Thursday, July 7, 2011

Were on the move....

Another busy week. We have had the opportunity to visit with our Missionaries this week. We held a meeting on Tuesday with the Elders & Sisters here in Lusaka. They are the greatest. When we arrived they were all standing in a long line out front of the chapel ready to shake hands and greet us. Sister Padovich was in tears before we even got through the first one. We can feel the strength and their Spirit. We had a fine meeting and we were able to train them as to the importance of the message they bring and the great example to the fine people they are called to serve. On Wednesday morning we flew up to the Copperbelt. It's about a 50 minute plane ride, or a 5 hour drive on a two lane road. They were all in fine spirits and all healthy and happy. We bought lunch for all of them in each area. Boy they can eat. My it was a sight. We checked with all of them as to there needs, some of them need their bikes fixed, something I can do. Others needed help with furniture or a new bed. They work so hard serving without saying a word. Sister Padovich is "mothering" all of them and I think they enjoy that. It's great to see all of these big Elders gather around her and hang on every word. She likes to tease them and I know they enjoy being with her. I don't think I will ever see a people who have less than any people I have ever seen, yet they are the happiest people in the world. They know that God lives and that He loves them. They are thankful for the peace that comes to all who do what is right. They are so humble and I gain strength from them each day. Tonight is Thursday, it's late and were going to bed. We leave early Friday. We travel over to Malawi in the morning. You know how they say, "you can't get there from here". Welcome to Africa. When we leave, we will travel down to South Africa. Then over to Malawi. They have one flight each week directly in Lilongwe in the north and one that goes down to Blantyre in the south. It's only a 6 hour drive, but the lines at the border and the the drive to the south is a long couple of days. It's recommend that you don't drive at night because the roads are bad in some places. To make matters worse, the only way you can enter the country is from Lilongwe, and you must exit the same way. The adventure continues. Today I met with the District President from Lusaka and extended a call to a fine man to serve as a new Branch President out in Woodlands area. He will do a fine job and the Church will grow in the area because of his goodness. We miss you all. We are fine. Happy and eager to serve. We hope you are all well, be good to each other. We will send pictures when our things arrive from home. They think.... they think..... maybe by the end of the month. Oh well, that's Africa! Will write again soon.

M & A

7 comments:

  1. SO wonderful to hear from you!!!!!

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  2. Hit the ground running! Just proof that you are exactly who the Lord needed. Stay safe! We miss you.

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  3. so happy you are there! THanks for mothering my missionary and feeding him! We are already hearing amazing things about you!
    Lori Murdoch

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  4. Thank you for sharing your mission with us--send pics soon!! Love to you, Chris Rock

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  5. Richard and Cheryle WhitakerJuly 10, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    We are so excited to be able to "go along" on your journey. You will both bless many peoples lives, especially those missionaries!
    Richard and Cheryle

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  6. Hi guys can't wait till the next posst! Love you and miss you!

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  7. Thanks Mike, for your comments I pray everyday for you and Arlene. This is a great way to stay in touch. Kathleen prints your post off for Mom and then Mom reads them to me, she has a hard time realizing how we can all get your post I think. You are both a motivation and inspiration to me to serve, give and sacrifice a little more.
    Love you both and the missionaries.

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