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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sad News!

April 25, 2016

Hello All,

Every mission has its ups and downs.    Most of the time, we have "rolled with the punches" and plodded ahead.   We ("old missionaries") can keep-on-truckin even when things aren't going well.

However, 2 weeks ago we received news that has really had an impact on me---and not in a good way.   We received news that Elder Samkelo Moloi was being sent home from his mission.   He is a young man that we worked with to help him prepare for his mission and complete the necessary paper work, medical and dental work.   We spent a great deal of time with him and love him.    He has been raised by his grandparents, although his father lives 2 houses away and his mother lives 2 hours away (and he rarely sees them).  

He was sent home for fornication and the girl is pregnant.   Samkelo is very sorry.  But this has impacted so many lives---Samkelo, the mother of the unborn child, the unborn child, his grandfather, the girls extended family who are not members, his companion, his branch and the girl's branch, etc...............

He had a bright future when he left.   So many people sacrificed for him to be able to serve a mission.  Since his return, he does not receive much support from the priesthood leaders here.   Larry is explaining to the district president and branch president the importance of showing great love and support for him.    This is quite a foreign concept here.   We don't know if it is the macho Zulu culture, or what.   The leaders do not "nurture" or "encourage" struggling members or active members.    We have tried to demonstrate this the past months but we do not know if we have made a difference. 

We have been visiting Samkuelo each week and will continue to do so until we leave.     We are reminding the branch president to do the same.   We are hoping and praying for the best.   

We know the gospel is true and it blesses our lives.   We are grateful for the happiness it brings to us.   We love sharing this message.    We are grateful for the principle of repentance.    We need it constantly.   I am humbled by how patient the Lord is with me when I constantly make mistakes.   We are grateful that Samkelo has taught about the Savior and he also knows about repentance.    This is another reminder to us of how easily we can be sidetracked or deceived or entrapped by Satan. 

We love each of you.    We appreciate your letters and your prayers.  

Love, 

Sandy and Larry

Mom and Dad

Grandpa and Grandma

Time is Flying By!

When I turned the page on the calendar and saw the month of April staring at me, I couldn't believe it.   We still have so many hopes and dreams for these wonderful Zulu people.   We are turning to the Lord to discover what He would have us focus on during our last 2 1/2 months.     We feel a great responsibility to do all we can to teach the people about Jesus Christ and His gospel.

A RUDE AWAKENING 

Last night at midnight, I felt so hot, I climbed out of bed, went to Larry's side of the bed and turned the air conditioner on.   The unit hangs on the wall right above our bed.  As soon as the air conditioner clicked on, Larry bolted up in bed.   He was waving and thrashing his hands by his head.   I thought I had startled him.  Then he slaps his neck, leaps out of bed and acts very strange.   Suddenly I noticed what was happening.   He had a large cockroach on his body and he was trying to get it off.   I saw it running back and forth in his hair, down to his neck, onto his back and then back up to his head.   Finally, he knocked it off his neck and on to the bed.    I grabbed a shoe and gave it a hard whack!  Dead!  But it was smashed all over the sheet.   I took some toilet paper and removed his body, and Larry crawled back into bed and went to sleep.  We didn't  change the sheets or try to clean them because we were exhausted.   The next morning I removed the sheets, soaked them in stain remover, and washed them twice.   The big stain is still there and so are all the "splatters".    These cockroaches have black blood/juice/shells or whatever.    It is like India ink and worse that permanent marker and does not come out!   It is not going to be fun sleeping on those sheets---good thing we are so tired each night. We have discovered that cockroaches often "jump out" of the vent when we turn on the air con---as they call it here. 

COULD YOU PLEASE PLUG IN THE FAN?

