July 20, 2015
We are learning so much on our mission. We are grateful that the people are patient with us as we try to find the best way to serve and assist them. I feel our capacity to love them and serve them continues to increase.
WITH THE LORD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
I must keep reminding myself, that with the help of the Lord all things are possible. I know that miracles can and do happen. And a miracle is exactly what we need....actually we need dozens of miracles.
I have mentioned that we are involved in teaching Self-Reliance groups. This is a comprehensive 12-week course that was supposed to be 2 hours for each class, but has turned into a 3 hour class because the material is so difficult for them to grasp. The principles are very basic but they are completely foreign to our students. We are teaching the class called, Job Search, and we have about 13 in our class. We have 5 men from the ages of 20-28 years who have never had any kind of job...not even yard work or part time work. We have 5 who do not have a matric (haven't graduated from high school). We have a 40 year old mother who has no formal qualifications but has cooked for groups of up to 500 people at community celebrations. We have a young man with a electrical engineering certificate (we discovered that means he took a 2 month course in something related to engineering and passed). We have one young woman with a double degree in media and communications, but has never found a job since graduation. Quite a variety in one class.
We asked each person to introduce themselves and tell us what kind of a job they were looking for. Only
ONE person in the group had any idea of what job they were seeking (she has the double major and wants a job in radio or TV or newspaper). We explained that before they could look for a job they must identify what area they would like to work in, or what they were good in, or what skills they had. We gave several examples and asked them again what job they would like to pursue. Again, there was silence. We gave some more examples and 2 people said they would like to be waiters. Another self reliance instructor was observing us for the day, and she excitedly asked them "Why do you want to be a waiter?" They both shrugged their shoulders and mumbled something to the effect that they had heard of those jobs. After more discussion, we determined they didn't really know what a waiter did. It was a job that they heard didn't require skills and maybe they could qualify for. However, one of these would-be applicants spoke every little English and the other was so shy, he couldn't make eye contact with others.
We learned they had no idea of what they could do, what jobs existed, or what requirements were needed. The entire concept was overwhelming to them.
We left so exhausted from trying to help each person one-on-one. We feel such a responsibility to help them. At the present time, they cannot fill out any questions or forms on their own. Jobs are
very, very scarce here so it is a tough market. But we can see that obtaining some kind of employment is crucial to their personal development, as well as, providing food and shelter.
Now you know why we need the Lord's guidance.
I wish each one of you were here to take one person and tutor them and stay by their side until they found a job!!!!
During the week, I approach complete strangers on a regular basis and ask them if they are working, what they do, and how they got the job. I am trying to learn all I can so we can help our students.
ADVENTURE
One of the things that makes living in a foreign country challenging, is discovering the correct way to do everyday tasks in your new country. That makes it an adventure.
I was having trouble with my teeth before we came on our mission. My dentist insisted that I make every effort to get to a dentist regularly to check my teeth while I was in Africa. My gums became red and a little swollen. I was relieved because I discovered a dental office nearby. I called and made an appointment. When I arrived and went back into the exam room, the dentist asked me why I had come. I explained about the concerns of my teeth and mentioned my front gum. He had me sit in the dental chair and open my mouth. He quickly looked at my top and bottom teeth. He didn't poke my gums with one of those wire-tipped-stylus-things. He didn't touch my teeth. He didn't take Xrays. He said, "Everything looks pretty good. Why did you come?" I explained again about my teeth and gums. And then I asked if I could get my teeth cleaned while I was there. He looked so puzzled. He picked up one of those metal pencils to scrape the teeth. He tried to scrape the plaque. Then he laid it down and said, "I don't know how to clean teeth." Well, I didn't think he would clean my teeth, I thought the dental assistant would. After a few awkward moments, he said, "In South Africa, you don't come to the dentist unless your teeth really hurt. We don't give exams unless you have a bad problem. " I was so embarrassed. He thought I was ridiculous. So much for preventive dental care!!! I again asked if someone could clean my teeth. He said, "Well, why did you come here? You need an oral hygienist." I asked where to find an oral hygienist and quickly left. When I went to the oral hygienist for a teeth cleaning, I found out they were a completely independent offices and not connected with a dentist in any way. The cleaning was done very superficially with no real cleaning the way I was used to. She did put polishing gritty stuff on my teeth like the USA. She had a very small tube to suction the liquid out of my mouth. It didn't work and she kept saying "Swallow." So I continually swallowed the stuff. Hope nothing will cause stomach problems. As I left, she told me that I should come to her for a checkup....dentists don't do exams. It reminded me that things are different everywhere, and things I assume are normal...are not the norm here.
THE WAY TO THEIR HEART IS THROUGH THEIR STOMACH???
The Enseleni township youth heard that I had taught a class on making brownies in another township, and they begged to do it. I was happy to oblige but didn't know where I could teach it. Only one youth lives in a family-type setting. The others live with extended family...aunts, brother-in-law of their deceased sister, etc. These youth don't feel welcome in their own home and they had very sparse kitchen facilities. We agreed to meet at the one family home (which was tiny). The night before they called and casually mentioned that the oven did not work. I needed something else to make that was fairly simple and could be made on the stove top. I decided on No Bake Cookies. I had never made them but decided they fit the requirements. The stores were closed but I made the list and we planned to go shopping first thing in the morning. Later on that night, I decided we could also make Rice Krispy treats (I just saw on my cousins blog that they also made these in New Zealand for the people the same time we did.)
We picked up the girls and a young man also decided to join us. We had the best time. I don't think we could have given them a better "gift". Elder Todd was there the entire time, washing pans (there was no indoor water so he had to go outside to a spigot and wash the sticky Rice Krispy pan so we could make a second batch) and moving things around so we could find space. The No Bake Cookies were even a bigger hit. They hadn't tasted a "sweet" with peanut butter AND chocolate and they loved it! We made boxes for all of their friends and their families. Elder Todd could not believe how happy they were. Just goes to show that the simple things in life REALLY are the best. (Picture #2)
HIGHLIGHT
Lungelo Mkhwanazi, a young man we have been teaching in our seminary class was baptized! What an rewarding experience it was for everyone involved. None of his family attended or was interested in what he was doing. Nonetheless, he was very prepared and his testimony of Jesus Christ is inspiring. He was glowing after his baptism. He told us that every week his grandmother (his parents died) yells at him and says "forget about Jesus. You can't go to church." Then he goes outside and prays and prays. When it is time for church or seminary, he walks out the door and she doesn't say a word or call him back. She lets him go. He says, "Jesus is by my side every week." When we see someone accept Jesus Christ, change their life, and wholeheartedly embrace the gospel, it fills our hearts with joy. (Pic #1)
Our hearts are filled with love, concern and prayers for the wonderful people of South Africa. Our hearts are so "full" as we watch the baby steps they make. But I must admit, that when they make poor choices, I am devastated.
IS THIS REAL?
Today on our P-Day we drove to a Nature Preserve 30 minutes from our home. We hiked for 2 hours. Halfway through our hike we came out of the woods and there in front of us was a baby zebra! Before Elder Todd could get the camera ready, the baby bolted to her family (I guess). Yet, they were still very, very close to us. They watched us and didn't move away. It still amazes us that we can run into a zebra while taking an afternoon stroll. (Picture 4)
The last picture is also from our hike. We wanted to get closer to the river, but we had been warned that there were crocs lurking at the water edge. So we kept our distance. (Picture 3)
We love you. Thank you for your prayers and support. It makes a difference!!!!!!!
Love,
Elder and Sister Todd
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