Only 3 1/2 weeks left!

June 2, 2016

Greetings!

Because so much of what I want to share does not have a "photo", I decided to write a letter instead of blog today.  

We are shocked as we look at the calendar and see that we only have 3 1/2 weeks left on our mission!   We haven't even thought about the "end" of our mission until this week, because we want to work very hard up until the last minute.   We are pleading with the Lord to open our eyes to things that we need to do or people we need to teach or assist.   Although we haven't had any "big" revelations, names have come in our minds very quietly...just a quick flash of a name---nothing more.  

Let me share one of those examples, because these are some of our favorite ways to serve.    Sihle Dlamini, 34 years old and single, attended Larry's Institute class and we were so impressed with him.   We invited him to attend our Temple Preparation Course and he participated wholeheartedly in every class.  His comments showed deep insights.     At the completion of the class, others were getting temple recommends and expressing a desire to go to the temple.    We noticed that Sihle didn't mention going to the temple.   Although we were a little puzzled, we didn't want to push anyone.   Then we became so busy, it slipped to the back of our minds.   Last week, we wondered again, why this outstanding young man had not gone on the temple trip.   Possibly he could not get time off work (he is one of the few with a full time job 6-7 days per week, although it is low paying).  Sunday night I saw him and decided that the best approach would be direct.   I expressed love and concern for him and then asked why he did not go to the temple.  (This directness is bad manners in the Zulu culture.)  He said that he was "working on something".   I said, "That is wonderful."  But I continued and asked if he was trying to be perfect, because none of us are perfect and have make many mistakes.   Or, I continued, was it something more serious.   Just as he started to speak, 2 people came into the room, so he was silent.  It was late and he needed to head for home.   As we drove home, I shared with Elder Todd what had happened.   He said, I will call him tomorrow and ask him to lunch.  So Wednesday night, he and Elder Todd went to dinner.   They had a wonderful, LONG talk and Sihle shared his problem.   Elder Todd was able to give him counsel and direction on how he can become worthy to attend the temple.   Without the Lord bringing his name to our mind, we fear he never would have gone to the temple.   He felt that you just wait years.   In the temple prep course, there is specific instruction on worthiness and repentance.   But it was a reminder, that we often hear correct teachings but we don't understand, or listen or focus.    It happens to most of us.  

Sihle told Elder Todd how much it meant to him that someone cared enough to notice him.   And that someone loved him!     We cannot tell you how much these experiences mean to us.  

Sunday, we felt like we were able to serve in many ways---and that makes it a perfect day!   We began the day by driving to Port Durnford to church.  (Although the roads were almost un-driveable in our sedan, we still made it a few minutes early....because Elder Todd makes us leave soooo early for our meetings.)   I won't go into the details, but the branch president moved 2 months ago, there is only one counselor, who has a severe speech problem because of an auto accident, and one other Melchizedek priesthood holder.   There is no Primary president or teacher so a 14 year old boy teaches them the lesson every week and then they sit alone. The district Primary President and I thought it would be wonderful if all the Primary children in the district, sang in conference, June 12.   Sister Colton, the district primary president, is the branch  primary president and so it is very hard for her to leave her branch and visit other branches.   I volunteered to teach the songs to the children in the other branches and she provided me with visual aids.   

So after Sacrament meeting, I taught 14 children 2 songs:   Stand for the Right and I Will Follow God's Plan.   They learned the words fairly well, but the tune was "off".   I brought the IPAD with the music, but they sang so loud, they drowned out the tune.   The 14 year old boy is musical and sings loudly, which is great.   But he sings another tune.   So, the kids know the words, but sing a different melody!   I needed to bring speakers for the IPAD.

After the first block in Primary, I went to teach Young Women.   They have 2 young women (one is 12 years old and one is 11 years old--she is turning 12 in July so I didn't say anything).   They also had a nonmember visiting.   I taught the Personal Progress program and gave each one her Personal Progress books.    They are so excited.    I am sad to leave these young women--I hope someone will help them apply the Personal Progress Program--it is so powerful.   Then I presented each of them with the YW torch necklace--Stand for Truth and Righteousness.  In each branch, this is a special moment.  Last, (I was overtime but felt this was important.) we decorated their bare bulletin board with a hanging banner that said, "Press Forward" (the youth theme for 2016) and a colorful poster.   The girls cut everything out, put it together and hung it up.   They were so proud of their work! 

As I was leaving, I saw a few members gathered around the baptismal font.   The font is outside, but surrounded by a high locked gate.   The font is similar to a child's wading pool and it is cemented into the ground.   But there was commotion, because someone noticed that the cement was chipped away at the base.   Someone had tried to come and steal the baptismal font!!   It is a VERY plain plastic rectangle.  

We didn't stay around, but drove to Enseleni Branch to a baptism for a 21 year old girl and her 10 year old sister.  Even though it was very simple (12 people including us and the missionaries), no frills or refreshments, the spirit was there.   The talks were basic and there were only 2 hymn books (used by the new members and their nonmember father), but the priesthood authority was there.  The font is above ground.   To get into the font, they placed a ladder with one side in the pool and the other part out side the pool.   So 2 people steadied the ladder, and one person helped the baptismal candidate up and down the steps of the ladder.     We are so grateful to see these wonderful girls come into the church.   Simpewe graduated from high school 2 years ago and is still waiting to see if she can find some financial assistance to attend the university.   She wants to major in Chemistry or Engineering.   She is very motivated despite many obstacles in her path. 

Afterwards, we drove to the Richards Bay Chapel where Elder Todd attended a 3 hour Training Meeting with the Branch Presidents and District Presidency.   The District President called 2 counselors to serve with me in the Young Women's presidency 2 months ago.    We met together and planned and prepared for our Young Women's conference this Saturday. This is our second presidency meeting and it is all new to them.  We visited and laughed and bore testimony.   It was so much fun.   But even more, it was another confirmation of the Lord's program at work.   We built each other and I was able to teach the doctrine of temple marriage.   One of my counselors has been dating a nonmember for 5 years.   She confided many things to our presidency and we searched the doctrine for answers. 

At the end of the evening, I spoke to Sihle which I already shared with you.

I have felt a little discouraged the past week because I was reminded of 2 very important teaching techniques we have been neglecting. We were reminded of these from our Zone Leaders in our zone training.   These are things we knew, but somehow we forgot.   It has been quite upsetting to me because we have prayed so fervently to be the best missionaries we could.   These 2 items would have improved our teaching, but now we are leaving. 

We have enjoyed teaching the gospel to investigators so much BUT we know that it is done best by the young missionaries.   They do it EVERY day and are more practiced.  It is the main part of their ministry.  

Being a missionary is the most wonderful experience.  We wanted to "pay back" to others the blessings of the gospel we have received, BUT we are the ones who are blessed. 

Love,

Mom and Dad

Elder and Sister Todd

Sandy and Larry