This may seem like a straight forward request.   But it isn't.   One of the interesting things about South Africa are the plugs or wall outlets.    An appliance might have a square plug, a small rectangular plug, round, triangle, large rectangle, 2 prong, 3 prong or 3 large prongs.    That means you need to have adapters for each one of these plugs.   This is NOT related to changing from 220V to 110V. This is for the toaster, hair dryer or mixer purchased here!   When I need to plug in something new, it isn't as easy as it should be.   Of course, there is only one outlet in each room and NONE in the bathrooms.   So each outlet has a power strip with all sorts of plugs coming from a variety of items---hair dryer, lamp, fan, clock, phone chargers etc.    It looks like a serious fire hazard but it is a fact of life here.    When we travel (or even go to another church building and want to show a video), we bring a BAG of different plugs and adapters.   You have no idea what type/shape/size of outlet will be in your hotel room...and if you do not have the correct adapter, you won't be able to charge your phone or blow dry your hair.  This picture only shows a little bit--but you get the idea.

SO GOOD TO BE TOGETHER

Thursday at noon we drove to Durban to our Senior Conference.   The senior couples from our entire mission came for a 2 day training.   There are 9 couples serving from Durban to Bloemfontein and Lesotho.  We drove 2 hours but others drove 8 or 9 hours so we could be together.   We receive such strength from each other.  We used to have 12 couples, but 3 have gone home and no one has come to replace them.   We really need more couples here.
 
We had chicken curry, a very popular South African dish, for dinner.   For dessert we had milk tart, another South African favorite.   It is similar to cheesecake.  Elder Todd loved the food.    We visited as we washed the dishes and stayed up too late talking. 

Friday morning we began at 9:00 A.M. at the mission home.   President Zachrison taught a powerful lesson for 1 hour.   It was on prayer.   Isn't it amazing that after hearing lessons on prayer for over 60 years, there is still  so much to learn???   He shared some new insights and reminded us of things we already knew--but don't always apply.  When we turn to the Lord first, we are humbled by the help we receive.   When we get busy, or proud, and do things on our own, they never go as well.

For the next 3 1/2 hours each couple took a turn sharing a "best practice" that had been successful for them.   There were so many ideas and each one was unique.   We concluded that each couple had "found" something had suited their personality...and nothing was the same!   It surprised all of us.   But each area has its own challenges, strengths and culture.   One couple, living in Velkom, had attended a church dinner where they were served sheep brains....and she said they looked and tasted awful.   Another sister had pictures of her eating from a PIG HEAD at a church dinner.  The full head sat on a platter in the middle of the table as a decoration.   They ate everything--ears, snout, tongue, etc.   She had a video of her and others eating the snout!  Then they chewed sucked on the bones until they were shiny.   Yum!

Listening to President Zachrison.  (Chandlers, Hinds, Taylors, Roberts, and Woolstons.     Stevensons, Sorensens and Nielsens not in the picture.)

IT WORKED!

When we arrived on our mission, our mission president did not give us ANY advice or instruction except this:    "You have come to South Africa with whatever tools or talents are needed in your area.  I don't give instruction or direction. I am caring for 125 missionaries and need the senior couples to be completely self reliant."   It was unnerving to head to a completely foreign area with No advice or guidance.   But each couple had followed his advice and "found" what the Lord needed to be done!  I wish I had space to share all the wonderful things being done.  It was another testimony to me of how the Lord knows each of us AND he helps his servants move the gospel forward. 

TEMPLE COMING TO DURBAN SOUTH AFRICA!

Saturday we all were excited to be able to attend the ground breaking for the Durban South Africa Temple. The temple site is on a hilltop overlooking beautiful rolling hills.  It is near the national highway and people will be able to see it as they drive by.   I don't know how many of you knew that the church was building a temple in Durban.   It was very exciting news and the people here are overjoyed.  We arrived several hours early so we could get a seat.  It was VERY hot but we were all so grateful to be able to be a part of the ground breaking.  Usually the temples take about 3 years to build, but they have not announced a completion date.  There was a short program and then the site was dedicated with a prayer.  In this prayer, it stated that the temple would bring wonderful blessings to the people and the country.     At the conclusion of prayer, the dignitaries (government leaders, political leaders and church leaders) turned over the dirt with "golden (painted)" shovels.   When they were finished, people from the audience were invited to come and dirt over some dirt so we took our turn with hundreds of others.

