I Don't Have a Stomach of Steel

 

Sorry everyone for skipping last week but it's alright because it's mostly the same people that we are teaching. 

 

So starting off on like the 18th we learned how to make Mandazi with an girl named Feza. Mandazi is basically an African (Congolese/Tanzanian) beignet, which is basically a French donut haha. Mandazi isn't very sweet but it's fluffy and tasty. Feza is awesome too and her little brother, nicknamed by himself "Nonsense", is so funny and honestly super cool. He is the one in a lot of these videos haha. He has read the old testament and D&C picture books in the last 2 weeks and now has book of Mormon. He's like 11 and does all this on his own! 

 

Then I had 2 exchanges in one week. Those were great and I got to have a taste of the east louisville area. It's so busy! The east elders have also recorded a song with an African member which I'm very excited to see. 

 

We also have met with Daniel both weeks. He's honestly still progressing and he told us on Wednesday that "j'ai soif pour aller à votre eglise" (he's thirsty to come to church 🤣). He has so many questions as always and is one of my favorite to talk to. 

 

Two Saturdays ago we had an absolute huge soccer night. We needed to split into 4 teams to make sure nobody got hurt because the church is a small. It was so fun!! Last week's was good too but there wasn't quite as many people.

 

Tangente is back in contact!!! He came to church two Sundays ago (sadly not last) and we met with him 2 weeks ago but he canceled last Wednesday. Hopefully we see him this week 🙏. 

 

Ogino has been teaching us Haitian Creole these 2 Sundays haha. He gets so excited and we can't help but say yes. He's so great and has been taking temple classes. He's honestly ready to go but needs to take the classes first. 

 

We've met again with Akili! He is still pretty new to what we have to teach but likes having us come over. His kids are awesome too, but I don't like his friend very much. I think I've come in contact with him at least 10+ times and he was sober once. It's alright of course, everyone has their difficulties. 

 

Oh and for the title. I was sick on Sunday. Pretty upset stomach, nausea, and a fever. Sound like food poisoning to anyone else? I'm sure it was having dinner in less than FDA approved living conditions. But hey c'est la vie. It's worth it to spend time and bond with these wonderful people. 

 

Some great things happened on Sunday too. We got a new Elders Quorum Presidency, it's Brother Green (he's who drives Rossi and Gothie around everywhere). He said he's been praying to have more opportunities to meet people in the ward. What a answer to that prayer he received 😂. He'll be great though. And we also sat down with new President Green, Rossi, and Gothie to discuss their new ordination to the Aaronic priesthood. They seem nervous but willing to work to fulfill their new responsibilities. 

 

And finally transfers are this Friday. I won't know until Wednesday night what happens but I should be staying here because Elder Shumate is heading home. Can't wait to see what new adventures are in store for me!

 

Have a wonderful week everyone! God loves you and sees you. The power of the Holy Ghost is real, he purifies, strengthens, and testifies at every chance he can, as long as we allow him to. My invitation: let him in, and let him speak to you. Love you! 

 Elder Baird