Majunga is an amazing area!

Ry Fianakaviana,

Majunga is an amazing area! A lot of the missionaries here in Madagascar want to be sent here, so I'm grateful.

This first week, we decided to visit a lot of members, share spiritual thoughts and give them an idea of what their goals should be with going to the temple, home teaching and helping us with missionary work. The members have a vision of what the branch could be but don't know the first step due to the church being really young here. I already love the branch here!

Sweatin' Like a Pig:

It is so flippin' hot. Right as we get out the house, I can feel the sweat dripping down my back and chest. We have to drink at least a gallon of water a day to stay in our natural Schwarzenegger forms. It's especially tough when we sit down in a house with a tin roof and walls, cooking us alive. We bought these straw fans that help a ton during lessons. We also received permission to wear hats, but I'm not sure what kind is appropriate, so I might wait a bit before buying one.

Kruger vs. Demented Girl:

After our first lesson, we were on this broad, dusty path when all of the sudden, a little 14 year-old girl came running out cackling. With a deranged smile of few teeth, drool all over her face and a tattered black dress, is was a frightening image, and Elder Kruger started freaking out. She approached us doing this very clever crab-like movement, shuffling back and forth with her arms outstretched, blocking us from moving forward. In addition to her highly-specialized shuffle, she had a severe lazy eye that unfairly widened her field of vision.

In order to get past her, she demanded 500 ariary (about 15 cents), but as missionaries, we're never allowed to give out money. So, I simply juked her out, faking one way, did my trademark spinmove and ran the other. But Kruger, on the other hand, was too unnerved to even get near to her. When she would approach him, he kick up his legs and darted like a startled cat. It was so funny to watch because it was a 100 kilo elephant versus a 25 kilo mouse. Eventually, after about 5 minutes, Elder Kruger and I lost her on a back path.

Elder Kruger continued to be jumpy throughout the day. His foot got caught on a piece of plastic rope lying in the dust. He kicked it away as hard as he could and squealed, "Ah! Ah! Snake!" But then was immediately embarrassed as he realized what it was and kept walking like nothing happened.

At about 4 o' clock, we were teaching a lesson to a family we just tracted into (Big Buff Bub is the name we gave him), and she burst through the front door crying for 500 ariary. Elder Kruger jumped up almost knocking over the table while the Big Buff Bub's wife sweeped her outside. I laughed so hard that whole day.

Ranaivosoa Pierre:

This guy's name sounds like Soper heh.

Stories for Next Week:

-Jean Pierre

-Earth and Heaven's Connection

Love you all so much!

Elder Soper

Transferred to Mahajanga!

Ry Fianakaviana,

This email might turn out to be a bit nonsensical and convoluted today since I'm so exhausted from the 21-hour car trip. I was as sad as could be leaving Tamatave. Luckily, I had the chance to say goodbye to most of my investigators and recent converts, but it was tough to miss the baptism this last Saturday. At least the area is left in good hands, Elder Monson's tiny ones.

Anyways, whew! I just got whipped out to Mahajanga! Mahajanga is a beautiful, pacified port town near the northen edge of Madgascar. With some of the prettier white sand beaches here, it's a surreal experience to tract while walking down a palm-lined avenue, trying to slightly turn my kinked neck to the left to watch the perfect sunset redden the ocean horizon; meanwhile, the prostitutes and old French men materialize/emerge from wherever they hide and begin to litter the streets. Due to its large population of Muslims, Comorrans, and random matisse people here and there, it's one of the most colorful and ethnically diverse places in Madagascar.

The dialect here makes everybody sound like too-cool-for-school teenagers, and swear words are used very liberally--a little shocking to here mature members casually swear like it's nothing. There's been a lot of problems up here recently with disobedient missionaries alongside the work falling into a unescapable rut; so, President told me he trusts me to turn Mahajanga around. There used to be more missionaries here, but now there's the measly amount of 2 (me and Elder Kruger)... It's an odd feeling to be as far away as we can get from the other missionaries with a whole city to ourselves.

