Week 65

Over the River and Through the woods...

This Picture was found on Happy Latter-day saints Facebook page
Grandma Diana found it while she was browsing one day.  It was a happy surprise!

...To President's house we go! 

So. We are currently stuck in Kampala because of a huge traffic Jam... We had a mission Christmas party today, so right after Sacrament meeting yesterday we put the pedal to the metal to get down here. Turns out we will not be heading back tonight and will have to leave at like 5:00 AM to get back tomorrow.

It was a good week though. We had a big baptismal service. I will send pictures next week, but I'll attach a sneak peak sent to my mom by a member.

Have a Very Merry Christmas Everybody!

Some other Pics posted on Facebook by President and Sister Collings.

Week 64

On the road again...

A turkey that wandered into our district meeting on Wednesday

Oh what a week.

On Monday Evening we had an addition of two more Elders to the District. We have had so much to do that they came this week instead of waiting for the new transfer. With that happening I ended up becoming the proud inheritor of a Truck! 

It's been great to be on the road again, but it's been a crazy adjustment. I had very minimal practice with standard transmission before my mission, but it hasn't been too bad. I knew it wouldn't be the easiest thing when I went to get in the drivers side and the steering wheel wasn't there, in fact it wasn't the drivers side at all. Surprisingly enough it wasn't too strange driving on the wrong (left) side of the road. To be honest the hardest thing to get used to was signalling with my right hand, it took me a while to stop washing the windshield and hit the right lever to signal left! Along with all that, I did kind of get in my first accident. Now, don't jump to conclusions here... I did say kind of. I was stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn and a Boda Driver smacked right into my rear light. (I think he was drunk) As we tried to sort things out a crowd began to gather around us. The situation grew a bit tense. Before the police could come the 'Boda Army' took control and drug him and his bike away. Everything is alright, just kinda stressful for just getting behind the wheel after over a year on foot. Luckily the truck no longer feels like a completely foreign object! Pray for me though... I'll be driving to Kampala this weekend for Christmas, and Kampala Traffic is a whole new world of adventure!

Other than that nothing super exciting has happened this week. We have just been working super hard to get people ready for baptism this week. It truly will be a White Christmas! (People dressed in white for baptism. Pun intended.)

I won't be emailing on Monday of next week with some Christmas Celebrations we will be participating in in Kampala. I hope you all have a Very Merry and Safe Christmas Weekend! I Love you guys!

-Elder Winn

A blurry picture of the Ant Army strewn across our yard this morning. If you look closely there are different kinds doing different things. Some make a sort of tunnel. Other medium sized ones travel inside it. Big strong ones patrol the outsides. Pretty crazy! #NatGeoWild!

Week 63

Rocky Mountain Way -Joe Walsh

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly (Name that tune)

Today, to relieve the stress of preparing so many people to get baptized, we decided to get

On our way up.

up in the mountains on a nice hike. It was an easy decision where to go, as on the horizon looking through town there is a lone granite hill perfect for a morning adventure. 

We headed out there early in the morning, parked at the base, and began the climb. There is a quarry which you will see in the first picture, and we walked along the top of it. From there the ascent gets much steeper and more fun. as we made our way up the mountain we enjoyed watching the sun rise. Once we got to the top we took in the view for a while, and got some nice pics. It was so nice to go on a good hike for once. Sure every day here is like a hike, but nothing beats a true nature adventure.

Summit Selfie

We are still working hard to teach all these people we have in our teaching pool. I spent most of Saturday with Elder Gilbert doing baptismal interviews for their service on Sunday. Instead of making the Zone Leaders come over here to do them I was elected to do it. We have a good group of people progressing for baptism very soon. I'm excited to tell you about them, but I'll wait until things are set in stone. 

I have really enjoyed working in the Lira-Adyel area. People here are very well prepared for the gospel. I think it might have something to do with the contrast of the light of the gospel against the shallow life people tend to be fighting through. Something I've noticed here is that the general population is not as happy as other places I've served. Walking down the street I see people who just aren't happy, and when asked how they are doing they say they are not good. I have seen a lot more open opposition against us missionaries here as well. While tracting

An artistic pic of me pretending to know yoga.

the other day we sat to teach some young men and an old lady began yelling at us from across the street. She hobbled across the road and shooed us off. As we left she hit me with her cane. Small things like that are much more common here. One thing I've been doing to "light the world" this week has been simply to smile more often and spread the love and joy that Christ spread. In doing so people have noticed something different about us, they ask why we are so happy. We then are able to share that we are happy because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am grateful for this time I have to serve the lord and give my all to him. Especially as Christmas approaches, my purpose is clear: to bring the world the good news that we bear as the Lord's Missionaries!

