I've really enjoyed leading the area. It gave me a chance to rise up to a challenge. I found that a lot of the time with Elder Priddis, I was just along for the ride. I mean, I did my part, but Elder Priddis was who everyone was interested in hearing, both because they liked him better, and because he could talk Krio better. But now that neither of those things are there, it makes room for me to work a lot harder, and become a lot better. It puts Elder Lancaster and I on equal terms, so we both have a lot to learn from each other, rather than me just being trained.
You continually ask about challenges I have here, and I hate having to answer that... Really, I don't know. Nothing seems hard to me here. It's just life as I know it! The Lord guides my footsteps, and makes my burdens light. It makes it easier to focus on the people and to be a more effective teacher.
It's a good thing Elder Priddis is going to Liberia. He was "born" here in the bush, and will have a lot to learn in Monrovia. It'll be a very positive experience for him. My own companion, Elder Lancaster, is from St. George Utah. He's into cars and his fiance Ciera (technically, he's not engaged, but his wedding date is already planned). He is great! He's very different from my trainer (who I now miss very much), but we're enjoying our time together. I guess it's different in that Elder Priddis and I bonded VERY quickly, and Elder Lancaster and I are a little slower at it. But, it's not a problem.
I really enjoy him. Right off the bat we taught with very good unity, and his Krio skills are excellent from living in Freetown (I'm almost fluent now. He has the accent down though). We get along really well, because we both have a genuine interest in serving each other. I guess that's what it takes to make a companionship work.
Butch (the chicken) was pretty tasty. We put her in a groundnut stew, and it was delicious! I took a video of Elder Allred attempting to behead her, but I'm not sure whether or not I'll send that one home... ;) As far as raising the chickens go, we've opted to put that on hiatus. There has been too much change in the mission recently to permit such a thing at this time.
Speaking of change, every companionship short of the Zone Leader's were moved. EVERYONE has new companions in all of Bo. It's to make way for a massive influx of missionaries in the next year. They're looking at boosting our compliment to 100 Elders. Oh yeah, and sisters will be coming in soon. How soon, I don't know. Elder Grabau (one of the assistants, if you don't remember) was talking about this change to me, and asked how I would feel if I was a trainer next transfer. Tee hee hee... I gave him a cordial laugh and told him I wouldn't mind rising to the challenge. It's the truth. I'd love to train someone out here in Njaie Town. 40 elders in the next year = 40 new trainers. So, yeah. That's my future here! I'm pretty excited.
You asked about my greatest challenge here? I dunno. Probably adjusting to the new district. Both of the Americans left (Priddis and Allred) and Elder Lancaster came (my new compie!) and Elder Svongwa, a greenie. I guess things aren't really that hard out here for me. We just walk a lot, but even that isn't hard anymore. We just go out, come back, and chill at the apartment.
Our greatest success this week was when we started teaching brother Philip. His daughter Hawa is a recent convert, and he attends the Charles Lwanga church right next to our branch. He has refused the lessons so far, but he took the first lesson yesterday! His (many)daughters were present, and all expressed a desire for baptism. It made me quite happy! :) If we can baptize Philip, then the whole family will follow.
Yeah, snow isn't too common around here (ha ha), but there was a little yesterday ask Kari about that one, and tell her "Boku Tankee!" for me!). I sure wish I had some... Actually, the temp dropped to less than 70 degrees in the night, and we about froze to death. It may sound hot, but it's always 85+ degrees, and we have nothing with which to fight the cold. So, we shiver until morning. Elder Lancaster and I are going to get sweatshirts today.
Oh, and in case you didn't know via Sister Roggia, we had Zone Conference yesterday, so P-Day was bumped to today. We like that, because Sab's (the hamburger joint) is closed on Mondays. ;)
Yeah, I heard about the Sudan referendum too. We were at Sab's for lunch today, and Aljazeera news was playing on the TVs. Not sure what I think on the issue. It was kind of a touchy place to discuss anything related to religion (Sab's is a Muslim restaurant). We don't hear TOO much about the war here, but every once in a while we hear some stories. We're teaching one man who's brain is fried from the war, plus combat drugs from the war. He killed a man, and is psychologically scarred from it. It's very interesting working with him...
Okee dokee, it's my time to depart. I luv yu bing!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
PS: Picture explanations: The first picture is of me and Elder Lancaster, here in this cafe where I now sit. Then, a picture of my shoes. The one on the right is newly polished, and the one on the left is from a day of proselyting. District farewells with Elder Priddis and Elder Allred. Then, dinner of fry-fry. Man, that stuff is good. Just fried fish and potatoes. Next is one of Philip's daughters, playing the flour game. Our last zone football game (Elders v. Locals). Half of those Elders are now gone. Our baptism last week (minus one candidate who was an hour late).
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