Easter was, well, nothing special really. The town turned into a zoo as people traveled to and from Bo, but other than that, there was no real noticeable celebrating. We, the Elders in Bo Zone, were hosted at the Turray's compound in New London area for dinner. Brother Turray was a member of the district presidency previously, and is now a faithful and extremely prosperous member. He owns a large compound, complete with a stone wall surrounding it and a drug store out front. One section of the compound is rented out to the missionaries who serve in New London and Njagboima branches. It's such a nice apartment! Anyways, we went there for dinner, and they fed us some really nice fried rice and fried chicken. No small sacrifice, and we were extremely grateful for it. That's pretty much all we did to celebrate, but it was good enough for me.
Congrats to Josh on finishing his Eagle Scout requirements! Eagle is a good thing to get. Too bad he doesn't know the bliss of not having Mom bother you about it for so long... ;) I really liked being done with my Eagle.
It's so true that it's not the money that makes people rich. I wish these people here could know that... Some people just flat out don't like us white Elders because we're not there to give them things. ALL THE TIME we're asked for food/money/whatever we might be holding at that moment, and it makes me SO MAD. We're not here as a charitable organization, but as an organization all about charity, the pure love of Christ. We're here to teach the gospel message, not buy a new life for people. I think that all of the free handouts these people get is what's really spoiling this country. That and the corrupt government. Money just disappears like crazy. We (the "Western countries") have taught these people dependence on us. It's so sad, because this place has so much potential to develop and actually BE something, but people lay about all day long (that is, until we come to visit them, then they run away).
Regarding the Baptist ministers of which I previously spoke, they aren't too much of a nuisance. There are only two of them here (as far as we've seen) from America, and those are the mean ones. Our mission president talked to some of the Elders about the Baptist persecutors. He said "If I had the chance to meet them face-to-face, I would shake their hand and thank them, and say, he continued, switching to a mockingly high-pitched voice, "I thank you! I thank you! I thank you for persecuting my missionaries! Because of the un-Christlike contempt you've demonstrated towards my missionaries, they are going to return home with stronger testimonies and tell people that they were PERSECUTED. I thank you!" It was so funny. Whenever we thank someone now, we say "I thank you!" as a sort of inside joke, and it's way funny.
I've learned to fear Americans here. Very few of them are kind or have anything decent to say to you. Americans are just rude people in general, I've learned. I'm going to have such a hard time adjusting when I get home, because I'll want to greet everyone I see, much like how everyone does here. Everyone is pleasant and kind, but the Americans won't even look at you. It's... unbelievable! To think that I was once that way! I don't think we're intentionally rude at all, but man, we sure are. We don't look or talk to anyone we don't have anything to do with. It's totally the opposite here, and I've grown to like it.
This week was a difficult one. The stress is mounting, and making things very difficult for me. No worries, I don't need any encouragement or anything, I'm just sharing. It helps to dissipate some of the stress to get it out on paper (or screen, I guess). It's discouraging because I feel like I'm doing all I can, and yet, maybe it's not enough. I'm just at a crossroads for a lot of things that both effect me and Njaie Town in general right now. In two weeks time, it's likely that Elder Lancaster will be transferred to Freetown so that they can keep close tabs on his health, which means another six weeks here for me and a new companion. Ugh, 7.5 months in Njaie Town, at least. It's kind of a lot, especially for someone who's only been in one place. I look forward to greener pastures (or even browner ones, that I way I can at least know the difference and what I had). It's just an interesting time here for me. Just movin' onward. It's all I can do.
I'm so glad that as I was brought up, I was taught that doing your best was all that mattered. A lot of times, Satan wants me to think like all of the bad that is happening is somehow my fault, but I remember that I'm doing my best, and that that is all that matters.
Needless to say, this week was a tough one for me. I know, I know, keep courage/faith/going/etc. It doesn't stop hard weeks from happening, and this week happened to be one. It's pretty draining, I won't lie, but we push onward and upward.
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Weight Loss, Mourners and Witch Guns
So for the two pics: First is of the baptism we had Saturday. I baptized the young man on my right and his sister, and Elder Kenner baptized two of his candidates, and Elder Moyo did the rest. (a tri-branch baptism) The other is a picture of President Lappia's (2nd counselor of the district presidency) daughter. She was the "little bride" at the wedding breakfast that was Saturday morning. I told her to smile (in Krio you say "show your teeth!"), so that's what she did. It's adorable!
