I turned 3 months...

I don't have much this week but it was really good.  I turned 3 months on the 10th.  Man the time has really started to fly by.  I try to read the transcription of my setting apart at least once a week.  when I read it this week I noticed how right after I was set apart President said, "well you're just as much a missionary now as you were 3 months from now.”  I also looked a bit back into my journal and stuff.  Man, I might have the exact same authority and power as I did then but I am nowhere near the same missionary.  The craziest thing is how you don't even realize it.  You just change.  In all good ways but you change. 

Anyway, this week was pretty good.  Tuesday morning we did some service.  Digging.  Not too much fun but it was a good workout.  My hands have gotten so soft in the last little while.  It happens fast when you don't work much.  I got a few blisters.  Wednesday was Independence.  President said to do what we can but enjoy the day.  In the morning we worked a bit then we went to a celebration that was in Lira.  It wasn't much.  A few people talked about how great Uganda can and will become and a bit of the army was just standing in the field.  After a while we decided to head to lunch and afterward went to the church for a small party that they were having.  On the way to the church we walked past a water pump that a bunch of people were lined up at.  At this point the water had been out in all of Lira for about 3 days so everyone needed water.  Right after we walked past I decided to help out a bit.  I was just planning on filling like 2 cans then be on our way but then the enyabos (women) that were there started taunting me saying that munos (white people) can't work.  I got inspired so I filled 15 10-liter gerycans.  That might not sound like a lot but oh man.  I was pumping for about 40 minutes.  It was good though and I didn't really work out that morning so it was good.  Other than that is was an average week.  Lessons were good.  We found some great people.  It was good.

On Friday we had just started working and our plans were terrible because nobody answered phone and what not.  It looked like it was going to be a long day.  We were walking down the street and passed a motorcycle that had a sticker on the housing of its headlight.  It said, "Don’t lose hope." that has kind of been my motto for the past few days and it was been helping.  Have faith in God and he will provide a way if it be his will.

Today we are at a place called Chobe.  It is a resort kind of place in a national park.  It is a NICE place.  On the way in we saw all kinds of animals.  Giraffe, Cape buffalo, warthog, hippos, monkeys, baboons, all kinds of bucks, impala, a lot of stuff.  We are hoping to see elephant on the way out.  It has been a nice relaxing day. 

It’s hard for me to see things changing.  The only season there is here is hot.  Things are supposed to be drying up in November but it never cools off.  It just gets hotter.  It still seems like it is July.  I miss the seasons but I will be back soon enough.  Everything is starting to move faster.  There isn't enough time in the days and stuff.  There might be hope for me after all.  After all, I’m 1/8 of the way done already, haha. 

Nearly everyone in Adyel has gardens.  It is almost village so there are places with just huge fields.  It’s crazy to think.  They do all this by hand.  Plow with a ho (dig. vary tiring) plant by hand.  Everything.  Some fields are twice the size of our property at home.  All worked by hand.  It’s crazy.

Just so you know transfer 2 in over.  We get transfer news tomorrow but I have a feeling I am staying in Adyel/Lira. 

Love you all,

Elder E.E. Buyers

Miracles are Happening

Apwoyo panu na (hello my family),

I'm going to be quick because I don’t have much time but this week was really good.  Our numbers weren't great but miracles are happening.  We are teaching the family of Bruno, our recent convert.  On Tuesday we had a lesson with them and shared the last bit of the restoration and stuff which includes Joseph Smith’s first vision.  After we were done it went silent for just a bit.  Bruno started talking and bore a VARY powerful testimony about the church and restoration and Book of Mormon.  Just about everything.  It was so powerful.  It made me think about when we first saw him.  He didn't seem to understand anything we said and we weren't planning on seeing him again.  We passed by his house a few days later and just walked passed without a second glance.  We were a little ways passed and this girl comes running up saying that her father is calling for us.  We were like ok and went back and taught him again.  He still didn't seem too serious but we saw him a few more times and now look at him.  The gospel changes people. 

Then just a few days ago we had a lesson with a family that we found a few days before.  We were also sharing the restoration and they had all been really quiet the entire time.  That’s not unusual, Ugandans don't give much feedback at all.  Anyways, the names of the parents are Bosco and Sicilia.  When we were done we asked if there were any questions.  There was the usual silence for a bit then 30 seconds later Sissy said, "I'm pretty sure the thing with that boy (Joseph Smith) is true.  I had a feeling when you were talking about it."  We kind of jumped up a bit and asked here to explain the feeling.  With a little help she explained the feeling of the spirit perfectly.  We told her about how it was the Holy Ghost telling her these things are true and stuff.  It was really powerful.  We invited them to church and all but for some reason we didn't invite them to baptism, it didn't feel right. 

