tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24261409664306370312024-03-13T14:07:08.316-07:00 The Browns in AfricaElwood and Penny Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16362461957368851527noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-52711956189004387262018-03-06T18:58:00.000-08:002018-03-06T19:23:34.543-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our goal was
to write for our blog every month. The last entry was in November so we
acknowledge that this is an area that needs improvement. We must also admit
that it is unlikely that we will do any better. For those of you who are
patient with us and want to know about our mission in South Africa, thank you
for forgiving us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although
much of what we do is very interesting and exciting, there are some tasks we
are expected to accomplish that are more routine. This sameness is alleviated
by getting to know the young missionaries better as we perform these duties. Zone
Conferences are held every 6 weeks, by the zone leaders and presided over by
the mission president, President Thompson. Our main responsibility is to
provide food but we are always interested in the lessons that are taught. We
are impressed with their insights. Previous to zone conferences are missionary
transfers when we drive missionaries from one place to another…usually early in
the morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just before missionary
transfers are missionary boarding and vehicle inspections. I must admit that
even though these young missionaries have very little experience cleaning and
being organized, they are willing to learn and are improving. However, after
one recent transfer we had to throw some pans away because food was so
encrusted on them that even a chisel wouldn’t help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Training
branch and district presidencies is one of our main responsibilities. We have
spent a substantial amount of time focusing on the budgeting process so that
they are able to manage the Lord’s sacred funds. The new curriculum for Relief
Society and the Melchizedek Priesthood as well as how to conduct tithing
settlement have been other areas of focus. We have developed a training
notebook that we have used to teach topics including home and visiting
teaching, Church discipline, missionary preparation, working with the
auxiliaries, teaching, how to conduct meetings and programs, budgeting,
welfare, organizing the Young Women and the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood,
etc. This month we are attending district conferences every week-end and
conducting training at each one. Traveling throughout the mission to speak in
Church meetings and for Elwood to conduct temple recommend interviews has been
an interesting experience allowing us to view some beautiful scenery and meet
some wonderful people. We continue to train district presidencies at each
district conference as part of the conference week-end. We speak much of the
time. I have no idea how many talks we have given.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">District
leadership meetings have been sporadic and ineffective. We have worked with
President Mashego to help him plan and facilitate the proper leadership
meetings. The last two have been wonderful…progress is being made. The district
now has a calendar of meetings and activities and a schedule for holding
regular meetings. The district council members have monthly speaking
assignments and priesthood responsibilities assigned. This is a giant step
forward. The district Young Women have planned a New Beginnings activity for
this Saturday. It is the first that has ever been held and all the Young Women
are very excited to attend.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We continue
to hike to the top of the hill, near where we live, as often as possible. The
views are spectacular and we never tire of them. Cows and horses populate the
area and we observe the cycle of life with these animals.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">President
Terry Johns, a member of the mission presidency, invited us to come to
Ficksburg for the annual Cherry Festival. We had the opportunity to tour a
large cherry farm and product processing facility with a picnic in the orchard.
An airshow and chocolate factory tour were also part of this activity.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We tried to
assist another couple in getting married, but unfortunately, an uncle of the
bride objected at the last minute. He was not given lobola! The couple are in
their thirties and have a ten-year-old son, but the extended family rules and
always demands lobola (bride price). Also, the groom’s mother removed her
support because the groom, her son, is deaf and if he married she would no
longer receive government money. The picture is of our district president and a
friend who, along with us, waited at the government office for the couple that
didn’t come for their marriage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Unemployment
is quite high in South Africa. In a local, large retail store, where we buy a
lot of missionary supplies, we were able to procure an interview for employment
for a young man in Madadeni 2 Branch. They hired him for the Christmas season
paying him about $7.00 per day. He worked for all of December and January with
no days off. He worked hard with a positive attitude and the first of February
the store manager hired Alex as a full-time employee. He was made manager of
the electrical department with a sizable raise in pay as well as having off Saturday
afternoons and Sundays. The manager asked us if we had more like Alex that he
could hire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are
always looking for boardings (apartments) for our missionaries. The most recent
directive is to place missionaries in the townships where it is safe. For a
number of years, they have lived in town (in our case, Newcastle) and commuted
to the townships for their teaching appointments.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">December 10,
2017, was an important day for us. A young single mother that we had been
teaching was baptized. Elwood baptized and confirmed her a member of the Church
of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. We have enjoyed her progress from her
feeling alone and discouraged to a young woman of faith and confidence. She has
seen many miracles in her life since we began teaching her: She was given a
government home allowing her to move out of the shack in which she was living.
She has begun a better job with higher pay and Sundays off. Her children have
been admitted to a better school and one that is in walking distance from her
home. She has said that she owes her bright future to putting her life in God’s
hands and committing to following His teachings.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We attended
a number of branch Christmas parties. At Dundee Branch Elwood played Father
Christmas and President Mashego, the district president, at the Madadeni 1 and
2 party (at our insistence). We also had a Christmas party/breakfast at our
boarding for the fourteen elders in our zone. They devoured huge volumes of
breakfast casserole and enjoyed the small gifts we gave them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We looked
forward to Christmas with even greater anticipation than usual as our family
was due to arrive on the 22</span><sup>nd</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> of December. Jeff, Angie and family
arrived on time, but Shireen, Brett and family were delayed until the 24</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
because of airline issues and with Shireen’s suitcase missing. The Browns
arrived in time to do some sightseeing in Johannesburg as well as visit the
Nelson Mandela Capture site and other spots with us. Picture below is our
grandson Gabe by Mandela sculpture at the Capture Site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We did take
the time for Sariah and Sam to visit with their pen pals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was
wonderful being with our children and grandchildren!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Christmas
day was the beginning of a three-day safari with the family. Everyone loved the
experience as we were able to view all of the Big Five animals and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We then
traveled to the beautiful Drakensburg Mountains and then on to Durban to visit
the beach and the Indian Ocean.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We said
goodbye to Jeff, Angie, Gabe, Mia, Zoe and Gwen as they flew on to Cape Town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shireen,
Brett, Sariah and Sam stayed with us a few more days as we relaxed in
Newcastle, visited a lion farm and another spot where they were able to hold
baby lion cubs. They then flew home making a stop for a few days in London.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We love our
family and it was a great treat having them with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The new year
began ominously for us in darkness…our electricity was turned off. After a
lengthy visit to the utility company we discovered that the payment that had
been made was credited to a wrong account. This was followed by three weeks of
no internet service. Begging offered no relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our relief
and sanity came from working with the district presidency to help them plan a
successful district conference. The theme was “Come Unto Christ” with
appropriate music and speakers. I wish we could capture the spirit and sound of
the African choir and bring it home with us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We spent a
couple of days sightseeing with Elder and Sister Rhodes just before they went
home and toured the Midland Meander, which is an area of beautiful scenery and
interesting shops. We saw dramatic waterfalls, rivers, mountains and small
villages.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In January
we took another side trip with the Rhodes and the Johnsons (the couple
replacing the Rhodes) to the “Blood River” battlefield historical site. The
combatants were 12-15,000 Zulus and 1000 Afrikaners from the Eastern Cape of
South Africa. The Zulus were not pleased with this arrival and assumed that the
Afrikaners wanted to drive them from their lands. The Afrikaners gathered their
wagons into a “D” shape and battled with guns and cannons while the Zulus had spears
and skin shields. There are two museums at this site; each presents the point
of view of one side of the confrontation. The Afrikaans emphasize that these
early settlers made a covenant with God that if they won this battle they would
dedicate their lives to following Him. So many Zulus were killed that the river
in the area turned blood red. The pictures below are of the memorial in the
Afrikaans area which is a full-size metal model of the wagons, the Bridge of
Reconciliation between the Afrikaans and Zulu museums, and a model of one of
the Zulu warriors.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We can see
progress with some giant steps forward and fewer steps backward. As we follow
the Spirit we can see great changes. We have bonded with the people here and we
have genuine love and respect for each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our mission
will end all too soon. We have extended our mission for about two months and
wish we could stay longer, but responsibilities at home require our attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">May the Lord
bless you all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love His children and
His gospel.</span></div>
Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-72367863122054165002017-11-05T14:34:00.002-08:002017-11-05T14:35:25.909-08:00Life in South Africa<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We have very good intentions to write frequently in our
blog, but we all know where good intentions lead. Anyway, we will give you some
highlights of our South African journey/mission. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It is very difficult to put the African experience into
words and unless you have spent a significant amount of time here you would not
understand the spirit of this place. There is something that gets into your
soul…a combination of the beauty of the people and of the countryside. It is
wild, but peaceful…discouraging, but hopeful…hard to explain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As you can imagine we are kept very busy with a variety of
missionary experiences. We were asked to train and assist the Church leaders in
this area with a new finance program where checkbooks will no longer be used.
