Church Stalwarts/Elephant Whisperer

August 27, 2015

Greetings from  Zululand,

This week has been filled with such amazing experiences.  One experience wasn't amazing at all, but left us laughing out loud.    We were driving 2 African missionaries home (they work in a township that it is a long ways from where they live and it was dark, so we gave them a ride.)   One missionary from Uganda asked me how old I was.   I replied that I was 68 years.   He actually gasped and covered his mouth with his hand.   Then he said very seriously, "You are soon for the grave!"   I laughed, but he didn't even smile.   Then he asked how old Elder Todd was, and I replied that he was 70.    His face was so concerned and he said, "He goes very soon to the grave!"  As we continued to talk, he said that if someone in his village lived to be 60 years old, that was considered a very long life.       We have noticed the same trend in South Africa, among men especially. 

SACRIFICES

Four of the five branches we work with have 100% black members.   The fifth branch (Richards Bay), has 1 family from the USA who are here for 3 years, 2 Afrikaans (white South Africans) families, 2 Afrikaans empty nester couples, and 6 black families who are all fairly recent converts   These families--especially the Afrikaans-- make HUGE sacrifices to keep the branch functioning. Even though it is a very small branch, it has a functioning Primary, Relief Society, and YM/YW.   They are able to keep the church organizations going because each person has multiple, heavy duty callings and they make sacrifices.    For example, when there are leadership meetings, Branch Councils, Branch Presidency or trainings of any kind, the entire family must come (no one will leave any children or teens home alone because of safety issues). Both parents have leadership callings.  These meetings are held on Wednesday nights once or twice a month.  The children sit in the foyer and entertain themselves or do homework.  They are there until 8:00-9:00 PM.   Ages range from 2-14 years.  Most other meetings are held on Saturday.  A typical Saturday for the entire family might be:   Arrive at 8 AM to clean the church, Self Reliance class (teach or attend), Seminary and Institute training (teach or attend), convert baptism (talk, or just attend), and Enrichment Meeting (Relief Society).   It is back to back meetings all day---everyone is there--the kids entertain themselves or help out if they are needed and able.   They do not hold any activity after dark on Saturday, so it is all finished by 5 PM.  For the youth involved in sports, one parent takes them to the game, and when they are finished they come back to the church.  This might seem OK for 2-4 years or so, but the Afrikaans families have been doing it for decades!   Two families have done the bulk of everything year in and year out.  These 2 families, the Baldwins, (and their grandparents) have kept the church going in this area year in and year out.   There is one 11 year old girl that sets up activities for young women--including putting out all the food-- events by herself.   Her mother  (Allison Colton)was the YW President and is now the Primary President (so her daughter now teaches the nursery class by herself.)

So church membership in this branch requires full commitment.  I am so touched by their long suffering and dedication!

ELEPHANT WHISPERER

Last P-Day we drove to Thula Thula Nature Reserve.   What an amazing experience we had.   South African conservationist, Lawrence Anthony, was asked to accept a herd of "rogue" wild elephants on his game reserve (Thula Thula in Zululand).   Experts and friends alike, warned him to refuse the elephants.   These animals were dangerous and unpredictable, but if Lawrence didn't take them, they would be killed.   As you guessed, he took the 7 elephants and developed a bond with the elephants that sounds like fiction.  He risked his life and his reserve several times to protect them.   They in turn, protect him!   

We were not familiar with this history of the elephants, when we went to the reserve.   We were the only guests that day so we had 2 guides and an open air vehicle to ourselves for an entire afternoon.  We watched the wildebeests and kept watching for the elusive elephants.  Finally, at the end of the afternoon, the guides found the herd of elephants coming to the river (stream) to drink.   They pulled our vehicle 15-20 feet from these humongous animals.   We sat and watched them eat and drink and play.   The guides know each elephant by name and their characteristics.   The elephants are not tame at all...they only had a relationship with Lawrence, who recently died of a heart attack.  We sat there for 25 minutes or longer and felt like we were in another world.   We saw them strip the leaves from a tree, and saw the carnage of trees they pulled over, ripped up by the roots or knocked down on their way to drink.   The guides kept their hands on the jeep keys ready to drive away if the elephants came closer.  They never forget that humans are absolutely helpless if an elephant charges.  (Two weeks ago in another reserve close by, an elephant picked up a car and rolled it.   Luckily no one was seriously injured.)
Lawrence wrote a book called," The Elephant Whisperer--- learning about life, loyalty and freedom from a remarkable herd of elephants."  We heard the story during our visit and I think you would enjoy the book if you like reading.    

