Hospitals, Hippos and Self Reliance

July 26, 2015

Greetings to our dear friends and family,

ALL ALONE

Monday night we went to the Regional Government Hospital (Ngwelesane) that I have mentioned earlier.   We went to visit a 13 year old girl from one of our congregations.  This young girl has been in the hospital for 8 days and is suffering from anemia.   I thought that was easily cured by iron supplements but I guess not.   She has been very sick for 2 years in spite of taking "tablets", as they call medicine.   We also took her branch president/minister, his wife and 2 other young girls from the congregation.   We have a small Toyota and were PACKED into the car.  Forget seat belts and weight limits! On the way to the hospital the Nyawos asked us to stop at a grocery store.   I had forgotten that you MUST take food when you go to visit anyone in the hospital.   The young girl that we were visiting also has an ulcer/stomach problems so I questioned whether we should bring anything because it might upset her stomach.   They quickly dismissed my concerns and ran into the store.   When they came out 25 minutes later they had BAGS of FOOD.   I didn't dare ask what they purchased (these people barely have enough money to buy even the most basic food for their family).  We arrived at the hospital and were told we had to wait one hour until visitors were permitted.  The car was too crowded, so we stood outside with dozens of others.   When they unlocked the gate, we all rushed in.   I was shocked at how frail and sick our patient looked.   Immediately our group pulled out the food.   They had purchased a spaghetti dinner (from somewhere), chips, soda pop, and 3 pieces of very greasy fried chicken!   I was so worried about what this would do to her upset stomach, but I didn't need to worry.   She was so sick that she didn't even notice the food.  She was moaning and turning and crying in pain.   I quickly looked around for a nurse or aide.   But there was no one anywhere.   This was the Woman's Ward and was huge!   A big open room with beds lined up close together.  It must have had 100 beds and no medical personnel.  Twenty minutes later a lady came into the room and I asked for help for our patient.   She nodded but obviously had many other things to do.   Eventually she came by and gave our friend some green liquid.   I asked what it was and she said "pain medication" so she can sleep.   I was so relieved.   But then the lady with us said, "That is the same medicine I give my 1 year old twins.    You can buy it on the shelf at Dis-Chem (Drug Store)."   I said it probably just looked the same.   But she went over to the cart and picked up the bottle.   She said it was what she gives her babies for fevers!   We stayed 1 hour and I observed other patients.   EVERY patient had an IV bag (I thought it was medicine but found out it was fluids for hydration.) and every patient received the green liquid for pain......one-size-fits-all treatment.   After 1 hour, everyone was asked to leave.   I felt so helpless walking away from a young girl in so much pain, with only 1 nurse for the entire ward and no one to be by her side!  But I was so thankful for the time we spent rubbing her back and letting her know we loved her.

FRIENDLY HIPPOS?

For our P-Day (Preparation Day) we went with another missionary couple (they were traveling here for a meeting) to St. Lucia.   We went on a Hippo-Croc River Boat tour.   We had been there before but this couple hadn't.   We spent 2 hours on a double decker boat with 30-40 other people.   This month is a school holiday so there are people from all over Africa visiting.   We saw so many hippos, several crocs and large birds (storks, pelicans, cranes, kingfishers).   

Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other animals.   They kill over 2,000 people each year!   They look so sluggish and slow, but they can outrun a man for a short distance.   There teeth are huge and one bite is all it takes!   Hippos can stay underwater for 6 minutes and then they must come up for air.   This is probably more than you cared to know about Hippos.   I loved our guide, he was able to spot wildlife and move this big boat so CLOSE to the animals.   He moved slowly and almost nudged them with the boat. 

Africa is an incredible continent.   The more we view the animals and learn about them, the more I am filled with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for his creations...the variety and their habitats.  What an amazing world we live in!