All donations and expenditures are now processed electronically. This is a
major challenge in our area because of lack of computer skills and lack of
knowledge related to finances. Penny has been the major trainer of this process
along with the district clerk. This has been a huge job and has been very
successful. Other experiences include working with the young
missionaries…finding places for them to live, furnishing their boardings,
buying supplies, taking them to the doctor, interviewing baptismal candidates
under special circumstances, counseling ones with problems, holding meetings,
etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We would like to introduce you to the Wambuzi family. We met
them when we first came to South Africa and were fortunate to be able to
facilitate their wedding, avoiding lobola (bride price). They now have an
adorable and healthy baby.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Alex and Jane were another couple we assisted so that they
could be married. Lobola was a major challenge because he had lost his job and
the bride’s family insisted on being paid. We encouraged him to be courageous
and helped him with some negotiations. The bride was not a member of our
Church, but is being baptized this Sunday, 29 October 2017. They are happy and
in love. The little boy is their son, the couple is the Mashego’s and the
gentleman in the picture is the magistrate who married them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later we delivered a large copy printed on canvas of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Family, A Proclamation to the World</i>
to the magistrate and was first presented on the floor of the US Senate in 1995
stressing the importance of marriage and the family. This was an inspired document
prepared by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</div>
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We have gone several times to the lion game preserve near
where we live. One set of pictures shows us there with two of the young
missionaries. See the pictures below of some of the animals seen there: lion
cubs, lions, horse mated with zebra, albino eland, various members of the cat
family, etc. Two show lions eating a kill.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we have a free day (translate: run away from home) we enjoy adventures with Elder and Sister Rhodes, who are stationed in Ladysmith, which is about an hour from us. These are pictures from an area near Winterton which is fairly close to Ladysmith. Picture of the giraffe is obvious. Weavers are the name of the birds that build the strange nests that are pictured. It is fascinating to watch them. We are told that the female birds are very particular about how their nest is built (by the male) and if she isn’t happy with it she insists that it be torn apart and begun again.</div>
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In September we had another senior missionary conference
which was both informative and relaxing. It was held in the magnificent
Drakensburg mountains, which are a natural border between South Africa and
Lesotho.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mission President Thompson and Sister Thompson<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sister Brown
and President Johns, who is from South Africa and has been in a mission </div>
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presidency for an indeterminate number of years.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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As many of you know, we love being in the mountains and the
Drakensburgs are particularly spectacular and beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been able to hike in these mountains
three times and look forward to a fourth when our children and grandchildren
come here in December.</div>
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We always enjoy our periodic trips to Durban for Mission Presidency meetings and other occasions. The pictures show the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. Many of them were heavily damaged during the recent storms and flooding in the area. The picture of the hotel is where Jeff made reservations for us when the family comes in December.</div>
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The picture of the black building indicates the stage of
construction for the Durban Mormon Temple. It is due to be completed toward the
end of 2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Church is growing here; we have created two new
districts and many additional branches. A district is comprised of several
local units (branches) that is in a particular geographic area. The Newcastle
District was divided in July creating the Ladysmith District making President
DeKlerk, the former branch president in Dundee, the new president. President
Moloi is the Phuthaditjhaba District president, which district was formed in
August. These smaller districts allow the leaders to assist and bless the lives
of the people in their units. We are frequently asked to provide training to
the district and branch leaders on principles and procedures, which we love to
do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ladysmith
District Presidency </div>
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Phuthaditjhaba
District Presidency with wives and President and Sister Thompson</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We were asked to go to the small country of Losotho, about a
six hour drive from our home in Newcastle, to offer a two-day leadership
seminar to the Losotho district presidency and its five branch presidencies.
After the training we spent part of a day at a primitive village called Komes
Caves. It consists of a number of huts built under and around a huge
overhanging rock. About 200 years ago a man discovered this area and built a
dwelling under the overhang. Others came and a few more dwellings were
constructed and some land was farmed for fruits and vegetables. People live
there today just as they did two hundred years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The final pictures show some of our favorite people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Children
from one of the townships (We always carry lollipops.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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President and Sister Mashego (This is the district president of Newcastle
District and his wife. We spend a lot of time with them and love them dearly.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a
wall from the office in our flat, which allows us to see our children and
grandchildren daily.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In mid-August our mission president gave all missionaries
the challenge to read and ponder the Book of Mormon in 100 days. We were
invited to write our thoughts on each page. We have found that by doing this we
have a much greater understanding, love and appreciation for these scriptures.
This book is a true and significant witness that Jesus Christ is our Lord and
Savior. As the introduction to the Book of Mormon states, “A man would get
nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love to all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-72971416465314767102017-07-27T21:58:00.000-07:002017-07-27T21:58:41.991-07:00July 2017This is a typical roadside scene as we drive through
Kwazulu-Natal (our mission area).<br />
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After attending Richard’s Bay District Conference we drove
up the coast to St. Lucia where we had a boat tour to view the hippos and crocodiles.
Turns out this is the best time of year to go when the hippos are most active.
(The movement of the crocodiles told us that they were either dead or fake!
They didn’t move at all.) We are holding a hippo tooth in the pictures. Elwood
decided he needed an implant and chose a hippo tooth for dramatic effect.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These were the scenes we observed as we traveled down the
river…hippos and crocodiles in their natural environment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We continued up the coast, drove through a game preserve on
our way to Cape Vidal and observed a number of other animals. These included
cape buffalo, the magnificent kudu antelope, a zebra family, the always
impressive rhino and the rare daytime sighting of a hyena.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a sign posted as a warning because in the evenings
these animals may be seen wandering the streets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A night out of extravagant dining…calories galore!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a view of Ghost Mountain, which plays a significant
role in the culture of the region. Tradition says it is a great, strange and
haunted mountain. On top is a rudely shaped resemblance of a woman. At regular
intervals over the years, strange lights and flickering fires are seen among
the fissures and cliffs of the summit. Weird noises and strange sounds are also
heard precipitating Zulu superstitions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These pictures were taken at a branch sponsored areawide
marriage conference at which we spoke. Decorations were done by a member whose
daughter is in the catering business.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the Ezakheni Chapel where Newcastle District held
part of the district conference. Since the district is so large (over 100
kilometers separate the two locations) and travel is difficult, conference is
held in two parts with the same message given in both locations. The theme of
the conference was taken from the Book of Mormon (Helaman 5:12): “ And now, my
sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is
Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil
shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when
all his hail and his mighty storm shall be upon you, it shall have no power over
you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless woe, because of the rock
upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if
men build they cannot fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We had the privilege of preparing 8 brethren to receive the
Melchizedek Priesthood and have them sustained at district conference. It was
Elwood’s honor to confer the Melchizedek Priesthood on four of them and ordain
them to the office of Elder.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These beautiful iconic acacia trees are seen throughout
South Africa…<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are continuing to enjoy our mission and being able to
assist in the work of the Lord. It is very rewarding to be assisting in the
progress being made.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love to you all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-82496440328113654442017-05-08T22:00:00.000-07:002017-05-08T22:02:03.285-07:00Long overdue catch up!<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nD1_5Tl3pa4/WRFJlaQvk2I/AAAAAAAAAgw/Ru7uiqOHq28nV4lUGucIblbps1MdKQtxACLcB/s1600/At%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2B-%2BIndian%2BOcean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nD1_5Tl3pa4/WRFJlaQvk2I/AAAAAAAAAgw/Ru7uiqOHq28nV4lUGucIblbps1MdKQtxACLcB/s320/At%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2B-%2BIndian%2BOcean.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear All,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is wonderful for us and full of rewarding experiences.
Each day is very different. We hope you get a glimpse of what we do by this
update. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our training goal is that when we leave we will not be
needed or missed. We continue to travel conducting mission and district
business and training such as assisting the district president in choosing
talks from April 2017 General Conference for the “Teaching For Our Time”
lessons. Other lessons we taught include how to prepare people to receive the
Mechizedek Priesthood as well as how to conduct priesthood and quorum meetings
on Sunday. We are still working with branch presidents individually to help
them develop branch budgets. How to administer church welfare is another needed
topic because many have the attitude that the Church has unlimited funds to
give to whomever wants anything. We showed district president how to schedule
district council speakers and helped him choose topics that were needed and
included the area initiatives. As a new branch was organized we supported (and
prodded) physical facility people from the Durban office to deal with the many
details. We know this is all very mundane, but basic training is what we have
been asked to do as these concepts had not been taught or practiced before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have had many highlights. Sister Mlambo, district Young
Women president and wife of one of the branch presidents, set an excellent
example for all women by completing her bachelor’s degree to become a teacher.
She did this at home in a period of only 5 years. People, including her
extended family, discouraged her at every turn (“Women don’t need an
education!”) but she persevered. Elwood interviewed a young woman who had an
extremely difficult life, who had no hope and who tried to block out her
terrible experiences by taking drugs. She met and was taught the gospel by the
missionaries, turned her life around and has now been baptized. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We helped a young couple get married without
lubola (bride price).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We attended a traditional Zulu wedding. One of the sons of
an Afrikaans branch president married a Zulu young lady. It was a cultural
experience right out of National Geographic. It was located at the isolated
farm of the groom’s parents in an open field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many men were dressed in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tribal
warrior costumes and the women dancers wore only beads around their neck and a
short skirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Shireen will be editing
the pictures so that they are G-rated.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In March we went to the Drakensburg School where we were
treated to a performance of the world famous Drakensburg Boys Choir. Fabulous!
The school is next to the beautiful central Drakensburg mountain range. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an overnight stay at a local B and B we
were treated to a falconry, birds of prey exhibition. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Towards the end of April we participated in a senior
missionary couple conference/retreat at Ghost Mountain, which is about 4 hours
north of Durban. We went on two game drives and visited a contemporary Zulu
village where we found many traditional Zulu practices exist. The game drives were
not very exciting, but it was wonderful to be out in the bush. We saw several
species of antelope, cape buffalo, zebra, giraffes, a rhino and many
interesting birds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the conference and mission presidency meeting we drove
to Durban. Early the next morning we joined another missionary couple (the
Woods) and drove out to see the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>progress
of the temple and then went for a walk along the beach at the Indian Ocean. The
water is warm, even in the winter. Later we went to the only Mexican restaurant
we know in South Africa (Four 15 Restaurant). We not only ate a huge lunch, but
ordered takeout food that lasted us for three meals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People seem to die at a much younger age than in the US. As
it was in Nigeria, some of our young missionaries’ parents die while their sons
(no sister missionaries in this mission) are serving on a mission. This Is
heartbreaking. We recently assisted in helping a young missionary plan a
memorial service for his recently deceased mother. All the missionaries in this
area gathered at our apartment for a very touching service.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were asked to assist the district president in starting
the negotiation of (bride price) with the families of the prospective bride and
groom. The bride’s family was asking for what would be equivalent to about
$7000! The groom is deaf and unable to speak and is only marginally employed.
