General Conference - October 2013

They showed General Conference in Church on Sunday.  They show it in English in one room, and French in the Chapel.  Elder Naughton and Elder Hunt joined us.  Some of the people in the Branch speak English, so they like to listen in English as well.  After Elder Nelson's talk was over, Armstrong turned around and said, "That was the most powerful talk".  It always makes me a little homesick when I see the beautiful Conference Center.  It's always such a boost to listen to Conference.  What an awesome Church we belong to.

Muriel Earns Her Keyboard!

This is Muriel.  She is the Primary President in her Branch.  She is also my top piano student.  She has never missed a lesson.  She has been taking piano from me for one year.  Sunday, she played the prelude in Sacrament Meeting.  That is the requirement to earn a keyboard.  She is very humble and grateful.  She will tell me, "The Lord blesses me, so that I can come to the Church and learn how to play the piano."  She has also promised me that she will now start to be the teacher.  I will continue to teach her for one hour, then when I leave to go help the choir, she will continue to help the other students.  It also takes her one hour to "walk" to Church.  She is a strong member.  I'm so proud of her!

P-Day at the Primate Park

We visited the Mefou Primate Park this week.  It is run by Ape Action Africa.  They rescue orphaned and injured gorillas and chimpanzees.  They work with the communities to ensure long-term solutions for survival in the wild.  President Olinga and President Bala, from the District Presidency, drove a truck and helped us transport 4 of the Elders.  We took the other 6 with us.  President Olinga led the way, which is truly a dirt road through the jungle.  It had rained the night before, so the muddy road was slick.  President Olinga tells the story that the Elders were making him laugh, and he wasn't paying attention as they were driving along.  Unfortunately, they started sliding off the road.  Thank goodness, we carried an army of Elders to help push him back up onto the road and we were safely on our way.  Enjoy the pictures!

This is President Olinga.  He is the First Counselor in the District Presidency.  He is so good with our Elders.  They tell us he is just like their older brother.  He was a young missionary once, so he loves to take good care of them.

This is President Bala, our District President.  He is such a humble man and has a great testimony.  He speaks English, which surprised the Elders.  He always speaks to them in French.  He helps us with any of our needs.

They always warn us that the apes will throw "poop".  Sure enough, for some reason I was the target.  He blindsided me and I didn't see it coming.  

A satisfied ape!  Not a fair fight.  I can't throw back ;)

We enjoyed tuna fish sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies and apples for lunch.

Another Day of Haircuts

We did haircuts this morning.  The Elders come at 7 a.m. and have muffins and cereal.  Today, they were also able to watch a session of Conference.  We enjoy visiting with them and sending them out looking like a million dollars. Enjoy the pictures.

It was Elder Porter's first haircut.

Elder Zurcher and Elder Gelinas were so sweet to clean up.  Elder Zurcher was a little hesitant about getting his picture taken with an apron on.  He said his brothers would tease him. 

 

Silly Elders!

Priesthood Session Oct 2013

We invited our 10 Elders over tonight to watch the Priesthood Session.  We served roast, potatoes and gravy.  I cooked 3 roasts, but I could have had 3 more.  They shrank when I cooked them, but they were yummy.  My favorite part of watching the session was when they have the audience stand and sing.  The Elders all sang and some even stood as they sang.  I also had them draw a picture for our wall.  Enjoy the pictures.

We also invited Jeff Gibbs.  He runs a business here in Cameroon. 

Here's the finished drawing.  

Ekounou New Baptismal Font

 Our Ekounou Building got a new Baptismal font.  President Mochie and President Zang, the Branch Presidents, are so excited.  President Mochie told us that he will invite all the "neighbors" around the Church to all the baptisms.  He also told President Cook that he has 4 good Elders, but he needs more.  His branch is growing rapidly.  It's no wonder.  He is so welcoming to all his members and investigators.  We had their first baptism at their new font.  Sure enough, look how many people were there.  There were 2 people baptized.