I love you guys!

-Elder Winn

Left to right. Me, Gilbert, Tshimanga, Brother Opio, and Wilhelm.

Week 62

Arachnophobia

Massive Spider

What a week.

I exhausted my song title library with last week's double feature, so while we wait for more songs to queue a movie title is in order. Luckily I have a fitting movie title for this week's adventures. Keep in mind that as I write this I do have a couple pretty nasty spider bites on my neck that are all blistery and gross. I won't attach a picture... if you really want one ask me or my mom, haha

I could have used "A Bug's Life" as this week's title, but that wouldn't properly describe the terror we have gone

Ants pouring out of a crack in the wall.
This is after killing most of them
  and clearing them off our beds.

through this week in getting our house in order, haha. It all started Monday night as we were winding down for the night. There was a huge spider on the wall next to the bedroom doors... This thing was seriously the size of my hand! (or at least half... which with my hands is still big). The spider put up a pretty nasty fight, but Elder Wilhelm came out as victor! This is his second week on mission, but he is already proving to be a champion!

The battle may have been won, but the bug war was definitely not over. Later that night Elder Gilbert, Elder Wilhelm, and I were chatting when my companion, Elder Tshimanga came running across the hall yelling "Come See! Come See!". We were surprised to walk into our bedroom only to see ants pouring out of the wall, covering Elder Tshimanga's bed, and spreading over mine. As a district we made quick work of pulling the beds out of the room and ridding them of the bugs. My companion and I slept in the front room, but that wasn't much different from our usual room as we don't have bed frames yet. On Tuesday a man came over to help with the bug situation. It got a lot better, but we are still fighting it now.

Our front room before finally getting couches.

In my last email I mentioned that we would be getting furniture on Tuesday, Brother Godfrey finally came on Friday to bring us some more. We now have the necessities: a Stove, fridge, couches, one bed, a water filter, and one luxury... a Washing Machine! We are super grateful for what we have! Hopefully when we go to Kampala for Christmas we can bring back beds for my companion and I, as well as some other finishing touches. It is, however, starting to feel like home here!

What the area has lacked in accommodation, has been more than made up for with how great the work is. We have been teaching some very powerful people. Brother Michael and his family have been happy to receive us, as we have shared with him, his wife, and three boys. Even though his wife went to the Catholic church on Sunday, Him and his 8 year old son Jarom were seated in our chapel at 9:30... Half an hour before the service began. (Side Note: Jarom has some awesome questions... Things I would have never thought of at eight, and is always reading the pamphlets and Book of Mormon. I could honestly see him dragging his mom to our church next week, haha) We hope to see the rest of the family progress as well. 

We also had a brother come to us on Sunday and tell us that he has been faithfully coming to church since 2011 and would like to be baptized, I'm not sure why he hasn't been yet but we are headed over to see him after we finish emailing tonight. We had a sister come to us in a similar situation, and we joined with her in fasting this Sunday to receive the approval of her family so she can also be baptized. These are only a few of the miraculous things we are seeing in development. I can't even begin to express all of the similar miracles we are seeing here in Adyel. My testimony of this work is undeniable. I am so grateful for the experiences I have had sharing the gospel, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead in the coming weeks!

I love you guys!

Take Care!

-Elder Winn

Our Bedroom

Week 61

Closing Time - Semisonic / Snowblind - Styx

Saying goodbye to Tony, Bryan, and Leah

This week has been a wild rollercoaster, and thus deserves two songs!

Saying goodbye to Eric

Monday through wednesday we wrapped up the work in Lugazi. It was "closing time" the missionaries are being pulled out for a little bit. We said some goodbyes and cleaned the house good. A little bit emotional, but I am very excited for the opportunities ahead.

Saying goodbye to President Charles

This brings us to the snowblindness!

This has been more than your average whitewash. Lira has been without missionaries for

Homes on the road north.

around two years. We took the long way to Lira around the country as we were picked up directly from Lugazi, it saved time in the long run. We arrived in town Thursday night and received a very warm welcome from the leaders. The house was empty, but still a sight for sore eyes after a good six hour road trip. The Lira Branch President helped Elder Gilbert find a shop to buy Mattresses... a bit hard to come by at 9:00 at night. Luckily they found some. Those mattresses are about all we have besides the stuff we packed in our luggage. Our mattresses are just on the floor and we are living out of our bags until tomorrow when Brother Godfrey comes with some supplies, furniture, and appliances! I have also gotten destroyed by mosquito bites as we have no mosquito nets yet. (Thank Goodness for Anti-Malaria Medication) Good thing I always liked camping! (for you Missionaries/RM's, We don't have area books or planners yet)

Adyel Branch Building

The branch members have been a big help in teaching us how to get around Adyel, mine and Elder Tshimanga's new area. Once we recover from the snowblindness things will really be moving. We have already seen so many tender mercies here, more than I can even express in one email. I'll let it suffice by saying that people are more than prepared for the gospel here. I will share some powerful experiences and stories as the plot continues!