So, you were wondering if I have lost weight? Turns out, I HAVE lost 15 pounds, so... I sure don't feel like I've lost weight though. I can feel the grease flowing in my veins whenever I have a meal with the locals. They use SO MUCH palm oil in EVERYTHING they eat here.
Mom, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your Aunt Jeanne. I'm also sorry to say that my memory isn't the best. I was only 12 after all when we went to the reunion. I mean, really, it's hard to remember 200 new relatives. I hope you're doing well with the loss. I know some people have difficulty, but I know you're very spiritually-minded about such things.
Here in Sierra Leone, death strikes daily. It's outrageously common. You can be walking down the street, and all of the sudden a swarm of wailing mourners appear in the path, just screaming their guts out. It's incredibly sanctimonious. I hate it when someone dies, just becuase of the mourners. They turn it into something horrific, rather than reverent.
It's interesting that you mention faith, becuase it's something that's built a lot here. We're persecuted a lot by those un-Christ like Baptist evangelists who ridicule and scorn our very existence. President Roggia told us that if he ever met those men, he’s thanking them for persecuting his missionaries, because in doing so, they've only made our faith greater. Paul rejoices when he's persecuted in the name of Jesus Christ, and it's the same with us. We rejoice in our (many many many) afflictions.
You ask about family traditions? Uhh... That's a tough one... I guess weddings are the only thing that come to mind, but that's only if the people actually get married. Most of the time, the people cohabitate for 10-15 years and have four kids before even considering it. Sorry, that's not really a GOOD family tradition, but it's really common here. These people are very rooted in tradition, but most of them aren't good ones. Many include idolatry, sorcery ("ju ju man"), superstition. For instance, people think that if something very unfortunate happens to you (most commonly associated with an injury), they say you were shot with a "witch gun." It's exactly what it sounds like, a gun that a witch shoots you with that makes something bad happen to you. They think that such a gun exists!! Oh, these people... Sometimes it's incredibly difficult here to overcome these ridiculous traditions.
What have I learned about myself? Jeez, I don't really know. It's interesting to read my journal and see how I've changed in my attitude, my thinking, and even my handwriting. I'm more focused on things that matter most. I used to be so caught up in silly little nothings and the quirks of where I am, or even about things at home, but not anymore. My thoughts are plain and simple, about things of a good nature. It's really hard to tell how I've changed... Perhaps you can tell me when you call in a few weeks? ;)
Speaking of Mother's Day, I'm thinking you ought to call at either 7:30 am or 10:30 am your time. Elder Lancaster's parents are calling from Utah at 10:00 (so 9:00 your time) and he says that there should be a half hour leeway before and after the call hour, just in case something happens. It's not a bad idea. So, whenever you want, it works fine with me! I just can't remember how many hours difference it is here, so you should probably let me know what time my time you'll be calling.
Time to jet. Have a nice week!
Elder Vaughan
So, you were wondering if I have lost weight? Turns out, I HAVE lost 15 pounds, so... I sure don't feel like I've lost weight though. I can feel the grease flowing in my veins whenever I have a meal with the locals. They use SO MUCH palm oil in EVERYTHING they eat here.
Mom, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your Aunt Jeanne. I'm also sorry to say that my memory isn't the best. I was only 12 after all when we went to the reunion. I mean, really, it's hard to remember 200 new relatives. I hope you're doing well with the loss. I know some people have difficulty, but I know you're very spiritually-minded about such things.
Here in Sierra Leone, death strikes daily. It's outrageously common. You can be walking down the street, and all of the sudden a swarm of wailing mourners appear in the path, just screaming their guts out. It's incredibly sanctimonious. I hate it when someone dies, just becuase of the mourners. They turn it into something horrific, rather than reverent.
It's interesting that you mention faith, becuase it's something that's built a lot here. We're persecuted a lot by those un-Christ like Baptist evangelists who ridicule and scorn our very existence. President Roggia told us that if he ever met those men, he’s thanking them for persecuting his missionaries, because in doing so, they've only made our faith greater. Paul rejoices when he's persecuted in the name of Jesus Christ, and it's the same with us. We rejoice in our (many many many) afflictions.