The first picture is from Thula Thula...you can see how close we were by noticing the jeep seat at the bottom of the picture.

We also visited the home of a Zulu Diviner (spiritual leader and healer...not a medicine man).   She chanted, sang, prayed and performed her duties in front of us.    She prayed for us and told us "our ancestors are proud of us!"   We felt that might be a standard remark to all visitors!!

One of our favorite parts was going through the village and passing out candy!  The kids mobbed us!  (They asked us to purchase candy and chips for the village and we were so glad we did.)

PRAYER

Recently we were in another town and stopped to eat.   The lady who cooked and served us was a older black woman from Zimbabwe.  We were heartbroken as she shared her story with us.   In a nutshell, she was forced to leave her country (Zimbabwe) when chaos and terror erupted.   The economy collapsed and it took a wheelbarrow of money to buy a loaf of bread.      She has been here working as a cook/maid for 13 years and each month sends money to her family in Zimbabwe.   She looked at our name tags and saw the words "Jesus Christ".   She asked if we would pray for her.  Of course, we said yes.   She quickly took us into another room.   We knelt down together and Elder Todd offered a prayer.  We felt so humbled that she would ask us to pray for her.   Her humility and reliance on Jesus Christ could be felt.  Our name tags lead to so many precious experiences.

This experience was the highlight of our day.

#1 picture:  elephants...    #3 pic.  passing out candy     #2 pic. chicken coops (They roll a piece of old chipped plastic to make a "nest" for each chicken. They place the nests on those sticks/stilts so they are off the ground.  The chickens run wild with no real "coop".

Love,

Elder and Sister Todd

Helping Hands

August 19, 2015

Hello!

HELPING HANDS

Yesterday we spent several hours in Esikhaweni working with church members on a Helping Hands Project.   Every year, each LDS congregation in South Africa is asked to do a large service project for the community. (Actually, every congregation in the world is asked to do a meaningful service project annually.)  They had been searching for a something where we could make a difference, but that it wouldn't cost much money (always a huge challenge---especially in Africa where the people have VERY little themselves).  In this region,  they discovered an organization for physically handicapped adults.    Many of them are blind or wheelchair bound.   It began several years ago when a small group organized themselves to try to find a way to fit into society.  There are no educational or government programs for them.   This group now has a few hundred members.  Someone donated an old building for them to use.    Someone else donated a few commercial sewing machines.  So a few handicapped members have learned to sew and repair shoes.  These members teach the others and they are producing things to sell (recycled shoes they have repaired and native Zulu clothing.) So they are earning money, developing skills and making friends!!!

A member of the congregation went to assess the needs of what needed to be done to help this organization.
  We arrived with buckets, brooms, mops, soap, rakes, hammers, etc.    The women and girls began cleaning the workshops, the kitchen, school rooms and bathrooms.   I do not need to describe the condition of these facilities. The toilets, sinks, refrigerator, floors were covered with filth and grime.   I am sure when a person can't see or walk, cleaning is difficult.  

The men and boys went outside to clean the grounds.   Another man measured the windows.   Most of the window panes were broken or missing completely.   Without windows the items they were producing were not safe, because it was easy to gain entry into the workrooms.   What a great feeling it was to leave the premises clean, sanitary, organized and every room had a glass pane in the window.   

As we left, they called out thanks.   Others yelled prayers for us.   And others asked the Lord to bless us.  We need to do more of this! 

SELF RELAINCE

We continue to be overwhelmed with the assistance that is needed for our participants to secure employment.  BUT WE ARE NOT SLOWING DOWN.   We still have 6 more weeks to go.   You might be wondering what we could still be doing!?   When we began our classes, I thought to myself, let's skip all this preliminary stuff.........just give me a list of job openings and we will help them with the application and interview skills.   This program starts so SLOW and the lessons are "below basic".  However,  I am learning, AGAIN, that our people need instruction with the most simple tasks. So I am no different than the class members.....I am slow to learn the basics of what I need to do.

