Mulenje Closing & New Missionaries

We had a handover ceremony at the Mulenje School 

where the church built a teacher's house, refurbished the school,

 and added desks. Now many more children will be able to

 attend school in this rural area.

Completed School in the background with the village ladies out front.

The completed teacher's house.  The education district provided a couple
 who are both very experienced teachers.  They got a raise because he was
  promoted to head teacher but this was quite a sacrifice for their family of 5 kids.
  No electricity and no inside plumbing.  They were used to better accommodations
 but are willing to make the change.  

 Our welcoming committee.

They were singing something about the sponsors

 had arrived and we are grateful for what they have given us.  

While waiting for the other dignitaries to arrive, Grandpa had the boys doing activities.

They had a perfect branch for pull-ups.  All the boys had to try. 

Lots of dancing and celebrations and long speeches. Some really get into it.

Ribbon Cutting ceremony 

Official handover of the keys.  

Our contractor at Mulenje.  We hired him because he was shorter than Grandpa.
  He did a good job.  

Grandpa doing some minor repairs at a flat. 
Anything that requires skills, we hire out because they desperately need work here.  

Elder Mbile and Elder Odongo.  Grateful for the repair.

We visited Matubila school where the roof was blown off. 

 We take a GPS reading at these places then follow them to get back there.

 But there are so many possible dirt roads to take that we sometimes get off course.

  We eventually made it there.  

Roof has been replaced on Matubila School

New roof and floor inside of one classroom

Grandpa inspecting the latrine base.  3 meters deep!

One class of kids meeting outside for school while the classroom building is completed.  

Another older class of kids meeting in an unfinished house. 

Ended the week with a baptism.  Jon was so excited!
 He had to wait a week because we couldn't get water at the church to fill the font last week.
  Elder Smith's first baptism and he was probably more excited than Jon.  Elder Kane also.

We had 10 great new missionaries arrive this week.
 With our new office duties, we do some training on vehicle safety and flat responsibilities.
   Several runs to the airport and running missionaries around.