Things to remember

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 Mission notes

      Tonight I am only checking in.  I find that we are busy as ever as if we were back at home.  It feels good to be busy.  We are very involved in setting up the "Gathering Place" a YSA program for West Africa.  It has been functioning with just institute and an activity night, but with the first of the year we were able to start mini skill classes.  We have a computer class, tailoring class, and a cooking class.  Of course, all of the YSA wanted to be in the computer class, but they were also excited for the others as well.  It took a bit of organizing, but I believe we have them all convinced that we will continue to hold classes an that they will all get an opportunity.

   It is so fun to interact with each of them.  We are getting to know many of their names down so we are developing personal relations.  Elder Thacker and I are also strongly seeking and encouraging many to serve missions.  This would be such a blessing in their life as well as the church in Sierra Leone.  We hope to have 10 pre-missionaries before our time is up.  

   We had the YSA reps organize a New Year's Eve party!  This was a hit.  I'm not sure where they all come from, but we had planned on 50 and we had over 85 attend.  They watched a movie, did Karaoke, ate (chop) is the Krio word, then they danced, had a bomb fire, and fireworks which were really cherry bombs.  It was an enjoyable night for all of us.

    Just yesterday I took a turn to teach institute.  I think I was doing a bit more training then anything, but for me it was very rewarding.  I will not bore you with the lesson plan, but one activity I did was had them make paper airplanes.  First I asked them who had ever made one.  There was only 1 out of 30 that had.  I gave them printed instructions and a demonstration.  They had such a fun time making them.  Then I let them fly them.  Oh my goodness, that was so funny to watch.  They had no clue how to launch them.  I set up a target and suckers for a reward.  Only 2 made the target.  The memorable moment was after the activity, each YSA  member carefully straightened their paper and someone gathered them up.  Not one paper was wasted.  Man, what a lesson to me.  Paper is too valuable to use for a useless toy!  Definitely something to remember.

   Here are some pictures:
Institute


New Years Eve Party

Elder Thacker had to give his best pose.

Planning meeting turned to photo op. Zainab, Isata, Esther, and Ellen


Comments

  1. dqJanuary 15, 2025 at 1:31 AM

    I am certain the youth are loving you two sooooo muuuch! You two are a party!
    This is your sister in case you can't identify me. From my phone you may not be able to tell.

    ReplyDelete

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