Week 51

There is a good deal of backroom data in blogspot.com I’ve never looked into.  I discovered yesterday that last week’s blog post was read in:

USA, United Kingdom, Ukraine, France, India, Philippines, Uganda, Italy, Malawi (Africa) and Romania.   Friends forwarding our posts to their friends.

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A side story to the court hearing Pam wrote about last week.  There is no jury.  The judge hears the case presented by the prosecutor as follows:  the prisoner’s name is called and he goes to one side of the court room, adjacent to the judge and stands in the criminal box.  The “complainer”, if he appears, goes to the opposite side of the court room and presents his complaint against the alleged guilty party while standing in his box.  If there is a witness, he/she can stand, approach the bar and also be heard.

So I’m sitting there waiting about an hour before Nixon’s name is called listening to the cases presented before him, all in the Acholi language of Luo, of which I understand nothing so I have no idea what these cases are about.  One prisoner’s name is called, he enters the criminal box.  The prosecutor asks if there is a “complainer”  A fellows goes to his box.  Is there a witness?  A witness stands up and waits his turn to testify, the court hearing first from the complainer.  I know all this is happening because I’m asking Gladys, who I’m sitting next to, who are these people?  She whispers the proceedings to me.  Make a peep and you are tossed out of the court room.

The complainer presents his case against the prisoner.  I have no idea what he is saying but later learn the two had a land dispute and the prisoner was accused of burning the complainer’s house down.  It’s an easy thing to do with every hut having a straw thatched roof.  I’m listening to the complainer and then the witness who I assumed was speaking in behalf of the complainer.

Next thing, I begin to hear muffled laughter from the audience in the court room watching the proceedings.  Then the laughter gets louder and I’m actually beginning to figure out what is going on here.  I’m thinking this complainer is in deep water because the witness is not pulling for him but for the prisoner.  The prosecutor asks both the complainer and witness a series of questions. 

All of a sudden the judge tells the complainer to go stand over in the criminal box.  The prisoner is set free, the complainer is arrested and taken to prison himself for filing a fraudulent complaint.  Whatever the testimony of the witness must have been very credible.  

Moral:  Always tell the truth!  Which reminds me of a song I first heard around 1976 at a Church family function….“My teacher told me I should never tell a lie, ie, ie.  Because a lie will bring you trouble sure as pie, ie ie”  It’s an awful thing to do and it’s true it’s  true it’s true.  You’ll get caught and then you’ll want to cry.  You’ll get an horrid, painful pounding in your head, ed, ed” …this story and song clip about telling the truth is dedicated to my good friend of 40 years and attorney, Robert McKim Norris of Birmingham and his son Robbie who sang this solo at about the age of 3 to our ward members.  Kim and his Pam, along with my family members, stood close by me during my darkest day, Sara's death. 

 A BAPTISM

(Pam)  We were eating at Chobe Lodge with the elder's on P day when one of the them "spilled the beans" about a happening with Big Mama, the cat a few weeks earlier.  One of the elders has made it very clear when he came to Gulu that he doesn't care for cats.  He was especially annoyed when Big Mama would call for her kittens - right under his bedroom window at 4 am.  So on his birthday, he and accomplices decided she needed to be baptized.  They filled a very large container with water, then grabbed her by the nap of the neck and  baptized her by immersion (the elders tried to get support from Elder Moore by saying they baptized her in the name of Alabama Crimson Tide).  Since she wasn't totally immersed they performed the baptism again, and had the gall to show me the video of this.  When I didn't say much - one way or the other, they were each kind of embarrassed, blaming one another for who really started the whole thing.  Later, the senior elder was sooooooooo apologetic, saying he felt bad for hurting me.  Actually, it had nothing to do with me, but with the spirit touching his heart that it wasn't the right thing to do.  Now, every time he comes over and sees Big Mama on the porch, he stops to pet her or pick her up and talk sweet to her.  It's amazing what happens, even in rather trivial things when we are humble and let the spirit work on our heart.

