Small in Numbers!

Decrmber 28, 2015

Sunday was very interesting.   From December 10-January 9, it is considered "The Festive Time".   (no mention of Christmas---ever).   No one even says "Merry Christmas" as a greeting to friends or in a store.  

Anyway, Sunday we went to our largest and strongest branch.    When we arrived, the second counselor announced that he was the only member of the branch presidency that was in town.   The entire Primary presidency was not in attendance and none of the RS presidency.   

We brought a member to church with us...so there were 3 of us.   Several more people came and 1 family that we rarely see was there.   The member of the branch presidency that was in town had his wife and daughter as the speakers for the day so we did have a program.  

After Sacrament meeting, one of the families went home.  Then there were 4 women left.    They asked one lady to teach Young Women (there was 1 Young woman there), they asked another lady to teach the 2 primary children (no manual or supplies) and they asked me to teach R.S. (there was one other sister in RS besides me).   So that is how it went!

Good thing the church is true and can work anywhere in the world.

Love,

Sandy

Everyday Life and Not So Everyday Road Trip

I thought I would share a few pics that are typical of everyday life in our area.

Are you in a hurry?    I hope not.    Because in South Africa, cows take precedence over cars on ANY road..whether it is a neighborhood road or one of the main interstates in the country.    There don't seem to be any "official" pastures here.   Each morning the "herder" takes his cows anywhere he pleases.   They wander through towns eating grass in yards, along ditches or even eating gardens if the owners do not have a fence.   Each day they walk to a new location, which is often along the side of a major road. Cows are literally eating a few inches from cars whizzing by at 60 mph.  Sometimes, you see the herder fairly close by keeping an eye on them.   But other times there is no one in sight.   We have been told, that herders often take a nap in the shade while the cattle graze--of course, there are no fences so the cattle meander out on to the road.    We were trying to get to church on time.

Cattle are a sign of wealth in South Africa.  I will write more about that later.








This colorful creature loves our front porch and our driveway.   Elder Todd finally got a picture of him.







When we stopped for gas at our neighborhood petrol station, I happened to glance at the vehicle next to us.    It was a white pickup truck that is very popular here for families and businesses.    They have every size and configuration of pickups that you can imagine.   It looked like this one had live chickens.  Sure enough, I jumped out and asked the driver what he was carrying.  He informed me he had 300-350 chickens he was taking to a town 3 hours away, in hopes of selling them.     To fit 300 chickens in this truck, he must have 5 layers of birds stacked on top of each other on boards.    They were PACKED tightly and it was such a hot day.

Lesotho--Country Within Another Country

On December 14-18, we had the opportunity to travel to Lesotho.   It is an independent country completely surrounded by South Africa.   We heard that it is the only country contained inside another country.   It is also a part of our mission, but it is an 9 hour drive from us.   (We are only allowed to travel within our mission boundaries.)  When the opportunity came to travel there, we jumped at the chance.  Four senior couples (Snells, Rowberrys, Stevensons and Todds) met at the Avani Hotel in Maseru, the capitol.   We joined up with Elder and Sister Chandler, who are the only senior couple living in Maseru.  

Lesotho has its own language, currency, housing and clothing styles.   We found the country fascinating and the culture different.   We were busy seeing everything we could from early morning until late at night.

The first day we hiked up a very steep mountain to a plateau that overlooks the countryside.   This was the place where the king built his home and a small village in the early 1800's.   An Irishman came and showed them how to build homes out of stones.   How did one Irishman find his way to this remote area so long ago? 

Elder Todd and I looking out from the window of the king's house that has been restored.....very humble home for a king.

View from the mountain top.   The hats worn in Lesotho are shaped like this mountain.  Very unique.

  Lesotho has very few addresses, even fewer sign along the highway, and even our GPS would not work.    So each day was a true adventure.   The roads are narrow and twist and turn.     The second day was a highlight.   We drove 1 1/2 hours (a supposed short cut over a dirt road which consisted of one pothole or ditch after another).   But the destination was worth it.   

We arrived at a Weaving Shop in a remote area.   Elder and Sister Chandler (senior couple living in Lesotho) had developed a special relationship with the women working here.   They are encouraging them in their business, their personal lives and their love for Jesus Christ.   They asked these ladies to weave a picture of the nativity for them, but they did not know what that meant.   Sister Chandler found a picture online of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus and printed it out.    Then they took it to someone who could enlarge it.   Last, they found an artist who could sketch the outline on large paper for the weaver's to copy.   Then these talented women made tapestry for each couple (to purchase).   I was not going to purchase one, but seeing them weaving my own nativity and getting to know the lady who was doing it made this tapestry feel so special.    The Chandlers had arranged for us to bring food for each lady and a Book of Mormon gift wrapped.   They had visited these ladies several times and taken pictures of them working.   They presented the enlarged photos to each lady.    Elder Chandler showed them how they could hang them up in their shop.   The ladies wept.   They were so appreciative of the time, attention and acclaim they were receiving. 
  
Suddenly, they stood up and started dancing and chanting.   We joined them.   This went on for quite a while and we shared a loving feeling between 2 cultures. 

One of our weavers carding and combing the goats hair.   All their weaving is with goat's hair.   Most of the day the women sit on the floor on a bag of maize as they work.   Her spinning wheel is on the right. 

We didn't notice at first, but the walls of the workshop are all made from pop cans.   They are held in place with one single wire running down the middle of every can.   Both the exterior and interior walls are constructed this way.

Up close view of the pop can wall. 

This is my nativity wall hanging and the wonderful lady who made it.   I can hardly wait to hang it up next Christmas.   What memories it has!!

As we drove home we saw this young man walking up the mountain...it was going to be a very long, difficult, hot walk.   We stopped so we could take his picture and each couple gave him a generous tip.    As we were walking away, he said, "Do you have any food?"   We didn't have much in our cars, but we gave him every single morsel of food we had.  Notice the blanket he is wearing--it is at least 90 degrees F. 

