It has been another good week in Fianarantsoa. There isn't a lot to report, simply because missionary work doesn't really change a whole lot from day to day. We're always doing a lot, but as far as crazy or noteworthy things, they're a bit rare.

This week we will be going to Antsirabe for zone conference, so we will have a bit of traveling. Also, Elder Bednar came this week. I was very far away from where he was speaking, but it was still cool that he came here to Madagascar. The members were really excited and a whole group from our branch went to see him, including the branch president. The branch president got everything settled before hand, but I had to help lead everything on Sunday while he was gone. We were able to get a member to serve as first counselor, but he was only called last week so I had to help him. For all practical purposes I was leading our Sunday. It was a little nerve racking. Overall, it went well. 

We are working really hard here. There's a lot to do. We're starting to get into the summer which means rain, rain, and rain. It's also starting to get hot. Fianarantsoa is in the middle of the rainforest. The city itself has been mostly cleared out over time, but you don't have to go very far to remember where you really are - it is both beautiful and also very muggy and hot. 

The work is going well. It is difficult, but I love the people. I got a text message from someone who I found in Tana. He is getting baptized and wanted to say hi. I really appreciated that. I'll probably call him later today. I'm really enjoying working with my new companions Elder Snell and Elder Obioma. They're both super obedient and very diligent, which makes missionary work much more fun. Also, we're having a good time cooking together. Elder Obioma likes to cook. This week we made spaghetti and Philly cheesesteaks. Next week is enchiladas. They aren't that good, but we are enjoying trying things. We work so so hard in this place, there's just so much to do. Most of the time we're on member splits working in two different areas. 

The last thought that I'll leave you with today is this... make your discipleship less artificial. It's easy a missionary to get caught up in programs and schedules - using your time, but not actually being present when it comes down to teaching and helping. Although administering the gospel is important, it is temporal. Ultimately we (isika, in Malagasy there is 'we' exclusive and 'we' inclusive including the people you're talking to. Isika is inclusive.) Isika need to focus more on ministering and never get lost. As servants of Christ we must always remember that we are his body. We are his arms. We can never forget that discipleship. Ultimately it isn't a program, it's charity - the pure love of Christ. 

Have a great week,

Elder Ahlstrom