 One of their class assignments, was to come with a list of businesses (that they are are interested in) where they could apply for a job.   After 1 week, one participant could not think of ONE place (we are asking for entry level jobs like fast food.) that he could apply.   He is interested in cameras and retail.   So when he couldn't think of any place,  we suggested 2 places that sell cameras and Game (a general store like Walmart).   He said, "I never would have thought of those places!"  Even understanding where to apply is difficult.   These businesses are all close together in our mall!              Another person said, "The only place where they have a store that I am looking for is in Empagnei."   (This isn't the town where he lives, it is the next town over.   But there are NO businesses in his town.)   We suggested that he go there and get an application.   He insisted, "But I don't EVER go to Empageni."   We told him that when you are looking for a job, you must look for jobs everywhere....not just where you happen to grocery shop...which is in a different  town.   He is still skeptical that you would look for a job in a place that you don't shop in. 

A wonderful component of this program is called, My Foundation.   For the first 20 minutes of every class, they learn a new Foundational principle.    Then they must go home and teach that lesson to their family, neighbor or relative.    The lessons we have taught so far are:  Using time wisely, managing money, taking responsibility for your own problems and faith in Jesus Christ.   Having them teach these lessons to their family is an inspired idea.   They are affecting a wider circle of people and are possibly gaining support for their new "habits".    Also, every person is required to save ONE COIN every week.   It can be a penny or more.    This has been one of the most difficult things for them to do but it will be one of the best habits they can learn. 

ADDITIONAL STUMBLING BLOCK

Another stumbling block that we have uncovered, relates to all government jobs (which are perfect for our participants because they receive benefits and can get promoted into better areas).    To get one of these jobs, you must pay a bribe....   the largest bribe is guaranteed the job!  We thought this was a rumor, but it  is now a confirmed fact.

TRANSERS

Every 6 weeks some of the elders (missionaries) in our group get transferred to a different area.    We receive new missionaries (from other areas in South Africa) to replace those that leave..  We become so attached to these young men, that it is hard to let them go.   We know we will love the new arriving missionaries, but it takes a while to get to know them and develop a solid friendship.   Tonight (in 45 minutes) we are having everyone over for dinner to say goodbye.   We also give them their instructions from the mission home on how they are to move to their next area (bus, car etc.) It is a formidable task moving dozens of missionaries all over this huge country...and it all must be done in 24 hours or so.   We are also having a birthday celebration for one of our African missionaries tonight.  

LEARNING

We are striving to learn more about South African businesses/jobs, how to assist with education and more about the Zulu culture.    We have met so many people "by accident" that have helped us.  But a lesson we are re-learning, is that the best way to help these wonderful people is to help them come to Jesus Christ.   We truly know the Lord is able to help them and us!!  A few times we have forgotten that truth and tried to do things on our own, and we wondered why we "weren't up to the task." 

We love all of you dear friends.   Have  wonderful week!

Love, 

Elder and Sister Todd

Mormon Helping Hands

Sunday School Class versus 21st Birthday Celebration

August 9, 2015

Dear Friends and Family,

Today we reflected on how much we love going to church to worship the Savior, partake of the sacrament, learn, and meet with wonderful people.   It always makes us feel happy.  Today we had the same feelings, but it was a little different.

(I will TRY to make this quick even though I have pages and pages I would love to share with you.)

This morning we drove to the township of Enseleni to attend church.  When we turned on to the road where the church is located, we saw a huge white tent.    This tent was set up right in the middle of the road and spanned the entire width of the road.   There was no way to drive, or even walk past the tent.   Luckily the entrance gate into the church was a few feet before the tent, so we could enter the church.  However, the people who were walking to church from the other side of the tent, would have to turn around and walk quite a distance to detour the tent and get to church.   (We are the only ones driving to church because we live 35 minutes away....and only one other person in the congregation has a car.)

When we arrived at 8:45 AM, the tent was empty and all was quiet.   We went inside for our worship service.   When we finished, there were several people inside of the tent and we called greetings to them.  We wondered what they were doing with the tent.

At 10:30 Elder Todd began teaching Sunday School to the teenagers in one of little wooden "portables" you can see in the picture. I was teaching the children ages 3-10 in the other small portable.   (These 2 buildings are new.   We meet for our worship service in the larger building that is used as a Day Care Center during the week.   The church provided these 2 small classrooms for the school to use during the week...they are next to the main building.   It almost doubles their space and  it makes such a difference to their school.   And we use the buildings on Sunday.)

Halfway through our lessons we could hear noise and confusion outside.   Our windows were open and the tent was just a few feet away.   The noise got louder and louder and then the music began.  Our students couldn't hear a word we said, so we ended class a few minutes early and went outside to see what was happening.