You ask about family traditions? Uhh... That's a tough one... I guess weddings are the only thing that come to mind, but that's only if the people actually get married. Most of the time, the people cohabitate for 10-15 years and have four kids before even considering it. Sorry, that's not really a GOOD family tradition, but it's really common here. These people are very rooted in tradition, but most of them aren't good ones. Many include idolatry, sorcery ("ju ju man"), superstition. For instance, people think that if something very unfortunate happens to you (most commonly associated with an injury), they say you were shot with a "witch gun." It's exactly what it sounds like, a gun that a witch shoots you with that makes something bad happen to you. They think that such a gun exists!! Oh, these people... Sometimes it's incredibly difficult here to overcome these ridiculous traditions.
What have I learned about myself? Jeez, I don't really know. It's interesting to read my journal and see how I've changed in my attitude, my thinking, and even my handwriting. I'm more focused on things that matter most. I used to be so caught up in silly little nothings and the quirks of where I am, or even about things at home, but not anymore. My thoughts are plain and simple, about things of a good nature. It's really hard to tell how I've changed... Perhaps you can tell me when you call in a few weeks? ;)
Speaking of Mother's Day, I'm thinking you ought to call at either 7:30 am or 10:30 am your time. Elder Lancaster's parents are calling from Utah at 10:00 (so 9:00 your time) and he says that there should be a half hour leeway before and after the call hour, just in case something happens. It's not a bad idea. So, whenever you want, it works fine with me! I just can't remember how many hours difference it is here, so you should probably let me know what time my time you'll be calling.
Time to jet. Have a nice week!
Elder Vaughan
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
New Ties, Scars, and a Campfire
Sorry for the delay in getting my email. All of the internet in town was out, so I had to send today. I'm still alive! No worries! ;)
Mom, it sounds like your trip to California with Josh was a lot of fun. Thanks so much for the pictures! It's been a LONG time since seeing anything from home. I appreciate it. I wonder what possessed Josh to eat kelp right out of the ocean... It's kinda strange. He looks so OLD!
I'm so glad you got my memory card! It's the only way I can send videos, and videos are a lot easier than pictures. I'm so bad at taking pictures anyways. I often simply forget that I have a camera at all. You can't understand things I'm saying in the video? Ha ha ha, yeah, I figured that would happen. Krio really is a different language. The best way to describe Krio is that it's like a radio station. In America, you tune into the American English. When you're here, you need to take some time to tune into the Krio. Most missionaries take up to 6 months to do so. I'm blessed to have done it in 6 weeks. :) I'll be sure to keep taking videos.
As for the motorcycle crash, my leg is still healing. I just have scar flesh on my arms now, and everywhere else is fine. I can walk without pain, but my leg is still really bruised. Sister Roggia had a chance to check it out on Saturday when she and President were in town, and she says there's no permanent damage. My bone is indented a little, but it's not bad. I think it's pretty cool. ;)
I have found something wonderful to spend the money on: Jatalas. They're this SICK Nigerian brand of ties that you can occasionally find here. I already spent the $40 you sent me on six of them. They're SO COOL!! I'll try to send pics of them sometime. I also used some of that $40 to buy a Ghanean kente weave scripture bag. It's pretty dang awesome. I bought it from a return missionary in our branch who served in the Cape Coast mission in Ghana. It's sweet!
Also, the money comes in handy at Sab's cafe. Most of the time I get by without it, but Elder Lancaster's health hasn't been very good lately. He's losing weight like crazy, so Dr. Maughan in Ghana admonished him to eat as much food as he can muster to help fight the weight loss while they try to diagnose the problem. The local food here is pretty harsh on him, so we've been going to Sab's a lot to help him eat more. It takes a heavy toll on my subsistence, but it's to help him get better.
Speaking of food, I got a package from you and from Aunt Becky this week! I think my favorites are quickly becoming those instant pastas and mac n cheese. It's very difficult to cook at home for cheap, so those things make it a LOT easier, particularly where Elder Lancaster is really needing the food. This Sunday is Elder Kenner's birthday (our district leader), so I'm making that tuna pasta with mashed potatoes and that lemon poppy seed cake. I'm inviting all the Americans in our zone over to enjoy. Needless to say, I'm pretty popular around here right about now.
