Sis Webster seems to be adjusting to missionary life... Here are a few more pictures aren't we blessed to have modern transportation but the African people are happy people that just go with the flow of life and are eager to learn more about the gospel....

 These are Elders in the Zone at their Zone activity.

Looks like she's having a great relaxing Zone activity. 

Relaxing Zone Activity

BAPTISMS/ AND A LITTLE ADDED FUN!!!

SERVICE IN AFRICA

Hello to the wonderful Family and Friends that I have been blessed with!!

It was so good to talk to everyone yesterday!!!! HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TO ALL THE MOMS OUT THERE!!!! Here are a few pictures. I will send more next week. I didn't want to overload you all at once. Hopefully they all open and come through okay. You might have to rotate some of them and fix them or whatever. The pictures are pretty self explanatory, if none of them make sense do the best you can. Thanks!!!

The Zone Activity today was super fun. We saw monkeys, gazelles, zebras, and I yes I even saw some giraffes. (Kelsey Hancock :)) I got pictures so once I switch them over to my jump drive I can send them to you over an email. It was nice just to relax for a little while, and just have some fun.

I seriously loved the 'interview' from my brothers it was just what I needed to be reminded that numbers really don't matter. I am here to touch lives and plant seeds. Yes, baptisms and all that is great but that is not the reason I am here.

We did have a couple of really good lessons this week. One day we had a couple of cancellations so we went and visited the Zulu Family, they are home most of the time and Lisa is one our most recent converts, along with Robert (I can't remember his last name). So after we visited with them we ended up going to an investigators house, well actually it was her sister's house but her sister wasn't home so we taught her instead. We didn't really have anything planned to teach her so we were just going to share a favorite scripture or something like that. Before we could share a scripture she stopped us and asked if she could ask a question. We were like sure no problem. Her question was something along the lines of, "How can I remain strong and keep coming to church when all the lessons are kind of boring and my mom won't let me get baptized until I am eighteen." She is only 16, (I think). I just told her to stay strong and the best thing that she could do was keep coming to church. She needed that support and then I got the impression to read the verses in Mosiah 24:12-15, and the spirit was able to testify to her, and me, and we are never alone and God does visit us in our afflictions. Definitely something that both of us needed.

We have also been teaching our guard, yes we have a guard and a gate to get to our flat. Which is nice at times and not so nice at other times. He has been taught a lot of the lessons already, before I got here, and so now he is reading the Book of Mormon. Sometimes when we teach him it becomes a Bible study which can be okay at times but not so nice at other times. We taught him on Saturday morning before we went to go and do service at the Distribution Center, and he asked why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is different than any other church. The only thing that I felt to tell was that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was different because it had the fullness of the gospel. The same gospel that Jesus Christ established while he was here on Earth. And we had the priesthood of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon was proof that he could hold in his hand that the church was true. All he needed to do was read it, (stop comparing it to the Bible) and pray and find out for himself. That is all that any of us can do. 

Yep, the mind of a four year. Gotta love the little ones. We have this group of little kids, that around 3-8 that run out almost every day that we pass and will just come up to us. Mostly to me, they honestly just want to shake our hands and give us hugs. It is so great. It is honestly the little things that make the most difference in my day. Then most of the time while we are walking away they will yell something like, "Miss you" or "I Love You"!! Definitely cute coming from the little ones, definitely not as cute coming from the drunks, that are everywhere. 

We live in a kind of a city but Ngombe is a rural area. So a little of both. We actually have a washing machine. We have to haul water in buckets from the kitchen sink but it is definitely better than washing by hand. We don't have a dryer so everything hangs to dry, which is okay with me. The mosquitos aren't too bad right now but I am sure they will get worse when the rainy season comes.

I don't know what it is about Sister Makau but we just got a phone call from President Padovich and we have to be at the Mission Home at 8 in the morning with the Zone Leaders. It might be an African thing or she might just think that she is THE TRAINER and no one can override what she has to say They have training so who knows what is coming. We are the only sisters here in Lusaka so really who knows. 

Thanks for keeping my personal account up. It definitely helps!!!! The backpack is definitely easier and better for my back. I will wear my Chatanga on Sunday and so we will take the pictures at the baptism so I will send them next Monday. There was even a little fabric left over and so it is like a mini chatanga for someone, either Mylee or a short one for Kara. I am just going to hang on to things because who knows how long it will take to send from here to there. 

Tell everyone that is returning to the Five hi from me. Yep, they will either be good cowboys and cowgirls by the end of the season and they will come back or they won't. David will definitely have some headaches but he can handle it.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and there is definitely a comfort that comes from know that. Also a strength that comes from knowing that as the primary children sang, "I Am A Child Of God", and that we can be with our families forever. That is one of the main reasons that I am here, to share with the people here that there really is a chance for eternal happiness with your family that you love so much here on earth. The Book of Mormon is proof that we can hold in our hands that the gospel has been restored and it is the only church on earth that has the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Have a great week and know that I feel your prayers and I gain strength from them.

