I've still not mastered this photo thing and after spending time trying to move where these posted I just gave up and left them here! They are terribly out of order but... they're not quality but they're quantity this time!


This is the entrance gate to the Mine in Barberton where the Mashalee's live (don't really know how to spell their name)

The road before the gate

the mine They do gold!



their home

another view



The family with really tired missionaries

The family without the missionaries

Chapter 25… I have pictures!

HOT AGAIN! Wowza! It has been awful but it rained today and cooled off things. However, the wonderfully nice rain keeps things cool for a bit then causes humidity to build and whoa… Humid again. But, I’m almost thinking it is better than being on the east coast right about now. Must be really, really cold and ugly.

So, I’m content to be here and sweat to death for a month longer. The winters in Nelspruit are quite pleasant. I remember using a blanket last year. I actually got cold at night and had to wear a sweater in the day. I’m dreaming of those days and nights.

ES and the Jrs went to Barberton to teach the Meshelee family. I stayed home and read my Seminary lesson. Next time they meet I will go as well. They think they have a taxi that will get them to church. That would be wonderful. We will start contributing to the Branch’s taxi fund. With so many outlying people depending on assistance it drains awfully fast. But, we can see no other way to help so many in need. If I could, I’d buy them a car and teach them to drive… but, oh well…. O that I were an angel and so on and so forth… We know how that ends.

Martha came and cleaned today and told me stories of visions she has had.  She is certainly a remarkable woman with visions to teach her. When she had her first missionary lesson and the elders taught her about the Book of Mormon she had a dream that same night where she saw herself running after the elders yelling, “Give me the book! Give me the book!” Her husband was with her but he was not running only walking behind her. She knew from that vision that the Book of Mormon was true. Later, she came to realize that her husband was never really converted. He has since divorced her and left the church…in fact, he tried to have her killed. But, she always has these great dreams. This is how the Lord communicates with her.

I was sure I’d have a busy week and I was not disappointed. Wednesday saw lots of lessons and preparations for other events. I decided I would make a throne for the YW/YM event.  I began acquiring the supplies for that. Sadly, the Elder’s car broke again so we had to rescue them with antifreeze. We got home in time to fill the reservoir and follow them to the dealership. I worked a bit on the throne; designing and deciding how it would work… it always looks so much better in my mind until I actually start putting it together. But I’m glad of the end result.

Wednesday evening we hosted another Institute class. We had 13 again. Three of them were new to the class who are investigators. These are the daughters of the woman who is the second wife to a man who has 4 wives. They are delightful girls who favored us with a song. We fed them pizza which everyone devoured. These students love the pizza around here. I’m just going through the Book of Mormon and teaching chapter by chapter and explaining the ins and outs of the story-line, the people, and the principles taught in the book. The three sisters said it was the best, best, best class they had ever attended. Of course, they are not used to coming to church classes so they’ve only had school to compare.

Thursday was the event of the century… Well, in Nelspruit anyway. We and the Swan’s hosted the first ever (and probably last ever) Pig-a-Thon! At Spur (the restaurant that is gilded over in Native American Motifs) on Thursdays has all the BBQ ribs and chicken wings you can eat. It was the Nelspruit Elders verses the KaNeymazane Elders and not the seniors. We were sensible. They ate 4 plates full each and when Elder Willombe started to get sick we called it a draw. Our Elders certainly could have won because afterwards Elder Kankkunnen still had room for a milkshake. The restaurant was helping with the competition as we arranged with Arnold, the first waiter we ever had at Spur, to be the judge. Usually, when during this time of all-you-can-eat ribs on the second and subsequent plates you get you only get ½ portions of each…only 4 ribs and 4 chicken wings…but on this night, the restaurant opted to do full sized portions. The manager said that our contestants hold the record for Spur of the most ribs and chicken wings ever eaten! How proud are we! The manager even asked me to go to Facebook and join their site and post a photo. I stand a chance of winning $300 in food coupons! Yay! That would be nice. It would almost pay for the meal! The Swans shared the cost with us thank goodness!

teaching Institute

Second phase

Teaching Institute

First phase: an ordinary chapel chair

 

 

As silly as this seems we are now celebrities with Spur. The staff was still talking about it today when we ate “Linner” there today (Saturday.) We were starving after being at church from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. The food they had at the branch was definitely not on our diets and we are doing really well at staying away from those nasty carbs. ES is doing magnificently and I am doing like I am supposed to be doing.

Third phase... to become a throne

 

Friday was busy with breakfast for the Zone Meeting. Yes, the ZL’s came over from Pretoria and spent the day with the Elders. ES and I spent the day decorating the primary room and setting up for Seminary.

It doesn’t seem possible that it is February already. We will officially be on our mission 6 months in 11 days. That nearly seems impossible.

More institute class members
 

We're down to Sunday and waiting for Debbie to come for a lesson. Portia came to church with us this morning and really enjoyed it.

