Thursday, December 31, 2015

MY LEARNING DAY

 A very traditional Angola dinner and visit with Brother and Sister Fernandes and their family. 

 I'm not sure if you can see, this is the outdoor kitchen.  There is another one inside to the left..  Most of the homes here have the kitchen separate from the main house because the only cooking source is a 5 gallon propane tank that sits inside the kitchen.  So for safety reasons, they are separate from the main house. 
 Brother Fernandes and President Merrill visiting before lunch. 
 This is the maid preparing "funge".  This is a staple with every meal...my next lesson!!
 Sister Fernandes and Brother Fernandes.
 Sister Fernandes giving me a lesson in Angola cooking.
LOOK ... I MADE SOME PARACUCA!!
(candied peanuts)  I love these and buy them too often on the street. Now I won't have to!

FUN NIGHT

My first attempt to teach crocheting in Portuguese...
(not many pictures and not very clear, but...)


Sister Quiame, Sister Henry, Dononicia and Edeline Kimba with their two little sisters.
I think we all had a good time!!

AREA PRESIDENCY VISIT

We are so blessed to have Elder and Sister Ellis come to visit.  We learn so much from them.  Even though their visit was only 3 days, it was very rewarding for us. 

First on the agenda was visits to a few families.


 We really enjoyed our visit with Helder and Rosanna's family.




 Then a wonderful visit with Rosa and her family. 




 What a happy family now they have the gospel in their lives. 

The next day we hurried off to attend a Branch Christmas party. 

 It is always special when we meet up with happy missionaries.

 We then had the priviledge of attending some meetings with Elder Ellis.  We had one meeting with new converts and investigators.  Another meeting was for all leaders as Elder Ellis taught us the importance of teaching Self-Reliance.  
 
We feel so blessed to be part of this great work of the Lord. 

ANGOLAN MISSIONARIES COMING AND ARRIVING

Welcome Home Elder Francisco...
 Elder Francisco served for 2 years in Ghana.

Elder Maxinho..returned from the MTC while waiting for his Visa.  
 We are happy to have him serving with us in Angola.

Elder Azevedo...set apart to serve in England Lees Mission
 Elder Azevedo with his brother and sister.


Welcome Home Sister Bernardo and Sister Gomes.  These two sisters were the only Sisters in Angola while waiting for their visas to serve in Mozambique.  
 We love them and are so happy to have them home. 
 Some of their family is here to greet them and welcome them home.

Sister Goncalves...called and set apart to serve in Cape Verde.

 At her home with her mother and family.
 On the way to the airport.

1 Nephi 3:7
"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded..."

GOOD BYE

Elder Alfredo, Elder Melo and 
Elder Magaia
It is not ever easy to say good bye to those we love and have served with.  
 Ready to head out...Elder Magaia and Elder Alfredo
 
 Heading to the airport...
 Elder Alfredo...lookin good!!

 Elder Melo, Elder Magaia,
President and Sister Merrill and Elder Alfredo 
 Others came to say good bye...back row...
Elder Melo, Elder Armindo, Elder Charoa, 
Elder Magaia, Elder Alfredo, Elder Paulino.  
front row...Elder Mavile, Elder Marqueza
Elder Paulino, Elder Alfredo, Elder Mavile, Elder Charoa, Elder Melo

We love each one of the wonderful missionaries.

SOUTH AFRICA

A GREAT WEEK FOR LEARNING, AND ENJOYING OLD FRIENDS AND MEETING NEW ONES. 
 Dinner with Elder & Sister Ellis and 
President & Sister Koch from Mozambique
 All the Mission President's wives with the Area Presidency.
I love each one of these women. 
 




Playing with a baby crocodile!!
 







 Snake fun!!!
 
 What do you do with a giraffe that wants your french fries? 
You let her have them... ALL
 
 ...boarding the truck to see the lions!!





 What were we thinking?? Going into a lion cage and petting baby killers??
 
Other animals in the wild....
 
 
 
 
 We ended with an evening of great food and fun entertainment.