Day Two found us on another adventure.    The drive was just as long and twisty and bumpy.   Eventually, we came close to our destination but our car could not navigate the roads.   The Chandlers drive a truck in Lesotho so they were OK.   But Elder Todd and I parked our car, paid someone to watch our car,  and caught a ride with a man in a truck who was heading our way!  (This truck was packed with goods and passengers.)  Finally we arrived!  We rented horses and a guide (who was missing most of the time) to take us up the mountain to the waterfalls.   It was an 1 1/2 hour ride each way.   Beautiful scenery, gorgeous (but thin) horses!   I loved it because my horse had to be out in front all the time.  

 

People live way up in the mountains.   We rode horses, but many of the locals walked and carried water, large sacks of maize and flour, etc., for long distances.  To get to a store was a LONG walk or ride.
















We stopped to chat while a herd of sheep crossed our path. 

Sister Snell, a senior missionary from England, was terrified of horses.   She wanted to stay behind while we rode.   But we gathered and prayed fervently that she would be able to conquer her fears.   Although she was still scared to death, we found a guide who helped her mount the horse and then walked and guided the horse the entire trip---over 3 hours.   This guide was a girl in her twenties who worked here to support her family.  Afterwards, she had a long walk home each night.  We all clapped and cheered when Sister Snell completed the ride!   What a trooper!

See that trickle of water in the background?    That is the waterfall we came to see..... they are in a drought so this is the extent of it!

Even though the waterfall was small, we were not disappointed at all.   The "joy was in the journey".   We all made it!  And suddenly 3 guides appeared in time for pictures....where had they been for the past hours?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People in Lesotho dress differently than in South Africa.   They usually wear a heavy blanket wrapped around their shoulders (it was hot.....I am wearing short sleeves which means it is over 80 degrees F.) He is also wearing a ski cap which is typical even in the summer.   I don't know if you can tell from this picture, but the second horse was so very thin.  That is his pack horse.  We passed this man on the trail. 

 

The third day found us traveling to a dam.   The Chandlers had made arrangements online for a boat ride.   Again, we spent at least an extra hour driving to find the location.   Sister Chandler called our tour company and they said we were almost there.   Soon. we arrived at a large building but we were informed it was the Maintenance/Office building for the dam...and not the location for a boat trip.   We continued to drive around and finally called the tour company again.     They told us to drive to a lodge and wait for them.   We struggled to find the "lodge" but succeeded.   It was a large building with 3 annexes that could sleep a huge group, but it was deserted except for us.   After 20 minutes, our tour guide arrived and said, "Follow me."   We headed outside and jumped in our cars but the guide was no where to be seen!    We slowly circled the area and then went out on the main road.   We guessed which direction to go and started driving.    Where in the world could our guide be????    They must have noticed we were not behind them.  Sister Chandler threw up her hands and said, "Let's go home."  However, we continued  for quite a ways more, when we saw their car behind us.    We had missed a turn (no one showed us or mentioned a turn.)  So we turned around and followed them.  

Eventually we arrived at the dam.   The reservoir was very. very low.   The boat launch and buildings were way above the water.   We had to walk down to a makeshift area to climb in the boat.    Although there was not much to see or do, we coerced the one other Lesotho couple on the boat to join us as we taught them American songs (Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Three Blind Mice and Mary Had a Little Lamb) and they tried their best to teach us their national anthem.  We would not recommend this excursion to anyone, but we still had fun. 

These are the most dedicated, hard working and fun couples you can find.   We hated to see our last day end.   The Chandlers were incredible "hosts".   Each night we returned to a yummy crockpot dinner with all of the extras.   Each day for lunch, they provided a delicious picnic.   They shared with us an inspirational power point presentation they made for Christmas.  It left us reflecting again on the Savior, his birth, his mission and what he means for each of us.  

Each night after dinner and visiting we went back to our hotel and played games until late.   We tried to get the Chandlers to join us but they preferred to stay home and collapse, after all the cooking and touring.   

Early Friday morning, December 18, we headed home.   We felt so blessed to see this country and share it with 4 wonderful couples.  

The Best Feeling! Surprise!

Decembere 24, 2015

Greetings to our Wonderful Friends and family,

We (mostly me, but Elder Todd helped with the dishes..and there were many) decided to make cookies and candy and take them around to people we love.   I ended up being very creative with substitutions for candy making.      I actually went online and "googled"  to find how to make Karo Syrup and caramel  and many other things.   The candy didn't taste the same, but it was close enough.  We also made sugar cookies and frosted dozens and dozens.    Now I know why most people don't bake or make candy for Christmas in South Africa---it is too hot to have your oven on!!!!!   Our landlady thought I was crazy, but I was determined to deliver Christmas goodies.   Of course, I was sampling the goodies and eating more than my share.  

Many of the people are not used to super sweet things like fudge, truffles,etc., so I wasn't sure if they would like it.   However, they all smacked their lips and asked me to bring them more (not until the weather is much cooler).    We loved visiting with people and sharing a Christmas message.   We were able to share several Christmas videos and felt the true meaning of Christmas. 

I imagine that all of you are very hustling and bustling with all the Christmas preparations.  We are striving to help people focus on our Savior Jesus Christ.   It has been interesting to experience the "Spirit of Christmas" in South Africa.   The feeling is very different here.    Very few homes (even with small children) have a Christmas tree or any decorations.     Those that have trees, have 3 foot trees.   The emphasis is on big parties with lots of food and lots of drinking.   People are planning  braiis (bar-b-ques) and going to the beach (remember it has been over 100 degrees and very humid).   Many people return to the "land of their birth" for the "festive season" as it is called here.    We have seldom heard the word "Christmas" by anyone.   In fact, families often send their children to a relative in another city for the festive season if there is not enough money for the entire family to travel. 

Church attendance has been way down!   If people do not go out of town, they stay at home and take a "holiday" from church, work, obligations etc.   Last Sunday, Elder Todd and I were asked to give the sermons at church.    There were only15 people, including us.  It was empty.   We were wondering if it was because they heard we were speaking (ha) but then we remembered that we had only been asked to speak the night before--so no one knew we were the program. 