He may not earn this money in his life. The bride’s family encouraged this
couple to live together until he can afford to pay lobola. There was a plaque
on the wall that read, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. Elwood
addressed this saying by stating that the Zulu traditions were sweeping the
Lord out of their house by demanding lobola as having children out of marriage
was not the Lord’s way. A few days later the family agreed to no lobola and
will permit the couple to be married.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Portia, a young single mother of two boys, who we have been
teaching, was given a given a small government built house. She had been living
in a tin shack under very humble conditions for over seven years. We helped her
move in and did some landscape work for her along with two young missionaries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another situation involved meeting with grandparents (Ugogo
and Umkhulu) who have a tense relationship with their three grandchildren. The
parents of the children have died and the 13-year-old lives with her two twenty
something siblings. She is not cared for and often wanders the neighborhood
asking for food. This situation is not yet resolved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We continue to meet people who are curious about what we do.
We are able to get their contact information and pass it on to the young
missionaries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Experiences with missionaries are both fun and challenging.
One of our dear elders had 3 automobile accidents in a one month period…and he was
not even cleared to drive. Turns out that when you make a U-turn in front of an
oncoming vehicle that it will probably hit you. Fortunately, there were no
injuries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are still hiking. Since it is winter it is cold and foggy
most mornings, but it reaches the high 70s most days.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are reading the Book of Mormon together and have a
greater understanding and appreciation as we contemplate and discuss concepts.
We encourage all to follow the prophet’s admonition to make the reading,
studying, and pondering of this book part of your daily life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love you all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Browns<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mexican restaurant in Durban</div>
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<br /></div>
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Animal drive at retreat </div>
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At the beach - Indian Ocean</div>
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<br /></div>
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At Zulu village</div>
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Boys choir after performance </div>
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Cooking at Zulu wedding</div>
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Durban Temple</div>
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Durban</div>
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Elwood and President Mashego in Dundee with Brother in Dundee (in the middle) </div>
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Falconry show </div>
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Game drive breakfast</div>
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Herd of Cape Buffalo </div>
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Zulu wedding</div>
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Groom at wedding </div>
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Wedding participant </div>
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Zulu wedding maid of honor and daughter</div>
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Kids in the neighborhood </div>
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Love seeing interesting signs</div>
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Missionary U-turn </div>
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Muslim mosque in Newcastle</div>
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Ayala antelope seen on retreat </div>
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Portia happy to have a home of her own </div>
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Portia's new house </div>
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Portia's shack </div>
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Rourke Drift - site of one of the Zulu-English battles </div>
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Service project with missionaries at Portia's house </div>
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Training </div>
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Visited Zulu village at retreat</div>
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Elwood and Penny Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16362461957368851527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-68381185906460486572017-03-06T20:29:00.000-08:002017-03-06T20:37:11.299-08:00February in Africa<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hello
everyone! We hope you are all happy and well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We spend a
great deal of our time training District and Branch Presidencies on basic
administration, budgeting, welfare and best practices. Our last district
conference was a success and we are hoping that the organizational skills that
we modeled for the district president will be applied at the next conference. Since
Elwood is in the mission presidency, we travel throughout the mission for
district conferences, zone conferences, temple recommend interviews, setting
apart for their Church callings, working with members who have had disciplinary
issues to bring them back to full fellowship, and counseling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiGNyIEKl_E/WL4yIJdxYOI/AAAAAAAAFCo/cKpjiFDTtaUM6-K7DqUxLz4ve2-1S-76wCK4B/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiGNyIEKl_E/WL4yIJdxYOI/AAAAAAAAFCo/cKpjiFDTtaUM6-K7DqUxLz4ve2-1S-76wCK4B/s320/IMG_1845.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The twelve
elders in our area join us each week for Family Home Evening. It’s a time for
them to relax and be rejuvenated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We had an
interesting experience in which we visited a young family who felt that the
people in their neighborhood had put a curse on them because of their Church
membership. Elwood gave them each a blessing and they were relieved. To date
they have had no repeat unexplained disturbances during the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnOuSFE7-Kk/WL4xeVx0PCI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/KCHO3V50UbUeeN0gx1e9ZBJJPQQZnhBGgCK4B/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnOuSFE7-Kk/WL4xeVx0PCI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/KCHO3V50UbUeeN0gx1e9ZBJJPQQZnhBGgCK4B/s320/IMG_4237.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have the
opportunity, most mornings, to hike into the hills near our boarding. There are
amazing views of the rolling countryside on one side and the town on the other
as we climb to the top. Elwood climbed over the fence labeled “Private
Property. Do Not Enter” and has made friends with the caretaker, after the
caretaker yelled at him to get out, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
has given him a copy of the Book of Mormon in Zulu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phzZLvs1Fgs/WL42SoCkMqI/AAAAAAAAFFs/kLJIo6osfDgmpLrWH17gcdgUNbJtI9lKwCK4B/s1600/IMG_4233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phzZLvs1Fgs/WL42SoCkMqI/AAAAAAAAFFs/kLJIo6osfDgmpLrWH17gcdgUNbJtI9lKwCK4B/s320/IMG_4233.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNeIFhv73ms/WL4xjuE1tHI/AAAAAAAAFCY/AbAQv9WN0FYZDTpAmK1XXeJ2A9AkssZnQCK4B/s1600/IMG_4123.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNeIFhv73ms/WL4xjuE1tHI/AAAAAAAAFCY/AbAQv9WN0FYZDTpAmK1XXeJ2A9AkssZnQCK4B/s320/IMG_4123.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T36Ye54eRqY/WL416Gpjk2I/AAAAAAAAFFU/CoOMNMqAG-E8stVt_GlZxYGxGBebOQA2ACK4B/s1600/IMG_4373%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T36Ye54eRqY/WL416Gpjk2I/AAAAAAAAFFU/CoOMNMqAG-E8stVt_GlZxYGxGBebOQA2ACK4B/s320/IMG_4373%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPOp_ZEdqOY/WL4z3HGHUSI/AAAAAAAAFDo/XlGM8etgKyMGdQT1HWWKLPv7JP-NpwsHgCK4B/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPOp_ZEdqOY/WL4z3HGHUSI/AAAAAAAAFDo/XlGM8etgKyMGdQT1HWWKLPv7JP-NpwsHgCK4B/s320/IMG_1900.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are
teaching a young woman with two small children who lives in the dwelling pictured
below. Seeing people you care about living in such circumstances is very troubling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-luG98h3QWuw/WL41zXKbA3I/AAAAAAAAFFM/D2EK10cf5LQqKC5zGHYu_dX0jwyUgT3IQCK4B/s1600/IMG_4250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-luG98h3QWuw/WL41zXKbA3I/AAAAAAAAFFM/D2EK10cf5LQqKC5zGHYu_dX0jwyUgT3IQCK4B/s320/IMG_4250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A new branch
has been created in Madadeni to allow members to reduce their walking time from
as much as 1 ½ hours to only 15-35 minutes. Very few people have cars. Elwood
had a wonderful spiritual experience interviewing people to be the branch
president. The spirit left no doubt who the branch president should be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This last
Saturday we had a Young Single Adult Activity. It has been very rewarding
working with them because of their dedication and willingness to work very
hard. We will be assisting them in the other activities that are planned for
this year. We are pleased that the district leaders now realize the importance
of organization with priesthood support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whenever we
travel to Durban for mission business we look forward to seeing the ocean, the
people and having Mexican food. The person who owns the restaurant lived in San
Francisco for a while and so the restaurant is named the 415 (San Francisco’s
area code). We enjoy the food, which is American Mexican, and the fountain
drinks with ice and refills…just like home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_scgMviQ4aY/WL41Wv2ugKI/AAAAAAAAFE0/v-pr-DtsNQ49xpB4mDn0IZMmRandk-SIACK4B/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_scgMviQ4aY/WL41Wv2ugKI/AAAAAAAAFE0/v-pr-DtsNQ49xpB4mDn0IZMmRandk-SIACK4B/s320/IMG_1971.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We take
little side trips periodically. One day we traveled to the Drakensberg
Mountains and hiked with 2 senior couples and 6 young elders. We made the
mistake of allowing the elders to choose the trail which, they told us, was not
too strenuous. (This was through the eyes of a 19 year old.) One couple gave up
completely, but we endured and made it to a beautiful waterfall, which was a
great reward on a hot summer day. (Remember, we are in the southern hemisphere
so it is summer here.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another
Preparation Day we took some elders to the Dundee Museum of British/Zulu Wars
and British/Boar Wars. Any history/war buff would love it. Plus there were
interesting ceramic displays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iW0LOAIjOYs/WL40vLs23uI/AAAAAAAAFEY/VDTeMn6SMwwgec_zvOULBk6RfhvavWr8QCK4B/s1600/IMG_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iW0LOAIjOYs/WL40vLs23uI/AAAAAAAAFEY/VDTeMn6SMwwgec_zvOULBk6RfhvavWr8QCK4B/s320/IMG_1947.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We also had
the opportunity to visit Lesotho, which is a separate country located in our
mission. Although it was a short visit we were quite impressed with the weaving
business that a group of ladies began. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These two
pictures are from the Mandela capture site and visitor center. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This picture
of Elwood was taken at a waterfall near where we live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3LIPyknAQk/WL41ku_OqwI/AAAAAAAAFFE/t_AY6tN-HVYBL22q3VsIf8Gsk8y9ygirACK4B/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3LIPyknAQk/WL41ku_OqwI/AAAAAAAAFFE/t_AY6tN-HVYBL22q3VsIf8Gsk8y9ygirACK4B/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It has been a pleasure to have the assignments
of sharing the Book of Mormon and teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Interesting opportunities have come our way. One day, in a grocery
parking lot a lady backed into our car (in spite of Elwood honking and me
yelling, “Stop! Stop!”) Everything was eventually settled quite amicably, but
during the process a Book of Mormon was placed with the lady that hit us and with
three people at Avis Rent-a-Car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We love our
mission experiences, especially serving the people of this area. We feel the
spirit direct and support us. We know the gospel of Jesus Christ will bless the
lives of the people living in our mission. May you find the Lord blessing your
