Random Thoughts

As I sat down to write this blog entry, I heard some commotion outside. I glanced out the window and saw two boys holding large, dry palm fronds in each hand. One boy had a third palm frond tucked down the back of his shirt, the top section fanning out behind his head, like an African chieftain. These two boys were having a glorious battle, attempting to smack each other with the palm fronds as they circled and parried. Several children watched cautiously from a distance. I thought of my two grandsons who love to battle with plastic swords. It’s fun to see how children are alike no matter where they live in the world.

When a vehicle breaks down, the driver gathers clumps of weeds and places them strategically in the road as a warning for on-coming traffic. It’s a clever substitute for the orange cones which are so prevalent in Utah during road construction season. And they are biodegradable.

Oops! What we thought was a shallow puddle ended up being a deep hole. This took place in Kenema, an hour drive from Bo. We were instantly surrounded by people who wanted to help push us out. Unfortunately, we were in too deep. Thank goodness the Ettingers (our constant rescuers) were also in Kenema, doing housing inspections. (Miracle #1). They didn’t have a tow rope, so we used tie-downs straps. Several men helped tie the straps to both vehicles. It worked and we came out without even a scratch in the paint (Miracle #2). One of the men yelled, “Welcome to Kenema, Sister Wyatt!” It made me laugh. None of these men expected payment for their help but were happy to receive it. Again – I am struck by the kindness of the people here.

I experience that same kindness in the marketplace. I still struggle to understand what people are saying so sometimes I give them too much money. Without fail, they always tell me I paid too much and give me back the change. In a country where money is hard to come by, it would be tempting to be dishonest, especially with an unsuspecting foreigner. Yet they are not. I love them for that!

The guards are always friendly at the police stops along the road. Last week, Scott asked if we could get a “snap” (a photo) with one of them. The guard was delighted! When we got into position, two more guards ran over and joined with Sister Thacker and me.

We invited all the senior couples from the Bo and Freetown missions to meet us for dinner in Freetown. It was a blast listening to everyone talk and laugh and share interesting stories. In a relatively short time, we have become very close to these couples. They are some of the best people we have ever known. We are so grateful for their help as there is no way we could be mission leaders without them! If any you reading this blog are interested in experiencing a life-transforming adventure, please come join us. There is a huge need for more senior couples and we would LOVE to serve with you!

Before every church meeting, there is always some type of musical prelude – a keyboard playing hymns or a choir singing. As soon as someone stands up to conduct the meeting, the prelude stops immediately, mid-note or mid-sentence. It surprised me at first, but now I realize it’s their way of showing respect for their religious leaders.

Being part of a stake choir is a huge commitment! They practice 3-4 times a week for several hours, months before stake conference. Most of the people don’t read music so everything is learned by ear. They sing 30 minutes prior to the meeting and 30 minutes afterwards. Many people stay to listen, and the children crowd up front to be closer to the music. It’s a highlight of their week.

A phrase people use when they speak in church is, “Good morning, brothers and sisters.” They pause while the audience repeats back, “Good morning”. It’s a common greeting wherever we go and is usually followed up with “How you sleep?”

Whenever the children pray or talk about God, they address Him as “Papa God”. There are many names for God: Elohim, Yahweh, Abba, El Shaddai, Lord, Heavenly Father, etc. I’ve heard most of these names before, but I’ve never heard “Papa God”. It’s my favorite!

And speaking of favorite – here’s one of my favorite snaps of the week. We had a combined zone conference – all three zones in Bo. The missionaries loved being together and there was a combined energy and excitement we haven’t felt before. We will definitely do it again!

We tried our first pla-sauce yesterday.. We attended a baptism and since the bishop’s son was baptized and it was also the bishop’s birthday, his wife made refreshments for everyone who came. This pla-sauce was made from cassava leaves (a staple food in Sierra Leone) and fish. It is usually served in a big bowl on top of steamed rice. Everyone gathers around the bowl and digs in with a spoon. (Side note: spoons are the favored eating utensil. I rarely see forks). As soon as we ate our fill, we placed the spoons in a container and stood up to leave. Our seats were quickly taken by others and the leftover food was consumed. I really appreciate how nothing is wasted here.

Scott and I had a chance to teach with some of the sisters. We were so impressed with their knowledge of the gospel and their ability to teach and answer questions. One of the sisters said she always wondered what it meant to lose yourself in the service of others. After being on her mission for almost a year, she now understands. When she prays, she prays for others; when she studies the scriptures, she is always looking for how she can use them to answer questions for those she is teaching. Her mind is constantly on what she can do to help someone else, and she has truly forgotten her own needs.

“He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:39)