I am grateful for the experience I've already had serving in Adyel. It's been an amazing, faith building week. 

I'll share more next week, but I'm running out of time. It took us forever to find a working Internet Cafe. Between the lack of cafe's, and the fact that a big internet line into town was cut that proved to be difficult!

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Sunset on the way to Lira

Week 60

Don't go chasing waterfalls (TLC?)

The Falls

... Or you are going to find some strange witch doctor stuff in the bush! More on that later.

First Leg of the journey-
among the sugar canes
(Out of order... should be first)

It's been a bit of a tough week for me. We've known for quite a while that missionaries will be pulled out of the Lugazi area, but it didn't hit me too hard until this week. There was one morning where I was really struggling to find the drive to keep going through it all. As I read my scriptures I found counsel that seemed directed right tome (Alma counseling his son Shiblon): "And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end... See that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness", (Alma 38:2, 12). These words really hit home and gave me the desire to keep going. I once

Signpost to Adventure

again felt the spirit of this divine work, I felt God's love for me and those I serve, and I felt the motivation to 'bridle my passions' and get to work. I am grateful for the scriptures and how they help, guide, and uplift me.

I hope you managed to enjoy my last email... I wrote a few scattered thoughts but didn't really write anything about the week. I read through it today and was confused, not a lot of flow... I think my brain was turned off. I promise I am thinking about this one.

With all that out of the way: here's the story of today's district activity. Let me get this straight... We did not plan to go hunting for Witch Doctors, that was just a strange treat (if you can call it that) and a side-affect of our waterfall chasing. I got some gorgeous pictures of the trip. It was a very nice hike despite the hot weather. As the walls of sugarcane turned into tall trees with dangling vines, the faint sound of rushing water became audible and we knew we were close to our destination. An

Up Close and Personal

even better sign of our close proximity was a sign reading "Ssezibwa Falls" which pointed to the right fork of the road we were traveling. The trees grew thicker and thicker, but soon we saw a clearing and even further out a pool of water. The mist in the air and the increasing noise said, "You're here!". As we entered the clearing a bridge fell into view, and soon we could see the falls.

It was such a wonderful sight. We were even able to explore up and around the falls, to where you could look over the drop from above. Now in the middle of all that we found some strange pots, and other relics that Elder Ojakol (the local) said looked like some ritual setups. (Like possibly the witch doctor kind).

Well, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves from here... it was a fun day. Aside from

The 'Daredevil' pic 

all that I can update you on Eric, who I wrote about finding a few weeks ago. He is still faithfully coming to church, and progressing well. He was the first one waiting to catch the taxi to stake conference this week. Hopefully without us missionaries here he will still be baptized in a couple weeks! Hopefully I can keep you posted on that! With our going to Jinja for Stake Conference we were also able to visit Elder Ojakols mom who had to have her leg amputated recently. It was great to see her in such good spirits!

Have a great week!

Love, Elder Winn

District Photo

Selfie, of course!

The road to Ssezibwa

Week 59

I Wonder - Kid Rock

Namengo, near where we live.

Sometimes in life you can't help but wonder things. 

 In case you think I'm starving,
 I know how to cook a couple things.

For example, some mornings as I pick the worms out of my shower water I wonder what I am still doing here. After three close calls in one evening- narrowly escaping death by Ugandan Taxi- I wonder how I am still alive. Each week as I cross the Nile to get to Jinja Town I wonder what it looked like when it all got turned to blood (Exodus 7), or if the effect ran all the way to it's source in Uganda. 

There are many things we may wonder. We could ponder anything varying in importance from extraneous whims to crucial life choices. Some of those unimportant questions may just remain unanswered, but for anything important there is one unfailing source of wisdom: God.

Me with Elder Tshimanga (My son, left)
and Elder Mboya (My Grandson, Right)

Recently I have really been thinking about revelation and how to better receive it. Consequentially (or not?) a big topic of our Zone Conference happened to be Revelation, which has also been a big motif in the teachings from our other church leaders. A quote that was shared stuck out to me: "[our] first and foremost duty [is] to seek the Lord until we open the path of communication from God to our own soul" -Brigham Young. I have truly felt that revelation come as I seek it.

