Adventures of Elder O'Hagan: Hello from Rwanda! The Land of a Thousand Hills!

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Hello from Rwanda! The Land of a Thousand Hills!

Hello everyone!

So I am now officially in the field as of five days ago, and I have learned so much about myself and the spirit and what I need to do each day! This email won't be like the last one because so much has happened since the MTC, so I'll share some highlights and my testimony with you all.

So, I am in the Kigali 3rd Branch District with Elder Driggs as my Trainer. He is from McKinney, Texas so we've been able to have that Texan bond a bit.

Our area is fascinating! The people here are so very humble and friendly! The only downside, Kinyarwanda. That is the language spoken by many, with very few people aside from members being able to speak English. Luckily, the Lord answers prayers and I have been able to pick up the language little by little and we've found people to teach who won't need a translator!

With that, we have already had one baptism and look forward to another one in the oncoming weeks. His name is Bonifas and he was taught mostly by the Elders that were here before us. He has a strong testimony, and I hope that he will remain constant in church attendance.

The food here is pretty good. Granted the meals Elder Driggs and I have had have comprised of Ramen and Strawberry Jam/Nutella Sandwiches until we go shopping today.

Anyways, as for my testimony.

I know without a doubt that Jesus is The Christ. He has shown me who I can be out here and I strive to become that man each and every day. Life is not easy in this day and age, whether you are serving the Lord full time or not that is obvious. However, I tell you this, that God would not put you in whatever trial you now face, whether it be at home, work, school, or in your own mind, without the guarantee that you will overcome it through faith and emerge with renewed strength and capability. I know that as we read the Book of Mormon with an eye to God to seek answers, that we all will receive those answers and rejuvenation from the Holy Ghost. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God, and I hope that you all had the chance to hear the words spoken at Conference, for they are truly the exhortations and blessings of God. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Also, I am apparently an "I.T. expert" because I knew how to use Youtube to get conference going for our Branch. Who would have thought that wasting my time watching videos back home would ever benefit me out here? ;)

Again, I love you all and I hope that you see the hand of the Lord in your lives everyday.

Okay! One last thing! These photos are courtesy of the Senior Couple, Elder and Sister Wright, and my Mother. The first should be of our district here in Kigali 3A With Elder Driggs and I, Sister Maqele (the "q" has the clicking sound that is very hard to do) and Sister Ramson. The other person is one of the coolest people I've met in our Branch, who is sadly moving to another Branch for School, which is great for him!