Transfer Trip to Bo

This was our second trip to Bo. It takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to get to Bo, depending on the driver. Bo is a much smaller town than Freetown and has a much more country feel. The pace of everything is slower, especially the vehicles and motorcycles.

Elder Purcell made a sign to welcome Elder Burton who is transferring and Elder Richards who is a new missionary. He added a little to the sign when he found out Sister Randall would be there, too.

Other than the zone leaders, Elder Stot and Elder Iheanacho (on the right) and Elder Randall, this is the Kenema District as well as the apartment roommates.

We're quite certain Elder Richards will have a great experience in Kenema

Oops! When Elder Randall said, "Do you think that wood will hold a van?" that should have given him a clue that maybe it's not a good idea. Elder Stott said, "I've seen cars go over it before."

Never fear! There are always missionaries to the rescue!

Sister Togba (left) and Sister Edem (next to her) were transferring to Freetown and rode back with us.

Our truck was used to transport missionaries to the border of Liberia where the Kirkhams pick them up and take them back to Monrovia. We had the good fortune to have a quiet day at Schlehubers while they and Markus made the all-day trip to and from the border. Fortunately, our security guards at the mission are happy to have a car washing job, even if it is a bad one, like this.

Four days after arriving in the mission, Elder Turner is baptizing at the Goderich Branch. He is serving in the Lumley Branch, but their font was not available this day. And the work moves on . . .

Return With Honor--April 2012

Our April 2012 batch of returning missionaries included some elders that we knew well. Elder Wood served in the office and was here when we arrived. He helped us "learn the ropes" of our callings and was a sure and steady influence on other missionaries. He took his responsibilities so seriously, especially when I would give him money to spend for the mission. He worked so hard to make sure he had no "pink paperclips" to signify that I was waiting for a receipt from him.

We knew Elder Ogama well in Kenya and we were so excited when we received our call, to remember that he was in this mission. We helped him prepare when we served there, and now we send him back with honor.

Elder Randall gives some last minute instructions about travel to the departing missionaries.

Elder Ditsi served as an office elder when we first arrived in Sierra Leone. He taught us so much and really helped Elder Randall stay on track with visa and resident permit renewals. We relied on him heavily while we learned our assignments. His last day in the mission he said, "Let's get a 'snap' together." And the three of us meant to do it, but it was a busy day for all of us. Here's a "snap" of him when Elder Holland was here.

Super Preparation Day--Easter Hike to Leicester Peak

On Monday, 2 April, we enjoyed a Super Preparation Day activity with the Freetown Zone. We met at the mission home and hiked up Leicester Peak. This picture is taken inside the mission compound and the peak is just behind the mission home towards the American Embassy.

These are happy missionaries on the way up Leicester Peak Road. We hike this road every morning for our morning walk. This day we stopped three different times to receive instruction from President Roggia about the events of the week of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.



The European Union Embassy is to our left. This is about halfway up the mountain. This is where we turn around for our morning walk.



These children were happy to greet us and have their picture taken.

Many families work on the rocks on the smaller mountains. They take boulders and pound them into small gravel-size rocks to be used in cinder block.

Elder Wood is from Parowan and served as President's Assistant. The mission home and our apartment is to the rear of this picture. Freetown is built on many hills.

How we love President and Sister Roggia!

These missionaries know how to get a "natural high." They can celebrate because they are good, obedient missionaries.