Update 3/29/2010

Kilili Music Recital: We visited the farthest away branch, Kilili, yesterday and spoke in sacrament meeting. During Sunday School we met with the two couples who are preparing to go to the temple to begin work on their family group records and review their progress to get passports. It is such a long procedure and they are anxious to be ready. It looks like it will be November before everything is in order. We're excited for them. There are two neat Sisters there who are ready to be baptized too. Good things are happening.

A special part of the day was a first ever “keyboard recital,” after the church block of meetings; presented by five of the branch sisters who have been studying keyboard with Sister Blake. The event was enjoyed by about 80 branch members and friends who cheered on the budding musicians. It was great! 

 Kilili Keyboard and Music Conducting Students and Sister Blake - Wonderful Day!

                                       Elder Blake in Kilili Courtyard with Banana Tree

Teaching and Leadership: Tuesday an English Teachers Workshop was held in Kyambeke for English teachers from three of the branches, where they practice taught and prepared teaching materials. The teachers seemed excited to have new materials and enjoyed working with each other. Wednesday we held a leadership/teaching conference in Mitini for all leaders and teachers. The leaders there are eager to learn and open to suggestions. For both of these activities we served sliced white bread with peanut butter and jelly and banana bread with an orange drink. This seems to be the favorite refreshments and they are so appreciative.

New Missionaries: Wednesday we brought our good friend, Michael (Elder Nzuki) back to Nairobi to go on his mission. Elder Blake was able to stand in as he was set apart and given a beautiful blessing by President Taylor. He will bless many lives as he already has here with his missionary work. We will miss him. Another special young man is awaiting his call, and five others are in various stages of preparation for mission calls in the next few months. The young people here are preparing and look forward to the opportunity to serve. It's fun to be part of their enthusiasm!

Michael and Elder Blake with Future Missionary Friends on Day of Departure to Cape Town

African Culture: On Friday afternoon we took a little diversion and went to Bomas of Kenya, an African Cultural Center just outside of Nairobi. On a kilometer-long walking path in the jungle setting they have authentic village displays of early huts for many of the tribes. It was interesting to see them – especially the Kamba Village, as the people we work with are of that tribe and speak Kikamba. What was interesting is that up in the Hills where we work, every day we see the same types of villages and huts that are present dwellings of the members and their neighbors. / There is also a large hall where they perform African music and dancing and even had an acrobatic troupe that were amazing. The most fun part was watching the 100s (thousands?) of school children who attended for their “field days” or whatever they are called here. They laughed and clapped and moved with the rhythm of the music. During one dance the performers invited all who wanted to to come and dance with them and many of the children (and adults) joined. During one of the dances an African dancer girl invited Elder Blake to join them but he “respectfully declined.” He said he didn't have his dancing shoes :-)

Sister Blake in Front of the "First Wife's Hut"

We hope you are all well and happy and keep you in our prayers. Stay safe!

Update 3/21/2010

Relief Society Birthday Party: The sisters here really know how to celebrate. We enjoyed two Relief Society activities this week. Wednesday in Kyambeke they spent the day fixing rice, soup to go over it, and chapatis. They taught me how to make chapatis and laughed because when I rolled mine out they said it had “horns.” Everything is cooked outside over a wood fire or charcoal. It was hot, hot, hot, but they enjoy working together. They had a short meeting and displayed what they had been doing this year. They also had a beautiful Relief Society table cloth they had made and some other carrying bags and weaving – all things they could use in their homes. After the meeting we went outside for a game. The sisters (three at a time) had to run up to a gunnysack type bag, get in the bag and hop to a station where they had to eat a chapati and drink a bottle of soda and then run to the finish line! There was a lot of laughing and good fun. Sister are the same all over the world. We love being together and having a good time.
          

Rolling out chapatis                                                 Cooking Chapatis - Delicious!

Sisal Rope – One sister was braiding a rope from sisal. Sisal plants dot the landscape, because thy are the method of choice for marking borders of their shambas (subsistence gardens) and property lines. They harvest the leaves from which they dig out the sisal fibers and braid ropes. She showed me how to make a rope, so I bought it from her for 25 schillings (about 33 cents). The sisters wondered if we had a cow because the kind I bought is used to tie on the cow's and goat's leg to tether them out to graze. (Thousands and thousands of animals – tethered out each morning along the roadways and hillsides, and retrieved to the safety of their homes each evening.) I told them Elder Blake grew up milking and caring for cows but we didn't have room in our backyard at home for a cow!
          

Braiding Sisal Rope                                              Community Sewing Maching

“Community” Sewing Machine: The sisters each have saved up and contributed their money to a fund over many months to buy a treadle sewing machine that they keep at the church. They are very proud of it, and those who know how to sew are teaching those who don't how to sew clothes, etc.