THE BEST FEELING

No matter where you live, or what time of year, the best feeling comes from focusing on other people.   We have been so blessed to be able to do that!!!!!    We hope we have been able to brighten lives, lift burdens and share the joy of Jesus Christ.   But WE have been blessed as well.  It is hard to describe the feeling of gratitude that washes over me several times each day.   I will briefly share what happened one day.   (It is so hard for me to be brief because I want to share every detail of our work here.)

Elder Todd and I were driving to Enselini to visit the Alvanas.   They do not consider it a "visit" unless you stay AT LEAST one and a half hours.    If you pop in for 10 minutes, they do NOT feel that you visited them.   We had many things we felt we needed to do that Friday and we said to ourselves, "We will NOT stay more than one hour."   However, as we sat outside talking, it seemed like this family was our own family!   We enjoyed hearing every detail of the past week.   We sat and discussed random things. We also showed 4 short videos and they loved them.  So we showed the same ones again.    I looked at my watch a few times and ignored what I saw.   Finally, after 2 1/2 hours they said, "You probably need to go see someone else."   We were so HAPPY we had stayed and given our full time and attention to this wonderful family.

We left and drove back to town to visit a part member family, Freddy and Asha.   We had the exact same experience here.....2 1/2 hours of heart- felt visiting.  They have many issues that they repeat over and over and over.   But we did not feel impatient.   we listened carefully.   We showed a few videos here also.   They have 6 grown children that live nearby but they are still "lonely" and hungry for inspirational messages.  

We headed for home, realizing we had not accomplished much on our "To-Do" list.  Yet, we felt so filled with happiness!   Then we had a thought to go visit Bongi, who just finished all his cancer treatments.   His wife just joined, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but he is not interested.    He was semi-interested in letting us stop by, but agreed to let us come for only a few minutes.    Well, he shared so many of his feelings and struggles.   His wife had been feeling overwhelmed with the financial/emotional burdens of cancer.    As we prayed together, shared their burdens and shared a thought, we all felt peaceful.   They had us stay for over an hour. 

When we finally left, we felt exhausted and exhilarated for the friendships we have made here.   There is no better feeling!

SURPRISE.....but more than one person was surprised.  

The following Saturday we attended a surprise party for Bongi.    Because it was a surprise, we felt we needed to be on time.  We left a practice for a Christmas program early, and drove to the party at 5:00 as instructed.    We were the ONLY ones there and we didn't dare go up to their apartment and ruin the surprise.   At 5:30 one other person arrives.   At 7:00 others arrive.   There is a pool for this apartment complex and we are sitting around the pool waiting for the guest of honor.  At about 8:00 the party begins.  At 8:45, Elder Todd stands up and is talking to some people.   He takes a step backwards, and falls backwards into the swimming pool!    He is fully dressed in his suit pants, white shirt, tie, dress shoes, etc.   I see a big splash and realize my companion is thrashing about in the pool!   It would have been no big deal, except he twisted his knee as he fell.   He has been limping and in pain for the past 6 days.   He is putting ice on  it when he can.   

But maybe even worse, is his iphone was ruined.    We have had the iphone for 5 months and it makes our work so much easier---texting is much easier and we can hear better on the phone.     We even took it to a repair shop in Durban when we went for our mission party.
 Oh well!    The challenges of modern technology.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE MISSION

Another way to feel the Christmas spirit is to join with 110 young missionaries, 6 senior couples and our mission president and his wife.

All of the missionaries within a 4 hour drive came to Durban for a Christmas Party hosted by our mission president.     They repeated this party on the other side of the mission for the 30 missionaries and senior couples that live 5-11 hours away.   Each missionary zone sang a Christmas carol and presented a Christmas message.   President Zachrison shared powerful insights on the Savior, we had a catered meal (Yipee!   No cooking and no dishes!!!).    The spirit filled the room.   What a treat to see these 18-21 year old boys/men sacrificing so much to share the message of Jesus Christ.    So many of them have never been away from home before----especially at Christmas.    It was supposed to go from 11 am- 3pm but it lasted until 5:30.   So many of these missionaries are in isolated places and this was a chance for them to gather with other missionaries. 

We testify that Jesus Christ lives.   He is our Savior.    He is the "reason for the season".   He is "The Gift" to every person who will ever live.

Merry Christmas,

Elder and Sister Todd

Grandma and Grandpa

Mom and Dad

Nana and Papa

Miss You!

December 13, 2015

Hello to the Best Family,

Just time for a quick note to tell you we miss you.    Christmas pictures, Christmas Dances, Drivers Permits, dance lessons, American Ninja Warrior, preschool, Hobbitt Legos, trips to the zoo with accidents, getting  Christmas trees, new home construction,  making cookies and neighborhood service projects....we miss it all.    I find myself looking for an email and pictures every day because I know what a busy and fun season this is for families.   

There is so little mention of Christmas here.   As I mentioned, the stores were filled with decorations to buy for your home by October 1.    But there are no carolers, Christmas displays, decorations in the streets, Santas in the mall, Christmas activities or movies. etc.    People only discuss parties, drinking and "going to the place of my birth" (home).  We have discovered that most people do not know any of the Christmas carols.   That makes it very different...especially at church.   They are trying to sing one a week.  We spend a great deal of time driving all over 4 townships and 2 cities but we have only seen 2 outdoor lights on homes!   But maybe it is just  too hot to even do anything like that!

Love mom

It only took 11 months!!!!!

December 3, 2015

Dear Friends and Family,

It only took 11 months---but I might have started a blog.   By that I mean, I wrote the blog a week ago but when I went to edit "it had disappeared!"    I tried again--doing it again.   Again, I couldn't find it.   Today, I found 2 copies on the blog.    I am not sure what is happening, but I am happy that somehow they "appeared" today.   So I am going to send the link to the blog and hope it is there when you opened it.  

I wanted to add the following paragraph but couldn't "edit" the blog.   so I will quickly give it here.    Then go check out our blog----while it is there.    I hope to add to the blog every other week.