I cooked a turkey last night since it cooled down sufficiently. Funniest thing--this turkey was born and bred in South Africa and when I started to dress it I discovered it still had its FEET attached. Wow! So from now on I will (if I do ever again) only buy American turkeys. No feet!

But I wasn't about to cook a monkey or invite one into my kitchen so I cooked the turkey with the feet! Cheers until next time. Enjoy the snaps!


Elder Swan trying to teach Elder Pulley how to direct 3/4 time. He was lost before Elder Swans help!

Elder Willombe crying Uncle and getting a bit ill from too many ribs and chicken wings

Elder Scott got the sister's to sing

Elder Pulley winding down on the Pig-a-Thon

Elder Pulley again pretending to enjoy the meat
 

They're Off to a roaring start!

Elder Smith with a glazed and crazed expression from too much BBQ sauce!

Elder Kankkunnen signifying 4 helpings and look at that milk shake he topped it all off with. Can't keep that lad filled!

check out that pile of bone in the middle! This may be the photo I enter into Spur's contest!
 

Still Smiling!
 

Maybe this should be the photo I enter... They are done!



Or this one?

The contestants and our Judge, Arnold (who was also our waiter)

The finished product for YW

decorating again



A better photo of the finished product
 

Our new Beehive being welcomed
 



Our new deacon being welcomed
 

A new attendee being welcomed

Chapter 24: No pictures...sorrrrryyyy Just plain ol' writing

Today, Tuesday at this writing, Calisto, our investigator from Lydenburg, sent us the following: “Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is the cheaf conerstone of our gospel. We are blessed to have such a great restored gospel through prpht J Smith. Amen” 

We love this man! He is such an amazingly spiritual person who desires to be baptized. He just has to get off on Sundays more. We really love this man. I know I keep saying that but it’s just so true.

So the week has disappeared again. I am again writing on Sunday afternoon.

Church was great and moderately well attended. The Weitsz family was sick so that meant that Diane was not able to teach Gospel Doctrine so I got to do that today. I had everyone who wasn’t in Primary in my class including my own youth class. The lesson was easily adaptable as it was on the birth of the Savior. We had some less-actives attend, an entire family of investigators and a young woman from Swaziland. It was great—as it should be every week! Except for me teaching Gospel Doctrine that is.

ES and I are starting diets tomorrow so today we are having the “I’m going to feast on everything I cannot eat ever again feast” for dinner. I’ve just put the chocolate cake in the oven and I have rolls rising. We are having shepherd’s pie even though it is super-hot today. The weather has been so pleasant and the humidity has dropped to very livable and now the heat has returned. But, Oh Well! I have my A/C on right now but I will turn it off because we are expecting Debbie to come over for a lesson and she loves to be hot.

The last few days have been filled with absolutely great experiences! We had our scripture study class and 13 attended! Wow… 3 of those were children but I’m still counting them. Then on Thursday we went to visit the Bethel’s who live in Sabie and own the second-hand store. Then on Friday while I worked on my Seminary lesson, the Elders went to visit a family of mostly members (one daughter was not ready to be baptized when the rest were) who live an hour away from Nelspruit. They cannot come to church as they do not have a car and there are no buses that run on Sundays. The son wants to be ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood and the daughter is now ready to join. Problem is how to get them to church????? There are no other members who live around them.

On Saturday we drove to Lydenburg to teach Calisto and to visit with the Sagauke family. They actually moved out of Nelspruit Branch the second Sunday we arrived…they moved to Johannesburg for a change of school but 2 weeks ago they moved back. They felt they had not accomplished what they needed to do in Nelspruit. I believe they have been directed to come back because this Branch needs them. They are incredible movers and shakers. Already they are out visiting the less-actives, calling members during the week, making plans to grow Nelspruit. He was the Branch President before and his wife was YW President. They will make a huge difference now that they are back. He works in the mine in Lydenburg and has for 10 years. They said they are here to stay. Great people. We need 10 more families.

And we think we have found one. Ben and Tulie and family of three. They came to church yesterday (Monday today) and are great people. Tulie really enjoyed all of the meetings. Ben is a little less expressive but he had a lot of questions about things which ES spent a few minutes discussing with him. The Jrs. found this family and have been teaching them for a while…ES joins them most lessons. They are what is called Progressing Investigators. They were warmly welcomed and fellowshipped the minute Sacrament meeting ended and all through the meeting.

Today is “P” day. We have lots of shopping to do and Jrs. hair to cut. I have to make a mock throne chair—Yes, Christy, I am stealing your idea but not so wonderful as I have no access to wood (yours looks magnificent, by the way)—for the New Beginnings I am working on for this Saturday. We did decide what we are doing and I’ll be busy this week as well as my normal doing.

