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Email for week of September 22

  Dear Friends and Family

    We hope you all are well. Elder Thacker and I are adjusting to life in Sierra Leone.  There are still many surprises we see that make us laugh or contemplate.  Our internet and cell service is always a challenge so we find it hard to email.  We have to find the perfect time in between the electrical power going out, and not enough power with the generator, or between our travels where there is no cell service in many parts of the country we travel and stay in.  So forgive our many Facebook posts.  That seems the best way to share our experiences with you all.

  We love working with the Jr. missionaries.  They are so enjoyable and remarkable.  I have witnessed the miracle and gift of tongues that these missionaries have.  In Sierra Leone, there are many different tribes with their own languages.  Most people speak their own language, at least 1 other tribe's language, Krio which is the country's culture language, and most know English to varying degrees.  These missionaries know their own tribal or country language then come and serve here and learn English, Krio, and at least 1-2 tribal languages.  It truly is incredible!

   Fred and I take opportunities to do some ministering each week.  One of our teaching areas is about 1 1/2 hours away from our missionaries, so once a week we take our missionaries to this area to teach the many waiting for the gospel lessons.  We spend the day visiting members and hopefully teaching the principal of ministering.   What choice experiences we are having! There are villages for miles that are so far from civilization and they are so gracious to invite us in.  As we come, they gather chairs and benches and buckets for us to sit on their porches together.  Communicating is difficult with so many tribal languages, yet the message of love for all people is very clear!  These people are so happy to embrace us and accept us.

  One member was out working in the field for his employer.  The employer was going to send someone to go and bring him to us.  We did not want to take him away from his work and receive less pay for the day.  We went to him and visited and met all of the field workers.  They were clearing the ground under the palm oil trees with macheeties and sticks.  Elder Thacker couldn't resist and had to work with them.  Soon the owner, an older gentleman, had to show him how it was done!  It became a very fun competition!  The outcome was apparent that Elder Thacker could not keep the rhythm and pace of the older gentleman.  Our visit was a result of many new investigators and invitations to attend our church on Sunday.  By the way, the employees work from 7 a.m - 6:00 pm with the owner's wife cooking them a pot of rice.  They are paid 30 leons each day which is equivalent to $1.33 a day.

   In another village, we visited with a member, then continued our walk through and around.  We met so many that gathered outside their homes to talk with us.  They taught us of their cultures, their plants they were growing, and shared sweet moments to just sit on their front porches.  One sister was making bread for the village. Her income was a village baker. She rolled the dough into snake-like shapes then rolled them into a cinnamon bun.  She cooked them in a big curved bottom pot over coals, (open fire coals).  As we left, she called me back and gave me a hot, fresh one.  Talk about being touched.

   We often see health concerns, disfigured body parts, and amputees, but on this particular visit we were introduced to a small boy that was deaf.  He grinned from ear to ear as Elder Thacker went to the truck and gave him a "Book Of Mormon stories" picture book!  The reactions from his family and friends, but mostly him, were priceless.  What a special way to share the gospel with this child. 

   We were invited to a college graduation.  We thought we were just going to sit in the back and observe. Nope, wrong...we were escorted to the front of the assembly room and sat with the special invited dignitaries including the Chief of the District's tribe, the Board of Education executor, and others.  Next, we are read listening to the speaker which is too loud, and muffled, and in African English.  We are not understanding until we here the words "Elder Thacker."  Haha, Fred stands up and does a little wave and a small thank you for inviting us to your celebration and country." Then our college president and friend comes to him and says we have invited you to share our Christian prayer!!  Absolutely funny, until in the middle of the ceremony we hear, "Sister Thacker!"  He encourages me up and I'm asked to hand out all of the diplomas!  Crazy times for sure!  Then everyone in the assembly hall has to get their picture with the "Whiteman" or "Pumwee"! in the Mende language.

  Today we attended a real ward. It is crazy how quickly the church is growing.  The people are valiant and desire to share the gospel with their friends.  Today our building was full to over capacity and more just kept coming. It certainly is a testimony to me that the Lord is in this work and truly is gathering Israel.

 I hope you enjoy our pictures.

   1,  Beautiful Sierra Leone Sunset

   2. Fred with Graduate and investigator Augustine

   3. Tracy in all her fashion, purse and all handing out diplomas

   4.  Crazy car load of the day! Promise you can't dream up what they will stack on a 4 cylinder vehicle.

   We love you all so much and are grateful to be able to share our mission experiences.

Love, Elder and Sister Thacker