While I was watching the wildlife from the deck,  Elder Todd ran back to our room to get something.   On the edge of path going to our room he saw a Spitting Cobra that was "standing up" ready to strike/spit.     Larry was walking close to another couple.   They all  froze.  The snake did not strike.   Eventually the snake "came down" from the striking position and they all left.    Wisely, Elder Todd did NOT mention this to me when he returned.    The next morning the other couple shared this experience with our ranger and me and gave a detailed description of the snake and the adventure.

Our blog:

Toddinsouthafrica.blogspot.co.za

I hope it works!

Thanks for putting up with our letters and my lack of technology!

Love,

Elder and Sister Todd

Mom and Dad

"Party" for Orphans, Southeast Africa Broadcast from SLC

November 30, 2015

Dear Family,

You probably did not want to hear from me again so soon.   It is P-Day,  Larry is not feeling great (he has allergies and sinus problems), the laundry is done (but the house is not clean).  I have sprayed the shower walls and floor with bleach, sprayed for cockroaches, sprinkled poison for ants (usual Monday chores), cleaned the bathroom and eaten 1/3 of a chocolate sheet cake (no exaggeration).    It is too hot to go for a walk, so I decided to write.

Saturday we left home at 7:30 am to work at a Christmas Party for an orphanage.   One of the branch presidents heard about the chance to help out 100 orphans in the township where he lives.   He asked if all 10 elders could attend so we received permission from the mission president.   We arrived at the meeting place at 8:00 but the branch president  wasn't there.   In fact we were the first to arrive.   In the next 30 minutes a few branch members (2) and all the missionaries arrived...but still no branch president.   We called Pres. Nyawo and he said he was at the store waiting for the donuts.   He had ordered 150 donuts for the orphans---he was paying $15 of his personal money and the mission was paying $15.   President Nyawo works, goes to night school studying law, has 4 small children and is supporting his wife's 2 sisters.  This was a big sacrifice for his family.   The donuts were supposed to be done at 8:00 and he arrived at 7:00 to pick them up.   Good thing.....the donuts were not being made even though he had paid for them in advance.    Pres. Nyawo does not have a car so we wondered how he could manage to get 150 donuts to the orphans.   We went to pick him up and we waited until 9:45 for the donuts to be finished.   Then we headed back to see who needed "transport".   We were all disappointed that only one more branch member had arrived.   We headed to the orphanage (it is now 10:15) with our car packed and the missionaries cars full.   We could not find the place and kept driving around.   Pres. Nyawo had lost his phone with all his "contact numbers" , so he couldn't call for more directions to the orphanage.   We did find 2 orphanages, but neither one was the right one!!    Finally we arrived at the correct destination, and only a few people were there.   At 12:00 the orphans finally arrived.   We had  planned to do some games and I had bought face paints so the youth from the branch could do face painting.
  

Instead, the organizers had the orphans sit in plastic chairs under the tent.    It was hot and the tent cover was sitting on a cement pad, in the middle of a barren gravel field....desolate.    I began trying to think how we could adapt our games to work in this area...rocks and cement.   The organizers had rented a small blow-up jump house----very small---for 4-5 kids, but I was excited for that.  

But it didn't matter, the kids sat on the chairs and listened to speeches from the mayor, orphanage founders, and event organizers.    They sat there the entire afternoon.   A few times, they ran off to get their face painted and stood in huge lines, but they got called back for more speeches.   Luckily, they did have a good MC between each speech and he sang and involved the kids and got them to sing.  

But we stood there, most of the time.   After awhile, we pulled out all of our hula hoops, ring toss and other activities and invited the kids over.  For 15 minutes they had a ball.   The one young woman from the branch and Elder Pinkston (who loves art) painted faces.  At the same time, 50 kids piled on the jump house and it kept falling over.  I wondered why we hadn't been doing these things all afternoon?

At 2:45 we had to leave for another appointment and so did the elders (they were tired of just standing around most of the time).   We had to leave before the donuts were passed out (and other food we brought). We really wanted to be able to greet each child and give them the food.   When we left, the speeches were going strong again!!!    Poor kids....this was THEIR CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!!!!

This is the first time we have felt that our efforts were wasted.   However, the branch president felt that the church had shown great support for the community so he felt good.  It was a longgggggg day of standing. 

Sunday we drove to Ngwelesane where we showed a DVD of the broadcast from SLC for the Africa Southeast Area.   Actually, the branch presidents are supposed to download it from SLC but the internet connection is weak and inconsistent so they couldn't do it.   Also they need a projector to show the video and we have to bring them a projector from the district.  

The message was fabulous.    There were 2 Quorum of the 12 (Quentin Cook and Renlund--new apostle), a member of the primary general presidency and our area authority, Elder Cook.   Two of these men have lived in Africa for several years and have a good understanding of the people and a love for them.   I thought that was wonderful....because even though the gospel is the same, circumstances are so very different.

They talked on:   Paying tithing (very few members pay), keeping the sabbath day holy, using the sacrament to change your life and the power/equality of African women.  

After the video concluded, Larry, asked the congregation what they learned or remembered, or what touched them.   Complete silence.   He waited and rephrased the question.   Silence.    Finally a 13 year old girl stood and boldly shared what she learned.   It was so powerful!!   Elder Todd asked for more comments and eventually got 2 others to comment.   We don't know if they don't understand the broadcast or if they are reluctant to speak out.   But this young woman was an example to everyone....she is going to be a leader in the church!     

The talk on the power and equality of women was very good.   Zulu women do 95% of all the work, but they are always in the background and don't seem to be valued.  They don't speak up much.   They are faithful and hard working.  

We left right after showing the broadcast, and drove like crazy to another branch that was having a "bring and share" (pot luck) after their meeting.    However, when we arrived, there were 30 primary children, 2 grandmas and  5 teens.   All the adults left because there wasn't much food!      We brought out our food and what the elders brought (an individual bag of chips and a package of cookies that had 8 cookies).   The people who went home had brought  bottles of soda pop and they left them.   There was plenty to drink.   We were so disappointed that the adults had not stayed to visit or participate.   But those that were there loved it!   We brought a huge watermelon and 2 loaves of french bread.   Sure wish I had brought more.  

