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
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