Some of the Gezane family and Zulu family with us.  In the center is a drawing of what the future Durban Temple.   It does not look "African" but we heard that before the temple was approved, the zoning officers outlined the basic parameters of the design.   Don't know if that is true. 

MEMORIES

When each senior couple arrives in our mission, they spend the first 2 nights at The Huntley House B&B, before they are sent to their area.   So for this conference, we all stayed there again.   What memories!   We reflected on how things had changed, how we had changed and what we had learned.   What a walk down memory lane.   However, we didn't spend too much time thinking, because the days were packed with instruction and it was always late when we got back to the B&B.   

These flowers and bushes were just outside our room at the B&B. 
We love the gorgeous plants in South Africa.

Saturday night we all went to dinner at the Cargo Hold--a restaurant along the ocean and next to the aquarium.   It has a 2-3 story glass wall that showcases many kinds of sharks in a Shark Tank.    Our table edge was touching the glass and it was fascinating to watch these large fish.    

We loved eating dinner with the sharks---especially because we were on the other side of the glass.

DO I REALLY NEED A HAIRCUT? 

For my haircut, I decided to try someone new.   The salon was very small and rundown, but it was in a nice area of town.   The most important factor was that it was 6 doors away from a car wash.   We had been out in the rural areas on muddy roads/paths and the car was filthy.   The stylist seemed very nice.   As we walked into a small back room for my shampoo, she casually mentioned they were having trouble with the water......very bad news at a hair salon.     I sat in the chair and leaned my head back into the basin.  The "shampoo lady" (a black "helper") dipped her fingers into a small dish of water and rubbed her fingers into my hair....just a few drops of water...no running water from the faucet.    My hair was a little damp, but certainly not wet.   Then she added LOTS of shampoo and began to rub until my head was completely lathered up.   I wondered how she would ever rinse all the soap out with just a tiny cup of water???   She dumped the little remaining water on my head and that didn't help at all.  I was puzzled when she took a pitcher and went outside for quite a while.   She came back in with the pitcher full of water and explained she had put a barrel outside and had been collecting rain water for weeks.   She dumped the water over my head and I hoped the soap was gone.   However, she did give me a wonderful head massage!   It was heavenly.   I was happy to leave a big tip because the "Shampoo Ladies" do not receive any wages but the tips.   
What I thought was ironic, is the fact that there was no water in the hair salon but the car wash 1/2 block away was using gallons of water!    Puzzling!

COME LISTEN TO A PROPHET'S VOICE 

How grateful we are to be able to listen to a prophet of God speak directly to us twice a year.   We were able to listen to his talk on the internet (although it was constantly breaking up).   As Thomas Monson spoke last weekend, we felt the confirmation that he truly speaks for the Lord.

As we listened to the apostles speak to us, we felt so inspired and uplifted.   One of our favorite talks was Elder Jeffery R. Holland.   We plan to reread it again later.   A favorite quote from the talk:

"Brothers and sisters, the first great commandment of all eternity is so love God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.   That's the first great commandment.   But the first great TRUTH of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind and strength..... "

"Keep trying.   Keep trusting.   Keep believing.   Keep growing.   Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever. "

HOME SWEET HOME

We love coming home to this giraffe on our front porch.   It is peeking around the brick to greet us and makes us feel so welcome.   This giraffe belongs to our landlord and has been on the porch for 2 decades.   It is sun bleached and worn--but so friendly.

We feel like the luckiest couple to be able to serve the people of South Africa.   We are trying to learn from them, as well as share our message.   We know the Savior lives and is our Redeemer.

Love,
Elder and Sister Todd
Larry and Sandy
Mom and Dad

Africa in Perspective!

 Just before we left on our mission, Connie and John Woodward, gave us this map of Africa.  It is hard to grasp the vastness of this continent.   As you can see, Africa is larger than the United States of America, India, the British Isles, Western Europe ,Argentina and CHINA combined!

