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
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