Faith can do a lot of things

This last week was alright. The highlight of this week was zone conference. We went down to Lomé on Wednesday evening, and stayed with the Tokoin elders in their apartment. We talked a lot in Zone Conference about faith, and how we need to work on growing our own faith. We took a lot of examples from the scriptures of faith, and what different people were able to do with their faith. More on that down below.

We also talked a lot about weekly planning, and how we can improve that. We put that into practice, and it was very helpful. 

Lastly, since it was my last zone conference, I had the opportunity to share my testimony. I remember watching other missionaries give their testimonies, and thinking that that was never going to be me! Well, it was me. I had no idea what I was going to say, but I let the spirit guide, and he did his job. I'm gonna miss going to zone conference, and seeing all the other missionaries. Crazy to think that's the last time that I'll see almost all of them.

When we talked about faith in zone conference, everyone was assigned a scripture to read, and talk about. My scripture was Alma 5:12, which reads:

12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.

I really like this scripture, and I can testify of its truthfulness. I know that at the beginning of my mission, I had a lot of changing to do. I know that I couldn't have continued my mission, if I didn't have faith to do so. I know that through the faith I have, I've been able to witness this mighty change of heart within myself. I know that this can be true for all of us, even the biggest of sinners. God loves each and every one of his children, and he wants what is best for us. 

I love the mission, and here soon I'm gonna miss Togo, and all the things I've learned here.

Until next week,

Elder Orchard

--Here's a ton of new photos this week to make of for the lack of new photos last week

Il est malade

Hey Everyone!

This week was pretty good, not too much crazy happened. The weeks are going by super fast, which is bad and good. It's crazy to think I only have 4 weeks, it's flying!

We had a good week. We set a baptismal date for Grace, a friend that's progressing really well. She has a good friend in the ward, so she already has a good relationship with the branch, and a bunch of friends.

We had a pretty neat experience with a very intoxicated man this last week. We were walking home for lunch, and he starts running after us, just shouting a bunch of nonsense. He gets in front of us, and blocks us from advancing, and shouts at us. Anytime we tried to pass, he wouldn't let us. He was even grabbing at my companions bag, and pushing him. He was crazy haha. He eventually let us pass, after 10 minutes or so. After we passed, my companion said "il est malade" haha, and we were both laughing. Togo is crazy.

I've been reading a lot in the 3rd volume of the Saints books. I read the first two volumes when I was in Attiegou. I never got to touch the phone with my first companion, so I read them 4 times or so, they're awesome. The 3rd volume is really good, and it's interesting to see the changes in church policy and things like that over the years. There's a part where Joseph F. Smith was being interrogated by the United States government about a bunch of different things, and he was so calm about his responses and it was just very impressive. I know the church is true, and that we have a living prophet in these days.

That's it for this week. I'll try to think of some more interesting things to write for next week.

Have a great week, 

Elder Orchard

Finishing my Mission in Kpalime

Hello!

So, we got transfer news this past week for my last transfer ever! I will actually be staying in Kpalime and finishing my mission here. My companion, Elder Mazunzu, is going to Tsevié, another village. I'm getting Elder Kikwati, another Congolese. I'm excited.

I definitely didn't think I'd finish my mission in Kpalime. For whatever reason, I thought that I would be going to Benin, but I will be going there eventually to fly home.

I cannot believe that I'm on my last transfer now. Like, I cannot believe it. The time has gone by so fast, and it doesn't feel like it's already been 2 years. I'm so grateful for the mission, and everything I've learned. I've still got a lot of learning to do though! 

The area is doing well, not too bad, not too good. I definitely preparing this last week to leave, which did not happen haha. We have some progressing friends, and even got 11 to church yesterday. We talked a lot with our branch yesterday about setting goals, and working towards those, instead of just working towards nothing. We'll see how it goes, but I'm looking forward to it.

Also, today is the 4th of July. I am incredibly grateful to be an American. Despite anything that's going on right now, I'm grateful to be an American. We are truly blessed to live in the country of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

That's about it for this week, I hope everyone is doing well! 

Happy 4th of July!

Elder Orchard