Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Week 1-3 March 15-April 2010

The first three weeks in Madagascar were "interesting!" Both Detlef and I had a two week crash course in the reality of the mission office befor our tutors left for the US. Greatfully the Petersons extended their mission by two months to help us, the new mission couple. We are gradually getting our bearings and hope that we will be more efficient in another month.

The warm humid Summer has turned into a warm dry Fall. The poinsettia "tree" outside the mission office is beginning to turn red. I will attach a photo when it is in full color. We have been asked to serve in a newly formed branch about 45 minutes from our apartment. Last Sunday the sisters formed a choir and sang "He is Risen" during the meeting. I conduct and a sister RM plays the electric piano. They did well. We found the function key that allowed us to pitch the song to the voices of the women making it easier. What surprised me was that the RM was playing from the page with symbols that look like instructions for the guitar. Basically she plays in C position regardless of what the "staff" music that I am used to looks like. It all worked out fine. She would like to learn more. I will see if that means to learn to read the other kind of music.

We also went with some missionaries to teach a large family. The drive was about two hours away. The people had read and studied the scriptures and so the discussion was more indepth than expected. They had come to the Stake Conference four weeks ago and asked to be taught. Saturday, April 10th will be the third time teaching them. They want to be baptized, however, there is no branch or group near them. Priesthood leadership is critical. The teaching will continue until a solution comes.

Our apartment is up three very narrow flights of stairs. The corners could be dangerous. They remind me of some of the stairs in Europe that I have walked before. Ours is the top floor with a beautiful view. The AP's are on the second floor and the Humanitarian couple on the first. We get along just fine. We have a 24 hour guard posted to let us in and out. The apartment is a 15 minute walk from the office but we drive most of the time. We walk at other times.

The people are industrious and work very hard with what little they have. No big machinery. If they need sand they hammer rock with a hammer. They carry water from public water taps to their homes. Laundry is done every day and is left to dry in the sun. They shop for food every day also so markets are everywhere. The people on the farms bring produce to drop off points. Then it is pilled up in hand carts or in baskets that are carried on their heads. Then it is carried for miles to the local market stalls. Some carts are pulled by (saboo) humped backed cattle, or they are pushed and pulled by hand. The narrow roads are jam packed with people, carts, cars and taxibe's (busses). Traffic goes slowly but moves all the time so it isn't too bad. One thing you learn here is patience. There is little point in rushing ahead because you will just have to slow down at the next moment.

We are beginning to get our bearings and know our way to a few places. For the first three weeks we were not able to get any cash, an important item in a cash only society. I could use my VISA credit card for groceries so we were able to eat. Now with Stephen's help we have been able to get cash from the ATM locally. We are greatful for each blessing.

We love you all and pray for you individually.

Love, Seila and Detlef