible where it says "this" or "that" and we did. E.Tsangu knows the New Testament like nobody's business. I kinda saw where things were going at one point and had Hebrews 1:1-4 already pulled up as E.Tsangu brought it up with this guy. He didn't really get it. When I challenged him to show us in the bible where the things he was saying were (turn-about's fair play) he just kinda ignored me - even when my companions echoed me.
Eventually, a combination of the lack of the spirit and a feeling of wasting time led me to try and end the debate. I put my hand on this guy's shoulder and tried to get his attention. He ignored me. I must've called his name six or seven times. Eventually I just asked: "Are you ignoring me?" Without batting an eye he says something to the effect of "I'm still talking, when I'm done I'll listen to you." Well, it took both of my companions asking him to listen to me for him to finally shut it and hear what I had to say. I told him bluntly that I refused to fight. I will not fight to try and convince someone. I've gain wisdom from my previous bible bashes, it's only a waste of time trying to convince someone who has closed their heart. After all, it's my duty to "find those that'll receive [me]" not try and force people to believe. You gain nothing if you try to do that.
Anyway, I told this guy that I wasn't gonna fight with him, that we would be happy to speak to him if he wanted to learn and understand more, and that it was all up to him what would happen.
That pretty much put an end to the conversation. He tried to restart the "discussion" (see "low-key argument" pg.98) but my comps picked up on more or less the same feelings I had, and they supported what I said to put an end to our time with this man. Oh yeah, E.Tsangu was laughing and smiling the whole time, just a fun little tidbit. He did that to keep it from turning into a real bible bash.
We went to see the kids Steve and Vivian after that. The lesson was in Swahili again, so all I know is that I wanted the kid sitting on the couch next to me (one of their friends) to stop shaking the couch. The thing rocked like a boat on the ocean with every motion, and this kid liked to fidget. It was particularly annoying.
We visited S.Linda after that and Discussed chapter 3 of 1 Nephi (which she read on her own, hurray!!!). Everything went well, and her eldest daughter has really started warming up to me. This 3 year old girl has abruptly found the pleasure of hugging my knees. I don't know why, or where this came from, but it's easier for me to be patient with her than the street kids.
Well, today was a..."singular" day. We had two activities planned today: A leadership meeting and a single Appointment. During planning last night I made the call to only schedule this one due to time. It seems like this was a good decision since the guy lives far. We're not sure whose area he's in. We didn't get to teach him, but we did introduce our message to him. We learned about this guy from a referral. Nice guy.
Anyway, nothing else today. The few things we had planned took so long that we couldn't do anything else.
8/17
We had "Mormon" Helping Hands today. (They still haven't told us of an alternative name) It went well, we were just cleaning up trash in an area called Githurai 45. It's where E.Sharp and E.Kasongo work, and their chapel will be built there in a few months. It was fun, I spent the time chatting with E.Cole as I picked up trash. No, the fun part wasn't picking up trash, it was blowing E.Cole's mind with some "Deep" Doctrine that I'd learned (ask my parents if you want an example of what I shared with him). It was just fun talking with him in general.
We came back to the chapel after that, had refreshments, then held the most productive correlation meeting I've ever seen or heard of.
This was the first correlation meeting I've attended that had the Ward Missionaries present. It made a huge difference. It makes me really sad that we'll have to be bugging the Ward to call more Ward Missionaries in three months when all the current ones have left on their missions, but I don't know if I'll be around for that headache, so it's fine. The other Elders can suffer in a few months.
Oh yeah, there was a funny moment today when Eugene pointed at E.Cole and told him to learn from me. I've developed this habit of bugging people half to death if I want something done. It works really well on Kenyans. Eugene told E.Cole to follow that example. I'm over here thinking something along these lines: "Okay, cool. I'm an example now. I'm just doing what works." That was a really humble paraphrase of what I was thinking. It was probably more along the lines of: "Boo-yah! Fear me you foolish mortals and follow the great example set by the wise and all powerful ME..." Okay, jokes aside I was really happy at that moment.
It was a fun day, but not much was done as far as appointments. We just visited Bradley to check in on him.
8/18
Maa, kyou wa osoi desu yo. We had services then we just kinda...didn't have any meetings. It was a weird feeling. We were expecting to be needed for something after church, but it didn't happen. Eventually, we left with a member in tow: B. Kelvin.
