This is gonna be a long one. - December 18, 2017

This week was probably the best week I've had on mission, kinda. It was a wild week.

So monday, we got the car fixed, played more ping pong, played some other games, had a good time. Not a lot to really talk about, except our usually 2 FHE families are both gone for the holidays. Everyone here, since this is a city, goes home to the townships and villages that they're family comes from, so this place is getting pretty desolate, many of our investigators and most of our branch are gone. 

TUESDAY was the BEST day. so there is a township called Klarinet about 20 minutes from our flat. we had knocked some doors, since Klarinet is the first place i've been without heavily secured gates around each house, and met 2 girls and their brother, Vivian and Tobilwe, we had a good-but-not-amazing Restoration lesson with them saturday and had our 2nd appointment here on tuesday, and when we came tuesday, they had read the book of Mormon to ALMA 34!!!!! no one here ever reads the Book, and when they do its like 3 pages, and they believed it and accepted baptism, they are going home for holiday like eveyone else it South Africa, but they will only be gone a week or 2.  After that we had an appointment with a lady named Sibongile, who had actually come up to US and asked us to visit her.so we did tuesday and it was a way powerful restoration lesson, she really felt the spirit and agreed with it all. She said that she couldn't come to church this week, but whould do everything she could to come next week, and that she would read a chapter of the Book of Mormon Each day, we called her later in the week to check up on her, and she had been reading as she said she would. And during the lesson i had asked her why she came up to us, and didn't just keep walking, and she said " I felt like i just needed to talk to you, you looked like you were walking with angels." So Tuesday was pretty much the best day ever. Missionary work is the Best. 

Wednesday, not a ton really happened except our best investigator moved back to Malowi until march. But we are gonna  keep teaching his girlfriend, who has been progressing OK, we only just started teaching her. 

Thursday was also pretty normal as well as friday.

Saturday was a national holiday, The Day of Reconcilliatoin, and we had to come back early and the rule of "dont go to any not set apointments" is now in effect. We have to be back at our flat if we arent in an apointment, since everyone gets way drunk and whatnot, or leaves to go home. December is the worst month for Missionary work in African Missions, which is the opposite of Back home, when its probably the best time, since everyone is home with family, and thinking of Christ, but we'll continue to do our best, and do what we need to to stay safe. 

Sunday we had like 12 people at the Branch, since everyone is gone, so that was funny. And we had 2 appointments and  one canceled, so we couldn't do a whole lot, so we made a nice lucnh and watched 17 miricles and a church history documentery that Elder Roberts had on his flash drive. 

Im getting a much needed haircut today, and it still doesn't feel like chirstmas. Everyone here says I look like Trump. 

Some things I read this week, were two talks by Elder Bednar. 'The Atomnement and the Journey of Mortality' and 'Bear up Their Burdens with Ease' two absolutly amazing talks that i couldn't do justice trying to summarize, so I'd say just look them up and give them a read. Its good stuff.

Sorry no pictures this week, my camera is having issues, but i will have many, many pictures next week.

I hope everyone is doing well this Christmas season. Africa is weird, but i still love it. Hope that Everyone Enjoys Star Wars. 

Life is good

kthanksbye

I like Stoney - December 11, 2017

Stoney is the Soda called Ginger beer that burns when you drink it even though it is non-alchaholic and tastes like super strong ginger ale. My companion does not like it. Joke relating to that coming in part about thursday.

But after emailing last monday we grilled (they call it braii here) burgers and ate it on some bread i made with fries we made ourselves, then well all played some games, and played ping pong at our chapel, beause they have ping pong at our chapel. Then we went and had dinner with the Ngubanes, who have the most adorable baby ever, shes like 1 and a half I think, ill try toget pictures one of these days. 

Tuesday, we did a lot of street contacting (since everyone has gates and we cant konck doors), in the township of Klarinet. It was pretty fruitful, and alot of the people we met that day, we met with for real on Saturday, the most noteworthy is a lady named Gracious, who was way into what we had to say, the whole time she was all "that makes so much sence" so well see how she progresses. 

