First Part of October

We are getting the YSA program going pretty good here in Arusha. Also the temple class. We are really getting some good discussions going. It’s kind of hard with the language barrier but our great interpreter Bro. K. helps a lot. The things we discuss are quite new to most of the members and sometimes Bro. K. gets so involved in what we are teaching he forgets to translate. It takes a lot of review to make sure they really understand what we are teaching.

Looks like we are into the “short rain” as the locals call it. The first Sunday of Oct. was a rather wet one. We almost got stuck going up to the East Elder’s flat and ripped the right rear mud flap off. We wondered if anyone would show up to church. But there was a good turn out. We had a sister call and wanted a ride to the church from the stoplight corner. She is from (France-Singapore-BYU-Utah) and is working in Moshi with some juvenile delinquents in jail. So Pres. Spear and Elder R. went to pick her up. Then the Elders called and wanted us to pick up some investigators so we also did that. We should say Elder R. did. Sister R. stayed at the church and attended lessons. Great testimony meeting. Elder Rapiya’s last Sunday so he bore his testimony and it was great. He has really been a good missionary here. Then we taught the 2nd lesson of the temple prep class. Good discussion on the requirements to get a temple recommend. Then helped the Elders teach.

Oct. 4, 2011

We learned that Pres. Spear’s baby had pneumonia. So we went to pick him up at ShopRite and then to his house to see the baby. She seems to be doing pretty good. Then home to get ready to take Elder Rapiya to the airport. Didn’t get away on time and the traffic was terrible, thus he missed his flight. He was able to get on the next flight at 7:30 PM. We are sad to see him go but happy for him to be able to go home and see his family.

Oct. 7, 2011

We took our truck in to get the repairs done. Then we took the shuttle to the airport and flew to Mwanza for our support visit there. Checked into the Hotel La Kairo and crashed for the rest of the day.

Ate a lot while we were there.

Elder R. even had a “whole” tilapia. Sister R. couldn’t look at it because of the eyes.

The next day we went to the church to meet with the branch presidency. They had a baptism that day so that was really nice for us. 

Then we had a YSA activity. We had a really good time with them. Registered 13 people for Institute.

Oct. 9, 2011

Attended church with the branch. Did some more training with the branch presidency. Bro. Mwabaleke was called as teacher for the Seminary-Institute class. So we hope that program will be off and running there in Mwanza.

Then on Monday we held a music training class at the church. We went clear through the leading manual and started on keyboarding. Had only 3 in attendance. 

But they were really eager and moved very quickly.

Later that day we took a walk around the hotel grounds

and the block (actually several) by the hotel and found these cranes in a garbage dump and all over the field next to it.

Then on Tuesday we headed for the airport, picked up 3 nice pineapples (they seem to be better there in Mwanza - and less expensive) and flew back to Arusha. Our truck was not ready so we had to spend a couple of days using a taxi. We are still not brave enough to try a dola dola.

Each Saturday we have YSA and Seminary & Institute class. The members seem to really have fun. We hope it will help them to learn to mix and strengthen their testimonies at the same time. And the lessons (we hope) are teaching the members here a better knowledge of the Gospel and helping them to remain strong. They seem to really enjoy the lessons.

Then Sunday we had a special meeting to show General Conference. They get them here on DVD, a little late but in their language. It was great.