 We  mentioned to you earlier the less-active family (8 children) that were returning to Church.  We visited them one day and they were all on the ground, sitting on a mat, eating from this hefty tray of food. You just take the white posho and dip it into the beans and eat.  No utensils.  A few families may have a fork or spoon for a Muzungu joining them, but in most cases, we would eat the same way.

 A visit to a sister's home and we saw where she had taken the "rocket stove" she had made and properly mudded it so the rain wouldn't cause the bricks to crumble.  She had placed more wood than she needed in the bottom of the stove.  This is one of it's advantages...no charcoal necessary and very little wood, making for cheaper burning and no carbon monoxide.

Another sister's home and these trees were growing everywhere on her property.  They look like limes but they are lemons.

Following our most recent Zone Conference...the elders, President and Sister Chatfield (mission president) Pam and me.

 Just two little cutie-pies.

 Speaks for itself.

Typical bore hole.  (Watering hole).  This one was right on the premises as the sister who has the rocket stove above.  VERY convenient.  Locals often walk up to a mile or more to load up a jerry-can to carry back home to cook, bathe and wash clothes with.

Just some happy kids who should be in school but aren't because they can't afford it.  The public education still requires school and exam fees.

In the home of a member.

Gasoline lines due to shortage.  Kinda took me back to my Jimmy Carter days.

I counted about 50 bodas plus a few cars lined up waiting for gasoline and thankful I didn't need to buy any this day.

A couple of new inductees into the Ugandan Alabama Alumni Association.

The Bambooster Bike.  Made from bamboo.  A friend of ours telling me he wants to open a plant up here and begin making them.  I ask, "how much do they cost?".  $400 +.  I think to myself, nearly 1,000,000 shillings.  Not going to happen in Gulu.  There is simply not that much money here.  Actually, I think he was trying to get me to bite and tell him I would back him in his dream.

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Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The Moral Force of Women continued:

Most sacred is a woman’s role in the creation of life. We know that our physical bodies have a divine origin⁴ and that we must experience both a physical birth and a spiritual rebirth to reach the highest realms in God’s celestial kingdom.⁵ Thus, women play an integral part (sometimes at the risk of their own lives) in God’s work and glory “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”⁶ As grandmothers, mothers, and role models, women have been the guardians of the wellspring of life, teaching each generation the importance of sexual purity—of chastity before marriage and fidelity within marriage. In this way, they have been a civilizing influence in society; they have brought out the best in men; they have perpetuated wholesome environments in which to raise secure and healthy children.

Sisters, I don’t want to overpraise you as we sometimes do in Mother’s Day talks that make you cringe. You don’t have to be perfect;⁷ I don’t claim that you are (with one possible exception who is sitting nearby at the moment). What I mean to say is that whether you are single or married, whether you have borne children or not, whether you are old, young, or in between, your moral authority is vital, and perhaps we have begun to take it and you for granted. Certainly there are trends and forces at work that would weaken and even eliminate your influence, to the great detriment of individuals, families, and society at large. Let me mention three as a caution and a warning.
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  Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that adversity can help stimulate necessary growth in our lives:
  “May I share some suggestions with you who face … the testing that a wise Heavenly Father determines is needed even when you are living a worthy, righteous life and are obedient to His commandments.
  “Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Proverbs 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 18; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 16–17).

