May 26

Alright, lots happening -

First things first - I went out and found 6 strings to put on that
guitar, so nothing but pure happiness for the last week.  We could be
disappointed by investigators, but at the end of the day I go home and
I sooth my brain with some sweet instrumental licks that I
surprisingly remember.

On Tuesday we had a French day and only spoke French for the entire
day, so that was really great for Elder Etherington.  We started
teaching the niece of Parfait, and she's progressing super well, as
well as another nephew of his named Glad.  So.  Africans.  Bellna, our
recent convert Elvis' niece who only speaks Kikongo, is also
progressing really well.  It's awesome to listen to the Gospel being
preached in their native language, especially since I understand like
80% of what they're saying.  And I keep learning every day, sooo
that's awesome.  We also met a kid named "NumberOne," so.  While our
investigator was standing us up at the church we took all the 50 or so
brochures we had and stood in the road and handed them out to people
and cars coming by.  They were all gone in less than 5 minutes.
Incredible.

On Wednesday, we were walking back from Darcyne's when we got stopped
by these French guys who told us they were possessed (they were
drinking, the driver had a bottle between his legs) so I told them to
give me their beer and I'd chase away the demons.  We all laughed and
chatted a little bit about where we were all from and then they asked
if they could give us their number, so of course we said yes.  It's my
goal to teach a French person the Gospel.  We'll see how that goes
haha with these guys, but I'm pretty sure they were just making fun of
us haha.  That's a first - not!  A member that we were teaching with,
Raoul, told us this awesome story about praying about the Church and
going to sleep, and as he was laying down that whole night he felt
like angels were surrounding him, but he couldn't open his eyes to
look until he woke up the next morning and they were gone.  It was a
really cool story.  Then I saw someone wearing a Johnny Bravo shirt
and my day was made.

On Thursday we had weekly planning, and went straight to Parfait's
where we learned that his niece had prayed about the Church, and that
night heard a voice tell her that the Book of Mormon was true and that
she was on the right path - INCREDIBLE! WHY CAN'T I HAVE A DREAM LIKE
THAT?! Elder Etherington was kindof passive about her answer because
he said he'd heard that already.  I've heard a MILLION stories like
that, and every time it blows my mind.  I love it.  I love Africa.
Incredible.

We've made it a habit of teaching the taximen on the way home and
giving them a Book of Mormon.  It's perfect.  They can only listen
until they drop you off, so you either get home really fast or they're
actually interested haha.

We had an awesome Zone Conference on Friday when President Cook came
through with Sister Cook to talk to us about revelation and being
guided by the Spirit.  It was really cool.  We talked about
simplifying lessons and truths that can be learned, but can't be
taught - taken from a talk that President Packer gave during the
Sunday afternoon session of last conference.  Sister Bailey had
prepared us sloppy joes for lunch, and then we went with President to
do Darcyne's interview while Elder Johnston did Giorgio, Laura, and
Wami's and I taught their neighbor Audrey with Elder Bailey.  We had a
great lesson all on the Book of Mormon and in the end she was just
like, "You know what - I've been to tons of churches.  I keep asking
God to show me the right one.  I believe you.  I want to be!"  It was
awesome!  Elder Bailey brought an incredible spirit to the lesson.  I
love teaching with him.  President said that the interview went really
well, as did Elder Johnston, so they're all clear for baptism next
Saturday! Family baptisms are a beautiful thing.  I can't wait.

I went back to the Bailey's so we could talk with all the branch
presidents about working more closely together so that the work could
go faster and more effectively.  We shared a delicious BBQ
chicken/potatoe dinner and had hot fudge sundaes for dessert.
Sometimes I forget I'm in Africa.  On the way home we learned about
transfers...blessings of being zone leader!  It was hard not to say
anything for the next couple of days, but everyone found out today
what was happening - getting there!

On Saturday we had Conference, which was basically dead until the
Priesthood session that evening.  I LOVE Conference.  I always learn
something new.  We got to sit down with one of our baptismal
candidates and help him through his struggles with alcohol, so that
was touching.  Our taxi driver's name was Cherubin.  I wish I could
write about all the talks, but that's what my journal is for :)

Sunday was similar - amazing talks, though Darcyne and her family
didn't come until later, but we all got to sit down and go through the
plan of salvation again.  Giorgio asked if we could have unicorns in
the celestial kingdom.  I said why not?  Haha.

An amazing week - nothing short of everything I've been living since
the beginning of my mission.  This morning everyone else learned that
I would be once again working with my good friend Elder Hatch in his
old sector as co-zone leaders, which means that Elder Etherington will
finish training with Elder Wright as the two of them white wash/open a
third sector in Mpaka.  It will be crazy.  Elder Ndayizeye is going
back to Kinshasa to be replaced by a Malgasy.  Elder Johnston will be
training Elder Bybee in our apartment!  So it's going to be a great
transfer, but I feel like big things are going to happen after.  We'll
see what they are.

In any case, God has some awesome plans for all of us.  Who knows what
they are.  I know He has plans for all of you, too!  You just gotta
find out what they are by asking Him!  Pray often - one of the
greatest points of His pure doctrine.  I pray for you every day.  I
hope you feel the love of your Lord in your life.  I hope you feel my
love, and I hope you know I love the Savior.  I can't wait to see you,
but in the meantime...onward, ever onward!!!

Elder Garland