Date
February 3, 2020
Area
Lakota, Cote d'Ivoire
Companion
Elder Fabian Solofoharimanana
Abidjan and a son
Salut tout le monde,
Well I guess that you can all say I told you so because yes, the time has come that I am leaving Lakota, And yes I am very sad to be leaving! This place has become a home away from home and now I will be leaving behind another home. I will be honest, Sunday was a little rough; and the goodbyes were not fun. Also, I am sad to be leaving right before the baptism of Fr. Enoch and Sr. Crystal. There were two of our amis and i actually taught them. Our previous amis that got baptized were mostly taught by Elder Bohn. I just tried to contribute to our lessons in any small way i could. I am so happy for them. However, I know that I am going where the Lord has need of me.
So I am headed to Abidjan, Zone of Neangon Centre, Coprim Ward. You can see where our ward building is on LDS tools. I have never heard of that ward or been anywhere near it; but I am excited for the opportunity to serve there. Oh and the other fantastic news, is that when President Lewis called me, he said "I don't know who your new companion is, because he is still in the mtc."
So yes folks that does mean that I am training, I will now have a son! I am really honored and grateful for the opportunity to train a new missionary, but I am a little shaken up at the same time. I am now fully responsible for everything we do AND I have to teach him French! President told me that i will most likely be working with a new American, but its not for sure. Pray for me please but also get ready for some very entertaining emails to come in the near future. We are the only missionaries in our sector so it will be challenging to figure out where everything is and meet all the members. Life is going to be a little crazy for a while.
Other then that I am doing great and life is good out here. I will miss the calm village life that I have become so accustomed too. I know that going to Abidjan and living there is gonna be an adjustment; but what would the mission be if I wasn't uncomfortable! I am just going to try and take each day one at a time and try and have some fun with my new companion.
So I won't find out who my new comp is until Tuesday evening. So next week I will have lots of details about him, and his background. Hope he likes to eat Foutou!
I am very honored that the Lord trusts in me to do this huge task and I know that I can do it with his help. I am excited to take on this new role and just hit the ground running with my Comp! Like I said though, prayers would be much appreciated!
I hope all is well with you all and that you have a great week! I will keep you all up to date on my new situation once I have some details for you! Love you all, see you in 17 months!
Avec Amour,
-Elder Knoll
Pictures:
1-2: Final exploration with Solofo and Fr Enoch. Fr Enoch will be getting baptized next week.
3: We went to visit the first branch president in the Lakota Branch. His house was awesome and even had A/C.
4-5: Saying good bye to my Branch Family was tough. I have grown to love them all so much. It makes me sad that i may never see these people again.
6-7: Family M'broh have been so great to me and I will miss them so much.
8: Fr Daniel is the brother who made my custom shirts, ties and scripture covers
9: Fr Bada. I cannot even explain how much this guy has done for me. He showed us around, translated for us, introduced us to people. he is truly amazing. Everyone would be lucky to have a friend like Fr. Bada.
10: A small friend in my house. I will miss Lakota!