Training, Training, training

I had ordered a dress, and here I am with my very cute dressmaker. The women here really dress beautifully-- cut work, lace, shimmery fabric and very stylish purses. They certainly pay more attention to fashion than I ever have. But I was told as I wore the dress today that I was "very smart." So maybe there's hope.

On Tuesday we decided to visit the Primary President at her place of work. It was a little trickier than we thought, as there was no place to park. So we parked away, then wandered, called by phone a few times, and finally met her at the street. She took us into the heartland of Kiboya market in the wholesale part. She sells grains. We bought beans for gathere (beans and maize) and beans for beans-and-chapates, and some "ground nuts" or peanuts. They were HUGE! (Clockwise: ground nuts, chapate beans, maize beans.) If someone can identify the English names of the beans I would be grateful.

We had training with the Elder's quorum president, two of the new Branch presidency counselors, and we visited or called some of the outgoing members to try to make sure they were not feeling rejected. Here the tradition is "president for life" and so some members don't realize that this is the Lord's church and He decided who is called to what position. In Kings, the prophet Samuel was choosing king David, and the Lord said God didn't see as a man saw, the Lord looketh on the heart. Because the church is the Lord's and is so different from any man-made institution, some people struggle a little. They have not yet grown to trust the Lord.

Saturday we did an 8:30 am training. Then we had a 10am baptism. This is little Mercy, daughter to Elizabeth who passed away last month. They seem to be doing okay. It was a sweet little baptism, as her father performed this ordinance for the first time.
As hand shaking was going on, I was struck once again by the contrast in colors. There is such beauty in both skin colors and the handshake just seems to join them both together. Africans have lovely smooth nearly hairless skin. They look young through their 40's. Lovely, clear, flawless skin.
Immediately after the baptism, we left for Busia. We did training with the Branch President and some of the other leaders. These are such good men and women. They are trying their best to do what the Lord wants them to do. And the struggles are against those frailties common to man-- lack of faith, selfishness, pride. In many cases, the same struggles play out all over the world. Leaders love people and want so much to have them be faithful so the Lord can bless their lives. And sometimes the people can't yet grasp the importance of faithfulness and obedience. Still, the church moves forward and slowly by slowly, people come to understand.

They were so excited to get a sign for the church and they showed us the new building they will move into. On the way home we were treated to spectacular skies! It is so beautiful here!
Today things went well here at church. Good teaching. Primary is moving forward well. Lots of visitors at church. Good sacrament meeting. It's good to be here.