I got to talk to Elder Legere again, today! He sounded so much better and this time it DID help to hear his voice and talk to him!! :)
He said that he has an appointment tomorrow morning with the mission president to talk about whether or not he will be staying there. The missionary doctor was very straight forward with how serious his malaria was & that if he got sick like that again there was a good chance it would be fatal. He said the church doesn't like to take those kinds of risks, But it was up to the mission president and Cameron on whether they would take that chance. If Cameron has any say in it he is going to stay! He is very concerned because in the last 2 weeks the mission president sent home a white missionary and a native missionary because of malaria. I think almost every missionary has had it at least once so far but each case is so different than the next. There was another white missionary (one that went out in the same group as Cameron) that came to the mission home about the same time as Cameron did, with malaria. The medication the Bailey's gave him worked well on him....although he did end up at the hospital with Cameron because he also had kidney stones! :)
I just want to thank all who have shown great concern for Cameron & for those who have kept him in their prayers!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Update on Malaria from Cameron's Mom
I am so grateful for these missionary couples who are out there serving and there to help these young missionaries! The Baileys were really good in keeping in touch with us and they let Cameron call us Saturday morning through the Skype on their computer.
Last Tuesday Cameron felt pretty sick. By the time he and his companion got to the mission home, he could hardly walk and his sweet little native companion (who only weighs 112 lbs) pretty much carried him into the mission home. The mission's policy for missionaries who come down with Malaria (which is quite often) is that the Elder Bailey gives them some anti malarial medication and they stay with the Baileys until they improve. If they don't start to improve they take them to the hospital. So Elder Bailey gave him the medication and a little while later, Cameron became violently ill, started swelling up, was mentally confused & delirious, and was starting to lose consciousness. They believed it to be an allergic reaction to the
antimalarial medication and took him straight to the hospital. Cameron could remember going to the hospital but can't remember arriving there & being admitted & was out of it the first 2 days. When the Bailey's first called us, that was what they told us.
When Sister Bailey called us Friday, she told us that they had seen a little miracle... there is a North American doctor who has been called to oversee the West African missions. He and Elder Christoffel Golden had made an unscheduled stop to Abidjan, where Cameron was, and so they went and saw Cameron. She said this Doctor read Cameron's whole chart & went over every test. He told them it was not an allergic reaction after all, just a very severe case of Malaria...which is really better because he could take the medication where as before they weren't giving it to him because they thought he couldn't take it. She also said that the doctor said that the hospital Cameron was in was one of the nicer ones he had seen in West Africa, which was a blessing for us to hear. :) (Although by United States standards it is pretty bad.)
There are four different types of Malaria, and of course he had the more serious one. The malaria can affect the brain in bad cases and of course his had started to. The doctor said it was very serious. But he is doing much much better now.
Saturday when we talked to him, he sounded very weak. And not like his old self. I had so wanted to talk to him before we actually did, but it didn't help me feel better like I thought it would. I think it actually caused me more worry. So his dad & I went to the temple and started a fast. About a half hour into the temple session an overwhelming peace just flooded over me, so much that I actually felt energized. I knew he was going to be okay. I didn't know if we'd get an email from him today but we did & he sounded so much more like the 'old' Cameron...which gave me a new worry! :) As of Saturday he was going to be at the Baileys for 1-2 weeks to recuperate under their care. BUT Sunday he decided he was fine & wanted to go back to his area & go to his Sacrament Mtg. Now I just want to tell him to slow down a little and let your body recuperate!!
Last Tuesday Cameron felt pretty sick. By the time he and his companion got to the mission home, he could hardly walk and his sweet little native companion (who only weighs 112 lbs) pretty much carried him into the mission home. The mission's policy for missionaries who come down with Malaria (which is quite often) is that the Elder Bailey gives them some anti malarial medication and they stay with the Baileys until they improve. If they don't start to improve they take them to the hospital. So Elder Bailey gave him the medication and a little while later, Cameron became violently ill, started swelling up, was mentally confused & delirious, and was starting to lose consciousness. They believed it to be an allergic reaction to the
antimalarial medication and took him straight to the hospital. Cameron could remember going to the hospital but can't remember arriving there & being admitted & was out of it the first 2 days. When the Bailey's first called us, that was what they told us.