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-53797491960856364882017-01-04T15:14:00.001-08:002017-01-04T15:14:17.173-08:00December in South Africa <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">We moved to a new boarding as our old one needed many repairs and the owner was not willing to make them.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Harvey Transport was a great deal. See below. Harvey is a very nice man whose physical problems of needing serious dental work and deodorant we willingly overlooked because of his price. Fortunately, we were only moving a short distance as his “moving van” was very open air. Harvey and his crew did not break one item so if you ever need to move in Newcastle, South Africa, I can give you Harvey’s phone number.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVWxOemtQkw/WG18U8r_loI/AAAAAAAAAcw/LOuKtaZ9ZKo6T-mvAOOqfwouDTNjTAO_QCLcB/s1600/Untitled1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVWxOemtQkw/WG18U8r_loI/AAAAAAAAAcw/LOuKtaZ9ZKo6T-mvAOOqfwouDTNjTAO_QCLcB/s320/Untitled1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have been spending a lot of time with Pres. Mashego, who
is the district president. We are assisting him in instructing the branch
presidents and other branch leaders on Church operations and principles. Some
view the Church as a rich source of income. They have so little and don’t realize that
when they use tithing money improperly they are stealing from their fellow
church members, but stealing sacred funds. We are trying to help Pres. Mashego
untangle the various branches’ finances. We discovered recently that one church
leader, who is in the process of building his house, is using the baptismal
font as his bathtub, the office telephone for personal and long distance calls
and the kitchen as his own.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We hold Family Home Evening at our boarding each week for
the young adults in our area. We have from six to twenty each week. Different
ones teach a lesson and we cover if the teacher does not show up. I am sure
that the refreshments that we serve help to boost attendance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For Thanksgiving we had ten elders for dinner. We tried to
make it as much like home as possible, although half were not from the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had turkey (2 skinny ones), mashed
potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, rolls, cranberries and apple pie (no pumpkins
were available).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Attending branch Christmas parties has been fun! Elwood has
played Father Christmas at one party in Dundee and is repeating the performance
next week in Madden.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the family problems here is “lobola”, which is the
same as bride price in Nigeria. Many couples are not getting married because
the man does not have the money to pay the bride’s family so they just live
together. When children arrive the family does not approve of them living with
the couple, since they are not married, so they are usually taken away and are
raised by the “gogo” (grandmother). This is very common. Whoever raises a child
in South Africa receives a subsidy from the government so that is another
incentive for the gogo, who then has a little extra money to </div>
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live on. See below
for one gogo we visited with a future missionary grandson that lived </div>
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with her for many years.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting called out of the congregation to give talks is
still a little unnerving for us. A week ago after the sacrament the branch
president announced that Sister Brown would be the first speaker. I know that I
must have had a panicked look on my face, but so did Elwood when he was named
as the concluding speaker with about two seconds notice. Being asked to teach
Sunday School lessons is not quite as unsettling. They seem to think that the
“white couples”, as we are called, are experts in speaking, teaching and
advising. (We certainly have them fooled…Wait until they get to know us
better!) Pres. Mashego says we are here to help perfect the saints. Now that
Elwood is in the mission presidency they even expect more from us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just a couple of days ago Elwood was asked to attend a
funeral. When he arrived he found that he was to preside as well as give the
gospel talk and dedicate the grave. The pictures below are of the cemetery and
the gravesite. It is Zulu tradition that after the casket is lowered, wood
poles are placed across the top of the casket so that the deceased will not
have his feelings hurt as the dirt is poured on top of the poles and not
directly onto the casket.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Townships generally do not have restaurants, but they have
tuck shops where people can buy food and other sundries. The name of the one
below we found especially interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn8bBVKLEg8/WG19AMHu4KI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/hDvpOzE2F4UZo--RPhhx8Z0C-hyoEBsGgCLcB/s1600/Untitled9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn8bBVKLEg8/WG19AMHu4KI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/hDvpOzE2F4UZo--RPhhx8Z0C-hyoEBsGgCLcB/s1600/Untitled9.png" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We are having a wonderful experience here and are learning
so much. We are able to give support, strengthen and teach people and learn so
much from them. Our testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ grows each day. We
love what we are doing.</div>
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We send our love to you and wish you a very Merry Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
Elwood and Penny Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16362461957368851527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-7324967849796487342016-10-19T21:30:00.002-07:002016-10-19T21:30:57.618-07:00Greetings from South Africa!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent two days in Durban getting oriented to the mission
and receiving our assignments. Although we had a little practice driving on the
left side of the road in Durban, driving to Newcastle was a bit unnerving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Newcastle is a small city in the middle of a rural, farming
area and located in the heart of Zulu country. It is about four hours northwest
of Durban and about three hours south of Johannesburg. Most people speak Zulu
or English and some speak Afrikaans. The people are wonderful and are very interested
in discussing religion, especially when they see our badges. Most have limited
income as there is high unemployment. For those fortunate to have a job the pay
is very low.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is small in
this section of South Africa. There are no stakes in our mission except for the
two that are in Durban and one in the far west. We are in a district with seven
branches, mostly in different towns. The Church in this part of South Africa is
99% black, while the population of the country is approximately 85% black. The
people are dedicated and religious and are striving to build the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our primary duty is to assist the Newcastle District
President with his responsibilities. This involves teaching leadership skills,
providing shadow leadership for him and all who assist him, and visiting people
in the branches who require assistance of some kind. We also work closely with
the young missionaries helping with travel, teaching, and solving problems. We
inspect their boardings (apartment or house) and vehicles. We also introduce
people to the Church and see that they are contacted and taught.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The past week we went to a senior missionary couple
conference and retreat at Nambiti Game Reserve which was about 1½ hours from
Newcastle. (This setting is very different from our experience in Nigeria where
there were no large animals because they had been eaten by the people living
there.) The conference was inspiring and enlightening as we counseled together
and were taught more about our responsibilities. In between the training
sessions we went on animal drives which were amazing. The highlight was witnessing
a baby giraffe being born…a once in a lifetime experience. We were told that no
one at the game reserve had ever seen this before. We also observed various
types of antelope, several lions, elephants, a cheetah, hippopotamuses and
rhinoceroses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We love what we are doing! We are much more dependent on the
spirit than our last mission because we set our agenda each week and must
determine what our priorities must be as there is so much that needs to be
done. The people we have met are humble, hard working and religious. We are
welcomed, literally, with open arms and feel blessed to be among them. We may
be giving some to be on this mission, but are gaining much more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We miss our family and friends, but we know we are doing
what the Lord wants us do at this time in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Elwood and Penny Brown</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our group in the MTC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durban Lighthouse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children in neighborhood in Newcastle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Newcastle District Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">District President Mashego</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our safari tent at Springbok Lodge, Nambiti, South Africa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Antelope on the game drive</span></div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-6356261364140719772016-10-12T15:36:00.000-07:002016-10-12T15:36:09.243-07:00Home, sweet homeThe Browns finally made it to their place of residence - Newcastle, South Africa (about 4 hours northwest of Durbin). This is their little home away from home.<div>
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Although I don't have tons of detail, they did attend 2 churches this past Sunday, and are currently on a retreat and conference with the other senior couples in an area called Ladysmith and the Nambiti Animal Preserve. They will have some meetings, but will be going on animal drives as well. They told us yesterday that they saw four beautiful lions (pictures to follow).</div>
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Elwood and Penny Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16362461957368851527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-6644637520308920332016-10-11T15:14:00.000-07:002016-10-11T15:14:09.638-07:00Arrival in DurbinMy parents have sent a few pictures, but not much in the way of text for me to share, so I will provide my own commentary! After I believe 27 hours of travel, they arrived in Durbin, South Africa late on Tuesday, Sept 27th. The mission President and his wife picked them up from the airport. While in Durbin, they received some instruction on their duties for their mission, and driving lessons (hold me). <br />
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Here are a few pictures of them outside the bed and breakfast where they stayed their first few days.<br />
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And... someone had a birthday in Durbin on the 29th! </div>
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Elwood and Penny Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16362461957368851527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-17880912809040490362016-10-10T21:07:00.002-07:002016-10-10T21:07:55.114-07:00Heading to Durbin, South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">We just finished a week at the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah. It was intense, but rewarding. There was a wonderful spirit there. Some of the "old" missionaries needed afternoon naps, but not us...We just collapsed each night! One evening we had dinner with the missionary couples who were with us in Nigeria. It was fun catching up with them.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Each of the two weekends, before and after the mission training center, we spent with Jeff, Angie, Gabe, Mia, Zoe and Gwen. They even treated us to a concert in our honor Sunday night. In all modesty we can say they are excellent musicians...Zoe on the piano, Gwen on the violin, and Mia playing the classical guitar. Gabe is just learning the guitar and is already able to play several tunes.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">We will miss our family, friends and all of you, but are excited about this new adventure. We are anxious to know what we will be doing in the Durban Mission and where we will be assigned. We are happy to be able to serve the Lord and to invite people to learn more of the restored Gospel and of our Savior.</span><br />
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<br />Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-49524409532449365462014-04-21T14:47:00.000-07:002014-04-21T14:47:12.242-07:00Last blog post from Africa<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This will be
our last blog entry. We have had a
wonderful experience in the Lagos Nigeria Mission. We can honestly say we have
maximized our efforts and abilities to serve the Lord. We hate to leave the wonderful people of West
Africa. We have interacted with many
people whom we deeply love and admire.