That was Saturday and on Sunday when we arrived at church Bosco and a few of his kids were already there.  Sissy had to stay home because there were visitors there I guess.  So we had a good sacrament and all and when sacrament was over I went out and talked to Bosco for a second.  All I asked was, "What did you think of the service."  He waited for a few minutes then pointed to the chapel and said, "This church is true.  I've been to many before but none like this.  All Churches talk of Christ but compared to this they seem run by Satan.”  I was really awestruck and he just kept talking.  "I want to make it official; I want to be part of this.  When can I be baptized?”  I was so surprised it took me a minute to get back to earth but then we talked about a few more things and went right back for Sundays school.  Haha it was really interesting.  We had never asked any of his family about be baptized or anything.  They here already prepared though.  They were ready.

The week wasn't too bad though.  We had trials as expected.  Our faith and patience was tested but in the end it was all good.  For the pictures there is one of a member named Solomon in an orange tree.  

He was working with us and we went to a RCs house and she told us to take oranges so he climbed up and we filed a huge bag full of them.  Oh yeah, oranges here are green.  Kinda weird.  Then there is a picture of the people that came to our D&C class on Friday that we teach every week. 

Well everyone have a good week.  Love ya,

Elder E.E. Buyers

Letters with Dad

Just before I started writing this I was reading a few of your past e-mails and noticed something about how your attitude has changed. Back on August 5th you were venting about your last comp and said, 

"Last week we did it his way, next week we will do it my way." 

Contrast that with what you said last on September 23rd,

"I've never relied on Heavenly Father more than now.  I literally have no control over what happens. If I try to make things happen it will be a bad day.  I leave it to him 100% and I have the best days. There is no other way than to trust in him in this kind of work.  When we tract I have no idea where I plan to go, we just go and are led.  I can't even stress how little this work has to do with me.  I have never mattered less."

I am so grateful for the lessons that Heavenly Father is teaching you over there. And so proud of how open you are to learning them. He is also teaching me the same lessons through you and your testimony. Being an over achiever and perfectionist can get in the way of these lessons. I have to get over my tendency to think that only I can do it right. And of course I do pretty good but I also screw things up pretty often. I now know, but still struggle with remembering it in the heat and pressure of work and everyday life, that my skills and talents are gifts from God. That being humble, being grateful for these blessings and trusting in Heavenly Father and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way.

Thank you for being so willing to share with us what you are experiencing and learning. I have to wonder what a different person, husband and dad I would have been if I had been a member in my youth and gone on a mission. Oh well, I finally see the light now and am doing my best to be the son, husband, dad, and holder of the Holy Priesthood that Father wants me to be.

Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you about last weekend. Mom went to Spud Day and I went to the Temple. After Temple I got a text from my Mom that set me off. It doesn't matter what it was but needless to say I didn't handle it well as usual and made it hard on my Mom. It bothered me so much that I started a fast when I woke up Sunday morning and asked Father for help. Just before sacrament, I was prompted that I should get a blessing for this from our home teacher (the Bishop).

Mom and I met with Bishop after the block and talked for about 30 minutes about the struggles I have with my Mom. He had some great council for me and then gave me a wonderful blessing that changed me. His council was nothing that I hadn't already gone over in my own head many times; usually after I calm down and realize what I butt I had been. The difference was, the blessing softened my heart to her and, I think, allowed me to let go of control and the desire to "FIX HER." Anyway, the blessing was what I needed and things have been much better with my attitude toward her. I have been able to just let the stuff that normally set me off flow through and past me making the life of everyone here less stressful. I am so thankful for the priesthood power that God grants to His faithful and obedient sons like our HT & Bishop.

So, stay focused, obedient and keep up the hard work. Remain humble and continue to be open to learning the lessons Father has planned for you. You are becoming a great man for all to admire and love. You going on a mission has blessed us beyond measure.