We contacted a guy as we were walking and...I'm not even sure what happened. Was it a Bible Bash? E.Tsangu didn't think so, but I lost the spirit, so it felt like one. The guy kept demanding us to show him in the bible where it says "this" or "that" and we did. E.Tsangu knows the New Testament like nobody's business. I kinda saw where things were going at one point and had Hebrews 1:1-4 already pulled up as E.Tsangu brought it up with this guy. He didn't really get it. When I challenged him to show us in the bible where the things he was saying were (turn-about's fair play) he just kinda ignored me - even when my companions echoed me.
Eventually, a combination of the lack of the spirit and a feeling of wasting time led me to try and end the debate. I put my hand on this guy's shoulder and tried to get his attention. He ignored me. I must've called his name six or seven times. Eventually I just asked: "Are you ignoring me?" Without batting an eye he says something to the effect of "I'm still talking, when I'm done I'll listen to you." Well, it took both of my companions asking him to listen to me for him to finally shut it and hear what I had to say. I told him bluntly that I refused to fight. I will not fight to try and convince someone. I've gain wisdom from my previous bible bashes, it's only a waste of time trying to convince someone who has closed their heart. After all, it's my duty to "find those that'll receive [me]" not try and force people to believe. You gain nothing if you try to do that.
Anyway, I told this guy that I wasn't gonna fight with him, that we would be happy to speak to him if he wanted to learn and understand more, and that it was all up to him what would happen.
That pretty much put an end to the conversation. He tried to restart the "discussion" (see "low-key argument" pg.98) but my comps picked up on more or less the same feelings I had, and they supported what I said to put an end to our time with this man. Oh yeah, E.Tsangu was laughing and smiling the whole time, just a fun little tidbit. He did that to keep it from turning into a real bible bash.
We went to see the kids Steve and Vivian after that. The lesson was in Swahili again, so all I know is that I wanted the kid sitting on the couch next to me (one of their friends) to stop shaking the couch. The thing rocked like a boat on the ocean with every motion, and this kid liked to fidget. It was particularly annoying.
We visited S.Linda after that and Discussed chapter 3 of 1 Nephi (which she read on her own, hurray!!!). Everything went well, and her eldest daughter has really started warming up to me. This 3 year old girl has abruptly found the pleasure of hugging my knees. I don't know why, or where this came from, but it's easier for me to be patient with her than the street kids.
8/15/2019 -- I was not having fun after that. It looked like I wet my pants
8/12
It was P-Day, what do you expect?
8/13
Dang ITTTTTTT!!!!
Okay, it's a good dang it, but it's still a dang it! I just found out where E.Bailey is and I shot him an SMS: "What happened with Ernest, did he get Baptized?" The response I got was: "Yeah man he did" (had to control myself to keep from adding punctuation).
I honestly feel happy and excited, but I also have a sense of..."all according to plan" if I can explain it. I'm just sad I wasn't there for it, or the one to baptize him, but whatever, it's fine.
He was one of the ones I was proud to teach because I got to watch him change. When I compare the Ernest I met to the one I left...well, the Atonement was certainly active in his life. I was rather proud of the guy, he was sad to see me go.
Anyway, today was a hard day. We had A LOT of lessons...in Swahili. I just stopped listening and checked out. I was involved and paying attention for two of the lessons, but still didn't get to say much (the two English speaking lessons). In one I challenged Anthony to read the Book of Mormon before the year ended, the other I just added a little to the lesson.
It was still a good day, we gave B.Wycliffe a Baptismal Date during the second lesson in English. He'd received confirmation that what we were sharing with him was true, so E.Tsangu just went ahead and extended one to him. It was a good lesson. If he starts coming to church he'll make it. If not? Well, it's obvious.
Anyway, I had a funny moment at the flat. E.Tsangu and E.Bamongo were doing Language study when E.Tsangu suddenly calls me in. He's tells me to say the words he spells out for me, then spells this: P-E-N. I responded "pen" easy. He then spells: P-A-I-N. I of course respond, then he spells: P-A-N. After I respond he turns to E.Bamongo and says: "Hear the difference?" I just kinda walked away after that. Apparently, my accent and pronunciation is sometimes useful. I dunno, I thought it was kinda funny. Not bust-a-gut hilarious, but amusing.