The people of West Africa are a religious people—they truly love our
Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. When
we received our call to serve in Nigeria we told our children if they can get
to Africa we would treat them to a safari at the end of our mission. We were asked to extend our mission, but we
needed to go on the safari, so we did the safari and returned to our mission
for a few more weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We will
attach a few pictures from our mission and some form our safari and stay in
Cape Town, South Africa. Our thanks and
love to you all! We are grateful for
your love, prayers and support.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Elwood and
Penny<o:p></o:p></div>
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School kids at Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria</div>
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Slave Port at Badagry. Slave trading started at this port in Africa.</div>
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Slave depiction </div>
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Life is hard in Nigeria</div>
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Man selling a grass cutter (Bush meat)</div>
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Elwood with an investigator and baby </div>
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Johannesburg, tribute rocks to Mandella</div>
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Apartheid sign</div>
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Off to the safari in Kruger National Park</div>
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Leopard</div>
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Baboon </div>
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Elephant</div>
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Monkey</div>
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African sky </div>
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Hippos</div>
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Wild dog</div>
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African buffalo </div>
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Baboon tribe</div>
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Elephant family</div>
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Our safari vehicle and guide, Joey</div>
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White Rhinoceros </div>
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Giraffe</div>
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Zebra</div>
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Male lion</div>
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Cheetah</div>
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Hiking in the African bush </div>
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Getting ready for the Great White Sharks</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-30005314194548751842014-03-03T14:51:00.001-08:002014-03-03T14:51:08.591-08:00Time is getting short...This may be our last blog entry or penultimate. Time is getting short. A few weeks ago, we attended the wedding of a young man with whom the mission does business. There are some interesting pictures of a traditional Yoruba wedding. The groom had to prostrate himself before both sets of parents.<br />
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The next set of pictures shows us going to Snake Island, which is just outside of Lagos. We were looking for a building to rent for a church meetinghouse. We rode in a small motorboat to reach the island and a motorcycle (okada) once we got there... a fun experience.<br />
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Every two weeks we travel to small branches of the church to give help and support. The pictures show Penny in a primary age children's class. We visited members in their homes and got a firsthand look at poverty as we had not seen before. We visited a few compounds - multiple housing building with common areas. There were dirt floors, bare block walls and hardly any furniture (2 small children were resting on a dirty mattress on the floor). They cook in a common outdoor kitchen. There were no bathrooms other than an enclosure with a hole and buckets of water. It is amazing that the people seemed happy and were definitely enjoying being together.<br />
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We have been busy teaching, training, and traveling to zone conferences and mission Leadership Council meetings. The work never ends nor does our desire to help hasten this wonderful work. We are both well and happy. We can hardly wait for our children (Jeff, Angie, Shireen and Brett) to join us in Johannesburg for our safari in April. We will then return to our mission as we have extended for a few weeks. We will have more in our last blog.<br />
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Love to you all,<br />
Elwood and Penny<br />
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Girl with tribal markings on her cheeks</div>
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Penny and Isaac at his wedding</div>
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Groom prostrates before his parents. He also did this before the in-laws</div>
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The bride</div>
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Bride kneeling before her in-laws</div>
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Ready to go to Snake Island just off Lagos </div>
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Elder and Sister Logan getting in the boat</div>
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Penny in the boat </div>
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Ready to go</div>
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On our way</div>
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Snake Island, inhabited by 14,000 people in four villages</div>
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Penny and me on an Okada (motor cycle)</div>
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Building to possibly be rented for one of our church meeting houses</div>
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Here is how to mix cement. They wer elaying a large slab around a building. </div>
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All of our missionaries along with Elder and Sister Bednar, Elder and Sister Clayton, and the Area Presidency of Africa West Area. See us on the left of the 5th row.</div>
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My what a bus - comfort plus </div>
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Typical street scene, vehicles and people competing for space </div>
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Penny at Ilese Branch Primary. The church is very small in this area.</div>
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Primary children</div>
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We visited some members homes. These pictures give a poignant picture of poverty. Common areas dirt flooring, bare block walls, almost no furniture, no running water, no indoor bathrooms. </div>
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Bedroom - see dirty foam mattress</div>
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Kitchen. Young man making FUFU. Very hard work.</div>
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FUFU. This is made from pounded yams and cooked over an open fire as you see.</div>
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People that live in the compound</div>
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Penny in the compound yard</div>
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Kids in the compound </div>
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House and yard at the start of the compound</div>
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Several families live in a building like this</div>
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What a way to travel. This is the back of a truck.</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-14183253223512372512014-01-19T08:15:00.001-08:002014-01-19T08:15:56.371-08:00GhanaHello everyone. It is time for a blog update. Penny and I went to Ghana for business and pleasure from 26 December 2013 to 1 January 2014 and it was a wonderful trip.<br />
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The photos below will give you an idea of our experiences there. We arrived in Accra, Ghana, completed our business and while there attended the temple which is small, but very beautiful. We drove up the coast to the Cape Coast area. Our first adventure was walking a tree bridge which was about 300 meter long and 200-400 feet above ground. We stayed at the Elmina Resort which was on a gorgeous beach with a fishing village about 1/2 mile down the beach.<br />
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We visited Elmina (St. George's) Castle, which was the oldest holding area for slaves in West Africa. The castle is 531 years old and was originally built by the Portuguese who were there for 155 years. The Dutch captured it and continued using it for slaves for 200 years. Finally, the British arrived and used it for soldiers' quarters. This is a necessary, but horrible reminder of man's inhumanity to man. The cruelty and terrible living conditions that existed there are beyond belief.<br />
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We visited Mormon Church history sites such as Baptism Beach, where the first baptisms occurred in Ghana. We saw the first building utilized as a church known as the Cocoa Shed. We attended the current church and visited with two of the first group to be baptized.<br />
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This trip was quite rejuvenating and strengthened us for our last few months in West Africa.<br />
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May the Lord bless you and keep you all safe and happy. Our love to you all.<br />
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Penny at the Accra, Ghana LDS Temple</div>
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Accra, Ghana LDS Temple</div>
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Ant hill, seem to be everywhere</div>
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Tree rope bridge near Cape Coast, Ghana </div>
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Elmina Resort - view from our room</div>
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Top floor, middle building - our room</div>
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kids playing soccer on the beach</div>
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Sunset</div>
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Dinner with the Stokers and Petersens </div>
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Sunrise </div>
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Beach house </div>
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Stealing sand</div>
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Washing clothes</div>
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Fishing village </div>
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Fishermen</div>
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Slave compound at Elmina Castle (St. George Castle) -</div>
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oldest slave castle in West Africa (531 years old).</div>
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View from castle of Elmina Bay</div>
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Door of no return<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EnE17kpM-m0/Utvx1w4t9kI/AAAAAAAAEeo/_lEly0qSXts/s1600/Stoker+Pictures+to+January+14,2014+850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EnE17kpM-m0/Utvx1w4t9kI/AAAAAAAAEeo/_lEly0qSXts/s1600/Stoker+Pictures+to+January+14,2014+850.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Male slave dungeon</div>
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Slave holding cell<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7c06puebsU/Utvx3Ea-wFI/AAAAAAAAEfE/Y9R_JrgdEWU/s1600/Stoker+Pictures+to+January+14,2014+853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7c06puebsU/Utvx3Ea-wFI/AAAAAAAAEfE/Y9R_JrgdEWU/s1600/Stoker+Pictures+to+January+14,2014+853.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Large holding cell for 100-200 men or women<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHgK9fNYXCg/Utvx3a1s6XI/AAAAAAAAEfA/PtU1gy2CfA0/s1600/Stoker+Pictures+to+January+14,2014+856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHgK9fNYXCg/Utvx3a1s6XI/AAAAAAAAEfA/PtU1gy2CfA0/s1600/Stoker+Pictures+to+January+14,2014+856.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Heavy cannon ball attached to women for punishment if they refused to sleep with the governor</div>
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Slave exit to boats<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcChCWJOW80/Utvx4d24T7I/AAAAAAAAEfc/4OIzaECn3t4/s1600/Stoker+Pictures+to+January+14,2014+872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcChCWJOW80/Utvx4d24T7I/AAAAAAAAEfc/4OIzaECn3t4/s1600/Stoker+Pictures+to+January+14,2014+872.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Church above slave areas in the castle</div>
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Cocoa Shed - first meeting house in Ghana</div>
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James Ewudzie, 4th baptized member of the Mormon Church in Ghana, at Baptism Beach </div>
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James Ewudzie with Elder Cannon - Elder Cannon's father baptized Bro. Ewudzie </div>
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Thomas Ewudzie (brother of James) 7th person baptized and 1st deacon </div>
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organized in Ghana with his son</div>
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(left to right) James, Thomas, Thomas' son and James' wife</div>
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At Baptism Beach </div>
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At church in Elmina Bay</div>
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Current church - compare to Cocoa Shed</div>
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Cocoa shed - meetings began here in 1969 before the church was officially brought to Africa </div>
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The group at Baptism Beach</div>
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Hill Cumorah #2 where Billy Johnson (1st person to be baptized in Ghana) and James Ewudzie went to pray and fast for the church to come to Ghana</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-71421318999719028442013-12-30T14:10:00.002-08:002013-12-30T14:10:52.987-08:00Holiday Festivities<div style="text-align: left;">
We wish all of our friends and family a Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. This has been an amazing year for us and it will be very difficult for us to leave our wonderful Nigerian family. It is hard to believe that we have been here over 14 months and we do feel very much at home.</div>
