Well, I gave myself a haircut today, and my clippers broke. I tried fixing it, and it just broke more. Ugh! I'm so ticked! So, you don't necessarily need to send another, but... Gosh, I'm just mad about that. I know things aren't cheap, and to send them to me isn't cheap either. I can survive if you don't send another. But, if you do, you can send a plug-in one if it's cheaper. Second (and this is the one that scares me), my camera might be busted. I'm still trying to figure out what's wrong. It just won't turn on, but it's all charged. When I plug it into the computer, it identifies that a camera is plugged in, but it doesn't appear anywhere or allow me to take any action with it. I tried fiddling with the battery, and I don't think that's it. The only thing left to try is the memory card, which I'll test when I get home. I'll be so crushed if all of my videos and pictures were lost. Oh, that would break my heart. So, I don't know what to do about that yet. I might be able to buy one here if I had to, but we can wait a week on it. UGH!! Text doesn't adequately express my frustration. This camera is so nice.
Also, envelopes are a bad idea to send me. They seal themselves in the humidity. I used the ones I received just fine, but just know that they are affordable and I can find them here. I could use some more razors though, because nice ones are expensive like nothing and mine are all gone. I think that's all... Thanks!
So, on to other things. Guess where I'm not? Messima. Guess where I am? Njaie Town. One investigator in the branch decided to use her agency poorly and tell Elder Bennion that she was in love with him. Well, when that happens, we have two choices: Cut off all contact with the person, or transfer. Elder Bennion opted to transfer so that I can continue to teach her because she is doing extremely well, and wants to be baptized. If we cut off contact, it means that she likely would never have that chance in this branch. So, Elder Bennion made the noble leap of faith and went to Messima in my place, and now I'm training a new missionary in his place.
This means that I will have stayed in this branch longer than any missionary who has ever served here. Training in this mission is typically a 3 month process, so that means I'll be here another two transfers. Crazy, eh? I don't mind, because this is the sweetest branch in Bo. Training is a lot of fun. My companion is Elder Esiaba from Nigeria, and he's powerful. He makes training really easy, because he's talented and smart. He already knows a Nigerian pigeon language that's very similar to Krio, so I don't have to worry about helping him with that too much, and he's very familiar with West African life (obviously) so I don't have to help him with culture shock too much.
I would love to take and send some pictures, but that could be quite some time in the future. Yeah, not much else to say about that, because he only recently came on Thursday, but things are going very well, and training is a piece of pie right now. Oh, I miss pie. If you could somehow send me one, that would be the best thing ever. ;)
Oh yeah, I also had a small case of Malaria last week. Uh, fate worse than death, let me tell you. I spent four days wanting to just die. Plenty of vomiting, diarrhea, migraine headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms. I finished my last dosage of treatment two nights ago, and I feel pretty much fine now. Malaria is ROUGH. Looking back, it was a good experience to help me relate to the early saints who were dying of the disease in Nauvoo. Oh man, when you get sick with it, you really are dying. You can't do ANYTHING besides suffer. I'm still trying to figure out how I got it, because I sleep under my net every night, I take doxy, so it could very well be just because I live in Africa. It's a fact of life here. But yeah, don't worry about it, because I'm being obedient, and the Lord is watching over me.
I finally got to see Elder Priddis again this week! I can't even tell you how excited I was. He was just as excited to see me. It was just so... neat. He left me after serving in Njaie Town for 5 transfers, and he left to Liberia and then Freetown for a total of 6 months before seeing me again. When he saw me, I had been serving as long as he had in the branch, and I myself am training. It was such a cool moment to see him again to be able to discuss the branch, and how things are going. Elder Priddis told me he dreams about this branch every night. Ha ha ha, oh Njaie Town. He served here longer than anywhere else, so that's pretty natural. I wonder if my extended service here in this branch will screw up my perceptions of other branches I have to serve in in the future. I guess that remains to be seen.
