New Church Site

The church has purchased this area of land and building to build a new church on. It will be wonderful to have this completed. The building they have now has no parking, which most walk anyway but is so small. This branch has a chance to grow when this is completed.

Country Side Homes

These pictures were taken along the back area of the many homes that most live in. Also the steep roads you climb to get to them. Most are accessed by walking only. You need to remember very few have transportation and walk where ever they go. Some for miles just to get to a Duka's (road side shops) to buy fresh produce. Their homes are comprised of sticks and mud with dirt floors and no electricity. They wash all their clothes by hand and have no inside toilets.

President Agonza

This is President Agonza and his family. He is president of the Changamwe Branch. They asked us to have lunch one day at their place. He lives kind of out in the country side and would love to be a farmer/butcher/water driller. This is his second wife of 6 years and she sure is a nice person. Had pilau (rice & meat mixtures) some stew, and salad. It was nice. They have one of the bigger homes we have seen since arriving here of any of the members.

Sister Eva

This is Sister Eva (RS president of Mombasa Branch), her husband Akram (who is a Muslim) and their family.  There son was away to college so we didn't get the whole family.   We had them over one night for pizza (which we ordered, which was 1/2 late getting here) but we sure had a good time.  Talked a lot of family and Akram's job.  He works at Tudor Sports just around the corner from us making boats.  Sister Eva has been a member for 10 yrs or so and wants so badly to go to the temple for her own endowments  but her husband has concerns about wearing garments.    We explained that they would be a protection for her as the Muslim women wear those long black robes.  He seemed so comfortable around us and when we were sick they came to see how we were doing.  She has been RS president for over 5 yrs and is one of the strongest members we've ever met.  We pray for this family to someday allow her to do this .

No title needed

We really can't give an explanation of this sign and probably wouldn't want to know. It was just such a funny saying. Use your imagination.

There is beauty all around

Even though there is such poverty here there is so much beauty. We are amazed at the beautiful flowers and trees. The greenness of the area and all the coconut trees and banana trees. Most of these pictures are taken in Bamburi which is also where a lot of the tourists stay. You will see some beautiful Hotels and the sandiest beaches anywhere around.

The Latest and Greatest....

Dear Family & Friends Just a note that we are doing good. The driving here is still one of the biggest challenges. The traffic seems to be getting worse. With the vacationers and school kids coming home makes for more people out on the road. Elder Palmer told everyone that he cannot drive after dark. His eyes do not work like they use to and also his reaction time seems to be slower. But lets give him credit because they only drive here with bright lights and you have to watch for people, picky's (motor bikes) mautuo's (vans) bicycles, Tuk Tuk's (3 wheel vehicles) and carts along the way. It is very dangerous after dark and it's no picnic during the day either. So that is his refining fire. We sure miss all of you but know we are doing what we should. The spirit has really blessed us. There is many challenges here for us on this mission, but for Elder Palmer it is to tolerate the traffic and crazy drivers. Maybe thru this experience we can learn more humility. Life seems to be full of challenges doesn't it. But we know with the lord's help it will all work out. A man from Clifton sent us this quote: "Do not regret growing old, it is a privilege denied to many". I guess that is so true because Larry's mom died at 65 and his dad at 72. It use to seem so old to us but now not so much. I remember when my parents came home from the MTC (Larry's parents) it broke their hearts. I am sure that the lord has and will bless them for their efforts. Now that we are on our mission we think of them often because they were just alittle older than we are now. Maybe that is part of their blessing that we would be able to go. We don't know but we feel very privileged to be able to serve and have been soooooooooo blessed. Sometimes we wonder why we have been so favored by our Father in Heaven. I know that we have many who pray for us both in heaven and on this earth. I know that our son Zachary, Chance and both of our parents and others know about us and love us and pray for our mission. We can feel this influence daily. We miss them very much as we do our family and friends. Our puny sacrifices are nothing compared to the blessings that we will and yet receive. From time to time, especially when we experience traffic problems we become very discouraged and would love to come home. We then think of all them who are praying for us and we take courage and know that our sacrifices are so small and yet so worth it. A friend of ours Joe Schmidt wrote this while serving a mission " we go on missions thinking we are repaying our Father in Heaven by our efforts but we find that we are the ones being blessed". The lord's blessings far out number our small efforts. Isn't that the way in all things, we can never repay all that has been done for us, so we take courage in this and feel a great responsibility to do all we can do, however small it is. We feel it a great honor to serve. We love the people here and love all of you. Mom & Dad, Grandpa & grandma, friend & Elder & Sister Palmer