We love each of you.   Thank you so much for your emails and prayers.    We can't adequately express our love and appreciation for each of you.   We pray that you will have the Lord's choicest blessings.

Each day, we realize more how blessed we are to have the gospel of Jesus Christ.   

Love,
 Mom and Dad

Gma and Gpa

How long is long enough??? Can't Stay Away!

Greetings to our Wonderful Friends and Family,

Since October 1st,  the shelves in the stores have been filled with Christmas decorations of every kind....lights, wreaths, Christmas ornaments, etc.   By the third week in October, the Christmas gifts were filling the shelves.   When store decorations appeared October 1st, I was shocked at how early it was.   Elder Todd suggested that because we do not celebrate Halloween or Thanksgiving here, they just get an early start.     It is hard to think of Christmas when it was over 100 degrees.    Then we saw a sign in a store window:   The Sun is Shining.....It is Christmas!   So we just have to change our mindset.

HOW LONG IS LONG ENOUGH????

Friday, we had an appointment to visit the Alvana family.   Another blessing of our mission is to develop friendships with wonderful people.   We arrived at the Alvana's at 3:15 and visited until 5:30 .  As we got up to leave, the family was very upset.   They announced that we "had just arrived" and said we had "not had a visit."   We explained that we had another appointment at 6:00 in another town.   However, they felt this was a weak excuse.   

We try to allow enough time to really visit and get to know people, but each family wants us to stay all day every day so it is challenging.  

We made it to our next appointment which was a birthday party for someone we are teaching.   It was a large gathering for the entire extended family and it was held in a tiny home.   They had a nice patio in front of the house but it was pouring rain.   There was a small covering and we all huddled together inside and outside the house.   I had brought lots of ice cream, hot fudge, bananas and whip cream to serve hot fudge sundaes.   But that was impossible because there was not one place to put it together or dish up the dessert.  There was PLENTY of other food so no one missed it.   It was a good reminder that we do not need a large house to host a large party for friends---just squeeze together.   Most of the people attending were not members of our church, or any church, so we had many opportunities to share our testimony of Jesus Christ

TO THE RESCUE?

While we were at the birthday party, the District President called Elder Todd and asked if we could provide breakfast for 20 people the next morning. They were going to do a training for the branch presidents/ministers.     He had forgotten to make arrangements for food and needed "to be rescued" (those were his words.)

So we came home from the birthday party and I began making muffins...lots of muffins.   Because it was so late, we decided to buy the other stuff---breakfast rolls, bananas, apples, watermelon and juices.  We had so much food left over...but it was a good thing as I will explain later.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

While Elder Todd was attending the financial training, I attended an emergency neighborhood meeting.   As I have mentioned before, safety is a huge concern here---for your property and your physical well being,   Two months ago, they hired 2 guards that patrol 24/7 and they set up some sort of group chat so people could report suspicious people or ask questions...this is in addition to the metal gates and security systems that most homes have.
  However, just a few days ago a woman had her car hijacked one block from our home.   The woman was shot, but she will be fine. She was stopping to pick up her child at the neighborhood creche (daycare center) when a man with a gun stopped her.    We  heard all of the commotion and had seen the police cars but we weren't aware of what had happened.   They are asking for each resident of our neighborhood to pay more money each month for more guards. 

CAN'T STAY AWAY

After being in charge of the Young Adult (Singles Ages 18-30) activities for months, they asked someone else to be in charge.   We felt ready to pass the baton to someone else.   But Saturday afternoon we decided to just stop by for a few minutes and see if they needed any help.    We discoveredWE LOVE WORKING WITH THE YOUNG ADULTS and missed seeing them.  On our way to the activity, 2 young adults called and asked to be picked up at the Taxi Rank.   After people ride the taxi into town they are dropped at the Taxi Rank, but it is still another 30-35 minute walk to the church.  We  stopped first at the church and discovered that no one had the keys to get inside the gate or the building. (We are discovering that people often forget small details....like keys to get into the building!)   Elder Todd quickly unlocked everything and then drove to pick up the group at the taxi rank.    These youth are very laid back, and no one worries if things are late...even hours late!   As we helped get the activities set up, we found out that no one had thought of refreshments.   By that I mean, no one had thought to purchase or make food---but everyone would be expectingfood.   Luckily, we had food left from the morning training so we brought that out.   They played the game Twister (no one had ever played that) and another African game that we were not familiar with.   I was supposed to be the score keeper, and Elder Todd was the judge but everyone was yelling (being so enthusiastic) in Zulu and we had no idea who won the point or what the rules were, so we just enjoyed the chaos.   

We stayed to lock up the building, supervise the cleanup and the drive groups to the Taxi Rank to go home.   We don't know who was supposed to be there to help, but we had so much fun and were glad we stopped by. 

WHAT A DEAL!

Today we took a young man to get a blood test at the hospital.   It cost R15, which is 15 cents in US money.   When is the last time you were able to get any blood work done for 15 cents??!!!   This is a young man we are help preparing to serve a mission. 

WOMEN OF COURAGE

Our church has been looking for an opportunity to join with another church to help give service.   A senior missionary couple in Durban heard of the Jewish Women's Union and their fundraiser.    We wanted to be a part of that effort.   Eight women from all faiths, were selected to come share their story of how they overcame adversity in their life.   Each women had suffered unbelievable hardships and had survived and triumphed!   What inspiration.  One woman was missing both legs (not even stumps) and one arm.   Her mother had taken a morning sickness drug, thalidomide,  while she was pregnant.     Later they discovered this drug caused birth defects and that is why she had 3 missing limbs.   She was put in a boarding school at 5 years old where she was teased constantly.   The staff asked her parents to not come and visit her because it made her want to go home.  She had no idea why her parents left her and never came to get her for years.  She felt abandoned for the next two decades.   Her story was heartbreaking and eventually, inspirational.   She has no artificial legs because of lack of medical treatment so she scoots around on her bottom or uses small crutches.             Another woman was a refugee from another country, another was sexually abused by her father, etc.   You get the picture.   Afterwards, they challenged everyone to begin today to:   DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.  Step off the treadmill of life.   Get in touch with your inner flame, and become a woman of courage.   I thought it was a great message.