We raced back from St. Lucia and went to Enselini where Larry taught Seminary.    During the last 30 minutes of the lesson, the power went out.   It was the first time I had NOT brought our flashlights and lanterns.   Luckily three people had cell phones so we used them for light.  We can't describe what a great feeling it is to share the teachings of Jesus Christ with these young people.


 Afterwards, we went and sang Happy Birthday to a member of the congregation.   It was pitch black in their home (these people do not have flash lights, etc., and just sit in their homes for hours in the pitch black) so we went outside in the street and talked.   The homes are so small and crowded that it is not wise for non-family members to try and navigate in the dark.  

We arrived home at 8:00 and I hurriedly got dinner going.   We were starved.

Friday morning, the Taylors left, I threw their sheets in the washer, and I started making a dessert.   We were having a Self Reliance training at our home at 6:30 PM.   Then Elder Todd and I began studying for a class we were teaching at 1:00.   This is a class called "My Path".  It is an assessment and sampling of different career paths available to them:   Getting a Education, Setting Up their own business, or finding a job.   We have assisted when the Snell's taught this, but we have never run the program ourselves.   However, things went fine.

We returned home and threw the towels in the washer and made the guest bed because the Snells were arriving at 5:00 to stay with us and teach a training for the complete program.    The towels were still in the dryer when they arrived.   During the next 45 minutes every person in our class called to say they couldn't attend the training.   So we ate a relaxed dinner and didn't rush to get ready.   We had a one-on-one training from them on the complete Self Reliance Program.   Our definition of Self Reliance is "the ability to care for yourself and your family both temporally and spiritually."

SELF RELIANCE CHALLENGE

The program is fantastic and all encompassing.   It is 12 weeks long for 2-3 hours each week.   They have 1-2 hours of homework each day.   It is a huge commitment.   Not everyone makes it through the course.   We give lots of support and help but they must do THEIR part.   Many people are unable/unwilling to put forth the effort.

Saturday morning we arrived to set up at 8 am for our 10 AM class.   It took every minute to haul in tables, set up the computer and the projector, bring in chairs, workbooks, etc.   But we finished just in time!    We had 30 in attendance and were VERY pleased.   If we finish with 15 it will be considered a huge success.   If 5 finish, it is a success.  If 3 finish it is good.   We have had to adjust our mindset for "success". 

One of the missionaries in the next zone (another senior couple works with these missionaries) was buying bread Saturday night with his companion and they were robbed at knife point.   Missionaries have very little money or anything of value with them.  The muggers took their cellphone (a very cheap phone with no internet...commonly called a "piece of junk:"), a few coins and then asked for their shoes.   The missionary was taking off his shoes, but he was too slow so they stabbed him in the foot!   He was taken to the hospital and received many stitches but will be fine.  

There is so much more to say.    I will end here.....I know you thought I would never end.   I wish I could convey the responsibility we feel to "lift" the African people, the gratitude we feel for being here, and the love we feel for our Savior.   It is only through the grace of Jesus Christ that we are able to accomplish anything,    We realize MORE and more that he is in charge of his work.   We are grateful for our Savior.

The second pic is me holding a hippo tooth.   He has a mouthful of these.   

The last pic is one of several signs along the highway in this area.

Miss you,

Elder and Sister Todd

Hippo Tooth

An interesting sign along the road.

One of the Favorite Parts of Our Mission

This picture tells the story of a faithful convert who prepared himself over a few years to serve a mission.   He took a leave from the university where he was studying engineering, and moved home so he could save money for a mission.   He was the only member of the church in his family and they were not supportive of his baptism.    He remained faithful, prepared, served in the branch presidency (although he was a new member) and put in his mission papers.

Sandy wrote an article about him and it was published in the local newspaper.   He was even interviewed on the radio station.

He received his call to Australia, and then was delayed TWICE because his Visa was not approved.   Very few Africans are called to missions outside of Africa.   This was exciting and scary for Sanele.

