Transfers and New Challenges!
Alright another transfer has come and gone! I think it is absolutely crazy! I think this next spot I might stay for a longer time, but who knows! I’ll jump into that in the email.
Sep 15th
Today was not too crazy of a day, we spent a lot of time with member visits and then we had to do a couple of administrative items that will help our current church group become a branch. We are looking forward to the growth and this happening. But other than that, a pretty normal day
Sep 16th
Today the transfer board dropped…. by accident... let me explain. When President Tandoh is making the new transfer board, (this is the board that tells where all the missionaries are currently and will be transferred to on transfer day) I say “board” and it is a board, but it also is in our area books which are digital and can be seen by all the missionaries. He usually does that in private. However, because he is new and still learning he did not realize that as he made the changes, we could all see them or at least the missionaries that were looking at the area books at the time. And so, before the transfer assignments were scheduled to be announced…. The cat was out of the bag! Next thing I know I look at our missionary chat, and I see a message that says, “Wait, is Elder Frasier the new AP? (Assistant to the President)” So, not exactly how most people find out about their transfers or that they are the new AP. But nothing about Ethiopia is normal. 😊 Being the new AP, I will now be in the office fulltime and that means being at church HQ Ethiopia which is in Megenagna. The responsibility just went through the roof and I’m ready for the challenge! Any RM’s out there that have any advice on how to be a great AP and serve President Tandoh? Please send advice my way.
Sep 17th
Today I spent a lot of time saying my "goodbyes" and saying "chow" to members and packing to move to the office. I am going to miss the members and friends I made here.
Sep 18th
Jumped straight into the fire and switched sim cards with the former AP. I then helped my new companion, Elder Van who is from Las Vegas (kind of surprised I have an American companion, I won't lie, lol) but its chill. After I arrived and completed all the mission office work we went to my new apartment, and I worked on settling in and getting unpacked.
Sep 19th
Lots of member visits and getting to know people and overall getting used to the new branch! This branch is awesome and has lots of amazing people! Also, we have sports at Megenagna which is amazing! The church has a big compound here and this is the area that the church is the largest in Ethiopia with a real church building. I felt for the first time since I arrived like I am in a congregation like back home. I love that feeling!
Sep 20th
Sunday! First Sunday in my new Area. The first Sunday in a new area is always good, we usually get between 80-100 people to church every week which is really a big change from what I am used to here in Ethiopia hahahah. However, the biggest difference is what happens to a church unit when you have a large amount attending. I could see unity and organization. I started feeling like I was at home. One thing that has not changed is …. I am still the piano player, and I was told that I’ll be helping in the upcoming primary program. Shout out to Natalie Campbell for helping me and not giving up on me with my lessons. GOD GIVES US TALENTS!!! USE THEM!!! that’s for all the missionaries and people back at home. My Mom is dying I am sure, because I told her not to tell anyone I even played when I left because I was NOT going to play on my mission. I have learned what the saying “Never, say never” means and to use what talents and things I worked hard to learn as a youth for the good of others. Serving others is what a mission is all about after all.
See Below some pictures of the Church and Compound in Addis Ababa.
Sep 21
P-day! Today was pretty chill! We will probably head down to the chapel and play some pickle ball, and some frisbee with the other Elders! We will see what’s up! And Elder Van and I want to start doing p- day pros, it’s not really common in this mission. We want to make it a thing. But after we will chill 🤣🤣. One other perk of this assignment in the mission is I have access to a real computer. So, I do not have to type my emails on my phone. That is HUGE!
Welp that’s about it for the week! Overall, just shocked that I keep moving lol, this is my 7th area in a year and 1 month. The longest time I have been in any place was 3 months, and that was only one transfer. But the other transfers and moves neither I nor the church had much control over those situations. Just know that overall, it’s good! Just hanging out! Loving you all and loving Ethiopia!
Don't do anything crazy!
Love you guys!
- Elder Frasier
