Last Twelve Weeks...for my MTC Sisters
Ogamba ki mukwanos gwange! (What's up my friends!) The Boy who is slowly becoming a Man has digitally returned with another update on my sweaty days as a missionary in Uganda! Togende! (Let's go!)
March 8, 2021 Mon
Today was P-Day! Talked to makka (family), slept, sent emails, and did chores.
We Got Transfer News! I am staying in Masaka and my new companion is going to be Elder Gumbato. Bukasa is going to finish his mission in Njeru (which is my First Area!), Sister Madlingozi is going to Ntinda in Kampala, Sister Nabwire is going to her mission in Ghana, Kumasi, Sister Muropa is going to Walukuba in Jinja, Sister Nakalyango is going to her mission in Tanzania, Elder Chimuti (one of my Zone Leaders and Elder Maughan's trainer) is going to Lugazi (also in Jinja), and Elder Reese (who is Maughan's MTC Brother and Pauni's 2nd Trainer) is coming to Masaka to be a Zone Leader! Another Mzungu!
March 9, 2021 Tues
Bukasa leaves tomorrow so today was a lot of goodbye's. We went and saw Oscar, which was cool, I could see how much he cared about us and enjoyed having us around specifically. We also saw some members at the church, said goodbye's to the Sisters, and Chimuti. Lot's of Goodbye's!
March 10, 2021 Weds
Today was Transfer Day. Bukasa left in the morning and I stayed back, obviously. Called some people, set up lessons, contacted some referrals, and that was about it.
Today was very quiet so I chatted with Woods for a while until Elder Gumbato arrived. He's from Zimbabwe and has been out for about 19 months now (again, my companion has been out longer than I have haha!). He's very quiet, but seems like a cool guy. NOW my transfer can start. Let's ROCK AND ROLL!
March 11, 2021 Thurs
Officially the first day with Elder Gumbato and it was a solid start. We didn't have a lot, but we did need to go emergency shopping so we did that, then came back. Apparently Elder Gumbato didn't think our kitchen was clean, so he cleaned that thing so much if Mr. Clean walked in he would've said, "Y'all didn't even need my Magic Eraser!" I'm just glad he cleans up after himself.
March 12, 2021 Fri
Today we had Interviews with President Chatora. I also met my District in person. My two MTC Sisters in Uganda are in my District, Sister Kabas (who was in my classs in the MTC) is with Sister Nyankombe who is brand new on the mission. And Sister Marimo (who is also my MTC Sister) is with Sister Machele who is one transfer younger than my MTC Batch.
BTW Sisters Kabas and Marimo have begun their last 12 weeks before they go home, which means if I am in Masaka until I hit 18 Months I'll watch them go home...I think the Lord believes in making my life an ironic one.
After interviews (which were great), we met with Ana, Junior's wife. Junior was there to help out and it went so fantastic, she accepted the baptismal invitation! Seeing this family come closer together through the Gospel is so amazing! Hope the best for them!
March 13, 2021 Sat
Today was Zone Conference! We had our Zone Leadership Meeting before hand, in which I got some good insight on how to be a successful leader, which is useful.
Following that we of course had our Zone Conference, which over all was so fun and so awesome. I, as tech specialist, had to give a small presentation on how to send referrals using the Areabook App, which wasn't bad. Kinda wish I had a Geek Squad shirt or something cause that's pretty much what I am.
Afterwards President Chatora bought us lunch at the Hotel they were staying at, Hotel Brovad, and we had a Ugandan Food Buffet! It was delicious and the meal was so fun. We have an amazing Zone,and we had so much fun together!
March 14, 2021 Sun
Today was the end of the 1st week of the transfer which was so crazy fast!
We had church today and not only did Oscar come but so did James! Double win! Hopefully we will meet with both of them this next week and get Oscar Baptized!
After church our District took photos. This District is a fun one and it will make a good Transfer. It's also nice to have some of my MTC batch around to make me feel less old haha!