When Sister Bailey called us Friday, she told us that they had seen a little miracle... there is a North American doctor who has been called to oversee the West African missions. He and Elder Christoffel Golden had made an unscheduled stop to Abidjan, where Cameron was, and so they went and saw Cameron. She said this Doctor read Cameron's whole chart & went over every test. He told them it was not an allergic reaction after all, just a very severe case of Malaria...which is really better because he could take the medication where as before they weren't giving it to him because they thought he couldn't take it. She also said that the doctor said that the hospital Cameron was in was one of the nicer ones he had seen in West Africa, which was a blessing for us to hear. :) (Although by United States standards it is pretty bad.)
There are four different types of Malaria, and of course he had the more serious one. The malaria can affect the brain in bad cases and of course his had started to. The doctor said it was very serious. But he is doing much much better now.
Saturday when we talked to him, he sounded very weak. And not like his old self. I had so wanted to talk to him before we actually did, but it didn't help me feel better like I thought it would. I think it actually caused me more worry. So his dad & I went to the temple and started a fast. About a half hour into the temple session an overwhelming peace just flooded over me, so much that I actually felt energized. I knew he was going to be okay. I didn't know if we'd get an email from him today but we did & he sounded so much more like the 'old' Cameron...which gave me a new worry! :) As of Saturday he was going to be at the Baileys for 1-2 weeks to recuperate under their care. BUT Sunday he decided he was fine & wanted to go back to his area & go to his Sacrament Mtg. Now I just want to tell him to slow down a little and let your body recuperate!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted from one human to another by the bite of infected mosquitoes. In humans, the parasites migrate to the liver where they mature and release more parasites. These enter the bloodstream and infect the red blood cells.
The parasites multiply inside the red blood cells, which then rupture within 48 to 72hours, infecting more red blood cells. The first symptoms usually occur 10 days to 4 weeks after infection, though they can appear as early as 8 days or as long as a year later.
Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, naussea and vomiting, and joint and muscle pain. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.
Malaria
We just received a phone call from Elder Legere's mission home informing us that Cameron has Malaria and is in the hospital . He also had a bad allergic reaction to the medication for the treatment of Malaria.
We appreciate all those who have remembered Cameron in their prayers and continue to do so.
Elder & Sister Bailey said they will call us tomorrow and give us an update. I will keep you posted on Elder Legere's recovery.
We appreciate all those who have remembered Cameron in their prayers and continue to do so.
Elder & Sister Bailey said they will call us tomorrow and give us an update. I will keep you posted on Elder Legere's recovery.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Pictures from Port Bouet
On his last p-day in Port Bouet, Elder Legere wanted to see some sites around Port Bouet. So he & Elder Touhouly went to the Zoo! Here are some pictures that he took at the Zoo.
Two monkeys in the zoo!
Elder Legere said that there were over 40 alligators in this alligator pit.
The plant that he is ready to eat is the cocoa plant, from which they make chocolate. He says that plant is not 'ripe' yet. When they are ready to be picked, those little pods are yellow in color and about the size of a football.
This tortoise is over 120 years old!
Elder Touhouly shaking hands with a cute little monkey.
Elder Legere & Elder Touhouly had a lot of fun with this elephant. Cameron said he first fed the elephant with his right hand & the elephant whacked him in the head with his trunk! So he fed the elephant with his left hand and the elephant seemed happy.
This next picture is a little blurry, but if you look closely you can see that the elephant is holding a big stick. Right before this picture was taken, the elephant whacked Elder Touhouly in the back of his head with that stick!
Elder Legere and a pelican.
This is Elder Legere with Sister Ayekoue. She is the Mission President's wife. Cameron says whenever he is at the mission home for a meeting or anything, she ALWAYS has him sit right next to her & she keeps her arm around him.
This last picture is of Elder Legere and Olivia. Cameron says that he is just in love with this little two-year-old girl!! Everytime he would walk by her home each day, she would run outside yelling "Uncle Legere' (in French) & run & give him a big hug! Doesn't she have a beautiful smile!!
Two monkeys in the zoo!
Elder Legere said that there were over 40 alligators in this alligator pit.
The plant that he is ready to eat is the cocoa plant, from which they make chocolate. He says that plant is not 'ripe' yet. When they are ready to be picked, those little pods are yellow in color and about the size of a football.
This tortoise is over 120 years old!
Elder Touhouly shaking hands with a cute little monkey.
