How many candles is that?

Well, this was my birthday weekend, a birthday I have no desire in thinking about or contemplating.  But it came anyway, so there you go.  This is my third consecutive birthday in Africa   For the first, I was on safari in Tanzania and the waiters in our tented camp sang to me in some language, no idea what, and made me a banana cake.  Last year, we were here in Quelimane and the Elders sang my favorite hymn and wore funny hats and generally made me feel happy.  This year, we traveled to Nampula on the weekend and returned home about 7pm.  The Elders showed up at 8 with a pan of brownies and another song.  We had all just watched "The Sound of Music" of New Years Eve, so they appropriately sang "Edelweiss" and then a verse they created about me.  It was so funny and sweet.  My husband had created a way for many friends and family to send birthday greetings, so it was a good day despite having one foot in the grave, so to speak.  One child said that serving this mission in Africa made me seem younger.  I love the comment, but at night I often feel like it has made me feel older.  It is a liberating to feeling to not need or want anything but to hear from family and friends, so I was granted my birthday wish without even blowing out a candle.
As far as the work in Mozambique goes, here is a little photo essay of the last few marvelous days here in Quelimane and environs.


This is Jazila and her daughters, Alura and Joyce.  We love them so much and have watched them grow slowly in their
testimony of the gospel.   Jazila really wanted her teenage daughter to obtain a testimony, so she
waited for her.  It was worth it.  They radiated happiness and light the whole week.  Jazila has found the
Church website and listens to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas music every night at home! 



This is Primary in Nampula.  They have started an interesting tradition of having everyone
clap when someone answers a question.  I smiled and thought, "only in Mozambique".  There was a lot
of clapping and I am sure the kids felt very proud of themselves.

Every Primary needs a sleeping mat!  The kids would just go over and play when they
needed a break of their mom needed to teach.  



On Sunday I was asked to teach Relief Society.  This is very intimidating to me as I really have
to read my translated lesson.  This is the third or fourth time I have taught this group and they
are very receptive.  We talked about Christ like attributes from Preach my Gospel.  The President
thanked me for a "marvelous" lesson.  Theses women are good for my soul.



These Elders are the best. Elder Santos on the left doesn't really speak much English, but
he was a good sport and pretended to sing.  The Cabo Verde Elders are very kind to me
and very impressive young men.



It was our 6 week mark and time for the beach again today on P-Day.  The Elders started
a standing broad jump competition among themselves, but soon had an audience.  This
was the most creative jumper of all, he ran and did a flip or two and then jumped.  It was a lot of
fun.



Today there were some very "native" natives on the beach with us.  I thought
this girl had a sort of regal look and captures the look of young women
in Quelimane quite well.  She was thrown in the water continually by the young men there
and pretended to hate it, but like all young women, loved the attention.