DHO

Far more readers of this blog are fans of Sister Osborn than her missionary companion and husband. This is of course with good reason. This being the case, let me give a brief report on her.

It is unfortunate that Debbie does not have nearly as much fun on our mission as I do. She would desperately like to communicate better than she does (though she communcates better than she believes or admits). I admit that I love speaking portuguese--not that I do it particularly well but I think that it takes me back to my youthful mission to Brasil which was such an enjoyable and transformative experience. She is a good sport about it all however, and is having a good time, despite her poor companion and the general deprivaton of life in Quelimane. She is also frustrated with the shortness and flatness of her hair (which I cut last time) and the general inavailabilty of most things that she likes. The major swarms of ants have abated in the house (they congregate in small groups still, but not even a tenth of the volume that we used to see). I believe that this greatly increases the general happiness quotient around here.

Debbie regularly teaches her english classes--a few dedicated students that she teaches by appointment and an open-for-anyone class on saturdays that is less than enthralling to her. Two of her english students joined the church. She has requests to give more private instruction to a small group of businessmen--which request she is considering. She also teaches keyboard to a couple of young men here--who will likely never see the stage at Carnegie Hall. But they are making progress.

Debbie really is actively involved in teaching the gosple as well. We tag team in lessons and are slowly becoming more effective together. She speaks in church, gives lessons, provides leadership training and takes charge of both the women and children's organization at church. I think that early on, Debbie felt that she was not accepted nor supported by the women here. That might have been true. That has changed dramatically. She is loved, accepted and cheered on and assisted in her efforts to communicate. The young missionaries love her too.

She misses her children and grandchildren. She has not found it particularly easy being with her companion 24/7--though she is a good sport about that too. I was sort of hoping that it would be unmitigated joy for her--but I note definite signs that it is mitigated


We did manage to sneak out after training for a little break on the island of Savane.  Beautiful clear water though a few more waves that we would have liked.
I would include more pictures of the spectacular place--but then people might stop believing my tales of woe and misery.  It was a beautiful afternoon.  We spent it with Elder and Sister Bonini of Braxil--and then had a great dinner together.

We are in the large city of Beira for a couple of days to receive some training--Debbie was drawn (much like a moth to a flame) to the local fabric store. The woman never changes.