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