Elder Legere & Elder Touhouly had a lot of fun with this elephant. Cameron said he first fed the elephant with his right hand & the elephant whacked him in the head with his trunk! So he fed the elephant with his left hand and the elephant seemed happy.
This next picture is a little blurry, but if you look closely you can see that the elephant is holding a big stick. Right before this picture was taken, the elephant whacked Elder Touhouly in the back of his head with that stick!
Elder Legere and a pelican.
This is Elder Legere with Sister Ayekoue. She is the Mission President's wife. Cameron says whenever he is at the mission home for a meeting or anything, she ALWAYS has him sit right next to her & she keeps her arm around him.
This last picture is of Elder Legere and Olivia. Cameron says that he is just in love with this little two-year-old girl!! Everytime he would walk by her home each day, she would run outside yelling "Uncle Legere' (in French) & run & give him a big hug! Doesn't she have a beautiful smile!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
August 22nd Email
I wont be able to email monday so president okayed to email now. I'm going to anwser those questions for the stake.
Here you go! I hope this what you were expecting. I just answered them all honestly.
What influenced you the most to go on a mission?
Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to serve a mission. I have always looked at it as just a step in life. You graduate high school, go to college, go on your mission, get married... But if I had to choose one thing that influenced me the most to go on a mission it has to have been my parents. Thanks to the way my parents raised me, I never looked at going on a mission as an option, because I knew of its importance.
How did young women impact your decision to go?
As you all know Holly and I dated for quite some time before my mission. I am so grateful for her and the attitude that she had and continues to have. She can be a great example to a lot of the young woman in the stake. Some of the things that has made serving a mission so much easier are:
1. Her attitude. She has NEVER once said anything negative about my mission. While I was preparing to serve, she would ask me what she could do to help me prepare.
2. Her standards. I know that I would never have a chance with her if I did not serve a mission. Because of her high standards, ive never doubted what I am doing is something she will not approve of. The young woman need to have high standards and get it through the heads of the young men that a returned missionary is someone who they want to spend the rest of not just time, but eternity with.
3. Her support. She has been supportive 100%. I love the letters I get from her because of how happy she is. She is not down and mopy, but is continuing her life and having fun. In the letters she writes she always includes either her testimony, something she has learned, or a spiritual thought. She does not destract the work, but motivates me to serve even harder.
The best advice I can give the young woman is, dont be a stumbling block, be a building block.
What is the most beneficial thing that the mission has done for you?
Wow...where to start? I have learned SO many things while serving in the last short 8 or so months. I dont know how many of you know of what struggles I've had while serving. But the biggest thing I've learned is where to place my confidence. Whether I have ulcers in my stomach or throat, diarrhea for 4 months, swollen feet, malaria, no water, heat, African hospitals, or any other thing, I have learned that I can overcome it if I place my confidence in my Lord and Savior. I've learned that not only is the atonement for our sins, but any other struggle or weakness we may have. I am thankful for the hard times I've experienced, and I invite even more. I have never felt closer to my Savior than in the times when I needed Him the most. I've truly found out who I really am and what im made of...NOTHING without my Savior.
What is the most positive experience that you have had so far?
This is probably the hardest question...not because I can't think of a good experience, but it's just which one? The most positive experience I've had so far has to be just seeing the light of Christ blaze in these peoples hearts while we share this life changing and saving message. Seeing peoples testimonies grow and lives change brings a happiness that I can not explain. I can honestly say that we are doing a 'great and a marvelous work' here in Cote d'Iviore.
Briefly express your testimony.
Brothers and Sisters, I know that this church is true. I am so greatful for the oportunity to be the mouth, the hands, and the feet of my Lord. And to bring this gospel to these starving souls. I know of its importance and I know that there is no other work on this earth that can bring more happiness. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son. I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. And I know that this church is THE chuch of Jesus Christ. I love and pray for you all. I say these things, in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
Include anything else that you would like the youth to know.
Gain your testimonies, prepare, and serve with all your heart. I promise you all that there are blessings that ONLY come from serving a mission, and that there is NO other place where you will grow and learn more than out in the mission field. Dont miss out on these blessings.
Okay now for the weekly report. After writing that I dont have a lot of time but I'll try to hurry.
Tuesday we had our mission conference. It went great! My favorite part was when we all sang the childrens hymn "we are as the armies of Helaman..." WOW! it was so powerful and the Spirit was just so strong...I wish you could have heard it...
