Special days in Monrovia

We saw this scene as we walked on the dock after crossing the water on Eco Water Taxi. As you can see in the background, the skies were filled with Harmattan trade wind sands.

Building a new boat...

We had quite the time getting to Liberia this time.  The Harmattan sands blocked the airports in Monrovia and Freetown.  We spent one night at the Lungi Airport (found a couple nice couches in the VIP lounge... when we found out we were spending the night in the airport, we headed to the softest seats available)  The flight was supposed to go in the morning, but couldn't get out.  We went back to the mission home and tried it the next day.  Same thing, spent the night at the airport to catch a 3 a.m. check-in on a prop job straight to Monrovia...even it was 2 1/2 hours late getting in the air.  Finally got to Monrovia.  The same thing happened to Elder Holland, et al--- they came a day late after trying to get there the day before from Accra.  The Saints prayed for clearing skies so that our guests could land.  Late afternoon their flight arrived.

Young Women, Primary and Relief Society Presidents waiting for Sister Holland, Sister Snow, Sister Dickson and Sister Sitati for instruction in the Sinkor Chapel in Monrovia, Liberia. They came about 9 a.m and stayed the day waiting until 4 p.m. when all arrived.

Taken from the other side of the room.  All, men and women, waiting in the Sinkor Chapel applauded and cheered when the plane finally landed !!

After the meeting, Sister Holland gave them each a hug.  It was a wonderful occasion for them all.  During the Sisters Auxiliary Meeting, the Priesthood Leadership Training was going on.

Some of the Liberia Auxiliary Leaders...  It was a historic day.

While waiting for Elder Holland and Elder Snow to visit with them, the missionaries were happy meeting all the sisters.

Our four sister missionaries in Monrovia.  We will double that this week as we open a new apartment in the Bushrod Island Zone and do a border transfer of sister missionaries from Sierra Leone. First time to transport sisters on the rough jungle road to the border... :-)

Yay, Zimbabwe missionaries!

Some of the above pictures were while the missionaries were waiting for Elder Holland's meeting with them.  It was a great meeting and his message was all about serving an honorable mission and staying true after returning home.   The next day Elder Holland spoke at a special Monrovia District Conference where about 800 attended and a special Bushrod Island District conference with about 1000 attending.  More pics to come...