But with Joy, Wend Your Way

Big things are happening here in Blantyre....they got their second stoplight in the entire city!!!!!! Ok but for reals it was an incredible week. We finally got to meet the Kupus and I LOVE THEM. Also I am planning on moving to Tonga now....Also happy late pioneer day!!! No one had any idea it was pioneer day, maybe cause they are pioneers here!! I am so grateful for the pioneers both in America and here in Africa more than I ever have been. Their faith is beyond comparison and now it is our duty to carry it forward!

CLIFFORD!!

We asked Clifford to teach with us that evening and we told him to study the Plan of Salvation pamphlet. That morning, while going to another appointment, we turn the corner and there is Clifford with his pamphlet. He is the best!!!

We had a lesson with Joel Jim. I know I report on him every week but he just gets better and better. We saw him later in the evening and so right outside the house there was a fellowship gathering and they were chanting and praying REALLY loud. It was actually a really spiritual lesson as we taught about the Prophet and the importance of following Him. As we sat there teaching above the noise outside,  the Spirit strongly confirmed to each of us of the great blessings we experience because of the knowledge we have of a true and living prophet of God. Joel then explained to us an experience he had before joining the church with a false prophet and how grateful he is for the Liahona's that contain the words of President Monson. The best part of the whole lesson was when we asked Joel to say the closing prayer and he says, "Umm....can we kneel?" Nothing gets better then kneeling down with your companion, your recent convert, and a member, in a humble home in Malawi, and praying to our Heavenly Father. 

Tuesday evening we had a member missionary fireside with the Kupus at the Blantyre Chapel. It was sort of last minute so we called as many members as we could to invite them. I was so worried that no one would be there for a lot of reasons. 1. it was last minute. 2. it was all the way in town 3. it was starting after it got dark so there isn't much public transportation. BUT we had a great turn out!!! Ok really not that many but as we sat up on the stand and watched the members come it, I couldn't contain the joy as I saw Regina come crutching in, then Praise carrying George on his back, then Grace, Beauty, and Vidah Paseli, then Oscar who earlier that day said he didn't have money for transport and sprained his ankle playing soccer so he couldn't walk, then Joseph who was just barely baptized, then Raphael a less active, then Evans Namanja an eternal investigator. As I looked around and saw these people that I love so much and then looked at President Kupu, I just wanted to run over and say, "President I want you to meet these people who have changed my life!!" I wanted to tell him each of there conversion stories and the sacrifices and the changes they have made. I wanted to invite him to come and teach them with us so he could learn how incredible they are! It was almost too much for me to handle and it was in that moment that I took a quick moment to close my eyes and express my immense amount of gratitude to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to be a missionary. The rest of the meeting was just as amazing!!! President Kupu helped the members to understand how important their role is and helped them to catch the vision of building a stake here in Blantyre. He comes from an island with 100,000 people, 50 % who are members. In Malawi we have 16 million people with less 3,000 members in the entire country. President Kupu has great plans and goals and man, I just can't wait to see how the work progresses in the next couple of years. For the closing hymn, all the missionaries here stood and we sang "Called to Serve." We really didn't sound that great, and we were only 16 missionaries, but it was way better than my dream of singing in the Provo MTC. There is so much power in our calling as missionaries and I sometimes wonder if I really am soaking everything in while I can. The meeting was to uplift and encourage the members but I walked away from it feeling like a whole new missionary, ready to go to work!!! 

The next morning we had a zone meeting with all the missionaries where we got to know the Kupus a little bit better and to learn what their plans are for our mission. What I learned from our meeting and from the Kupus was "Simplify to Magnify." It is difficult for me to really explain how I felt and how much I love and respect both President and Sister Kupu but they already have blessed and changed my mission. Sister Zohner and I got to take Sister Kupu to a lesson with us and then we had lunch with her and the whole time she was telling us stories of her life and I am not sure I have ever met anyone who is so in tune with the Spirit. In my interview with President Kupu he advised me to draw close to Sister Kupu and learn from her. I am excited to spend the next couple of months learning all that I can from these two humble servants of the Lord. I have so many different things to tell you about them but I think this transition to Zambia and Malawi has been difficult since they are coming from a completely different lifestyle. They haven't ever driven more than 2 hours in a car...they all got carsick driving around the mission but they are still willing and excited! And they already invited me to go stay with them in Tonga!!!!! Who's up for it???

