Water, Water, Water

We have expected it to be very rainy here. It has sprinkled a few times. Rains during the night. That being said, we have seen the downpour we had expected just a few times.

We are driving a Landcruiser with a snorkel on it so if we get in deep water the car will continue to run.
We went to the office on one of those days. I have never seen so much water. It's just rivers pouring into the streets. People don't come out of their houses for obvious reasons. Then we found out the true reason why. The power company doesn't want to spend the money putting up new poles so they go out in the middle of the night and pull power down and bury lines underground. They ofttimes will knick a line. When the water pours into these poor peoples shacks, they step in the water and get electrocuted. They don't know where the lines have been brought down. This last rain 57 people were reported electrocuted but the number is much higher. I cannot imagine living with that fear every time it rains. How grateful I am for life in the USA!

Some good news! In our mission alone we had 368 baptisms from Jan 1 - March 5! The work is moving very fast. They are such faithful and happy people. The majority don't have cars so they take these awful taxis or fit 3-4 people on these 'motos' which are small motor bikes. Anything to get to church. We had about 180 people in our meetings last week. Its delightful to see.

We sure miss our family. Some difficult moments for sure. But we also have Marco Polo and What's App to call and connect. They are so supportive and keep us in the loop of all things family. We miss our friends and ward family. That being said we are so blessed and humbled to be here. We are so so happy!

As I sit out on our deck overlooking the temple this morning (it's a balmy 82) I am filled with gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father that is stretching me and providing me opportunities to work through hard things. In Christ I know I can do hard things. He brings me such comfort in all things. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the Congolese people who are teaching me to be humble and grateful. I am grateful for our new friends here who brighten my every day! I am grateful to be here with Paul who is my rock (and my safe driver!!) everyday. I am most certainly grateful for the simplicity of my life here.

C'est un grande pour jour d'ĂȘtre un missionaire! #OEM.

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