We have had so many opportunities to serve people of all ages.   We try to share our message as we do so.  We feel so blessed to live in such a wonderful country.  We will never forget these amazing people.

I have so much more to share, but I know you are ready to hit "Delete" if you haven't already.   Last night was our last night teaching our religion class in Enselini, until January (it is their summer break.)    We decided to have a party after a short lesson. We brought soda pop (They LOVE it!), ice cream, bananas (bananas are a MUST), and all the stuff to make strawberry shortcake.   They had never seen or tasted it.   I showed them the cake, strawberries, blueberries, whip cream.  They LOVED it....they had me make them larger and larger.   We had white cake or chocolate cake and they wanted layers of both.    They took pictures of the strawberry shortcake and us and posted them on facebook!   Such a simple thing....building a strawberry shortcake was a thrilling event.    Can you see why we love these wonderful people????  We brought plates and forks and napkins.   One young man said, "I will never forget this day.   I am using a fork, a serviette (napkin) and eating shortcake.   I am turning into an American!"  We can't wait until January, when our classes start up again!

   If you are sending out Christmas cards or letters, we would love to hear from you via email or mail.   Our mailing address is:  

Elder and Sister Todd

P.O. Box 101907

Meerensee   3901

South Africa

We know Jesus Christ lives.   We know His gospel is the way to happiness.   We are grateful to be able to serve him full time.  

Love,

Elder and Sister Todd

Grandma and Grandpa

Mom and Dad

Todd's On Safari

We are serving an 18 month mission in South Africa for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.    It has been the most rewarding, exhilarating, uplifting, exhausting experience. Most days we feel happy, but on a few days we have felt discouraged and wondered if we are making a difference.
Two things are certain:   First and foremost, we love our Savior, Jesus Christ, and feel privileged to share His message.   Second, we love the people of South Africa.   
 We have been serving for 10 months and I finally decided to try adding pictures to a blog.   I have been writing letters to friends and family, but have not sent many pictures.

We are really on Safari!   Can you believe it?   I can't!    We had a fabulous 2 days staying at a very nice Safari Lodge.   Our first morning our wake up call was at 5:00 AM and we departed at 5:30 AM.   They served a light breakfast at 5:15 and 15 minutes later we were on our way.   There were 2 couples, our driver/ranger and our tracker.   Our vehicle was an open air jeep.   It was cold (for me) and I was grateful I was wearing 4 layers including 2 coats....Larry had on one medium jacket.   We had only been driving 5 minutes when we spied 2 cheetahs...this was very unusual. These cheetahs were sooo close.    In a few minutes, they noticed a Nyala (glad they didn't notice us) and began their pursuit.   Just as they were about to have the Nyala for lunch, it stepped into a dense thicket and the cheetahs were kept away.   We waited for 10 minutes, and finally left with the result of the encounter unknown.   Cheetahs only hunt in the open where their speed makes them formidable.   But the Nyala was able to out maneuver the cheetah and find protection.   We are learning that Mother Nature is complex and fascinating. 

We continued on our way searching for more animals.   This game reserve has one lodge which can accommodate 20 people but there were only 6 of us today.   So ours was the only vehicle out on safari.  

After 2 hours we stopped and our guides served us a light snack, complete with table linens.   They set up the table right next to the vehicle so we can make a quick getaway if needed.   

We have fallen in love with giraffes.   They are so elegant and graceful.   This baby was less than a week old.
In Africa, most people on safari are searching for "The Big Five"--elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, lion and leopard.   These are the hardest to hunt and kill.   However, we love the giraffes, zebras and nyalas equally.  

Oops!  This pic is in the wrong place but I can't move it. ...Snack Time.

The most thrilling part of the day came next!   Our tracker was able to detect signs of elephants.   He continued following the signs with no luck.   So we stopped for this breakfast snack while he searched on foot.   He returned and we jumped back into the vehicle and headed off.   Ten minutes later, we were rewarded with an incredible experience.
We have been in Game Preserves in our own car--where you drive and search for animals on your own.   You stay on dirt (or paved) roads and do not go off-road.    But on these private safaris the guides go off road and will do anything to find the animals.   Also, they "break" the rules and go very close to the animals.   This is not recommended and is dangerous...but these places do everything to please the guests.

You can see how close they are to our vehicle for this picture.   We sat there for 20 minutes as this herd encircled us and came very, very close.   One elephant lifted his trunk and put it less than a foot from my shoulder.   The other woman on our tour was terrified because she is very familiar with elephants.   She begged for us to leave. She shared a recent story where an elephant picked up a vehicle and rolled it.   And another story where an elephant picked up a man and tossed him, killing him.    But I was so grateful that our guide continued to sit there.   The animals seemed so gentle (maybe that is what every person feels just before the elephant charges!!) 

One of the few watering holes.   The river and other watering holes have dried up during the drought.

We were back to our rooms by 9:30.   Look what was waiting for us---a tame warthog.  She was abandoned at the lodge as a baby and the owners have raised her.    Warthogs disappear so fast and we couldn't get any pictures.   So this was a great surprise to have one stand still for a pic.

 Elder Todd recuperating from a huge breakfast.   This is on the deck of our bedroom. 

One of my favorite memories of this safari was watching elephants play in the river just beneath our deck!   Incredible!

 Or watching the Nyala just a few feet from our deck. Aren't they beautiful?

At 3:30 we were served High Tea....very fancy food which Elder Todd loved.   By 4:15 we were back on the road looking for more wildlife.   This evening drive wasn't as successful.   But we did manage to see a herd of Cape Buffalo.   They are known for being mean, and even the lions do not bother them..unless it is sick or a baby

Doesn't he look harmless?

Completely dry riverbed.

. 

This baby giraffe nursing was touching.

