1 Year!?

Bonjour à tous, 

How's everyone doing, and how has the week gone? This week had been awesome for me! I'll get right into it.

First of all, we had district council this week with the Zone Leaders. My companion and I were tasked with giving the lesson, which we were gonna do on following up after the lessons. I wasn't too nervous about it, given that I've taught before in district council, but when the Zone Leaders showed up, I got a little nervous. I'm not sure why, they are both super cool. Well, we didn't even give the lesson, because we ran out of time, which was OK because we had an awesome discussion. Maybe we'll give it tomorrow, I'm not sure.

Then, on Wednesday we had interviews with President. Again, not sure why, but I always get super nervous at interviews, for no reason. President Proudfoot is super nice, and always gives me great advice, and solutions to the problems of our area. I also got to see a bunch of other Elders there, which it's always fun to catch up with them.

That night, my companion felt really sick, and woke me up in the middle of the night to tell me that. I had him take some medication, and go back to sleep. After that, I found that I didn't feel too great myself, but I fell back asleep. We woke up, and my companion felt fine, but I felt pretty bad. I didn't want to be the reason we didn't go to sector, so I sucked it up, and we went out. We taught a lesson, and we came back right away, and I slept for 3 hours, and took some medication. I woke up, felt fine, and we went out in the afternoon, but we came back after less than an hour. While I felt fine in the apartment, walking around in the sun was something different. I called the couple missionaries, and they weren't too worried, just told us to stay in and get some rest. 

That wonderful day where I was sick all day was also my one year anniversary of entering the MTC, a whole year on the mission. What a way to celebrate haha. Halfway done. It's crazy how fast this year has gone by. I still feel like a new missionary. I've learned so many things, and I'm so grateful for my time here. Living in West Africa for a while really puts into perspective how nice we have it in the United States. It's crazy to think how many times I complained about my life, or something small, when the people here are some of the happiest, and kindest people I've met, and compared to us, they have nothing. I am grateful for this eye opening experience for me, and the time I have left here.

To end off the week, we continued to work in the sector, even though I didn't feel to great. A lot of our key indicators were pretty crappy this week, but we finally got 4 people at church, a whole lot better than the 0 we had last week. We have a baptism planned for this Saturday for our friend Justine, so keep her in your prayers. 

Other than that, things are going great here. Here's to another year!

Take care,

Elder Orchard 

mangez-vous

waiting for the rain with some pals

we found a go kart track haha

I am the Coconut Man!

Bonjour,

How is everyone doing? I am doing pretty well. A lot has happened in the last couple of weeks, so I'll get right into it.

My companion, who I am training, is doing well. He is learning a lot and making a lot of progress in the mission. The Africans that come on the mission are like pre-trained, so I guess that helps too haha. It's a little weird, because I am 19, and have almost a year on the mission, and he is 24  and just started. It's also kinda weird "training" someone who is 5 years older than me. However, we get along great and are doing a lot of work. 

Our week started out amazing, and then just kinda went downhill really fast. First of all, it started out great because we found 7 new people to teach this week. Some of them were people we found last week, and taught for the first time this week. But, we found this one family that we introduced our message too, and asked if there was a day we could come back, and they told us "right now" haha so we taught them right then and there. Also, earlier this week, we fixed a baptism date for someone we are teaching. She had accepted baptism with the last missionaries, but just before the baptism she got cold feet, and backed out. Over time, we were able to talk to her, and eventually fix a baptism date again!

So, those were the highlights of this week. That was the beginning of the week, and the week didn't end too well. To start off, on Saturday, we had 6 appointments scheduled for the day, and all 6 of them canceled on us. Some of them just weren't there, but some of them just straight up told us they were busy, after we walked all the way to their house. Then, on Sunday, after we invited all of our friends to church, not a single one came. We had 0 friends at church yesterday. And too add to that, all our appointments yesterday fell though as well. Those are kind of the lowlights for this week. 

Some other fun stuff happened this week as well. Like when we went to an appointment that canceled on us, we ended up playing a little soccer with these super nice kids across the street. They took a bunch of photos with us, and it was super fun. It was nice to meet with some kids that loved us, especially after an appointment canceled on us. We also have a coconut tree in our courtyard, so that's been fun to smash some coconuts and eat/drink them. 