Wednesday, we did service for the hillarious Sister Pat, shes an Africoner (white south african) who used to be an undercover cop, shes the funniest person i've met on mission. We mowed her lawn and she made us some nice EBLT (egg lettuce and tomatoe, and bacon) sandwhiches. We had some other nice lessons and learned our most progressing investigator is leaving to malouwi for 4 months in lke 3 days, so that sucks. 

Thursday, we got fed stoney at a dinner appointment after a nice day of peole canceling, and us just doing some finding. On the drive back we met up with the Kwa'Guqa, the 'qa' is a click.  Elders (Elder Harms and Elder Asay) to meet with a referal we gave them. Most people here are Zulu, which is a language with a little bit of clicking, but the super clicky one is Xosa. (Co saw) so thats pretty cool, but we went with them to Kwa'Guqa and met with the Referal, who actually was really happy to see us with them, since they were scared to meet Elders they'd never seen before. 

Friday, We had a nice District meeting, and afterwards had a lunch at McDonalds, and i got the Double Big Mac, which was a mistake. But next time i want to try the Chicken Big Mac, because it exists here. We met with a few people, but had a lot of cancels again, so we did a lot of Finding in a place called Dhuva Park, which went pretty well. 

Saturday was going to be the Branch christmas party, untill the Branch called everyone and cancelled it due to lack of funds. So we had to scramble to fill in the time that we thought that would take up, and call all the investigators that we told to come that it was not going to happen. So that sucked, but we spent most of the day following up on the people we'd met throughout the week while finding. 

Sunday we had church, and no one was there, we had like 10 people, and of course it was the day that the stake president came. So that was im sure stressful for Branch President Edwin. We had lunch with the Mcokis (mmm-*clicking t sound*-oh-keys) And then, since it was a massive rainstorm, everyone canceled, and no one goes outside, so we went back ot our flat and just called people. Then had Call-ins with the district leader.

Today, Monday, we had to take our Chevey Aveo in to the shop, becuse during the rainstorm i hit one of the massive, numberous Potholes and blew our tire, and on tuesday one of the headlights went out, and we aren't allowed to do the car stuff ourself, so we had to take it in. 

Life is good. I am loving it here in witbank, doesn't feel like christmas, no one decorates. Its raining a lot 

kthanksbye

Witbank (A.K.A eMelahleni) - December 4, 2017

There are white people here! lie 50% of the town is Afrikaans, (the white people) and so at church yesterday it was super weird for me to have there be white people other than myself. But good news, I'm feeling somewhat betterer. Honestly even though being sick has sucked, I have never really been "bummed out" about it. Maybe it's the prayers and blessings, but I have stayed pretty positive, and "lifes good". I'm companions with Elder Roberts now, and Its not as hot back here in South Africa, so that helps.

but, monday was nothing special other than what I said last week.

Tuesday we drove down to transfers, but in our car the one guy who knew the way, sent us the wrong way, and we ended up in the Durban South Africa Mission, so that was a problem, then we found our way and drove to Pretoria and got there only 6 hours late. Transfers take forever since this mission is the size of California to Colorado. People have to fly to parts of it, since the drive would take so long.  but then we made the companion swaps and me and elder Roberts drove to the beautiful town of Witbank. Things are so green and its all rolling hills here. A nice change from the Flat, brown desert of Botswana. 

Wednsday- Saturday we met with many members, its kinda a haze, and I left my journel at the flat, so woops, but long story short, white people and many dinner appointments.  There are many strong investigators here, the one you'll probably continue to hear about it kenny, but he is just awesome, but needs to get some chastity stuff in order, the usual problem. 

Sunday was nice, we had to conduct the music and elder roberts and I gave our testimonies. We didn't have many people come to church, and this is a Branch that used to be a ward, but due to the extreame racism of a certain number of members when the made a white guy 1st couceler, it lost enough members to downgrade to a branch. so we are working on building it back up to ward status. 

