I'm in flippin' Tamatave!

Ry Fianakaviana,

Tamatave is in Eastern Madagascar, considered the most primordial feeling, almost prehistoric area--mist-covered mountains, dense jungles, outlandish animals and people who speak a much different dialect then the rest of Madagascar. They sound like they are singing a song while they are speaking, and they laugh at the randomest times. Oddly, Tamatave is already my favorite area. I love the humidity, my companion (Elder Price), the awesome people (they say 'ia' for yes; it sounds like 'ya') and the experiences of my first couple days make me excited for what's to come.

At first, it was tough to be ripped out of Antsirabe that quick, but coming to Tamatave has been a blessing. The people here love learning. They love coming to church. They are humble even thought a lot of them are well off.  A lot of our investigators live in nice homes strewn throughout the jungle.  Looking back, I feel like my work in Antsirabe was like Johnny Appleseed. The work I did won't be seen in the near future, but once missionaries return to Antsirabe 2, hopefully some ready-for-picking apples are there.

The native clothes I'm wearing in this picture are called Malabary. One my investigators in Tana made matching ones for me and Elder Hammer. They are perfect pajamas, haha. 

Whack Experiences:

• Alternative Missionary: My first day here in Tamatave, while walking across the city bridge, we heard a voice yell, "Brothers! My dear brothers!" A frazzled French guy donning a full-white jumpsuit, alongside a greasy mullet and an unsettling, Joker-like smile came jogging over. He explained that he is serving a mission here in Madagascar for a few years to preach repentance to worst of the worst people. For about 10 minutes, we listened to his explanation of the horrible man he was about 5 years ago--hanging out with ladies of the night, doing cocaine everyday, etc. Fortunately, he said he left it all behind and came here to Madagascar to teach about his Jesus. He said his Jesus appears to him every night as he kneels down by his bed and screams, "I need you, Jesus! You are my man, my brother!" I have to admit, it was pretty convincing. Sad thing is though, when we walking to another time, we saw him talking to some inappropriately dressed women. Who knows, maybe he has righteous intentions with them.

• Price's Quotes: My new companion, Elder Price (Spencer) is one of the funniest guys I have ever met. When he was first in country, he was pushing 300 pounds with no neck to be seen. Having lost 90 pounds, he looks a lot better, holy cow. First off, he's a spiritual giant; second, I have never heard weirder things come out of someone's mouth so consistently. Each week, I'm going to share a quick quirk and quote of his.

He has an unhealthy obsession with firecrackers. I'll be peacefully studying, when all of the sudden, 6 firecrackers will detonate next to my foot causing an involuntary scream and some angry (mission appropriate) words from me. He'll always say, "Did I get ya?"

Me: "Were you a pyromaniac before your mission?"

Him: "Ah, I left that title a long time ago. I think I've now become a fire god."

• Malagasy Morsel of the Week - Fanantenana

Fanantenana means hope. We use it a lot due to it being the one of the base explainations of faith. Literally, it means 'to have one's self,' not totally clear, but a neat lil' word combo--fananana (possession) and tena (oneself). I like to think it means to be confident in your beliefs and who you are in addition to having yourself anchored by the principles taught by our parents and the scriptures.

Stories for Next Week:

-Saving a Puppy (in the process of writing this story, craziest experience of my mission for sure)

-The Betsimisaraka Tribe

-Muslim Racist

-Be Sofina

I'm loving it here in Tamatave! I'll send pictures next week! Love you all so much!

Mazotoa e hatrany!

Elder Soper