We received 4 new missionaries to this zone, so half of the preexisting elders are training. Elder Stott is training an American, and he's the first green American I've seen since arriving in Sierra Leone! It was so weird. It really shows you how far you go in such a short time on mission. Those two will be coming over for some monopoly and cake this afternoon, so I look forward to it.
Dad, it's good to hear about things in the Armar Branch back home. I miss the branch like crazy. I'm so proud of Nino for serving a mission. It truly is the greatest time of a young man's life. When it comes time to return home, I'll be so heartbroken.
Dad, it's interesting that you mention of being kind as a missionary. Sometimes there are those who are not as kind as they should be. I mean, they're not really a problem, but they can be unfriendly at times. It's kind of sad, because as a servant of the Lord, a person ought not to be so. I do my best to be as perky and happy and loving as possible, and it makes my relationships with everyone here meaningful and positive. I have yet to meet a missionary that I've had a disagreement with. It's a lot of fun to be here with these people.
Please enjoy your summer!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Heading to a Dudgeon, a Baptism & a Hooded Cobra
First of all, transfer news: I'm being transferred. Huh. Sometime this week, most likely tomorrow morning, I'll be moving to the Sewa Road apartment here in Bo to be the senior companion in Messima branch. My companion is a branch missionary by the name of "Bro". Salami (not sure on spelling. I've only seen him like twice). It's kinda scary, I won't lie. Bro. Salami has been in the area for only a week with his senior companion, Elder Wood, so, I get to learn an area AND be senior companion to a branch missionary. This is NOT going to be easy. I've always dreaded having a branch missionary companion, just because they have a lot less practice and experience than even a greenie from the MTC. I'm pretty nervous, but looking forward to it.
I'll likely stay in Messima branch for at least three transfers. Chances have it that I will train after the next transfer, meaning I'll have to stay for a third transfer after that. Eh Bo... Things here are crazy. I'll get to stay in Bo FOREVER.
Now, about the Sewa Road apartment: It's a DUNGEON. I'm not too excited to live there, even though their freezer works. That's something that they have that we don't. That, and a compound with a wall. So, we'll see. Elder Allred will also be transferring there at the same time, so it'll be neat to live with him again. I'm certainly not the same person I was in my first transfer. I'll also be with Elders Opuene and Dogbatse, and Elder Allred will be training. Not to jump to conclusions, but I can't see how this district could be better than (or even close to) the district I enjoyed this past transfer.
Ugh... I'm going to miss Elders Bennion, Svongwa, and Kenner. The good part though is that both Elders Kenner and Bennion are training, which means that all three of us will be in the zone for at least the next two transfers. Elder Svongwa, however, is going to Liberia with all the other Zimbabweans. Good luck with that...
Wow, high school graduation already! I graduated a YEAR AGO!! I can't even believe it. Congrats Josh! That's so cool. I'm so jealous of the fun he gets to have in college. I can't even describe how excited I am to go to college!
Wow, things sound crazy at home! Aunt Dawna and Aunt Val are pregnant?? Wow! That's awesome! I'm so excited for them! And Jessica is planning on serving a mission? Jeez, stuff is happening while I'm away! I can't believe Dad cut down the willow tree... That makes me VERY sad. :(
So, cool stuff that happened: First, we had a baptism on Saturday! Sorry, no pics this week. I took some, but totally forgot the cord for the camera. We worked for six weeks solid for this one baptism, and it was totally worth it. He's a new member of my beloved "Reservation Gang." My "Gang" is comprised of the converts within the Reservation quarters here, and they are powerfully awesome. I'm going to miss them a lot. It was a really awesome milestone for me to see four of them ordained to the Melchizidek priesthood on Sunday, and another confirmed. It was an eye-opener as to how successful I've really been. Sometimes, it doesn't feel that way, but on Sunday, I was well-pleased with myself.
I SAW A HOODED COBRA LAST TUESDAY!!! It was HUGE!! We were on bikes to Reservation (which is pretty bush), and it crossed the road and struck at a bug flying in the air. It's hood came out and everything! It was SICK. I was telling some natives about it, and they just cringe. They HATE snakes. I also heard that there are spitting cobras here. Hmm... Not safe. Ha ha ha. ;) I love this place.
