Fam,
I'll start off the week by saying go utes!!!!!! The news of Utah beating, not only beating but demolishing BYU is sweet music to my ears. Every four years the Utes will go Undefeated, or maybe its the years that Adam and I go on missions. Either way GO UTES!!!!
The highlight of my week was Sunday. One of our investigators surprised us by coming to church. This man, Sorie Kamara, is about 42 and has 4 children. He has been out of a job for a really long time and the week that he was supposed to be baptized he got a job. He was supposed to be baptized on the 15th of November and he got the job on the 12th. This man had come a long way in order to qualify for baptism, he was the one that we helped quit smoking. The only problem with this job is that he would be working every day from dawn til dusk. We actually didn't see him for about ten days. We were suprised to see him at church on Sunday because of this situation. He told us that he had quit his job. We asked him why out of curiosity and he replied so he could attend church on Sundays. he said this job didn't even pay that well and it left him with no time to raise his children. He said he knew that Lord would provide another way. Wow! What great faith. We should be baptizing him and two of his children this Saturday.
Questions. As far as I know there is no such thing as Thanksgiving here. In Liberia they had thanksgiving two weeks ago. I will be proselyting as normal on Thursday. Challenges from the dry season. The humidity and the dust. Everything is so dusty now. My shoes have a thick coat of dust on them every day I return to the apartment. Pres. Squires hasn't given any information about christmas yet. I'll let you know when he does.
Sorry thats all I've got this week.
Elder Degen
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
E-mail dated 11/17/08
Good Morning,
Another week gone by in the mission field. I'm happy to say that the highlight of my week was the baptism held on Saturday. The best part about the baptism was when we asked them to bear testimony of their conversion. I was truly touched because they testified of how this gospel has helped change thier lives. They thanked Elder Kpodi and myself for teaching them and I knew that they were truly ready for this gospel. One sister mentioned how she wanted nothing to do with "latter-day" church when she moved to freetown. But with the help of the missionaries and her family she began to feel the truthfullness of the gospel.
My week has been once again hot. I would rather be wet from the rain than from my sweat, because the rain doesn't make me stink. When we have investigators at church we get all there information in the investigator class (gospel essentials class back at home). Most of them don't have any questions, they just came because someone brought them there. The hard part is finding their houses. Nothing is labeled here so if we don't know the name of the street we have to ask some one. And the possibility of that person knowing where number 72a is, is not very likely. But that doesn't stop them from trying to help us. They usually point us in a direction. So, usually what happens is we walk back and forth on the same street looking for this silly house (you would think 72 would be next to 71, nope) until we get tired. And in this heat we get tired quick.
Yes we are still busy. We still teach plenty of lessons a week. And I'm not sure if I will remain after this transfer. And there are not three areas in the mission, there are 3 cities. We have 26 areas in our mission (10 of them are in freetown).
I have not driven a car since I got here. And the only possible way that I will is if I become an AP, because they are the only missionaries that are allowed to drive the van. Most of the African Missionaries can't drive anyway, so even the AP's sometimes don't drive because they don't know how. Any zoos here. The only zoo I know of is the chimpanzee park. We are actually working out a p-day activity to go there. There is really not anything close to a zoo back at home.
Thats about it for the week. Sorry if it is not long enough for you, but its better than nothing. Enjoy the big game this week. I'm not wearing blue at all this week.
Elder Degen
Another week gone by in the mission field. I'm happy to say that the highlight of my week was the baptism held on Saturday. The best part about the baptism was when we asked them to bear testimony of their conversion. I was truly touched because they testified of how this gospel has helped change thier lives. They thanked Elder Kpodi and myself for teaching them and I knew that they were truly ready for this gospel. One sister mentioned how she wanted nothing to do with "latter-day" church when she moved to freetown. But with the help of the missionaries and her family she began to feel the truthfullness of the gospel.
