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