Service, Naming Ceremonies and Flat Tires

Hello Everyone!

I had another great and busy week in Salone. I hope everyone else had a great week as well. We had some fun experiences, I will share just a few. 

This week, it seemed like we just did tons of service. It seemed like everyday we either chopped wood for the Elderly, carried buckets of rocks long distances or pulled water from the well for a few hours. It was all super fun and sweaty as usual. Service has a funny way of making us want to do more and more. I really enjoyed serving the people of this community and creating good bonds with them! We also played a soccer game with like 30 little kids. Every time we walk by this field, they always yell at us to come and play, so when we finally decided to, they were so excited!! It was Elder Pasikala and I against all of them, to say the least it was really crazy! As we were playing a big group gathered together and cheered and laughed the whole game. I am not sure if it was with us or at us, I choose think with us! It is just so fun to play with the kids in this community, and all the parents love it as well!

When a child is born they have what is called a "Naming Ceremony". This is where they celebrate a child being born. They have tons of food and loud music, it is really fun. On Sunday, our neighbor had a big naming ceremony. She is a member but Her Husband is not. So we get there and begin to chop, we are having a good time. All of the sudden four Pastors from The Holy Ghost Fire Church arrive and begin to yell and sing songs. Then everyone joined in and began to sing songs and dance. Once that was over, they then gave The Baby a blessing. While this was happening Elder Pasikala are just so confused and not really sure what to do. After this was done, everyone started screaming "Hallelujah" and"Amen". It was pretty funny and really kind of cool to see. Now I can say I know what goes on in The Holy Ghost Fire Church!

Saturday was a pretty tough day. It was so so hot, we had not eaten anything all day, all of our appointments fell through and to top it all off both of my tires on my bicycle popped which led me to carry my bicycle on my shoulder throughout my area. To say the least I was pretty frustrated. After complaining in my mind for most of the day, I realized that I represented Jesus Christ. I could either let my day go negative or positive. I just began to tell myself "Man Eli, you are just getting a really good workout! You are gonna be so buff!" Although it may sound funny, having a positive attitude about any bad situation can really make the difference in your day! I know that I could not have learned all the things I have so far if I did not come on a mission, although some things are hard, it is all worth it! Hope everyone has a good week, just like I am! 

-Elder Morgan