Hair Today, Goon Tomorrow
- Aug 19, 2024
- 2 min read
Scott -
The Missionary Department went all out to help prepare us for our mission. In addition to the four-day mission leader seminar, we had numerous webinars, orientation meetings, and mentoring sessions with a former mission president. We were given a package of 89 learning modules to work through online. It felt like a part-time job working swing-shift for about five months.
But they failed to teach us some of the essential skills for missionary life in Sierra Leone. Fortunately, someone tipped us off and we added an extra learning module for our preparation. And my competence was just tested. I think I get an A- for coloring Kathy’s hair and a C+ for cutting my own. Both passing grades! Our daughter-in-law, Laura, gave me three lessons on how to color hair and I practiced on Kathy under her tutelage. I felt reasonably confident I could pull that one off. But it was a bit scarry taking the first hack at my own hair with clippers and scissors. What could possibly go wrong!
We’re sure there are people in Bo who do hair. But we doubt any of them have worked on hair the likes of ours. All the men here have the same style—we would call it a buzz. And it looks great on them. A popular style for women is the same cut plus a wig. They look great as well. Our missionaries generally cut each other’s hair. For sure, we’re not winning any fashion contests out here. But we make it work. And the kids are fascinated by Kathy's hair. Some have pulled on her long locks wondering if it is a wig.
By the way, we shipped a three-year supply of hair products for Kathy before we left Providence—hopefully it will arrive before we go home in three years. It’s been almost two months and we haven’t seen anything yet.
Your story reminds me that in April or May 2020 John did my hair color for me. We have a face time call with my hairdresser to give instructions. He did okay, missed one section in the back. John still cuts his own hair since the pandemic.
I enjoy readying your stories and am glad you are both well. Michelle Hurst
Love reading your blog. You both are like a breath of fresh air or is it hair? 🤣
Jenneice "let me" color her hair twice while in Croatia. I'm certain she was looking for "relief" during that entire time. Thankfully, she found someone who did a wonderful job. You both look great for your first attempt. Keep it up and you'll have a part-time job to fall back on in a few years! Hahaha
I'd say you get an A+ on both hair coloring and cutting. Well done President!
I think I’ve finally got this worked out with this post!🤦♀️ You both look fantastic and I’m so glad you still have your sense of humor! Mason got home from his mission so we went to Washington to see him and attend his homecoming talk. There is a lady in their ward that really likes us. (Don’t know what’s up with that 😉) She told us her friends left in June or July to serve in Sierra Leone. Elder and Sister Bateman are serving in Freetown. Have you met them? We think of you often and love your post and pictures. I feel in a way that I’m right there with you when you describe everything you’re doing, seeing and…