His father attended his setting apart by President Zachrison, but his mother decided not to come.   President Zachrison gave him a powerful blessing.   Afterwards Sanele said, "I never thought I would actually make it to Australia."

He was put on the plane to New Zealand to attend the MTC there.   His flight went through Dubai.   There were problems with his VISA and they returned him back to South Africa!!!   He stayed in South Africa and went to the MTC 2 weeks later.   Eventually he made it to Australia!  

What a long path with many obstacles but he remained true.   We receive inspiring emails from him.

With the Lord, All Things are Possible

July 20, 2015

Dear Friends and Family,

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

Another Week Has Flown By!

July 6, 2015

To the Best Family Ever,

We loved seeing your pictures on Instagram.   It looked like everyone had a fabulous Fourth of July.   Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you..... for making this holiday special and teaching your children about our country. 

Saturday night I was at the grocery store until it closed....wish grocery stores were open later for my last minute shopping.    We got home just as  the Zone leaders arrived.  They came over to receive the Transfer News for the missionaries in our zone.   The Assistants to the Mission President send out emails to every zone at 7 Saturday night of transfer week.    Our zone leaders use our computer/internet to get the news.    Then at 9PM they call all the other elders and give them the transfer news.   It is an exciting time.

Sunday morning we had to leave home at 7:20 AM  to pick up the Enseleni elders and take them to their branch.   Then we drove to church at the Port Dunford Branch.    This is a rural area and everything is more primitive but it feels much safer.   There is a house right next to the church with a family with several children.   As we got out of our car we saw a young girl squat and go to the bathroom right by the church fence.   Then she jumps up and runs around and plays.                 The spirit is strong in this branch but it is so small.    We love to attend there and give support.   I came to teach Personal Progress to the 2 Young Women but neither attended so I went to Relief Society.   There were 3 of us.   We passed the manual around and read the lesson together and discussed it.   These sisters are so faithful (both are raising large families and have no husbands).

Sunday night we fed the missionaries dinner and said goodbye to the elders who were being transferred.   It is always sad to say goodbye.  Having elders come on missions at the age of 18 changes things in some ways.   Most of our elders arrive here the month they turn 18!   Most have never been away from home (previously many had attended college or worked for a year).  That one year makes a difference.   These young men are in a different culture, many feel unsafe, they are driving on the wrong side of the road, and driving long distances in new areas where they don't know the language.   We watch them grow up, get stronger in the gospel and in their confidence.They have very discouraging days but keep on working.

We had an elder who came to our zone 3 1/2 months ago so downhearted.   But he never stopped working.   He worked so hard that he gained the respect and love of the branch members.  He really turned things around for the branch and had 3 baptisms, and in turn he turned things around in his own life.  He left here a completely different elder and he knew it.  It is wonderful to watch things like this happen.

Another elder had been a "slacker" for the first 9 months of his mission.   He wasn't bad but he didn't carry his weight or put his heart into his mission.   It had been a challenge for his companions who wanted to work harder.   But the last 3 months he had a companion who somehow was able to motivate him.   This "previous slacker" was transferred to be a district leader.   He can't believe it and no one else can believe it.....another miracle.

Often the miracles occur in the missionaries lives...instead of the investigators lives.

We wanted to do something special for a family in one of our branches.   We came up with the idea to make a "Candy Bar" card for them.    It was challenging because most of the candy bars are not the ones we are familiar with.   We spent about 3 hours looking in different stores for candy bars that had names that we could use to write a note.   It was even more challenging because the words would have to make sense for Zulu people--not Americans.   We finally found 9 that might work.   The note we put together was kind of silly/cheesy...but I am cheesy .   We took it to them and explained what a "Candy Bar Card" was, and then I starting  reading  it to them.   They caught on to the idea and continued reading with me.   Some phrases I had to stop and explain.   But they loved it!!!!  They had never seen anything like it.    They read and reread it and were so excited.   When we left, they were still so happy about it.   It is amazing how sometimes the simple things work the best.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored.   The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true.   I am so thankful we are blessed to serve a mission.   Thomas Monson is a prophet of God.   