All things concidered, Witbank is awesome, it's a huge area, and there is a lot of potential, and its an actually developed city. Life is good. There is this stuff i walways see at stores called, I <3 mayo, which is a frozen desert, that I thought was litterally frozen mayoneise, but its pronounced maw-yo, and apearently is africaans for yogurts, so its just frozen yogurt, which is much less disgusting. Also random thing, Since KFC was started in Utah, and there is a KFC on every corner here, ive been wondering if Colonel Sanders was a member. Yeah.  Also i hit 5 months tomorrow. 

The Spirit truely is the Comforter. This is a hard thing, and its harder when your sick, but through the power of the Atonment i have been able to push through with a smile on my face. I will continue to do my best untill i'm done. As someone said in their testimony yesterday "Don't stop when you are tired, stop when you are finished"

kthanksbye

A picture of me "when the revelation for our area hits" here it witbank

Our district in botswana. 

A picture from the Drive back from Botswana of Botswana

Life's Good - November 27, 2017

Due to 'various' reasons, im being transfered back to south africa to a place called Witbank, with Elder Roberts from the MTC as a companion, so life will be very fun. But before we get into that, let us go over the week shall we?

Monday we had the Soccer I mentioned but that that night we had interviews with President Chadambuka, which went nice, we discussed a lot of things, have jokes, it was nice. After that we went back to the flat, and I got a message from the AP's that they'd forgoten to give me notice that i was to give a 15 talk in Zone conference the next morning. So I "prepared" that the next morning, and we went off to zone conf. It was great, my talk actually went very well, thankful for the spirit in helping me prepare fast, and make it meaningful, and spiritual. the rest of the conference went very well. then we all ate food that Sister Chadambuka made. Good times all around. LIfes good

Tuesday, was actually the zone conference.

Wednsday, Nothing special happened, accept a read an only confernce talk from  April, since we dont have the Oct. one yet, but its by Gary B. Sabin: "Stand Up Inside, and be all in." I was very touched by the message. My circumstances here might be.... what they are, i can face it positively and "Stand up Inside" even when i lack the ability to stand up outside. Life is good

Thursday, was exchanges with Elder Ruben, we had a good time having "Thanksgiving" which was us spitting a whole chicken from a resturaunt called nandos, and haveing the waaayyy nice 'Applitini' share size drink. 1.5 litres of non-alcoholic goodness. Had  cookies and Cream Magnum bar that was the best thing ever, then we got the interview done for our investigator Khumo, and saw some other people, but had a lot of cancellations. Taught several Recent Converts about the Temples and set goals with them on Baptisms for the Dead, and the Endowment.

Friday was Black Friday, and we were under order to not go out and about until 3, afterwats we say members, had district meeting and got the details of Khumos Baptism sorted out.

Saturday was Transfer News, and  like I said, im going to Witbank, South Africa, With my favorite guy from the MTC, elder Roberts. LIfe is good, I'm way excited to be companions with him. Hes a hard worker, but he know's how to have fun. So these next 6 weeks are going to go by way to fast.

Sunday, was Khumos Baptism, which I was only barely able to attend, it went very well, had the Elders Quorrum President, Bro. Boabilwe, baptize him at khumos request. The whole thing went well, and then i left for the Botswana Boarder, with only like 2 hours to pack, we drove to a place called Mofikeng, and stayed the night, as well as all of today, with The Elders here. We had a nice big breakfast, played some games, life is good.

I have been saying "life is good in my regular conversation like, all the time now, for no reason, and it just started out of no where, but its ok. life IS good. I've been feeling better to a degree, medicine is actually working now. Christmas stuff is up, i have christmas hymns and whatnot playing in the car, wish i could wear my santa hat.

Kthanks bye

Sup. I have no clever title. - November 20, 2017

This week went fast. Lots of stuff happened.

We had FHE with the Missions second councelor, Pres. Mangenela. Had a lot of fun, played mafia, had a nice thought, ate good food. we  were there a long time, since it was 8 missionaries and pres likes to talk.

Tuesday, was pretty normal. Elder Haffen was with us a tri-panionship for the day, he's a fun guy, but nothing out of the ordinary happened.