Another recent convert gave us six yards of sugar cane to enjoy this week. It was SWEET! If you've never had it before, it's like chewing a very watery and sweet stick. Mmmm. We bought it for 1500le, which is about 36 cents. Yay! Oh this place is awesome.
Well, I don't have so much time right now. I'm busy busy busy! I love you so much! Best of luck in all that you do!
Elder Vaughan
I'll likely stay in Messima branch for at least three transfers. Chances have it that I will train after the next transfer, meaning I'll have to stay for a third transfer after that. Eh Bo... Things here are crazy. I'll get to stay in Bo FOREVER.
Now, about the Sewa Road apartment: It's a DUNGEON. I'm not too excited to live there, even though their freezer works. That's something that they have that we don't. That, and a compound with a wall. So, we'll see. Elder Allred will also be transferring there at the same time, so it'll be neat to live with him again. I'm certainly not the same person I was in my first transfer. I'll also be with Elders Opuene and Dogbatse, and Elder Allred will be training. Not to jump to conclusions, but I can't see how this district could be better than (or even close to) the district I enjoyed this past transfer.
Ugh... I'm going to miss Elders Bennion, Svongwa, and Kenner. The good part though is that both Elders Kenner and Bennion are training, which means that all three of us will be in the zone for at least the next two transfers. Elder Svongwa, however, is going to Liberia with all the other Zimbabweans. Good luck with that...
Wow, high school graduation already! I graduated a YEAR AGO!! I can't even believe it. Congrats Josh! That's so cool. I'm so jealous of the fun he gets to have in college. I can't even describe how excited I am to go to college!
Wow, things sound crazy at home! Aunt Dawna and Aunt Val are pregnant?? Wow! That's awesome! I'm so excited for them! And Jessica is planning on serving a mission? Jeez, stuff is happening while I'm away! I can't believe Dad cut down the willow tree... That makes me VERY sad. :(
So, cool stuff that happened: First, we had a baptism on Saturday! Sorry, no pics this week. I took some, but totally forgot the cord for the camera. We worked for six weeks solid for this one baptism, and it was totally worth it. He's a new member of my beloved "Reservation Gang." My "Gang" is comprised of the converts within the Reservation quarters here, and they are powerfully awesome. I'm going to miss them a lot. It was a really awesome milestone for me to see four of them ordained to the Melchizidek priesthood on Sunday, and another confirmed. It was an eye-opener as to how successful I've really been. Sometimes, it doesn't feel that way, but on Sunday, I was well-pleased with myself.
I SAW A HOODED COBRA LAST TUESDAY!!! It was HUGE!! We were on bikes to Reservation (which is pretty bush), and it crossed the road and struck at a bug flying in the air. It's hood came out and everything! It was SICK. I was telling some natives about it, and they just cringe. They HATE snakes. I also heard that there are spitting cobras here. Hmm... Not safe. Ha ha ha. ;) I love this place.
Another recent convert gave us six yards of sugar cane to enjoy this week. It was SWEET! If you've never had it before, it's like chewing a very watery and sweet stick. Mmmm. We bought it for 1500le, which is about 36 cents. Yay! Oh this place is awesome.
Well, I don't have so much time right now. I'm busy busy busy! I love you so much! Best of luck in all that you do!
Elder Vaughan
Monday, June 13, 2011
Being Self Sufficient, African Bread & Girly Flip Flops
Mom you tell me not to worry about things at home, well I'm not worried about life at home at all! I'm just EXCITED! I can't wait to live a new life at home where I choose what to do, how to do it, and to live completely on my own! The mission is a similar experience, but there are obviously a lot of limitations. I've learned how to keep an effective budget, and I'm learning how to make good food out of cheap stuff. It's just really fun to be self sufficient! So, that was why I asked. I hadn't really taken much time to think about it, and I'm just way excited for that time when it comes to return home. No worries, my heart and mind are here.
