September 14, 2014
It’s been a good week! I heard that last week’s letter didn’t come through for some. So sorry! I don’t know what the problem was. Is? Me? haha
We have another new senior couple. It is Vaughn and Renee Mikesell from St. George. He’s a retired dentist and will be replacing Sister Clawson as the mission’s medical person.
It’s their 3rd mission. They’ve only been home from Chile since November! Such faithful people! Renee’s sister is Kathy Andreason, a familiar Brigham City friend to many.
We heard that Peach Days was wonderful and that school has started successfully. School began last Monday here. It’s been so much fun to see the kids – all dressed in a universal uniform of white shirt and navy blue skirt/pants. They look so darling!!! One thing Africa has is an ABUNDANCE of children!!! And they are beautiful! It’s always amazing to me that people can walk out of a one-room brick house that has a dirt floor looking clean, pressed and polished.
This is the kind of iron that local people use. Since electricity is never reliable and many homes aren’t wired for it anyway, this is the way people press their clothing. Locals cook outside on a little hibachi-looking stove that uses “charbone”. Charbone (sp?) is similar to charcoal briquettes except that it is made from wood that has already been burned. The cavity of the iron is filled with hot coals from the charbone to make the iron hot. And it works great! I have learned that I have been way too pampered in my life! I think of this kind of thing as being like the pioneers, but it still works! I think my Grandma Gibbs used to heat an iron on her wood-burning stove. I’m hoping to never have to try either of these things out for real!
One project I’m working on is to come up with a product or two that the sisters in the wards can make as they learn to sew. I think I’ve already mentioned the maturation kits. Another is a fabric doll.
This adorable little girl was the inspiration for a doll I have been sewing. Luckily, the mission owns one electric sewing machine, so I’ve been having a great time making a doll to use as a sample.
She has a baby on her back, as many women do. The local gals will be able to take the pattern and put their own spin on things.
People always told me how wonderful it is to have clean sheets that have dried on the line in the breeze. But honestly, I’ve never done it until now. It is kind of a satisfying feeling to see them fluffing around in the wind – and they do smell and feel good. I guess I’m just getting used to some of the simpler pleasures of life!
Well, our world of communication is unexplainable. We have times when we can’t send emails or text messages or download anything – and then we have some miraculous times. We’ve actually had several Face Time conversations this week that have lasted more than two minutes. One of those was when we were downtown. We had taken the Drapers to the grocery store. Just as we were getting out of the car, the phone rang and it was our son Spencer. He was calling on Face Time from his hotel room in Scotland!!! And it was so clear! We sat in the car and had a wonderful, lengthy chat while we waited for the Drapers. It was just another example of tender mercies that are all around us.
I will end my letter with a picture of my handsome companion! He is getting so tan – he looks like he’s played golf everyday all summer. (He doesn’t quite look “local” yet, though!) We love you and pray for you. Our thoughts are with our two birthday people this week – Avery and Matt. And, of course, with Mike and Lindsay as they travel with their cute family to their new home in Temple, Texas. Yee-haw! Much love, Mom/Sister Davis
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