Alrighty, before I go, a little tidbit about what's been going on. Have you ever wondered within yourself if the prophet Mohammed was a true prophet? The people here have the "all roads lead to Rome" attitude, so Christians believe that Mohammed is a prophet, and Muslims believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. OH. MY. GOSH. We had a lesson this week in the which we had to convice a less active member of our church that Mohammed wasn't really a prophet. He won't come to church anymore because we offended him by telling him that Mohammed was a false prophet. AND HE PROFESSES TO BE CHRISTIAN!!!
On the other hand, we had a cool argument break out. I don't usually carry my mp3 player with me, but I accidentally left it in my pocket when we went out proselyting on Saturday. I remembered it when we were with Festus and Abraham (our golden recent converts), and I let them listen to the Prophet. They started fighting over who got to carry the mp3 player. It was funny. Then we passed by a man who likes to have doctrinal confrontations with us, and he heard the recording. Now he wants to get the recordings for himself! It was way funny.
I fit so well here with these people, with these Elders, with the Spirit. I loved being home, but now I equally love being here. :)
Regarding the pictures: The next picture is of a baptism we had. I was privileged to baptize three of the four candidates. It was a really wonderful experience. The next two pictures are of the youth activity we had. The boys v. girls soccer game was the funniest. The last picture is of our Salone style stove. The gas ran out yesterday, and the replacement tank had the wrong nozzle size, so we had no gas, and we were hungry. So, I cooked some eggs over a fire. Not bad, eh? That's how EVERYONE cooks here. Wish you could be here camping... er, I mean, serving with me! Ha ha ha... This is the longest high adventure trip EVER... ;)
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Mom, it sounds like your trip to California with Josh was a lot of fun. Thanks so much for the pictures! It's been a LONG time since seeing anything from home. I appreciate it. I wonder what possessed Josh to eat kelp right out of the ocean... It's kinda strange. He looks so OLD!
I'm so glad you got my memory card! It's the only way I can send videos, and videos are a lot easier than pictures. I'm so bad at taking pictures anyways. I often simply forget that I have a camera at all. You can't understand things I'm saying in the video? Ha ha ha, yeah, I figured that would happen. Krio really is a different language. The best way to describe Krio is that it's like a radio station. In America, you tune into the American English. When you're here, you need to take some time to tune into the Krio. Most missionaries take up to 6 months to do so. I'm blessed to have done it in 6 weeks. :) I'll be sure to keep taking videos.
As for the motorcycle crash, my leg is still healing. I just have scar flesh on my arms now, and everywhere else is fine. I can walk without pain, but my leg is still really bruised. Sister Roggia had a chance to check it out on Saturday when she and President were in town, and she says there's no permanent damage. My bone is indented a little, but it's not bad. I think it's pretty cool. ;)
I have found something wonderful to spend the money on: Jatalas. They're this SICK Nigerian brand of ties that you can occasionally find here. I already spent the $40 you sent me on six of them. They're SO COOL!! I'll try to send pics of them sometime. I also used some of that $40 to buy a Ghanean kente weave scripture bag. It's pretty dang awesome. I bought it from a return missionary in our branch who served in the Cape Coast mission in Ghana. It's sweet!
Also, the money comes in handy at Sab's cafe. Most of the time I get by without it, but Elder Lancaster's health hasn't been very good lately. He's losing weight like crazy, so Dr. Maughan in Ghana admonished him to eat as much food as he can muster to help fight the weight loss while they try to diagnose the problem. The local food here is pretty harsh on him, so we've been going to Sab's a lot to help him eat more. It takes a heavy toll on my subsistence, but it's to help him get better.
Speaking of food, I got a package from you and from Aunt Becky this week! I think my favorites are quickly becoming those instant pastas and mac n cheese. It's very difficult to cook at home for cheap, so those things make it a LOT easier, particularly where Elder Lancaster is really needing the food. This Sunday is Elder Kenner's birthday (our district leader), so I'm making that tuna pasta with mashed potatoes and that lemon poppy seed cake. I'm inviting all the Americans in our zone over to enjoy. Needless to say, I'm pretty popular around here right about now.