 Transfers

 We had a wonderful gathering at our home on Saturday night so the missionaries could receive the "transfer" news.   Every 6 weeks some elders are transferred and some remain for another transfer.   Everyone is anxious to find out if they are staying or going.   If they are being transferred, they are excited to hear who their new companion will be.   The energy, enthusiasm and excitement in our home could be felt!    We served dinner and then everyone gathered for the news.    This time we had to say goodbye to 3 outstanding elders....which means that we receive 3 new elders!

Saying goodbye to Elders Benissan, Doney and Lisonbee.  Usually we take a serious picture first and then a funny one.    Elder Benissan (tongue sticking out) must have been mixed up.

Still Learning the Medical System

Praise Hlatshiwayo just returned from serving a mission in Ghana for the past 18 months.   She is 21 years old and from Ngwelesane, a local congregation.   At the very end of her mission she began having seizures.   The doctor recommended she get treatment in South Africa because she was returning home very soon.    We were asked to assist her to get a complete medical workup to determine the proper diagnosis.   This seemed like a straight forward task, but did not work out that way.   We spent two days from 10-4:30 at the doctor's office and hospital in Richards Bay at a private hospital.    We were able to get a CT scan but no one could read it locally for some unknown reason.   They sent us off to Durban to a neurologist for a consultation the following week.  After looking at the scan, the doctor decided to have Praise admitted to the hospital that day (Wednesday).   Praise had no extra clothing, toothbrush, etc.   However, the doctor informed us that getting a bed in the hospital was very difficult and often takes weeks. 

 This is how the system works:  When the doctor determines you need to go to the hospital, he/she puts your name on a waiting list.   On Friday afternoon after patients are discharged, they count the beds available.   Then they call the appropriate number of names on the waiting list and inform them a bed is available.  The patient has 2 hours to get to the hospital.   Otherwise, they continue on down the waiting list until the beds are filled.   However, the doctors and labs do NOT do tests on the weekend, so the patient just sits/sleeps in the hospital over the weekend.   Occasionally, they still have vacancies on Mondays.   So they repeat the procedure of giving you 2 hours to get to the hospital or you "lose" your bed.  She said, this often goes on for weeks before you are admitted.   Because we live over 2 hours away and drive an additional 35 minutes to pick up Praise, we asked Praise to go into the hospital while we were here.   She was scared to death, but agreed. 

  Hospitals do not provide gowns, towels, soap,etc.   Praise was wearing a fancy dress---her going to church and all occasion dress-up dress.  We spent 3 1/2 hours waiting for her to be admitted.   When we left her, she was sitting on top of the hospital bed with a long orange beaded dress and fancy sandals.   She looked quite out of place. The lady in the bed next to her was screaming hysterically (They told us she needed meds but they couldn't get a hold of the doctor.  This was the neurology ward.).   We called the mission office senior couple and asked if they would bring Praise some clothing and toiletries the next day and they agreed.   It was 9:00 pm when we headed home.

The next day we called the doctor and she informed us they had done an MRI but could not do the EG.   I asked why and she said that Praise is wearing a wig and they cannot attach the sensors (or whatever they are called) to her scalp.   I asked why they didn't just remove the wig.   She asked me if I understood African wigs and I replied in the negative.   Well, this wig had been braided into Praise's real hair---every strand of hair was woven into the wig (not a hairpiece).   So.....they had arranged for a nurse who specializes in hair removal to come to the hospital the next day!    I couldn't believe that medical procedures were delayed for a wig!!!!!   

 The following day, they completed all the tests and we drove down to pick up Praise (No wig.)   On the way home, I asked her if she could have the wig attached to her hair again.   She said, that the wig could be put back on BUT the hospital staff said they had thrown the hair away.   She begged to go get it from the trash, but they said it was too late.   She said, that stealing hair in the hospital is not uncommon and nothing can be done.   These are just a few highlights.   It was an interesting experience.  We must return in two months.