Love,

Elder and Sister Todd

Self Reliance, Best Birthday and Greetings

June 26, 2015

Hello All,

Last Saturday (a week ago) we hosted a Self Reliance Workshop for the Richards Bay District (5 congregations).  We organized it and promoted it.   We felt it was a priority for this entire area.  We defined Self Reliance as"being able to care for your needs and your family's needs."    We drove to each township and spent time inviting people.   It was a full day event from 10:00-3:30 and we had asked for RSVP's.   We only received a few.   At 10:00 we had 2 people but decided to go ahead.   We had invited another senior couple from Durban who are the specialists on this topic for all of South Africa.  By 10:30 we had 29 people and were overjoyed.   As it turned out, we could not have handled any more.   We discussed CV's (resumes), interviews, power statements, etc.   One segment showed how to use your life experiences to show qualities that could be valuable to an employer.   We spent considerable time helping them find their strengths and write a "power statement" about themselves.   Then we broke into groups of 2-3 and they practiced these power statements.   In 5 sentences they were to highlight one of their qualifications.   Then we went around and listened.   We realized we had a great deal more work to do, when we heard several say:   My name is __________ and I want a job as ____________.   I do not have any qualifications.  (I don't think that will get them the job.) We tried over and over to help them say POSITIVE things about themselves.    Another skill we taught was how to use school or church experiences to relate to a specific job.   For example:  " I taught Sunday School for 3 years, I work well with young children. I used music and art to teach my 4 year olds to learn new concepts.   I would bring this same expertise to your preschool."   Or something like that.   One workshop participant  said, "I directed my grade 7 choir.   I think I could be a good waitress."   So you can see there needs to be lots of one-on-one help.               By 3:30 we were exhausted but so happy and so were the participants.   We have another class Friday and one on Saturday.

GENERAL HOSPITAL SOAP, PART 2

Last week I shared the story about President Alvana waiting 15 days to get a hospital bed.   Two days after we took him to the hospital, we stopped to see how he was doing.  He was NOT in his bed.   We asked the nurse where he was, and she said he had left.   I asked if he went to therapy, etc.  She said, he had left the hospital for the afternoon but would be back by 6:00.   I couldn't believe it...you just walk out of the hospital.   The nurse said  the doctor had prescribed medications that were expensive, so he was walking to a discount pharmacy to purchase the meds, because they  would be cheaper there.   I was astounded.   He returned in 3 hours with the meds for the nurse to give him!     He was in the hospital 7 days waiting in the queue for his "heart and organ xray" as he called it.  Why did they take up a precious bed for 7 days?   On the 7th day he had the xray and they discovered he needed a procedure they weren't equipped to handle.  They  needed to send him to Durban (2 hours away).   They took him by ambulance, he had the procedure, and the next day they told him to ride the public bus home.  

YOUR APPLIANCE WILL TRAVEL

Our tumbler (dryer) wasn't working so I called a repair man.   He said he would come by and pick it up in 3 days.   I said, what do you mean, "Pick it up?"   That's right.   They pick up broken appliances, repair them in the shop and return them when they are finished.   However, I explained that I thought it might be the outlet in the wall or just the plug on the machine.     He said, he still needed to come and pick up the machine.   I insisted that he look at the plug before he hauled it away. He said he would think about it.   Ten days later, he came by and discovered it was just the plug, so he didn't have to haul it away.  Whew!  In the meantime, our frig was having problems.   Yep, they don't repair it at our home either.     He said: defrost it,(remember I am not timely in my defrosting duties), and then he will pic it up within 3 days.    He will need to keep my refrigerator 3-5 days! 

ODDS AND ENDS

Sunday I spoke in church.   I know you won't believe me, but I actually finished early!   We went and ate with the Alvana family after church.   Then we visited with another family.    It was such a great day. 