Congrats Josh! It's a neat thing to finally have your Eagle done. I think all of the American Elders I've talked to here have been Eagle Scouts. I guess it shows the kind of person you need to be to make it out here. Honest to goodness, this mission is ridiculously hard, and frighteningly dangerous, but 100 per cent worth it.
Oh Jazz on the Green... That was a fun gig! It's too bad I only got to do it once. I really do miss jazz band. Every once in a while, we see funeral parades coming through town headed by a crappy marching band. Ugh, I wish I could go out there and personally criticize their horrible posture and form. Sure, kudos for trying, but minus kudos for not trying at the same time. I swear to you, I've seen a man walking the street selling beat up trumpets. If I hadn't been on the back of a bike, I would have bought one. Looking back, I should have stopped my bike right there. Oh I miss music... The keyboard in my room is the only thing that gives me any instrumental solace, and that's only when power is there.
Oh there are a lot of people I miss! Well, that's what happens when you go on a mission; you sacrifice time with people you love. I remember learning that the roots of the word "sacrifice" come from the words "sacre," meaning "to make," and "ficare," meaning "holy." It makes me feel better knowing that alternative meaning, because it's my way of showing my love for the people I miss. It's kind of my demonstration to God that I'm willing to give them up for him, and his sealing promise that he'll preserve them (in one way or another) for me upon my return.
Dad, it was funny to hear that your phone malfunctioned during church and started playing RUSH. My companion (and his father as well) LOVES Rush, so day one we were solid. From there, we have just become even closer, quoting stupid things like Thumb Wars and Lord of the Rings. He reminds me a lot of you, actually. Good to hear that you've got the Rush still in you. I miss that music a lot...
You asked if we use bread for the sacrament here. Yes, we actually have a lot of breads here. We have pita bread at the Lebanese shops, and what we call "J1" street bread, which is used for just about everything. In Freetown, they have more variety called Freetown Bread." However, I'm in Bo, so we use J1. It's nice; it's textured kind of like the gourmet Safeway/Haggen's French bread, minus the French bread taste, and is 12 cents a loaf (they're not too big though). So, yeah, we use that on Sundays for sacrament.
I miss the Armar Branch a LOT. I have a lot of fond memories of things there. What's Ricky up to now? I really admired him a lot, but I'm not sure why. He just seemed like a great guy who always made sure to do what he was supposed to do.
So, is Hilary staying home for the summer? It's good to see pics of the family (courtesy of Mom).
Well, as far as missionary work goes, it was pretty hard this week, because I've been a little under the weather, but I've pretty much got it beat as of today. It made it hard to focus on teaching, or anything really. Elder Bennion was a good help though. We work hard together.
So, we got a nice surprise visit from the office Elders, Elder Hickey and Elder Allred last week. They called the Bo elders and told them that they were on their way to the apartment and would be there in 15 minutes to drop some stuff off. When they got there, they left us six brand new mattresses, two new fans, and a voltage regulator. We asked what the deal was with the new stuff, as there are only four of us there, and we all have fans and regulators. "You'll see..." is all they would say, but we pretty much know what's going on from the evidence they left us. Adding these extra things means that we will be receiving a new companionship to our apartment, which means Njaie Town area will be splitting. The most likely scenario is that Elder Bennion and I will split and each take one half of the area (which will become Nduvuibu and Njaie Town areas) with a new companion.
Considering that we will be receiving 11 new missionaries next week and losing only 3, it also likely means that Elder Bennion and I will be training. Woo hoo! I look forward to it. We'll find out all of what's happening Sunday night, but that's what will likely go down. It means I'll be in this area another two transfers, because the new training program takes two transfers to finish. If I'm training, and splitting the area, I really don't mind staying. I love this place.
Well, that's most of the news on my end of things. Sunday's transfer news will be REALLY exciting, because Elder Grabau (one of the assistants) is going home, and we're receiving a HORDE of new elders. I'm here at such a crazy time in this mission! Ahh!! It's so awesome.