Sister Zohner and I were so moved by what we learned and felt from the Kupus that we sat down and set some goals to apply it. We also felt a big responsibility to reach out more to the members and help them be missionaries. We had a good lesson with Susan who has opened up more to us lately. She even feed us lunch the other day!! It was the best mashed sweet potatoes and ground nuts, I've ever had. Anyways we read out of Preach My Gospel with her and discussed the fears that she and other members have in doing missionary work. I have totally forgotten what it is like to be a member and that it actually is really scary to introduce your friends or family to the gospel. I guess I have just become so used to my calling and literally sharing the gospel every second of every day. I loved talking with Susan and especially reading with her the part of PMG titled "No effort is wasted." It made me think of my family and friends back home....keep being missionaries!!! I wish that I would have reached out more when I was home and I can hardly believe how afraid I was to do so, but I am extremely grateful that now I understand how important this work is. I am so grateful for the testimony that I have gained of the gospel and how it blessed by life so much, that I can't help but talk with everyone that I can about it. I know missionary work is different here in Malawi but it is the same message that we share everywhere and IT IS TRUE. We all have fears but we proclaim what the Savior Himself taught so we cannot fail. Thank you all for your missionary efforts, no matter how big or how small. 

Saturday was so great and here is why. EVERYTHING WE HAD PLANNED ACTUALLY HAPPENED!!!!! I really can't remember a single day on my mission where this has happened. We even got an extra two lessons in! The Lord is really blessing Ndirande and helping us. I am grateful for our zone goal of praying for each companionship individually because it is bringing forth the blessings of heaven in great abundance! We got to enter Watipaso's My Family Book into the computer. He has done a TON of research which is amazing. Dates and family history in Africa is pretty rough...a lot of people don't even know the year they themselves were born. But we ended up entering enough information for Watipaso that about 12 of his family members work can be done in the temple!!! Right as we were starting we were joking around and the computer was being realy slow and I was sort of confused at all the information Watipaso had written down about his family. Watipaso then suggests that we pray. It was a total different feeling that entered the room and we were able to successfully put a lot of information in the short time that we had. We finished as much as we could and then asked Watipaso to say a closing prayer for us. He said a really powerful prayer and although I can't remember all the words he asked that we may continue to have the spirit of Elijah with us. We walked out of the office and down to the church to teach Christopher and my mind was still caught up in the family history work. As we sat down to start the lesson, I felt as if we were surrounded by many ancestors. I felt close to my family that I have lost and was reminded of the divinity of the work and how close we are to the other side of the veil. I looked at Christopher and thought of his family that are waiting, just like him to accept the restored gospel. He has some concerns and struggles but during that lesson, I felt help from the other side of the veil guide my words and even soften his heart. We had a member help us translate "I am a Child of God" into Chichewa for us and Sister Zohner and I have been singing it to the members in every lesson that we can. It has been one of the highlights this past week!! The members get the biggest smiles on their faces when they hear it and ask us to sing it again and again and again. It has given me great hope for someday when the gospel can be taught in their native language. Not sure if this is a secret or not....but Elder Andersen had a special meeting with the Kupus and told them that part of the reason they were sent to this mission was to work on translating the Book of Mormon to Chichewa. I almost started to cry when I heard this!!! I can't even imagine how missionary work would just take off. It makes me want to serve here for forever but also grateful that we get to lay the foundation of the church. 

Ndirande Primary supporting Vanderson

Vanderson's baptism was so so so special!!! 

Sister Zohner and I had planned on singing "I am a Child of God" in Chichewa but then after we taught it to all the primary kids they came running up to us and asked if they could sing "Jesus Christ was Baptized" for Vanderson. I wish I recorded them but it was so cute and brought a tender spirit to the baptism. So Oscar was baptized back in January and this was the first time he has baptized anyone. He was practicing a couple weeks ago but to see him standing there in the water with his younger brother filled my heart with so much joy!! Vanderson was glowing and had the biggest smile and did stop smiling the whole day. Praise came up to us after and was so excited because he is the one who introduced Oscar to the church who introduced Vanderson and now the influence will just continue on and on and on! Also another huge miracle was that we had 3 investigators on date for August 14th at the baptism!!! That evening we were able to teach 3 different families!!! Ndirande is continuing to grow each week and my love for the branch and area is getting bigger and bigger!!! 