Sister Kelsey Webster

Great memories-- Faith builders!!!

Hello All!!!   

This week has been full of ups and downs. We had quite a few people cancel on us but we did our best and that is all that matter. We may turn our numbers in to the District Leaders and the Zone Leaders each week and they may look at them at super low but as long as we know that we have done our best that is all that matters.

Last Sunday as we were out contacting people we were on our way back and contacted (stopped and talked to) this lady. Sister O'Barr was talking to her, well we all were, and she was telling us that she was an apostle for her church and that she had worked in the southern states back in the 90s and raised $18,000 for her 'corporation'. We were like that is cool, glad you think of your church as a corporation. We were on the street so she asked us if we could just step into the parking lot for a minute. We were like sure no problem, we can talk anywhere. Well when we got to the parking lot she started to pray for us. :) She prayed that all the satanism, cultism, and all the other evils in the world be done away with. As she was praying it took all we had not to laugh out loud. I'm pretty sure that none of us could take her seriously after that. We did end up giving her a Plan of Salvation pamphlet though. It also took all we had not to laugh hard until we were around the corner. Definitely something memorable!! :)

On Tuesday the Zimbabwe missionaries found out that they had verbal approval to go back to Zimbabwe and they would find out more on Sunday or Monday. Well, both days have come and no one knows anything yet so a lot of us a kind of in limbo on what is happening. I can only imagine how frustrating it is for her but all we can do is keep up the hard work and trust in the Lord.

Sister Makau's problem was just stress and really not eating too much food that she was used to. The food here is definitely different but that doesn't mean that she has to eat what we eat. She can buy stuff that she knows she will like and can cook that. Oh well, life is happens.

Glad my package is getting closer, guess we will know now how long it takes for packages to get here. Which is nice to know for the future. I am guessing that the Transit Office is kind of like the Post Office but I'm not sure.

Brazil isn't the only place that isn't allowing missionaries in. Zimbabwe is only allowing missionaries from Zimbabwe to serve there. The church is growing but there has to be opposition in all things.

On Thursday we worked in both Ngombe and Kalingalinga. Everything was falling to pieces in Ngombe so we went on to Kalingalinga to see what who we could find there. We kept getting lost in Kalingalinga but it is like one big maze, with dirt roads that lead to nowhere and then dirt roads that lead to somewhere, you just have to figure out which one is which. It was fun though cause when you get lost you know you are never really lost because the Lord knows where you are and maybe someone along the way needs to hear the gospel.

On Friday we went back to Ngombe and we needed to get a signature from our investigator's parents so that he could be baptized, since he is a minor, and we got there only to find that he wasn't home. As we walked back he came running up behind us, mainly just to talk to us for a few minutes. That was definitely a testimony builder to me that he is READY to be baptized and that he won't let anything get in his way. Later that afternoon we went back to his place because his dad was now home and as we sat and talked for a few minutes, his little sister, whose name happens to be Faith, started to play with something that was on the ground. I would hold my hand out and she would drop it in. It was like magic to her that when she put it in one hand and I closed my hands and flipped them over the object, which happened to be a piece of plastic, would be in the other hand. We played like that for I'm really not sure how long but it was such a short relief. It also reminded me that even the smallest things can make you the happiest. He was supposed to be baptized on the 12th but we have District Conference, like Stake Conference, this weekend so we have to push it back a week. He was definitely bummed when we told him that. Definitely another indicator that he is READY to be baptized.

I bought a couple of Chatangas and had one made into a skirt and blouse by one the brethren in the branch, and the other I am just using as a wrap. A Chatanga is really just a piece of fabric. The one I use as a wrap is dark green, close to the color of my cowgirl boots :), so I am super excited about that. :) :) I am also buying a backpack today. Everyone out here, the missionaries, use them, even the sisters. My back keeps getting thrown out because the weight is either on one side or the other not centered. Plus my bag keeps falling apart in different places.

The branch is super small, yesterday we only had 76 at church and they call on just about anyone and everyone to help out. They were announcing the closing prayer and before I knew it my name was being called. I am glad that I've had practice with that back home. :) Sister O'Barr had to lead and Sister Louthan plays the piano. Elder and Sister Louthan are from Moab, Utah and they live right next to us. They are Public Affairs Missionaries. It is nice to have them so close. We have gone over there or to the Lyle's almost every Sunday for dinner. The Lyles are also from Utah, St. George I think. Elder Lyle has been hunting with Shon Kunz, Andy Davis, and Rob Kincaid before. It is always nice to find connections wherever you go.

Glad to hear that Grp is doing good. Yep, he probably will think it is time to mow super soon. Oh, well it gives him something to do and something to look forward to.

