District Primary Activity

I was asked to make some cakes for the District Primary Activity.  I asked how many and they really didn't know.  I made 44 assorted cupcakes, but it doesn't look like it was enough.   They said it was okay, they just shared.  We had to take two Elders to the bus, so we missed the activity.  We love these little children.  Aren't they adorable?

More Baptisms

We had a baptism of 7 today.  The Elders are working hard and the Church is growing.  

I loved this picture of the new baptismal candidates and their friends holding hands.  They were so excited to welcome their "brothers" into the Church.  Frere Fataki and Frere Emmanuel are members.  The two on the right were being baptized.  One of them has started piano lessons.  He couldn't believe that he could take piano for free.

Christmas Eve

There is a couple stationed here in Yaounde' with their 4 little boys.  He works for the US Embassy and they invited us all - that's right all 12 of us - over for Christmas Eve.  We played games, ate a wonderful dinner (including a turkey they had shipped in), acted out the Nativity and sang songs.  The Cleverly's gave each of the Elder's a package of Oreos from the States and me a can of shortening.  They really spoiled us.  Here are a few of the pictures from that night.  One of our Elder's said it was his "Best Christmas Ever"!  Thank you Cleverly's.

Hygiene Kits

We had a good gathering today at the Bastos Church to put together 200 Hygiene Kits.  It was a good turnout and a sacrifice for all who came to help.  Many of these people would have need of one of these kits themselves, but they came to do it for others.  

Putting the kits away, African style.

Elder Whitesides took all the other pictures.  This is the only picture we had of him.  He really did do most of the work.  This is one of the things he does best, talking with the Elders.  They love him.

Changing the Oil

We knew this day was coming.  We were both a little apprehensive about  getting the oil changed in the car.  We learned how to ask "will you change the oil"? in French and then set out for the Total station.  We pulled right in and the man spoke English, for which we were grateful.  While we were waiting, he was asking about our badges and what we were doing in Cameroon.  It gave us a chance to share our testimony with him.  I gave him a Joseph Smith pamphlet and a Le Liahona, but they were both in French.  He asked if I had one in English, but I didn't.  I told him I would bring an English one back to him and gave the French ones to his co-worker.  We gave them a good tip, because we know we will be back.  Hopefully, the best "tip" was that we have the true Church. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas
Joyeux Noel

from Yaounde', Cameroon!

Santa even visits Africa - we've seen him a couple of times.  Once, we even saw him on stilts.

Here is our cute little tree.  I wasn't going to put up a tree, but then I realized that I was being a "Scrooge".  The thought came to me that Christmas isn't all about being with family, it's about celebrating the Savior.  Some of my favorite Christmas sayings:

"Wise Men Still Seek Him".
"All is Calm, All is Bright"
"Are you one of the 'Inn' crowd, or one of the 'Stable' few?"
"Remember the Reason for the Season"

Avec Amour,
Elder and Soeur Whitesides

Humanitarian Work

This week we had a visit from the Humanitarian Couple, Elder and Soeur Moon, from Kinshasa.  They came to work on a Public Affairs project and stayed 4 days with us.  We were able to go with them and buy the items for making Hygiene kits.  Part of this project is to bring all the different religions, as well as dignitaries together to work on good causes.  The first project they are planning, is to help the "Street Children".  Our part is to make and give the "Street Children" hygiene kits.  

While the Moons were here, we went to look at a couple of wells that were not working.  It was so fun to be out in the country.  It was Deja vu for us.  It brought back many memories of our Humanitarian work in Cambodia.  Thank you Moons for letting us be part of this good work. 

A Pretty Good Road

These children were so happy to have their picture taken.

Beautiful Cameroon - Can you believe we are in the jungles of Africa?

Mount Febe'

Today for P-day, we took our 10 Elders with us to Mt. Febe'.  This is the spot where Elder Holland came and dedicated the land of Cameroon.  We sang "High On a Mountain Top".  What a choice Spirit was felt as those Elders sang at the top of their voices.  

That's right I typed 10 Elders.  We welcomed Elder Masse from Oregon this past week.  We evened things out with Elder Batoum, from Bastos.  He will serve as a "Branch Missionary" until Elder Waite goes home in January.

We ate a lunch of peanut butter sandwiches, something that is a rare treat here in Yaounde'.  Also cookies and apples were served, something else that they don't get a lot of.  We love to spoil these Elders.  They work hard and it is nice to give them a little boost where we can.

Building Renovations

As we have visited our two Buildings this past couple of weeks, there are many new changes going on.  They have painted all the walls, plastered and painted the walls surrounding the grounds. They are also expanding both chapel areas.  The Branches are growing and need more room for the members.  It was nice to smell new paint today as we sat in Church.  Here are a few pictures of the work.

Happy Thanksgiving

We took our 8 Elders out for a late lunch at "L'awale" restaurant.  At first glance, you would question whether it was safe to eat there, but we had been there once before.  The Elders were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed their dinners.  After, we met back at our apartment for a dessert buffet of banana cream pies, key lime pies, cinnamon pies, caramel popcorn and crepes.  The Elders brought some of it.  Just when I think that it's impossible to cook something, they come up with it.  It was a fun, memorable Thanksgiving here in Cameroon.

President Interviews

President and Sister Jameson visited this week for Elder's interviews.   The Elder's showed up all decked out in shined shoes, crisp white shirts and trimmed hair cuts.  It was a nice tribute to President Jameson.  Sister Jameson told of their visit with Elder Holland, while President Jameson did individual interviews.

We had a light breakfast of muffins, yogurt and cereal.  After the interviews, President Jameson spoke to them for an hour.  We then had taco soup and rootbeer floats.
It was a short, but grand visit from the Jameson's.  They left for Douala and Point Noire to repeat their schedule.  

We passed them on the road as we were headed to the airport.