Today, one of our missionaries, Elder Hansen, taught all of us a great lesson from 11:00-1:00 in our District meeting.   Then we went out a taught and young man who is struggling with alcohol and a divorce.   We are trying to help and give him support during this rough time.

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER

I can't believe it, but yesterday Elder Todd turned 70 years old!    How can that be true?   He has never been concerned about birthdays in the past.   But for the first time, he was concerned.   He said, "70 sounds so old!"  (true).  We were so busy and I had not baked him anything special or even thought about a special meal.   For breakfast,  I scrambled him eggs, made hash browns and we were out the door.   At 11:45 we went to the home of Freddy, a man we are working with.   He then took us and the missionaries to his daughter's home for a birthday celebration.  (The missionaries had noticed it was Elder Todd's birthday on our  family calendar and told Freddy.)  This was no ordinary lunch...it was a Thanksgiving dinner:   Mutton Curry over rice, pasta and sausage casserole, roasted potatoes in spicy curry sauce, scalloped potatoes, Butternut squash, beets (popular here) Greek salad, chicken, 2 kinds of drinks and a cake for dessert!   They even had candles with the numbers "70".   The table was set beautifully.   Sarah (his daughter) and her boyfriend are not employed and yet they put on this huge spread for strangers (at her father's request).   Larry was very appreciative and ate so much I couldn't believe it.   Sarah and her boyfriend didn't eat with us but they stood and watched us eat to make sure we enjoyed it.  That part is very difficult for me.   Next Freddy stood and gave a speech about Larry and how he couldn't believe we came all the way from America to help him.   He pronounced a blessing for another 70 years (YIKES...I don't know about that!)

We were both so touched by their love, their efforts and their sacrifice for Larry.     However, the best part was that we invited Sarah and her boyfriend to hear the message of Jesus Christ and they accepted.

 After 3 hours we had to break away because we needed to pick up our materials and then teach Institute 35 minutes away.    There were 4 students attending and the discussion was so thoughtful and inspiring.  We always provide a snack for Institute and Seminary class, so we sang Happy Birthday to Larry again before we ate.  

As we were leaving Institute class to drive home, we received a message on our phone asking us to stop at Pres. Alvana's to pick up something.   When we arrived, their family had a special celebration for Larry.......cake, songs, gifts and tributes.

I CAN TRUTHFULLY SAY, THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLE BIRTHDAY.

I can't think of anything we would rather be doing than serving a mission.   We love sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the wonderful people of South Africa.   The gospel of Jesus Christ is such a blessing to the world and to us individually.   We love each of you.

Love,

Elder and Sister Todd

We Love Our Mission!!!!

June 19, 2015

Dear Family,
Thank you for writing.   We love hearing about what you are doing.   It really brings added cheer to our day.   Thanks to the grandkids for writing also.   I know it is not easy, but we love it.    Thanks to the moms who scribe for those who don't want to write!

I hope you can feel how much we love our mission.   It was a struggle for the first few days to figure out what we could or should do with our time.   Because we didn't receive any specific direction from the mission president or the Lord, we tried everything we could think of.    Now, we are both completely exhausted and are trying to find a way to manage our schedule better.   We will get it figured out.   We would rather be too busy than not busy enough.  Larry just finished with a nasty 2 -week sinus infection and he lovingly passed it on to me.   How is that for sharing everything!

Larry had a wonderful experience last week.  In fact, it was one of the choice spiritual experiences of his life.   He was asked to speak at a baptism for a new convert and had prepared a talk.   (He is asked to speak at least once a week.  Luckily women don't get asked as often as men. )  He had come up with a visual image or story that related to Africa and it seemed very engaging.   Just as he began to speak, he heard very distinctly the word: COVENANTS!   He knew that he was supposed to speak on covenants instead of what he planned.  So he headed in another direction and the Lord continued to bless him in the talk.   When I type this, it doesn't seem as powerful as hearing him explain the feeling that overcame him.   He just basked in the feeling as he related it to me.   He said that he has not experienced anything like this except once on his mission where he had an impression but not a direct word from the Lord.