Other than that, just living the life out here. I'm having a pretty good time, French is pretty good, and I'm used to living out here, which I never thought I'd be haha.

I hope everyone has a great week, and a great day.

Peace,

Elder Orchard

Training?

Bonjour,

I hope everyone is doing well. I have had quite the interesting week, so I'll just get right into that. 

First of all, from what I was told, I'd be getting a companion from the Congo, but that I wouldn't be training. I had assumed that meant he had already received his training, and he was just delayed getting here, which we have had situations like that before, so I thought nothing of it. I was told that there would be a new trainers meeting on Saturday, but I thought nothing of it because I am in an apartment with someone who is training. Come to find out, on Wednesday night, from the senior missionary couple that my companion would arrive the next day, and that he is new, so I would be training. I was a little surprised to be training, especially since no one told me I would be. But, it's been awesome so far, and my new trainee is Elder Ntumba!

It's been a little bit difficult because we are both new to the area, and trying to run it. The last set of Elders kept a good area book, but it's still difficult. Because there are no addresses here, the location of all our friends are pinpointed on the map, and we use Google Maps to find them all. But...it's not always the best at giving the location. We've had many times looking for our friends, and getting to where the map says they are, and either no one lives there or the person that does live there isn't them. We can try to call them, and have them describe where they live, but then again, I'm new to the area, and wouldn't understand. That doesn't mean we've had no success so far. We've been able to find some of their old friends, and find some new ones on our own too. Overall, it hasn't been to bad, and I'm excited to continue the work. 

My companion is pretty cool. I sat him down the first day, and said something about how I really wanted to work hard, and he responded by saying that he does too, so that was awesome. It's funny because he just kinda follows me around, and I cook all the meals, and all that stuff, and I remember that I literally was doing all those things that he is doing when I first got here. We also have Elder Kempe in our apartment, a brand new American. His French is not the best haha, but I was literally where he was when I got here. It's been cool to be able to translate for him, and just be that "cool old American" in the apartment haha.

Overall, the sector is going good, and it's been a good week. Can't wait to continue the work in Hedzranawoe.

Have a good week everyone!

Elder Orchard

11 Months!!

Bonjour,

How is everyone doing? I'm doing pretty good. Not a lot has happened, but we got some big news this week, so I'll fill you in on that.

As for the sector, not much has happened. We just got a bunch of work done this week, and found some new people to teach, as usual. Also, today I have 11 months on the mission, which is crazy! The time has for sure flown by over here. This next transfer, I'll hit my year mark, which is crazy to think about. I still feel like a new missionary haha.

As for this transfer, it has come to an end this week. We got our transfer calls on Saturday night, and got some exciting news. So, I am getting transferred to the Hedzranaweo Ward, and getting a new missionary from the Congo. He is not a new missionary, but new to the mission, so I'll have to show him how this mission works. We are both going to be new to the area, which should he fun. In our apartment, we have another companionship as well. One elder from the Congo is staying there, and he will be training a brand new missionary from the United States, so that should be fun. I'm a little worried about the move, but I'm sure it will be fine.

As for my companion right now, Elder Mahoungou, he will be staying in this area, and training a new missionary. That means that he will be in this area for about 7 months in total, which is why I was surprised that I was getting moved, and not him. Nonetheless, I know he'll be a great trainer, and he shouldn't have any problems. 

Other than that, things are going pretty good so far. I'm enjoying the work, and time is flying by, so I can't complain. I hope everyone is having a great summer, and a great day. 

Peace and blessings, 

Elder Orchard

Ça va aller

Bonjour!

How's everyone doing? I hope everyone is doing alright, and summer is going well! This week has been kind of rough, but we'll get into that. 

First of all, this week has been pretty good, weather wise. I don't know what it's like back home in Nebraska, but over here it's been pretty cool. For example, today it is overcast, with a breeze, and I'd say it's about 70°. I'd even say it's a little cold! It's been pretty nice to get a break from the sun, and 90° weather, that's for sure.