Double Duty

The same day that we picked up Praise to drive her to the neurologist in Durban, we also picked up Mpho Ziqubu and took her to the mission office in Durban.     She was leaving to serve a mission in Zimbabwe.  She has no living parents, as I have mentioned before, and we felt so grateful to be able to drive her to Durban and tell her goodbye.   Her sister and brother-in-law do not have a car and do not have the money to get to Durban (and could not be gone the entire day).  Another faithful, worthy young woman to serve the Lord!

 

Inanda Heritage Trail

We had the opportunity to travel the Inanda Heritage Trail, with 3 other couples.  We hired a knowledgeable guide to accompany us and his commentary added so much.  As you know, Apartheid ended in 1994.  Several courageous men helped bring this about and changed the future of South Africa. We visited some of the places where some of these changes took place. 

  The Phoenix Settlement (named after the Phoenix bird that rises from the ashes) was where Gandhi developed his philosophy of passive resistance.  We learned so much about Gandhi's teachings. I always associated Gandhi with India, but he lived here 20 years.   Next stop was the Ohlange Institute founded by Rev. John Dube, the first president of the African National Congress.  This is also where Nelson Mandela cast his historic vote in South Africa's first democratic election in 1994.

We were grateful to learn about several white and black men who helped make this possible.   We love reading everything in these museums, but it was so hot, that we didn't linger as long as usual.  

This is where Nelson Mandela cast his historic vote for freedom but we are blocking your view of the ballot box!  Senior couples:  Sorensens from Arizona, Nielsens from Utah, Stevensons from California and us.

 

The first government house built for the black township.

In 1958, the"township" system was developed in South Africa.  The blacks were force to move to certain areas and were given a home.   These were some of the very first homes.  This township is still "operational" but people are free to move, set up businesses, schools, churches or whatever they choose.   Many people have moved to other areas, but many have remained and built larger homes. During Apartheid, there were separate townships for Blacks, Indians and Coloreds (mixed black and Indian).  Although people can move anywhere they choose, there are still many townships based on race today.  

This heritage trail was a good reminder of the price of freedom.   Freedom is not free!

Living in the Lap of Luxury

Our refrigerator finally died.   The milk has been warm and nothing from the refrigerator was chilled.  There were very few choices---either very nice or very small.   The mission said they would buy a "large" frig because we cook for large crowds on a regular basis.   The day after we purchased it, we completely filled the freezer and refrigerator with food for our youth event.   It was such a blessing to have it!   This refrigerator has all the upgrades but with a different twist!    It has an "automatic icemaker".   That means it has 3 small ice trays that you manually dump into the ice bin!   But we have ice so we feel very spoiled.    It also has a "water dispenser" in the door of the refrigerator.    I was appalled that we were getting something that was so unnecessary, but all the large models had this feature.   When we checked closely, we discovered that you must pour the water into the reservoir of the door.......then you can get water.   The reservoir holds under 2 liters of water and is very inconvenient to fill so we just use regular water and that is perfect!

More About Hair

All over the world, women are concerned about their hair.   It is no different here.   The Zulu women have hair that doesn't grow well.   We were informed that their hair will only grow about 5 inches long.   I do not know about that.   But I do know that all women we have meet wear wigs, unless their hair is shaved short.   Even those with short corn-row braids, have extra hair woven into their braids.  The women in this picture are all wearing wigs or hair extensions.   I told them why I was 

taking their picture and they were happy to show off their hair-dos. 

 Geckos are everywhere!  We noticed this one on our windshield while we were driving.   It hung on for a 30 minute ride going 120 km/75mph and arrived home safely!

Perfect Day!

 Sunday night we were driving home at 9 pm, in the dark, in the rain and wind, and with people passing us with NO headlights/tail lights/brake lights.   Driving in these conditions is very stressful and Elder Todd dislikes it very much.   But suddenly he said, "This has been a perfect day!"   He had such a warm feeling in his voice and I agreed with him.   Let me VERY briefly describe our day.