Arsen, a solid family who has learned for forever and is simply waiting on their marriage certificate. He loves the Joseph Smith story more than anybody

That's Elder Kruger on the far left

The baptism in Mahatsinjo

Elder (Mammoth) Kruger:

I'm "momming" (following the trainer) with Elder Kruger, a colossal elder from South Africa. He used to play professional rugby for the Lions U-23 team. I have to watch for him adding a pinch of salt on to my shoulders while I'm not looking so he won't eat me. He's way cool though! We're already getting along really well. We also have to go house-hunting because our current house is too big for us.

Elder Monson is Training!

Turns out my trainee, Elder Monson, is training right out of training. Not only that, but his new trainee is American; so, he's flippin' out about that, heh! He had a priceless reaction when I told him: "What?! Soper! Why'd you tell them I'm ready to train?!" Eat it Elder Monson! That's what you get for trying hard.

Baptism in Mahatsinjo (Awesome Experience):

Halfway to Mahajanga, we stopped in a little town called Mahatsinjo to baptize an 8 year-old boy named Ny Aina. His parents were some of the first members in Madagascar, yet they moved to this isolated, desert town to help their relatives survive (literally) however. Right as we pulled up to the house, the mother came out, put her hands to her mouth and started crying. They appreciated what President was doing so much. The family invited the two town nobles a.k.a. the most Malagasy men I've ever met, an 88 year-old man and his nephew. They spoke a special type of ancient, honorific speech style called Kabary--incredibly hard to learn. Also, I received some of the most rank, wet kisses on my neck from each of the men, 6 kisses in total. Yes! As we started our drive, the nobles were terrified, saying the car felt like an earthquake and kept yelling out of the window to the people we drove by, "Lasa e!" which basically means, "We're outta here!"

The 88 year-old man told me a story about how a terrorist group named the Malaso once stole many of his cows, and he therefore chased them down for two days and killed two of the stragglers with a spear as they slept. He also has been baptized over 5 times, so he's extra-saved I guess. He didn't accept my invitation to get baptized just one more time with us. Heh, just kiddin'.

When we arrived at the river hole, it was a beautiful scene. The dad was too scared to do it, so Elder Wiscombe ended up receiving the privelege, lucky duck haha! There's some awesome pictures on @momfoote on Instagram. Right as the boy left water, the mom and dad ran to him and kissed him.

We returned to house and held a quick confirmation service. Elder Brown gave the talk on Baptism by Water while I gave the talk on Baptism by Fire. I used an example where I made the boy follow my voice so he didn't run into the table or any obstacles. Funny thing is he stubbed his toe on the corner of the table; I wouldn't be a good Holy Ghost. After the confirmation, the old men were sobbing and started dancing. As they stamped their feet and waved their hands in the air with the biggest smiles on their faces, we couldn't help but burst out laughing. They were so embarrassed they didn't have food for us as well.

It's interesting to think about how their life must be so mundane living in a town where they have to make a 3 hour trek for water under the blazing sun, no restaurants and the same everyday routine. But when we came to town, we were able to give them an experience that will remain a highlight for the rest of their lives. The old men shared with us that they've never been happier in their lives, and they accept us as part of their family. Isn't it wonderful that nothing separates our families from being together forever?

Malagasy Morsel of the Week - Eoah Basy:

When speaking to a person from Mahajanga, they'll say 'eoah basy' or just 'eoah' to show they're listening in addition to meaning 'yes.' It's one of my favorite things I've heard since I've been here in Madagascar. It sounds like 'yah wah boss.' I feel pretty cool being called 'boss' every conversation. I've always knew that I'm a boss, but it's nice to finally get a confirmation. Jk, but I love how often it's said.

Love you all so much! Have a great week!

Elder Soper

I'm satisfied with the work I did here in Tamatave...

Ry Fianakaviana,

Turns out I might be bouncing out of the beloved Tamatave. President hinted that Elder Monson is going to take over the area, and I'll be left to roam Madagascar as a lone missionary, baptizin' the lemurs. I'm a bit nervous to see where I go, but I'm satisfied with the work I did here in Tamatave. I tracked the heck out of this place, and I really loved the investigators Elder Price, Elder Monson and I have found. Sorry I don't have much time to email today!

Matio and Rosianne's awesome family. Stanley, their 12 year-old son is dope.