My week has been once again hot. I would rather be wet from the rain than from my sweat, because the rain doesn't make me stink. When we have investigators at church we get all there information in the investigator class (gospel essentials class back at home). Most of them don't have any questions, they just came because someone brought them there. The hard part is finding their houses. Nothing is labeled here so if we don't know the name of the street we have to ask some one. And the possibility of that person knowing where number 72a is, is not very likely. But that doesn't stop them from trying to help us. They usually point us in a direction. So, usually what happens is we walk back and forth on the same street looking for this silly house (you would think 72 would be next to 71, nope) until we get tired. And in this heat we get tired quick.
Yes we are still busy. We still teach plenty of lessons a week. And I'm not sure if I will remain after this transfer. And there are not three areas in the mission, there are 3 cities. We have 26 areas in our mission (10 of them are in freetown).
I have not driven a car since I got here. And the only possible way that I will is if I become an AP, because they are the only missionaries that are allowed to drive the van. Most of the African Missionaries can't drive anyway, so even the AP's sometimes don't drive because they don't know how. Any zoos here. The only zoo I know of is the chimpanzee park. We are actually working out a p-day activity to go there. There is really not anything close to a zoo back at home.
Thats about it for the week. Sorry if it is not long enough for you, but its better than nothing. Enjoy the big game this week. I'm not wearing blue at all this week.
Elder Degen
Monday, November 10, 2008
E-mail dated 11/10/08
Family, How is everyone doing? From the sound of it everyone is getting sick. As for me I am sick free. Malaria is not a life long disease, which means I won't be coming home from getting sick. Its kind of like the flu to us. It comes, its not fun, and then it goes.
So this week for me was pretty good. If I didn't know any better I would have thought that all of africa won the presidential election in America. I heard it all this week. "We won the election" "Its the Black house now" and many many others. It is so ridiculous that people here focus more on American politics that thier own countries problems. People now think that Sierra Leone will be better because Barak Obama will be president. It doesn't make any sense to me either.
It is getting really hot now. The rainy season is officially done and now we are in the "dry season". But the funny thing is I am never dry. My shirt is soaked in sweat about 2 minutes into each and every day. And climbing the hills doesn't make it any cooler. Nonetheless (scriptural transition) the work must go on.
I had a cool experience on Thursday. Elder Kpodi and I decided to have a companionship service project for the people that live around the chapel. We bought brooms (which is a bundle of sticks tied together and the only way to sweep is to bend down) and went and visited all the members, less actives, and investigators and asked them what we could do to help. Most of them would tell us nothing but that didn't stop us from helping them. We eventually just started to pick up the trash around thier houses (if you can call them houses) and pulling unwanted plants around the area. The response we got was pretty amazing. Most of them were very curious as to why we were doing this. We contacted over 50 people in the 3 hours of cleaning. some people mocked us of course and some were very grateful. Either way we drew alot of attention to ourselves. One of the ones we contacted we ended up teaching a couple days later and she came to church on Sunday. Service is truly a powerful tool.
We had District Conference here in freetown this past weekend (like stake conference). For the Sunday session the brethren in salt lake sent a disc focused specifically on africa. I was too busy ushering the people in to sit but the attendance was so good. We had almost all of our baptismal candidates there (5 out of 7). They should all be baptized this Saturday, or at least that is the plan. Well I hope you have a great week.
Elder Degen
PS GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So this week for me was pretty good. If I didn't know any better I would have thought that all of africa won the presidential election in America. I heard it all this week. "We won the election" "Its the Black house now" and many many others. It is so ridiculous that people here focus more on American politics that thier own countries problems. People now think that Sierra Leone will be better because Barak Obama will be president. It doesn't make any sense to me either.
It is getting really hot now. The rainy season is officially done and now we are in the "dry season". But the funny thing is I am never dry. My shirt is soaked in sweat about 2 minutes into each and every day. And climbing the hills doesn't make it any cooler. Nonetheless (scriptural transition) the work must go on.