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We just had all of our missionaries (191 of them) here for the annual Christmas two-day event. Day one was food and games... mostly football (soccer). Our mission president and most of the missionaries would have been happy with football and nothing else that day, they love it! But we did have an obstacle course, dodgeball, musical chairs, ping pong, etc. In the afternoon, we had what may loosely be referred to as a talent show. Day two was a nativity play, training and more food. The nativity play was amazing... very African and, thanks to the mission mother, very well rehearsed. The colors and costumes were bright and made with African fabrics. There was a crier inviting everyone to watch who was banging a gong. There was singing and dancing... wonderful! It really made us feel the spirit of Christmas. The actors presented their parts very well and took the play seriously. It was very well received. Even though this is a religious country, we were surprised how little referral there was to Christmas. There were not a lot of lights and even in church, there was not a Christmas program. So we were happy that we were able to see an African nativity play.</div>
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With love,</div>
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Elder and Sister Brown</div>
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Pictures from the day of the Pageant and the Christmas Pageant</div>
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The feast the missionaries ate before leaving for their areas of proselyting. The plates were piled high with food - pasta, rice and beans, chicken, slaw, fruit, fried plantain and cake for dessert.</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-70496716453019748522013-12-01T17:22:00.001-08:002013-12-01T17:22:22.906-08:00ThanksgivingLife continues in much the same manner. We love serving the Lord as missionaries. Our days continue to be long but filled with joy and satisfaction. On a recent day trip, Elwood focused on taking pictures of children which were mostly school age and seen everywhere. Many of the pictures are from the village of Ilewo-Orile just outside of Abeokuta in Orogun State, southwest Nigeria. The kids were admiring the missionaries' new bicycles are from Ajangbadj (Lagos State).<br />
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We now have 30 missionaries on bicycles... And they love them, but are so hard on them that they require constant repair. One missionary complained after the bicycles were "trued". (For non-cyclists this means adjusting the spokes so the wheel does not wobble.) He said he was just riding along and all of the sudden three spokes on the front tire popped out. He said, "The mechanic tightened the spokes too much and they just broke." (The old Adam and Eve story... not my fault.) I asked him if he hit anything and he said no. Further investigation revealed that he went into a deep pothole and hit a sharp edge while exiting which broke the spokes.<br />
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We are looking for good surge protectors for the missionaries. Electricity goes off and on so frequently that electrical appliances die quite often. They call and cry that their appliances are "spoiled". We respond with "sorry," which is the Nigerian standard response for sneezing, coughing, dropping something on the floor, or anything negative that may happen in life.<br />
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We are trying to get a Pathways program started in Lagos. It is a way for students to get a degree from BYU Idaho by taking online classes. It does require a presence of teachers here for the students to meet with weekly for the first year of the program. There is a lot of interest here, but the closest program now is in Ghana.<br />
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We miss you all and love you. One of the senior couples went home last week... we really miss them.<br />
May the Lord bless you all.<br />
Elwood and Penny<br />
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<br />Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-34288110893129168832013-10-16T21:32:00.002-07:002013-10-16T21:32:51.994-07:00Long overdue update<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
We realize a bog
update is long overdue. We are working harder with even longer hours and
are quite tired at the end of each day. Ten to fourteen hour days are the
rule rather than the exception. We are getting more and more missionaries
assigned to our mission.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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We have just under 200 missionaries,
while worldwide the Church has gone from 58,000 missionaries in October of 2012
to over 85,000 and growing. This creates a tremendous amount of work for
both of us. We love what we are doing but it is exhausting and has taken
a toll on Penny physically. She was quite ill for a couple of weeks, but
she is almost back to normal.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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As some of you may recall, I was
authorized to purchase 14 mountain bikes for some of our missionaries which has
proved to be beneficial to this great work. Many more missionaries have
begged for bicycles. The main concern is their health and safety.
One rarely sees bicyclists on the streets as most are unsafe for bicycles
(narrow, many potholes, crowded, weaving vehicles, etc.) We only are
placing bicycles in less densely populated areas that I consider safe. I
have now purchased 10 more bicycles. The first group of bikes came from
China - big mistake - bikes are having problems. The newest group, which
are more expensive, come from Japan with Shimano componentry. I hope they
hold up well. <o:p></o:p><br />
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The attached pictures are from a
cultural festival representing several tribes from West Africa. The Young
Single Adults in the Church organized this event. They had a lot of fun
being in authentic costumes and presenting typical tribal food. We really
enjoyed ourselves as well.<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div>
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We think about our family and friends
in the USA. We miss you all and look forward to seeing you all again.
We continually pray for your well-being, success and health.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
May the Lord bless you all.<o:p></o:p>
<br />
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Penny and Elwood (Elder and Sister
Brown)
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Penny and sisters Jennings and Winget</div>
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Elwood with some of the young adults</div>
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Elders Jennings and Winget with some young adults </div>
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Represent a tribe council</div>
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Group of women</div>
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Dancing</div>
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An unusual looking young woman</div>
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A woman covering her mouth as a sign of humility</div>
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Ceremony</div>
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Woman covering her mouth </div>
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Tribal gathering </div>
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Woman with coral tribal headdress </div>
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Kemi, Penny, Peace, Sisters Winget and Jennings </div>
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Elwood and Penny and the group </div>
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Woman in her coral headdress </div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-68668854903595923962013-09-19T16:05:00.000-07:002013-09-19T16:05:02.541-07:00A post from Sister Winget<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">(A post from a letter from Sister Winget to her family)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">MATTHEW O….</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wood Carver<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were first introduced to Matthew at a trade
fair on Victory Island. He is actually
from Ibadan, Oyo State but travels to
these fairs to sell his carvings. This is his livelihood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elder Brown invited him to come to the mission
home for us to look at and possibly purchase his carvings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After we would make our purchases Elder Brown
would spend some time talking with him about the gospel. Eventually, the Missionaries started to teach
him ( being sent by Elder Brown). He and
his 14 year old son (Samson) took the discussions and set a date for
Baptism. His wife, and other children
were not quite sure and so they just supported Matthew in his decision. He has three other children, two too young to
be baptized but a 12 year old daughter who wanted to wait. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew held most of his discussions in his
workshop also where his son (Samson) helped him carve – that may be why Samson,
feeling the spirit, chose to be baptized</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 24, 2013, the Browns and Us (the Jennings
were unable to attend due to other meetings) traveled to Ibadan to participate
in his baptism. Such a spiritual
experience to see the love of the gospel in Matthew’s countenance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew’s wife and brother (who is a preacher in
another church) attended.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew asked Elder Brown to baptize him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are the times that you hit a
spiritual high witnessing the Lord
changing lives as they embrace the gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-20229601385816801002013-09-15T21:55:00.002-07:002013-09-15T21:55:49.253-07:00Baptism<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Our days and weeks continue to be very busy; in fact, each day seems to
busier than the previous day, our days turn into weeks and we wonder where the
time has gone. We love the work and it is really work. The two
other senior couples that are here with us seem to have time to relax, but we
do not. I believe we have told you that there are only three white senior
couples in all of Nigeria. It can be a bit lonely at times. Elwood
seem to get arrested by the road agents and detained for lack of some sort of
certification they claim should be in every vehicle. Money is paid and a
certificate plus fine is imposed and off we go. It really is a problem.
I have been instructed to ride in the back seat so my white face is not
so conspicuous. Also, we are taking the missionary sign off the hood of
the vehicle. Should this be the worst of our problems we will be fine.
Penny is the backbone of the mission. She keeps everything
organized and makes sure everyone keeps working on their action list. With
the increase of missionaries I keep on finding new apartments for them and
also, our new mission president insists that we upgrade the existing apartments
to a more habitable place to live. In addition to all these typical
duties I have had the wonderful experience of purchasing 14 mountain bikes for
some of our more remote missionaries. This has really been fun. I
teach the missionaries how to ride and ride safely, do basic maintenance and
how to keep from getting their bikes stolen. Penny has been busy with
helping to train new missionaries and to do training at our mission leadership
council. She gives such good and needed advice for administrators.
I think the mission leaders listen to her more that anyone. Our
mission leadership council is made up of 8 sister missionaries and 22 elders.
Their task is to help run the mission and to help solve the basic
problems that face young people who are doing a difficult work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The pictures for this blog are of Matthew and his family. Penny
met Matthew at an art fair in Lagos. She bought a big yellow truck that
Matthew had made. About two weeks later Matthew delivered the truck and
our relationship with him took on new life. He is such a good artist and
he specializes in wood work and wood carvings, especially animals or people
carved form /Ebony wood. Matthew would visit every few weeks and the
senior couples would purchase some of his work. After the selling sessions
I would sit with Matthew and tell him about the church. After a while he
accepted some literature. I sent the missionaries to visit him, but they
reported he was not interested. After one of Matthews visits I sat alone
with him and told him of the Joseph Smith story. When I told him that God
the Father and Jesus Christ actually did visit Joseph Smith and it was not a
dream, his eyes got big and he said, "Really, he actually saw God?" I
was able to bear a strong testimony to him. I had the missionaries go back
to teach him, but he still was not ready to receive all they had to teach him.
They stopped going. One night I received a call from Matthew, he
needed some advice. I sent the missionaries back to explain further the
advice I had given to Matthew. A few nights later Matthew called me to
say he knew what the missionaries had told him was true and he and his son
would be baptized. He further asked me if I would baptize him. I
was thrilled to say I would. Matthew's wife does not speak English, so
she was not taught. However, we now have someone who speaks Yoruba and
his wife and daughter are receiving the missionary lessons. This has
turned out to be a marvelous lesson in perseverance, testimony, the power of
the spirit and genuine friendship. We really do love and appreciate Matthew and
his family. We wish he lived closer to us, but he is about two hours
away. Enough for this blog. Our love to you all. We pray for your
well-being and happiness. Thank you for your love and support. We know
without a doubt this is the work of the Lord. We receive so many rich
blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Always, Penny and Elwood</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Elwood before the baptism</span></div>
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Elwood with Samson and Matthew</div>
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The Elders who helped teach Matthew and Samson</div>
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The Elders with Matthew's family and Elwood</div>
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Waiting for the baptismal service to start</div>
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Missionaries, Matthew's family, Penny, Elder and Sister Winget</div>
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Elwood with Matthew and Samson's brother; he is a pastor of a small Christian church</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-73037432363208088642013-08-02T15:20:00.000-07:002013-08-03T17:50:21.085-07:00August in Nigeria<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life in the
Nigeria Lagos Mission has been very busy.