All my Love,

Dad

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Thanks dad. I never even thought about those things that I said before. It’s amazing. I forgot how those things change so drastically and you don't even realize.  Just one thing, you always look back and say what could have been. I urge you to look forward and ask, “What will be? What will your life be like in the future because these things have happened?”  I was thinking about it and if you would have been a member from your youth I probably would not be here now. You know how stubborn I am and I believe if you would have been a member you would have pushed me to do these things and I would have pushed back. Yeah, you not being there and me have such a big choice did lead me to do quite a bit that I shouldn't have. It’s because we were converted when you where that I am here now though. I may have had the church there my whole life but I became converted with you.

Love you Dad. Have a good week.

Elder E.E. Buyers

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You know, you are probably right. We are here and it is wonderful. And you probably wouldn't have a wheeler, pickup or an arsenal. Ha. Ha.

You know, I never really thought of you as being stubborn in the way I think you are describing. Sure you didn't always listen to me, a good thing in some cases, but I never thought of it as rebellious or stubborn. I always thought you thought I didn't know what I was talking about. "That is you Dad, not me," kind of thing. Since your way wasn't that bad and you didn't get in trouble, I just let it go so, hopefully, you could learn for yourself - sometimes the best way to learn. Spending and satisfying your temporal needs is my biggest concern. Of course the weight thing is always there too. It has been such a burden and impact on my life I just can't help worrying about it for you and Kelly. Exercise is the only way that I know of to keep it off. Of course none of us like exercise. We are mental people, not physical.

Dad

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Well I don't know that stubborn is the right word but your right. I had to find out for myself. But either way I know I wouldn't have been here if I wouldn't have had the experiences I did with you.

Elder E. E. Buyers

What Really Happens on P-Days

You know I'm sure that some of you think that p-days are the days that missionaries go nuts and party and stuff.  Especially when you think Africa, you think safari every p-day and stuff.  Riding the lions that live out front.  Well not really.  What really happens on p-day is a whole lot of nothing.  Especially for missionaries in Lira zone.  There is almost nothing to do in lira.  Sure there are places that aren't too far that we could have a bit of a safari that hasn't happened yet.  What happens is exactly what you see in the pictures. 

We do laundry (by hand of course) and then sit around for a few hours.  I decided to tan and read Jesus the Christ today as you see. 

Then we e-mail.  It’s nice to relax though. 

Anyway, it was a pretty good week.  We had 3 baptisms on Saturday.  The one standing next to me is Anthony.  He is awesome.  Next to Anthony is Joseph.  He wasn't baptized but he is an amazing recent convert.  Next to him is his brother, who he baptized.  His name is Solomon.  Next to Solomon is Oscar.  Oscar is the grandson to a member that lives in her hut right next to our compound.  Oscar and Solomon are both 10 and Joseph baptized both.  It was really cool to see.

One of the days this week we were talking to a member that was working with us and somehow were got on the topic of the wars that were going on here a few years back with the rebels and Koney and stuff.  His name is Solomon too, but not the one that was just baptized.  He is 17 and a very humble and strong kid.  He was saying how he remembers in 2004 when the rebels rolled in to Teso Bar (a part of Lira).  He said that at the time it was him, his mother and his now late brother.  His father had already passed.  He said that there was a big announcement and people started running and stuff.  They left like the rest of them but the streets were so crowded his mother soon got hit and knocked down by a guy on a bake.  After that they went home and his mother said that she would never run again.  If they wanted to kill her they would do it in her home.  It’s amazing to think that basically everyone that I see and meet has gone through that.  These people literally have nothing compared to what we have at home.  Nothing.  Power was out from Tuesday to Sunday afternoon and water for a few days too.  We were talking to some members about it and they were amazed to hear that we always have power.  The things we take for granted are the things they dream about.  Yet, as a whole, they are some of the happiest people I have ever met.  They know what is important.  I have learned more from them than you could imagine.

Kelly, I got the package you sent with the Goodnight Argent shirt.  I love it.  It is by far the softest thing that I own right now, haha.  It's way comfortable.  I attached a couple pictures with me wearing it.  I tried to get some in places that actually show I might be in Africa.

Here are some more pics.  One is of a storm that came in Tuesday night.  We were sitting in a lesson and we were watching it roll in over our heads.  It was pretty intimidating actually.  It was a huge storm though and pretty much ended the day for us.

The other is a couch and a couple chairs that someone had strapped to a bike and was taking home.  He was just resting there.  He actually road the bike though.

