Les Yeux Ouverts

I thought that my last area in Koweït 1 was where I would be finishing my mission. With transfer news being so unexpected, I'm glad that the Lord let me work in Koweït for a few more days, just so I could say goodbye to people and share my testimony one last time. I guess that I kind of thought that since I was approaching the end of my mission, the blessings that the Lord had in store for me would plane out. But, as He has done time and time again, the Lord proved me wrong in that regard.

Elder Umoh arrived here on Thursday night. He is from Nigeria. Even just on the first day when trainees are usually still opening up, I learned very quickly what an incredible person he is. He was baptized in 2019, around the time that I got my mission call, and has a similar family situation to Elder Kouadio. From talking with him over the past few days, I've discovered his pure desire to preach the gospel and help others come into Christ. I am very excited to work with him and continue learning from him.

On Friday morning, we left for Lakota. Thankfully, Fr Gerard was going there as well and had some extra space in his car, so we got a ride with him. The next 4½ hours in the car were spent looking out the window at the scenery. It is so much prettier than Abidjan. Lush forests and open fields covered the areas that we drove past, as well as villages ranging from well established concrete buildings to mud huts. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see any exotic animals yet. Even so, it was a beautiful ride, with a light drizzle as we drove through Divo.

 

When we got to our apartment, it wasn't in as bad of disarray as I thought, but it still needed some work. Our 'apartment' is a 6 bed 4 bath house with a huge dining room, porch, and garage area. Because there aren't any actual apartments, the mission had to get a house. Over these past couple days, some very nice locals have been replacing rotten ceiling while Elder Umoh and I have been cleaning, sweeping, and mopping. It should be fully functional really soon. Except, oddly, there still aren't any doors. The only doors they have here are the front door and the bathroom doors. The rest were removed for some reason. We should hopefully have some doors later this week.

This area is so calm. It's such a pleasant change from the bruit (noise) of Abidjan. Each night we go to bed to the sound of crickets and frogs, and we wake up to sparrows and rooster crows. Since it's more of the rainy season now, it stays at a cool temperature throughout the day. There aren't any mosquitoes (at least, not any that I've seen). I'm the only one that will understand this, but this place feels like a mix between the Costa Rica village that I stayed at once, and my area back in Vridi. Such a beautiful area.

On Sunday, we went to the ward building, and were given the task of preparing and blessing the sacrament. Even though Elder Umoh is learning French, he said the prayer almost perfectly. It's been really cool to see how much trust the members already put in us. They've accepted us in a very happy and loving way. I'm so excited to be able to work with them and serve them.

I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and for how generous He is on my behalf. I have tried to list out all the ways He has blessed my life up until now. It's an impossible task. I can never thank Him enough for what I've been given and blessed with. I am so grateful for the blessings He has given me time and time again on my mission. For someone who is as shortsighted as I am, makes as many mistakes as I do, and is as forgetful as I am, it makes me  think in wonder how loving and merciful my Father in Heaven is to me. And I can never thank Him enough.

Especially, and above all else, for the life of His Son, who prepared the way for us, through his perfect example, the shedding of his blood, and the sacrifice of his life. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest blessing that I've been given, and that all of us have been given. It is the lifeblood of all good things. Without it, we would have all been inevitably and eternally doomed. But, because of the love, and the humility, and the long suffering of One, we can all be saved, and have lasting happiness. Our sins can be forgiven, and we can be together as a family after this life. Finally, we can return to our Heavenly Father, and become like Him. All because of One.

The words of Elder Holland come into my mind "and I will be forever grateful." Forever grateful. I am so grateful for my mission, which has permitted me to grow closer and learn more of my Savior Jesus Christ. I love Him, and will be forever grateful for the life and the light of the Son of God.

I'm so happy to be here and serve in Lakota. For whoever is still reading these, I hope you are doing well and I love you. Have a great week

Elder Lyman