They always tell me that Mom's have a sixth sense, but I didn't know that it worked inter-continentally! ;) Yeah, malaria was rough. Simply put, it makes you wish you were in the Spirit World. Ach, I pray to never get it again. It's horrid. As far as malaria goes, it's not very common for us missionaries anymore. In the past, there was a fair amount of disobedience regarding nets and taking the preventative doxy pills, so people got it a lot. For us now, we are strictly obedient, so it's a pretty rare thing now. The only time that we are vulnerable is when we are making our way home after dark through the swamps, or when we sit in our parlor or on the veranda in the evenings. So, it's pretty rare. I can even remember the bite that caused it. Ugh, it was so not fun. I couldn't move, or even sit up right. I was vomiting and diarrhea-ing for three days. HORRIBLE.
Treatment is to simply drink lots of re-hydration solution (salt/sugar water), sleep, and take meds. It takes three days to beat the major symptoms, and then a little more time to beat it out. Mine took a little longer because of how stubborn the pathogen was being. I had to take two rounds of treatment to finally kick it out. Now I'm just recovering from lost sleep. All in all, a month of illness and a great deal of experience gained.
Yes, training is a big responsibility and opportunity. I received a letter from President basically telling me that I'm responsible for Elder Esiaba's mission. If he becomes a successful, happy missionary, the credit is mine. If not, the failure is likewise mine. President says that the calling of trainer is the highest calling that a missionary can receive, and it's totally true. I'm not stressed about it though, because Mom taught me something: DO YOUR BEST. So, that's what I'll do! President Roggia follows the same philosophy, so I'm good to go! I'll just continue, working as hard as I can, and loving Elder Esiaba as best as I can, and God fills in the rest. I just let my upbeat, positive, fun-loving side dominate, and whatever happens, Elder Esiaba will love being here the rest of his mission. Training is a LOT of fun. I love it.
My companion is awesome. Elder Esiaba came pre-trained, for sure. He's an excellent teacher, and he knows Nigerian pidgin, which is basically the same as Krio. He makes training gloriously simple. He's smart, and very capable. We have a lot of fun together. He's just learning the routes and courses of things here, which is taking him very little time. Definitely a lot easier than having to train an American, I'd imagine. They start from the ground up with learning the way of life here, but as a Nigerian, Elder Esiaba comes from a more similar (but still much more different) lifestyle.
Training in this mission is a two-transfer thing. Well, it wasn't before, but it is now. So, that means I'll get to stay in Njaie Town a whopping 7 transfers. I feel so bad for Elder Bennion though. I see and talk with him frequently, and it sounds like Messima is pretty rough. He was so excited for the work here in Njaie Town, and I'm sorry that he had to be pulled away unexpectedly. I guess God knew, so it's all well at any rate.
Thanks for sending the new razor and clippers! I typically like using manual razors nowadays, but they can agitate my skin at times, so it might be a nice change. I managed to fix the camera. Turns out, it was the memory card. According to things I've been told, the card can get virus', but the camera itself can't. Elder Kenner told me that Elder Vogl had the same problem with his camera/card, and he was able to access it through a computer or different camera. I hope it's the same, because there are BOKU awesome pictures and videos. If I can get a chance today, I'll find a card reader and try putting the files on my thumb drive so that I can send the card home to you to enjoy. I know you'd love that. ;) If I can't copy the files, I won't risk sending it though. Hopefully that's understandable.
Oh, and thanks for sending a little extra money. I don't need a whole lot. It's really supposed to be for souvenirs and personal items, so I don't need too much I don't think. Using my subsistence funds alone to support me each month is a great opportunity to learn to budget. This month, I get to learn how to scrimp and save, as I accidentally miscalculated and misappropriated some of my subsistence money which was ultimately spent, leaving me in the red for a few days. It'll be a good chance to learn how to manage with what I have. Farewell enjoyment...
Oh boy, I miss the working at the warehouse BADLY. I was just telling Elder Kenner about it last night, and how I hope that Helen and Heather will be there when I get back. Heather is a ball of sunshine that always made my mornings brighter, even when all I wanted to do was sleep more. I look forward to those mornings again.
Wow, Sam is married! Cool. That's cool to see what they're doing with their lives. Ha ha ha, I'm not exactly idle myself... ;)
Oh, so this week I've set some rather far-sighted goals: First, I'm cutting some TV shows from my life when I get home. Namely Glee, Community, and the Office. I will not watch them as a return missionary. I will still enjoy the Glee soundtracks, but the shows have a decent bit of "poop in their brownie," so to speak. Secondly, I'm cutting some video games from my life. In fact, video games in general will be a very small part of my life. I'm vowing to not let myself be idle like I was before. Third, no more skate shoes and baggy jeans. Ugh, that's so high school. I'm not totally sure what I'll wear, but I want to look good, not like a slob. What kind of RM looks like a slob? Uh-uh, not going there again. Maybe some classy black and white Adidas or something, and nice jeans with a good belt. I can't believe how sloppy I let myself look. I'm disgusted with the mere APPEARANCE of my former self! Ha ha ha. I'll be a whole new me. :)
The one thing that is NOT changing is Warhammer. I love it, and it's edifying, so it's staying the way I left it. Well, I'll have to be a little less impulsive with my purchases. I have a list of things that I "want" written in the front of a notebook. When I get home, I will evaluate the list and eliminate everything that was just a fleeting desire and set goals to reach the rest. I'm so excited to be a whole new me at home! :)
Wow, Josh is leaving the house next month! Crimony. Mom, who is going to keep you company?? I'm almost sad for you, but I know that you'd be even more sad if we were still at home doing nothing... Have fun in your travels with Josh and Hil. I can't wait for our own trip back to MY mission. ;) Ha ha ha, unlikely, of course.
For the Fourth of July, we're having our fair share of celebration for ourselves today! We are going to have the New London Elders over (both Americans, Elder Stott and Elder Barth. They come over like every week, and we just have FUN), and we're having Salone-style BBQ and fireworks. When it's all said and done, the pictures will explain themselves. I look forward to it. I can't wait to show you how we're going to celebrate. It'll blow your mind. ;)
Love you all,
Elder Vaughan
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