We discovered that this was a 21st Birthday celebration for a girl who was "good", and honored her parents by living a "good" life for 21 years.  They had invited relatives from all over.   There would be dancing and food throughout the day.   All of the homes are small and most have small dirt yards so there is no where to host a big party.   That is why the tents go right in the middle of the street and block traffic in both directions.  However, these tents are very expensive to rent so we don't know how they afford them.  One of the neighbors said that people borrow money for these parties.   But afterwards they might have to move out of their home if they can't pay the rent because of the large debt.

The first pic is of the tent.   

The next two pics are some of the young girls/relatives who came to celebrate and dance.   

The last is a video of the dancing and music that ended our Sunday School class.   DISCLAIMER:  THE VIDEO SHOWS TRADITIONAL ZULU DANCING AND ATTIRE FOR UNMARRIED WOMEN I.E. TOPLESS.   But you can imagine trying to teach Sunday School while this was going on 3 feet outside our window.  We have a great video of the drums playing and Zulu chanting but it was too long to send and we didn't know how to shorten it.  

Another day in Africa.

We love you.   

Elder and Sister todd

Our Mission is Such a Blessing!

August 3, 2015

Greetings From South Africa,

The past 2 weeks have been filled with many opportunities to serve the wonderful people of South Africa...both members and nonmembers.  We feel so PRIVILEGED to serve a mission.    We don't want anyone to feel this is a sacrifice.  We feel so blessed!   We get utterly exhausted, frustrated and discouraged (and elated) but we are ALWAYS grateful to be here.

SENDING OUT MISSIONARIES

Parents know how exciting it is to watch a son or daughter receive a mission call!  We had those same feelings as we watched 2 young men (in the last 2 weeks) open their mission calls.  The church (and many other organizations) do not send any mail to the townships because the mail is unreliable, at best.   The mission calls are sent to the mission office and then they courier them to us.   So we are able to deliver these calls personally!   How touched we were to be present as they opened their calls and shared in the excitement on 2 different occasions.  

One young man has been raised by his grandparents (although his father lives a few blocks away but never comes to see him or contact him).   The second young man is raised by a single mother.   We have spent many hours with each of them filling out the forms, going to so many doctor and dental appointments (Lindani had never been to a dentist before.   He had to get a root canal and fillings!   Here if you go to a government hospital and need a root canal, they just pull the tooth!)  They needed chest Xrays because of the high incidence of TB, extra bloodwork, police clearances, passport pictures, etc. 

Samkelo, the other missionary, was so grateful to us, he took a bucket of water outside and washed our car until it was spotless!   He said, this is my "service to you".  We were so touched.   

We feel these young men are the future of the church in South Africa.   They are both going to the Johannesberg Mission in South Africa.

FAMILY HOME EVENING

A week ago we drove to Durban for our P-Day. We joined the Senior Couples there for Family Home Evening.   There are 8 couples serving in Durban and they get together weekly.   We are alone in Meerensee so it was such a treat to be with them.  We watched a seminary video called the John Tanner Story (I think).  As we watched it, the spirit filled my soul with a confirmation that this church is true.   I could barely contain my feelings of gratitude for blessings we receive because of the gospel.   Larry and I shared tender feelings about the experience that night.   Joining with other missionaries, reminded us of the great power that comes when saints gather together. 

RELIEF SOCIETY NEWSLETTER and EMAILS

We love the RS newsletter! Thanks Robyn!    We are grateful to know the news of our Centennial Ward family!               We love the calendar you sent with us.  We have read your messages so many times....clear through December.           We watched the Lamb of God DVD and were touched by the message and performances of so many ward members!  Wow!

Thanks for your emails from friends and family.

TEACHING

We were thrilled when Elder Hansen, who was finishing his mission in 2 days, asked us if we would join him in teaching a discussion.  Afterwards, we would take over teaching the discussions to the couple (about 50 years old)    They had been reading a great deal of anti-mormon literature.  We listened to her comments for quite a while.   It shocked me when I realized how hurt I felt to hear someone verbally attack Joseph Smith, who suffered so much to restore the gospel and then was murdered.   But the spirit was strong as Elder Hansen (an outstanding missionary!!!) bore his testimony.   Then we added ours.   Sharing our testimonies reconfirms those truths in our heart.  

How grateful we feel for the Savior and His atonement.  The longer we stay in Africa, the more we realize that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to solve the problems of poverty, crime, and immorality.   We are sharing this wonderful message with members and nonmembers alike.