Week 17

Elder Winn Vs. the Big Bad Bag-snatching Boda Man

 Today, before even going to the zoo,
there was basically a whole flock/herd of monkeys teasing us at the Entebbe Church

Zone Conference

This week was crazy, and therefore merits an epic comic book style title!

It all began with Zone Conference on Tuesday. It was a wonderful, spiritual meeting that was super uplifting and amazing. We were invited to stay at the mission home for the evening so we could watch the broadcast from President Nelson and the new First Presidency! We went proselyting in Kololo for a couple of hours prior to the broadcast, which was great. The broadcast was also really great. I really loved the spirit felt as we sustained our new prophet!

Preident Collings gave us each a promise that we would never forget that evening where we got to watch President Nelson publicly address us for the first time. This would prove especially true for me with the occurrence of the events succeeding the broadcast.

President Russell M Nelson's address

It was close to nine o' clock. We were walking on our usual route towards home from headquarters in Kampala. We were originally supposed to have a ride from the zone leaders, however with it being so late we opted to let the sister missionaries take it for safety reasons. We crossed the road right by the church in Kololo, and this is where I made my fatal mistake. 

I failed to immediately switch the side I was carrying my bag on, putting it away from the road. Moments later as I turned my head to check behind me, I saw the Big Bad Bag-snatching Boda Man right next to me. I felt a bit of a Jerk as my bag got yanked from my hands. I stood and watched as my bag flew off into the night along with my Camera, Scriptures, Area Book, Hopes, Dreams, and the letters I had written for my family. (sorry Fam!) Oh, and I managed to get my hopes and dreams back.

 Just me with a rhino. No Biggie. 

The Entebbe Zoo was fun. 

I really have no idea how he managed to get it off me without injuring me. I think he must have cut the strap somehow. I feel super blessed; Many missionaries have gotten hurt pretty bad from Big Bad Bag-Snatching Boda Men. He really didn't get anything of worth to him. (Most people see us white guys and assume we have bags full of money) I am super glad I had my pictures backed up! At this point the thing I miss the most is my Scriptures... Here's hoping he reads them, and repents! This could be how he receives his salvation!

We stood there in front of the church house gate in a state of shock. A man in a car pulled over by us and began profusely saying "Sorry, Sorry, I'm so Sorry!". After calling the zone leaders and President to inform them we made our way home. We finally made it back around 11:00, exhausted: feeling like we'd been put through the wringer. 

The lesson for us all is that we need to watch ourselves constantly. Even the smallest mistakes can quickly turn into something big. It's like the analogy of the compass point being off one degree, and putting you hundreds of miles away from your destination. These days we need to be extra cautious whether physically or spiritually. Be safe out there! It's a crazy world!

I have so much more to talk about, but my time is swiftly running out. I am definitely grateful to be here, I am having a great experience, and I'm loving every minute of it (Big Bad Bag-snatching Boda Men aside). I hope you enjoy my pictures from our zoo trip today (Courtesy of Elder Bratsman), however out of context. Have a wonderful week my friends! I Love you all! Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Winn

Us feeling disgusted with ourselves being left with half a tub
of margarine after I made a super nice batch of Biscuits.