We had some interesting experiences this week. When we first arrived we were introduced to several area office staff workers. The other senior missionaries told us about one sister named Rebecca who was in charge of security. She helped several senior missionaries out of traffic situations. She worked in the government prior to her job at the area office and everyone respected her. Within the week of our arrival. We heard she was in the hospital, then that she was diagnosed with cancer, and then that she has passed away. Everyone was blown away. On Thursday, one week after we arrived, we attended a funeral service for her. When we walked out of the service, we were stopped by the man who in charge of the area office staff. He asked Elder Holloway to talk at the Area Devotional on Sunday about how to manage the loss of Rebecca. WOW. What an assignment for your first week in the mission.

On Monday Elder Holloway spoke at the Area Employee Devotional about grief as many employees are grieving the loss of their dear friend who died suddenly and unexpectedly. He prayed earnestly for the Holy Ghost to guide his thoughts and words. He issued several invitations to help as one goes through the grieving process. He did a marvelous job, and many asked for a copy of the talk. He said this was not his talk, but it was given to him from the Savior to deliver at a time when they needed it.

This was a busy week talking to missionaries struggling with grief, adjustment, worries and feeling of inadequacies and anxiousness. They all shared and listened intently and were so grateful to speak to us.

On Thursday we had the wonderful privilege of attending one of the Zone conferences in the Nairobi West Mission and participating in it with President and Sister Chivunga. They are new mission leaders and are so gracious. We were invited to take 20 minutes to introduce ourselves and share something uplifting and helpful. We talked about focusing on what missionaries can control—one’s own thoughts, feelings and actions. We got in on a group photo and stayed for lunch—KFC, then had to get back.

 

On Sunday we attended a new branch of the church at the request of the Area Presidency. We went with another missionary couple and afterward traveled to an outlying area to a small school that is run by a couple in the branch. The educational system provides education for the smaller grades, but many choose to send their kids away for high school grades. The couple bought some property at the end of a very rough dirt road. They have about 18 students that they house and teach according to gospel standards. The stake president has given them permission to hold sacrament meeting at the school. It was an experience to see the conditions they have and the joy the students have being there. There is no running water. The kitchen was a small Shack and no facilities. There were chickens running loose and a garden that they use for food. We were asked to say a few words at the sacrament meeting. The school has been running a few years, and they struggle to get any funding they can. The church Humanitarian services of the church built a classroom facility for the school a few years ago, but they still struggle to keep it going. They rely on faith a lot. We will post a few pictures of the school.

We continue to try and figure out how to get where we need to go with traffic that seems to have no rules. At times we are in our lane, and we have motorcycles coming straight for us. They seem to go wherever they want and do not follow any rules. It is getting easier. We know that adjusting to life in a new country takes a little time.

We appreciate all the support, and prayers.

Much Love & Prayers,

Elder & Sister Holloway