We woke up at 6:30 and hurried to get ready for church, Elder Todd reviewed his talk and I reviewed the lesson we would be teaching later.  We threw fruit, cereal, juice and milk on the table for the Taylors (who are staying here for one night) and us for breakfast.   We visited and gobbled the food at the same time (bad manners but a necessity today).  We loaded pictures, computer, speakers, extension cords and adapters, Bibles, Books of Mormon, a whiteboard and markers, DVDs to pass out, and applications for a youth activity into the car.  (We did forget a few things.)   We pulled away at 8:15 and headed for Port Durnford where Elder Todd was speaking in Sacrament Meeting.  He spoke on Malachi 3:8-10.   Grab your bibles and reread this familiar scripture.  The blessings from paying tithing are amazing!   It was another great reminder of how the Lord wants to bless each of us.   

Next we headed to Ngwelesane to teach a Temple Preparation class.  We meet in a very small teacher's lounge in an elementary school.    No air conditioning or fans---except the paper that I am waving to create a breeze.   What a wonderful feeling was present! As I reflected on the blessings of the temple, I was so grateful.   They asked so many questions that the lesson went longer than expected.   We showed a video on the computer and used the whiteboard for our teaching.   

We arrived home at the same time as the Taylors, so I fixed tuna sandwiches and Elder Todd made grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.  We added chips and apples and 1 hour later we were on our way by 4:00.    Elder Todd had a meeting with the District Presidency and I sat in the hall and reviewed our next lesson.  At 6:15 pm we left and headed to Kwambonambi to teach a first discussion to a family, the Van Bredas. We have presented a Family Home Evening lesson to them.   They have 7 and 11 year old boys and live quite a ways out.   We taught them the Plan of Salvation with cut outs and pictures.   The father was not interested, but the rest of the family participated.  Before we left we played "Buckle Buckle Beanstalk" and "Hot and Cold".   We all joined in and had so much fun.   We scheduled another appointment for next Sunday and they invited us to dinner.

I agree....this was a perfect day!

We appreciate your prayers and messages.   It helps us more than you know.   We are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ.   We feel his guidance and help each day as we struggle to find the best way to serve.

Love,

Elder and Sister Todd

  

 

Another Wonderful Night!

Sunday, February 21, we held a Youth Fireside (inspirational meeting) for those 12 years and older.   It was the first time we have tried something like this here.   We invited all the youth from 5 congregations and their youth leaders.   "Getting the word out" continues to be a challenge.   About 50% of the adults have phones and even less youth own a phone.   Even those with phones, are often "out of airtime" (minutes) or the phone is not charged!   But Sunday we had a full chapel and youth eager to worship.   

Our purpose was to introduce the new Youth Theme for 2016 (I know, I know,  it is February---not January--we are running a little late!)  I printed up a colorful graphic and theme for each of them.   But I cannot figure out how to show it on this blog.   So I will just write it:

 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ

having a perfect brightness of Hope, and 

a Love of God and of all men.

Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, 

Feasting upon the word of Christ, 

and Endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:

Ye shall have Eternal Life.

Clear communication is always a challenge here.    I wanted to make sure they knew what "press forward" meant in this context.   I wanted them to know it meant there would be obstacles to overcome and it would require energy and effort on their part to follow Christ.    I asked for 3 volunteers to come to the podium/stage and we set up a simple obstacle course.   I tried to reach my objective (following Christ) and they tried various ways to distract me or to set up barriers so I could not move forward.    By the end, they all understood---and everyone wanted to participate.   

In advance, I asked one young woman and one young man to speak for 5 minutes and share how they could "press forward with faith in Christ" during their teen years.   These 2 youth gave simple, yet insightful talks. How fulfilling to see the youth grow in their faith. 

I also asked 2 young women who I knew had good voices to sing a new song, "Press Forward", that was written for this theme.   They had no piano in their church (daycare center) and they couldn't read music well so I didn't know if it would work.   However, we have a missionary from Utah who is musical who volunteered to help.     He spent 3 afternoons helping them and they did a fantastic job that night.  