Our lesson fell through today so I chatted with Woods for a long time, like 2 hours and in the midst of our conversation (which had a large amount of varying topics) I said a powerful phrase. Now brace yourself for greatness... "Jellyfish are the Bees of the Sea." Arguably the most profound thing I've said, I think I've never said anything more thought provoking. Tell me if I'm wrong!
Something that I was reminded of during Zone Conference was that when I return home I will not be returning to who I was. I learned this during my first month back in an email from a good friend who told me this very truth, but he expanded on it and said more.
He said in response to the quote from President Monson "Whom the Lord calls he Qualifies";
"It is true. True when you are in Utah. True when you are in Uganda. True when you are a DL or ZL. True when you are called to be an EQ President or into the Bishopric. True when you are called as a Bishop or Stake President.
The pre-mission Sean Bradford is not qualified to be a DL. But you are no longer (and never will be again) the old Sean. Your full-time service to the Lord has changed you... permanently and forever. Your temple convents also change you forever - especially so as you work to keep those covenants.
Don’t let your old, outdated image that you have of yourself prevent the new Sean (and current Elder Bradford) from being the tool that Heavenly Father needs to bless his children in Uganda right now."
This was some of the greatest advice I've ever received and when I apply it to my Mission it fits all too perfectly, but even if each of you apply it to yourselves, in your own situations, in your own trials, in your fear of your own inadequacy, it should fit all too perfectly.
We are constantly being prepared for whatever callings, jobs, or trials that are in our futures. We are never the same as we were, only moving forward, becoming better.
We are able to fully access our best selves only as we rely upon mulokozzi wafe, Yesu Kristo (our Savior, Jesus Christ). He is the key to unlocking the best versions of ourselves and to being prepared for any trial in our path. Mbyogedde mulinya lya Yesu Kristo, amiina.
Thank you for reading and thank you to all those who emailed me, love getting them and please keep em coming!
Qwagala nyo makka era mukwanos gwange!
(I love you my family and friends!)
Elder Bradford
March 8, 2021 Mon
Today was P-Day! Talked to makka (family), slept, sent emails, and did chores.
We Got Transfer News! I am staying in Masaka and my new companion is going to be Elder Gumbato. Bukasa is going to finish his mission in Njeru (which is my First Area!), Sister Madlingozi is going to Ntinda in Kampala, Sister Nabwire is going to her mission in Ghana, Kumasi, Sister Muropa is going to Walukuba in Jinja, Sister Nakalyango is going to her mission in Tanzania, Elder Chimuti (one of my Zone Leaders and Elder Maughan's trainer) is going to Lugazi (also in Jinja), and Elder Reese (who is Maughan's MTC Brother and Pauni's 2nd Trainer) is coming to Masaka to be a Zone Leader! Another Mzungu!
March 9, 2021 Tues
Bukasa leaves tomorrow so today was a lot of goodbye's. We went and saw Oscar, which was cool, I could see how much he cared about us and enjoyed having us around specifically. We also saw some members at the church, said goodbye's to the Sisters, and Chimuti. Lot's of Goodbye's!
Saying goodbye to Elder Chimuti
Today was Transfer Day. Bukasa left in the morning and I stayed back, obviously. Called some people, set up lessons, contacted some referrals, and that was about it.
Today was very quiet so I chatted with Woods for a while until Elder Gumbato arrived. He's from Zimbabwe and has been out for about 19 months now (again, my companion has been out longer than I have haha!). He's very quiet, but seems like a cool guy. NOW my transfer can start. Let's ROCK AND ROLL!
March 11, 2021 Thurs
Officially the first day with Elder Gumbato and it was a solid start. We didn't have a lot, but we did need to go emergency shopping so we did that, then came back. Apparently Elder Gumbato didn't think our kitchen was clean, so he cleaned that thing so much if Mr. Clean walked in he would've said, "Y'all didn't even need my Magic Eraser!" I'm just glad he cleans up after himself.
