A Week Not for the Weak ~ Mar. 10, 2014

This past week was a very intense one.  We prepared as best we could for what we knew was going to happen, but it is in the unforeseen things (which is Africa's world) that really show you what you are made of.  

Or in other words, we relied on our Savior a lot!!

We made it through a flood, four trips to the Airport, new missionaries, saying goodbye and our first mouse (?!) in the house!  As we look back on everything that went on, we have to say that, like always, everything turned our fine.  It always does when you are on the Lord's errand, and doing His work.  One of my favorite sayings is:   If the Lord brings you to it....He will bring you through it!

We love being a Senior Missionary Couple here in Pointe Noire.  We are praying everyday to know what the "will" of the Lord is for us while we are here.  We know our first concern is to lighten President Cook's heavy load by being here for the 8 wonderful missionaries.  These fine Elder's are working so hard to find those the Lord had prepared.   We love them! 

This is our Zone Meeting we had on Wednesday.  We woke up to 8 inches of water around our house, but were able to still have the meeting.  It took the Elders an extra hour to get here from their apartments because of the rain.  This was an extra-special meeting because it would be the last for three of our Elders.  Zone Leaders Gelinas and Morin taught us and then we had a powerful testimony meeting.  The Spirit was very strong and the love these Elders have for each other, the work, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is amazing.  

We said "good-bye" to these three fine Missionaries.  Elders Lundberg and Elder Morin returned to their homes on Saturday.  Elder Baker (the one in the middle) left for Douala in Cameroon to finish out his mission. 

This is Elder Johnston from Oklahoma.  He is Elder Wright's new companion.  We picked him up at the Airport at 8:00 P.M. Thursday and dropped him off at the Fouck's Apartment.  They will be assigned to the Pointe Noire Branche.  We attended church there yesterday, and must say that the Saints in that Branche are faithful and strong.  Elder Johnston bore a wonderful testimony of the joy of missionary work and of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is Elder Rakotonindriana.  I think his name is longer than he is tall!  He is from Madagascar, and came with a smile that would light up a room.  He is Elder Hatch's new companion and they will be with the Mpaka Branche.  

And last we have Elder Ndayizeye who will be Elder Van Ausdal's companion.  He is from the African country of Burundi. Out of the 11 people in his family, he is the only member.  They will be assigned also to the Mpaka Branche.

And last but not least...

A new week is here and we know that many opportunities to serve will come our way.  Missionary Work is flooding the world and we are grateful to be a part of it here in Pointe Noire. 

 We just wanted to add one more picture.  This pictures is of our family, all 32 of us.  This is our "Ohana" picture taken last July in Heber, Utah.  We love and miss them so much but know we are not "leaving" them, we are "leading" them by serving as a Missionary Couple for 18 (now 16) months.  We thank our Heavenly Father for watching over our family while we are on our mission to help "His".

                                                                  Ohana 2013