This is Martha. She is a member in Changamwe Branch. She helps us clean our flat once a week. She keeps saying, "this house needs more time" In other words, it needs cleaned every day. Unfortunately, we can't afford to have a maid, but we are grateful for her help. She also is a very wise woman & gives us insightful comments everytime she comes. Her comment for this month is: "Always marry a man older than yourself, then he will forgive your "me-stakes" because of your young age" I call these "Martha-isms" She could write a book!!
This is the Elders Open House in Mombasa Branch. They were trying to act out Lehi's Dream. We have Benard Mwanbere, the new branch president of Mombasa Branch holding on to the "Iron Rod" even though it's silver. And E/S Scott are Lehi & Sariah, with Elder Brown (from Texas) reading the scripture of Lehi's Dream.
On the left is Pius Makuta. He was the Elder's Quorum Pres. in Mombasa Branch. On the right is Prince Omondi. (Seminary Director in Nairobi) We took this picture earlier this year at a Seminary/Institute Activity. This month Brother Pius Makuta passed away suddenly. We will miss his firm testimony of the gospel & his ready smile. They served together as missionary companions when Kenya would not allow people into their country, so 19 year olds in Seminary & Institute were called as missionaries for 2 years straight into the mission field. No MTC, no temple experience, just learn it on your own. These are real pioneers of missionary work, self made men.
A trip to Old Town Mombasa. During Ramadan, many dye their hair red. This one is getting ready early.
Sitting in front of the Mosque. In Mombasa Town there is a mosque on every corner. Friday is when most wear their robes, but some wear them everyday. Reading the newspaper while waiting to pray.
We saw the "Village Drill" set up this month. It is being manufactured here in Mombasa, was engineered by students at BYU, and can hopefully drill wells & strike some drinkable water. Here in the Mombasa area, the water is salty. For us, we buy our drinking water because the water that comes out of the tap is salty. This is a demonstration hole in Changamwe. It took a week, but they did strike water at 25 meters or 82 feet. No word yet as to whether it is drinkable or salty.
Elder Scott preparing to turn the wheel to start the operation. The wheel is not difficult to turn nor does it meet with resistance. They drill during the day & close up shop for the night. It takes only a few days to be successful, but sometimes a week is required.
Our next stop is at the Atmit Distribution Clinic. The people call it "Jesus Flour" because it has the church's name on the sack. The under-nourished children love it & thrive on it. Everyone who qualifies, brings their plastic sacks & after a nutritionalist gives them training, they are given their portion for the month.
Here's a happy customer with her portion in her plastic bag in hand & now she is off walking back to her home. This is your donations at work all over the world. Atmit is literally saving lives of these little ones as they gain weight & the spark comes back in their eyes after only a month.
This beautiful little girl was all dressed up to accompany her mother to receive her family's portion of Atmit. She has been on it for a few months & looks the picture of health. However, she was under weight a few months ago. Today after nutritional training & "Jesus Flour" she is thriving!!
Our friend Bablo is showing us the pan that they are cooking with here. The hole in the bottom is covered with "hard papers" and it will work just fine. The sack that flour comes in is what he meant by "hard paper" I told him it looks like it would start on fire, but he said, "No, it works" Alrighty then.