March 12, 2021 Fri
Today we had Interviews with President Chatora. I also met my District in person. My two MTC Sisters in Uganda are in my District, Sister Kabas (who was in my classs in the MTC) is with Sister Nyankombe who is brand new on the mission. And Sister Marimo (who is also my MTC Sister) is with Sister Machele who is one transfer younger than my MTC Batch.
BTW Sisters Kabas and Marimo have begun their last 12 weeks before they go home, which means if I am in Masaka until I hit 18 Months I'll watch them go home...I think the Lord believes in making my life an ironic one.
After interviews (which were great), we met with Ana, Junior's wife. Junior was there to help out and it went so fantastic, she accepted the baptismal invitation! Seeing this family come closer together through the Gospel is so amazing! Hope the best for them!
Time for a haircut: Before
After
Today was Zone Conference! We had our Zone Leadership Meeting before hand, in which I got some good insight on how to be a successful leader, which is useful.
Following that we of course had our Zone Conference, which over all was so fun and so awesome. I, as tech specialist, had to give a small presentation on how to send referrals using the Areabook App, which wasn't bad. Kinda wish I had a Geek Squad shirt or something cause that's pretty much what I am.
Afterwards President Chatora bought us lunch at the Hotel they were staying at, Hotel Brovad, and we had a Ugandan Food Buffet! It was delicious and the meal was so fun. We have an amazing Zone,and we had so much fun together!
Elder Bradford and Elder Gumbato
Ugandan Lunch Buffet
Burgers for dinner
March 14, 2021 Sun
Today was the end of the 1st week of the transfer which was so crazy fast!
We had church today and not only did Oscar come but so did James! Double win! Hopefully we will meet with both of them this next week and get Oscar Baptized!
After church our District took photos. This District is a fun one and it will make a good Transfer. It's also nice to have some of my MTC batch around to make me feel less old haha!
Our lesson fell through today so I chatted with Woods for a long time, like 2 hours and in the midst of our conversation (which had a large amount of varying topics) I said a powerful phrase. Now brace yourself for greatness... "Jellyfish are the Bees of the Sea." Arguably the most profound thing I've said, I think I've never said anything more thought provoking. Tell me if I'm wrong!
Left to right: Sister Machele, Elder Gumbato, Sister Nyankombe, Sister Kabas, Sister Marimo & Elder Bradford
He said in response to the quote from President Monson "Whom the Lord calls he Qualifies";
"It is true. True when you are in Utah. True when you are in Uganda. True when you are a DL or ZL. True when you are called to be an EQ President or into the Bishopric. True when you are called as a Bishop or Stake President.
The pre-mission Sean Bradford is not qualified to be a DL. But you are no longer (and never will be again) the old Sean. Your full-time service to the Lord has changed you... permanently and forever. Your temple convents also change you forever - especially so as you work to keep those covenants.
Don’t let your old, outdated image that you have of yourself prevent the new Sean (and current Elder Bradford) from being the tool that Heavenly Father needs to bless his children in Uganda right now."
This was some of the greatest advice I've ever received and when I apply it to my Mission it fits all too perfectly, but even if each of you apply it to yourselves, in your own situations, in your own trials, in your fear of your own inadequacy, it should fit all too perfectly.
We are constantly being prepared for whatever callings, jobs, or trials that are in our futures. We are never the same as we were, only moving forward, becoming better.
We are able to fully access our best selves only as we rely upon mulokozzi wafe, Yesu Kristo (our Savior, Jesus Christ). He is the key to unlocking the best versions of ourselves and to being prepared for any trial in our path. Mbyogedde mulinya lya Yesu Kristo, amiina.
Thank you for reading and thank you to all those who emailed me, love getting them and please keep em coming!
Qwagala nyo makka era mukwanos gwange!
(I love you my family and friends!)
Elder Bradford
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