I have some pictures for you this week!: First, is of Festus wearing his sister's flip flops. I told him that those were girl sandals, and he adamantly disagreed. So, I told him I'd take a picture and send it home to ask your opinion. The big question for you then: Are those girl shoes? Ha ha ha. :) The next is a dynamic picture of Elder Bennion looking down on the mountain of beans and rice that Festus' mom provided for us. It was absolutely miserable to eat all of it, because I was feeling nauseous from being a little sick, so I obviously suffered to some degree. At least Elder Bennion enjoyed himself. The next is a picture if the Njaie Town Swamp that separates our area from Bo #2 after a heavy rain. SO SWEET! I serve in a stinkin' jungle! The fourth is of three of our recent converts at District Conference on Sunday. They were all sustained to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. Proof that what I'm doing is worthwhile. ;) Next is a picture of me at Super P-Day today. Not much to say, except that I look hideous, but I know you like the pics of me. The last one is of Elder Bennion and Elder Laneri playing at the net. We had a lot of fun today (well, for you, it happened a few hours after you read this).
Never worry about me. I love where I am, I love the work, I love myself (in a good way. As in that I have confidence in myself), I love my companion, and, well, everything else around me. I miss you tons! Well, not much more to say.
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Congrats Josh! It's a neat thing to finally have your Eagle done. I think all of the American Elders I've talked to here have been Eagle Scouts. I guess it shows the kind of person you need to be to make it out here. Honest to goodness, this mission is ridiculously hard, and frighteningly dangerous, but 100 per cent worth it.
Oh Jazz on the Green... That was a fun gig! It's too bad I only got to do it once. I really do miss jazz band. Every once in a while, we see funeral parades coming through town headed by a crappy marching band. Ugh, I wish I could go out there and personally criticize their horrible posture and form. Sure, kudos for trying, but minus kudos for not trying at the same time. I swear to you, I've seen a man walking the street selling beat up trumpets. If I hadn't been on the back of a bike, I would have bought one. Looking back, I should have stopped my bike right there. Oh I miss music... The keyboard in my room is the only thing that gives me any instrumental solace, and that's only when power is there.
Oh there are a lot of people I miss! Well, that's what happens when you go on a mission; you sacrifice time with people you love. I remember learning that the roots of the word "sacrifice" come from the words "sacre," meaning "to make," and "ficare," meaning "holy." It makes me feel better knowing that alternative meaning, because it's my way of showing my love for the people I miss. It's kind of my demonstration to God that I'm willing to give them up for him, and his sealing promise that he'll preserve them (in one way or another) for me upon my return.
Dad, it was funny to hear that your phone malfunctioned during church and started playing RUSH. My companion (and his father as well) LOVES Rush, so day one we were solid. From there, we have just become even closer, quoting stupid things like Thumb Wars and Lord of the Rings. He reminds me a lot of you, actually. Good to hear that you've got the Rush still in you. I miss that music a lot...
You asked if we use bread for the sacrament here. Yes, we actually have a lot of breads here. We have pita bread at the Lebanese shops, and what we call "J1" street bread, which is used for just about everything. In Freetown, they have more variety called Freetown Bread." However, I'm in Bo, so we use J1. It's nice; it's textured kind of like the gourmet Safeway/Haggen's French bread, minus the French bread taste, and is 12 cents a loaf (they're not too big though). So, yeah, we use that on Sundays for sacrament.
I miss the Armar Branch a LOT. I have a lot of fond memories of things there. What's Ricky up to now? I really admired him a lot, but I'm not sure why. He just seemed like a great guy who always made sure to do what he was supposed to do.
So, is Hilary staying home for the summer? It's good to see pics of the family (courtesy of Mom).
Well, as far as missionary work goes, it was pretty hard this week, because I've been a little under the weather, but I've pretty much got it beat as of today. It made it hard to focus on teaching, or anything really. Elder Bennion was a good help though. We work hard together.
