WHAT A WEEK!

HUMBLING 

Last Sunday after church, I was standing outside visiting with people.   Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed two boys about 6 -8 years old.   They were laughing so hard, they were shaking.    I didn't think much about it, but a few minutes later they were still laughing.   I turned my head to look at what was going on, and I noticed that they were pointing in my direction.   I also noticed that their mother was trying to get them to stop laughing, which seemed strange.   Within a few minutes, the boys were much closer to me and pointing directly at me.   I wondered if my dress was unzipped or it had a big hole.  This time I turned and faced the boys, and inquired what was so funny.   They inched closer and pointed at my arms.   I was REALLY puzzled now.   I asked again, and this time they pointed at their elbows and then at me.   Oh, so they thought my elbows were funny.     I STILL did not get the joke.   One boy grew very brave and walked up and pointed at the SAGGING skin on my elbow!!!!   His mother was so embarrassed and tried to pull him away, but I assured her I was not upset.   Then he slowly reached out and touched my wrinkled skin.   Immediately he pulled his finger back with the most horrified look----like he had just touched something very gross!   His friend was not going to be left out, and he timidly touched my skin with one finger and let out a loud shriek.   There was no stopping them now---one boy came up and grabbed my loose skin and twisted it.   I let out a little yelp because it really hurt.  They both took off running before I could say a word.   I am sure they will be laughing about my elbows all day long.     I was grateful that I could bring so much laughter to these children....but it was quite humbling.    Needless to say, I will NOT be posting a picture of my elbows.            
 The Zulu women have beautiful skin and very FEW wrinkles so they couldn't imagine what happened to my skin.

IS THIS REAL?

Monday we headed to the Tembe Elephant Park about 4 hours away.   There are many game parks in South Africa, but this one caught our attention because it is completely run by the local African community.   All of the employees are from the village.   It is a high poverty area with no other opportunities for work.  They advertised the park as a chance to see the wildlife AND help support the community.  
As we arrived, we were greeted by several women (we later found out they were the chefs and housekeeping staff) who sang their hearts out for us.   This was the beginning of a WONDERFUL visit.  

These ladies greeted us with beautiful songs.

Home Sweet Home.    Inside was a bed, toilet and sink.    The shower is outside.

After a quick lunch, we headed out on safari with 4 other people who were from Germany.   Elder Todd informed our guide that he wanted to see a leopard very badly.   We have seen all the Big Five (the 5 most sought after animals in African viewing and hunting) except the leopard.   We were informed that ALL visitors would like to see a leopard, but they are very elusive and not often seen.   That did not dampen Elder Todd's desire to see a leopard.   

We were viewing animals at the "hide" (a high structure where you can view animals without being seen), when our guide whispered, ""Hurry to the vehicle now!"   We quickly and quietly, went down the stairs and hurried to the jeep.  As soon as we were seated, the driver took off driving like a mad-man.   We were thrown from side to side and bumped all around, but nobody minded.   We were in search of a leopard.   To cut to the chase, we DID arrive in time to observe the leopard up in a tree.   We were thrilled and thought, "This was wonderful!"   We were satisfied and ready to leave, but the leopard climbed down the tree, walked across a flat area and then sauntered across the trail right in front of us!!!   Then he climbed another tree nearby and draped his beautiful body over a branch in full view.   Wow!    We observed him for about 15 minutes and then he disappeared.  We were giddy with excitement as we thought about what we had just seen. 

The leopard was so close, but its camouflage is very effective!

We returned in time for dinner at 7:30 pm.   The entree was Impala steaks, which is a popular animal found in most game parks.   All the meat killed is part of the population control of this beautiful animal.   It tasted very good, but felt a little like we were eating Bambi.   The second night we had Kudu, another native antelope, for dinner.  We enjoyed both.

The manager of the park spoke to everyone and shared the history of the park.   I will give you a very quick overview:   For decades the people had planted crops and then the elephants had come and harvested the crops.   The tribe had used noise makers, bonfires and sling shots but nothing kept the elephants out of their crops.  Finally the tribal chief approached the Conservation/Wildlife Department and asked for help.   Eventually they came up with this plan:   Thirty thousand hectares would be fenced off to keep the elephants and other animals inside.    The people were all relocated outside the fence in a new area.   They were compensated for this loss of home and farm--I don't know if it was adequate or not.   Nine years later, it opened as a game park.  So the animals in this park are all indigenous to this area.  

He continued his speech and thanked us profusely for coming here and allowing the villagers to earn a living.   All of the staff were very humble and we felt so welcome.  

That night, we were the ONLY couple that was not awakened at 3:00 a.m.    Elephants had pushed down the fence and they were tromping through the place knocking over trees and pulling down branches.   Guests said the elephants were 2 meters away from their "tents" and they were terrified.   I was so disappointed that we had missed the excitement and had slept through everything.    

