Moving Areas

Bonjour,

I hope that everyone is doing great, and having a good summer so far. Luckily, we are in the rainy season here, so it's a little bit cooler, instead of it being 95 and sunny everyday. I heard it has been hot back home, so sorry about that.

Things have been going pretty good for me these last couple of weeks. As you know, Elder Osime got transferred mid-transfer, so I had Elder Kouadio as my companion these last three weeks. I was a little worried, because he doesn't speak any English, and I didn't think my French would be good enough. However, things have gone pretty good, and communication hasn't been a problem. These last three weeks have gone by quicker than I thought they would. 

A couple of weeks ago, we had Zone Conference and interviews. Zone Conference was pretty good, and I learned a lot of things. President Proudfoot talked about the importance of teaching the first lesson, in the right way. Too many companionships will take too long on each principle, especially the first half of the lesson, and not be able to finish the lesson in one visit. He stressed that the core of our message is The Restoration, the Book of Mormon, and Prayer. He stated that the first five principles of our message are important, but not as important, because other churches teach a lot of those same things, like prophets, and the ministry of Jesus Christ. I thought it was a great teaching, and will be a great tool that every companionship can use.

As for other news, we had a baptism this last weekend. We baptized a 9 year old girl, whose parents are members, and active. I don't understand why she wasn't baptized when she was 8, but once she turns 9, it becomes our responsibility to teach, and baptize her. It was a good service, and I am happy for the decision she made. Also, we got the transfer calls this last Saturday. We got the call early in the morning, and I answered it. Elder Kouadio was in the shower, and I told the AP's that, but they decided to give me my transfer news, and call him back later. I got the news that I'm being transferred out of Attiegou, and going to work in Baguida, with Elder Mahoungou. He is from the Congo, and doesn't speak any English either. Also, he just got out of training, so I will be the senior companion, which will be a new experience for me. Elder Osime knows him very well, and said that he is just the coolest guy, and hardest worker, so I'm excited. Also, in Baguida, we will have 4 missionaries in that apartment, so I'm excited for that as well.

Well, that was my biggest news this week. I'm finally leaving Attiegou after over 5 months here. I've loved the sector, members, and the work, but it was time for a change. I mean, I am almost at a year, and just now moving the my third area haha. But, other than that, I am doing good, and things are going well for me.

I hope everyone is doing great, and having a good summer so far.

Elder Orchard