I felt like this was the Lord giving Larry a huge "hug" and "well done" gesture.  Larry has loved our mission, but it has been very, very difficult for him.   That is surprising because Larry is always more relaxed, calm, and content than I am.    But things here have been very challenging for him.   He trains the priesthood leaders thoroughly ....and they don't do it.    He speaks very kindly to members and teaches them the gospel but they don't understand.   The district/stake leaders don't run the program according to the handbook---even the district president who has been a very active member for his entire life (63 years).   They ask for help, he trains them, but they don't do it. He helps them again but things don't change much or at all. Because Larry does not like to nag, he stops after 2 times of instruction.     Also, Larry follows the priesthood chain of command and the way he should make changes but it hasn't worked.            Next comes the driving.  It is NOT driving on the left side that drives him crazy...it is people passing us on BOTH sides at once on a 2 lane road or people tailgating us so close that if there was a hiccup for either car, there would be a collision.   Plus, drivers running red lights is a given; rarely does anyone stop at a stop sign, and people just drive crazy.   Usually, Larry can hold his own with crazy drivers but he can't here and it is very stressful. He is worried about our safety.   He does all the driving so he has to take the entire brunt of this.   We are in the car so much every day 7 days a week.   Well, you get the picture.   So I was grateful for the big tender mercy/ inspiration from the Lord to Larry.

On the other hand, I am impatient, right?   Not a good quality.   But for some unknown reason, the people and the pace here do not bother me.   The lack of follow through, the lack of commitment, the lack of church policy and procedure do NOT bother me.   Go figure that out.   I guess that is how the Lord is blessing me.   In fact, it is such a HUGE blessing.    He has turned my weakness into a strength for this time period (or at least the past 5 months....but I'm sure it won't last forever.)  I teach and teach and teach and teach and teach some more.   I remind and remind..... dozens and dozens of times.  I don't quit.      My stubbornness has paid off. (Clark quality????)   I don't take offense when they don't learn or cooperate.    But I don't give up.   I think people are beginning to realize that, and some are even moving a little quicker.   But I have not had any revelatory experience even close to Larry's.   My challenge:   understanding the language (English) and being able to communicate....I still struggle so much.

Another quality that I have prayed for and my prayers have been answered.   I feel great love for everyone.   The different culture, cleanliness, lack of safety doesn't bother me.   A huge tender mercy...from the Lord.

I share these thoughts for 3 reasons.   I especially want my grandchildren to understand these things:

1.  A mission is hard but can still be very rewarding and enjoyable.

2.  Everyone struggles on their mission in one way or another.  

3.   The Lord will help you overcome your challenges on your mission one way or another....but maybe not the way you wanted to be helped.    But I know that THE LORD IS AWARE OF HIS MISSIONARIES...ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG ONES.
 4.   Every elder in our zone has had serious discouragement/trials.   Those that learn to be obedient, to not look back "towards home and/or their country, to not "fight" against the crazy traditions, and love the people can still be happy.   Others, can still serve good missions but they don't feel as much joy. 

I love you so much!!!!   Thanks for being the best family.    All of you are my biggest tender mercy from the Lord.    I am grateful for each of you.  

Love,

Sister Todd

Cooking our Way to a Testimony!

June 10, 2015

Dear Friends and Family,

We hope this finds all of you well and happy.   Today has been our first really cool day.   In fact, I wore a sweater this morning!  Kind of a nice change from last week.  The past 2 weeks have been so busy with very long days.   When we arrived we thought we would not be able to go out after dark.   But our mission president says we can do whatever we feel comfortable doing.   So we have been out after dark on many nights, or most nights.

