This evening Pascal came with his next installment of wood carvings to fill more of the orders I’ve received. He is a good and kind man and he and his carvers are so thrilled to have this work. We will keep them busy for a good while. This batch will travel with us to Accra, then Abidjan this next week for the missionaries.
This morning we had another great District Meeting with our Bamako Elders. John and I leave for Accra in a few days, so this was our last district meeting here for a few weeks. We are still reading from the old “white handbook” in every meeting. The missionaries are patiently waiting for the new handbooks to arrive (they’re probably on a slow boat).
The 2 companionships presented their key indicators and we talked about all of the people who are being taught and who are progressing. That’s my favorite part!
Today Elder Ikpeti led the discussion. We talked about the seeds that fall on the different types of soil and what we can do here in Bamako to help the seeds take root. The problems we listed for the investigators and new members here are: transport, worries of the world (survival), persecution from Muslim family members, language (Bambara), traditions of the fathers, and the need for friends. These aren’t unique to here. We find these challenges all over the world. It was a good discussion.
After our meeting we presented Elder Kouakou and Elder Ikpeti with their Chiwaras. The Chiwara is a symbol of Mali and a hardworking harvester. We’re not sure if these two will be transferred away from us while we’re gone, so we wanted to be sure to give these to them before we leave later this week. Pres Lewis read the note about the symbolism of the Chiwara to them.
After that we had our weekly French conversation lessons with the Elders. These two are my professors. This week I learned all about their families and home lives. It was fascinating. This is my favorite way to learn French.
In a hot dusty place like Bamako, I’ve found a little orange handful of heaven! Our local fruit stands sell these delicious tangerines from Morocco. I keep them chilled in our fridge and when I need something cold, juicy and good, I treat myself to one. It’s better than any bowl of ice cream or Popsicle!
Today was a great day at church. We love this Bamako Branch. We had 20 here today and our testimony meeting was wonderful. Our dear President Sekou left today for Accra to prepare for his sealing in the temple next Saturday. Pres Francois will also enter the temple that morning to receive his own endowment. The following Tuesday Rose and her family will be sealed.
Today we heard testimonies from Pres Biggo, Fr. Mbaya, Elder Kouakou, Fr. Rich, Valerie and Pres Lewis. It was such a good meeting.
We are organizing our Primary and the children are learning about the Book of Mormon this year. They are loving learning some new Primary songs. The only children’s song they’ve known to this point is “I am a Child of God.” Today we learned “Nephi’s Courage” and “The Golden Plates.” Last week we learned “Book of Mormon Stories” (vs.1) and “The Books in the Book of Mormon.” These children are like sponges and are eager to learn.
Here are a few of our good friends after church:
Adele is preparing for her baptism:
Elder Kouakou and Elder Brown have been experimenting with the frozen yogurt. This time they added bananas and smashed spaghetti!
Elder Brown plays the piano very well. He’s been teaching others with the beginning piano course books. Fr. Joseph, our musician who plays by ear, is learning to read the notes.
Valerie will help teach the Primary children while I’m away the next few weeks. Today I gave her the materials she’ll need.
Pres Lewis met with Pres Biggo and Pres Francois and Abram to review the procedures for receiving tithes and offerings. Everything is new here. We love these Pioneers!
Our taxi rides are always entertaining. Our driver dropped Fr. Mbaya and Grace off on our way home.
Our Cote d’Ivoire Abidjan East and Bamako, Mali Mission 