Our wake up call came at 5:20 a.m.   It was a "REAL" wake up call-- a girl walked up to each tent and yelled "Wake Up".   Breakfast was at 5:40 and we were on our way at 6:00 a.m. sharp.   We drove for 3 hours and didn't see anything.   The last 45 minutes we saw giraffes, impala, nyalas and wildebeast.   Safaris are unpredictable, but always wonderful.

Late that afternoon, on our second safari for the day,  we came across 5 female lions lazily basking in the sun. We could not believe our good fortune.   These lionesses were very close.   And they were being playful with each other.   Our guide said, they had made a big kill and were now digesting the meal and enjoying themselves.   The females are the "best and most efficient hunters" according to our guide.   They are faster and more agile than the larger/heavier males.  

The "Grand Finale" was a completely different experience.   Patrick, our fantastic guide, took us into a "no entry" area.   He moved aside logs that blocked the way.   He explained that he was taking us to an area on the backside of the waterhole.  He parked the jeep and we waited.  Twenty minutes later 7 elephants strolled right past us.   We tried to get pictures but the elephants were so close they didn't turn out.   We got pictures when they were further away.   Next 2 giraffes appeared.  Watching them drink is fascinating.   

 Watching the giraffes straddle to drink.    It took quite an effort. 

Another incredible day enjoying the elephants very close and personal. 

After 45 minutes, we looked up at the watering hole.  Slowly walking across the field were nyalas, ten minutes later came the waterbuck, then another giraffee and a buffalo.  Animals were wandering down slowly and cautiously.   They are always on the lookout for the predators which often lurk near the water.  

Picture this scene:   majestic animals, beautiful water, typical African trees and huge blue sky all together.    We took pictures, but I wanted to cry because they look so "plain" and "dull" and unexciting.   Well, in real life it looked like a scene from a movie. 

Notice the reflection.

We want to always remember the feelings we felt there. We felt gratitude for the variety of animals and the complexity of how the animals survive and co-exist.   Heavenly Father created an amazing interdependence and survival system.  We felt so much peace in the surroundings....like our souls were at rest.   We felt awe at the beauty everywhere.   .    

Our guide stopped at sunset and we were served drinks (we opted for bottled water!!) with this gorgeous setting as a backdrop.   The elephants were grazing and we loved watching the baby tag behind his mother. 

Just a side note on the drought in southeast Africa.    It is VERY serious.   The rivers, lakes, waterholes are completely dried up and hard packed.    This water hole comes from the park rangers digging a borehole and pumping water.    They have no idea how long the borehole will produce water.   In the local village people pay to have water brought in for their cattle.   And, they are now paying to have water trucked in for themselves. 

I couldn't resist his smile and his friendly manner.   After watching him weave a small basket, I bought one. 

We (or actually ME) really embraced "helping the local villagers earn a living".  Rarely, do we ever spend money for such luxuries, but we both had a massage.   They bring these tables outside your tent and go to work.   Elder Todd had a head, neck and shoulder massage for 45 minutes for $15.14!!!   His first massage ever....he reluctantly agreed to "support" the local workers!

Full Service Hotel!   This is how they carry all luggage to and from the tents.

On the drive home we saw several scenes like this.   People lined up with all kind of containers to get water.  When the containers are filled they must carry them home somehow.   A very few have trucks or wheelbarrows, many carry large containers on their heads. 

We stopped on the way home and bought some fresh pineapples growing here.   The pineapples are small---some just bigger than an apple.   Some are delicious and others not good.  

GETTING BACK TO WORK

On our drive home, the phone began to ring with people/missionaries needing help.  We changed "gears" and got to work.

The next morning we left and drove 45 minutes to Mtuzini to meet Sue Butler, who needed help with Family History/Genealogy work.   She is not a member of our church, but wanted to sign up to use the free Family Search website.    Before we got to work on family history, she treated us to a picnic on the beach:   Rolls, cheese, cucumbers, and sausage/potato/apple salad.  She had planned to make us a quiche but the power and water had been turned off all morning.  We had a wonderful time, and then went to her home to work.   Unfortunately, there was a glitch when she typed her email address and then her internet didn't work so Elder Todd couldn't complete the task.   However, the next morning he registered her and she has an account.  We are going back to give her more help next week.  

MORE TRAINING NEEDED

We are trying to "train" leaders for the Young Single Adult Group (singles ages 18-30).   We realized we needed to do more training, when we met Friday afternoon for the final meeting and things were a mess.    Let's put it this way, we tried "tough love" combined with "rescuing".   Don't ask me to explain, because you don't have enough time to read the story!   