This principle is crucial to the people we teach. The first thing we do is invite them to find out if what we share is true, then comes their conversion. When someone who has felt the spirit testify to them of the truth is asked to give up alcohol they are more often than not determined and empowered to do so. Without this witness however, it is a different story; There is rarely much commitment, at least to the Lord. 

Revelation brings confidence, as long as we are committed to live the principles we know are true. God will do his part when we act on what he has taught us. I am grateful for the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, and I know that if we seek with full purpose of heart we will receive the Lord's guidance.

I hope you guys have a good week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Our District at Zone Conference

Week 58

Hello, It's me... (Adele)

Just a nice view

It just little ol' me again... writing another email. In case you forgot what this letter is popping up in your inbox each week, It's Elder Winn with yet another update on his mission.

Elder Tshimanga is still progressing well. I have really enjoyed getting to train again. It is so gratifying to be involved in such a way, getting to lead and guide a new missionary and help him be the best that he can be. 

This week we were walking on a road we travel often heading to see an investigator. Off to the side of the road

Cows are cute

there was a man sitting behind his sandal stand stitching some tire tread to a pair of shoes. When he saw us he haulered, and hailed us to come talk. He was a bit dirty, chewing some sort of herb, and all in all didn't look like much of a "golden" person to teach. This is a common occurrence, so often we tend to wave and continue on our way. This time however, we felt like we should go and talk to him. 

As we talked to him he turned out to show a lot of genuine interest. We taught him and invited him to church. To make a long story short he showed up at church on Sunday only to find a good friend of his is a member of our branch. He has been learning very well.

I know that as we are sensitive to the spirit we can be guided in whatever circumstances big or small. I love you guys! Have an amazing week!

Love,

Elder Winn

A street performer we caught a glimpse of near the church.

Week 57

Why are there so many songs about rainbows?

My first Ugandan Rainbow!

I finally saw a rainbow! It made me want to write another song, but I guess there are plenty... It was a super weird rain shower, it was really bright outside while it rained, and resulted in the rainbow you see below.

Elder Tshimanga and I

Elder Tshimanga is progressing really well, I don't think he'll even need me soon. He has caught on and learned very fast. 

On Tuesday we had Interviews with President Collings, and on top of that we were told that he wanted to spend the evening working with Elder Tshimanga and I. False alarm, he changed his plan to coming on Thursday to work with us. There ended up being a wreck that slowed him down so it got postponed. He said he still wanted to come though, so basically President Collings could show up any day ready to work with us! If that won't make you plan well, I don't know what will! Hopefully it will happen this week.

More interesting messages at a local school...

I don't really know what else to say. I probably have some exciting stuff coming up in the next few weeks but I'll save all of that for now. I am really enjoying working with this district, we are like a family. Hopefully we will all get to stay together a while.

I love you guys! Have a great week!

Love, 

Elder Winn

 ...In case you wondered why our power is always out

Week 56

ABC, as easy as 123!

Me and my son

Wow, it's been a great week of progress here! Elder Tshimanga (Pronounced Chimanga) has been learning very quickly. His English speaking has improved a lot. He has gone from being very quiet, and only speaking when needed to very actively speaking and testifying. I can't imagine having such a short time to learn and be able to teach in English. He makes it look easy!

I am definitely seeing how much the Lord has prepared me to serve as I am. I would not be

 Elder Tshimanga

able to help Elder Tshimanga learn near as well without having experience working with third graders at Thomas Edison Charter School. I am grateful that I have those experiences to help me in teaching and correcting my companions English. 

The work is going very well here, I don't really know what to say though. We are just pressing on. I look forward to the rest of my time helping Elder Tshimanga to blossom as a missionary. I am also grateful for the inspiration I've received in doing so!

I hope you guys have a great week. I love you!

-Elder Winn

A guy hanging on to the back of our taxi last week.
He was having a Jolly ol' time with his roller blades.

Week 55

Fortunate Son -Creedence Clearwater Revival

Me with Elder Tshimanga

Once again, it was transfer week! This means I finally got to meet my new Son (Trainee)! All I can say is that he is very fortunate to be coming into a good area like Lugazi. (I'd like to think that his trainer is pretty great too! )

Tuesday we mostly spent making the rounds so that Elder Dailey could say goodbye to everyone. That evening Elder Dailey got all of his things packed up, and he was ready and waiting to go the next morning: Only to find out that his transfer day wouldn't be until Thursday....