Week 50

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• CELEBRATING A MILESTONE!   
  Although there have been other attempts, Michelle is the very first Young Woman in Gulu area to earn her Young Womenhood Recognition Award.  This challenging award includes extensive work in eight categories or values  (Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue), as well as living in such a way that the young woman stands as a witness of God “at all times and in all things and in all places”.   In most instances, it takes six years of constant effort to complete and is in all respects equal to a boy earning the Eagle Scout award.  She was presented with her certificate and beautiful necklace last Sunday in Church.  Like the additional palms that can be earned in scouting, Michelle is now fulfilling requirements for the Honor Bee charm.  She is a beacon to all our young women AND to me.  Michelle’s parents have not yet joined the church, but seven of her siblings are active members.   She is one of those special young women who, President Ezra Taft Benson testified “will perform miracles for the Lord now and throughout eternity.” 
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  • Couldn't download her celebration picture, but here's Michelle with the bag she made last week.
   Tragedy in Paradise.
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• Nixon”and “Gladys” (names changed) are a delightful, very special couple in one of our branches.   Their lives have been filled with great adversity including the loss of both their children, but they have also exercised extraordinary faith and perseverance.  They are very bright and have worked harder than anyone we know to build their large piece of property into a self-sufficient enterprise, with scores of fruit/food bearing trees and plants, rice paddies, a fish pond (Nixon can tell you the exact temperature and water flow needed for optimal production), doves, chickens, vegetable garden, brick-yard, a building for Gladys to sell food, and future plans for a car wash and other industries.  Nixon labored intensely 12-15 hours a day to bring all this to fruition. Gladys also marketed her vegetables, sold chapatti and treats and had started doing tailoring with her new sewing machine.  They have a sign post going into their property: “Paraside Farm”.  Here in Gulu, it truly is. They were also making plans to go to the temple in 2014, anxious to have their deceased daughters sealed to them for time and all eternity and become a “Forever Family.”
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  About 14 months ago Nixon contracted cerebral malaria, a very serious type of malaria that attacks the brain, impairing cognitive thinking, causing paranoia and nightmares, as well as a host of other problems including, seizures, comas and if not properly treated, even death.  With continual medication, the malaria and its symptoms can be controlled.  When we arrived last March, Nixon was taking his medication and was doing well.
  
  
  A few months later, however, he decided he no longer needed his cerebral malaria medicine.  At times he was perfectly fine, but at other  times, especially at night, he would have horrific delusional experiences and became paranoid about those around him wanting to hurt him.  Through the church’s fast offering assistance, he was offered the best medical help available – even assistance in Kampala – but he refused treatment.  His irrational thinking and behavior escalated to the point that by June, it was not safe for Gladys and their niece to stay with him.  He refused all medical help, blaming everyone else for his problems and quit coming to church.  People tried reaching out to him, but to no avail.
  
  
  Last month a relative took him to the mental ward at Gulu Regional Hospital because he was running around his neighborhood naked and screeching.  The doctor’s prognosis was Nixon should make a full recovery – if he would take his medicine.  Gladys assisted in his care while the Church provided some food and medical assistance, but Nixon’s uncle absconded with his food, as well as some of Nixon’s and Gladys’ property.  This Uncle “Barton”  (name change) also  employed “traditional” medicine to have Nixon killed, which would facilitate Barton obtaining Nixon’s property.  (The Acholi culture generally recognizes the rights of the deceased husband’s relatives over that of the wife.)
  
  
  Nixon seemed to be doing better.  On one visit to the hospital, he calmly  asked, “Sister Moore, you are smiling, why are you so happy?  I said, “Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.”  He started to cry and said he knew that was true also.  A few days later he showed up at our home. Brooks was at institute, so I fed him a good meal on our porch.  Shortly thereafter Gladys, another friend of Nixon’s and his brother who had just arrived from Kampala also came (all unannounced).  They were also fed as I knew they likely had not had a meal that day.  Everything was peaceful and positive.  Nixon agreed to go with his brother to Kampala in a few days were he would be safe and get better treatment.  When Brooks returned, Nixon wanted a priesthood blessing .  There was a wonderful spirit with all of them that night.   
  
  
  Unfortunately, two days later Nixon was again not rational and burned down nine huts in his neighborhood, including one he owned that Uncle Barton had moved into (without permission).  Nixon also shot a man with his bow and arrow.  The man has since recovered but Nixon is now in prison charged with attempted murder and nine counts of arson.  Gladys has continued to care for him as much as she is able by bringing food and medicines to him at the prison.  Nixon takes his medications for pain, TB, and other problems, but he still refuses to take the medication for his cerebral malaria symptoms. 
  
