Oo-De-Lally, Golly What a Day

Ogamba ki nyabos ne ssebos! (What's up ladies and gents!) I am still alive, and well...this wasn't a great week, but I've had worse so there's no complaints. Without any further ado, togende! (Let's go!)

February 22, 2021 Mon
Today was P-Day! I talked to makka tewalibuzibu (family no problem), sent a few emails, relaxed and went shopping, then relaxed again.
We had a Zone activity where we went to a Mzungu Restaurant and I ordered "The Monster Burger" which was a legit giant burger, biggest I'd seen with my own 2 eyes. I asked the waiter what was on it to try to solidify my decision, one of the first things he said was bacon, and as soon as it came out of  his mouth I said, "Alright, I'm getting it." And it. was. GOOD.
Before the Mission I did the "Daddy Dave's" Challenge which is 9 scoops of Ice Cream on a Banana Split, which made me wanna die (still don't regret it). So on a "Pain inducing" scale of 1-10, with "Daddy Dave's" being a 10, this was like a 6, a much more pleasant experience.
Afterwards, Pulu, Woods, Bukasa, and myself played some pool which was fun. I think I'm getting better, I actually won a couple of games. I will gladly destroy anyone once I am home though, I've got time to practice!

February 23, 2021 Tues
Today was busy, we had two appointments!
... ok I know it doesn't sound like a lot, BUT IT IS!
We met with James and taught The Plan of Salvation and James asked the most difficult questions on very minor parts of the lesson and requested excruciating detail on every point, but he still wants to learn more so I guess that means we did a good job answering him, or we were awful and the Spirit picked up our slack. Afterwards we had a very quick lesson with Junior on callings in the Church.
I noticed how chronically tired I look in all my pictures, even when I am not tired I look exhausted and there is photo evidence of that.

February 24, 2021 Weds
So Bukasa had to go to Kampala today for some "Home Preparations"  (he only has 1 transfer left before he goes home) so I was with Elders Kisegerwa and Sempijja today. I joined the Kijjabwemi District for District Council Meeting and had to cancel mine, it was all good though.
Walking with Kisegerwa and Sempijja was also good. We stopped by some of their investigators, but all lessons fell through so we just walked and talked. I didn't mind though, it reminded me of my 2nd transfer.

February 25, 2021 Thurs
Today was SSLLLOOOOWW *read in a slow mo voice*. Couldn't meet with any investigators, so I set up a lesson for tomorrow and tried to be somewhat productive. Cleaned, studied, rested, and dreamed.
Bukasa got back in the evening and I have never been so excited to be reunited with a current companion. Also The APs Rosero and Lungu stopped by with Elder Fort (he's one of the Elders I returned to Uganda with). He's the Tech Specialist and has to do somethings with the mission phones.

February 26, 2021 Fri
Today we met with James again, and again we answered some unnecessarily deep questions. Lowkey thinking of pulling out that scripture that says "refrain from asking foolish questions" haha.
After that Bukasa wasn't feeling well so we went back to the apartment, and basically I'm stuck back in the apartment, so much for being more busy! lol.
I've been missing the Happiest Place on Earth. Not talking about the Temple or In-N-Out (though I do miss those greatly). Disneyland has been at the forefront of my day dreams. I have completely recited the Haunted Mansion Narration by memory 3 times this week (hard to explain how, so I'm just gonna say "Thank you Dad" and if you want details ask me about em).

February 27, 2021 Sat
Today we had District lunch where I made burgers which weren't bad, just a little under cooked. Also stressed out of my mind (which is a usual occurrence nowadays) cause we are about to enter the last week of the transfer and ZL talk has resurfaced. I tried not to focus on that.
We met with Oscar today and taught about Tithing and Fasting. He called us his homies which made me chuckle.
By the time we returned to the apartment I was hot, sweaty, and tired. On top of that I had some residue mince meat smell on me. I smelled like beef (hehe, "I smell like beeeef"). Naw but for real I smelled like someone spilled a beef stew in a Family Fitness.

February 28, 2021 Sun
Today, church was good. A lot of it was again in Luganda and I understood probably 1/10th of what was said. But Oscar, Ziporhha, and her neighbor were at church today!
We met with Ziporhha a couple hours after church and shared about the Plan of Salvation and it went so much smoother than with James. It was really good!
Afterwards Bukasa made dinner for the District which was pretty dang good. Something Elder Pulu said to me made me laugh. He said, "Elder Bradford, every time I see you, you always look exhausted." I told y'all, I eternally look tired! Haha!

Recently I listened to a talk from the Sunday Morning Session of The October 2001 General Conference titled "Fear Not: For They That be with Us Are More" by Sharon G. Larsen. In that talk there was a part I really liked;
"Elisha the prophet was surrounded by the whole Syrian army determined to kill him. He reassured his worried and only companion, who was busy counting Syrian heads, that when we are on the Lord’s side, regardless of numbers or worldly power, we are in the majority. I testify that the consoling words of Elisha to his young friend are still true today: “They that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs. 6:16). The Lord will surround and protect our young people with chariots of fire, as He did for Elisha, in the form of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, leaders, and friends who will vigorously love them and lead them."

That last part really stuck out to me. I don't remember a time where I didn't have someone influencing me for good. Every Young Men's leader, every Sunday School Teacher, every "Older Brother", every Bishop, every friend of my parents who also became my friend, and of course all of makka gwange (my family). I wouldn't be who I am without their influence.

I remember looking up to them, the older generations that I wanted to be like, then looking down to see the younger generations who were looking at me the same way.

I also remember thinking "Oh crap! I'm the least qualified person to look up to!" But that didn't matter. They looked up to me regardless. Luckily I realized this pretty soon, and put it upon myself to live how we should live, so those who looked to me would know what path to take. I knew a good example couldn't fake it and make it. I had to keep it real.

This is something ALL OF US face. No matter who you are, there is someone looking up to you. Whether you know it or not. So to you I invite to be those "Chariots of Fire" that surrounds and protects your little brothers and sisters, your nieces and nephews, your sons and daughters, and any single person who is in a position to look at you and learn. Mbyogedde mulinya lya Yesu Kristo, amiina (I say all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen).

Hope you enjoyed this update and have an Oo-De-Lally day! (The Disney Movie I'm quoting is greatly underrated and underappreciated) Send me some emails, even its something completely random or ridiculous. Actually, especially if its something random or ridiculous!

Qwagala nyo! (Love you so much!)
Elder Bradford