Their They Go -- but we are ready for 11 new Missionaries!

Their They Go -- Three special missionaries -- a future Business man, Architect, and veterinarian. Maybe, but they have so many choices -- they are all smart, talented, and hardworking -- besides being compassionate and spiritual. They will be missed Elders Hillier, Christensen, and Hill.
Six weeks ago when the last Elder departed -- this young man said, "there goes a good one." He was really speaking of all those who had left. And this time it is his turn. There goes a good one -- everyone of the three.

But we are ready for 11 new missionaries -- this is the new house in Matola -- it is almost finished and should be by Thursday. It is fun getting to be part of helping our Elders have pleasant living arrangements.

Life is good in Mozambique -- I hope we are all serving and loving those around us.

Maputo 2 District --Incredible Young Men

This is our District --these are dedicated, hardworking, special young men. There were five baptisms from this District last Saturday and 13 a month ago.

Elder Hill standing in the middle is leaving this coming week :-( He will be missed.

More news another day!

Love, Sister Wick

Copy of Monthly Email Home from July 22nd

All the dedicated and much loved missionaries in the Maputo Zone of our Mission.

All the dedicated and love missionaries in the Beira Zone of our Mission.

July 22, 2007, Sunday

I am getting worse at writing – it has been more than a month. However, life here has become so ordinary that I cannot imagine anyone being interested in the daily happenings. Yet, occasionally I have to stop and realize that I am half way around the world from home.

Life has been busy – we are doing the normal things – going to the Distribution Center most every day – we are only open on Wednesday and Saturday – but that does not stop the Elders or members from coming up. Schedules are very much relaxed here – so we mostly just go with the flow – when we are needed we are available.

Sister Allred is teaching several piano students that show promise – she will be here only seven more months but each student has a keyboard course – published by The Church – and if the student is self-motivated, he or she can learn to play. Of course, we are praying for Elders or Sisters than can continue the work she has started.

English classes are progressing – the class in Matola is learning English better but they are mostly young people. Last week we had fun having each student come up and describe what they were wearing. Now pick a language you know a little and try to do that yourself – they did really well on the basics -- pants, shirts, shoes, etc. but had trouble with bracelets, barrettes, necklaces. Nevertheless, we all understood the Portuguese word for denim pants (Jeans) – some words just work in both languages (like Coke – yes, the soft drink giant is here too.)

I did get to speak in Church last Sunday – this is the second time since I got here. I feel that this is generous of the leaders – since I need a translator. But I really enjoy preparing and giving talks – and the people are so kind. This talk was on commitment – so many of here have been members for less than a year and many feel a bit overwhelmed with all the programs and activities involved in being a member. My main theme was that we need to listen to the Holy Ghost and work on one thing at a time - then move on and do the next thing we are inspired to do. As it teaches in the scriptures "line upon line...precept upon precept". We all need to be committed living the gospel the best we can.

Lately, we have gotten to do a little real missionary work—last night we sat in on a lesson for a woman and her daughter – it is marvelous to see these wonderful young men talk about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today I got to accompany a young woman during Church. She has take two lessons from the missionaries and she came to church for the first time. Since she speaks English the Elders are going to let Sister Allred and I teach her a few of the lessons. Today she did stay for all three hours of church – and loved the meetings and members. It felt good to do the work that I thought I would be doing on a mission.

I just celebrated my 65th birthday – The day started with a call on SKYPE from my daughter – it is always heartwarming to see and talk with her. Of course, most of you know that I had a birthday thanks to Judy Naughton – she takes very good care of me – Thank You Judy! I received many email and I believe that I have responded to each one.

I went to work a bit late (on a 65th birthday that should be okay?!) When I got to work there were balloons, posters, roses, and a wonderful African plaque that I wanted to get before I went home. In the evening, all of the Senior Missionaries went out to dinner – great dinner with Cheesecake for dessert. (Yes, the cheesecake was as good as the Cheesecake Factory.) To end a perfect birthday -- I got a call from my son on SKYPE and got to see and talk with him. Great Day!At this point, I knew that I would never forget celebrating my 65th birthday in Africa because so many people helped me celebrate. However, last night at English Class I was overwhelmed and totally surprised– my missionary companion and a few in the class had a little party for me after class. (I will put the pictures on the Blog when I get them from the Elder who had his camera with him.) Refreshments, singing Happy Birthday in English and then in Portuguese (by the way it is the same melody – as our old standby tune.) They gave me a small African plaque (I think one of the students made it.) Then one young woman brought a poster/picture that she had drawn – it shows the provinces of Mozambique with all kinds of figures and designs that are typically African. I will not forget my 65th birthday!!

I really haven’t felt as if I was contributing much to their effort to learn English – just typing the Handouts and pronouncing the words – (the Elders who speak Portuguese doing the bulk of the teaching) but I have loved being with them and hopefully this love has broken the language barrier – I certainly am a recipient of their loving ways.

I hope any of you who like pictures have been checking my Blog at:

http://pattiesprattle.blogspot.com
This Blog is an email (short notes) with pictures and you can look at it when you want to or not.

Life is good here – we had 14 baptisms yesterday – and these are strong new members. People who testify how much their lives have changed – as they have repented and accepted baptism – and are striving to not only believe in Christ, but believe Christ and His promises; then to follow Him but striving to be like Him.

Do write when you get time – I love to hear from home – especially about the people that I care about. I hope you all are happy, healthy, serving and loving others.