Then there is one of Elder Nyoni wearing that poncho that you through in my bag Mom.  That thing is huge.  I could go camping in it, haha.  It rained a ton.  We were told that this is the start to the main rainy season for this area.  The dry season we thought was coming doesn't start till the end of November.

Other than those things the week was the same as usual.  We ran into some Jehovah’s Witnesses that come up and wanted to teach right in the middle of one of our lessons.  That was interesting.  We were teaching Joseph about how it's important to have a strong testimony because things and people will try to shake you.  It made a nice object lesson.  That’s about it though.  A lot of rain and walking.  A missionaries life, haha.  Everyone have a great week. Love ya.

Elder E.E. Buyers

Lots of Pictures

Huge Snail

Hey Everyone,

How are things going?  This week wasn't too bad.  It had its challenges though.  The first few days nothing seemed to go right.  We got bounced almost every lesson we weren't finding people, all that stuff.  We weren't sure what we were doing wrong but we tried to get it figured out.  On Friday I was flipping through Preach My Gospel looking for guidance and I opened to patience in chapter 6 (Christ-like attributes).  I studied it for a while and I think that is kind of what was wrong.  That's what I've been focusing on for self-improvement since then and it is making a world of difference.

The area is looking better.  We have started to try finding in places that we haven't been to too much and it seems to be working a little better.  A change of scenery always helps.  We are starting to get more people to keep commitments and now we have 7 progressing.  Even though we didn't reach the mission goal for lessons, I think it was still a pretty successful week.  It could have been a little better I think but we worked hard.  2 of those progressing probably won't be baptized too soon, one because she is a girl and only 18 and that's against mission standards and the other for various reasons that I'm not sure I can disclose but it could be a long process before he can be.  But as for the others three should be baptized this Saturday and 2 in the next few weeks.  The two are the wife and Daughter to Bruno, the man we baptized last week.  It’s pretty cool.  Referrals and great.

broken belt

I've never relied on Heavenly Father more than now.  I literally have no control over what happens.  If I try to make things happen it will be a bad day.  I leave it to him 100% and I have the best days.  There is no other way than to trust in him in this kind of work.  When we tract I have no idea where I plan to go, we just go and are led.  I can't even stress how little this work has to do with me.  I have never mattered less.  The MTC told me that and I did feel it but this last week has taught me that.

Caught in the rain

Anyways, it rained A LOT this week.  On Tuesday it started pouring hard and we were 30-45 minutes from any place to hide out.  On Friday afternoon the same kind of thing happened but it wasn't raining as hard.  We still got soaked.  Then again Friday night, it poured on us harder than ever.  It’s great.  haha.

first basketball court I've seen since I've been here

Yesterday after church we went to an orphanage as a zone to play with the kids.  It was so much fun.  We played "football" (soccer) most of the time.  I was somehow able to score 3 or so goals.  I think it was because I wore my Uganda cranes jersey.  Some of the kids were pretty good though.  At least compared to me but that isn't saying much.

Some of the kids that were following us

Kelly “enyabo” means women.  If you don't know a girl’s name here or even if you do and you want to get their attention you just say "ENYABO" and they look.  It’s pretty great.  Works well.  haha.  I don't think that's how you spell it though.

bunch of bananas

As for the food, it's the same.  I’ve learned to just bear it.  I eat because I have to not cause its good.  I told you about matoke (cooked banana) but there is also stuff called pocho.  It’s pretty good.  All it is is water and corn flower.  I’m starting to like it actually.

Mom, I would but it is crazy expensive to send things home.  I just sent something to someone, I won't tell who, but it was 12,000 shilings ($4.80) for just 80 grams.  It’s like 100,000 shillings ($40) to send something that’s only 1 Kg (2.2 lbs).  Almost everything that I brought is going to stay here.  All I'm bringing home is like books, letters and souvenirs.  Not much else.

Yesterday we were going to see if this guy was home we have been teaching and as we were walking up he noticed a muno (white person) sitting on their porch talking to his daughter.  We talked to her a little bit and found out she is RLDS (Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints).  When she first said it we wouldn't sure we heard her right but then she said it again.  We were surprised.  She is here teaching nursing or something like that.

getting hair cuts at the saloon {not salon}

A few days ago we were sitting in a lesson and my companion looked over and said really quiet "muno" I looked over and saw a couple walking with a Ugandan and we waved.  We saw them again about an hour later too.  Then a couple days later we were walking down the street and they drove passed.  They stopped and were like “ok we've seen you 3 times in the past 2 days” and we talk for a bit.  They are here from England or something like that.