COOKING OUR WAY TO A TESTIMONY

   Last Saturday was such a great day.   In my quest to help the Young Women develop friendships with each other, have fun and grow in the gospel, I decided to have an activity with just the Young Women in the Ngwelezane Branch.   Although the girls were excited and I thought I had "covered all my bases", at the last minute a  threat of a power outage kept the girls home..   Luckily,  we were able to "rescue" the activity with lots of determination...although we started later than planned! 

This was so simple, yet so fun.   This is the only branch that we work with where someone has a kitchen that 6 people could squeeze into.   Five young women and 1 young adult showed up to bake brownies.   I had advertised:   COME AND LEARN TO MAKE AMERICAN BROWNIES!  ( Don't laugh)   We divided into 2 groups and each group made a batch with me walking them through every step.   Then we put the brownies into bake and had a "Get to Know You"  activity.   Next we tasted the 2 different recipes (I made a frosted recipe and brought it already baked) and decided which we liked best.   Everyone liked the frosted ones the best...so do I because I haven't been able to make my really fudgey recipe here.   Then we cut all the brownies and wrapped them in saran wrap.   Larry had found some  fairly cute boxes (meaning they weren't plain brown)  to put the brownies in (he had looked everywhere for me...finding something like this is a huge challenge, but he did it.).   Then we planned to deliver the brownies to the inactive girls and invite them to church.   However, this part did not work out.   Because we started so late, we were behind schedule and Larry and I had to leave for our next assignment (which was teaching seminary 45 minutes away in another branch). So the girls said they would get the branch president (he has a car) to take them.   They could hardly wait to show their friends and family their brownies!

PRIESTHOOD CAMPOUT 

Our district had a priesthood "campout" at the church for all young men and adults.   They served a braai dinner (bar-b-que) with the district President doing all of the cooking.  Next was a short  "priesthood restoration program"  and Larry was the speaker.  After that they played soccer and then watched a movie.   For sleeping they slept on the wood floor in the church.   Many boys just laid on a blanket, some on a towel, some on the floor and a few had sleeping bags.   The next morning the District President cooked breakfast  for everyone.   Larry picked up 4 boys that live quite a distance away and drove them home afterward.   Without a senior couple (with a car) these boys would not be able to attend.

AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

We have had 2 experiences in the past few weeks that give a glimpse into life in Africa.    Our mission "office couple"says that until you have several of these "you don't understand Africa."   We have had so many but these are recent.

1.   Our elders were driving along a very busy highway and their car just stopped working.   They called us to come and help.   We arrived and Larry tried everything he could think of but the car wouldn't start.   So we called a tow truck.   After a long wait, it arrived and took the car to the car dealership.  We assumed the car would be fixed in a day or two.  We began driving the elders everywhere so they could continue working.  After a few days, we called the car dealership and they still hadn't even looked at the car.   Larry said he would call the next day to find out what needed to be done.  The next day they still hadn't looked at the car.   Fast forward 2 weeks, they said they had just pulled the car apart but hadn't found the problem yet.  We called twice a day for another week and they still hadn't had time to look at the car.    So Larry went to speak to the Service Manager.   He apologized and promised to call back that afternoon.    No call that day or the next day.   Next Larry goes in and asks for the the General Manager of the entire dealership.  The manager couldn't believe our story and said someone would call within 2 hours.   He introduced the employee that would call us back and she agreed.   You know what happened!     No one called that day or the next.    Larry called the mission office and they called the Chevrolet Headquarters in South Africa because the church buys so many cars from them.    Chevrolet called and put the pressure on our dealership. Chevrolet assured us the car would be fixed.    Unbelievable, but still no action.  Next the mission home sent someone to pick up the car and haul it somewhere else.   But the dealership insisted it couldn't be put back together because of some problems.   We  visited the dealership every other day. Eventually, the mission sent another mechanic from Durban (who claims to have ties to the Indian Mafia here) and he insisted that Larry  leave the dealership office while he solved the problem.  We learned afterward that the mechanic threatened them by saying:   put  this car back together within a week or his "buddies" would visit them and their families (this guy is not LDS.)   Three days short of 2 months, we got the car back . . .driveable but not completely fixed.

