Week 28

Long Nights, Impossible Odds

A view of Masaka Town from Ssenyange

Multi-Zone Conference
(Elder Winn is 4 rows back on the right)

We had zone conference at the beginning of this week. As you know, this means that we were in Kampala for two days a night. The zone conference was great, but at the end we found out that Elder Bimpeh and I would be taxi-ing home even though we already took the punch of taxi-ing there. I guess it was because they knew we were strong and could handle it! ;-) It was pouring rain, so the Assistants were kind enough to offer us a ride down to the stage. (they ended up having to drop us on the road at a bus stop where we could taxi to the stage. We needed to get to the "new stage", one I'd only been to once before. 

While trying to get over to the stage we were having a rough time getting a taxi. full taxi after full taxi rushed by. We were beginning to get a bit discouraged. We each said a little prayer. Soon a member recognized us and suggested we stay the night in Kampala because by the time we got there the rides to Masaka would be finished. We felt like we should try anyway, and he offered to help us, as we didn't know the exact way there in the first place. 

Post-Conference Photo Shoots!

After about 25 minutes, he was running out of time and was going to part from us. Just then a completely empty taxi pulled up... at rush hour. We hopped in, and he got out at his destination giving us directions to keep riding until the old stage and ask directions from there. 

 Elder Obeng isn't really that short, he's just squatting!

We got out at the old stage, and another man (a Kampala tour guide) heard us asking directions to the new stage and offered to walk with us there. He was a Muslim, but had often been past the Kololo Chapel and wondered what it was all about. Along the way he told us facts and jokes about the area and how to get there in the future. I really liked the guy. He was funny, and amid the tense situation he had a warm and calming persona. He accompanied us all the way up to the half-filled Bus that would be leaving for Masaka in about 15 or 20 minutes. We arrived home safe at around 11:30 at night. The Lord turned this intimidating journey home into something comfortable, enjoyable, and even fun. 

On Saturday and Sunday we watched General Conference. It sucked up a lot of proselyting time, but was so good. The Zone leaders were giving us a ride there on Saturday and were running a bit late, but we walked in right at the Solemn Assembly: the sustaining of the Prophet Russel M. Nelson. The spirit hit strong right at that very moment. A great way to start the session. President Nelson was dropping announcements like parade candy. Bombs right and left. I couldn't wait to see what he would do next! It was so great!

Anyway, I hope you all have a great week. I only have 1 minute and 20 seconds left, but I love you all! See ya next monday!

 Zone sports today. Craziness as always!