Testimony in Arabic, Baptism of Margaret & Visit from President Parrella

We had our first baptism. I was asked by Margaret Hone to baptize her, because according to her, I had the "power". She is a very sweet, young lady who is a refugee from South Sudan. Her parents have passed away and she is struggling to support herself. She takes English lessons from me and we were honored to be involved in her baptism and confirmation.
For our Friday fast and testimony meeting, I decided to bear my testimony in the Nile River Branch (Arabic speaking) in Arabic. I had practiced it, but as I started the congregation started laughing. I was not certain what they were laughing about, but Kathleen took the picture of Elder Parrella and Daud in back of me with their mouths open and looking amazed. Kathleen commented that this was why the laughing occurred because of their expressions. 

Then at the conclusion of my testimony the congregation clapped. I have never received an applause from my testimony. I am still not very good in Arabic, but will continue trying.

We were tasked to help Elder Parrella with his transportation here. They notified us on Wednesday and he arrived Thursday. It has worked out, but we had to scramble when they kept changing his itinerary. It was a pleasure to have him at our meetings Friday. He stayed for both branches and the baptism.
 


Here is Margaret Hone and I after here baptism. We use a plastic contraption in the back of the villa we use for church. 


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