Elder Maurice Perkins

Wednesday we traveled to Nampula. It was interesting. We went to the terminal where the chapas wait to fill up and we found somebody who said that they would take us. Thirty minutes later he pulls up close by our house we get in and we are in a chapa with the cobrador, and driver leaving Nacala. We did not stop at the terminals because apparently the cobrador was in a hurry to get back to Nampula so the first 45 minutes of the trip we are in a chapa and there is one other person that had gotten on. Usually doesn't happen. Afterwards the chapa started picking up people in the districts (the little villages/ towns outside of the big cities on the road to other big cities). The trip ended up taking around 4 hours and went pretty smoothly. We got in Nampula and stayed in the city with Elder Alapati.

This week was pretty good

On Tuesday we had a normal day visiting families and teaching. We were supposed to travel however the Zone Conference was moved because of some logistical problems that happened.

Wednesday we travelled to Nampula. It was interesting. We went to the terminal where the chapas wait to fill up and we found somebody who said that they would take us. Thirty minutes later he pulls up close by our house we get in and we are in a chapa with the cobrador, and driver leaving Nacala. We did not stop at the terminals because apparently the cobrador was in a hurry to get back to Nampula so the first 45 minutes of the trip we are in a chapa and there is one other person that had gotten on. Usually doesn't happen. Afterwards the chapa started picking up people in the districts (the little villages/ towns outside of the big cities on the road to other big cities). The trip ended up taking around 4 hours and went pretty smoothly. We got in Nampula and stayed in the city with Elder Alapati.

On Thursday we had Zone Conference. It was combined with the two zones in Nampula and so everyone was there. I got to see Elder Giauque, Elder Ingman and a few more people. The Zone Conference's theme was about The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The weeks following up to the zone conference we were challenged to read The Book of Mormon prior to the conference. I actually finished the night before the conference. I really enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon and testify of its divinity. I know that it is the word of God. As I read my heart was filled with the Spirit of God. It brought a new spirit to my life and to this work and I saw a significant difference. I testify with all my heart that it was true. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and it was translated by the power and gift of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I know these things because I pondered upon them, studied them, and then asked God, with faith in Christ, if those words really are true. By the power of the Holy Ghost, which filled my heart, I know that The Book of Mormon is true.

Friday we ended up going back to Nacala, Elder Gava woke up and was a little sick but said he would be able to manage the trip. We got to the terminal at 9 and left around 10. We got to Nacala at 13. It felt like it went by faster, and once again we were able to sit in the front. After getting home Elder Gava wasn't feeling too good so he ended up sleeping. He slept from 13:45 and didn't wake up until 2 in the morning! After using the bathroom he went back to sleep and then woke up at 8 and we ended up going to a clinic. They said he doesn't have malaria but probably he has a bacterial infection. Make sure and keep him in your prayers! Thanks to some of the members we were able to get some food as well.

We were able to attend church yesterday, I gave a talk and afterwards we went home. Elder Gava is still a little sick, however he has gotten a lot better. Hopefully he will be 100 percent in a few days so that we will be able to visit a lot of people this week.

Anyways, that was my week. Eventful and not so much at the same time, however, I am getting used to it here in Nacala and am excited for next week! Estamos juntos!

-Elder Perkins