Alrighty, before I go, a little tidbit about what's been going on. Have you ever wondered within yourself if the prophet Mohammed was a true prophet? The people here have the "all roads lead to Rome" attitude, so Christians believe that Mohammed is a prophet, and Muslims believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. OH. MY. GOSH. We had a lesson this week in the which we had to convice a less active member of our church that Mohammed wasn't really a prophet. He won't come to church anymore because we offended him by telling him that Mohammed was a false prophet. AND HE PROFESSES TO BE CHRISTIAN!!!
On the other hand, we had a cool argument break out. I don't usually carry my mp3 player with me, but I accidentally left it in my pocket when we went out proselyting on Saturday. I remembered it when we were with Festus and Abraham (our golden recent converts), and I let them listen to the Prophet. They started fighting over who got to carry the mp3 player. It was funny. Then we passed by a man who likes to have doctrinal confrontations with us, and he heard the recording. Now he wants to get the recordings for himself! It was way funny.
I fit so well here with these people, with these Elders, with the Spirit. I loved being home, but now I equally love being here. :)
Regarding the pictures: The next picture is of a baptism we had. I was privileged to baptize three of the four candidates. It was a really wonderful experience. The next two pictures are of the youth activity we had. The boys v. girls soccer game was the funniest. The last picture is of our Salone style stove. The gas ran out yesterday, and the replacement tank had the wrong nozzle size, so we had no gas, and we were hungry. So, I cooked some eggs over a fire. Not bad, eh? That's how EVERYONE cooks here. Wish you could be here camping... er, I mean, serving with me! Ha ha ha... This is the longest high adventure trip EVER... ;)
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Monday, April 4, 2011
Men of Salone, Rude Americans & a Baptism
Here's a video of a motorcycle taxi ride I took on the streets of Bo:
http://youtu.be/IHkfDiuzW0g
You asked me what the men of Salone are like. Yikes, don't get me talking about the men of Salone. Some are quite nice and honorable, hard-working men. Others, not so much. Most provide for their families by strict manual labor. The construction industry is big here, as is farming, and anything related to government, police or military. If you're a really exciting pastor, you can make bank here, but you're not usually married. You just have concubines. Oh the irony. And of course, you can be one of the infamous Ocada men, or in other words, motorcycle taxis. That pretty much sums up most of the work that men do here, if they do any at all. Work is hard to come by. The women work quite a lot, mostly in producing and selling something, like mangoes, plantain, ground nut, sugar, etc. As far as the diamond industry goes, there's a pretty big influence here. China has tons of mineral rights here, so they're sucking money out of this country like crazy. There are lots of mining villages too, but the taskmasters have pretty rigid control on the diamonds that come out of the ground. Some miners will eat diamonds that they find, and dig through their excrement later to find it. The good ol' "toilet diamond" as they call it here.
You also asked about seeing other Americans. Well, as far as other Americans go, I like it better when they're not around. The American elders are just fine, but we run into a heckuvalotta Baptist preachers whose job in Salone is to harangue us and stifle our "lies". In fact, just today one was tearing into a group of eight of us Elders today. It was interesting, because it makes one wonder how someone with such a strong spirit of contention could even dream of living with God. His closing words were "enjoy life while you can, because it's not getting any better for you from here." We laughed. Not much you can say to someone like that. Other than that, whites are few and far between, and they're not all that pleasant to talk to. I'd rather talk to the Zimbabwean Elders here, or just anyone else at all. Americans are so stinkin' rude.
You also mentioned the violence in the Ivory Coast as of late. That sort of thing is worlds away for us people. If it's in another country from us, it's very far away. Most of these people can only ever dream of leaving this country, and if something bad does in fact happen here, we the Elders are very well loved by everyone here.
This Saturday we had a baptism. it was really nice, but kind of a downer for Elder Lancaster and I. the baptism itself was great, but we found out from Festus that Sylvia, the mother of that family, had told him that she had no intentions of being baptized. Ouch. She was soooo strong before. What happened?? That baptism was for her and two of her kids. The kids came, but she didn't. She lied to us and said her man had come and forbade her from going. Festus told us that it was a lie, because the man hadn't shown up there at all. We're pretty heart-broken, and don't really know what to do. Elder Lancaster and I are just praying to know what to do next. It was just a big blow to us, considering how excited we were for her, and how long we worked to prepare her. It was quite a shock.