Legacy (Mormon Pioneers): Friday in Ilima the meeting was much the same only they read some of the RS history and then watched the Legacy DVD, as it was their turn for the generator. They love the Mormon pioneers and really enjoyed the movie though many wouldn't be able to understand the words. The RS president would intermittently tell what was happening in their native language. They served the same type meal and added bananas and mangoes. We ate outside at the church house, overlooking some of the most beautiful, green hillsides one can image. We can hardly wait for April and Devan to come in April so we can show them.

Children playing at Ilima RS Social

Tender Mercies: We've had two experiences this week where we feel we were particularly watched over. On the way to Kyambeke from Kilili we took the valley shortcut (about 35 kilometers). The members in Kilili said it hadn't been raining so we should be fine. They didn't know it had been raining on the other end and when we had been traveling about 2 hours we came to a very large mud hole (about 100 meters long!) There were about 7 or 8 workers standing on the side of the road as they had been doing some work to start building a bridge over this area. They were just waiting for us to get stuck so we could pay them to help dig us out. Elder Blake got out and spent about 10 minutes just walking up and down surveying what to do. We didn't want to go all the way back and start over a different way which would have taken 5 hours at the least and we were so tired. We had had a prayer earlier when we had seen the clouds and rain begin. Elder Blake got back in the truck and said my job was to pray and he gave it the gas and drove right through the mud. I couldn't see how it would ever be possible – it was like there was a rope from above holding us up and getting us through! What a blessing. The vultures (men) waiting for their payola were dismayed and disappointed that we made it!

The second incident was that the clutch on our truck went out again – the second time in 6 weeks. The amazing thing was that we were in Nairobi again – just like the first time – where we could get help; rather than on top of a mountain somewhere. These incidents are particularly amazing since we are in remote localities for 80+% of our driving time. We are being cared for beyond what we would know how to do! (If a vehicle stops anywhere, the cardinal rule is: “Never leave your vehicle!” as it will not be there in serviceable condition when you return. It would have been a long night for us in the mountains... can't lay down on the ground for fear of chiggers; plus it is not safe.)

Inspirational Baptisms: Saturday we attended a baptism for the Mitini Branch held in Kyambeke. Seven people were baptized. Most of them were members of families. The large family we mentioned before who live in Matua had two more baptized. One new member who is a priest now was able to baptize his brother. I stood by another brother, James (baptized in February), and as they were ready to enter the water, he looked at me and said with emotion “That's my brother baptizing my brother.” Another father, Anthony, who was just baptized in December was able to baptize his wife and two of his children. His wife didn't pass the interview last time because of her English. He has been helping her learn English at home and she was ready now. Two other sisters were baptized and their non-member father was there. He is a respected village elder who is now taking the lessons and should be baptized soon. What a special spirit attended the meeting. Those who were being baptized had to walk many miles up and down hills to get to and from Kyambeke from their homes. We have it so easy at home. Their sacrifice brings them blessings. Because of the rain we couldn't get to the another branch as planned for Sunday meetings, so attended Mitini, where Elder Blake helped confirm them.

                  
Mitini Baptism                                                              Matua Family
                                   
Anthony and Family                                                  Village Elder Tom and daughters

Animals are Returning: The animals (zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, gazelles, ostrichs, etc.) had migrated away about six weeks to two months ago; but on the way home this time we saw a herd of Thompson gazelles, wildebeests, a field of ostriches, and a large herd of camels. We also saw a giraffe off the left side of the road, and while I was watching it, two more in front of us started across the road and almost ran over us! It made a fun trip.

Have a good week. We love you all.

Update 3.15.2010

Rains and Planting Season: We are going into the rainy season and this is a busy time in our areas because everyone is cultivating (by hand) and planting. We had rain and slick roads this week and wondered if we should cancel classes because everyone was so busy. Classes were smaller but we enjoyed those who were able to come.

After the temple class in Mitini (just five men came because the moms didn't want to bring the babies in the rain), one of the brothers asked how our son (Scott) was doing. We had told them about his second back surgery. We reported that he was healing well and he said they knew he would be okay because they had all been praying for him. They didn't know (Scott's) name so they prayed for Elder and Sister Blake's son. They have such strong faith and are an example to us.

New Missionary: Our good friend, Michael, will be leaving shortly for his mission to Cape Town, South Africa. He rode home with us to Nairobi so he could shop for what he needs for his mission. He's only been a member for a little over a year and has been a great influence in the growth of the Church in the Kilungu Hills. He's also helped teach and prepare investigators for baptism in two branches. We will miss him and we know he won't return until we have already gone home. There will be a grand reunion in heaven someday with these wonderful people.