I had a cool experience on Thursday. Elder Kpodi and I decided to have a companionship service project for the people that live around the chapel. We bought brooms (which is a bundle of sticks tied together and the only way to sweep is to bend down) and went and visited all the members, less actives, and investigators and asked them what we could do to help. Most of them would tell us nothing but that didn't stop us from helping them. We eventually just started to pick up the trash around thier houses (if you can call them houses) and pulling unwanted plants around the area. The response we got was pretty amazing. Most of them were very curious as to why we were doing this. We contacted over 50 people in the 3 hours of cleaning. some people mocked us of course and some were very grateful. Either way we drew alot of attention to ourselves. One of the ones we contacted we ended up teaching a couple days later and she came to church on Sunday. Service is truly a powerful tool.
We had District Conference here in freetown this past weekend (like stake conference). For the Sunday session the brethren in salt lake sent a disc focused specifically on africa. I was too busy ushering the people in to sit but the attendance was so good. We had almost all of our baptismal candidates there (5 out of 7). They should all be baptized this Saturday, or at least that is the plan. Well I hope you have a great week.
Elder Degen
PS GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
E-mail dated 11/3/08
Of course I had malaria. Everyone here gets it at one time or another. The symptoms are fever, chills, aches all over your body, throwing up, and my favorite runny stomach (diarrea). It actually wasn't to bad but it just lingered for alot longer than it should have. But I'm back to 100 percent now so no worries. My companion got malaria once back at his home and he is terrified of it. He won't sleep unless his mosquito net is up.
I learned something at zone conference this past thursday. An Elder was giving instruction on adjusting to the need of investigators. As missionaries we make a lesson plan for every lesson that we teach and I'm telling you from experience that we don't always teach what we plan. This elder made it very clear that planning gives us the spirit, which in turn helps us adjust to meet the needs of our investigators. I realized that I was in a little bit of a slump the last two weeks (partly because I was sick) because I didn't feel like I was teaching by the spirit. I was getting very comfortable with myself and my knowledge of the lessons that I actually started to rely on my own understanding of the lessons and wasn't teaching with the spirit. I realized then that it doesn't matter how much knowledge you have, it will do nothing for you if you don't rely on the spirit. We should always ask ourselves Am I relying on the spirit or my own understanding? If the answer is different than the spirit, then an adjustment needs to be made.
Story of the week. On Saturday we met with one of our investigators who is having a problem with the Word of Wisdom. When we arrived we found him reading from the Book of Mormon (yay) but he was using a cigarette as the bookmark (no). We made him make an agreement with us that everytime we see him smoking we can take the cigarettes away. My companion took the two he had at the time and smashed them on the ground right in front of him. We gave him some scriptures that can help him and told him that If he wants to stop it all depends on him. He came to church the next day and is really progressing. He has a strong desire to change and wants to make his life better. We'll see how his smoking problem goes this week, but I have confidence that he will stop soon.
Elder Degen
PS GO UTES AND JAZZ!
I learned something at zone conference this past thursday. An Elder was giving instruction on adjusting to the need of investigators. As missionaries we make a lesson plan for every lesson that we teach and I'm telling you from experience that we don't always teach what we plan. This elder made it very clear that planning gives us the spirit, which in turn helps us adjust to meet the needs of our investigators. I realized that I was in a little bit of a slump the last two weeks (partly because I was sick) because I didn't feel like I was teaching by the spirit. I was getting very comfortable with myself and my knowledge of the lessons that I actually started to rely on my own understanding of the lessons and wasn't teaching with the spirit. I realized then that it doesn't matter how much knowledge you have, it will do nothing for you if you don't rely on the spirit. We should always ask ourselves Am I relying on the spirit or my own understanding? If the answer is different than the spirit, then an adjustment needs to be made.
Story of the week. On Saturday we met with one of our investigators who is having a problem with the Word of Wisdom. When we arrived we found him reading from the Book of Mormon (yay) but he was using a cigarette as the bookmark (no). We made him make an agreement with us that everytime we see him smoking we can take the cigarettes away. My companion took the two he had at the time and smashed them on the ground right in front of him. We gave him some scriptures that can help him and told him that If he wants to stop it all depends on him. He came to church the next day and is really progressing. He has a strong desire to change and wants to make his life better. We'll see how his smoking problem goes this week, but I have confidence that he will stop soon.