Unfortunately for us, the satellite at our district center was only just installed, so it wasn't ready for use this past weekend for General Conference. I really wish to hear about the talks soon. The Liahona magazine shouldn't take too horribly long to get here. There sure was much emphasis on marriage in those conference talks. I keep thinking Hil will be married long before I get home. She's more than welcome to, I just need to see pictures from the wedding. ;-)
Other than that, not much to report. It was a pretty tough week. Lots of bounces, and lots of trying to find new people. Most of our old investigators are not progressing, so we're white washing things a little. On the plus side, we're getting a couple chickens today that we'll eat on Wednesday. one of them will be made into ground nut stew, and the other I'll make into fried chicken. I'm pretty excited for that.
Alrighty, time to jet.
Love,
Elder Vaughan
http://youtu.be/IHkfDiuzW0g
You asked me what the men of Salone are like. Yikes, don't get me talking about the men of Salone. Some are quite nice and honorable, hard-working men. Others, not so much. Most provide for their families by strict manual labor. The construction industry is big here, as is farming, and anything related to government, police or military. If you're a really exciting pastor, you can make bank here, but you're not usually married. You just have concubines. Oh the irony. And of course, you can be one of the infamous Ocada men, or in other words, motorcycle taxis. That pretty much sums up most of the work that men do here, if they do any at all. Work is hard to come by. The women work quite a lot, mostly in producing and selling something, like mangoes, plantain, ground nut, sugar, etc. As far as the diamond industry goes, there's a pretty big influence here. China has tons of mineral rights here, so they're sucking money out of this country like crazy. There are lots of mining villages too, but the taskmasters have pretty rigid control on the diamonds that come out of the ground. Some miners will eat diamonds that they find, and dig through their excrement later to find it. The good ol' "toilet diamond" as they call it here.
You also asked about seeing other Americans. Well, as far as other Americans go, I like it better when they're not around. The American elders are just fine, but we run into a heckuvalotta Baptist preachers whose job in Salone is to harangue us and stifle our "lies". In fact, just today one was tearing into a group of eight of us Elders today. It was interesting, because it makes one wonder how someone with such a strong spirit of contention could even dream of living with God. His closing words were "enjoy life while you can, because it's not getting any better for you from here." We laughed. Not much you can say to someone like that. Other than that, whites are few and far between, and they're not all that pleasant to talk to. I'd rather talk to the Zimbabwean Elders here, or just anyone else at all. Americans are so stinkin' rude.
You also mentioned the violence in the Ivory Coast as of late. That sort of thing is worlds away for us people. If it's in another country from us, it's very far away. Most of these people can only ever dream of leaving this country, and if something bad does in fact happen here, we the Elders are very well loved by everyone here.
This Saturday we had a baptism. it was really nice, but kind of a downer for Elder Lancaster and I. the baptism itself was great, but we found out from Festus that Sylvia, the mother of that family, had told him that she had no intentions of being baptized. Ouch. She was soooo strong before. What happened?? That baptism was for her and two of her kids. The kids came, but she didn't. She lied to us and said her man had come and forbade her from going. Festus told us that it was a lie, because the man hadn't shown up there at all. We're pretty heart-broken, and don't really know what to do. Elder Lancaster and I are just praying to know what to do next. It was just a big blow to us, considering how excited we were for her, and how long we worked to prepare her. It was quite a shock.
Unfortunately for us, the satellite at our district center was only just installed, so it wasn't ready for use this past weekend for General Conference. I really wish to hear about the talks soon. The Liahona magazine shouldn't take too horribly long to get here. There sure was much emphasis on marriage in those conference talks. I keep thinking Hil will be married long before I get home. She's more than welcome to, I just need to see pictures from the wedding. ;-)
Other than that, not much to report. It was a pretty tough week. Lots of bounces, and lots of trying to find new people. Most of our old investigators are not progressing, so we're white washing things a little. On the plus side, we're getting a couple chickens today that we'll eat on Wednesday. one of them will be made into ground nut stew, and the other I'll make into fried chicken. I'm pretty excited for that.
Alrighty, time to jet.
Love,
Elder Vaughan
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