On another note, this week has been pretty bad with our friends. It just seems like none of then want to progress, and come to church. Sometimes it feels like they just want to talk, to talk to us. It gets pretty frustrating, especially when they promise to keep commitments, and promise to come to church and everything. When they don't do those things, it gives us a false sense of hope. I'd rather them be direct with us, so that we can focus our time on other friends, but at the same time, I know that the mission isn't easy. We're gonna have difficulties, and the mission is gonna be hard no matter what. That's why I titled this email "ça va aller" meaning, it's gonna be alright. I know that I'll look back on this time, and be grateful for the difficulties I've had, and how I've learned from them.

On another note, the transfers are coming to an end soon, and I have no idea what's gonna happen. This Saturday, we will get the transfer call, and see what is going to happen. Elder Mahoungou has been here for 3 transfers already, so he could easily leave, but there's also a chance that we stay together. The only thing I'm pretty sure about is staying here. Whatever happens will happen though, and I'm good either way. I'll update next week with what happens.

Anyways, I hope everyone has a great week, and a great last little bit of summer. These past couple of months have flown by for me, as I'm sure they have for all of you! 

Take care, and I'll try to update this more frequently. 

Elder Orchard

A couple photos of me and my companion, and a photo of this cool open field that we found, while exploring the sector.

Bonne semaine à Kpogan!

Bonjour!

How's everyone doing? How is summer? I hope everyone is doing well, and staying safe. It's been a while since I updated this, but I'll try to inform you on everything that's going on.

First of all, I'm in my new area, Baguida 2, with my companion, Elder Mahoungou. We meet in the Baguida ward building, but we work mostly in another sector, called Kpogan. It's kinda far, and we take a taxi to the sector everyday. On the day's that we don't have church, weekly planning, or district council, we will spend the whole day in Kpogan, eating lunch and everything there. It's hard for our investigators to come to church, because of the distance, but soon here there will be a split in the ward, and we will have a building in Kpogan.

My new companion is awesome. We get along great, and are having an awesome time together. He's a hard worker, and super positive, which has been a great change. He just got out of training, but he is already an amazing missionary. The days and weeks have gone by, and I can't believe that it's already been 4 weeks since this transfer started. 

The work in the sector is pretty good. My first week here, we had two baptisms, but obviously that was Elder Mahoungou, and his last companion, Elder Fowers, who did all the preparation. Cool story though, so, Elder Fowers took my place in Attiegou, and I took his place here. Well, he baptized one of my investigators, and I baptized two of his, so we actually got to go to each other's areas for the baptisms. So, we did a mini-exchange that day, so I got to go to my investigator's baptism, and he to his.

We had a multi-zone activity last week, and because there are only 2 zones in Togo, all the missionaries in Togo were there. It was nice to see a bunch of my friends from the other zone, that I haven't seen in a while. It was a pretty great day. We played Spikeball on the beach, played cards, caught up with each other, and just enjoyed the day on the beach. The beach we were at was super nice as well, and we got free food. It was an awesome day. Except that, since it was overcast, I thought I didn't need sunscreen, and got absolutely fried. However, the reason for the activity was the 10 year anniversary of the Benin Cotonou Mission. It's crazy to me that Benin and Togo have had their own mission for only 10 years. It's awesome seeing the growth here, and helping build up the church. 

Speaking of that, it's crazy to see the growth of the church here in Togo. I know someone, Brother Haycock, from back home who served in this same mission less than 10 years ago. I was catching up with him, and told him I was going to Baguida. He told me that he served in Anfame (pretty far from Baguida), and Baguida was part of their ward boundries, and there was one family that lived out there. Now, Baguida is almost ready to split, and expand the church over into Kpogan. It's crazy to me how much the church has grown in less than 10 years! It definitely shows that the work that missionaries do is working, which is awesome!

Other than that, not much else is going on. Just working, and enjoying my time out here so far.

I hope everyone has a great week, and a great summer so far! I'll attach some photos of my time over here!

Au revoir,

Elder Orchard

Me at the beach

Last zone conference for Elder Pace, our ZL

My companion, a magician

Selfie with a cute kid

My companion and I at the mountain of bottles

The statue of liberty, of Togo

We have the coast in our area, which is pretty cool

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