Walstons in Egypt 2024-2026

  We had a priesthood leadership council training meeting on November 22, 2025 that was led by Elder Bednar and our Area Presidency, Elder Perkins, Parrella, and Back. They are pictured in the back of our villa where we hold church in Cairo. Elder Whipple and I had a lot to accomplish to prepare for the training. He coordinated all of the travel and I the work preparing the facility and food. It all worked well and we were spiritually fed. I was impressed with Elder Bednar's presentations and the practicality of what he taught. He requested that we not try to keep detailed minutes but to seek for impressions of the spirit and write these down. Much of the meeting was question and answer. I actually made a couple of comments in the meetings, which might be unusual for me in such settings.  Here is a larger view of our chapel and Elder Bednar. After the training meetings Elder Bednar visited the Gran Imam of Egypt. When he finished we met him at the Magdi Yacoub Hospital where w...

We had an light lunch after our meetings on November 7th for the 11 new members, who were baptized the week before. Unfortunately, about half were not there. Most had to work. This is the back of the building where we hold our church meetings. It is rented, as the church cannot own property in Egypt yet. The church has rented this building for over 30 years.  On the way back to our apartment our branch president, Madut Bol, and clerk, Faragella, passed us on this bicycle. I thought it was appropriate. Both are South Sudanese refugees, although Faragella was born in Cairo. Madut is only 27 years old and has been here for 9 years. Both are wonderful to work with. I am Madut's first counselor now. There are many bugs and flies in Egypt. This is one that stung me while I was working out this past week. The flies are mostly annoying and with all of the animal feces on the ground, I am always thinking where they have been before they land on me.  We did a few activities with Daud Ha...