 Oscar and Vanderson

My favorite brothers!!!! (they are the same years apart as Jacob and I!)

VANDERSON!!!

This morning Sister Zohner and I completed our 5th and final peak, Mt. Soche. It was really fun and of course I just loved being out in nature. About halfway through the hike a man comes and asks if he could escort us to the top. We tried to tell him we were ok but he ended up hiking the entire way with us. He was wearing dress slacks and dress shoes. He told us about his fellowship he started and it wasn't until we got back to the bottom that we found out he is actually a prophet. Hike up a mountain with a false prophet....check that off my bucket list. Ok all jokes aside he was a very nice man and we are grateful he could help show us the way. He also pointed out to us a den of hyenas...not sure how true that was but hey, we hiked by hyenas today! As I reflect over the fun hikes we've done, this morning I was reminded where the true joy is and that is in missionary work. You all know that I live, love, and breathe hiking but I can say with the First Presidency and with all my heart that "more happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His children." 

 Mt. Soche

 Prophet Poucher

Our very own guide up Soche Mountain!

Ofa Lahi Atu (I love you in Tongan),

Sister Bingchurch......the name of the week:) 

Funnies for the Week:

1. Brother John Phiri stops us while we are explaining he can read the words of the prophet in the Liahona to tell us that he already has one and that he say me in it!! We were all so confused and then he goes, "But I think they made a mistake and said you were born in 1952. How could you be born in 1952?" hahahah he had read about Sister Jean Bingham.

2. The night that the Kupus came to the mission we got Krushers at KFC to celebrate and then this week Sister Kupu took us to KFC. Sister Zohner and I were sort of freaking out.

3. Joseph was interviewed to receive the priesthood this Sunday! We got a text last night saying "Hey Sisters i have been interviewed. i will be confirmed next week." Sister Zohner texts back..."That is so great! We are happy for you!" Then he responds, "Thank you so much Sisters for helping to pass each and every interview am so much grateful thank you for that." Hahah i think he was pretty nervous about the interview......

What is worse than a hole in the ground? No hole in the ground.

Well its back to just the two of us again...it was a lot harder to have Sister Newey leave than I thought but it's been great to be back full time in Ndirande! And Sister Chibase, Sister Newey's companion is so great!! She has a great enthusiasm for the work and I just love new missionaries! Makes me kind of wish I could go back and start this whole journey over again but at the same time I am so happy with what I have experienced and who I am today! 

The week was filled another adventure that's for sure! We started the week out by organizing the library at the Blantyre Chapel.

They had a termite infestation and never cleaned it out afterwards so we decided to help out!! Also there is no such thing as dumpsters here so we ended up having to take all the gross books, boxes, and papers home with us to burn. We bought some marshmallows and had a fire and this may have been the highlight of my week.....Sister Newey and I called our two night guards over and gave them a roasted marshmallow. Each of them took forever to grab it and then they both stared at it for a long time before they VERY hesitantly put it into their mouth. I wish I could have videoed their faces!!! Then they just kept repeating over and over and over, "Very sugar!! Very sugar!" Tuesday was our last day in Chilomoni which was sad but I tried to not think about it. We went and visited Titus who was helping to fix a car that caught on fire and his face got burned. It was awful and I feel soooo bad for him. He was all bandaged up but I couldn't help but feel grateful that he has the gospel to help him during this difficult time in his life. I am also grateful for the power of the priesthood and the comfort that we had in knowing that all would be well as we called the branch president. Even in my studies this week I saw a reoccurring theme of trials and how they happen to all of us. It's been interesting lately to not necessarily be going through a lot of hard things myself at the moment but to have to struggle as I watch those I love (companions, investigators, members)  face difficulties. It has actually strengthened my testimony even more of the Savior as I have to totally turn to Him and ask that they may be helped. I am grateful for prayer and the peace it brings. 