  
  At times Nixon is lucid, as when he was first arraigned, but at other times, especially at night, he is completely irrational or violent.  We visited him at the prison a couple of times and he seemed in good spirits other than the pain caused by the severe beating his uncle gave him. 
  
  
  When Gladys went out to their property Uncle Barton had broken into their home and stolen everything they had.  She later saw their belongings on Barton’s premises.  We asked if anything could be done to retrieve them.  She said the police would go out and investigate/ confiscate the property,  but they would first need money for the gasoline to travel out there.  Not having any income, we provided her with the money but things move so slowly here.  It’s likely she will never get back any of their possessions.    
  
  
  Nixon’s court hearing was on Friday.  At Gladys’ request, Brooks presented to the judge papers regarding Nixon’s recent hospitalization in the mental health unit.  The court decided that Nixon should be taken to a state-run mental health institution in Kampala. Gladys will also go down there at least temporarily so she can help, as well as apprise Nixon’s mother who is living in that area.  Since the land Paradise Farm lies on property that belongs to his Grandmother and Barton’s mother and Nixon cannot continue making payments, this beautiful property will likely fall into Uncle Barton’s hands.   
  
  
  We don’t understand all he circumstances or know what will happen to Nixon and Gladys in the future.  What we do know is that these are GOOD people who, along with others, are experiencing a lot of affliction. 
  
  
  For over four decades, Brooks has often said to me, “It’s the seemingly little things” that make a difference for good or bad:  A tiny pill, an O ring, a small breach of faith, a kind word, a demeaning email, a glance of contempt, a sincere thank you, critical words, et al.  It’s been a humbling experience this week to reflect on all the little things I could have/should have done differently throughout my life and what afflictions I have caused others.
  
  
  Elder L Whitney Clayton explains in a general sense that our afflictions come from three sources:
  
  
  1.      Some burdens [or trials] are the natural product of the conditions of the world in which we live.  Illness, physical disability, hurricanes, and earthquakes come from time to time through no fault of our own.
  
  
  2.      Other burdens are imposed on us by the misconduct of others.  Abuse and addictions can make home anything but a heaven on earth for innocent family members.  Sin, incorrect traditions, repression, and crime scatter burdened victims along the pathways of life….
  
  
  3.      Our own mistakes and shortcomings produce many of our problems and can place heavy burdens on our own shoulders.  The most onerous burden we impose upon ourselves is the burden of sin. 
  Notwithstanding, Elder Clayton reminds us of an important Gospel truths: 
  No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or our own mistakes and shortcomings, we are the children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress.  Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him….We must do everything we can to bear our burdens ‘well’.
  
  
  …[As we keep the commandments of God and our covenants, He helps us with our burdens.  He strengthens us.  When we repent, He forgives us and blesses us with peace of conscience and joy.  “That Your Burdens May Be Light,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 12-13) 
  
  
  May we always strive for the blessings of Christ’s Atonement daily and be mindful of the little things we do that can impact our lives.
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   Just thought I'd throw this picture in...me and my brothers at our old family cottage in Destin.  Guess which one is me.  Hint...I'm not the one standing there looking like Forrest Gump.
  

  
  

  

   We may not have snow here in Gulu ever but that doesn't mean you can't go sledding.
  

  

   Even the big boys get to try it.
  

  
  

  
  

  

   The home a wonderful family lives in.  Less active but returning to Church.
  

  

   And right next door this newly built, very nice looking home.
  

  

  This is the reaction of a missionary when he gets a commitment from a less active member to come back to Church.  Sure enough, she was there the following Sunday
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• A fellow here makes flour sifters.  Pam bought one for 2000 shillings...80 cents..  Says he can make 100 per day but the market is slow and he only sells about 10.
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   More wooden blocks sawed up and painted by the Young Men of Gulu Branch...service project for the kids primary and a local organization. We already gave a bunch to cancer and burn children at hospital.
  