So, we got a nice surprise visit from the office Elders, Elder Hickey and Elder Allred last week. They called the Bo elders and told them that they were on their way to the apartment and would be there in 15 minutes to drop some stuff off. When they got there, they left us six brand new mattresses, two new fans, and a voltage regulator. We asked what the deal was with the new stuff, as there are only four of us there, and we all have fans and regulators. "You'll see..." is all they would say, but we pretty much know what's going on from the evidence they left us. Adding these extra things means that we will be receiving a new companionship to our apartment, which means Njaie Town area will be splitting. The most likely scenario is that Elder Bennion and I will split and each take one half of the area (which will become Nduvuibu and Njaie Town areas) with a new companion.
Considering that we will be receiving 11 new missionaries next week and losing only 3, it also likely means that Elder Bennion and I will be training. Woo hoo! I look forward to it. We'll find out all of what's happening Sunday night, but that's what will likely go down. It means I'll be in this area another two transfers, because the new training program takes two transfers to finish. If I'm training, and splitting the area, I really don't mind staying. I love this place.
Well, that's most of the news on my end of things. Sunday's transfer news will be REALLY exciting, because Elder Grabau (one of the assistants) is going home, and we're receiving a HORDE of new elders. I'm here at such a crazy time in this mission! Ahh!! It's so awesome.
I have some pictures for you this week!: First, is of Festus wearing his sister's flip flops. I told him that those were girl sandals, and he adamantly disagreed. So, I told him I'd take a picture and send it home to ask your opinion. The big question for you then: Are those girl shoes? Ha ha ha. :) The next is a dynamic picture of Elder Bennion looking down on the mountain of beans and rice that Festus' mom provided for us. It was absolutely miserable to eat all of it, because I was feeling nauseous from being a little sick, so I obviously suffered to some degree. At least Elder Bennion enjoyed himself. The next is a picture if the Njaie Town Swamp that separates our area from Bo #2 after a heavy rain. SO SWEET! I serve in a stinkin' jungle! The fourth is of three of our recent converts at District Conference on Sunday. They were all sustained to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. Proof that what I'm doing is worthwhile. ;) Next is a picture of me at Super P-Day today. Not much to say, except that I look hideous, but I know you like the pics of me. The last one is of Elder Bennion and Elder Laneri playing at the net. We had a lot of fun today (well, for you, it happened a few hours after you read this).
Never worry about me. I love where I am, I love the work, I love myself (in a good way. As in that I have confidence in myself), I love my companion, and, well, everything else around me. I miss you tons! Well, not much more to say.
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Monday, June 6, 2011
Rain, Intermittent Power & Standing with Millions
Well, it's raining like CRAZY at the moment, which is nice. As long as it rains,
it's cool outside. As soon as it stops raining, however, the hot humidity kicks in, and it's like being in a sauna. Go West Africa. This place is HARD to live in!
Well, on one hand, we have power on and off now, instead of just off. It's nice, except my fan broke last night, and the fridge is broken. We don't have enough district funds to fix both, so one way or another, I'll be suffering. It's not bad though. It teaches you to budget and to be temperate in all of your trials and afflictions.
Congrats Mom on the new church calling on stake public affairs! I do remember when you did that years ago. You were pretty dang busy with it, if I remember right. And I seem to remember that you were a major front on the anti-gambling effort in the city.
Jeez, I can't believe that Josh is graduating! I've completely switched over to Salone time and seasons, so it feels like rainy season, not summer. Wow... Josh is going to have to hook up with Elder Hilton and Elder Laneri when they start school this fall with him. They'll be going home at the end of next transfer, and I'd assume they're planning on school that fall. I look forward to seeing them when I start school at USU too. They're totally amazing guys. They're serving in Kenema right now though, so we don't see them all that often.