2.   The Branch President in Nseleni wasn't feeling well and the doctor discovered he had heart problems.   He referred him to a cardiac doc.   That doctor said Pres. Alvana needed to go into the hospital right away for tests. This was critical. That was Wednesday.  However, the doc couldn't get him a bed in the hospital until Monday.   Pres. Alvana drives his children to school (30 minutes from his house) and his wife to work each day.     Therefore, him being in the hospital is a HUGE problem because they are the only ones in the branch with a car.  There is NO ONE to help in or out of the church.    We volunteered to drive everyone on Monday morning and then come back and pick Pres. Alvana up and drive him to the hospital (30 minutes away).   We picked everyone up at 6:30 AM and got back to pick up Pres. Alvana by 9:00.   When we arrived he said he couldn't go because he his pajamas are dirty and he only has 1 pair, and he had  just started washing them.  (The hospital doesn't provide any pajamas or gowns.)  We were frustrated but we thought he would just take a few minutes.   However, he said he would take 2 1/2 hours because he has to wash them and then hang them on the line to dry!   (Rats!   Clothes dryers are really handy...but they don't have one.)  We drive back to get him in 2 1/2 hours and just  then the hospital calls and said there isn't a bed available because the patient (whose bed he was taking) was not checked out yet.   They told him that the doc would be in later that afternoon and check out the patient.   Well, as you guessed.   At 5:00 PM he called and there still wasn't a bed available.   We repeated the same thing on Tuesday (except his pajamas were clean and he was ready to go), but the hospital called again and said,"No Bed.   Call back at 3:00".  For 3 days we picked up the kids and took them to school and went to pick up Pres. Alvana.  But the hospital would call and delay.   Finally, we said, "If the hospital calls and confirms a room, please let us know,   Last night at 4:15 PM they called us and said, If they could get to the hospital by 5:30, they would "hold" the bed.   We were at the store buying food for our missionary lunch at our home today.   We left everything and drove to get him and take him to the hospital.   We arrived at 5:29 PM!   What I didn't mention is that this happened, 15 days after his original hospital appointment and almost 3 weeks after his cardio appointment.   So much for an "important, critical cardio condition."  

This hospital is NOT a township hospital.   This is the best hospital in the area for Afrikaans.   But a person literally has to be on call for 15 days to get a hospital bed....how does the doc plan his schedule?????

BEST FOR LAST

Sunday we attended our district conference.   They changed the District Presidency. The old presidency spoke and the new presidency and wives spoke.   The spirit was so strong.   These men and women spoke with such faith.   These branches and district have so many problems and barely function, BUT the leaders know this is the true church.  And they share spirit-filled testimonies.   I could hardly contain myself because of the spirit.    I felt like I had been in general conference.   I was filled with hope.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is true.   It is the source of happiness for every person.   Heavenly Father's plan is for every culture, every country, and every age group.  

In spite of challenges (seemingly insurmountable), obstacles, unique circumstances, etc., the gospel is the answer!   Although we are barely even scratching the surface in helping these people, we continue to plod ahead.   

I am humbled when I realize the responsibility Larry and I have to be the "Lord's hands" in these branches.   It is daunting.   I can truthfully say that every day, I feel so blessed to be able to serve a mission!

Pics:   

Larry and I at the beach.

A pic of 2 Zulu women.   The lady taking the pic chopped off the top of the picture where it showed her carrying a big load on her head.   These ladies were carrying bags of on their backs, on their heads, and wheelbarrows.   It is garbage day and they are out "collecting stuff" for their families.

This is a pic of how they carry babies/toddlers here.   It is a long towel, wrapped tight.  There are no hooks, velcro or closures to keep it tight....but it doesn't slip. 

We love you!

The Todds