We went to go teach Evans Namanja who comes to church a lot and has been taught for about a year and a half. He is an older man and is more well off than most Malawians. He has so many concerns and questions and is a difficult one that sometimes just wants to contend. We have been trying to see him for a couple of weeks but this week we were finally able to teach him. We felt like rather than trying to resolve all his questions, we should focus on teaching him about the Holy Ghost since that is the only way he will know the truth and be converted. The lesson went amazing!! The spirit was SO strong and he really opened up to us and we were able to discern what his real need is. I am excited for him and have really come to love the more difficult lessons that we have missionaries. I love how aware of the Spirit you have to be and how much you have to work to know what to say or ask. He has a long ways to go but I was really grateful for the growth we saw in him this week. After seeing him, we sort of had a bummer of a day. It seemed like everything went wrong....a member referral that we were so pumped about didn't speak any English. Beston, an investigator who was on date is moving to the village for 3 months. Regina is also moving to Lilongwe for 3 or 4 months. The Felliums are having some family issues AGAIN and he no longer wants to meet with us. It was a long day but I was just grateful for a companion who keeps me smiling and positive. And make the next day soooooo much sweeter....

I mentioned in the past couple of emails about how we are trying to find families. We haven't had much success so this past week in our zone meeting we set a goal as a zone to all pray that each companionship would be directed to families. That day we went out and we found 3 new families!!!! I could hardly believe it. And one of them has a sister who is a member in Lilongwe. There is so much power in prayer. But there is so much more power when we don't just get on our knees and ask, but when we stand up on our feet and go to work. Sister Zohner and I have been coming up with a new idea to find a family each day and finally it has produced some fruits! I can't wait to see the growth in the next couple of weeks. I also learned this week how important families are to Heavenly Father. 

Grace's daughter, Vidah, came home from boarding school this week and told us that the girls at school burned her Book of Mormon. I was pretty shocked to hear this as she continued to tell us how they kept calling her a devil worshiper. We then decided to read the story of Abinadi with her. The Book of Mormon is amazing. It truly helps us to find the faith and courage to live the gospel! I am so grateful for the examples we read about. The best part was at the end of the lesson Vidah says the closing prayer and expresses her gratitude for the example of Abinadi and asks that she may be like him. Touched my heart. She is such a great girl. 

John Phiri....he is going to give me anxiety. We have really great lessons with him and he does so well but then we come again and he is back to drinking. He comes to church 3 weeks in a row and then doesn't come. Uhh its so hard to see him struggle with this addiction but this week when we saw him at the end of the lesson we asked if he had anything to share. He then expresses his gratitude for us and says he knows its hard, but he is thankful for the gospel and the small improvements in his life. Man being a missionary is the best! 

Sunday we got to church only to find out that Vanderson's baptism has been cancelled. A member of the branch passed away and so we all needed to be there for the funeral. It was a bummer but there is always next week! The funeral was really spiritual for me. Malawi has a unique culture when it comes to funerals and someday i will be able to explain it all but we sat in the home of the member and all sang for 2 1/2 hours. Our legs were cramping, not quite as bad as Dad's, and our throats were sore. But while we were sitting there, I was overwhelmed by a lot of emotions. I just felt so grateful to be there. To be here, in Malawi. I have been so loved and welcomed by everyone that we meet, its amazing. I was really touched by how much the members just allow us to be a part of their culture and to love and teach them. It really is something else to serve as a missionary in a place that is so far from home. It is sort of hard to explain and unfortunately unless you have served its hard to really know what it is like. But I am once again, humbled to be learning from so many of God's choice children. That afternoon we went and met with a family. Clifford, a 13 year old boy, joined us in the lesson to fellowship the children. We go to start the lesson and ask the father to choose someone to say the opening prayer. He has a hard time deciding so Clifford just offers to give it. He gave one of the sweetest prayers. Then he bore a powerful testimony of Joseph Smith and the Restoration. While walking him back to his house Clifford stops us and says, "Sisters...a suggestion?" We totally thought he was going to give us fire about not teaching something correctly or something but then he goes, "Can I join you for the lesson on Tuesday?" He is the best!!! This week I had a couple of times where we were teaching with members and I felt like more than really helping the investigator, we were just preparing and teaching the member. We really don't know who we will help but as we serve, there will always be one person who is blessed. 

I have been looking at Ndirande Mountain since my first day in Blantyre just dreaming about the day that I could climb to the top. Well today we did it!!! We thought it was going to take a lot longer but we ended up doing it pretty fast....we did pretty much hike just straight up but I loved every second of it. I am so grateful for Heavenly Father's creations and how they allow us to draw near unto Him.The work is sweet and I am happier than ever! The gospel is true and I love it. Thank you all for the much needed prayers and support.

