During our meeting with President Babeeyo we met three institute students:Victoria, Maurine and Sister T(can't pronounce her name). They are very beautiful, bright, intelligent people. And they are very well versed in the scriptures. We were very impressed.

Got to drive the new truck. WOW! It was intense. There should have been a box on our missionary application-"Do you like competitive driving?". Carol thought it was funny, but you don't see her behind the wheel. At first glance you would expect profound road rage, but not so. Everyone is respectful of the unwritten rules of driving etiquette and we all zip along at an "Indy-500" pace.

We are officially millionaires. We exchanged $700 for Ugandan shillings and got 1,100,000. But then an inexpensive meal is about 32,000.
-EB

Arrival

Well here we are. After only 32 hours from the MTC to Entebbe, Uganda. After two days, my butt is still numb. At the airport we met two members of the branch presidency who are employed there. The countryside is absolutely beautiful. Because of the rain things look clean and green. Last night we heard bird sounds we've never heard before. We also heard four gun shots. The next day we also noticed many stores guarded by security personnel with AK47's. That's not a sight we're used to. We live in a gated complex with two other couples and we feel quite safe.

We were greeted by President and Sister Christiansen. Wonderful people that took us on a Disneyesque ride. No lines in the roads, no curbs, no speed limits and no spacing. Drive on the left side while sitting on the right and shifting with the left hand. I can hardly wait to get behind the wheel. Yeah, right! At the mission office we met the Rotheys; office staff. They will be taking us out to show us the local stores and helping us get set up. Then we will meet with President Bayeebo, the CES director, and get additional information on our responsibilities.
-EB

The End is Here......Or Just the Beginning

We just finished our training with the Perpetual Education Fund. What an incredible program this is. President Hinckley announced this in March of 2001. The more we learned about it the more impressed we became and are excited about our part in it's administration. The program came out of a concern for missionaries in third-world countries. For so many of them their mission is the first time they've slept in a bed, had three meals in a day and had nice clothes to wear. Then they return home to abject poverty. Therefore, the PEF. The program was originally funded through voluntary donations and only the interest is used.

The loans are available to young people(mission not required)in poor countries throughout the world. They're low interest and can be repaid in small amounts. There's no room to describe all the details but in short, if they meet certain objectives they can get a 1% reduction in the interest rate and if all are met no interest is charged. The money, when repaid, is then available to others. Education in many countries doesn't always accomplish what it does in the United States so many will choose a technical school or a trade. There are currently about 40 thousand in the program and graduates are earning 3 to 5 times what they were before the program. In addition, and as significant, they are learning leadership and commitment qualities. It will be our blessing to recruit and assist many young people to complete this program and make great advances for themselves, their families and their communities.
-EB

For life changing stories go to "lds.org/pef"
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Well, have we had our eyes opened. We all found that our specific calling is only our specialty. However, it is also the most exciting part of the MTC experience. The primary purpose of all missionaries is to "bring souls unto Christ". The rest is simply our specialty. We spent the first week learning about teaching techniques and presentations. And, yup, its stuff we already know but didn't know we knew it.

We spend next week focusing on our specialty. For us it's CES(Church Educational System) and PEF(Perpetual Education Fund). We are excited to get to work.

WOW! We had an hour lecture on Malaria. I don't know which is worse; Malaria or the prevention. The pills, taken daily, generally cause cramps and have the potential to damage the esaphagus. It also causes sensitivity to the sun so we have to use sunscreen. Then we have to use repellent over the sun screen. Also, we have to mix an insecticide and drench our clothes in it. Any left over is to be used on the drapes, walls, floors etc. Sounds like fun eh?
-EB

MTC

Just finished our second day at the MTC(Mission Training Center). What an awesome experience. Just to be in the presence of 2,200 young missionaries and 75 seniors committing their personal time and finances to serve others is an indescribable experience. Young men and women from all over the world, learning 60+ languages. Incredible diversity of cultures and personalities. Can't wait to get back tomorrow.
-EB

Gettin' Ready

Not much happening yet. In fact we feel like we're in Limbo as described by Milton; neither here, nor there. Anyway just a few days left before entering the MTC. We're both very excited to start on those Malaria pills. We get two options: One is daily that causes stomach cramps and the other is weekly that messes with your mind. Life is full of wonderous choices. I guess we better get to packing pretty soon.
-EB

We will miss you

I just thought that I would let you know just how much you both mean to me and my family. I know that you are going to do a greater work than you can do here and that is the only thing that gets me through even thinking of not having you here with us for the next 18 months. I know that the Lord is very lucky to have such wonderful servants such as you guys in his service. The people in Africa are also very lucky to be able to get to you know and the Lord through your service. We will miss you very much but I am sure you will miss us more as you have informed me of over the years. We love you both and cannot wait to visit you when it becomes possible.