Afterwards, we taught the entire group the song.  I used all the methods (visual aids, hand motions, boys sing, girls sing,  all those who like chocolate ice cream sing, all those who like vanilla ice cream sing, etc.) we use in Primary and elementary school to teach all the verses.  They were very engaged.  The words and the melody are "catchy" and are still stuck in my mind.   I hope the words are stuck in the minds of the youth!!!   It had a powerful message for them.   

In between the music and the talk we shared 3 videos that were 5 minutes each.  They love these videos!!   I think they could watch them all day.   One video was called "Securely Anchored".   It compared our relationship to  Jesus Christ to rock climbing.   In rock climbing, there are at least 2 choices.  One choice is to Free Solo--- the climber uses no safety equipment and scales the cliffs/mountains with just their hands, feet and no ropes, etc.   They are at high risk but they do for the thrill.  Next, the video shows another youth using anchors, safety equipment, and a partner, etc.   It explains the purpose of the anchor while rock climbing, and compares it to having Jesus Christ as our "anchor".   It was very effective.  

As always, I left feeling so grateful to work with the youth of South Africa.  Hopefully they can remember and apply the things they heard.  

Three down.....how many to go? 

 Now I want to go back to Thursday, which was a "baking marathon".   Unfortunately, the weather was extremely hot and humid so the kitchen was a sweatshop.     But I needed to make 170-190 cupcakes.  Early that morning, I experimented with a South African Pillsbury cake mix and a local cake mix that I found here.  That put me several hours behind schedule because neither turned out that great (they were the weirdest looking things and did not look like cupcakes), so I began making a "scratch" recipe I found here.   The recipe was easy but I could only bake 12 cupcakes at a time in my oven which equals 16 batches!!!   So it went very SLOW!    The kitchen was so hot that my neighbor was sure I had lost my mind to be baking.     Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday morning we were already "booked", so I didn't have a choice of when to bake.    By late afternoon I had a rhythm going and was moving right along but still needed 48 more cupcakes when I had to quit.

Late Saturday afternoon I resumed baking and made the last 2 batches of cupcakes.   I love cake batter and saved myself 1/2 cup batter from each batch to eat.   That is a lot of cake batter and was delicious!  Now I know why my skirts are too tight and so are my tops.  

At 4:00 I began making frosting with my hand mixer.   I made 4 batches without trouble, but on the fifth batch my mixer burned up.   By then the stores were all closed--all stores that sell hand mixers close between 4 and 5. I have burned up the motor on 3 mixers in 14 months!!!   They definitely weren't made to be used every week!    I tried beating a batch by hand, but the frosting wasn't as good.   Finally I called Allyson Colton, a friend, about the mixer.  I mentioned that I wanted to pipe the frosting on the cupcakes to make them look festive.   She really saved the day, and also dropped her 12 year old daughter to help with the frosting.    We worked nonstop for 4 hours!   I am sure she would have loved to be home watching a movie, but she never complained.   Maddy agreed to put sprinkles on the cupcakes, but when I opened the package so many of them had melted together in one big glob!   The only sprinkles I could find were at a commercial bakery store, and the bag was huge---almost a gallon.   This was a blessing in disguise, because even though half the package had melted, there was still plenty left.   I left the bag in the trunk while we did more shopping and the heat melted them.    I had no idea sprinkles could melt!  

Cupcakes everywhere!   Trying to find containers to store them overnight was a big challenge!   Anything that had a lid was used.

This is the overworked mixer that quit before the job was complete!

A few more cupcakes!   On sunday night when we went to serve them, lots of ants had gotten into the box.   When no one was looking, I blew the ants off the cupcakes and placed them on the serving tray.   We didn't want to be defeated by an army of ants!   We served them with vanilla or chocolate  ice cream.   We learned they prefer vanilla.

These young men are standing in front a a taxi--the main means of transportation.

