Blog

Thanksgiving was alive and well in Cotonou on December 1. The elders wanted it on their P-day so they would have longer to enjoy the meal. They take really seriously the missionary schedule and work when the schedule says work. It took a little preparation and determination on my part to make it happen, but… Continue reading A Real American Thanksgiving Dinner

The dry season is upon once again and hence the electricity will probably a little sporadic for the next few months. At least we can write a little on the blog as long as the battery lasts. I bought an African type moo-moo today for relaxing around the apartment and already am putting it to… Continue reading A Dark House on a Dark Street in a Dark City

Soeur Black and I have finally become celebrities here in Benin. Maybe not really celebrities but we did make the 8 o’clock news. Last Monday was the kickoff for the measles vaccination campaign in which we have been somewhat involved along with Elder and Sister Findlay. They prevailed upon us to go with them to… Continue reading The Measles Vaccination Campaign Kickoff

When Soeur Black made the cakes for the weddings a few weeks ago, the wife of Brother Lokossou, the first counselor in the branch presidency, was in China. She is a business woman and goes to China fairly often to buy goods, which she imports and resells in Africa. Lucy is not a member of… Continue reading A Good Week for Food

They say a change is as good as a rest so Elder Schweiger and Samutamu should be rested up by now as Monday was the big moving day to Akpakpa. They have been working hard enough that I am sure they are not rested but are simply charged up with enthusiasm to be working in… Continue reading The Big Moving Day to Akpakpa

The big news this week comes from your side of the ocean where Steve successfully defended his doctoral dissertation. We are proud of all of our children and their spouses and their accomplishments. Thanks for all of the hard work. It is amazing the things you can get into when serving a mission in Africa.… Continue reading Filming the Measles Campaign TV Spot

A big African hello to everyone! We really enjoy Monday evenings as we try to have a home evening with a member or investigator family. On Monday we went to the home of Gladys Anyaogu and her four children. (Her husband is in Nigeria most of the time and I can’t say his name much… Continue reading Welcome to Elders Fontaine, Olsen, and Skouson

In Africa it seems we just get past one crisis when another raises its head. This week it was the chapel. It started out with a demand from a judge that we pay the landlord a lot of money or he would lock up our building. In trying to dig to the bottom of the… Continue reading Construction Methods in Benin

Last Sunday, a little boy by the name of Regis did not want to go to Primary so we tried to coax him some and tried to convince him to go. We were not being very successful, and he was determined to win the battle. He looked us straight in the eye, bent his arm… Continue reading Leave Me Alone!

Last week Soeur Black and I were in a store in the downtown area rounding up things for the elders apartment. I was just standing there kind of watching people come and go while Soeur Black did the serious shopping. About that time a YOVO (white) lady came up and took a good look at… Continue reading Three Weddings and a Visit from President Ayekoue