8/14
Well, today was slow. We had DDM first thing then we went to see a less active sister, but she bounced. Then we went to see Sister Niece. We talked to her about Family History and Temples, and E.Tsangu showed some church videos about the topic. My contribution was the closing prayer.
We then went to visit another member - just so E.Tsangu could know who the EQ President's wife is, but she got stuck in traffic so we didn't get to see her. It was a long-slow day.
8/15
Well, today was a "fun" day. We were told last night that a meeting at Buruburu -one we had been planning for for a few days- was rescheduled and those invited to attend had been changed. So my morning was suddenly rather open. We ended up doing Weekly Planning, then we went to work.
We visited Anthony and talked about the Word of Wisdom again, then headed to lunch. While I was eating my usual bowl of rice and beans someone walking by bumped the newspaper I was reading, and sent my meal right into my lap...I was not having fun after that. It looked like I wet my pants because of the soup the rice and beans were in. I cleaned up as best I could, but I couldn't do everything. I just ended up dumping most of it on the floor. *sigh* not my finest hour.
We went to see B.Wycliffe after that, but he wasn't around - his friend David was, but he ran out to get eggs. He took longer than an hour to get them, so I assume he was avoiding us. We ended up leaving and went to see the two kids: Steve and Vivian again. I still have no idea what was taught, but I assume it went well.
We went over to see Bradley's sister "Rita" after that and we found her friend Vivian there as well. We took the opportunity to teach Vivian the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel I can safely say that this was our best lesson this transfer, we were the most harmonious and united we've ever been, so that was nice.
After that we got back to the flat, planned, had dinner, then I called home for my parent's Anniversary. I confused my companions because "Anniversary" in French means Birthday.
It was P-Day, what do you expect?
8/13
Dang ITTTTTTT!!!!
Okay, it's a good dang it, but it's still a dang it! I just found out where E.Bailey is and I shot him an SMS: "What happened with Ernest, did he get Baptized?" The response I got was: "Yeah man he did" (had to control myself to keep from adding punctuation).
I honestly feel happy and excited, but I also have a sense of..."all according to plan" if I can explain it. I'm just sad I wasn't there for it, or the one to baptize him, but whatever, it's fine.
He was one of the ones I was proud to teach because I got to watch him change. When I compare the Ernest I met to the one I left...well, the Atonement was certainly active in his life. I was rather proud of the guy, he was sad to see me go.
Anyway, today was a hard day. We had A LOT of lessons...in Swahili. I just stopped listening and checked out. I was involved and paying attention for two of the lessons, but still didn't get to say much (the two English speaking lessons). In one I challenged Anthony to read the Book of Mormon before the year ended, the other I just added a little to the lesson.
It was still a good day, we gave B.Wycliffe a Baptismal Date during the second lesson in English. He'd received confirmation that what we were sharing with him was true, so E.Tsangu just went ahead and extended one to him. It was a good lesson. If he starts coming to church he'll make it. If not? Well, it's obvious.
Anyway, I had a funny moment at the flat. E.Tsangu and E.Bamongo were doing Language study when E.Tsangu suddenly calls me in. He's tells me to say the words he spells out for me, then spells this: P-E-N. I responded "pen" easy. He then spells: P-A-I-N. I of course respond, then he spells: P-A-N. After I respond he turns to E.Bamongo and says: "Hear the difference?" I just kinda walked away after that. Apparently, my accent and pronunciation is sometimes useful. I dunno, I thought it was kinda funny. Not bust-a-gut hilarious, but amusing.
8/14
Well, today was slow. We had DDM first thing then we went to see a less active sister, but she bounced. Then we went to see Sister Niece. We talked to her about Family History and Temples, and E.Tsangu showed some church videos about the topic. My contribution was the closing prayer.
We then went to visit another member - just so E.Tsangu could know who the EQ President's wife is, but she got stuck in traffic so we didn't get to see her. It was a long-slow day.
8/15
Well, today was a "fun" day. We were told last night that a meeting at Buruburu -one we had been planning for for a few days- was rescheduled and those invited to attend had been changed. So my morning was suddenly rather open. We ended up doing Weekly Planning, then we went to work.
We visited Anthony and talked about the Word of Wisdom again, then headed to lunch. While I was eating my usual bowl of rice and beans someone walking by bumped the newspaper I was reading, and sent my meal right into my lap...I was not having fun after that. It looked like I wet my pants because of the soup the rice and beans were in. I cleaned up as best I could, but I couldn't do everything. I just ended up dumping most of it on the floor. *sigh* not my finest hour.
