Elder Beck's African Adventure: New area...... new companion

Elder beck and the ladies

Hello. It has been an interesting week.

On Monday, I played volleyball for the last time at FHE. and bore my
testimony. People were suprised that I was leaving already. They are
like you haven't even been here for a month. haha. On Tuesday I packed
and got a haircut and said goodbye to some families. It is hard
leaving this fast from an area, but at the same time it makes it
easier to say goodbye, but still. I met a lot of really cool people
and made a lot of great memories this last transfer in Gulu. It was a
blessing to be here.

On Wednesday, I did some last second packing and them we left at
around 7;20 in the morning to make the long journey to Kampala. It was
fun, but long trip. Also Kampala is super busy and traffic is a
nightmare there. I am going to miss the quite place of Gulu. We got to
Ntinda and saw a lot of different missionaries. We talked got some
lunch and then we left to go to our areas. I got to the apartment and
met Elder Tembo. He is a cool guy. He is somehow quite. he like to
play soccer. he is from Zimbabwe. He is the District leader. It is
going to be different to have a zone that is split and only really be
with 3 other missionaries, but they seem like cool guys. It is Elder
Tesch and Elder Roylance as the other two missionaries. All we did was
unpack and go out and get some food and stuff in the area in the
evening. On Thursday we got bounced a couple times, but visited a
couple Recent Converts. There are like 25 recent converts in this area
and even more in the other area in the branch.

ON Friday, we had a weekly planning. and taught a couple lessons. I
wasn't sure if one of the people we taught was drunk, but he seemed to
understand. haha. Nothing to interesting happened, but still learning
the areas and trying to remember all the names.ON Saturday we had some
good lessons and even helped to clean the church. It was a good day.
On Sunday it was cool to go to the church and see all of the people.
We had 47 at church which is pretty low from what I have been hearing
so hopefully we can get that up, but the branch has a great branch
presidency and some really strong members, but can definitely use more
strong families. Also people from the Stake High Council came to
speak. It is weird to have a HIgh Council because Lugazi is part of
the Jinja stake. It is great though.

Today we did some washing and also made a super nice meal of omlettes
and cinnamon rolls. Man they were good. hahaha. We also watched some
soccer and I got to play some basketball with some kids. I schooled
those kids and showed them how to really play. haha. Just kidding. I
am learning the area and getting to know the people. But is not easy
because I am horrible with names and faces here. hahaha. But it will
come.

I have learned a lot this week and I am grateful for everything I have
learned so far. I have also been reading in 3 nephi this week and just
read about Jesus Christ visiting the people in the U.S.A. It is really
powerful and a lot of great things He teaches right when gets to them.
Something that stood out to me was 3 Nephi 12:44 and 3 Nephi 11:29.
The first he tells us to love our enemies and to do good to those that
despise you and the next one is to avoid contention because contention
comes from the devil. and then at the end of chapter 12 he tells us to
be perfect even as he and his father is perfect. WOw what a hard thing
that Jesus Christ has asked us to do. Avoid contention, love those
that hate you, and be perfect. Jesus Christ new we couldn't do those
things just like that, but he tells us to work on those things and
that we will eventually be perfect just like our father and he is. I
know that through diligence and steady improvement that we can become
like our Father in Heaven someday. It is the great hope of the gospel
and I know it is because of Jesus Christ and his Atonement that make
it possible. Learn more about Jesus Christ and his Atonement and
strive everyday to become better and better. Thank you for the love
and the support.

Love Elder Beck

Mom questions......
1. We talked about tithing today in Relief Society and how it really has been a commandment from the beginning ...if you read in Genesis And throughout the Bible. How do people in Africa feel about paying tithing? Is it a difficult thing for them?

Tithing is a hard thing here. That is what we really need. members
that are really willing to pay tithing. Tithing really shows if a
person is committed though. If someone pays tithing here you know that
they are converted to this gospel. It is somehow of a struggle.

2. Can you clarify what the click in the one missionaries name that you went on splits with means?

I am not sure. It is just how you say it.

3. We're hoping to hear more about the area you are in now. How is it different from your other areas?

It is a little more busy and loud than Gulu. It is still smaller
though. NOt like kampala. It is a cool place though. I am still
learning the area.

4. What are some interesting things about your new companion?

My new companion is from Zimbabwe, he loves to play soccer, he is a
super nice guy, He is a child of record. His family are members.

5. What is the most curious thing that you saw this week and can you take a picture of it for us next week?

The super tall sugar cane here. This place is known for it's sugar
cane and sugar production.

Thank you for the email mother. I love you. Have a great week.

Love Elder Beck