Wednesday, I saw the doctor, we met some people, i realized hymn 235 and 335 are the same tune with different words. We had some good lessons, but again, nothing extraordinary, or really noteworthy.

Thursday, we met with a ton of people and scheduled the Baptism interviews for Brenden and Khumo, who will be baptized this coming Sunday. we say a girl named Mpho about her question from the book of mormon, had some powerful testimony sharing  about it. We met with another Family, and had a good old time, talked about the Restoration. 

Friday, was exchanges with Elder Otlaadisa (oak-laa- dee- sa) which was fun, we went a contacted in a mall, met some cool people. We met with a lot of the recent converts and our neighbor fed us a nice meal, and we explained why her neighbors change all the time.

Saturday we weeded the yard of a long time member named sister Monpane (mon- pawn- ey), shw fed us fatcakes (scones) with eggs and chicken. After that we saw some people, but nothing "to write home about." had a nice time talking with sister Cheeza, long time member, about the difficulty of members 'building up zion' in africa. Which was then also adressed by Elder Neil A. Anderson in the Area Broadcast we had Sunday, he did a much better job talking about it then we did. The Broadcast was cool. Lots of people spoke, mostly the area seventies, Sister Oscarthorp, and Elder Anderson. One thing they said that i really liked "The mere passage of time, never solves the problem" we have to go fix thing, they dont just fix themselves.

today is the zone activity, which will be fun, lots of soccer and food. tomorrow is zone conference, so ill get to talk with president and everyone, which is always a good time

life is good, the work moves on.

Kthanksbye

I am a dead man - November 13, 2017

It's so insanely hot, plus i am sick. Not a fun combo. 

I've been working on my handwriting like I said. Hope it's actually improving. 

Speaking of improvement, whitewashing is starting to stop being a problem, and things are now 100% back on track how they should be. Filled in all the empty records, had a child of record baptism, got some new people added to the pool, and 2 guys should be baptized on the 26th. 

but Monday Nothing again. 

Tuesday, Read my favorite chapter of the Book of Mormon with some members, 2 Nephi 4, had a powerful time. Very strong spirit, they loved it. They were somewhat less active, but they've been "inspired to commit harder"

Wednesday, we spent most of the morning in the flat with me sick, but later in the day we saw a few people, mostly taught the Plan of Salvation, good day, but not a lot to report

Thursday, We say Brenden about tithing, he is the one who is very close to baptism. He loved that no one is payed, that the church has no debt, and that all the money goes toward helping others. He was very impressed. He loves the Church and can't wait to be baptized, but he can only meet on thursdays, so its been slow getting to this point. Hes a student at the University of Botswana, who comes from Swaziland. Cool guy. 

Friday, Went to the memorial service of an elderly member, we sang a lot at it, but it was pretty "Mormon" style thing. We went to see the investigator Prince, who's mom was sick, so we gave her a blessing. Saw a new investigator named Detere (Dee-Tear-Ay). had a good lesson about the Restoration, but his english is poor, so we need to take a translator with us in the future. 

Saturday, we went the burial of Bro Matatla (Ma- Ta-Kla) which was nice, they dedicated the grave, and sang alot of hymns, both Our hymns and the Traditional Motswana (word for Botswana's people) Hymns. But it was very hot and some people fainted. Its been consistently around 40C. (104F).

Its been a strugle not just staying in the car with the Aircon blasting. then we saw Kefeletso who is starting to seem less interested since we told her us coming doesn't mean she doesn't need to go to church, and that we dont just give out money. SO probably wont be seeing her much longer unless she starts to actually keep commitments. Had dinner with A member named Sister Mopane, and talked about Enduring to the end. Ill ask those who read this to go read 2 Nephi 31. 

Sunday was Nuts. The meeting was pretty normal, but during priesthood, the Ward mission leader says, "hey drive us to the Gaborone West Chapel, we dont have any baptismal suits and we have a child of record baptism today." So we drove over there, stole their suits and then ran back, just in time to have it start on time, but it was a stressful hour, because apparently, we were supposed to go get the suits, for the baptism no one told us was happening, so they got mad at us, until the Ward mission leader stepped in and told us it was his fault for not telling us.  