A place to call your own is always nice. Hope things come together for Nate and Kamille. Trust in the Lord and have faith and know that things happen when they are supposed to.

Tell Sis Inez that I am more than happy to be her missionary.

Can't wait to talk to you on Sunday!!!!

Sister Kelsey Webster

No pouch address

We learned this week when a letter came back that there is no pouch mail address for the Lusaka Zambia Africa Mission. Sister Kelsey Webster's address for letter mailing and packages is:

Sister Kelsey Webster
Zambia Lusaka Mission
Plot No. 14038
Katima Mulilo Road
Lusaka
Zambia

If you send a package with a private courier you will need this number - 260 0211-295-775 and will have to fill out a customs form (be as specific as you can). Also, please use padded envelopes when sending CDs, thumb drives, or other small items since those items can be damaged during transit.

Its great to get up on a Monday morning and have a SUPER email from our missionary in Africa She is doing good...

                   

This is the temple she had the opportunity to attend a session with the greatest MTC group of missionaries while at the SAMTC (South Africa Mission Training Center)

UPDATE..

Blog has been updated with new pictures and posts..enjoy the adventures of Sis Kelsey Webster

moving forward

Hello All,

Can I get the tracking number for my package? They sometimes have to have it just to pick the package up. That goes for any package. So no I haven't seen the package yet, making do though.

Question for anyone who can answer. We were teaching about the Great Apostosy, both in the SAMTC and here in the field, and everyone keeps saying that all of Jesus Christ's apostles were killed. Were they all killed? I always thought that three of them asked to never taste of death. And maybe I am confusing them with three others???

A few things that I didn't have time last time to tell you that happened at the SAMTC are:

The eleven missionaries that were there were:

Sister Graves from California, called to serve in the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission and is serving in Botswana

Sister Ntuli from Petoria, South Africa, called to serve in the Zambia Lusaka Mission and is serving in Malawi

Sister Clifford from Bountiful, Utah, called to serve in the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission and is serving in Botswana

Sister Jaker from Uganda, Africa called to serve in the Zambia Lusaka Mission and is serving in the Copperbelt

Sister Nyambita from Tanzania, called to server in the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission and is serving in Botswana

Sister Gehring from Texas, called to serve in the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission and is serving in Botswana

Elder Pauni from Logan, Utah,] was called to serve in the Zambia Lusaka Mission and I believe he is serving in the Copperbelt but I can't remember

Elder Kolditz from Indiana, called to serve in the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission and will actually be serving there [the only one out of all eleven of us]

Elder Dettamanti from Cedar City, Utah was called to serve in the Zambia Lusaka Mission and is serving in Malawi

Elder Adams from Cape Town, South Africa, was called to serve in the London England Mission

The sisters that are serving in Botswana are hoping to be a part of the new Botswana Mission come July 1st.

It was definitely an adventure filled with learning, a lot of laughter, and a ton of memories. :)

We learned the song, "I Am A Child of God" in Swahili and we sung it to the three wards that meet next to the SAMTC. Sounds like Sister Reber sent the video. Yep, Kara the words were different but the messages that we are all children of God is the same in no matter what language you are speaking, or singing in!!! :)

Elder Adams always made fun of us Americans and would always say, "Freakin' Americans". We would just laugh and make fun of him. We out numbered the Africans seven to four so he really had no way to get back at us except to make fun of us, all in good fun though. :)

On Friday night we had the opportunity to teach real investigators, well out of the about fifteen that were there only two were real investigators but we didn't know that until after. The others were members. The first group that came to the trio, that is what we became known as, were the REAL investigators and it was such a NEAT experience to share why we had decided to serve missions. The Spirit was so strong that I felt it from head to toe. Have those experiences definitely put us all on a spiritual high.

Afterwards us sisters were all just standing around talking about the night with Sister Reber and we heard this girl like scream coming from downstairs. The elders had encountered a spider, that was actually pretty big. It was just super funny to have them scream and run away like girls. President Reber had to come and kill the spider for them.

The first few days in Zambia have been pretty interesting. The first day that we got here we spent most of it in the mission home getting all the paper work done and having interviews with President Padovich. President Padovich is definitely laid back and easy going, which in a way can be a good thing. He loves to have fun which is super nice. The APs and the office Elders are super cool and way easy to get along with. Some of them are hard to understand because even the main language is English there are A LOT of different languages that are spoken around here. Makes life WAY interesting that is for sure. :)

My trainer is Sister McKau (mc cow) from Kenya. Sister O'Barr lives with us to and kind of works with us as well. She doesn't have a companion unless they can find her a branch missionary to work with. Half of the time she is with us. [Sister McKau is definitely a piece of work and hovers A LOT, which is starting to get VERY annoying. I know that it has only been a few days but you can only take so much. She honestly treats me like I don't know anything, for example how to use a cell phone. It's not like I haven't been using one for the last ten years. :/ I know I don't know the area or the people but there is still a limit to hovering.] None of us here are either approved to drive or like me don't know how to drive a standard, or on the opposite side of the car and road. Since we can't drive we walk A LOT. I definitely have the startings of a good farmer's/missionary tan. I am getting some pretty sweet lines though, on my feet from my sandals, on my arms from my shirts and watch/elastics and around my neck from my necklace. It is SUPER hot. I'm pretty sure that it isn't supposed to be around 90` in April, somewhere around 50` is more like it.