About 8 PM we saw a tree decorated with twinkle lights.   We pulled up and we noticed candles all along the ground.  It was very romantic.  We stopped for "drinks" here.    They had every thing imaginable except non-alcoholic beverages.   However, at this point they learned our standards and never forgot to provide sparkling juices for us.

As we climbed out of our jeep at the lodge, there was someone to greet us with hot towels to wash our face and hands.   We walked into the dining room and found a formal dinner setting.    The food I could not pronounce or recognize.   There were so many courses that I can't remember what was served.

Another surprise awaited us....as we walked into our room which we expected to be pitch black---there were candles flickering.   On a table there was chocolate fondu, strawberries and marshmallows---now that is my kind of dinner!I licked the pot clean.   Boy, were we being pampered!

The next morning they called us at 4:30 AM so we could get an earlier start.  Everyone wanted to see lions or leopards and they had eluded us.   We grabbed a quick bite, jumped in the jeep and began searching.   The tracker tried everything...no lions.   No animals---- except a snake.   Our tracker was terrified and stayed away,  but our ranger was expert at capturing and handling snakes.  He caught and held the python.   I could not believe how strong it was as it wrapped around our ranger's arm.   He had me feel the snake as it wrapped so tightly.   Then he opened the snakes mouth with a stick and we viewed a mouthful of very sharp teeth on top and bottom.  I thought they strangled their prey to death??   Our Taylor grandchildren raised a python in their basement (next to our guest room) and I had no idea it had razor sharp teeth.   Yikes!

For 2 1/2 hours we searched in vain for the lions.   Everyone watched and stayed alert for any sign of movement.     Finally, the tracker found them!!!   Four lions--3 female and 1 male.  They were lounging and relaxing in the sun.   They looked absolutely harmless.   Our ranger parked a little ways away!  But gradually he moved the jeep until we were only 15 feet away.     He told us to remain sitting and we would be fine, but if we stood up, we were in trouble.   We stayed sitting and watched for 20 minutes.   They did get up and walk around, they played with each other, they nuzzled each other but they were lazy.   We learned they hunt in the early morning and late evening.   During the day, they sleep and rest.   It was hard to believe they could easily tear us to shreds.  God's creations are amazing.

King of the Jungle????

Our "home" for 2 days.   It looks humble, but looks can be deceiving.     We were at Amakosi for just under 48 hours but we experienced so much. 

 We went on 2 morning drives, 2 night drives, had so much food, made friends with people from England and South Africa, and fell in love with Africa AGAIN.   It was a 3 hour drive back home and we were serving a meal for our elders.  Luckily, they agreed to pizza instead of our usual home cooking.  We stopped and picked up the pizza on the way home, and arrived just as the elders were pulling up to our gate!  Whew!

As a farewell gift to me, just as we were pulling out of the Game Reserve, this elephant came strolling out.   Elder Todd was nervous about getting home in time to fed the elders, but he humored me and stopped and we watched this elephant strip the bark off the tree, pull down branches and rip off vines with no effort at all.   Actually, Elder Todd could not leave because this huge animal blocked the road....and took his time to move away.

Even though I have shared this unforgettable adventure, our experiences sharing the gospel are also unforgettable.   Most of our time is spent with the African people...and that is how we want it to be.   The friendships we have made and the testimonies we have shared bring such joy to us.

Elder and Sister Todd
Mom and Dad
Grandma and Grandpa

Greetings from South Africa!
As you know, we arrived in South Africa January 10, 2015.  Finally after 8 months I am trying to use a blog.   Is the saying true, "Better late than never?"   I hope so.   I have tried to share some of our experiences in a weekly letter.   However, I am going to try

Blessings of a Mission, A.R.M.Y., and Retreat

November 7, 2015

Greetings to our Friends and Family,

We have been without the internet for over 2 1/2 weeks.  It is now working sporadically so I will try to send a letter.

BLESSINGS OF A MISSION

I don't know where to begin.    We have been blessed with so much to do and so many opportunities to grow.   My desire  is to share with you:  the beauty of the gospel, the love Heavenly Father has for all of his children, the miracles taking place each day, the "perfectness" (is that a word??) of the plan of salvation, our love for the people of South Africa and the joy we feel on our mission.    Please keep these things in mind as you read about our experiences because I don't know if I clearly convey my testimony of these things.

I have a testimony that the Lord will help us in spite of our weaknesses when we do our very best to share the gospel.  If not, I would have alienated all of South Africa with my enthusiasm and lack of finesse.   I definitely have NOT become more patient or more tactful.....in spite of prayers and effort. 

Visiting less actives continues to be one of our favorite missionary activities.  We are seeing the fruits of our labors with several people (others still need more love and teaching).   Yesterday we visited Freddy and his nonmember wife again.   We have developed such a strong bond with them.   We can all freely speak our mind and share our feelings.   We are bold as we express the urgency of the gospel message.   I taught a short message on the restoration of the priesthood.   Freddy asked me why I was so "bold teaching the priesthood when you don't get the priesthood".   It was another chance to bear my testimony of the priesthood.

We left Freddy's and went to visit Norlene Schallies, an Afrikaans widow, who has not gone to church for 20 years.   It was the first time she allowed us to come to her home.   Even though we had an appointment (I had to be VERY persistent to get the appointment), she did not answer her phone when we arrived.   We called her cell phone several times, yelled her name at the gate and waited.   Her place looked deserted, but we continued to sit in the car trying to decide what to do.   Just as we decided to leave, Norlene appeared at the gate and stared at us.  Eventually, she opened the gate so we could enter.   Despite the very COOL reception, she warmed up and we had a fabulous visit.   Each time we stood to leave, she asked another question, so we stayed for 2 1/2 hours and learned her history.     As we learn about each person we teach, we  feel determined to help them  come back to Christ.  The Lord touches our hearts.  She accepted the invitation to come and clean the church today...now that is dedication!