With the arrival of our new mission president Penny and I have been kept
hopping. We have more work assigned to
us, particularly Penny. It seems that
everything the president wants done he has Penny do it. He relies on her for everything. In fact he thinks, and rightly so, that Penny
can do anything and everything. As for
me, the president has delegated much more authorization to make decisions and
to be responsible to see that many of the mission functions really happen as
they should. I am happy he expresses
such confidence in me and does not micromanage me, but it is a bit
uncomfortable making some of the decisions I do. Our mission is growing faster than we
comfortably can accommodate the new missionaries. Soon we will have over 200 missionaries. We love the work and feel we are making a big
difference. The African people are
really tuned into religion. There are
churches everywhere. Most are very small
storefront type churches; but there are many very large church buildings as well. The pictures that you will see are a
reflection of the religious spirit that is here. Many of the businesses have names of
religious significance, as well as names or slogans on their trucks. We remain safe, but we have to be vigilant
and monitor the safety directives. Two
of our missionaries were attacked in their apartment and beat up quite badly;
just because they were Mormon. This
being said, for the most part, all missionaries are safe and receive no
harm. We are now in the rainy season and
it rains almost every day for a few hours.
We enjoy the rain, but it makes it very difficult to navigate the mud
and very large pot holes in the streets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We send our
love to all of you. We so appreciate the
prayers and encouragement for our well-being.
May the Lord bless all of you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our love to you all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This month's post includes pictures of signs found in Nigeria.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His Grace Hotel and Suites, Ibadan, Nigeria</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQwDJb7fCpU/UfwteB15Q7I/AAAAAAAAEFE/wCGf-hFoLO0/s1600/DSCN2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQwDJb7fCpU/UfwteB15Q7I/AAAAAAAAEFE/wCGf-hFoLO0/s400/DSCN2237.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Godliness Feed Mills, Ibadan, Nigeria</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picture of Christ on the back of a truck</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grass to Grace - on the back of a bus</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">House not for sale, beware of 419. This is painted on many houses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't urinate sign - see this all over Nigeria</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is Good motor company</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sign on back of pick up truck</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toilet, bath, urinary - at the beach </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone's favorite clothing shop </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Government sign </span></div>
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Let us go to a church, but which one? What a conglomeration of signs!</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-38498975656097338672013-06-23T15:45:00.000-07:002013-06-23T15:45:20.984-07:00A wedding in Lagos<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were privileged to attend the wedding of a
young lady whose parents are members of the church congregation we attend in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Ikeja, Lagos Nigeria. The groom is the son of the most
high King and Queen from the central west part of Nigeria. The groom and
parents are Muslim and the bride and her parents are Mormon. The wedding
was held in two main parts: first part was a traditional African wedding held
in the back yard of the bride's parents home in Igebu-Ode. The parents, Dr. and Sister<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Hassan,<span class="apple-converted-space"> are
very wealthy. He is an eye surgeon and has a worldwide reputation of
excellence. The groom's parents are also very wealthy. They are royalty
of the highest order. He bears the title of King of Kings. The
second part of the wedding was a church wedding held at a Mormon church in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Ikeja, Lagos,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Nigera.
After the church wedding, a reception was held at a very large hall.
There were an estimated 2000 people at the reception. A full
several course sit down dinner was served, and the hall was beautifully
decorated. We had a wonderful time, and we were treated graciously by all.
This was the most elaborate and expensive wedding reception we have ever
attended - the estimated to cost was $500,000. Wow! This was such contrast
to the extreme poverty that is all around us. We must say this that Dr.
and Sister<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Hassan<span class="apple-converted-space"> are very liberal with their money.
They are one of the leading humanitarian families in Africa. He donates
thousands of hours of free eye care service from his eye clinics, and he donates money
for many other charities. He and his wife seem to be a great example of
what you do with wealth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space">Simply wonderful, humble people.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space">Traditional wedding under the tent in the back yard of the bride's parents home</span></span></div>
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The bride, Feyi Hassan</div>
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Dowry gifts were being handed out: fruits, vegetables and money </div>
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A few lesser kings gathered together</div>
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Bride and Groom</div>
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Bride and Groom </div>
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Home of the bride's parents in Egebu-Ode, Nigeria </div>
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Senior missionaries with the Bride's mother and our Mission President</div>
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High King in dark suit leading the procession to the reception hall</div>
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The High King, father of the groom</div>
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The High Queen, mother of the groom</div>
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Village drummers</div>
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Reception hall in Lagos, two days later (following LDS Church wedding)</div>
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African ladies at the reception </div>
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Wedding dinner</div>
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Dinner: cow gut, shrimp, chicken, rice, slaw and unidentified </div>
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Bride and groom after church wedding at the reception dinner</div>
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Mother and Father of the bride, Dr. and Sister Hassan</div>
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Three generations - baby, Mom and Grandmother</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-14755892258976449172013-05-09T10:28:00.000-07:002013-05-09T10:28:38.461-07:00May in NigeriaIt has been a long time since we have written for our blog. Sorry! Much has transpired. We are getting in a lot of new missionaries that continue to swell our mission. This requires opening up new areas, and creating new church branches or congregations. We are certainly feeling the effects of the church announced age reduction for missionary service. In the next 3 months we will have 27 missionaries going home, and 54 new missionaries arriving. This really requires a lot of effort to accommodate this type of expansion. <br />
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All seems to be going well; we are save, happy and well fed. Elwood has eaten some African dishes such as: pounded yam, large rubbery snails, cow gut and a greasy, leafy concoction. If this was all we could eat, for sure we would lose weight and save a lot of money on food costs.<br />
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We have had many interesting experiences -- our mission president has request that we visit some of the far away congregations of the church to give support to the leaders. We have visited two congregations so far and this weekend we will visit more. The people are so welcoming and happy to see us. Many are quite poor, but they have a positive attitude and you would never know about their limited circumstances without visiting their homes. When they come to church they are dressed well, particularly the women and the children. When they sing, they sing with their full heart and soul. We are amazed they seem to know every song in the hymn book. We really love these people!<br />
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We took a day off and went into another world. The Chevron Oil Co. sponsors an artist bazaar sending invitations to selected groups to attend. The Chevron complex is huge. The Chevron employees have all they need to live well and be comfortable. What a contrast to the area around them. Near Chevron, we found a Domino's Pizza restaurant and a Cold Stone ice cream parlor - both were yummy!<br />
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Back to the real world -- Elwood has been busy finding apartments for missionaries, negotiating lease agreements and getting the necessary apartment repairs completed. We are both working to purchase and distribute necessary supplies to the missionaries. We search outdoor markets for everything from mosquito nets to phones to washing tubs for clothing. Penny has her hands full of developing and organizing training for the missionaries. She has strengthened the missionaries ability to focus on the work. We had our first meeting under the new Church instructions to missions. In the past every month all missions around the world held a Zone Leaders Council Meeting; now every month we hold a "Mission Leaders Council Meeting." The difference is under the new format, Sister missionaries are part of the leadership, not just the Elder missionaries. With the age being reduced to 19 for sister missionaries, more and more sister missionaries are entering the missionary service, and their voice is essential. Penny sets a great example for these young sister missionaries.<br />
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This is probably enough for one blog entry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We love you.<br />
Elwood and Penny<br />
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Typical site, men riding on a truck</div>
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Full view of men on the back of a truck </div>
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Two lanes of traffic become 4 lanes during congestion</div>
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Many signs have a religious name</div>
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Church members </div>
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Elwood's first African breakfast: Boiled yam, spicy eggs and chicken leg</div>
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Church members in Ile-lfe </div>
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Church members in Ile-lfe</div>
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Little girl at church </div>
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Penny and members of the church </div>
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All brothers </div>
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Elwood and a member</div>
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Members of the church </div>
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Penny with a little girl </div>
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A wonderful church family</div>
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Mother and daughters</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-51632167955142339162013-04-08T07:19:00.001-07:002013-04-08T07:19:59.432-07:006 months out!<br />
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This past week has been quite busy but eventful. We held two zone conferences in Ibadan and at
the stake center in our mission office compound. Penny and I had major responsibilities for
the logistics and the training. The
Ibadan conference consisted of four zones (56 missionaries) from the most
distant part of our mission.
Unfortunately, we did not make hotel reservations thinking the huge
hotel where we wanted to stay would have plenty of rooms, but we were
wrong. We drove around with the mission
president in the dark for over an hour trying to find a safe, secure
hotel. We finally found the one where we
had stayed before called “His Grace Hotel and Suites”. We were just happy that the toilet flushed,
there was a sheet on the bed (one that is) and that there was water
(unfortunately cold) to shower. The
second zone conference consisted of eight zones (110 missionaries). This
conference proved to be a difficult one, not just because lunch arrived an hour
and a half late, but because the former mission president and his wife wanted
to participate. He was released five
months ago for medical reasons. It
turned out to be very disruptive because of a number of issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We also attended a tribal wedding and two days later the
western version of the wedding for the same couple. It was very elaborate, unusual and
educational. We will share more of this
experience in our next installment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are in the process of trying to find mosquito nets for
the missionaries to use over their beds.
