Mother and Son Reunited After 16 Years!

Elder Bouthot’s mother from Burkina Faso.

It felt like one of those TV human interest stories at the MTC today. You know the ones, where long lost relatives are able to see each other for the first time in years.

Elder Bouthot arrived at the Ghana MTC from Montreal Canada last week. In our first interview he told me that his parents separated when he was two years old. He and his father lived in Montreal Canada and his mother lived in her homeland of Burkina Faso. He has not had the opportunity to see his mother during the ensuing 16 years.

He felt a strong yearning to become reacquainted with his mother. He counseled with his bishop about the possibility of traveling to Burkina Faso before departing on his mission. His Bishop suggested that now is the time to serve his mission and "just maybe" he might meet up with his mother on his mission. "One never knows"

When his mission call arrived, he was called to train at the Ghana MTC before continuing on to serve his mission in the Republic of Congo. Burkina Faso borders the northern edge of Ghana. 

We discussed how we could make this reacquaintance happen. Elder Bouthot had done some groundwork and knew how to reach her through another family member living in Burkina Faso.

Two days ago she and her son-in law traveled by bus for 5 hours from her traditional hometown of Gorom-Gorom to arrive at the Capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. Where she boarded an overnight bus to Accra, Ghana. This morning we were able to help her catch a taxi and get a ride to the MTC in Tema. 

They had a joyous reunion and spent the day in my office getting reacquainted. Elder Bouthot speaks French, which is the language of commerce in Burkina Faso. His mother's first language is Mossi, one of 8 languages spoken there. Her French was good enough that they were slowly able to carry on a conversation, and he was able to ask questions that he had had for a long time. He and she were all smiles.

When the time came we were able to find a reasonably priced hotel where they are spending the night. Tomorrow, when we go to Accra, to the temple, we will drop them off at the bus terminal for the return trip home.

Tonight Elder Bouthot said, "This may be the best day of my life". 

Preach My Gospel says "On earth, family associations can be the source of some of our greatest joy"

A gift to Elder Bouthot from his mother

A few facts about Burkina Faso

There approximately 19,000,000 inhabitants in Burkina Faso.

60% are Muslim 30% Christian 7% Animist/traditional

In 2013 there were 6 members of the LDS faith listed as living in Burkina Faso

We currently have no missionaries in BF.

Elder Berthot's mother is from a town in the north of Burkina Faso - Gorom Gorom

Gorom Gorom means sit down, we'll sit down in the Mossi language. Because of it's location in the north of the country on the edge of the Sahara desert it is a cultural crossroads and at the big Thursday market there are Tuaregs from Mali, Poels who herd animals all across the southern Sahara and many other cultures.

Gorom Gorom 'mud' mosque

Tuareg women weave coins and silver into their hair, while the Tuareg men wear turbins