We went to see B.Wycliffe after that, but he wasn't around - his friend David was, but he ran out to get eggs. He took longer than an hour to get them, so I assume he was avoiding us. We ended up leaving and went to see the two kids: Steve and Vivian again. I still have no idea what was taught, but I assume it went well.
We went over to see Bradley's sister "Rita" after that and we found her friend Vivian there as well. We took the opportunity to teach Vivian the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel I can safely say that this was our best lesson this transfer, we were the most harmonious and united we've ever been, so that was nice.
After that we got back to the flat, planned, had dinner, then I called home for my parent's Anniversary. I confused my companions because "Anniversary" in French means Birthday.
8/11/2019 -- It low-key felt like giving fire.
8/9
Hahahahaha!!! I've gotten a white board marker!!! Well, two, but whatever. Anyway, I've finally been able to use the whiteboard. It didn't take me long to fill it chock full of info - with included space for doodles of course. I'm including a photo - I hope I remember to send them this time.
Well, today was an...empty...day...*sigh*. We got up super early to go to immigration so that a cop would be able to stop us without arresting E.Bamongo, and of course E.Tsangu and I by extension. He was just getting finger-printed so that the mission could finally submit the paperwork for his Alien Card. It'll probably take him a month to get it. Regardless, we hit up a Tuskeys (like Walmart) right after that. That's where I got my whiteboard markers. They were pretty expensive 85 Bob each! Geh! I have to absorb that cost too, bleh! Oh well, I might just take these markers with me when I go, just so I can get my money's worth.
Anyway, we got to teach a few lessons. One was with a pair of Investigators: David and Wycliffe. I can potentially see Wycliffe progressing (he needs to start coming to church), but something needs to change if David is gonna progress. I'm not sure what. Fun.
We visited a member named Docila after that. I've mentioned her before (I think). We just talked to her today about the temple. It low-key felt like giving fire. "Start preparing for the temple now" kinda thing. It went all right, but we'll see if it goes anywhere.
I also became the trash can tonight. E.Bamongo let me down: he's usually our trash can, but I had to help him out this time. It makes no sense to me since I have the smallest stomach and appetite of pretty much every missionary I've met (certainly of the ones I've shared a meal with) and I should never play the role of the trash can, but I did. I'm also dying right now if you're curious - too much food.
8/10
Well, today was a nice day. We were bounced twice, but it's no biggie. The fact that we were able to get so much else done made it worth it.
First up: we got to meet with a friend of B. Anthony's: Jack. We taught him for the first time a few days ago and he was willing to meet with us again. He even brought his friend with him to the lesson.
We also met with B. Brian. He's someone who could be powerful and could start progressing, he just needs to come to church. He came once, but neither E.Kanda or I saw him that time he came. He hasn't come since then, and he told us that he won't be coming tomorrow because he needs to attend "his church." We low-key gave him fire. It was really gentle fire. We just shared the parable of the Pearl of Great Price. I've discovered that I really like using this one to teach. Kinda drives home the point in a blunt way. Really fun for me.
Our last appointment of the day was with the two kids: Steve and Vivian. The entire lesson was in Swahili, so I zoned out. It was funny seeing these two kids asking us to come by everyday this week because they want the lessons to end as soon as possible. I was able to catch that much from all the Swahili. I found it funny. Still do.
8/11
Too. Much. Waiting... I was able to finish: 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, and almost finished 2 Chronicles today. We had to wait for a bunch of meetings and stuff to finish after church ended. We taught B.Joab (powerful, this guy), then we just sat around, waiting. I just read the Bible to kill time. After the (long) waiting period ended we went to visit Steve and Vivian with Bradley in tow.
I still have no idea what was taught, I just sat there looking pretty while E.Tsangu and Bradley (the new first counselor of EQ) taught the lesson.
We headed over to S.Linda's after that, we just read the Book of Mormon with her and her husband.
After that we headed over to S.Niece's place where E.Tsangu helped her start filling out her "My Family" pamphlet. We had to rush out to make home safe after that.
Hahahahaha!!! I've gotten a white board marker!!! Well, two, but whatever. Anyway, I've finally been able to use the whiteboard. It didn't take me long to fill it chock full of info - with included space for doodles of course. I'm including a photo - I hope I remember to send them this time.