  
  

  
  

  

  The bus park from hell.  You'll remember our story of getting stuck in this park for literally 2 hours a few months back...following our GPS in Kampala trying to get back to our apt.  People yelling at us, banging on our car to get out of the way...we just smiled back at them like we were responding to how friendly and happy they were to have us there.  Well, I was walking around Kampala the other day and behold, the bus park down below me at a safe distance.  Like the last time, they are all just sitting there waiting on the closest "bus", mini-van, to the front to move on out so the next guy can and then the next.  I think most of these drivers sit in there for hours waiting on their turn to get out and earn some fares.
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 Our special friends, the Himlis and their newly "adopted" son  Gatwitch.  They were all recently displaced from So Sudan while the war raged close by and all around them.  The couple were escorted out on a cargo plane having been arranged and driven there by ISOS....  International SOS as in "HELP" contracted by the Church.  The couple were the only missionaries in Juba.  I wish you could all hear the tale of the young man.  It will give you chills and tears at the same time.  Turns out they all stopped in to see us in Gulu 15 Jan.  On their way to a refugee camp just south of the So Sudan border a couple of hours north of Gulu.  Delivering blankets.  They brought a driver who works with Church Humanitarian Services.  We were so excited to see them again on a quick visit to Chobe before their return to the states.  This was the Himlis second mission in this particular mission, the first in Ethiopia.  They are the cream of the crop.

• Told us a story of US missionary over here.  The local gave the young missionary a straw to sip out of.  The Mormon missionary, still new and a little reluctant to try anything new or not sure of it's origin asked if the straw was clean.  Our local church member said yes, it was cleaned after it has been used to clean the sewage...joking of course.  The missionary jumped up in shock and our local told the elder, "remember who you are"...basically act the part,  Have faith.  Quit being so fearful."
• Turns out the local humanitarian aid also works the wheelchair program with the government here.
• This may assist us in getting a chair to a double amputee policeman who has been at Lacor Hospital for as long as I can remember.  
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• Our Church Humanitarian arm is working on delivering literally tons of blankets, clothing, etc to these refugee camps of displaced South Sudanese citizens caught in the crossfire of the war.  There is still argument among the warring parties as to whether or not there was a coup attempt or whether the war is of a tribal nature.  Peace talks underway but going nowhere.
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• Elder D Todd Christofferson  The Moral Force of Women...continued from week 49
• "A woman’s moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt or more beneficially employed than in the home. There is no better setting for rearing the rising generation than the traditional family, where a father and a mother work in harmony to provide for, teach, and nurture their children. Where this ideal does not exist, people strive to duplicate its benefits as best they can in their particular circumstances.
• "In all events, a mother can exert an influence unequaled by any other person in any other relationship. By the power of her example and teaching, her sons learn to respect womanhood and to incorporate discipline and high moral standards in their own lives. Her daughters learn to cultivate their own virtue and to stand up for what is right, again and again, however unpopular. A mother’s love and high expectations lead her children to act responsibly without excuses, to be serious about education and personal development, and to make ongoing contributions to the well-being of all around them. Elder Neal A. Maxwell once asked: “When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?”³
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Week 49

So very humbled to report we have over 20,000 pageviews, "Hits", on our blog.  Never in my life did I think there would be such interest.  For sure I thought interest would wain by now.  Not so.  Thank you for your interest and prayers.
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(Pam): Our African missionaries affectionately call me Mom, but at times they are probably as irritated with me as they were on occasion at home with their own moms.  Among other things (some more positive), I inspect their living quarters every week, and try to assure they are following cleanliness and health guidelines. The recent zone conference dinner was one of those irritating times for a couple of the elders.  

