Mwenge Wood Carvers

Today Sister Waldron and I went to the Mwenge Wood Carvers Shops. The Elders didn't want to go shopping so they did the missionary work while we went on a fun adventure. Sister Waldron has lived in Africa for three missions, once as wife to the mission president. They have visited another 2 or 3 times. They have been to dozens of African nations, so she knows Africa and her people pretty well. She said when she would go to the Masaai market, she would hear them say, "here comes the Boss". That is because she knew so much nobody would buy anything until she said it was a good price. She also knows some swahili so that helps too. We were greeted by many who wanted our money. But the missionary badges help you to find friends. We soon were in deep conversation with Jacob. He had learned to speak english at the Kinondoni Church, where the elders teach english classes. Jacob had two shops there and had us committed to visit his shops. As we were on our way to his shop, we saw all of the artisans of wood hard at work behind the shops. Since we had a friend, he took us and showed us all the stuff happening up close and personal. We got to take pictures too. Jacob is sitting on the ebony wood with two friends. He is in the middle.
I spent a lot of money, and had a great time. The Boss was a big help to me too! We also visited the shop of Francis, who is a member of the church. His shop was not nearly as nice, but it was fun to have friends there. I was scared to death the first time I went there, but it was during my first week in Africa! Now I am a pro.