February 16-18, 2012

February 16^th

Working with the missionaries, we have planned a day to share “ Becoming a Happy and Strong Family” We have asked members to bring someone with them next week and share in a day. We are showing a DVD that was prepared in South Africa by African people. It is beautiful and speaks to all faiths. We will serve refreshments and hope to have a big crowd. We want the villages and communities to know that the Church believes in the family. So will see how it turns out next week.

Friday 17^th

was our visiting day in Ilima. We went to Virginia and Wycliffs home and they fed us kithirri. I’m sure I spelled that wrong but it is red beans and dried corn boiled together. It was good but they gave us too much. They do get offended if you don’t eat it all. Bruce hates beans so it was especially hard for him to get it all down but he did it. We also stopped at Peter’s home for a quick visit. On the way out of the Kyambeke market a return missionary Onesmus asked for a ride. A women standing nearby then also asked if she could have a ride. As we left the village, Onesmus started to give her the first discussion he asked Bruce for the Restoration pamphlet. She agreed to attend church with him this Sunday. Many of the members are strong missionaries.

February 18^th

We were to have baptisms today but there is no water to fill the font. We are between rainy seasons and it is so dry out in the bush. This is the time where they are digging deep down into the river beds to get any water to use in their house-huts. I will have to say that because of lack of water the people smell very strongly. It is also a time when they are working in the dry shambas and the mosquitoes are very bad. Many are getting malaria and have to go to the dispensary for medication. Because the Baptisms were canceled we were able to go with the Olsen’s and Pugmire’s to the Karen Blixem Museum and Plantation (Out of Africa). We also visited the Elephant Orphanage, although we had been before, it was fun to see others enjoy it. The baby elephants put on quite a show in the mud bath.

These are Bruces friends that we pass on the raod to Mitini. They always wave to him and he takes the lady cardborad boxes.

Until today. . . Rechel hasn't been back to church at Ilima since her husband was release as the Branch President over 7 years ago.

A view of President Onesmus' house with bricks smoking for a new home.

New Missionary Elder Diodoti from Canada with Elder Patten, powerful Elders

Bruce eating kithirri, slice of bread and hot hot chocolate at Virigini and Wycliff's Home.

Wycliffe and Virignia

Wycliffes grandmother and some of her great-grandchildren

A neighbor bringing up some of the maize stocks from the shamba below