June 18, 2012

…This past week has been very good, and we have been doing well. We were really excited because we had a baptism on Saturday so that was a lot of fun helping her get to the point of baptism and than now helping her these next several weeks gain a stronger testimony as a recent convert.

So a miracle experience we had this week, was that we have been teaching a family. A husband, wife and three kids. We went over there on Sunday with a member family and the two families really connected. So we started the lesson and the youngest of the three kids told us an experience that she had this week (she is only 12). She said that she was reading the Book of Mormon and did not understand something so she went back to the Restoration pamphlet we gave her to try and figure it out. When she was looking in the pamphlet she saw that it said to pray before you study and then pray afterwards. So that is what she did. She than went to bed after that and then she said when she woke up the next morning she just felt so good and she knew that the Book of Mormon was true and she ran and told her mom. It was so awesome that the little girl was such an example for her family and I think that the rest of the family will follow in her footsteps and read and pray about the Book of Mormon to the know the truth.

Wow, yeah dad told me about Grandma Nezzi, I am sure they are having a great reunion on the other side!!

The trip (to the beach) was awesome we just got on the boat and went to the Island just off the coast of Luanda and we just played on the beach. We played ultimate Frisbee and football and things like that! It was a lot of fun. We were only able to go into the water a little bit, but that was still fun!! Then right before we left President Walton sat us down and had us look at Luanda and told us of the responsibility that we have to help the church grow and become strong here. He also talked about how we need to help each other and build each other up and not speak bad things about one another. It was a really cool experience!!

No, as predicted we got delayed again (on a new apartment). We have to wait for the leaders in South Africa to send us money ... Sister Walton said maybe Monday or Tuesday, which means she does not really know which probably means that it will not be till the end of this week or next. But things are actually not too bad right now at our house. We fixed the generated so we have running water and AC so it really is not that bad and I have gotten used to it. But hopefully this week we will move in!

…Yep we had a baptism on Saturday so that was really cool! All of the other baptisms we had fell through. But the work is really growing and doing well. The lesson that I explained (earlier) was so awesome!! So we are really excited about that family. But the work is going really well!

Also transfers should be this week. I do not know what is really going to happen because we heard that the Missionaries in the MTC did not get their Visas, so we are not sure if they will postpone the transfers for a little bit or what, but transfers should be this week, just so you know. I remember that you like to keep track of when Braden’s transfers were so I just thought I would tell you!

Thanks so much for all that you do mom!!! You really are the greatest Mother!!

I love you so much!!!! Love Elder Tilley

The Luanda Zone Visits the Island of Mussulo!

One thing President Walton had been wanting to do before we head for home was to visit the island of Mussulo.  Every day we look out our windows at this beautiful tropical island.  So...we took the whole Luanda zone out to the island for an afternoon picnic and down time to recharge our missionary batteries.  

After fighting our way through the throngs of young people wanting to be paid to help carry our stuff to the dock (with missionaries you always have lots of "hauling" power right at your finger tips), we loaded up the boat and headed for the island.

Once on the island Elders Sande and Tilley played futebol and football. 

Elder Kelsey took the time to spell out "ELDER" in the sand for all to see that we are here in force!  

At the end of a perfect, relaxing day, Elders Chandler and Kelsey walked the deserted beach with the city of Luanda as a backdrop. 

President Walton gathered the missionaries and had them look at the coast of Luanda, Angola, as he talked with them about the growth of the church here and their role as missionaries in setting the right foundation and creating a solid mission culture for the future of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for this special country.  This will always be a memorable day for these missionaries!