Wednesday we taught all day. We also got stuck in the rain...its nothing out of the ordinary but this time it just was dumping! My book of mormon is still drying... :/
Thursday we taught all day as well. We taught a woman who the president actaully told us to teach and solve her problem so I was courious of the problem. Well the womans name is Sister Achi. She is the kindest woman you'll ever meet. So the lesson is just going great, the Spirit is there, shes about in tears, and I ask her what is keeping her from baptism. She then started to cry...she explained that she loves her husband very much, but the problem is she is not his only wife. And he not only just has two wives, but im talking about 4 or 5... I sat there and the only thing that I could think about was the couple sentences in my blessing that says "you have been blessed with the comfort of a great home. You must teach that to those whom you convert...their lives WILL be changed" we fixed an appointment next week and I'm excited to go back. We have been praying hard and I feel that we can really help this family.
I dont have anymore time left but know that I love you all! Thank you all for who you are! I'm praying for you! I'm doing great! muah!
ELDER LEGERE
Here you go! I hope this what you were expecting. I just answered them all honestly.
What influenced you the most to go on a mission?
Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to serve a mission. I have always looked at it as just a step in life. You graduate high school, go to college, go on your mission, get married... But if I had to choose one thing that influenced me the most to go on a mission it has to have been my parents. Thanks to the way my parents raised me, I never looked at going on a mission as an option, because I knew of its importance.
How did young women impact your decision to go?
As you all know Holly and I dated for quite some time before my mission. I am so grateful for her and the attitude that she had and continues to have. She can be a great example to a lot of the young woman in the stake. Some of the things that has made serving a mission so much easier are:
1. Her attitude. She has NEVER once said anything negative about my mission. While I was preparing to serve, she would ask me what she could do to help me prepare.
2. Her standards. I know that I would never have a chance with her if I did not serve a mission. Because of her high standards, ive never doubted what I am doing is something she will not approve of. The young woman need to have high standards and get it through the heads of the young men that a returned missionary is someone who they want to spend the rest of not just time, but eternity with.
3. Her support. She has been supportive 100%. I love the letters I get from her because of how happy she is. She is not down and mopy, but is continuing her life and having fun. In the letters she writes she always includes either her testimony, something she has learned, or a spiritual thought. She does not destract the work, but motivates me to serve even harder.
The best advice I can give the young woman is, dont be a stumbling block, be a building block.
What is the most beneficial thing that the mission has done for you?
Wow...where to start? I have learned SO many things while serving in the last short 8 or so months. I dont know how many of you know of what struggles I've had while serving. But the biggest thing I've learned is where to place my confidence. Whether I have ulcers in my stomach or throat, diarrhea for 4 months, swollen feet, malaria, no water, heat, African hospitals, or any other thing, I have learned that I can overcome it if I place my confidence in my Lord and Savior. I've learned that not only is the atonement for our sins, but any other struggle or weakness we may have. I am thankful for the hard times I've experienced, and I invite even more. I have never felt closer to my Savior than in the times when I needed Him the most. I've truly found out who I really am and what im made of...NOTHING without my Savior.
What is the most positive experience that you have had so far?
This is probably the hardest question...not because I can't think of a good experience, but it's just which one? The most positive experience I've had so far has to be just seeing the light of Christ blaze in these peoples hearts while we share this life changing and saving message. Seeing peoples testimonies grow and lives change brings a happiness that I can not explain. I can honestly say that we are doing a 'great and a marvelous work' here in Cote d'Iviore.
Briefly express your testimony.
Brothers and Sisters, I know that this church is true. I am so greatful for the oportunity to be the mouth, the hands, and the feet of my Lord. And to bring this gospel to these starving souls. I know of its importance and I know that there is no other work on this earth that can bring more happiness. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son. I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. And I know that this church is THE chuch of Jesus Christ. I love and pray for you all. I say these things, in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
Include anything else that you would like the youth to know.
Gain your testimonies, prepare, and serve with all your heart. I promise you all that there are blessings that ONLY come from serving a mission, and that there is NO other place where you will grow and learn more than out in the mission field. Dont miss out on these blessings.
Okay now for the weekly report. After writing that I dont have a lot of time but I'll try to hurry.
Tuesday we had our mission conference. It went great! My favorite part was when we all sang the childrens hymn "we are as the armies of Helaman..." WOW! it was so powerful and the Spirit was just so strong...I wish you could have heard it...
