Tight and Hamidah

Two of our very favorite and future missionaries in our Branch are brothers –literally, Bros. Yasin and Ismail.  They have also been Muslim their whole lives till this year.  

Bro. Yasin’s sister was baptized 8 years ago in Kampala and it was through her example that her brothers were baptized here in Masaka.  Our missionaries have been visiting the family and teaching Yasin and Ismail’s parents, Tight and Hamidah and other family members for a few months now. 

In November, Elder Crayk and I were invited to their home, and we were asked to come with the missionaries.  With anticipation and a little unsure of Muslim traditions, we followed the missionary’s examples.  (There were a few traditions we followed)

They own a small house, with a couple of rooms, and Hamidah still does all the cooking outside on coal and wood fires.  Whether traditions, culture, or religion . . . Tight is the head of the house, and is highly respected both at home and in the community.  They were all very excited and gracious that we were there.  Tight instructed all of us where to sit, asking me to sit across from him, then he asked me to say the prayer.  Luganda is their native tongue, so Yasin and Ismail translated everything that was said.  

I felt the spirit so strongly, and after I finished the prayer, I looked up, and became a bit startled!  I just stared at Tight and started to cry!  You know the kind of tears that you can camouflage for a while until you’re caught?

It was as if I was watching my Dad, or at least the structure and mannerisms’ of my Dad.   He sat and held himself in his chair, with his legs crossed, and hands held exactly the same way.  He moved and had many of the same expressions my Dad did. 

I lost my Dad in February, and so my tears were of joy.  Just staring at him made me happy; I felt it was a special, extra blessing from Heavenly Father. . . Well, Tight felt so bad that his appearance had upset me, I had to explain (through Yasin) that I was crying because he had made me happy to see my Dad’s “style” again (and it also gave us a chance to talk about eternal families)    Soon, he understood and we were hugging.   He also committed to baptism that night; Hamidah had already committed but wouldn't be baptized until Tight did.

We are now waiting for the right time.  The Muslim community is very strong here, and we have to move slowly.  On Christmas Eve, Ismail baptized his little sister Ryhana; she was confirmed on Christmas Day. 

We have visited many times since, and the spirit of the Lord is always so strong.  Tight has graciously asked me to call him my “Father in Uganda” . . . which I do, and with great honor.

I am still working on getting a picture of Tight!

Nsenene . . . Never say never!

As I was preparing for our mission, I spent a few hours researching Uganda, their culture, traditions, etc. . . .

There “ain’t” nothing like it, it’s colorful to say the least. 

One of their prized resources is Nsenene – Grasshoppers!  They “arrive” twice a year and it is a celebration. 

In the end of October first of November we lost all our power for 8 days.  One night we decided that we were tired of sitting in the dark and decided to go for a ride into town.  Upon entering Masaka it looked like we were in the middle of Yankee Stadium!  All around were areas set up with huge 50 gallon barrels with a 2’ x 10’ piece of silver roofing sticking out of each barrel.  Big bright lights were strung all around which attracted the clouds of Nsenene, who (probably blinded by the light) flew into the lit areas, hit the silver roofing planks, slid down them and were caught in the barrels.  We are still suspect that the grasshopper business shut down the town for 8 days! 

Of course all of us Muzugos were fascinated by this astonishing occurrence and the fact that this was a source of their food,  but we all exchanged the “no way am I going to eat those disgusting bugs.”   

For a couple of months now, they have been everywhere.  Our church is downtown Masaka and we have an open hallway to our classes, so the walls have Nsenene on them, which becomes the natural play thing and entertainment in Sacrament for the children.  I can’t tell you how many grasshopper legs, wings, and antennas I sweep up each week! 

Keith and I took a Christmas gift to our member friends on Christmas Eve, and they had prepared Nsenene for us!!!  Remember, this is expensive to most Ugandans’ and so, for them to buy it and make it for us . . . well, what do you do? 

Never say never, so yes, Keith and I did partake.   Bravely, I even chewed!!!  They were fried; the grasshoppers make their own oil, so it reminded me of a stale chewy potato chip.  Oh Yuk, but now I can say I did it!  Never again!!!!!!  Oh wait, Never Say Never!

Merry Christmas, with love to you all!

December 2011

The Birth of Jesus Christ was the most notable and prophesied event in the history of the world.  As our hearts turn each December to celebrating the birth of the Holy Son of God, we can give greater thanks that we can celebrate here in Uganda, Africa as missionaries called to proclaim His gospel and doctrine.

Dear Family and Friends,

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with love, family, and lots of happy new memories!  

The field is ripe here in Uganda and we are privileged to be serving at this time.  We are having kaleidoscope experiences each and every day, mixed with great love to and from the members here in Masaka.  As Elder Crayk has been told a number of times, “things move slowly here in Uganda . . . it comes in bits and pieces.”  Well, everything but the gospel, it’s spreading like wild fire!  We have Five Elder missionaries and five young members preparing to serve missions so they are learning and “moving” with the Elders.  Together we are building this Branch, limb by limb. 

We send our love, and best wishes that each of you will have a wonderful Christmas and we pray that as the image of the Christ Child,  receiving gifts from the Wise Men flows into our minds this Christmas season, let us shake off despair, and have hope in the gift of Eternal Life that the Savior brought to us with his birth and life.

Merry Christmas, Love to you all,   The Crayk’s in Africa – Elder and Sister