While missionaries have an ample financial allotment for good healthy food, many fill up on soda, ramen noodles, or a “meal” of 8-10 pieces of bread slathered with half a tub of margarine.  Some of them seldeom  eat vegetables.  So I announced to all the missionaries that they would only get dessert after they had eaten at least one of the vegetable dishes.    Two missionaries thought they could trick me by taking servings of vegetables, sitting at the far end of our room, with their backs to the front, thinking I wouldn’t notice that they hadn't eaten them.  They were right – I didn’t notice, but a "food police" did and reported to me.  I took their dessert away reminding them of “Mom's” rule.  One of them said, "but Mom, I told you I can't eat the cabbage (which he had dished up for himself) because it has onions in it and I do not eat onions"  My reply: “ Did you eat all the Muchomo (pulled pork cooked with sautéed onions, peppers and tomatoes and seasonings)?” “Oh, yes!” he replied.  I said, “Well, It had onions in it.  So you CAN eat them.  You will get dessert after you eat the vegetables you took.  For one missionary it took a very long time to finish his vegetables.  I guess he was never taught about the Snort Snoot regarding the eating of vegetables when he was a child.     

Did I deny them their agency?  Absolutely not!  They chose to eat of the bitter so they might taste of the sweet.  Incidentally, brother-in-law Adam, I’ve learned how to cook really good cabbage – not like the dish I served you a number of years ago.  I’ll prepare just for you when we return stateside.  You may even prefer it over dessert!   

(Brooks) Has been a busy two weeks.  Last week we sent a couple of elders down to Kampala for dental work.  One was complaining of tooth pain.  He had 3 cavities filled.  The other got a new set of glasses to assist his sun-sensitive eyes.  These are African missionaries.  The Americans can get their teeth taken care before they come on their missions as well as when they get home, baring any immediate emergency.  The local African missionaries just don’t have those resources.  

After their return from Kampala our Mission President arrived on Saturday.  We had dinner together along with the Bardege Branch President and his little family on Saturday night.

 On Sunday our Mission President installed a new branch president in Gulu on Sunday after interviewing candidates Saturday afternoon because the current president moved to Kampala for work.  Following Sacrament Meeting in Gulu and interviewing more brethren for various responsibilities, we headed to Bardege Branch for the last half of the 3 hour block of meetings where the President and Sister Chatfield addressed the adults. Following those meetings, he interviewed prospective missionaries who are completing their mission paperwork, William Okeny and Odung Collins.

President Chatfield (Mission President) then went with the missionaries to visit some less active members of the two branches.  He and Sister Chatfield joined us for dinner Sunday night at our place.  Pam put on another feast.

Monday was our missionary zone conference, which is held every six weeks.  Pam did it again preparing for all the missionaries, assistants to President and the Chatfields.  We bought part of a freshly killed pig on Saturday.  Turned out nearly half of the purchase was bone and fat, so she  supplemented the muchomo with beef stroganoff and  a roasted chicken, rice, carrot salad with diced pineapple, cooked cabbage, Pam’s famous homemade rolls, carrot cake and  Serious Chocolate Cake.  Should have fed an army, but with missionaries it was all eaten up.

It's the dry season.  High's this week just below 100 F.  Dry season means brick making season.  Seems like every home is making brick before the rainy season begins anew in March/April.  Dig a pit, pour in water and start stomping to make the mud.  Then pour into brick mold.

 The strait and narrow path not to eternal life but to one of our Gulu Branch members.  We have to fold in the two side mirrors in order to make it through.  Even then, it is slow go on a wing and a prayer. Usually there is a vendor set up on the right who often has a baby playing right there.  We always have to be vigilant in observing dangers.

 The most popular game I see here...rolling a tire with or without a stick.

 Children's Primary Church class in Lira Branch about 2 hrs south of us.  The senior couple has left there and there are no replacements.  Mission President asked us to watch over the two branches in Lira.  We went there a few weeks ago so I could do financial audits of the two branches.   Just got word a new senior couple has been assigned in this vicinity!  Great news for the Saints there.

Family Home Evening with our young singles.  Each contestant has two plates, one with a glob of vaseline and a number of cotton balls, plus an empty plate.  The idea is move the cotton balls from one plate to the other with their nose.