Wednesday we taught all day. We also got stuck in the rain...its nothing out of the ordinary but this time it just was dumping! My book of mormon is still drying... :/
Thursday we taught all day as well. We taught a woman who the president actaully told us to teach and solve her problem so I was courious of the problem. Well the womans name is Sister Achi. She is the kindest woman you'll ever meet. So the lesson is just going great, the Spirit is there, shes about in tears, and I ask her what is keeping her from baptism. She then started to cry...she explained that she loves her husband very much, but the problem is she is not his only wife. And he not only just has two wives, but im talking about 4 or 5... I sat there and the only thing that I could think about was the couple sentences in my blessing that says "you have been blessed with the comfort of a great home. You must teach that to those whom you convert...their lives WILL be changed" we fixed an appointment next week and I'm excited to go back. We have been praying hard and I feel that we can really help this family.
I dont have anymore time left but know that I love you all! Thank you all for who you are! I'm praying for you! I'm doing great! muah!
ELDER LEGERE
Monday, August 17, 2009
August 17th Email
Hey I'm sorry this is probably going to be short...the computers shut down twice and he won't give anymore time out..this is the 3rd time ive typed this. But anyways thank you all for your emails! I loved them all! I really wish I had time to reply to them all. I love you all!
Well what a week! I'll start off by saying I LOVE my new companion! He is a great guy. Elder Koffi and I have been having a blast together. We have been working our tails off but laughing while we do it. We have been working with the members a ton! From tuesday to dimanche we have recived over 45 new investigators from the members only! and we also been doing a ton of tracking. We work great together and I really have felt an added measure of the spirit with him. We rely and place all our confidence on the Spirit. Its been tough because we both are new and don't have a single investigator from the missionaries before us, and we dont know the area. But with the Spirit its possible. We've already had so many times where when we are tracking we stop at the same time and say 'here'. I really look up to Elder Koffi. His testimony is SO strong! He is actually the first missionary EVER from San Pedro, he is the only member in his family and his mother passed away last month. I love the kid. He is definately different from Elder Touhouly but its not a bad thing. He is much more calm and passive. I have to be more gentle with him because of everything he's been through. Don't get me wrong through, the kid LOVES to work. This week I held my first district meeting and baptismal interview. They both went great! Elder Koffi and I plan on being the top baptising companionship for the month of September as well. We have had so much success this week alone!
Sorry i sent the last one im afraid the power will turn off again. but know everything is going great and work has just began. I m really excited about this new area. I feel that we're going to have a ton of success. I love you all! oh and yes I recieved the packages! THANK YOU i loved them! I love the pictures. But to be honest, please dont send anymore packages. I know how expensive they are and to be honest I would be even happier if you would use the money and go out to dinner as a family or go to the movies. And i mean it. I love you all so much! you should be getting some mail soon! I'm not sure how good this post is... but you have at least 8 or so pictures coming. Im sorry but i dont have anymore time thank you all for your emails and I wish I could reply to them! I love you! muah!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Cameron Legere
Well what a week! I'll start off by saying I LOVE my new companion! He is a great guy. Elder Koffi and I have been having a blast together. We have been working our tails off but laughing while we do it. We have been working with the members a ton! From tuesday to dimanche we have recived over 45 new investigators from the members only! and we also been doing a ton of tracking. We work great together and I really have felt an added measure of the spirit with him. We rely and place all our confidence on the Spirit. Its been tough because we both are new and don't have a single investigator from the missionaries before us, and we dont know the area. But with the Spirit its possible. We've already had so many times where when we are tracking we stop at the same time and say 'here'. I really look up to Elder Koffi. His testimony is SO strong! He is actually the first missionary EVER from San Pedro, he is the only member in his family and his mother passed away last month. I love the kid. He is definately different from Elder Touhouly but its not a bad thing. He is much more calm and passive. I have to be more gentle with him because of everything he's been through. Don't get me wrong through, the kid LOVES to work. This week I held my first district meeting and baptismal interview. They both went great! Elder Koffi and I plan on being the top baptising companionship for the month of September as well. We have had so much success this week alone!