School Fire: Saturday we took a truckload of blankets and cleaning buckets up to Kyambeke where the Boys Secondary School dormitory had burned down. LDS Charities also had a load of mattresses delivered. The principal and students were so appreciative. We wish members of the Church all over the world could see how much their contributions to fast offerings and the humanitarian fund are appreciated. The Church is really making a difference in many people's lives and there is such a need.
               

Sunday: We spoke in church and Elder Blake taught the new member class while Sister Blake attended primary. We love the beautiful children and the leaders are trying so hard to teach them. It is especially hard with the music as the teachers and leaders don't know any of the songs and don't have a good way to learn them! Mitini Branch got a CD player just this week but they can only use it at the church with batteries so it's hard to memorize the music to teach to the children. We've set up a three-branch Primary Leadership Conference in April to teach the music. We'll see how that goes!

A few more animals: We see that most of the Savanah animals have migrated – far fewer sightings in the past 6+ weeks. We haven't been here long enough to predict the migration patterns yet – we'll just watch and wait for their return. We did see four giraffes and a herd of about 100 camels near the roads on our way home yesterday. It makes the drive interesting.

Have a good week. We will be thinking of you!

Update 3/8/2010

What's Happening in Kilili? – Tuesday we traveled to Kilili (farthest away branch with a new branch presidency). Elder Blake finished the audit and did some new leader training, and worked with the English teachers while Sister Blake enjoyed the keyboard class. They are preparing for their music “recital” program on Sunday, March 28^th after the block of meetings. Each of the six sisters will play two numbers and they will be singing a new hymn as well. It's been a fun reason to increase practice which has been especially hard as we just finished harvest season and now are into planting season. They are busy. We have also written a thank-you letter to the Harmon Grant administrators who furnish the keyboards, music instruction books, and accompanying practice CDs. This includes books for music conducting. All the students are writing notes and signing the letters – one for each branch. We will send the notes and pictures of each class plus a letter telling of progress. We hope this will help the Harmon people know what a difference this music is making in Africa.
New Kilili Branch Presidency and wives.

Going to Temple, a BIG DEAL – We also started a temple preparation class with three couples from Kilili, plus two more couples from other branches we serve. There was a good spirit there and they are anxious to make all the preparations necessary to go to the Johannesburg temple (which is a four-hours flight time from Nairobi). As senior missionaries, we will escort the group to the temple and help with children during the days while they attend temple sessions for three days. We have a temple-housing reservation for five couples planned for June 28^th through July 2^nd. There is a lot of paperwork to get national I.D. Numbers, birth certificates, passports and visas; family group sheets; as well as application for the church's Temple Patron Assistance Fund which covers all costs for airfare, meals, housing and ground travel for first-time temple goers, including all children who will be sealed to their parents. One temple visit in a life-time is all that 95% of these saints will ever experience. Hopefully others attending temple preparation classes will be ready to go in years to come.
       

Plowing fields on way to Kilili                        Restroom facilities in Kilili (similar to all branches)

View from front door of Kilili Branch

Kikoko “Home,” or “Water Water Everywhere” – We were tired after a long day of teaching and travel. We were looking forward to warming our dinner and resting. When we arrived at the Kikoko Girls School we carried our belongings to the flat, unlocked the door, and to our surprise were greeted by water in three of the four rooms – at least 2” to 3” in one room – and there still no electricity! Sister Mumbi (Cattholic nun) sent over four of the students with rags and buckets and they worked very hard to help us. African neighbors let us plug in our electric pot to warm our soup and we had another early night to bed as our lantern and candle were not bright enough to read or study! We detected a leak in the plumbing which no one knew about because there had never been water in the pipes. We hope this week is the charm and we will have electricity and water in the right places! At least the bed is comfortable the view is still beautiful.

Early Rains – It looks like the rainy season has started early. Friday we went to Ilima, our branch highest on the mountain. It was slippery but we made it up. That morning when Sister Blake woke up her first thought was, “It's so far to travel and maybe there won't be many there. Is it really worth the effort?” When we arrived after a beautiful drive we were greeted so warmly by the members who had 

Ilima YW and Sister Blake.

come for keyboard and English classes. Those classes were worth the trip but there was also a temple class with a couple who are very ready to go to the temple, and four young men whom we are helping get ready for their missions. What a wonderful spirit there was there. The young man who offered the closing prayer gave special thanks for the missionaries and asked a special blessing for them as they traveled home. 

Children helping Sister Blake down the hill for primary!

Relief Society Work Meeting – We didn't know beforehand that the Relief Society had planned their meeting to coincide with our visit and Sister Blake joined them as they tied a quilt and wove a table cover. All the sisters enjoyed being together and visiting. They especially laughed when Sister Blake tried out her few words of Kikamba on them! What special sisters – we are the same all over the world.