Elder Degen
PS GO UTES AND JAZZ!
Monday, October 27, 2008
E-mail dated 10/27/08 - Yikes! Malaria!!
Hello Family,
I'm glad to hear that your week went by fast. Mine on the other hand went by very slow. I'm not going to lie but last week was crappy. But please don't worry about me (MOM). Last week Saturday I got Malaria (gasp gasp). Let me tell you that it is not fun to get. I didn't recover as quick as i should have and we concluded that I also had a bacteria infection. Last week was very tiring and I didn't take the time to rest that I needed. Which only made the problem worse. I learned from my mistake and on Saturday I took the whole day to rest from my labors. I feel so much better now and you really have no need to worry. But it really made me even more grateful for many things, as if coming to africa hasn't done that enough already. I am really grateful for my health, especially now that it is better. I was also very humbled as to how important it is to have you body feeling well to be more spiritual. Reminded me of the promise at the end of the word of wisdom. nothing is temporal to God, all things are spiritual. But please don't fret, All is well with me now.
I have been studying to doctrine and covenants and I read something yesterday that was really good. Look at the beginning of D&C 58 about adversity. I've also learned so much a bout the history of the church while studying. Man it would have been terrible to be an early saint. They went through so much. Like before the whole walking across the plains thing. I got to watch the last session of conference and half of the first session. (in that order, don't ask me why) I absolutely loved them. I can't wait to get the ensign to read all the words of the prophets, seers, and revelators. My favorite (so far) was the talk by Neil L Anderson. It was about not knowing everything but knowing enough. Wow that story about the deaf child was amazing.
Questions: Yes I have a zone conference this week. Tell Sherrie I recieved her package last week and thank you very much. Put something for Elder Kpodi inside. Just put whatever and I'll share it with everyone. The rain is slowly going away (which means its hotter than . . .. .well you know)
(1) It is hot at night. Expecially when the power is gone because the fan can't work without power. (2) Pizza might be the thing I want most when I get back (3) I can speak Krio, but I only do it to those that can't understand English (4) I'll let you know how they celebrate Christmas here in a couple months from now.
Have a good one
Elder Degen
I'm glad to hear that your week went by fast. Mine on the other hand went by very slow. I'm not going to lie but last week was crappy. But please don't worry about me (MOM). Last week Saturday I got Malaria (gasp gasp). Let me tell you that it is not fun to get. I didn't recover as quick as i should have and we concluded that I also had a bacteria infection. Last week was very tiring and I didn't take the time to rest that I needed. Which only made the problem worse. I learned from my mistake and on Saturday I took the whole day to rest from my labors. I feel so much better now and you really have no need to worry. But it really made me even more grateful for many things, as if coming to africa hasn't done that enough already. I am really grateful for my health, especially now that it is better. I was also very humbled as to how important it is to have you body feeling well to be more spiritual. Reminded me of the promise at the end of the word of wisdom. nothing is temporal to God, all things are spiritual. But please don't fret, All is well with me now.
I have been studying to doctrine and covenants and I read something yesterday that was really good. Look at the beginning of D&C 58 about adversity. I've also learned so much a bout the history of the church while studying. Man it would have been terrible to be an early saint. They went through so much. Like before the whole walking across the plains thing. I got to watch the last session of conference and half of the first session. (in that order, don't ask me why) I absolutely loved them. I can't wait to get the ensign to read all the words of the prophets, seers, and revelators. My favorite (so far) was the talk by Neil L Anderson. It was about not knowing everything but knowing enough. Wow that story about the deaf child was amazing.
