A TASTE OF AFRICA

Another birthday cake made and birthday celebrated.  This is our whole district except for 2 sisters.  The birthday boy is Elder Tayembi from Congo.  He delivered an entire speech prepared just for this occasion. This is the first paragraph of the speech;
"Elders and sisters, on this special day of my life I want just to tell you that a birthday can be seen as a serious or joyful time.  Another year has passed and I look back on what happened in my life, the success I had and also the challenges and difficulties I had.  I think about my goals for the future and reflect on the past year."

That's just a little taste of the speech he gave.  He explained that it was the custom from his country.

Dr. Mom at work.  Definitely could have used a few stitches but I worked my magic with some Neosporin and a band aide. It healed up quite nicely.

Craig attended his first Zambian funeral. There was a lot of weeping and wailing.  He transported a whole truckload of women in the back of his truck to the cemetery and then they fed him a big plateful of Nshima and chicken.  An interesting experience. There were about 7 or 8 funerals going on at the same time.  It's a very busy place.

Elder and Sister Hull and Craig and I helped this sweet member move her meager belongings about 1/4 mile down a very bumpy, dusty, dirt road.  She was born with a club foot that was never corrected and she must hold onto that stick with both hands when she walks, so she is not able to carry anything. Her brother was helping her by moving things one wheel barrow full at a time.  We got everything moved in 1 1/2 hours with the truck.  She has 4 small children and her husband left some time ago.

 This was our last load.  No windows and a dirt floor.  A very difficult day for me but I was glad we were able to help.

 P-day with the missionaries in Kitwe.  Looks like a really nice golf course but then any golf course is good enough for Elder Salmon.

 Yup, that is just what you think it is- chicken feet.  I have watched people eat them but that's as far as I go.  It's not pretty.

These delicacies were being sold on the side of the road in Malawi.  I have no idea what those tiny little birds are but the next picture is without a doubt a skewer of mice.  Hard to believe but it is definitely mouse season.  Not the Mickey variety.

The Zambians eat Nshima everyday.  They love it!  If you only have one meal a day, this is the stuff to fill you up, no doubt about it!

 While traveling in Malawi with the Hull's we stayed at a nice little place called Mvuu Lodge.  This is a baobab tree by the lodge.  They are huge- I've only seen them in Malawi.

 At the Mvuu Lodge was the loo with a view.  Interesting and not unpleasant unless a stranger happened along while you were in there.

I couldn't resist posting this little girl's picture. She had the most expressive face when she sang and she loved to sing.

These kids were fighting to get in every picture they could.  It got pretty crazy when we would try to show them the pictures on the phone.  Lots of pushing and shoving but they loved it.  We are the entertainment of the day especially in Malawi.

 Cutest little baby goats ever, and I don't even like goats all that much.

Another baptism today.  Theses are our friends Lord and Jacquie Mbambu with their two little girls and twin boys.  Jacquie's niece, Bethel, is the one being baptized.  Bethel's father, who is not a member, is on the far left.

I just happened to look over and catch this little one looking at her reflection in our bumper.  She kept kissing herself over and over.  Priceless!


What a life we are living here.  Sometimes so difficult and sometimes so rewarding.  I hope this gives you just a little taste of life in the Zambia, Lusaka Mission.

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive."
Alma7:23