We have had no problems in the past, but now cannot find the type we
need. This is a necessity because the
missionaries sleep with their windows open and mosquitos carrying malaria are a
severe problem, even with all of us taking anti-malaria medication daily.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our last excitement was visiting a “Johnny Rockets”
restaurant on Victoria Island, which is the wealthy part of Lagos that we
rarely see. It was just like the ones in
the USA…art deco 50’s style. The food
was great, but very expensive as is all western food here. (If we could live on pounded yams and rice
from local markets we would be set, but for a variety of reasons that is not
possible.) A milkshake was approximately
$12 and a hamburger was $15…nothing special, just a regular hamburger. When we arrived at the parking lot, the
attendant asked where Elder Brown was as he remembered him from a previous
visit. He asked about the Mormon Church
and was delighted when Elwood told him that the missionaries would come to his
home to teach his family. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The mission is progressing, we are having more baptisms and
the missionaries are becoming more spiritual and working harder. We love the work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The start of the Ikotun shopping area. Notice the slight incline. The yellow taxi buses have a hard time getting up this grade - they burn rubber.</div>
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Ikotun shopping area</div>
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Fresh fish for sale</div>
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Open area of Ikotun shopping area</div>
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This is the dwelling under the "rock" where people hid and lived during the tribal wars of the 1830's.</div>
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This is Elwood taking a short cut to the top by hiking through a slit in the rock. </div>
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Sign indicating where the church is </div>
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Penny and Elwood and the Adebayo children while at church. </div>
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Both sister Brown's. This lady came up to us at church and said she too was a Sister Brown, so we took her picture. </div>
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Children at Ijebu-Ode District Conference (church meeting)</div>
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Members of the church</div>
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Brothers and sisters dressed in the same fabric </div>
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A young church family</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-75942010738972777672013-03-10T10:51:00.002-07:002013-03-10T10:51:47.545-07:00Long time no see!<br />
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been busy the past two weeks opening up new areas to accommodate the large numbers of new missionaries who are now going on missions because of the recent change in age. This requires finding new apartments, putting new companionships together, etc. This week we have missionaries going home and new missionaries coming in which requires interviewing and training of new missionaries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week we visited a missionary apartment in a rather remote part of our mission. The missionaries told us that the previous evening they were chased into their apartment by a black cobra snake. They were really frightened. Two days later they killed a green mamba snake. Both snakes are quite deadly. Our missionaries endure many challenges such as primitive living conditions, travel difficulties, and an unsanitary environment. However, they continue to work hard and use their time wisely. Last month our mission baptized a mission high of 156 people. We are moving in the right direction. We have fasted and prayed that our missionaries would move forward in a more positive and productive manner. As you can see, we are on the move. It is thrilling to be part of this great work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spend a lot of time trying to make the missionaries more comfortable. We have spent three days shopping for their needs; buying such things as eating utensils, dishes, irons, ironing boards, emergency lanterns, generators and freezers, etc. The markets are huge and many of them sit in open dirt areas surrounded by permanent structures. If you want a unique shopping experience come to Lagos, Nigeria.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We continue to be blessed in our service. We love what we do. We are developing stronger bonds of friendship and loyalty with the missionaries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our love to you all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elder and Sister Brown</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Penny serving pasta to Lanry and Toule Adebyao, the mission President's children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A typical LDS church in outlying areas of Lagos. The town is Ikorodu. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lekki Market: Penny and Sister Jennings at the jewlry shop. We have bought our wood carvings at this market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lekki Market</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">String art for Jeff and Angie; hope you like it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">String art for Shireen and Brett; hope you like it as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wood carvings. Most are for the grandkids. We hope they like them. They are carved </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from Ebony wood' very hard and heavy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A pretty lizard on a rock. This area is full of lizards, some very beautiful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Sister missionaries at Ogba, Nigeria. Good missionaries! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An old lizard caught by Elder Mbong. We thought the kids would like the lizard pictures</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The old lizard.</span></div>
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4 Elders at Ojodi, Nigeria.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All dirt streets in this town, except for the main road. Okortun, Nigeria.</span></div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-44319425518777574762013-01-30T15:50:00.000-08:002013-01-30T15:50:04.561-08:00This week in Nigeria<div style="text-align: center;">
Did a lot of shopping this week at Balagun Market and another smaller market for missionary apartment items. Balagun is enormous...would take 3 or more days to walk through even without buying anything. It is packed with people, stalls and moving vehicles squeezing through narrow passageways. Items that are carried are on people's heads...usually women's heads. After making our purchases, it took 7 women with 3 large boxes balanced on their heads to carry everything to our car...quite a caravan!</div>
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We love Skyping with our children and had a double dose with Shireen as we talked to her again on her birthday this week. </div>
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This week we had missionaries depart and arrive. At the departing missionary dinner the missionaries shared their testimonies and talked about what their mission meant to them. One missionary said, "I am free from guilt, free from shame, free from sin because of our Savior." This was quite touching. Another said, "The Book of Mormon brings tenderness to my heart."...Interesting way to express his feelings.
Spent a long day training and interviewing new missionary arrivals. We were very impressed with their enthusiasm and spirit. </div>
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No end to missionary excitement...We were called one night by some panicked missionaries who had two snakes in their apartment and didn't know what to do.
This week our mission helped in training nurses, doctors and caregivers how to care for newborn babies. Five medical people came from the States to lead this training with missionary assistance. The infant mortality rate is very high here because medical people have not had sufficient training in newborn resuscitation, etc. This is part of the Church International Humanitarian Outreach Program.
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A hotel where we stayed in Akure. Looks great from the outside, but not so good inside.</div>
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A papaya tree</div>
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A cattle yard near our mission office (15 min away). Seems as many people in the yard as cattle. </div>
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Another hotel. Loved the name - "His Grace Hotel and Suites"</div>
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The restaurant we have told you about: Seven Eagles Spur</div>
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Penny's Fajita dinner</div>
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An unexpected downpour. Streets were really flooded. </div>
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Balogun, Lagos Island shopping for missionary needs.</div>
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Penny and local shop keepers.</div>
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Women transporting our purchases; seven women in all. Mostly kitchen goods.</div>
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Penny following the transporters through a very narrow street/alley </div>
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Ready to unload the goods.</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426140966430637031.post-18573923225224157322013-01-15T16:19:00.001-08:002013-01-15T16:19:48.011-08:00We just returned today... and no one even tried to kidnap us!<div style="text-align: center;">
Tuesday morning, Elwood and I went with the mission president to visit several branches and groups of missionaries in our mission. (Whenever the mission president leaves Lagos, there is always an additional vehicle that accompanies the one in which he is driven. Again, because of security issues. In case one vehicle breaks down, he would not be subject to highway bandits, which are quite common here.) The president interviewed individual missionaries while we trained them on planning their time, appropriate missionary behavior, dedication to their work, etc. We traveled Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; returned on Thursday, and then traveled Saturday, Sunday and Monday.</div>
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I know we should be used to the highways in Nigeria... giant pot holes, drivers continually changing and creating extra lanes, okadas (motorcycles providing public transportation) weaving through traffic, people casually walking with small children or animals in the middle of the road, and hawkers carrying large loads on their heads attempting to sell their wares to passing vehicles. I must admit that when our driver decided that our side of the divided highway was too congested and headed up a steep embankment to the other side, facing oncoming traffic, we became a little nervous. He drove along the side of the road until the appropriate side was a little clearer, and then cut across the steep divide and back into traffic.</div>
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We first went to Abeokuta, which is about 3 hours north of the mission home, for our initial meetings. On Wednesday morning we awakened to find that we had no water. We called the hotel desk a couple of times to inquire when the problem would be fixed. The second time they told us that we would have water in 15 minutes. Sure enough, 15 minutes later we heard a knock at the door and were handed a bucket of lukewarm water. As we frequently say, "Welcome to Nigeria." We pressed on to Ijebu-Ode and then returned to the mission home on Thursday.</div>
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That afternoon we went to the village of llewo-Orile. There is a church branch in the village as there are not enough members for a ward, even though there are about 10,000 people living in the village. We examined problems with the church building as well as a potential apartment for missionaries. When we stopped to get the key to the building from the branch president's house, he was preceded out of the house by a chicken. Frequently, goats and chickens share space with families. This village is on the church list to have a bore hole as their only water supply is a stream, which is used for washing, drinking water, etc. They now carry water to their homes and to the church in buckets on their heads for all needs.</div>
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Friday evening celebrated three senior missionary birthdays. Went to the Jade Chinese Restaurant... Was great and a real treat since we rarely go out in the evenings because of security issues.</div>
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On Saturday we left for lle-lfe for more interviewing and training of missionaries. We drove through lbadan, which is the second largest city in Nigeria. It seemed very much like Lagos with makeshift market stalls, small houses, battered looking apartment buildings, many shanties, open ditches along the side of the road for waste water, and gas stations with no petrol. As we continued on, we saw many fires by the side of the road as people were burning their trash. Roasted plantain mixed with spices, a delicacy, was sold in some areas. Went on to Akure where we spent Saturday and Sunday nights. While there attended to the usual missionary business and other church activities as well as attending church. See pictures below for some adorable children that wouldn't leave our side on Sunday. Drove home Monday, which took a little over 4 hours bouncing from one pothole to the next. Glad to be home.</div>
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Woman street sweeper. Very typical in Nigeria. They are everywhere.</div>
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Kids playing in stream in llewo-Orile Village</div>
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Village kids at play</div>
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Villagers resting under the shade tree</div>
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Carrying water from the village stream</div>
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Bathing, playing, washing, going to the bathroom, and getting drinking water from the same source</div>
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Fruit and vegetable stand. These are everywhere.</div>
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Cattle in a pen next to the house</div>
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Woman and a goat in front of the church in Akure</div>
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Victor and Victoria, former branch president's children and Elder Brown </div>
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Children with Sister Brown</div>
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Victor and Victoria and Elder Brown. They were intrigued with my watch</div>
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Big cattle yard outside of Lagos</div>
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Brett and Shireen Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06654926826700770305noreply@blogger.com4