Sorry i sent the last one im afraid the power will turn off again. but know everything is going great and work has just began. I m really excited about this new area. I feel that we're going to have a ton of success. I love you all! oh and yes I recieved the packages! THANK YOU i loved them! I love the pictures. But to be honest, please dont send anymore packages. I know how expensive they are and to be honest I would be even happier if you would use the money and go out to dinner as a family or go to the movies. And i mean it. I love you all so much! you should be getting some mail soon! I'm not sure how good this post is... but you have at least 8 or so pictures coming. Im sorry but i dont have anymore time thank you all for your emails and I wish I could reply to them! I love you! muah!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Cameron Legere
Monday, August 10, 2009
Email dated August 10th
A picture of Agoueto from another source.Hello everyone!
WOW what a week! Well I dont have a lot of time but yeah I'm here in Agoueto and I'm surviving! It for sure is a completely different area than Port Bouet. My area is huge! From the apartment, west as far as I can walk and all the way up to the Banco forest(? sorry about spelling), it for sure is a lot more green and jungley. It is not nearly as sunny as port bouet, to be honest I haven't even seen the sun all week. I love the members and I truly feel we can have even more success here than in Port Bouet. Oh and the apartment is a ton nicer! but the area...I think is a little more poorer.
Now my companion....wow I about killed him. I don't know what it is with president but he stuck me with an extremely "troubled" missionary. He didn't want to work and all he did was eat and think about money and buying things. I was going nuts but at the same time trying to be patient and help motivate him the best I could. Well as you all know I don't know a single thing in this area so I really depended on my companion, which wasn't very dependable..on Friday he lied to me and told me we were going to an investigators house and he flagged down a taxi. After driving in the taxi for about 10 min I asked him where we were and why its taking so long, well to make a long story short he took me to his house where his parents sat me down in a room and wouldn't even allow me to stand up. After he was done running around the house and his neighbors houses he came in and said we're leaving so we did. By this time I'm about to kill him. I flagged a taxi and we got in it and I said we're going to the Zone leaders apartment . Well to make another long story short he opened a beer in the taxi and started guzzling, that he hid in his backpack. Sorry but because of time, he now is at the mission home on probation and I have a new companion.....that was by far the most stressful and hardest day I've had. I didn't blow up once and I kept my cool the whole time. I was really proud of myself. But know I'm safe now and I'm okay. My new companion is Elder Koffi.S (and no thats not a typo). Ive only had him for the past 5 hours but he is great! I love him! (oh and the past 3 days I've been solo trying to coordinate with the ward mission leaders who I dont know..its been a rough week but its finally settling down) But we're both excited and because we're both new and don't have an area book we're starting fresh. I'm really excited and feel we"ll be changing the area!
The district leader calling is going great. I'm just trying to work as hard as I can. I love you all. I'm sorry this is so choppy and not good but I'll try to find a post and send pictures and everything! I LOVE YOU ALL!!! muah!
Elder Cameron Legere
Monday, August 3, 2009
Elder Legere's Email - a new area & a district leader
Hi
WOW!!!!!! What a week!? crazy! IM SO EXCITED FOR TYLER!!!éçà_'_& He will be a great missionary! (**Tyler is Cameron's cousin. He just got his mission call to the Texas Lubbock Mission**)
Well for my week! wow! its been nuts! Well monday we went to the zoo! It was a blast! little freaky but a blast! I'll be sending home a lot of pictures of that. We saw lions, hippos, crocs, monkeys, birds, some really weird little animals, hienas, elephants, and just a bunch more. About 25% of the animals weren't in cages either. haha it was fun
Wednesday, in the morning we went over to one of our recent converts homes because we heard her son was really sick so we gave him a blessing. That went really good and after that when we were returning to the apart. a man grabbed me and just started hanging all over me. He was as drunk as drunk could be. He grabbed my hand and said I have to go to his house and preach the gospel. After he dragged me to his house we sat down and started to teach his mom and brother. But when his brother started to talk or ask a question, Rodrique (the drunk man) stood up and started screaming at him. He was saying how he is the "chief" of the house and that if he interupted the lesson again he'd regret it. And I mean he was angry! Elder Touhouly and I then taught the word of wisdom :) he was very acceptive but how much he took in I dont know. I know that his mom and his brother were grateful for the lesson and they both apologized for his attitude and invited us back. After we returned to the apart. Elder and sister Bailey dropped by and gave me my package and some mail! it was like christmas! i have been taking those pills and I have been seeing a difference! I am so thankful for that package thank you SO MUCH!
Thursday, I loved Thursday a lot. All the lessons in the day just went perfectly. But it was also really fun because we took one of our investigators with us. Her name is josee and she just wanted to learn more, so we invited her to our next lesson, and after that she wanted to go to the next and next. By the end of the day she said she's never been so tired before. But I also think she felt the spirit of missionary work.