 Ndirande Peak

 Selfies with our area in the background

 

Ndimakukonda kwambili,

Sister Bingham

Funny moments of the week....

1. During zone leadership council, the closing hymn is one that none of us have ever sang before so Sister Newey and I immediately lose it...I couldn't get out a single word. I actually felt really bad but it was funny.

2. While teaching Yakison about the Word of Wisdom I ask if he has smoked that day. He says yes. Then I ask if he has any cigarettes on him, with the intention to ask him to throw them away. He immediately starts turning all his pockets inside out and turning around in circles patting himself down to prove to me that he didn't have any. I think he was upset that I thought he had some on him.....

3. During the middle of the lesson with Chris, he stops us, all panicky, and asks "WHERE IS SISTER NEWEY?!" hahah we forgot to tell him she is now in Chilomoni full time

4. We go to see the Fellium's but Brother Fellium wasn't home. I had to go to the bathroom super bad so we ask Sister Fellium to use her toilet. She asks, "Do you need to pass urine?" First of all....what missionary ever gets asked that questions? Anyways she takes us to the toilet but it is "engaged" so she takes me to another one. I go inside and there is no hole.....I start laughing really hard and peek my head up through the cracks of the shack. Sister Fellium thinks the problem is that I am too tall and i am embarrassed that they can see me so she starts telling me "Just kneel down!!!" Hahahaha oh the joys of Malawi.....

First hair cut in 13 months

Thank you Sister Newey!!!

Joel Jim

 Adventures with Chantell

This week Sister Zohner kept getting her to slap my face and she would laugh sooooooo hard. I love this little girl!!!!

she didn't get the memo....

also we don't know why our faces are red????

I FOUND A CAIRN IN MALAWI!!!!

Sister Dalton even found her way to Ndirande Mountain:)

The work must go on.....so long to the terrific threesome:(

posing with my girls

Where to even begin....

Monday we did a YSA family home evening since we have a lot of YSA's in our area and we are trying to help strengthen them. Oscar, who was baptized in December, planned the whole thing and it was soooooo sweet to see him conduct and lead and bear his testimony. We had about 12 people there and 2 investigators so that was awesome!! We did a get to know you game where everyone says their first name and an adjective that matches the first letter of their name. It was hilarious!!! Here were some of them  "Joseph Smith Joel Jim, Piece of Bread Peace, Oscar Orange." They didn't quite get it but it made everyone laugh so its all good. Mid lesson a rat runs behind the couch and right by our feet and of course I freaked out but Joseph (the one who was baptized last week) couldn't stop laughing. Anyways, we were in charge of the activity so we thought it would be fun to bring the flour game. We didn't have a ton of time so we decided that we would sit out and let everyone else have a turn. But they get to the Elders and everyone starts chanting their names so we had to play. Sister Newey had a cold so she had a good excuse but i had nothing. And the flour stack was SO small!! I totally knocked it over...embarrassing right?? But the members loved it and it was way fun!!! I love family home evenings.

Oh also when we go emailing we park at this parking lot where there are a bunch of little kids that beg for food. It always breaks my heart and I wish we had something to give them. Two weeks ago I handed them all pass along cards with a picture of Christ and they loved it!! Last week they came running to the car saying, "Share me Jesus". I love that no matter what we do, as missionaries we are always getting to share and testify of Jesus Christ! I know that it was something so small but it really touches my heart to see these boys with the sweetest smiles all because of a picture of the Savior.