Questions: Yes I have a zone conference this week. Tell Sherrie I recieved her package last week and thank you very much. Put something for Elder Kpodi inside. Just put whatever and I'll share it with everyone. The rain is slowly going away (which means its hotter than . . .. .well you know)
(1) It is hot at night. Expecially when the power is gone because the fan can't work without power. (2) Pizza might be the thing I want most when I get back (3) I can speak Krio, but I only do it to those that can't understand English (4) I'll let you know how they celebrate Christmas here in a couple months from now.
Have a good one
Elder Degen
Monday, October 20, 2008
E-mail dated 10/20/08
Degen Family:
How are we doing this week? From what it sounds things are going very well. Sorry you couldn't go to St. George and enjoy, but hanging out ht home is just as fun. So before I answer questions this time I'm going to go over my week and maybe some of your questions will be answered whilst you read. Elder Kpodi and I are finding ways to make the work progress here and we found a way to teach even more lessons in one day. We went on splits with branch missionaries for the whole day on wednesday. Combined we ended up teaching eleven lessons. The branch missionary I went with introduced me to this white couple from Kentucky (Yes pa, Kentucky) who are here helping to solve the child malnutrution problem. The are planning to set up a factory that produces a formula to help the children with malnutrition. They will stay here as long as it takes (bless their hearts). I had the opportunity to teach them the first lesson. It was very weird teaching a non-seirra leonean. I'm pretty sure I was called to teach the africans and not americans. but all the same we will see if we can help them in thier efforts to make this country better.
The rest of the week wasn't bad. I went on splits a couple of other days with the District and Zone leader. Today for P-day we played volleyball and ate fufu (some food that none of you would ever eat). There are 4 couples in this mission. 2 in freetown and two in liberia.
I need a washing machine, air conditioner, milk, ice cream, pizza, 24 power, and running water all the time for Christmas. But that is not possible so make sure you send me some contact solution. don't forget the contact solution.
I haven't seen any snakes yet. I've seen plenty of frogs. We have cockroaches in the apartment. I see geckos in the apartment sometimes too. I've never seen monkeys running the streets. Of course its lawful to have them as pets. I know of some missionaries in the past that have had them as pets. And people here love to eat them. I'm getting plenty to eat. I've gained like 5 pounds. Everything else is fine. I'm glad to hear to great news about the utes (grandpa is rolling over in his grave right now, laurie and brittany at the game?).
I love you all.
Elder Degen
How are we doing this week? From what it sounds things are going very well. Sorry you couldn't go to St. George and enjoy, but hanging out ht home is just as fun. So before I answer questions this time I'm going to go over my week and maybe some of your questions will be answered whilst you read. Elder Kpodi and I are finding ways to make the work progress here and we found a way to teach even more lessons in one day. We went on splits with branch missionaries for the whole day on wednesday. Combined we ended up teaching eleven lessons. The branch missionary I went with introduced me to this white couple from Kentucky (Yes pa, Kentucky) who are here helping to solve the child malnutrution problem. The are planning to set up a factory that produces a formula to help the children with malnutrition. They will stay here as long as it takes (bless their hearts). I had the opportunity to teach them the first lesson. It was very weird teaching a non-seirra leonean. I'm pretty sure I was called to teach the africans and not americans. but all the same we will see if we can help them in thier efforts to make this country better.
The rest of the week wasn't bad. I went on splits a couple of other days with the District and Zone leader. Today for P-day we played volleyball and ate fufu (some food that none of you would ever eat). There are 4 couples in this mission. 2 in freetown and two in liberia.
I need a washing machine, air conditioner, milk, ice cream, pizza, 24 power, and running water all the time for Christmas. But that is not possible so make sure you send me some contact solution. don't forget the contact solution.
I haven't seen any snakes yet. I've seen plenty of frogs. We have cockroaches in the apartment. I see geckos in the apartment sometimes too. I've never seen monkeys running the streets. Of course its lawful to have them as pets. I know of some missionaries in the past that have had them as pets. And people here love to eat them. I'm getting plenty to eat. I've gained like 5 pounds. Everything else is fine. I'm glad to hear to great news about the utes (grandpa is rolling over in his grave right now, laurie and brittany at the game?).
I love you all.
Elder Degen
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