Ponton Plage ~ June 1, 2015

Transfers. . . .

Transfers are next week so we wanted to spend some time with the Elders that will be leaving and the ones that will be going home. Besides that, the Elders love spending time with each other, so it made for a wonderful day.   We know that Elder Beutler and Elder Mandefu will finish their mission, and  more than likely more will be transferred to another city to continue their mission.  So yesterday, we again went to our favorite place here in Pointe Noire, the Ponton Plage.  This was the first time that some have ever seen the ocean.

The waves were "wild" yesterday.  We had close encounters where we almost ruined three camera's as the waves came way up onto the sand and we couldn't get away fast enough.   It made for some wonderful pictures and fun for all.

We are so grateful to have served with such valiant and faithful missionaries here in Pointe Noire.  They work so hard each day to be obedient, knowing that in "exact obedience" they will receive "miracles".

Each Branche is working hard to gather in those that are lost or inactive.  Each will start Sacrament Meeting first starting next week and focus on making "The Sabbath Day" more holy and special.  They are also striving to internalize the importance of renewing our covenants with the Lord each week as they sacrifice to make it on time for church.

So great things are happening here in Pointe Noire.

Elder Kabeya and Elder Larson help carry in the "Coleman Cooler" with all the food for our lunch.

Elder Etherington, Elder Mandefu, Elder Mbikaye and Elder Andrimiasinarivo enjoy the sloppy joes.

Elder Kabongo and Elder Kabeya enjoy their lunch also.

Elder Legerski could not put down his potato salad long enough for a picture..... as Elder Larson, Elder Waite and Elder Beutler look on.

After lunch Elders Kabaya and Elder Mbikayi play a little soccer.

Back row:  Elder Mbikayi, Elder Kabeya

Front row: Elder Andriamiasinarivo, Elder Mandefu and Elder Etherington

The Zone as of June 1, 2015

Left to right: Elder Larson, Elder Legerski, Elder Andriamiasinarivo, Elder Etherington, 

Elder Mbikayi, Elder Kabongo, Elder Kabeya, Elder Mandefu, Elder Beutler and Elder Waite

They just couldn't resist the temptation of feeling the ocean on their legs. . . . they remembered the rules of only up to the knees.

Elder Etherington 

Elder Beutler

Elder Legerski

Elder Andriamiasinarivo takes pictures of the mighty waves.

Elder Bailey loved the day!

There is something so beautiful and serene about a shoreline and rolling waves.

We noticed some people were fishing so the Elders went to talk with them.  I am not sure what they were fishing for.  

This is the "lure" that was on the end of the pole.

Elder Kabongo!

Elder Etherington, Elder Kabongo, Elder Mandefu, and Elder Kabeya

The Elders could not pass up a chance for some great beach soccer.

Elder Mandefu and Elder Mbikayi resort to a "knock-down" over who gets the ball!

Elder Beutler showed us how to play "Place the Stick"... You draw a line then try to see who can put a stick the farthest out using just a pole and your upper body weight.  Elder Andri is the first to try.

Next, Elder Legerski tries, he put the stick in his mouth for some added grip on the pole.

Elder Bailey even tried!

Elder Beutler showed everyone how it was done.

But the winner and best form went to Elder Larson!

Elder Larson looks on as Elder Waite shows us the tiny, little sand crab he caught... or who caught him.  They have a mighty little "pinch" for being so small.

Elder Waite, give him a few more months before he will be ready to eat!

Elder Waite, Elder Beutler, Elder Kabongo, Elder Andri, Elder Legerski and Elder Larson get ready for the "jump shot". . . .

Great!

Elder Legerski!

At the end of the day we wrote a note to Sister Monga to wish her "Happy Birthday" and sent it with our love to her in an e-mail.

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We loved spending time with the missionaries of Pointe Noire.  We wish Elder Beutler and Elder Mandefu a wonderful journey home to be reunited with their families.  And we wish our Elders who will be departing for a "new adventure" the best, as we all work so hard in "His Work of Salvation."

The Gospel Is True!

Until next week..........