As we were ready to leave the Relief Society President gave us a loaf of bread and two orange sodas to have for lunch on our way home. That is their preferred refreshments at any gathering, and was a special offering for us. What if we hadn't gone?...

Take a Hike- Sunday we weren't so lucky and had to park at the bottom of the hill and slog about a kilometer in the mud up to the church! We were glad we grabbed our walking shoes at the last minute before we left home. We hired some young boys to watch our truck and hoped all the parts would still be there when we returned!

There is a new primary presidency (just called one month ago) and none of them have been members for more than one year! There are about 120 primary children and visiting is quite an experience. The leaders are so humble and teachable. What a pleasure to work with them. They are trying as hard as they can. None of them know any of the primary songs. What a challenge.

Elder Blake practiced the young men (YSAs) and they sang a special musical number in Sacrament Meeting. He enjoyed it and they enjoyed singing with him. We were touched by the wonderful, simple testimonies of the Ilima saints, most of them new converts. It's very humbling to witness the miracles that are happening here in Africa.

Stuck in the Mud – On our way home we were asked to take the Branch President to a certain city for a training he was to start on Monday. It was a different way home but we were assured it wouldn't be any longer and that some of it would be on the tarmac. They didn't explain that much of it was clay dirt and wet! We got stuck just once but it was a doosy? When Sister Blake opened her door the mud was up to the floorboard! Elder Blake had to change his suit pants (in the bushes), get out the shovel and tow ropes, and enlist the help of anyone passing by to help pull and push us out. We did make it back on the road and arrive home safely none the worse for wear except for all the red mud on and in the truck and on us, particularly Elder Blake.

We feel greatly blessed to be serving here in Kenya. We are grateful for good health and the many answers to prayers asked verbally and in our hearts. We know we are blessed and protected and that this is the Lord's work. We love and appreciate our wonderful family and friends. Have a good week.

Update 3/1/2010

Mission Tour – We experienced our first Mission Tour this week. We wondered what that was and learned it is when General Authorities of the Church visit the mission and speak and encourage missionaries in the work. Elder Marlin Jensen and his wife, Elder Turley (Assistant Church Historian), and Elder Koilliker (Southeast Africa Area President) came on Wednesday. What a feast of knowledge and spirit. They told us that more than ½ of the people in the church today in Africa are first generation “pioneers.” He asked the missionaries how many of them were in that group, and ½ raised their hands! We were encouraged to help retain the new converts. Elder Jensen said we should “Own our converts forever.” This is important all over the Church. The African people (at least those we work with) aren't naturally outgoing, and fellowshipping is a challenge. Elder Blake and I are trying to find ways to encourage more interaction and warmth among members. (Any suggestions?)

Another statement at the conference about missionary work impressed us: “A missionary is someone who leaves their family for a little while so others can be with their family for eternity.” We see so many wonderful convert families with beautiful young children and our prayer for them is that they can get ready and go to the temple to be sealed together. It's quite a process as the closest temple is in Johannesburg South Africa, about 4,000 miles away!

One of our favorite parts of the conference was being with all the young elders and sisters. It's a thrill to all join together and sing the missionary songs: “Hark All Ye Nations” and “Called to Serve.” They look so young to us, (We have grandchildren near their age!) but when they speak or teach with the spirit, a transformation seems to take place and you feel their strength and testimony. // We love the 12 other senior couple missionaries and enjoy sharing ideas and feelings with them. We are making eternal friendships and learning so much from others. Another couple will be leaving tonight to return home to Bountiful, Utah. The tradition is that we all stand outside when they leave and wave white handkerchiefs. Two more couples will leave this month. Couples are need so badly all over the Church. Anyone like to join us here in Africa?

                                                             Missionary Friendships –

New Branch Leadership – Saturday Elder Blake traveled with President Taylor to Kilili (three hours south of Nairobi) to interview priesthood leaders for a change in the branch presidency and elders' quorum presidency. They left early and returned home late. Sunday Sister Taylor and Sister Blake joined them and we returned to Kilili so the change could be made. It is tricky here in Africa because there are so many cultural and tribal rivalries. It is very important to be in charge and in some branches as many as 30 people have raised their hands to object to a person who has been called to lead! President Taylor has had to explain that they are not voting, but that they are saying whether they agree with who the Lord has called and will sustain them. President Taylor was so warm and appreciative of the outgoing presidency and gave a beautiful explanation of what was happening as the new presidency was called. What could have been a difficult experience went very smoothly and we believe the newly sustained presidency will grow in leadership and do a good job. Our job now is to help with leadership training! They will be needing a new building soon as two primary groups and all the young men have to meet outside because there are not enough classrooms!

                    Selling chapatis on street     Making use of puddle water!         Transporting to market!

We will be up in the hills most of this week. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.