We got to watch General Conference again this past weekend. It was super great to be able to watch it again. You definitely get something out of it even the second time around. Just like going to the temple.

Sarah Stone watching General Conference made me miss doing puzzles with you and having dinner with your family.

Kristi Stephenson while I was watching I was reminded that whenever President Monson spoke your mom made sure that everyone was awake and paying attention.

Oh the memories that come with General Conference.

We have three baptisms scheduled for April 28th. Two for sure and hopefully a third one. The third one is facing a little opposition and isn't sure if he wasn't to be baptized any more. But just like it says in 2 Nephi 2:11 "...there is opposition in all things...", especially when you are about to do something good that will bring you closer to Jesus Christ. Even though I haven't been a huge part of the conversion process just like Sister Elaine S. Dalton said, "even the smallest part matters"

I can't believe that Mylee is already 9 months old. Where did the time go??? Thanks for the small email. It made me happy.

I haven't seen any letters or the packages yet. Thank you for recording that and sending it on to me. I know that it will help.

That is a sweet experience that Nancy H had. Yep, we did just switch continents to teach the gospel. The gospel is being spread to all the nations. Oh Kara and her names for things. I seriously love it.

I can't think of too much more to write so have a great rest of the week

D&C 121 - 123

Sister Kelsey Webster

Zambia Mission Home 1st email

April 17, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

I made it to Zambia, Lusaka. The weather here is pretty warm, but I guess I did leave snow. J

The MTC was super hard to leave, especially President and Sister Reber. They were so great. Definitely made leaving Idaho a lot easier.

The plane ride was Joburg to Lusaka wasn’t very long, a little over an hour and a half. They actually fed us which was super weird to me because short flights aren’t supposed to have food, just snacks. We were up at 5 AM this morning so that we could leave by 5:45. We did get to see the sunrise on the way to the airport, but nothing beats the sun coming up over the Tetons.

I’m not sure if I told you who the eleven missionaries were in the MTC but I will on my P-Day, which are Mondays.

We definitely had a great time with just eleven us. Definitely many memories created and pictures taken.

Happy Birthday to everyone who has a birthday this week, I will list birthdays and anniversaries individually next time around, when I have my calendar.

Happy Anniversary Karen and Neil!

If you want to go Fast, go Alone.

If you want to go Far, go Together.

African Proverb

Thank you all for traveling on this journey with me!!!!

Sister Kelsey Webster

Arrival to Zambia

 Hello WEBSTER CLAN!

It was very fun to get our new missionaries yesterday, and Sister Webster was just great! We love seeing the mission grow little by little. We are growing with all the influx of missionaries and it sure is helping the work move along.

I have attached 2 pictures of Sister Webster and her MTC group, along with her and President and Sister Padovich.

She will be starting her mission right here in Lusaka in an area called Munali. A very good branch, she will love her time her. Her trainer is Sister Makau from Kenya, who is very calm and relaxed so I think they will mesh very well.

Thank you for supporting her in her service of our Lord and Savior. May the Lord bless your family as you continue to support her throughout her mission.

Elder Addison Shurtz

Zambia Lusaka Mission

LAST MTC HURRAH!!!! MEMORIES FOREVER...

Your missionary is out in the field now with their trainer. I just wanted to send you a few final photos and the video of the missionaries singing in Swahili. (the video took a looonnnnggggg time to download). I love each one and miss them! Thanks to those of you who responded to my emails. Thank you for sharing your missionary with us! Love, Sister Janet Reber South Africa MTC

Service

The missionaries are allowed to give 30 minutes of service while they are in the MTC. Some of the Sisters bagges laundry soap for the next group. some washed the MTC Van, and the Elders did the sweeping of the many leaves that are falling....since in South Africa, we are in Fall...headed for winter. The group have really bonded and become a family....at least from my perspective. President and I love each one! Sister Janet Reber South Africa MTC M T C    Service

MTC FUN

The Sisters are sure having fun at sports. They have done hula hoops, jump rope, cartwheels, and even yoga. I'm sure going to miss them. Our next group has NO Sisters. Sister Janet Reber               South Africa MTC                  Sisters at Sports

Fun with the Elders.