Well, today was an...empty...day...*sigh*. We got up super early to go to immigration so that a cop would be able to stop us without arresting E.Bamongo, and of course E.Tsangu and I by extension. He was just getting finger-printed so that the mission could finally submit the paperwork for his Alien Card. It'll probably take him a month to get it. Regardless, we hit up a Tuskeys (like Walmart) right after that. That's where I got my whiteboard markers. They were pretty expensive 85 Bob each! Geh! I have to absorb that cost too, bleh! Oh well, I might just take these markers with me when I go, just so I can get my money's worth.
Anyway, we got to teach a few lessons. One was with a pair of Investigators: David and Wycliffe. I can potentially see Wycliffe progressing (he needs to start coming to church), but something needs to change if David is gonna progress. I'm not sure what. Fun.
We visited a member named Docila after that. I've mentioned her before (I think). We just talked to her today about the temple. It low-key felt like giving fire. "Start preparing for the temple now" kinda thing. It went all right, but we'll see if it goes anywhere.
I also became the trash can tonight. E.Bamongo let me down: he's usually our trash can, but I had to help him out this time. It makes no sense to me since I have the smallest stomach and appetite of pretty much every missionary I've met (certainly of the ones I've shared a meal with) and I should never play the role of the trash can, but I did. I'm also dying right now if you're curious - too much food.
8/10
Well, today was a nice day. We were bounced twice, but it's no biggie. The fact that we were able to get so much else done made it worth it.
First up: we got to meet with a friend of B. Anthony's: Jack. We taught him for the first time a few days ago and he was willing to meet with us again. He even brought his friend with him to the lesson.
We also met with B. Brian. He's someone who could be powerful and could start progressing, he just needs to come to church. He came once, but neither E.Kanda or I saw him that time he came. He hasn't come since then, and he told us that he won't be coming tomorrow because he needs to attend "his church." We low-key gave him fire. It was really gentle fire. We just shared the parable of the Pearl of Great Price. I've discovered that I really like using this one to teach. Kinda drives home the point in a blunt way. Really fun for me.
Our last appointment of the day was with the two kids: Steve and Vivian. The entire lesson was in Swahili, so I zoned out. It was funny seeing these two kids asking us to come by everyday this week because they want the lessons to end as soon as possible. I was able to catch that much from all the Swahili. I found it funny. Still do.
8/11
Too. Much. Waiting... I was able to finish: 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, and almost finished 2 Chronicles today. We had to wait for a bunch of meetings and stuff to finish after church ended. We taught B.Joab (powerful, this guy), then we just sat around, waiting. I just read the Bible to kill time. After the (long) waiting period ended we went to visit Steve and Vivian with Bradley in tow.
I still have no idea what was taught, I just sat there looking pretty while E.Tsangu and Bradley (the new first counselor of EQ) taught the lesson.
We headed over to S.Linda's after that, we just read the Book of Mormon with her and her husband.
After that we headed over to S.Niece's place where E.Tsangu helped her start filling out her "My Family" pamphlet. We had to rush out to make home safe after that.
8/8/2019 -- I felt very strongly about one appointment to see a less active member
8/5
Well, today was interesting. Despite the fact that there are three of us, it took longer than usual to finish. We did some errands, then cybered. Not that different from most P-Days.
Well, there is one thing. There are a bunch of dogs here, right? They all start barking at night. One of them sounds like my dog: Mallory. It kinda hurts. A lot.
8/7
I had a last night last night (and tonight) so I didn't update. I was trying to get permission from President Mdletshe to do a "Comp Split." It's pretty much a way for missionaries to split up and cover more ground when they have too many appointments to handle on their own. Each comp goes and works with a "responsible ward member of their own sex" to teach lessons. Well, President was in South Africa, and he didn't call me till 10:28 soooooooo... yeah, it was a late night for me. He also said "nay" which was hard for me to hear since I felt very strongly about one appointment to see a less active member, and couldn't convince E.Tsangu to go for that one instead. I had to arrange for two members to perform a ministering visit instead. I felt really guilty doing it since I was bugging these two members: Bradley and Eugene.