Significant event of the week? Wow, well, I don't know. This week was pretty tough on the teaching side of things, because of how frequently we were bounced. It's not bad though... On the other hand, we have a lot of investigators receiving answers to prayers, so that's AWESOME. It means that they are building their own testimonies, and that's what we want. We don't want people jumping through hoops to be baptized and then go inactive. We only baptize converts here. Thankfully, our new teaching method helps us weed out the converted from those who just like to listen to white "evangelists."
I learned a new lesson this week: If it doesn't look like it's going to rain, bring your umbrella anyways. I've just gotten in the habit of carrying it, and it's a good thing too. The rain will come or go at any time, so it's important to be ready. Being wet (while it IS really refreshing and nice) is not too desirable, because it leads to illness oftentimes.
Speaking of illness, I'm running a fever today. I never thought I'd feel cold in this place. So, if my e-mail is kinda jumbled and retarded sounding, that's why. No worries, I'm doing okay. I just feel crappy. We take great care of ourselves here, as to prevent illnesses from getting worse. In light of that, I'll just be returning home to sleep today; no proselyting.
Other than that, things are excellent! Elder Bennion and I are having too much fun together. There is no way President Roggia (er, I mean, the Lord) will allow us to stay together. Five transfers is a long time to stay in one place. The common speculation is that I'll be transferred to Liberia, just because the setting is right. I just want to stay here. 9 months in Njaie Town? Yes please. Especially if it's with Elder Bennion.
No worries Dad, my intention is to go to college. I don't know what I'll major in though. I'd like to major in something that can help the business, and probably minor in something like English (as much as I'd dislike that) or communications. I realize that life is full of changes and such, but this is what I want for now. If it changes, oh well. These desires will at least guide me to what I'll be doing in my life. For instance, your education in public safety led you to a position where you could start Vaughan Safety Inc., and from there the door was opened to the ecommerce world. So, had you not 'erred,' as one might suppose it to be, you wouldn't be where you are now. So, in similar light, preparing to help the family and the family business is what I want to do.
Dad, Mom sent me the picture of your new FJ cruiser. It is sweet! It's nice and masculine without being overbearingly so. I like it. And the blue color is awesome. You're right, a new car in the family doesn't bother me too much. How many of my friends, erm, I mean, people can it seat? Ha ha ha, only kidding around. ;) That would be a fun car. So Josh gets the CRV then? Huh... I guess I had never thought about the whole "car" thing... I'll need to get one someday. That's something I've been thinking about: I won't have money for the things I'll need in college, like food/housing/books/incidentals because it's going to the mission. Do you have an advised course of action for when I get back? Yeah yeah, long time from now, but it's on the mind. I can't just forget about everything. But, you're right, I miss the Corolla. Are you sure the CRV can make it to Utah and back? That thing sounds like it wants to shake apart when it hits 70mph.
Jeez, lots of people are leaving on missions! That's so good though... I've thought a lot about what you said when you helped me to vote for the first time. You said that if you can't tell which one to vote for, look for who supports them (or in other words, who you would stand with). Sometimes, I can't help but think that the work I'm doing is INSANE, just because of how hard and dangerous it is, but I look at who I'm standing with. I'm standing with almost 50,000 other missionaries all over the world, teaching the same thing that I am.
And even bigger picture than that, I'm standing with 14,000,000 members who have a testimony of the divinity of this work. With those people around me, I'm totally happy with where I am, and what I'm doing, despite all of the (MANY) difficulties.
Alrighty, time to go. Thanks for your love and support!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
it's cool outside. As soon as it stops raining, however, the hot humidity kicks in, and it's like being in a sauna. Go West Africa. This place is HARD to live in!
Well, on one hand, we have power on and off now, instead of just off. It's nice, except my fan broke last night, and the fridge is broken. We don't have enough district funds to fix both, so one way or another, I'll be suffering. It's not bad though. It teaches you to budget and to be temperate in all of your trials and afflictions.
Congrats Mom on the new church calling on stake public affairs! I do remember when you did that years ago. You were pretty dang busy with it, if I remember right. And I seem to remember that you were a major front on the anti-gambling effort in the city.
