I first fell in love with Africa while serving an LDS mission in 1994 to Mindelo, Cabo Verde, West Africa.

Me and Tuna

It was so great to serve the people of Mindelo, Cabo Verde.  They were full of joy even though they had so little.  

The little green things in front of them are snails.

Washing clothes in a cement basin with very little water

Being an LDS missionary, we taught our religion to those who were interested.  We spent time with church leaders teaching them how to go about the day to day functioning of a religious congregation, taught church classes and planned church activities.  We worked with the leadership as well as the youth and primary aged kids.  

Nadine

Cebel

Once a week we volunteered in the hospital with the babies.  Most of them were malnourished and did not have the care they needed.  We spent the entire time changing diapers, changing soiled sheets and providing them with a human touch they did not get otherwise.  Many of them did not make it past a few months.  We also taught English.  We held a class once a week for anyone who wanted to learn.  They did not have to be members of our church.  

Let's learn some English

Though it was many years ago, I will always have a great fondness for my time there.  The people were genuine and caring and loved to have fun.  They were full of music and dance and eager to learn anything new.  

They had a strong sense of family and welcomed us into their lives with smiles.

Some of the young women we worked with. 

beautiful girls

Sewing class with a group of young ladies. 

Making mud bricks

Mindelo, Cabo Verde