This gma is extremely senile and always feels left out of the conversation during the dinner appointment because both her legs were broken recently, thus having to sit on a bed in the corner. She randomly yells something to catch our attention and make one of us talk to her.

 The District President Paul and his wife, who is the best cook I've met so far in Madagascar. She always makes delicious fruit juice, basically like cold slushies, but also think better than what you're imagining.

Pulled a Kid's Tooth Out:

Xavier's kid had a loose tooth. The mom said, "Help." So, I put my hand in the kid's mouth and pulled it out, heh--got a nice video out of it.

Baonifasa:

This family has been awesome from the start. They keep finishing their commitments before we extend them, and they're always one step ahead of us, gosh dang. We're fools! The first time we taught them, they were really responsive and took a lot of notes. We planned to invite them to church the next lesson, but when we showed up, all the help he needed was tying his tie. He read in the back of the booklet about church, then ran out and bought a white shirt and tie. Around the fifth lesson, we extended the commitment for him to stop smoking, but he said he already dropped down from one pack a day to 3 cigarettes. I jokingly told him to slow down because we can't keep up, haha!

Bravo:

Arsen, an investigator that previous missionaries have taught for a long time (he's just waiting on getting his marriage worked out with his wife), enjoys learning about the Restoration more than anyone else I've seen. After I recited Joseph's First Vision, he blurted out, "Bravo!" 

What Goes Around, Comes Around, but It's Not My Fault:

We saw a couple making out on the side of path during the evening. I obtusely made a silly joke about excessive PDA but they just went right on kissing. A grandpa on the side of the path thought it was funny though. Later on, as we passed by again, we noticed they were sitting about 5 feet away from each other, and the girl had her face in her hands. Turns out they broke up! We asked who's fault is was, and they just pointed at each other. Heh.

Malagasy Morsel of the Week - Zafimpaladia:

This is how you say great-great-great-great grandkid, or somewhere around there, a lotta greats. The amount of times I've needed to say this word can be measured by an empty cup.

Stories for Next Week:

-Pillow Prayer

-Split Follies

-Teaching Primary

-Cowboy Jojo

-Morille

Have a great week!

Elder Soper

Cool week...

Ry Fianakaviana,

Cool week, a lil' bit slower teaching-wise, due to General Conference and all the splits the Zone Leaders and I have to make. But, still hunky-dory.  I'm finally not suffering from the 'eternal cold' anymore, and my feet are used to being destroyed every night from rough paths. I wouldn't be surprised if my toes end up switching places and starting pointing in random directions from all persecution they go through. So, hunky-dory.

Here are the experiences!

Jonathan:

Way back when... when I was first with Elder Price (about 4 months ago), we tracted into a rich couple who sell and fight chickens--they sold one of their prize fighting chickens for over 180,000 euros by the way. As they were finishing a couple chores inside, we played dominoes with their coworker, Jonathan, a young guy who trains the rich couple's chickens. He listened in on our message, not seeming all that interested and left early saying he had business to attend to. But just two weeks ago, we knocked on a random house nearby, and Jonathan answered. Whoa. We've since had three great lessons with them, and he and his weife just accepted a baptismal date after learning about why priesthood authority is essential.When we extended the baptismal date, it was a bit awkward because Jonathan put his head down for a long time. Elder Monson, Jonathan's wife and I looked back and forth at each other anxiously waiting, as he eventually lifted his head with a big smile on his face and said, "Manjary!" (Good to go!) 

Noel Swearing:

Our recent convert Noel was visiting the countryside this last weekend to announce to his wife's family that she is pregnant, (they suggested they might make Soper the baby's middle name haha!). In our lesson yesterday he asked if he missed General Conference when he was gone. We said yes; he banged the table, swore really loud and sat back for a few seconds, steaming. When it dawned on him that he swore in front of the missionaries, he quickly brought his hands to his mouth in shock. I pretended to be really mad, but we all ended up laughing really hard. Luckily, they can read the conference talks in the Liahona in Malagasy.