Jeez, I can't believe that Josh is graduating! I've completely switched over to Salone time and seasons, so it feels like rainy season, not summer. Wow... Josh is going to have to hook up with Elder Hilton and Elder Laneri when they start school this fall with him. They'll be going home at the end of next transfer, and I'd assume they're planning on school that fall. I look forward to seeing them when I start school at USU too. They're totally amazing guys. They're serving in Kenema right now though, so we don't see them all that often.
Significant event of the week? Wow, well, I don't know. This week was pretty tough on the teaching side of things, because of how frequently we were bounced. It's not bad though... On the other hand, we have a lot of investigators receiving answers to prayers, so that's AWESOME. It means that they are building their own testimonies, and that's what we want. We don't want people jumping through hoops to be baptized and then go inactive. We only baptize converts here. Thankfully, our new teaching method helps us weed out the converted from those who just like to listen to white "evangelists."
I learned a new lesson this week: If it doesn't look like it's going to rain, bring your umbrella anyways. I've just gotten in the habit of carrying it, and it's a good thing too. The rain will come or go at any time, so it's important to be ready. Being wet (while it IS really refreshing and nice) is not too desirable, because it leads to illness oftentimes.
Speaking of illness, I'm running a fever today. I never thought I'd feel cold in this place. So, if my e-mail is kinda jumbled and retarded sounding, that's why. No worries, I'm doing okay. I just feel crappy. We take great care of ourselves here, as to prevent illnesses from getting worse. In light of that, I'll just be returning home to sleep today; no proselyting.
Other than that, things are excellent! Elder Bennion and I are having too much fun together. There is no way President Roggia (er, I mean, the Lord) will allow us to stay together. Five transfers is a long time to stay in one place. The common speculation is that I'll be transferred to Liberia, just because the setting is right. I just want to stay here. 9 months in Njaie Town? Yes please. Especially if it's with Elder Bennion.
No worries Dad, my intention is to go to college. I don't know what I'll major in though. I'd like to major in something that can help the business, and probably minor in something like English (as much as I'd dislike that) or communications. I realize that life is full of changes and such, but this is what I want for now. If it changes, oh well. These desires will at least guide me to what I'll be doing in my life. For instance, your education in public safety led you to a position where you could start Vaughan Safety Inc., and from there the door was opened to the ecommerce world. So, had you not 'erred,' as one might suppose it to be, you wouldn't be where you are now. So, in similar light, preparing to help the family and the family business is what I want to do.
Dad, Mom sent me the picture of your new FJ cruiser. It is sweet! It's nice and masculine without being overbearingly so. I like it. And the blue color is awesome. You're right, a new car in the family doesn't bother me too much. How many of my friends, erm, I mean, people can it seat? Ha ha ha, only kidding around. ;) That would be a fun car. So Josh gets the CRV then? Huh... I guess I had never thought about the whole "car" thing... I'll need to get one someday. That's something I've been thinking about: I won't have money for the things I'll need in college, like food/housing/books/incidentals because it's going to the mission. Do you have an advised course of action for when I get back? Yeah yeah, long time from now, but it's on the mind. I can't just forget about everything. But, you're right, I miss the Corolla. Are you sure the CRV can make it to Utah and back? That thing sounds like it wants to shake apart when it hits 70mph.
Jeez, lots of people are leaving on missions! That's so good though... I've thought a lot about what you said when you helped me to vote for the first time. You said that if you can't tell which one to vote for, look for who supports them (or in other words, who you would stand with). Sometimes, I can't help but think that the work I'm doing is INSANE, just because of how hard and dangerous it is, but I look at who I'm standing with. I'm standing with almost 50,000 other missionaries all over the world, teaching the same thing that I am.
And even bigger picture than that, I'm standing with 14,000,000 members who have a testimony of the divinity of this work. With those people around me, I'm totally happy with where I am, and what I'm doing, despite all of the (MANY) difficulties.
Alrighty, time to go. Thanks for your love and support!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)