Hey everybody!!! I hope everyone's week has been kuhle!!! It has been a busy but awesome week with lots of new experiences. There never seems to be a dull day as a missionary in Zimbabwe!
On Tuesday I was in a trio with Elder Taloa and his new companion, Elder Richardson from Missouri. We taught some awesome lessons, but it seemed to be kind of a weird day, especially after our 3 person district meeting. We now have two more elders in our district, Elder Horlacher and Elder Tuimaseve. I'm glad that we have a bigger district and that I get to work together with some new faces!
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| Elder Magoha |
Wednesday was busy! I had to get on a bus to Harare at 7 am, and we didn't get there until 2 pm because the bus broke down on the side of the road. For those who have never taken a long bus ride in Zimbabwe, it is SUPER hot and humid because the air conditioning is basically nonexistent. When we finally got to Harare, I got to see lots of missionary friends like Elder Whiting (who's now an assistant to the president) and Elder Horton. And of course, I walk into the cultural hall in the chapel and there's a volleyball net set up. A volleyball net. I about died, especially because they finally put it up after I left. Oh well, you can't have your volleyball and play with it too I guess. The trainers meeting with President Mkhabela was awesome. We read from D&C 121 and learned about principles of righteous leadership, especially those exhibited by the Savior. It is a sacred responsibility to train a new missionary and we got some really awesome counsel about how to fulfill the Lord's trust in us. After that I met my trainee, Elder Magoha. He's from Tanzania (so he speaks Swahili) and is 26 years old. He's a convert to the church from 2 years ago, which is so awesome. He is kind of a quiet guy, but he is super solid and I'm glad to be his trainer. We ate dinner at the mission home with President and Sister Mkhabela that night. It is always good to be around them, plus Sister Mkhabela made lasagna that was just about the best thing that I've eaten in forever. As to my title, this quote from the Lion King was something my trainer, Elder Bamutesiza, would say to me as we would walk through the area. I thought about my experience of being a new missionary this week, and it seems so far away yet so close. I have grown so much since then and I have seen the Lord's hand so much in my life. He truly has been so merciful to me as I have gone throughout my missionary service thus far. It's strange now to be one of the older missionaries in the mission.
On Thursday we had our combined instruction from President Mkhabela. He is so concise and so focused in his counsel and I always love hearing his instructions. We discussed training, the schedule, and having the Spirit as missionaries and working together. I feel so inspired every time I gather with other missionaries and my determination to do the right thing increases. Christ said that where two are three are gathered in His name that He would be in the midst of them, and I truly believe that applies especially to missionaries. Following our meetings, we endured another 7 hour bus ride back to Bulawayo. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time talking to Elder Magoha. He has a degree in civil engineering and was telling me a lot about his work. He actually met the missionaries online and was taught on Facebook until the missionaries could meet him in person, and he really is converted to the gospel. As a bonus, I think he brought all the clouds with him from Tanzania because ever since we came back from Harare there have been clouds and even a little rain in Bulawayo, the first I've seen in my time here.
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| 2/3 of the new district: Elder Magoha, me, Elder Taloa, and Elder Richardson |
Elder Magoha's first few days in the mission field have been interesting. I've been doing most of the teaching, and although his teaching skills aren't the best, he knows how to bear a heartfelt testimony and that is the best. Our lessons have been interesting, but I've felt the Spirit so much and felt so happy while teaching these people. I encouraged my companion to contact people as we go and he actually did!! It was a bit rough but he did it which was the important thing. I'm so proud of him. He is so humble in missionary work and always talks about how glad he is that we are companions and asks how he can do better. It's been interesting because he's not used to using US dollars or Zim bond notes, so I've been teaching about spending and saving money and also how to go about the area. Overall, he's been learning hopefully and I have been learning how to be patient and to set a good example.
Church was awesome on Sunday. I have grown to really love fast and testimony meeting. It is such a great time to share our convictions of the restored gospel and to strengthen each other. Mandla came to church again, which was so awesome. When I brought Elder Magoha to teach him this week, he told us that he'd decided to be baptized, which was an unexpected answer but so awesome!!!! I am so excited to teach and prepare him to make that sacred covenant with the Lord. Overall, it's been a pretty sweet week, even though it has been difficult at times. I have realized time and time again that I don't know everything and that training a new missionary is a challenge in many ways, but I trust in the Lord. It is His work. I know that as we keep the commandments, the Lord will be able to help Elder Magoha experience the same tender mercies that I felt as a new missionary. It is a blessing to be a part of our Heavenly Father's work! Have a fantastic week everyone!!
Love Elder Barlow
1. Elder Magoha and I
2. 2/3 of the new district: Elder Magoha, me, Elder Taloa, and Elder Richardson.
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