Interviews Continue

After one day home after mission presidents' seminar, we flew to Douala, Cameroon for interviews with the missionaries.  The ten elders and couple bused down from Yaoundé because we didn't have time to go to both cities.  All the missionaries stayed together in the missionary apartments.  The couples stayed together at the Gaileys' home and we stayed in a hotel for the first night. When the Yaoundé elders went home, we opted for better lodging and the Gaileys kindly invited us to stay in their home.   Brent  interviewed the first group of elders on Friday while I talked to them about of the view of the mission.  We always share the news from other parts of the mission with our missionaries  Though we're separated by many miles, we want to be one in spirit.

 Saturday Brent interviewed the next group of elders and then we all met for a mini-zone conference and meal with all 18 young elders and two couples.  On this trip we had a little time to have a relaxed visit with each group of elders.  In their next letters many said that they really appreciated the down time with us, particularly recognizing that we will only see them one more time before we leave.  We've grown so close to these missionaries and almost consider them family.

Sunday we attended the Douala branch . They have a new rented building that they've worked hard to remodel and they're very proud of it.  It's a great facility. The chapel isn't exactly standard. I felt like King Benjamin on the tower when I gave my  talk.  I also needed one of those children's stools so that I could see over the pulpit. But the church is still in its infancy in Africa, comparatively speaking, and they have much to learn.  We need to be patient and teach the most important principles first and not worry about a little thing like an extremely high stand. These are faithful, wonderful Saints who are doing their best to serve the Lord.                                                                                    

Our time with these North American missionaries  is very precious.  We are blessed by being with such dedicated people. They live at a standard far below what they've had at home and they never complain or ask for things. They are so outwardly directed and their conversations are about people they teach and how they can do a better job to support those with whom they work, and occasionally who's eaten the most disgusting thing!   It's just awesome! They're just awesome! And we laugh and have a lot of fun too. 

Below is an example of what a great sense of humor they have. Elders Hatch and Adriamamonjy are squaring off for the title of Mr. Tough Guy Missionary!  Yes, they are standing together on level ground.

 

 When the time to leave came, parting was filled with many hugs, much back slapping and many tender expressions of feelings. These 20 North Americans serve all their missions together. They sometimes transfer from one bedroom to another in an apartment and their bond is very strong.  The feeling of brotherhood and unity was palpable and a joy to share with them.

 Each time the separation is a  bit hard for us all. I can't imagine how hard it will be to leave them the next time, when we know it will be our last visit.
I was amazed when I saw all 18 of them and their bags loaded into the truck for their short ride to the bus station. I never would let my own kids be or put anybody in the back of a truck.  Here it's how you do it. I'll never get used to it.  So I closed my eyes and prayed until they got to the station.

  We love, love, love these guys!