Thursday also brought a lot of confusion as the time of my son's arrival kept getting pushed forward hour by hour. This made for some quality time with Andrew, our beloved security guard and Elders Quorum President. Eventually the truck came with Elder Tshimanga, but we would have to wait for another one to come and pick Elder Dailey... Oh, and Elder Tshimanga's baggage was also on that truck. I'm not sure how all that got jumbled up, but luckily it all worked out fine. 

Elder Tshimanga comes from Kinshasa, Democtratic Republic of the Congo. He is a native French speaker. Look for the pic of us below! It is weird being back to training. Having to double as an English teacher provides an interesting twist, but it's all good fun. 

I really enjoyed watching General Conference. No, I'm not just slow to write about it... We are a week behind as we had to wait to receive DVD's of the event. There was a lot of great correction and instruction that we can learn from. These prove that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints truly is led through divine revelation. Most of all I know this to be true through the sweet whisper of the Holy Ghost which continually reminds me that this church is the true, Restored Church of Jesus Christ; There is not a doubt in my mind of this. I invite any who do not have this testimony burning in their heart to do whatever is necessary to gain or regain it. I know that the Lord will bless you to know undeniably what really is right, and to have the strength to do whatever is necessary to live accordingly... No matter the sacrifice required.

I love you all and I hope you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Week 54

Stillframes in your mind (Time of your Life - Green Day)

This was a while back and a picture I found from President Collings

This week has been a bit of a blur, but it's been a good blur.

We have been busy trying to progress some very powerful people who are just hard to meet with. We have some really great investigators who faithfully attend church and read the Book of Mormon, the issue with many of them is their work schedule which just keeps them busy and hard to meet with. 

We got our official Transfer News this week. Elder Dailey is transferring to Iganga, leaving me to train a new elder here in Lugazi. I will be training Elder Tshimanga, I am told his name is Congolese (from DRC). I'll let you know more about him next week, but I'm excited to train again!

I have definitely enjoyed my time here with Elder Dailey. It's been a great six weeks, and I can't believe it's already over. We are both on to the next chapter of great things in the Uganda Kampala Mission! 

Sadly, I've been bad at taking stillframes to send home, so I don't have any pictures this week. I guess you'll have to imagine some nice pictures of me in your mind. There's not a lot to take pictures of in Lugazi!

I hope you have a great week, I look forward to hearing from you next Monday!

With Love,Elder Preston Ray Winn
Uganda Kampala Mission
"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."  ~ D&C 112:10

Week 53

Inside Out - Eve 6

 An interesting sign we saw on the wall of a school in Wanyange . A very powerful message for us all, especially with the church speaking out so much lately on suicide prevention. No matter what challenges we may see in our life there is always hope, especially through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This week has been a bit of a Roller Coaster... Ups, Down's, All-arounds... and even an Inside Out. Buckle Up and enjoy hearing about my week.

Monday was pretty Normal. Tuesday we had an exchange with the Zone Leaders. Elder Dailey and I got to work with Elder Millecam. It was a fun day. It felt more like a party. 

Wednesday we had Interviews with President Collings. He Gave us some good news and advice for what to expect next transfer. I'm glad to know what's coming so I know what to prepare for. It should be an interesting ride! He bought us lunch after even though he couldn't stay long.

Thursday we had a zone finding activity in Wanyange where they just built a new chapel. It sucked up a lot of time, but it seemed like a success.

Friday was mostly normal. We were invited as a district to have dinner for someone's birthday. The food was very nice. We got home a little late and we were tired. We all began winding down for the night. That's when I turned Inside out. All night I was awakened just about every hour and slowly but surely emptied my body of any food that may have been present. This is what the missionaries call "The Double Dragon". I don't want to get any more graphic here, but I think most of you probably understand. By about 6:30 AM there wasn't really anything left to empty out of my body and I was able to finally sleep. By noon on Saturday I could hold in some water, and thereafter I Lived on Mango Juice (Thanks to Elder Ojakol who bought me Mango Juice) until I could slowly introduce solid food into my body on Sunday Afternoon. Luckily I got over it fast. This experience is pretty common to the missionaries here, but it usually lasts longer and I haven't experienced it until this far into my mission. Woo Hoo!

I'm sorry the most interesting thing I have to share is my sickness, but that's the way the week has gone! We are seeing good success with our investigators and they are slowly progressing. Soon I should be able to share some of their specific stories as they unfold. 

For now, I suppose I am through writing. I Love you guys, and I hope you have a good week!

Love,

Elder Winn