Saturday morning we had the missionaries who needed to use our computer and another couple that needed our help also.  But at 11:30 we were finally off to our assignments.  I will describe one experience from today---this is very similar to other weekly happenings when we think we will be finished in 10 minutes.    We were supposed to pick up Namhla at the pizza store and drive her to the church--very simple.    She was in charge of the food for the Young Adult Activity and we are trying "shadow leadership" (where we are available to help them, but they are supposed to do the task themselves).  She had ordered the pizza and bought the fruit, but it was too much for her to carry so we went to get her.   As she climbed into the car, she said that Seimpiwe was at the taxi rank and needed a ride to the church.   We turned around and headed to the very congested area where the taxis pick up customers.   We spent quite awhile trying to find her among all the people.  Our phone rang again, and it was another person needing a ride. Namhla looks at the pizza and said, "Now we need another pizza."   I thought it was too late, but she said that they could make the pizza really fast.   Back to the pizza place, order the pizza, and then off to find "Zama" who had called earlier.    Elder Todd drove to the appointed meeting place but Zama was not there.   We called.  We were in the wrong place.   We gave the phone to Namhla and she realized we were in completely the wrong area.   We made new arrangements.   However, Zama is no where to be found.   After 3 more attempts, we finally found Zama and headed back to the pizza store.    Pizza is not ready.   Wait.   Tobani, also needs a ride.  Finally, we have the pizza and 5 passengers in the back seat of the Toyota, and we head to the church.   It took 1 hour and 45 minutes to "go pick up Namhla."  

FUN WITH MINUTE-TO-WIN-IT!

However, it was all worth it!!    When the others arrived, we ate and then began the games.   Playing games like this is completely foreign to them.  We had rehearsed the games the day before, but Tobani didn't know how to begin.   So Elder Todd and I introduced the games.   First we played, "Two truths and a Lie" which they loved.  A funny twist was that they almost always blurted out the lie before anyone could guess.   They just couldn't wait and they answered their own question!!!   But everyone was happy.   

Next we did 4 games of Minute-to-Win-It.   This is a TV game (so they told us, but we had never seen it or heard of it.) and we found the tasks online.   We played "Cookie in Your Face" (you had to move the cookie from your forehead and into your mouth with no hands), "Defy Gravity" (where each person had to keep 3 balloons in the air for 1 minute,  "Noodling Around" (where you must pick up 6 pieces of penne pasta with a piece of uncooked spaghetti in your mouth...and with hands behind your back) and Chinese Marshmallows (you must transfer as many mini marshmallows from one bowl to another in one minute using chopsticks).    Oh, how I wish you could be a fly on the wall and watch....or a gecko on the wall.  

After cleaning up, we took 2 loads of people back to the taxi rank so they could head home.

Zama is the winner...6 penne pasta on 1 spaghetti noodle.

No one had any idea how to use chopsticks, so Larry "cheated" and coached his team.   Sazi did OK. 

Elder Todd did succeed in getting the cookie in his mouth!

CALLING ALL WOMEN

We have been able to provide many events and training for the young adults, teenagers and children.   But I wanted to do something special for the women.   Allyson Colton, an ex-Pat from the USA, and I arranged to show a re-broadcast of the Relief Society Broadcast (a worldwide meeting where church leaders talked just to the girls and women).  Actually, her husband and my husband, did much work to make this a success.  In fact, without them, we could not have done it.   We brought girls and women from the 5 townships to watch the video.   It was so uplifting and inspirational.   Afterwards we ate and visited....which was the perfect ending.  The women DID NOT want to leave.  Women here work SO very hard, and usually do not receive any appreciation or help.

Eating and socializing.

Monday was our Preparation Day and we hoped to visit a new area, but we were too tired and just cleaned up the dishes, etc. from the previous days.

FROSTING ON THE CAKE

That Monday night we had an appointment that we had been looking forward to all week, so we pulled ourselves together and prepared.   We were able to teach Michael, Yolandi, Tiffany and Aiden Baxter the missionary discussion on the Plan of Salvation or the Plan of Happiness.  We had great discussions as we presented the concepts.   We challenged them to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it.   We are excited to hear their thoughts.

TWO THOUGHTS FOR YOU AND ME

"Why would anyone walk through life satisfied with the light from the candle of their own understanding when, by reaching out to our Heavenly Father, they could experience the bright sun of spiritual knowledge that would expand their minds with wisdom and fill their souls with joy?"

"When we reach out to lift one another, we prove those powerful words:  No one goes his way alone."

We have truly experienced the joy of walking with the wonderful people of South Africa.

With much love,

Elder and Sister Todd
Sandy and Larry
Grandma and Grandpa