Winter is finally hitting Blantyre so its been pretty chilly and a little rainy the past week. On Tuesday it was raining on and off all day. It was SUPER muddy but really fun to be out preaching the gospel. Days like that just make me love mission even more!! We went to go watch the Restoration DVD with a less active and her house was super warm and we had just ate lunch so Sister Zohner and I were a little sleepy. Sister Newey was a champ....both of us though were struggling to keep our eyes open! Sister Newey starts teaching after the video and I look over at Sister Zohner and she is out! Hahahah I pulled myself together and taught after Sister Newey and then Sister Zohner was able to close the lesson but we both walked out of their so mad at each other for falling asleep. We couldn't stop laughing though because we were so tired and embarrassed! Sister Mhango though said that it brought back a lot of sweet memories for her from her baptism. While on our way to visit another less active, Sister Matale decided to take us on a short cut. It was through a little alley way and way muddy and she fell!! Sister Zohner ran over to help her up and Sister Matale is cracking up laughing saying "Who chose this way anyways?" Then we all start laughing and Sister Matale slaps Sister Zohner with a muddy hand.....thank goodness for water taps that are alll over!!! We finally got to the lesson and our feet were sooooooo gross!! We felt awful but Edward told us to not worry about it. During that lesson I was overwhelmed by the humility of him and all the people here. Here we were sitting in this small one room home on a reed mat with muddy feet and Sister Matale with a muddy skirt, and it didn't phase him one bit!! He just wanted to learn the gospel! I was also touched by the symbolism of our dirty feet and the purity and beauty of the gospel. There are things in our life that weigh us down, or worry us, or make us doubt but it doesn't matter what we have done or haven't done. The Lord takes us as we are. He doesn't care if we are muddy and wet. He doesn't care if we live in a big house or a small one. He and His atonement make it possible to be clean again. To be warm and dry and happy! I am soooo grateful that I get to walk around either the dusty or muddy streets of Malawi so that others can receive the joy of repentance and the gospel!!

 Fun in the Mud

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY MALAWI!!!! I think we were the only people who actually celebrated it...hahahah we kept saying "Happy Independence Day" to everyone and they didn't get it..oh well. A few people laughed though when we told them we were wearing Red, Green and Black in honor of the special day. This week, ok I probably say this every week, but I really enjoyed teaching with the members! I continue to be so amazed by them!! We were teaching this young man named Christopher with Susan and wow....Susan's testimony was incredible!! I've been teaching with her for a long time but this was the first time where she really was bold and testified so strongly of the Restored gospel. It is amazing to see your investigators grow in their faith but it is just as great to see members change!! My favorite lesson's this past week were with Vanderson who is going to be baptized next week!!!! He is 12 and doesn't speak English but since his brother, Oscar is a recent convert, and he has been coming to church consistently he can be baptized. Oscar translates and teaches with us and it is adorable!! This week I realized that they are the same years apart as me and Jacob and it made me cry as I thought of how much my family has helped me. I watched as Oscar helped his brother to learn the gospel and I thought about my own example to Jacob. It made me want to do and become so much better as well as grow in gratitude for all my siblings. I love my family!!! Vanderson was really nervous for his interview but he passed and I wish you could have seen Oscar tell Vanderson that he will be baptized next week!!! His smile melts my heart....and this will be the first baptism that Oscar will perform...it may be my most favorite baptism. Vanderson is such a sweet boy. For the past 2 weeks I have been really nervous about teaching him since he doesn't speak English. We have been working really hard to build the church here and so I was worried that he would become less active in a few short years. Last week I knelt down before personal study to know whether or not if we should continue teaching Vanderson. It was amazing because then I went to companionship study and my companions had been thinking about the same thing and we all received the same answer. We felt that if he kept coming to church and was excited to learn then we would keep going. Well this week was a miracle!! Usually we have to go on a search to find Vanderson, he is either playing football or marbles or doing something else, but this week he would come running to learn with a huge smile on his face!! I was really touched to see the Hand of the Lord once again help us and help Vanderson. I can't wait for next week!!!

  Vandason and Oscar!!

My favorite brothers

Regina is a member here and I have talked about her a lot. She has a learning disability but loves to come teaching with us! To communicate with her we talk really loud and slow and use super simple English. She teases us a bunch and is super funny and the past couple of weeks she tries to make us laugh by running away from us when we want to see her. Well we really wanted her to come teach with us so we told her we'd come pick her up at 5. She made some joke about her going to town or something but when 5 o'clock came around she was dressed up, scriptures in her backpack, and ready to go! Just seeing her, walking out with her crutch and a big smile brought tears to my eyes. Well we drive a little ways to the lesson and we all start getting out of the car but Regina yells "WAIT!" Startled, we all look at her and she says, "pempela." (prayer)

Regina said the sweetest prayer and the Spirit immediately filled the car. I am so grateful for her and she is such a great example to us!! The lesson went so well but the best was when Joseph prayed at the end. He says the most sincere prayers. But this time he prayed for Regina and thanked Heavenly Father for her testimony and asked that he would bless her. It was a highlight of my week for sure to hear one of our investigators praying for Regina and to see the faith that he has!!!! Mission gets better and better....

