Visiting

There are the cutest children in Africa. They have captivating smiles and a love of life. We went visiting to a member's home to teach new member lessons. First we sing a hymn. Then have an opening prayer. Food is served at some point. This time we had a delicious meal of fish, chicken with potato, tomato, onion and savory seasonings in a sauce, cooked cabbage, ugala (a maize paste and a staple of the economy), rice, and pineapple and mango. And Chapotes, a sweet tortilla like bread to eat it with. We asked for a utensil, but indeed, the fish was more easily eaten with fingers-- following the example of others who ate it all with fingers. I feel a little guilty, this is probably a weeks worth of food.

Elder Fox and I gave lessons on service, missionary work, and how the Lord loves men, women, and children and all should be treated with respect. This as I was the only woman in the room, the rest were cleaning up the meal. They did join us for the question and answer time. The younger missionaries spent some of the time teaching two investigators.

This photo is taken outside of Eluid's house with many who attended the meeting. Some of the concerns are for the children and having them go to good schools. Other concerns are of the widows who are left to care for their children and have few ways to make a living. They say, "She is stable." when a person is making enough money to support herself and her children on an ongoing basis. When someone is "not stable" they don't even have the money for the essentials-- food and rent. To send children to schools costs money-- tuition each trimester. This schooling is their hope for a better life for their children. My heart goes out to these sweet people. I pray that through the Lord's way and His blessings they will increase in strength both spiritually and temporally.