What made my guilt all the worse was that we were bounced and suddenly able to go to the less active appointment that I set up, but my voice is only one among three, so we ended up wasting time visiting Bradley's sister. Well, it felt like a waste of time to me, but that might just be because I felt bitter. I also felt mortified thinking about Bradley coming back from the ministering appointment to find out that the missionaries had visited his home without an appointment when they could have come. It sickens me now. I need to follow up tomorrow morning to apologize. I spent too long building trust and respect with these two for it to be destroyed like this.
Anyway, yesterday wasn't that interesting. We had a few good appointments and got bounced a few times (Tuesday is bounce day after all). We ended up getting rained on as we headed back to the flat.
Oh yeah, here's something funny: I casually commented that since people like bouncing so much we should call them Tigger. I think it's funny, and a good nickname, but it's been a while since I've been able to trigger a cringe shiver in E.Cole, it was funny - almost like a full body convulsion of cringe.
8/8
We had service today, it took most of the day. I spent my time chatting with E. Cole. We got back at
2:40. We were super late.
We had to apologize to a Brother named Kelvin who we'll be working with once a week from now, till he leaves on his mission. He's a good guy, and a teacher - literally, he's a school teacher. We went and visited a member with him since the Less Active member we wanted to see never responded to my calls or texts. We spent a while there talking and chatting, then we went to see Sister Linda.
We started reading the Book of Mormon with her. It was funny - she kept telling us that she was having a hard time understanding it, but when we read it with her she said it was simple. The English may be hard, but it was easy for her to understand.
I just pointed out to her that the biggest difference was that we had the spirit at that time. We can't understand the scriptures, not even a little, without God giving us that understanding. It's also my experience that he's not willing to give us ANY understanding unless we're reading with true intent.
Well, today was interesting. Despite the fact that there are three of us, it took longer than usual to finish. We did some errands, then cybered. Not that different from most P-Days.
Well, there is one thing. There are a bunch of dogs here, right? They all start barking at night. One of them sounds like my dog: Mallory. It kinda hurts. A lot.
8/7
I had a last night last night (and tonight) so I didn't update. I was trying to get permission from President Mdletshe to do a "Comp Split." It's pretty much a way for missionaries to split up and cover more ground when they have too many appointments to handle on their own. Each comp goes and works with a "responsible ward member of their own sex" to teach lessons. Well, President was in South Africa, and he didn't call me till 10:28 soooooooo... yeah, it was a late night for me. He also said "nay" which was hard for me to hear since I felt very strongly about one appointment to see a less active member, and couldn't convince E.Tsangu to go for that one instead. I had to arrange for two members to perform a ministering visit instead. I felt really guilty doing it since I was bugging these two members: Bradley and Eugene.
What made my guilt all the worse was that we were bounced and suddenly able to go to the less active appointment that I set up, but my voice is only one among three, so we ended up wasting time visiting Bradley's sister. Well, it felt like a waste of time to me, but that might just be because I felt bitter. I also felt mortified thinking about Bradley coming back from the ministering appointment to find out that the missionaries had visited his home without an appointment when they could have come. It sickens me now. I need to follow up tomorrow morning to apologize. I spent too long building trust and respect with these two for it to be destroyed like this.
Anyway, yesterday wasn't that interesting. We had a few good appointments and got bounced a few times (Tuesday is bounce day after all). We ended up getting rained on as we headed back to the flat.
Oh yeah, here's something funny: I casually commented that since people like bouncing so much we should call them Tigger. I think it's funny, and a good nickname, but it's been a while since I've been able to trigger a cringe shiver in E.Cole, it was funny - almost like a full body convulsion of cringe.
8/8
We had service today, it took most of the day. I spent my time chatting with E. Cole. We got back at
2:40. We were super late.
We had to apologize to a Brother named Kelvin who we'll be working with once a week from now, till he leaves on his mission. He's a good guy, and a teacher - literally, he's a school teacher. We went and visited a member with him since the Less Active member we wanted to see never responded to my calls or texts. We spent a while there talking and chatting, then we went to see Sister Linda.
We started reading the Book of Mormon with her. It was funny - she kept telling us that she was having a hard time understanding it, but when we read it with her she said it was simple. The English may be hard, but it was easy for her to understand.
I just pointed out to her that the biggest difference was that we had the spirit at that time. We can't understand the scriptures, not even a little, without God giving us that understanding. It's also my experience that he's not willing to give us ANY understanding unless we're reading with true intent.
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