Ethiopian experience

My schedule isn't as it used to be. I thought e-mailing here in the mission office would be convenient, but it hasn't quite proven to be so the past few weeks.

Ethiopia was great. And no, we weren't on a "puddle jumper." We flew Emirates, and it was very nice. We all had screens in front of us that were full of options to entertain our two hour flight. I played chess with Elder Camuso most of the way. They even had an option to watch the feedback from the camera mounted on the front nose of the plane. That was pretty cool...

When we first arrived that evening, they dropped us off immediately in Bekulobet with Elder Wright and Elder Kaigarula. They took us to a teaching appointment with an older gentlemen with a very large beard. Apparently he used to be one of the branch presidents and seemed to be a good guy. We just encouraged him to have vocal prayers with his wife who isn't a member of the church.

The next morning we had a council at Megenagna chapel with all the missionary leaders in Ethiopia to discuss many of the topics that we'll be putting into the book that we've been assigned to compile titled "Uganda Kampala Mission Leadership Guide." After that council we went and ate at a local restaurant, and then went back to the chapel for the general priesthood leadership training for the members. Elder Ray and I were asked to give a training about sustaining our leaders. We did it using the same power lines used at the zone conference a few weeks ago, but this time it needed to be translated in Amharic. So it was a bit tricky using a translator for the first time in front of a large group of people. But everything came out smooth. That night we went to a member’s family and they fed us some nice enjera. And their little daughters were pretty cool. The Elders there use public transportation a lot more than we do here. On the way back from the member’s house that evening, I met some of the first "beautiful women of Ethiopia." I had only heard the rumors, but it's true. We sat on the back of the taxi chatting in completely broken English. She politely offered me some her Sumusa that she was eating and I kindly accepted. She was going to hand feed me, as the custom is, but I got nervous and took the food with my hand. Then I invited her to church and got off the bus.

Sunday was the four branch conference. (There's no stake or even district established there yet). It was difficult for me trying to pay attention in between all the Amharic translating. But I received a nice compliment by a member that sat on the stand who's leaving for his mission. He said, "You’re the only missionary that didn't fall asleep today." I felt proud. After church we went to the mission couples house for some food, where I had green beans for the first time in a long time. Then I amused everyone with some card tricks. After that, it was back to the chapel for more council time with the missionary leaders. We got a lot of input from them! Very well opinionated Elders up there.

By the way, the chapel in Megenagna is awesome. The compound is like walking around the grounds of a temple. Apparently the branch president owns a landscaping company and he makes sure that the compound of the church stays very impressive looking. I was definitely impressed.

Monday was zone conference for all the missionaries in Ethiopia. Pretty much the same thing that happened in Uganda, just different people. Afterwards we went out to a member’s house for dinner. He's some kind of ambassador from Sierra Leone. Really nice guy. Six Elders went there, and we finished a little more than half the food. He was very ready for us.

I can't remember when exactly, but at one point I was able to complete my goal to make a solid Book of Mormon contact. It was on the taxi. There were about six Elders on the taxi, all just laughing and enjoying being together. For whatever reason, at the moment, I was apparently just quiet. The guy next to me asked me, "Why are you quiet, why aren't you talking with all your friends?" I told him, "Sometimes you just got to be cool." We got into the discussion of religion pretty quickly as usual and he told me that he liked Jesus, but didn't go to church because the world is confusing and he can't relate with the Bible very well. So I pulled out my brand new copy of the Book of Mormon real quick. Threw out a few power lines to catch the spirit of Christ in him, and he wanted it. He wanted to know where he could get one. He was happy to know about it. As I explained to him that I was actually going to give it to him free of charge, I'm not sure, but it seemed as if a few tears swelled up in his eyes. He was quick to look away and control himself, and then accepted it graciously. That was probably my best missionary moment of the transfer.

Tuesday morning we woke up, and went out to find a place that might actually serve enjera for breakfast. We found a place really quick actually. As we were waiting for our food, we decided to walk out to the street and have some of the Ethiopian boys shine our shoes. It cost us about 10 cents each, and my shoes were probably shining more than they ever have. Unfortunately while we were shining our shoes, our ride showed up to take us to the airport. So we had the restaurant pack our food and we went and ate it at the airport.

We walked around the little shops in the airport while we were waiting to board. I happened to stumble in a shop to find a few of the worker girls sitting down to some lunch. Enjera, as usual. I greeted them, showed my approval of the food, and then came my second chance. She wanted to offer me some food, with her hand. So I accepted. First me, then Ray, then Metemi, then me again, then Ray again, then me again. Just living the dream. Then we invited them to church. And boarded our plane. Played some more chess and then landed back home: Uganda!

Ethiopia was a cool experience, but Uganda is where it's at. I was grateful to be able to go and visit Ethiopia, but I'm more grateful I've been able to serve my whole mission in Uganda. I just feel better here.

It's sad to hear about Abby. She always brought a smile to my face. I remember when she was finally able to just chill out on the front porch with me in the summer without running away. It's not summer unless you can chill outside with your dog. She served her purpose well. We have more than enough stories to tell about her for the rest of our lives.

It's good to hear that the rest of the family is prospering. Student body class president. Call Center champion. Out Reach Elder. They all seem like fitting titles for the Wright boys. I'm currently getting called all kinds of titles with the confusion of this new assignment I've been given. I'm not a DL, ZL, or AP. Just somewhere there. I thought it was cool when President compared Elder Ray and I to the "three Nephites, just coming and going" when he was talking to the new missionaries that came last month.

"For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray" Don't forget it. I have a very righteous mother who is very in tune with the Spirit.

I love you. Have a great day.

Elder Zac Wright