Sister Wick

The Final Photos of the Abdo's departure

All the women of the Maputo Mission surround Elder Abdo -- as we say "Good-bye".

I never saw him so happy and Sister Abdo was almost giddy at the thought of seeing her family.
President and Sister Packard worked so closely with the Abdo's since last July and when they were here on their mini-mission -- this parting is poignant.

Here we are at the Maputo International Air Terminal -- bidding on last "Good-bye."

We love you Abdo's -- "Go with God."

Adieu Abdo's

Here they are at our Farewell Bar-b-que!! The Abdo's and all the Maputo Area Mission were there.



First we had a duet with Sister Allred on the piano and Elder Christensen on a wooden flute. Then we all sang "Each Life That Touches Ours For Good"--Sister Abdo cried (she wasn't alone!)










The Chefs did the bar-b-que -- real American Hamburgers. Elder Sanfilippos carrying the burgers and Elder Davis following behind him.

President Packard and Elder Reghin were the main cooks -- giving Elder Abdo a break since the party was for he and his wife.


Elders Horton, Long, Karbakhsh (pictured here) plus Elder Buckner -- formed the burgers -- you can tell they are having fun.



Yes, it was a great day! I hope to post photos of the Abdo's departure from the Maputo International Airport next time.



We all hope that they made it hope safely and were received by loving family and friends.

Francisco Gets a New House!

Francisco works at the Mission -- 6 days a week. He keeps the building clean and makes the grounds beautiful. He is cheerful and always helpful.

Sometime ago, the Abdo's went to his house because his youngest daughter was very ill -- while they were there they learned that he lived in a stick house -- pictured below -- and it was falling down. Now he and his family have this much nicer and drier home.

You see, the Abdo's went to work to remedy this problem (with help from some really caring people. Enjoy the pictures!!

Do we all thank the Lord for our blessings? Do we help others in need? I hope we all do -- I know I am more grateful for how blessed my family and I have been -- and I strive to do the little things that I can :-)

"Parting is such sweet sorrow..."

Tonight the District Relief Society had a farewell gathering for Elder and Sister Abdo. -- Every complete Branch Relief Society Presidency was in attendance -- to show their love for the Abdo's. Having every presdency in attendance is unusal for here.

They will be missed more than words can say.

However, they have served well for two years and they have new grandchildren to see and plenty to do in their Stake in Brazil -- but to part with two more much loved missionaries is a challenge.

Still we are happy for them. Here is a picture of Sister Abdo with Elder Jones who left a few months ago.

Here are two of our former Elders who went home in June-- Hall and Petersen who are enjoying the water in the great State of California. They are having some fun before they have to return to the books and a more structured life at BYU. (Well, knowing these two they will make whatever they do -- FUN!
Here is another Elder who went home in June--Rasmussen (on the right) having fun too. He is in the great State of Texas -- enjoying family and dating...













"Parting is such sweet sorrow..." but all of us here in Mozambique are so grateful that they are reaping the rewards of valiant service.

Animals in Africa

H
Hello from Africa,

People wonder about all the wild animals that we must be seeing in Africa. Well, I see several cats on my way to the mission. They are "watch cats" or at least they are friends of the guard in office building near our house. Of course, there is the yippee dog that stays in the backyard next door (he gets up to early and stays up to late.)

However, we did see a few animals today. Being Preparation Day, Sister Allred and I joined most of the Elders from this Zone and went to a very impoverish zoo. Here are a few pictures of the animals and the humans having fun with these animals.

It is always a delight to spend time with the Elders -- they are very kind to us and very fun-loving.

It was a beautiful day here -- mid 70's, sunny, blue ski, and great company.

We invited Elder and Sister Abdo to our home for dinner -- they are returning to Brazil on my birthday -- July 17Th -- so it will be a bitter-sweet day -- sweet for them to go home and bitter that we are losing them.



Sweet because I made it to 65 years of age -- and bitter because two more people that I love are leaving and I will most likely not see them again. Thank goodness for email.

Hope this email finds everyone happy, healthy, and serving.

Love, Sister Wick (Mom, Grandma, Pat)

Another Great Baptism Day!

These are some of the wonderful people that were baptized and preformed baptisms on Saturday, July 6Th.

The weather is cold here -- I do not know how they could step into the fridge water -- yes, they stepped in carefully, and shivered a bit-- but they did get it.

More importantly, each one came out of the baptismal font with a glorious smile.

After changing into dry clothes -- each bore a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His Church. We had two couples that we baptized -- one had just been civilly married on Friday at our chapel. They had a solemn but simple ceremony -- breaking with the tradition to have a lavish event when they are civilly married. This particular couple's five sons preceded them in being baptized and the mother today told how grateful she was to be baptized that she had waited for this time when all the family would be members of The Church.

It is good to be a part of such special times -- this is one of the greatest joys of being a missionary.

4th of July Celebration in Mozambique

Actually we celebrated America's birthday on the July 2nd -- it is our Preparation Day -- but a good ole Bar-b-que is always fun -- especially with the great people who serve here in Mozambique.

President and Sister Packard have about 5 grandchildren with birthdays -- so the Elders got in the pictures to be sent home to the grandchildren -- anyway, it was all fun.

It was good to celebrate the birthday of America -- I am grateful to have been born in America--I realize even more now -- how blessed I have been.

Have a great week -- Pat