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.

Dry with Defy

We made an exciting purchase this past week. We have not had a clothes dryer and only have a washing machine that sounds like a jet engine taking off when it is at work. The Waldrons came to stay with us and are helping us with the rent, so we decided to use the money to help us buy a clothes dryer. It is not like the dryers at home, but it sure helps to have one. Sister Waldron and I are both happy with the purchase. You just need to allow plenty of time to do your wash. The washer takes 1 and 1/2 hours to wash a batch and the dryer takes 2 hours to do towels. :)

Hotel for your Visit!

Jamie, Joni and Wendi Lyn. We just wanted you to know that because the Waldrons are going to be here, we have arranged for you to stay at the hotel right across from our village. As we were pulling out the other night, we decided to take a picture so you would know where you would be staying. Your chariot happened to get in the way of part of the hotel. Hope that you like it! Your transportation will at least be soft.

We're Proud to be AMERICANS

Celebrating the 4th of July in Africa was a whole new experience. It was a business as usual day. Just to make sure we took a few minutes to think about the blessings we have, we told Melkiory about Independence Day, and then took a few patriotic pictures. He was really proud to have USA socks that he had just purchased. Hence, the sock/flag picture. To me, the picture represents United States of America, hard work, and freedom! The picture with us holding the flag represents the love that we have for each other and our country. The picture of Melkiory represents his lifelong dream of being able to go to America. Do we appreciate the blessings that we have living in a free and wonderful place like AMERICA?

This is a picture of the US Embassy's 4th of July celebration