Saying goodbye is always hard.   This taxi is almost ready to go.   taxis operate differently than in the U.S.   Each taxi has a destination .  Each taxi has 16 seats.  When all of the seats are full, the taxi departs.   So when you board the taxi you have no idea if you will be leaving in 5 minutes or 3 hours!   It depends enitely on when every seat is full.   It is very challenging.   Often people arrive for church late because the taxi did not fill up and they had to wait an hour or more before it filled up.  However, we made arrangements so the taxis on Sunday night would be full (we paid in advance for all of the seats) and could leave immediately.

If at first you don't succeed..........

We decided to make one more attempt at the turtle tour.   We drove to St. Lucia in time for the 4:30 PM tour.  The times are determined by the low tides so the maximum beach is exposed to watch the turtles.  Well, we searched for 4 hours and didn't see one turtle!   It was so disappointing, but Mother Nature rules.   However we arrived back at our B & B at 10:30 PM and found a hippo grazing on the lawn!   We sat in the jeep for 10 minutes and watched this giant creature eat nonstop.   It was as good as seeing the turtles!!  I have mentioned before, that the hippos are the most dangerous animal in Africa and kill more humans than any other animal.  This hippo certainly looked harmless, but our guide reminded us the hippo could outrun us, would attack us, and one bite would kill us!   So we stayed in the vehicle with the motor running.....although we were very close.   Sometimes the hippos come up from the rivers during the night to find more grass in town.   Seeing a hippo on your front lawn is pretty exciting!

As usual, I am disappointed in the picture.   This looks like a tame dog instead of a fierce hippo!  When they open their mouths, their teeth are huge!

On our way to see the turtles, we saw this beautiful Kudo--one of our favorite animals.  Isn't he majestic ?

Family Reunion in South Africa

I have an amazing cousin, Karen Clark Hill, who knows every name in our HUGE family tree.  Somehow she realized my second cousin (my grandfather's brother is HIS great grandfather--or something like that) was serving in our mission.   I thought the possibility of seeing Elder Faumgartner was remote because our mission is very large geographically.   But things worked out and we were able to meet briefly in Durban and get to know each other.  How fun to come to South Africa and ameet an unknown cousin!   I didn't think an 18 year old would be interested in meeting me, but we felt like familly immediately.

Working Attire

On Saturday we spent 6 hours visiting people in Enseleni who were not attending church regularly.   This is one of our favorite things to do.   Getting to know people better--learning about their struggles, their families and their dreams--helps us to serve them more effectively...and it is rewarding.   One of the ladies we visited is Gogo Rose (Gogo means grandmother).   She lives in such humble circumstances and is raising many of her grandchildren on her own.   One thing that amazes us, is how the Zulu women dress every day.   To work in the yard, do laundry by hand, cook, clean house or go to the store, they are always dressed beautifully.   We dropped by unannounced and found working hard in the garden dressed like this.   In fact, Elder Todd often remarks, "Look how these women dress up to clean the house."  I know what he is really thinking:   My wife never looks like this to clean the house!    And that is definitely true!

Zone Conference

Thursday was our Zone Conference with these fabulous missionaries and our mission president, President Zachrison.   Our mission president's wife is supposed to be sitting in the empty chair, but she jumped up to set the timer for the picture and did not get back in time.   During the Conference, we studied from the Bible and Book of Mormon and we discussed how to be better disciples of Christ.   These meetings are a spiritual highlight for us.   Elder Todd and I provide lunch and an afternoon snack.  

We did not plan our matching clothing!!  This is Sister Zachrison.  

It Continues to Multiply

During the past month, we have had opportunities to work with more people than ever before.   As we find more and more people to serve, it is amazing how our love continues to expand.   In a mathematical equation, the more people that need you, the less love would be available to each individual.   Yet, just the opposite is true.   No matter how many people you work with, your love multiplies instead of divides.   WE HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED THIS, but it is still astonishing.    In fact, I marvel at how the ability to love is limitless.   That is one reason why we are so grateful to be serving as fulltime missionaries.

The second lesson that we continue to re-learn , is that THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IS THE ANSWER TO ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS!     We are grateful to be in His service.

Love,

Elder and Sister Todd