CHURCH HISTORY TRAINING, GARDEN PROJECT, YOUNG SINGLE ADULT FIRESIDE, MISC

We enjoyed attending two days of training with Matt Heiss and Wayne Crosby who were here to train local members called to gather personal histories from early church members. We were able to attend two days of the three day event and enjoyed it immensely. We even considered volunteering for a Church History mission.

Wayne Crosby presenting with Dadi, the interpreter.

The Barnes from South Africa who accompanied Matt and Wayne for the training.

Practicing an interview.

Small group practice.

Elder Hamilton and the translator Dadi. Elder Hamilton speaks French but he was complimenting Dadi on his choices that have brought him to where he is, employed, active and waiting for his fiance to return from her mission.

Random photo while waiting to pull into the Bank parking lot I spied this dummy on the balcony of a building across the street. 

We attended the opening of a garden irrigation project held in the parking lot of a Stake Center near the airport. Land buffering the airport has been opened to families for gardens. Water was channeled through pipes into ponds placed throughout the vast area by the church in collaboration with an NGO and this was the location dedication ceremony.

We entered the gardens across the highway from the Stake Center and walked to the watering holes.

Views of the garden along the path to the watering holes.

More garden views and a pond. This plant in the foreground is Manioc/Cassava/Tapioca, a staple here.

One of the ponds with the red ribbon for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Sister Johnson, President Lono, Sue conversing before the ceremony. It is President Lono's Stake.

Dignitaries gathered under a tent canopy in the intense sun and humidity.

On the path to the ribbon cutting. I lent President Lono my folding hat because he was using a piece of paper. I had my fedora.

Part of the group trekking to the pond.

A butchered tree, probably stripped for making charbon, charcoal for cooking.

Women washing their produce in the pond before taking it to market.

More produce washing.

I don't know what this leafy green is on the left but was assured it is "très bon".

Cutting the ribbon.

Snip.

This veggie is Amaranth. They eat the plant not the seeds. President Lono bought a tub full which he had brought to the Chapel across the street.

Gardens are hand watered from the ponds which are dug at convenient locations throughout the huge area.

Raised bed with scattered seed on the surface.

Some mulch added. I don't know if this contains fertilizer.

Harvesting.

Transporting the produce.

Passing pousse pousse jockey who seemed quite pleased to be photographed.

Another harvester.

Seed sellers at the garden gateway.

Crossing the highway.

Our dear friend Olivier and Sue. He wore yellow shoes to match.

The assembled audience.

The Chef du Quartier in the hat. He later addressed the crowd to thank everyone.

Young Single Adult fireside with Elder Hamilton.

Young Single Adults at Fireside.

Four of the seven Stake Presidents, our dear friends with our friend Didier in the middle. From the left, Presidents Lono, Mbaya, then Didier, Presidents Mutombo, and Ilunga, all great men.

Elders Mabaya and Hamilton entering the Chapel.

President Hamilton speaking.

Elder Hamilton greeting YSA members after the meeting.

Seven Stake Presidents plus Area 70 Elder Mabaya and Elder Hamilton.The two the left are Presidents Valli and Tshikedi, Lono, then Mbaya, Mutombo, Elder Hamilton, Elder Mabaya, Presidents Haboko, and Ilunga. These are truly among the noble and great from the pre-mortal world. Great men all.

President Valli, with his brother Crispin on the right and Crispin's son preparing for a mission. Crispin has a daughter already on a mission. Crispin is in charge of the Seminary and Institute building here at the temple site which is always immaculate.

The young woman at the right, standing with her brother, sang a powerful solo with the choir during the fireside.