Today, We went and played soccer. It was 8 Elders since they're all here in town to go to dinner with the Second Counceler in the Mission Presidency, President Mangenela. So we're gonna go have a good time there tonight, but we played soccer, ate tacos, then had to find a new email place, since our normal one was closed.

The Clouds here are cool. Nothing Beats the African Sunset, wish i had a camera good enough to take better pictures. Upload speeds here are worse then the normal place, might have to send the pics next week. 

 

---

Heber J. Grant is a pretty neat guy - November 6, 2017

Bread

 Our Flat

 A bunch of baby duck and the guard swans a member has

a picture a member took without me noticing. I need a haircut, but most people turn me away because "we don't know how to cut white people hair, we dont want to mess it up, and it might ruin our clippers since its so long"

Happy birthday Addie. totally forgot it was halloween since no-one here even knows what it is.

So a few matters of buisness or whatever.

When is daylight savings so I can adjust my home clock, i have now been out 4 months. Heber J. Grant has inspired me ( more details in main body ) this ward is having a primary program next week, and it is forever managing to get hotter.

But Monday, was nothing again. P-days here are boring since my comp doesn't want to do anythign and the closest other missionaries are an hour away.....

Tuesday was Not Halloween. zero spooky spirit. But the zone leaders spent the night at our flat on there halfway point to the mission home for a meeting. they told us that zone conference will be the 19th and we are getting to Seventies, Elder Palmer and Elder Neilson (not The President of the Twelve). So that will be cool.

Wednsday, met with a recent convert named Torquil and his fiance Veronicah, She has crazy problems with anxiety that we are trying to help her with, and thats been going well. met some more members and saw some new investigators. 

Thursday we "Tracked down" one of our investigators who moved named Kefeletso, and taguht here, she was trying to get us to come, but lost her phone so we couldn't find her, but we met her brother on the street and he gave us directions. Finished the Elder Bednar Question Book of Mormon Challenge thing for the first one. The Question was 'how can I comfort those in need?', started it in the MTC, finishing it was powerful, those last chapters of Moroni are always my favorite. Started the next one with the question, 'How can I Always Remember Christ?' just hit Lehis Vision. 

Friday,we had a pretty normal day, and after meeting with a family who lives about a 20 minute drive away ( our area is like 45 min wide) they gave us directions for a faster way, but they forgot to tell us one of the turns and we took a 20 minute detour down a fun, but very bumpy dirt road through absolutely nowhere, in a Hyndai I-20, look it up and tell me if it seems like a nice offroading car, since its not. 

Saturday, met with our investigators mom, who is very much "We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible" Kind of person, but she wants us to come back and keep talking to here, so well see how that goes. 

Sunday, had Fast and testimony, lots of strong members in the ward. When we got home after getting fed/ checking some families, I was reading 'Teaching of the Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant" and I have been inspired by his quality of persistence and teachings (i read the whole book already) to do some real self improvement. Many of you know I am a very obsessive person. I generally don't have a problem doing the things i set out to do, assuming the involve other people/ are for others. but when it comes to fixing the problems with myself I am aweful at actually doing it. Those who have spent a long time around me know that I will Obsessivly talk about somethings and then never do them. So im gonna fix that, turn the 'curse' of my obsessiveness into a blessing of persistence. and i've set a few goals. starting small. one thing is im actually gonna start to consistently exersise, and two is im gonna improve my handwritting (something many of you will agree needs to happen). so thank you President Grant. Gonna actually do something about myself for once. 

But life is good. time flies by. its already november, if i was home i would have just finished the Marching band season. so thats wild. its already the second term of school. Christmas is just around the corner. But life is good, the work is good, the spirit is strong and the sun is so hot. I want to send videos but the upload speed makes it imposible, the few pictures ill send have been uploading the whole 15 minutes i've been typing this email. 

kthanksbye