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
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
2 comments:
Pat,
I love what you have done. May God continue to shine on you. You look terrific.
smile,maryo
Good post.
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