A.R.M.Y. .......A Righteous Mormon Youth

I copied Stephanie's idea for our District Youth Conference.   For some reason, I was completely stressed and anxious about this event.   Arranging for the most simple things, is sometimes overwhelming here.   Very few of the youth have phones so I can't call or text them to remind them, branch leaders forget to announce things, transportation is a huge challenge, finding poster board was an obstacle, affordable pencils, marshmallows, etc.   I was concerned no one would come, or we wouldn't have enough food, or it would be too long or too short,or  they wouldn't be able to understand my theme, etc..........I feel such a responsibility to help the youth gain testimonies, understand their role in the gospel, live the standards and have fun.   In 2 of the 5 branches there is not a YoungWoman's president or teacher and no youth Sunday School Teachers.   So they are only receiving lessons on the weeks Elder Todd and I come to teach.   Anyway, back to the youth conference.........They did come!!!   70 Youth came.   We didhave enough food....we served breakfast, lunch and a "take away snack" for them to eat on the way home.    We handed each person a bag with:  drink, apple, 2 chocolate bars and a bag of chips to eat on the ride home.    But they immediately opened the bag when they walked outside and ate everything!!!   Before their taxi arrived to take them home, they came back in the building and asked for more food!   (The answer was No.)  

But technology provided the challenge......Our computer had been broken for 2 weeks and  the repairs were completed the day before the conference.    We checked it out that night and thought all was in order.   I planned to show a video and one of the workshop leaders was going to show a video.   But our computer would not connect to the overhead projector.   One of the challenges here is:  If there is a gliche, there is no one to help or no backup.    The Lord blessed us again.   there were only 2 people who had a computer that could help us...and only 1 was available.  Allyson Colton drove home and got her computer.   Her computer was stubborn also and it took quite some time before it was working...but it did!  Whew!  The youth love vidoes.

We began the day at 8:00 and finished at 4:00.   We played Get to Know You Bingo, Dodge Ball  African Style (eventually Brother Colton gave up trying to enforce the rules and let them just throw the ball----not one person ever got "out"!), Jeopardy--For the Strength of Youth, and a Water Balloon fight.   Elder Todd and Brother Colton filled 185 water Balloons and broke an additional 50-75 balloons.   It took several hours in the hot sun.   I have never seen the heat bother Elder Todd but he felt so sick the rest of the day.     I introduced the theme..ARMY, A Righteous Mormon Youth.    We had 3 workshops (1.  Know Your Enemy,  2.  Follow Your Commanding Officer--the prophet, and 3.  Use Your Weapons--Church Attendance, Seminary, scriptures, prayer)  that were 25 minutes each.   We also invited a young African couple that were married in the temple 6 months ago.  As far as we could tell, they are the only young couple from the district married in the temple for 6-10 years)   The bride is originally from this district and is a convert.   She and her husband live 2 hours away, but they consented to come and speak.   They were incredible and did much of their teaching in Zulu.   This was a blessing because we had many youth that struggle with English. 

One of the favorite things that day was our Testimony Wall.  (I got the idea online.)  Elder Todd cut out 100 "bricks" from colored paper.   Each youth had an opportunity to write their testimony on a brick and tape it to the wall.    They all loved this and wrote LONG testimonies on the bricks.   Those that could not write English well, copied someone else's.    They wouldn't eat breakfast until they posted their "brick".  

We closed with a testimony meeting.   Then we cleaned up, loaded everything up and went grocery shopping. We brought Zinhle and Sankile Dlomo (the young couple) home to stay with us until the next day.   They wanted to visit old friends in this area. 

At the end of the day, I was so relieved it was over....we didn't even look back and evaluate the activity.   If no one learned anything---I didn't want to know!!!

YIPPEE!!! SENIOR RETREAT

In October we had a special treat....All twelve senior couples in our mission got together for a training/retreat at St. Lucia.   Because we are the only couple in this area, this was such a welcome event for us.   Couples drove 2-10 hours to be together.   We were the closest and only had to travel 1 hour.   We ate dinner, shared our testimonies, shared our favorite part of our mission so far, had a training by President Zachrison, went on a Game Drive, visited a Zulu village and were entertained by male Zulu dancers.  Thursday and Friday went by so quickly and soon it was Saturday and we were on our way home.  We were humbled by the dedication of these couples and their church experience.   There is great power in meeting together as missionaries!!!

FAMILY HOME EVENING

Thursday night we were able to visit a family to teach them through a Family Home Evening lesson.   However, when we arrived, they had dinner for us.   Then they sent their children into another room and said they had "questions for us".    They had questions on race, the blacks, and much more.    We spent the evening sharing the scriptures and hopefully, providing answers/doctrine for them.  For some reason, they will not allow the young elders to teach them yet.  This family needs the gospel and the church needs them!!!!!!

ODDS AND ENDS

We have taken an  young elder to have a tooth extracted which required surgery, visited a man in the hospital, inspected the apartments and cars for 10 elders, spoke in Sacrament Meeting, taught Young Women, taught Institute, supposed to teach seminary (we waited and waited but no one showed up), had our nonmember landlady come over for the evening, attended training  with the young missionaries and delivered things to the District Clerk/Executive Secretary/Jack of all trades, etc.

My heart is filled with gratitude to Heavenly Father for his inspired missionary program.   What a perfect way to bless the lives of the missionaries (young and old) and the investigators!!!   What a perfect way to teach us (Missionaries) and humble us.   There is not one SINGLE day, that my heart is not filled with thankfulness to the Lord for this opportunity.   We continue to struggle to find the best way to serve, the best way to "find" investigators, the best way to teach and guide and the best way to spend our time.  

How can we thank you for your friendship, for your prayers and for your love??   How can we thank our children and grandchildren for their love and support for us????

Pictures:

A Zulu woman weaving the mat for the floor.

Zulu homes

Zulu young men in traditional clothing getting ready to dance

HUGE elephant that walked up the road right at us......our guide put the vehicle into reverse and backed up as the elephant continued to come toward us.   It was so thrilling.   The elephant seemed to say:   Get out of my way!  

Cape Buffalo...one of the Big 5 Animals in Africa.   People come from all over the world to see the "Big Five"

Love,

Elder and Sister Todd

Mom and Dad

Grandma and Grandpa