Saturday, oh boy....well you remember the member Dominique that couldn't serve a mission because of his age, so he comes with us? Well Friday night he calls and says he can't come with us saturday but pass by in the morning. So we did. When we got there we could see a huge cloud of smoke coming from behind his house so we walk back there and he is standing over a couple handfuls of coals with his cat laying on it! When he saw me he has a huge smile on his face and his eye wide open (like a child who just got caught by his parents) and said in english "the cat". hahaha I said JE SAIS! (i know!) well he heard i was leaving so he wanted to prepare a good nice meal for me so he killed his cat for me to eat...so we did. It was really hard for Elder Touhouly because he loved the cat, you all know I'm not the biggest cat lover, but it was kind of hard. That was probably one of the strangest things I ate last week.
Sunday, was just a really good day. It was hard to say goodbye to a lot of my converts and investigators. a lot of members cried, it just wasnt the goodbye I really wanted. Next time i dont want anyone to know when I'm leaving.
Todays been an exciting day as well. We went to the US Embassy and signed all the Americans up. President wants all the Americans to be registered before the election. We're just getting prepared if anything happens.
I also found out my new area! I WILL BE GOING TO
.............................................................................AGOUETO! its in the Abobo area. i dont know what its like there... i heard the apartment is nicer than port bouet! but the area is a little more poor. (if thats even possible!) My new companion is Elder Adopo. Sister Bailey said hes...."different" so i guess we'll have to see how that goes. I know we'll get a long just fine. I will go to my new area tommorow night at 6pm. I also found out that I will be the district leader in Abobo. It made me feel good that President has enough confidence in me to put me in that position. Abobo is one of, if not the highest baptizing areas and to place me there as district leader will stretch me. The district is actually a pretty big one. But I dont have any concerns.
I hope you all are doing fine! Im so sorry to hear about moms and Nicoles little problems with the allergic reaction and the infection! I'll be praying for you! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
WOW!!!!!! What a week!? crazy! IM SO EXCITED FOR TYLER!!!éçà_'_& He will be a great missionary! (**Tyler is Cameron's cousin. He just got his mission call to the Texas Lubbock Mission**)
Well for my week! wow! its been nuts! Well monday we went to the zoo! It was a blast! little freaky but a blast! I'll be sending home a lot of pictures of that. We saw lions, hippos, crocs, monkeys, birds, some really weird little animals, hienas, elephants, and just a bunch more. About 25% of the animals weren't in cages either. haha it was fun
Wednesday, in the morning we went over to one of our recent converts homes because we heard her son was really sick so we gave him a blessing. That went really good and after that when we were returning to the apart. a man grabbed me and just started hanging all over me. He was as drunk as drunk could be. He grabbed my hand and said I have to go to his house and preach the gospel. After he dragged me to his house we sat down and started to teach his mom and brother. But when his brother started to talk or ask a question, Rodrique (the drunk man) stood up and started screaming at him. He was saying how he is the "chief" of the house and that if he interupted the lesson again he'd regret it. And I mean he was angry! Elder Touhouly and I then taught the word of wisdom :) he was very acceptive but how much he took in I dont know. I know that his mom and his brother were grateful for the lesson and they both apologized for his attitude and invited us back. After we returned to the apart. Elder and sister Bailey dropped by and gave me my package and some mail! it was like christmas! i have been taking those pills and I have been seeing a difference! I am so thankful for that package thank you SO MUCH!
Thursday, I loved Thursday a lot. All the lessons in the day just went perfectly. But it was also really fun because we took one of our investigators with us. Her name is josee and she just wanted to learn more, so we invited her to our next lesson, and after that she wanted to go to the next and next. By the end of the day she said she's never been so tired before. But I also think she felt the spirit of missionary work.
Saturday, oh boy....well you remember the member Dominique that couldn't serve a mission because of his age, so he comes with us? Well Friday night he calls and says he can't come with us saturday but pass by in the morning. So we did. When we got there we could see a huge cloud of smoke coming from behind his house so we walk back there and he is standing over a couple handfuls of coals with his cat laying on it! When he saw me he has a huge smile on his face and his eye wide open (like a child who just got caught by his parents) and said in english "the cat". hahaha I said JE SAIS! (i know!) well he heard i was leaving so he wanted to prepare a good nice meal for me so he killed his cat for me to eat...so we did. It was really hard for Elder Touhouly because he loved the cat, you all know I'm not the biggest cat lover, but it was kind of hard. That was probably one of the strangest things I ate last week.