Jean sy Na:

Elder Monson looks strikingly similar to the famous internet phenomenon and angry, ex-marine wrestling celebrity John Cena. Malagasies go crazy whenever we say he's John Cena. For example, when we told some teenage dudes, they freaked out and self-consciously asked for a selfie with him. On Thursday, we tracted into a couple named Jean and Na; but , the way one says 'and' is 'sy' in Malagasy. So, their name is Jean sy Na ("John Cena"), we got a good, hearty chuckle out of that.

Malagasy Morsel of the Week - Kongana:

These got to be some of the most vile, hellacious things in the world--bed bugs. When in heaven, I'm definitely gonna ask why the heck these little dirtbags were made. Spraying Permetherin diligently each week only made these things madder because I got bites where bites shouldn't be now. My mornings consist of suddenly being awake to millions of itchy bites, watching in horror as dozens of bedbugs scurry down into their lair, deep inside the mattress and me killing the especially fat stragglers, leaving streaks of blood all around my sheets--not the best experience. They don't understand that I have feelings.

Stories for Next Week

-Pillow Prayer

-Teaching Primary

-Bravo

-Split Follies

Have a great week!

Elder Soper

A new investigator: an incredibly humble man whose name means "Honey"...

Ry Fianakaviana,

Awesome week! Elder Monson is starting to take over the program, so it's nice to kind of take a backseat during lessons. My brain isn't as tired anymore--however my brain is getting more sweaty 'cause it's hot. Great experiences this week! Here we go!

We took a little trip to Foulpointe again, and it was especially nooice this time...

New investigator--Tantely:

Personally, I'm way excited about this new investigator because first off, his name means 'honey;' second, he's a incredibly high-up bossman of a company that's based in Israel. Our lessons go so smooth with him because he asks just the right questions (pretty rare here in Madagascar), and he works so hard to finish the homework. He's an incredibly humble man. Having been raised in a previously impoverished family, it's an inspiring story how he read books constantly to teach himself, rose through the ranks in a business where he used to be an errand boy, and now he has a nice, calm family life in Madagascar. Plus, his name means 'honey.'

Spellbinding Miracles:

About 2 months ago, one of our members called us to request blessing for the sick for his wife. Usually, we try to get another member to do it, but he kept saying it needed to be us because our hands are holier than any other man's in Tamatave--not really how the priesthood works, but ya. So, we hobbled on over and gave a routine blessing; next day, we receive word that she was healed from a supposedly terminal disease that she contracted a few weeks before. The word spread like a bushfire that these 2 Mormon missionaries could do miracles similar to Jesus. Since that time, about 2 months ago, Elder Monson and I have done about 8 blessings for mostly members and members' friends. It's tough to try to delegate this work, partly due to our Branch 1st Counselor's encouragement for members to request blessings from us. We're trying to tell the active Melchizedek Priesthood holders that they can do the same things with their Priesthood, but they've been saying, "Oh, you're better at it."

Filoha Donne Soiree:

We had a dinner appointment with our Branch President's family. They own a successful aroma and massage therapy shop. He's a great Branch President because church always starts on time, instead of the usual 30 minutes late that happened in Antsirabe; hometeaching also actually happens, which is incredible, and he follows the church guidelines to the tee. During the soiree, I received an amazing / amazingly awkward massage from him. He kept telling me how tight and stressed I felt while I scowled, denying all his prying questions about the quality of the way I sleep. He said I should sleep on my back, never my side. Psh.

Anyways, I tried to convince their family that I am from a colony that lives under the ground with moles as pets. None of them believed me, of course, except for their 12 year-old, bucktoothed boy who had a priceless, jaw-dropped look on his face when I told him I didn't see the sun 'til I was 10. He laughed so hard when we said we were joking.

Malagasy Morsel of the Week - Mpampiesona:

This word means 'one who creates false hope.' I feel like this is the perfect word to describe the "prophets" that lead some of the churches down here in Mada. There's one church called 'Apokalipsy' that is literally "Just Dance"--according to Elder Monson; the prophet dances while the whole congregation follows. Then, he casts devils out of a few lucky people who have paid ample money to become worthy enough to stand near the prophet. The prophet has a fabulous, blue Rolls Royce-looking car. Man, this guy...

Stories for Next Week:

-Pillow Prayer

-Teaching Primary

Have a great week!

Elder Soper