Then, and this is the fun part, with hands behind the back, shake your face/nose till the cotton ball falls off.

First one to move, say, 6 cotton balls wins the game.  This guy is trying hard but it just ain't coming off.

 Just some basic hygene rules.  Can't remember where I saw this.  Probably at hospital.

 Young women class of the Bardege Branch

 You've seen this before of wonderful Clifton Lamtoo, a brilliant young man and recent convert.  After keyboard lessons a few months ago, he told Pam of his overwhelming discouragement that due to a lack of funds, he was not able to attend Gulu University to pursue a career in medicine.  However, he remained faithful and was strengthened through Gospel teachings and a priesthood blessing.  A few weeks ago he told us he was accepted to the most  prestigious medical university in Uganda, started by the famous Irish -turned Uganda physician, Ian Clarke. So he has now moved to Kampala and begun his schooling.  We miss him, but we are soooo excited that the windows of heaven were opened at this time for him.  .

They learn to work hard in Uganda as little children.  This little girl fetching water in a jerry-can.
I'm guessing at least 4 gallons as over 8 lbs a gallon....32 plus pounds on her head.

As I recall, a newly called apostle, Boyd K. Packer brought a problem he had taken to the attention of President Harold B. Lee, president of the Church many years ago.  President's Lee's response to Elder Packer's question/inquiry was as follows as told by Elder Packer:

 "President  Lee observed that we often want to see “the end from the beginning,” or the outcome, 
before we will follow the Lord’s direction. He counseled (me):

“You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness [the 
unknown], and you will find that the light will appear and move ahead of you” (in Lucile C. Tate, Boyd K. Packer:A Watchman on the Tower [1995], 137–38).

(When we exercise faith in God and seek to do what He asks,even when we cannot see theoutcome, He will lead us by the influence of the Holy Ghost...2014 Seminary Manual for youth ages 14-18)

The Moral Force of Women (excerpt from address given by D Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles...to be continued over the next few blog posts.)

"From age immemorial, societies have relied on the moral force of women. While certainly not the only positive influence at work in society, the moral foundation provided by women has proved uniquely beneficial to the common good. Perhaps, because it is pervasive, this contribution of women is often underappreciated. I wish to express gratitude for the influence of good women, identify some of the philosophies and trends that threaten women’s strength and standing, and voice a plea to women to cultivate the innate moral power within them.

"Women bring with them into the world a certain virtue, a divine gift that makes them adept at instilling such qualities as faith, courage, empathy, and refinement in relationships and in cultures. When praising the “unfeigned faith” he found in Timothy, Paul noted that this faith “dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice.”¹
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To all my anti-Bama friends who saw our last two losses of the season and figured it was the end of a great run, below is the 2014 recruiting results....read it and weep.  (Makes me want to weep for joy.) Bama, back on top again sooner than later.  Consensus number 1 recruiting class by all four major recruiting firms.

Player	Position	Rating
Cameron Robinson	OT	5-star
Tony Brown	CB	5-star
Da'Shawn Hand	DE	5-star
Marlon Humphrey	CB	5-star
Rashaan Evans	OLB	5-star
Christian Miller	OLB	5-star
Bo Scarbrough	RB	4-star
Ronnie Clark	OLB	4-star
Ross Pierschbacher	OT	4-star
Josh Frazier	DT	4-star
Dominick Jackson	OT	4-star
Joshua Casher	C	4-star
Keith Holcombe	OLB	4-star
Johnny Dwight	DT	4-star
Laurence Jones	S	4-star
David Cornwell	QB	4-star
Cameron Sims	WR	4-star
Shaun Hamilton	ILB	4-star
Jarran Reed	DT	4-star
JC Hassenauer	C	4-star
Derek Kief	WR	4-star
D.J. Pettway	DE	4-star
O.J. Smith	DT	3-star
Montel McBride	OG	3-star
Ty Flournoy-Smith	TE	3-star
JK Scott	K	2-star