Sunday, was just a really good day. It was hard to say goodbye to a lot of my converts and investigators. a lot of members cried, it just wasnt the goodbye I really wanted. Next time i dont want anyone to know when I'm leaving.
Todays been an exciting day as well. We went to the US Embassy and signed all the Americans up. President wants all the Americans to be registered before the election. We're just getting prepared if anything happens.
I also found out my new area! I WILL BE GOING TO
.............................................................................AGOUETO! its in the Abobo area. i dont know what its like there... i heard the apartment is nicer than port bouet! but the area is a little more poor. (if thats even possible!) My new companion is Elder Adopo. Sister Bailey said hes...."different" so i guess we'll have to see how that goes. I know we'll get a long just fine. I will go to my new area tommorow night at 6pm. I also found out that I will be the district leader in Abobo. It made me feel good that President has enough confidence in me to put me in that position. Abobo is one of, if not the highest baptizing areas and to place me there as district leader will stretch me. The district is actually a pretty big one. But I dont have any concerns.
I hope you all are doing fine! Im so sorry to hear about moms and Nicoles little problems with the allergic reaction and the infection! I'll be praying for you! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Letter Dated July 8th, 2009
Dear Family,
Well I got ahold of another picture so I thought I would get it off to you! I wanted to thank you again for sending that package. I can't tell you how happy it made me...it really couldn't be any better than what it was. And in the next one please send pictures again. I love PICTURES! And I promise I will send pictures as often as I can.
Quinn, if there is one thing you need to know before going into the MTC/mission field that is..a mission is not easy. You will be pushed to, and far beyond what you thought you could handle. But it's good! It's normal. I don't know what I was thinking when I came here. I thought it was going to be hard, but not this hard. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I didn't know I was going to go through what I have. Quinn, and what I KNOW is that I could not have gone through it without the Lord. I could not have SURVIVED if I did not have a testimony. And I mean it. Having a hard time on a mission doesn't mean that you aren't a good missionary or that the Lord is punishing you. He's only pushing you. Read Alma 17:5. Even the Sons of Mosiah had a hard time. They suffered both in 'body' and in 'mind'. But the phrase that I think is really interesting is how how they suffered much 'labor in the Spirit.' To try to explain what that means is difficult, unless you've experienced it. Quinn, the Lord doesn't allow bad things to happen to us to punish us or make us suffer. He does it to strengthen us so when hard times do come, we can stand undaunted. I am thankful for every single stomach problem. I am thankful because it made me stronger.
Well..I'm doing great! I really am! The work is going wonderful and it's only getting better! We have SO many baptisms for the month of July! The Lord is truly answering prayers. I feel so bad for the young men who choose not to serve a mission. What a tremendous mistake! There are so many things that you experience, that you can only experience on a mission. And not only experiences but blessings as well. In the MTC, every time a General Authority came and spoke they also stressed that 'this experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity'. They said 'not even as apostles, they are called to serve 24/7 to spread the life changing and life saving message. I am so grateful for this mission. And if there are even worse hard times in the future, bring it on!
I love you and I am doing everything I can to make you proud. Read 1 Nephi 8:3. I want to do everything so you can 'rejoice in the Lord' because of me. I know that sending a son as far as you can from home isn't easy. But know I'm hanging in here. I'm doing great. I'm so excited for you to see me and how much I've changed. Because already the change is tremendous.
oh, I also wanted to explain the pictures! The one of the baptism (of all the happy and lively people :)) was a great one! The man in the back, his name is Alexis (but you pronounce it Uh-lex-e). I have been teaching him since I arrived in the Ivory Coast! And he finally had his conversion. And he is doing great now. I am proud to say that EVERY SINGLE one of my converts are active and strong! I promised myself that I will not baptize a person if I had any doubt of them falling away.
The other photo is at the chapel in Koumassi. From left to right it's Elder Touhouly, me, Elder N'Dri, Elder Cloward, Elder Andon, and Elder Call. Elder Call is brand new. This picture was taken his 4th day here. But he is doing great!
I have to get going if I want to get this off today.
I LOVE YOU! -- Elder Legere
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