This sounds bad but as soon as you see another white person over here there is just an instant bond of friendship between you.  Most people are here for religious things but it doesn't matter at all.  You’re already friends, haha.

That's about all that's going on.  Sorry it was kinda long this week.  Have a good week everyone.

Love and miss ya,

Elder E.E. Buyers

I got cracks, on cracks, on cracks

Well my shoes might not last as long as I thought they would.  One of them has about a 1 and a half inch crack in the middle under the ball of my foot with more cracks starting and the other just has a couple little ones but on both the tread is close to gone in the middle of them.  Oh well.  They will still last for a little while.

As for weather it is starting to get really hot here. The dry season is definitely on it's way.  I'm guessing dad told you about how my cloths don't fit any more. I brought an old belt with me and it is smaller than my new ones so I can tighten it more and if it isn't too stretched then I am down to a 35 waist.  It has a tear in it between the 37 and 36 in holes so I thought it wouldn't last long but now I don't have to worry about that, haha.  I used a scale at one of the senior couples houses and I am 91 Kg about 200 lbs so I've lost 20-25 lbs. Hopefully it keeps going.

Anyways, this week was pretty good.  It went by fairly quick.  It was mostly just the usual stuff until Saturday rolled around.  Elder Hall (the zone leader) and I went to a burial in the village.  There was a young boy living in Kampala that was preparing to go on a mission that passed away.  A couple senior missionaries brought his body up so he could be buried in his village.  We met them and went to the service with them.  Over here they don't have cemeteries.  You can get buried basically wherever but most of the time you are taken back to your home village and buried where your family lives.  It was pretty cool to go and see how their services go.  Basically there are just a bunch of people that stand up and say how most don't know the person but it won't be the same without them.  Kinda interesting.  Then they have a ton of food.  We left before the food though. 

There is another burial today but only 2 people from our house were able to go.  Elder Lecheminant and Elder Manyakanyaka wanted to go so Elder Nioni and I stayed behind.  The one today is for a girl that was on a mission and got sick.  She has been home for a little while but the doctors had no idea what was wrong.  She was going to go to Kampala to see the mission doctor today but she didn't make it.  It’s sad but it was God's plan.  I guess her mission wasn't over yet but those she is meant to teach this time are in the spirit world.

Elder Lecheminant and I are going to tear Adyel 2 area apart this transfer.  He has really helped me see the potential the area has.  Everyone calls it the promised land for a reason.

On Saturday we had a baptism.  His name was Bruno.  He is the first one that I found that we have baptized.  It has been amazing to see the change in him since we first met him.  

He said his wife wants to start taking the lessons now too and his kids.  I hope they accept it like he has.  I missed his baptism because of the burial but yesterday he was confirmed.  Man the spirit was strong in that meeting.  Its moments like that that remind me why I am here.  This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done but it's worth it.

Last night when I was writing in my journal and thinking about the past few days I noticed the song that was playing.

"We are as the army of Helaman,

We have been taught in our youth.

And we will be the lords missionaries,

To bring the world his truth."

This church is true, I KNOW that with every fiber of my being.  I wouldn't be here if I didn't.

Have a good week everyone,

Elder E.E. Buyers

Tri-Zone Conference & A New Companion

Hey everyone,

Sorry I'm late. We left Sunday right after church for a tri-zone conference in the Mbale zone.  The ride was terrible. 5 hours in a taxi each way.  We just got back into Lira a little bit ago. 

The conference was great though.  Elder Hamilton from the 70 was there.  He taught us about a lot of stuff.  I can't even remember everything.  At the end he did a Q and A kinda thing about the troubles that we were having with the work.  He really helped  but one of the best things was that everything he told us he got out of Preach My Gospel and we could have found it ourselves. It showed how great of resources we have.

Don't take the temple for granted. I know I did and I am regretting it. It's only been 2 months (2 months today actually) and I miss it so bad. I want to go more than anything right now. The temple is such a blessing and we are so lucky to have them so close back home. 

I'm not sure how much weight I've lost but my pants are way loose and those new belts I brought don't fit. I have to cut holes in them and they still have the tags on them.

Last week we had transfers. I stayed in my same area but I got a new companion, Elder Lechaminant. Not much else has happened though. We have another baptism on Saturday and just working hard. 

Love you all,

Elder E.E. Buyers