February 1, 2015 - Shelley

February 1, 2015

My family knows that one of my favorite pieces of music begins, “In the quiet, misty morning, when the moon has gone to bed. . .”  It is exactly what I thought of when I looked out at this scene on our trip to “the bush” this week.  There was a haze over the valley and villages as we drove through in early morning.  The view was stunning and I felt like I was a part of a National Geographic moment.

On Tuesday, we flew with President and Sister Thomas, Elder and Sister Draper, and Emmanuel to visit three places outside of Lubumbashi.  The purpose of our trip for the President was to conduct zone conferences in Luputa, Mwene Ditu, and Mbuji-Mayi.  The Drapers and Emmanuel went to help with everything involved in those.  We went for two reasons.

One of our projects was to provide an ultra sound machine to a hospital in Luputa.  After waiting to no avail for six months to get the correct documents to bring the machine into the country, we just carried it in as a part of our luggage when we left our conference in Johannesburg.  (This was the area’s idea.)  It looks like a personal computer, and no one even questioned us.  I did feel a little bit like I was in a James Bond movie, though!

Here we are at the presentation ceremony.  

Going to Luputa is like stepping back into the 1800’s.  It’s a community that has mushroomed to 300,000 since the church built a $4 million water system there.  There are 104 water points, or faucets, in various neighborhoods where villagers can take their containers and get water.  Before 2012, the walk each day to get water consumed much of the day and was extremely difficult and dangerous.

Once you get used to the fact that there are no paved roads, no stores other than little roadside shops, no electricity except with a generator that runs a couple of hours a day, no water except from the outside tap – then you’re fine!  This wasn’t my first rodeo, so I was much more relaxed than when we came in June.  There is something even

appealing about meeting the neighbor gals at the well each morning to get water and share stories.

Children are EVERYWHERE – most of them just playing and having fun.  The lucky ones get to go to school.

We were able to meet with the president of the new water committee and will hopefully be able to help them get training so that the troubled water system can be preserved.

Clark loves to charm the crowds of children that flock to him!

Not everyone wants a picture taken, so I was glad that this cute gal did.

We ate food that was prepared by the Relief Society in the evenings.  I tried to be brave, but ended up eating a lot of rice and plantain.  But the missionaries

ate like growing boys anywhere!

Our second reason for going was to arrange for contractors to make bids on drilling a well in Tshitenge.  If ever there was an “idyllic” setting – it’s Tshitenge!  The branch used to meet in a bamboo grove, but have recently built a bowery where they can hold church even in the rain.  More photos to come.   Anyway, the nearest water is a lake that is roughly 1½ miles from the community and involves hiking down to the lake and carrying the water up – not easy!  We pray that this long-awaited well can come to pass while we are still here.  We met with 3 contractors and now await their bids.

This cute new sister missionary is standing between Sister Draper and me.  Her mother died while giving birth to her, and she was raised by her aunt.  She is the only church member in her family.  We brought her to Mwene Ditu to serve, and she was so adorable!  What a strong, courageous person lives inside that petite young lady!

We’ve been out of contact with our family for a few days, but they are never far from our thoughts!  Happy 14th Birthday, Hannah!  Happy 14th Birthday, Jack!  These cute cousins were born only six days apart.  We love you all so much and hope you have a great week!

Much love,  Mom/Soeur Davis