"Must" moments

 Bonjour tout le monde! Well, it's been an exciting couple of weeks here in the Congo! There was an election that shook things up so that's why I wasn't really able to say a lot last week!

We had a lot of good lessons with nos amis this week! We have a lot of people the Lord has provided for our care! We will be having some baptisms here in the next coming weeks so that will be amazing to witness some of our dear friends partake in that joy!

The Language is coming petit à petit! It's definitely already been a humbling experience but I have seen and have been supported by the hand of the Lord here. Every time I get called "cheenwa" or speak in gibberish instead of French (both of which have happened many times), I have had a sacred learning experience or revelation from God with my friends here!

As always you have my compassion and love! I hope you each have a fantastic day every day! If you are in a "must" moment keep pushing forward. The Lord has provided the way to conquer those tough moments in life! Jesus Christ; His Atonement, and His teachings, His Gospel is the way!!

Till next time, à bientôt et je t'aime! --- Elder Habel

1) "Bébé foot" ou Foosball au zoo!

2, 4, 5) Le zoo

3, 6, 7) Casino is a super nice supermarché where we got pizza!

Sporting that No Tie Style

 

Something out of Nothing

 Bonjour dès L'Afrique mes amis et ma famille! J'espère vous tous eu de très bonnes semaines! 

This week was really cool and exhausting mentally! My French is not the best so not being able to be understood or comprehend most conversations has been interesting. However, the week was good despite my incapabilities! The people here are truly willing to let God prevail in their lives! People come up to us and ask for our information instead of the other way around! It really is the work of God!

As for adventures, I'll keep it to one experience which I think at least is cool and funny! So earlier in the week we went to go get pictures for Elder Konan (my new companion) at this boutique. This was Elder Huff's and my first day out in the sector really so our French (or at least mine) was terrible. So while we were waiting for Elder Konan this dude walked up to us and asked us what church we belong to and something about prayer (as I pieced together). I started to respond with our beliefs about prayer and "nous sommes missionaries pour..." All I got back was a confused smile. Apparently, he had asked about where our church was not about prayer at all. Funny! Elder Konan started talking to him and was able to salvage the conversation! He set up an appointment with us for later in the week. Well after a couple of days it was time for us to go visit the man! The cool part was I was able to ask him a question and he responded without a moment's hesitation! I was also able to teach him that God is our loving Heavenly Father! Goes to show God can make something out of nothing! The Gift of Tongues est vraie!

Well, I hope each of you has a wonderful week and know God loves you individually! 

Love, Elder Habel 

Sunset in Brazza

Elder Konan, Elder Huff and Elder Misaka

Some really good chocolate candy

3 Continents in 2 Days; an Epic Journey

Bonjour ma famillee et mes amis!  

I hope each of you had a very fantastic week full of adventures, good laughs, and smiles! As you might have heard I had the blessing to go to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo this week!

Sadly, that also means I had to say goodbye to everyone I could in Liberty! Truly the Lord has governed where I have been for a reason. The people of Liberty prepared me with their love and encouragement! They have more than helped me become the missionary I needed to be to be ready for the Congo!

 

  

  

To the trio, the Bois, the Campbells (outside of Salt Grass Steakhouse), the Tremls, Elder La, Elder Probasco, Elder Owens, Elder Decker, Elder Miller, Lidiya, the Arnolds, the Pynes, and President and Sister Ames...thank you for everything! Love, Elder Habel's mom

The flight over here was full of good times, slow times, and some pretty fun adventures! After flying to Atlanta (which is a fat airport I would like to say. It's a miracle I didn't get lost) Elder Olsen and I met up with the other Elders who would fly with us to Paris and on to Brazzaville. Nine of us flew together, myself and Elders Fuller, Olsen, Ah Loe, Neilsen, Rodriguez, Huff, Parry, and Lucas! We had a lot of fun going through customs, flying together, and just hanging out along the way! We arrived in Brazzaville at 11pm Brazza time after flying through Atlanta, Paris, and Kinshasa. We were all super tired and just wanted to go to sleep. President Magre dropped us off at an apartment where we would spend the weekend with Elder Mayenga and Elder Mvoula who are doing their "home MTC". They were super nice in taking care of us and they have been treating us super well! The best part has been the franglais charades that we use to communicate! I love the Congo so much! The people here have been kind and welcoming! It's been very warm and humid but I don't mind that at all. The apartment and food have been good as well! 

A snack of peanut butter baguettes and hot chocolate 

                Passion fruit juice

                                Dinner; Fu fu, fish, and these weird fruits that tasted like spicy guacamole. 

My favorite memories here so far have been the people for sure! We had an adventure going through the Market to get food! I had a lot of fun and laughs using the French I know...which means I said "Bonjour" a lot! Walking around with a smile through the bustling and vibrant market is a memory I will always cherish. The best was talking with some little kids, making them laugh and playing rock paper scissors with them!

Another cool experience was doing the Sacrament in French and English! Elder Mayenga and Elder Mvoula are learning English for their mission to Ghana so hence the franglais charades and doing the Sacrament in both languages! We sang songs and did the Sacrament in French which was super powerful and humbling. Probably one of the most joyous spiritual experiences I've ever had. 

Overall, I am extremely grateful for each person I have been able to show charity to and each of you who have shown the same charity to me. I love the people here. The people who I love in Liberty inspire me to give my all for these people. I love them. I will do all I can for them to receive the Kingdom of God. I'll even learn french for them haha!

Know each of you has profoundly touched my life with your kindness and charity. May we strive to love with the pure love of Christ! 

Charity changes lives.

I know your charity has already changed mine :)!

Love, Elder Habel 

(PS: I love receiving responses! I'm going to strive my best to respond back!)