Regina Saka

I love this girl with all my heart!!!!

Thursday we went to teach a lesson and while we were waiting for Stanley to finishing bathing, we watched these little kids play a game where they throw a ring and try to get it through two rocks. We were cheering for them and they were getting so into it!!! Finally we decide to take a turn and boom...Sister Zohner gets it first try. We couldn't believe it. Then I did the exact same thing!!! I wish we could have recorded all the kids screaming and dancing. Way fun and I just love the simple joy the kids find here!!! Brother Fellium texted us on Wednesday saying he drank again and so we shouldn't come until later. We decided to just surprise him and see how he was doing on Thursday. We got there and Sister Zohner says, "So we got your text and we want you to know we still love you and so does Heavenly Father." He and his wife just look at us and then Brother Fellium's eyes get super big.....he didn't remember sending us a text. AWKWARD. Nonetheless we had a really good lesson with him but unfortunately he didn't come to church again. Keep praying for them! We had a busy day with a lot of fall throughs and trying to figure out what to do. We really need to see a new investigator but his sister wasn't there. We went on a hunt to find a female to join us but we couldn't find one. Just as I was saying "Sorry Beston, we will try and come see you tomorrow" I hear Regina's crutch and here she comes panting but smiling ready to join us!!! Another miracle by Regina. 

We didn't get to spend a lot of time in Chilomoni this week which was sad because tomorrow will be our last day in that area but we had some great lessons with Helen and Titus!!! We showed Helen the Restoration DVD and I have never seen anyone so into it!!! It got to the part where Joseph Smith is an adult and it shows a scene of him walking next to a river boat and Helen says, "oh yeah this one, he built an ark!!" hahahahah!!! She was making the funniest comments but the best part was when it was over and she said she couldn't wait to share it with all of her friends!!! I love her enthusiasm and joy for the gospel!

I was soooooo nervous for Vanderson's interview!!! Its been cold and when its cold here...no one wants to do anything! We talked to him and Oscar about being at the church at 8 but they were still uncertain they would make it. They ended up being at the church even before our district leader was there!!! Church was incredible. It always is, I know but this Sunday was so good!!! The numbers were really low as we began sacrament meeting which is always hard for me. I was worried about it but then we sang the opening hymn and I actually turned around to look to see if miraculously a bunch of members and investigators came. I honestly think that there were angels with us yesterday. The saints were singing the best I have ever heard and the words of the hymns hit me with so much power. Joseph was confirmed and given a very sweet blessing. Then we began the sacrament hymn and right as we sang, "I know that my Redeemer lives" the young men stood up to bless the sacrament. Right then I was just hit again by the Spirit and felt a huge swell gratitude for the priesthood. I know with all my heart that this is Christ's church. I know that through the saving ordinances we really can have a life filled with joy and comfort and peace and love! I know that the Church here is so small. That our efforts are not anything spectacular. That we have a LOT to improve on but what we are doing is REAL. It is TRUE. And it is the LORD'S WORK.

I love being a missionary!!!! Life in Blantyre is bwino bwino. Sister Newey is going back to Chilomoni and will be training a new sister. Sister Zohner and I have a month left together. I am beyond grateful for what I have learned the past weeks that I have spent with two amazing missionaries. I will cherish the memories we shared and the work that we did together. It will be hard to be separated but I can't wait for what lies in store. Thank you all for your love and prayers. I can't tell you enough how much you each mean to me. 

Ndimakukonda Kwambili,

Sister Bingham

fun with rice

Sister Chirwa taught us how to shift through the rice to sort out the small pieces that they take out and use for porridge. we were really bad at it.....but it made her laugh!!! 

 RESTAURANT!!!

This is where we eat lunch almost everyday. We finally got Gladys and Loveness to come and take a picture with us!!! 

 Dinner at the Paselis!

A little blurry but not bad for a 5 year old....

 George trying to take a selfie

Beauty!!!

 Companion Jerseys

our heads are cut off. hahah 

Shoe repair

sister Zohner wore a hole through her last pair of shoes. Lucky for us we just stopped in our area and had this guy fix it. he gave her this high heel to stand in while she waited.