Oh, we did see Baboons on the road to Lydenburg. None of us were ready with cameras and at 80kilometers it is hard to stop and take a snap. Beautiful creatures. But I’m glad they or any of their cousins are not in my kitchen

Chapter 23:

Chapter 23: It is Tuesday again—at least at this writing. Martha, our housekeeper is here. Yes, I have a housekeeper. I’m sure I’ve told you about her. But just to refresh; she’s from KaNeymazane, a member of the church and a delight to have around. She determined it was time to wash my bedspread so she pulled it off the bed and washed it in the bathtub. It is now in the dryer. It is very hot today. My noisy A/C is on. However, Elder Swan came over last night and got rid of most of the rattle. It is now just like a window air con—noisy but not unbearable. And, I’d rather be cool than hot so I’ll cope with the noise.

We are ready to meet with the Elders for planning meeting—they should be here any minute.

At this writing it is Thursday evening. We’ve had some eventual days but the topper of it all was the off-the-books Institute Class we started last night. I say of-the-books because this is a non-credit, non-sanctioned by CES class. We really call it our “Scripture Study Class.” We had 3 here last night: 2 members and 1 non-member investigator all official institute age. Our intent is to teach the scriptures in a way that they will desire to read them and gain testimonies of them. We tried to start it a while ago but with the holidays interrupting everything it finally got off the ground. Three is a small start but it’s a start. Of course we’d like to see dozens. Who knows, maybe we will.

I’m spent all afternoon preparing for Seminary this Saturday. I’m really excited about this class. The Jrs. have been talking it up with everyone who is eligible. Hopefully, they will all come and invite their friends.

I thought this was interesting… Talk about your Scarlet Letter! Wow, I’m not sure I would have ever learned to drive. That giant “L” means “learner driver.” And it is RED so everyone can see it. I’m not sure all the ins and outs of learning to drive in South Africa but that red “L” would do it for me. Yes, I am insecure.

It is now (at the time of this writing) Friday afternoon. I have solved my problem with the help of some Facebook friends and my son regarding the jumping cursor so it makes typing easy again. I guess I’ve been typing all along with the touch pad turned off. Then someone, maybe even me, turned it on again. I kept turning it off but it wouldn’t do anything to the touch pad. Finally, I disconnected the laptop, turned it off and turned it back on again. And miraculously, the button to turn the touchpad off and on works again. I can now turn off the touch pad and stop jumping the cursor cause it sure is hard to type with letters ending up in all sorts of directions. Eish!

I have finished preparing my lesson except for a quick run-through reading and I’m ready to teach.

Last night we had another investigator lesson with Debbie who asked for a cup of hot water so she could make her cup of coffee. Then, when it was just she and I, she asked, “Now, tell me why you don’t drink coffee?” So I gave her a lesson on the Word of Wisdom.  Turned out well. She didn’t run away and say Eish or anything. But, I could almost hear her brain-cogs spinning… She already is bowled over thinking about all the new doctrine we are presenting her. This was just one more new thing for her to digest.

The week crept up on me so suddenly that I forgot it was District Meeting this morning. The Swans are in Joburg with their branch for a temple trip so the meeting was at our house. Thank goodness for McDonalds! We met there and had breakfast then came home for our meeting. No dishes, no prep, no mess. And I believe it is just about as cheap. ES bought us all Ronald McDonald socks…. We look so cute!

ES is off with the Jrs. to teach a couple of lessons tonight. Then we will go to dinner at Spur to spend a gift that someone very special arranged for us. Yum. I already know I’m having chicken.

We did not make it to Spur because of the horrible rain/thunder/lightning storm. So I fixed dinner for everyone.

On Saturday I had my first Seminary class. We had 4 in attendance. It turned out great. Sadly, I forgot to take pictures but I will do so this Saturday.

Sunday was ideal! We had lots of people at church! Several investigators and even a new move in member and an entire family that moved out when we first came to SA has moved back. They will be a great asset to the branch. He was the Branch President before.  The talks were excellent and so absolutely spot-on with a normal sacrament meeting. (You could possibly discern from my comment that it isn’t always so. LOL)

Monday saw us at Urgent Care again but this time with Elder Willombe from KaNeymazane. He is the last to fall victim to this bug that attacks the lungs. His is still in his throat. We went to lunch afterwards and treated the Elders to Spur burgers. On Monday, you can buy one burger and get one free. We used our gift certificate and really enjoyed our afternoon teasing and chatting with the Elders.

Everything is great! The weather has cooled down due to the rain on Friday. Now the weather is pleasant like when we first moved here. The humidity is low, the sun seems to have backed off a few degrees and a breeze is blowing. Ahhhh, I can breathe again. Paradise.

Still no monkeys and no sightings either. We will have to go to Lydenburg so we can see the Baboons along the road. What a sight. Lovely.

a contest to hit the basket that is blocked by Elder Pully. No one has been able to make the basket the first time trying
 



Our socks!
 



the Scarlet Letter!

Dinner with President and Sister Dunn, their daughter, the Swans, and our favorite waitress, Sister Lorraine (a member) and the manager of the restaurant Cicada... our favorite place... best steaks!