Best feeling getting to hug my Mom and Dad again after a long 9 months without it
Meeting their bakki that I hear so much about
Johannesburg Temple
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| Lion Park |
Spending the Sabbath day with the children of the Ezulwini Branch
Monday, December 17th we woke to a gorgeous day and my parents wanted to show us some of the beauty that surrounds their home….so we went
for a walk. They showed us the pond that they love, the more attractive
homes that surround them, the worn-out bridge that connects the people
from their homes to the outside world and then a river that had to be
crossed by jumping rocks. After we successfully crossed the river, we
encountered some young boys that were returning to their homes with
firewood in a broken down wheel barrow. We could not figure out how
they were going across that river with that wheelbarrow. So we asked if
we could follow them back. They consented and then proceeded to put on
a show for us. So cute……You will love the pictures. That afternoon we
had a braai for the elders to celebrate South Africa’s “Day of
Reconciliation” – braai day as the elders know it by. The elders
brought their meat (which some said they did not know that was part of
the agreement) and I made baked beans, cole slaw, fruit, drinks,
dessert. We had a great time. Since it was Monday, we had the Lobamba
boys over for PMG or FHE. The elders had a wonderful lesson prepared
where they divided up and role played giving a discussion with one being
an investigator and the others missionaries. They really got into it
and asked some profound questions. Brian was able to participate with
them and enjoyed being a missionary again. We ended with a special
Christmas message followed by a special gift that my parents had made for them –
“Trust in the Hand of God” – a carved wooden statue of baby Jesus in
the hand of God. It was an inspiring evening. These boys never cease
to amaze me with their genuine love for their Savior and their thirst
for righteousness.
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| Lobamba Boys FHE |
Tuesday, December 18th is a day that is going down in the record book as
a near perfect day. We woke up at 4:00 a.m. (for me, that is not what
makes it a near perfect day) and left for Hlane Game Reserve. We were
entertained by the animals! Right when we started we saw a troop of
elephants at a water hole. While my Mom was taking pictures, Dad calmly
said, “Dear, there’s an elephant right here.” She shooed him away and he
repeated it again. We all turned around and there was a huge elephant in our
front bakki window!! My Mom screamed and told him to back up. He was there
protecting his family. He stood there gazing at us while the mother
and babies stomped across the road. Then he casually turned and joined
his family and the other troop at the waterhole. About an hour later I
finally was able to breath again. We laughed until we burst!
Throughout the day we saw numerous other elephants. It definitely was a
day for elephants. We also saw rhinos, hippos, giraffes, springbok –
but we all agreed that the elephants was the highlight! We had a superb
time at Hlane! Then we left the game park and met up with Vuzi Mamba at
his homestead. What an afternoon with a traditional experience. They
are the sweetest, kindest, hospitable family we have ever met. Vuzi
showed us around his homestead and explained what all the homes were for and the traditional
things that went on in them. Then they fed us some corn on the cob that
they eat – is is different than at home. It is hard. Then 29 children
came in and entertained us Swazi style with songs and dancing. Of
course, they made us join in. It was an afternoon that I will never
forget. We thank Vuzi for arranging it and making us feel loved and
welcomed. He then took us to another of his aunt’s homestead. She is
rather old but recently has been given the responsibility of taking care
of 3 very young grandchildren. He told us that they had no food at the
moment. We made a plan for the next day for him to meet up with us and
we would buy some food. I don’t know how these gogo’s do it. Their
life is hard until the day they die. I love these people and their
loving ways! (You want to know how awesome Vuzi is? He called Brian and I the night before we left to go home, to wish us well and
hopes to be able to see us again some time!)
The Mamba homestead
Eating their gross corn
Showing us their dancing and singing
Giving out brownies. They don't get sweets very often because they don't have electricity or anything and they sure are happy when my Mom gives them out.
Wednesday, Dec. 19th, Dad left early so perform the transfer
responsibilities. While he was gone Mom, Brian and I sewed and
baked. Later, we went to visit Sister Shabangu and the Nkambule family
to wish them a Merry Christmas. I did not like the road up to
Sister Shabangu’s homestead. I wanted to get out and walk but my parents were
convincing and I stayed in the car. It is quite the experience.
We then went to the Cultural Village and saw a pretty waterfall. That was really cool to experience. That evening the elders came over and we had homemade bread and ice
cream.
Sewing the bags for the orphanage
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| Cultural Village |
Pretty waterfall
Thursday the 20th, we did some sights around their home – the Silver Smith
shop where we ordered a Swazi ring for me, introduced us to the
township of Lobamba where the boys live and Manzini Market. Then we went
to the airport to pick up a returning missionary – Elder Dlamini from
Mbabane. Dad released him at the Mbabane chapel (all new sights and
experiences for us) and then we met up with Vuzi Mamba and
visited with his family in Ngwane Park. Later that day we visited the
Shongwe family. We loved them. Gogo Shongwe wanted to
give me one of her crocheted rugs from plastic bags but we insisted
on paying her. So she said, “Then I give her buy 1 and get one free!”
Too cute!! So I picked out two rugs to take home with me. Dad
put the money on the table and when she saw it, she said, “Oh, I am rich
(R60 – worth around $7). I think I will buy me a plane!” We laughed.
I love that lady. Money has little value to these gogos.
Return missionary and his family
Rugs made out of plastic bags
Friday my mom and Dad got up early – 7:00 - and drove
to the Petro Port to meet up with the AP’s to get all the Swazi mail for
Christmas. Now mind you, that is over a three hour drive. Then we
turned around and came back home. But the border was busy!!!! It took
us over an our to get through the border. So we did not arrive home
until 4:00. Brian and I stayed at home to relax. But
unfortunately, the electricity went out around 9:00 and did not come
back on until just before they got back. So it is hot, hot, hot here and we had no air, no fans, couldn’t watch a movie, fix anything to eat.
So we walked to KFC and got some lunch since there is a KFC everywhere. We rushed to Swazi Candles
before they closed then went to Summerfields to eat. Then we came home
and made preparations for the Elders Christmas Party on Saturday.
He made this in 3 minutes with his bare hands. They are seriously incredible with what they can do.
He made this in 3 minutes with his bare hands. They are seriously incredible with what they can do.
Summerfield
Saturday, December 22nd, was a busy day! We spent the day getting ready
for the Elder’s Christmas party. My Mom wanted it to be special since they were away from their families. We started our final preparations on the food, took our
Christmas tree to the Ezulwini chapel, decorated the tables and room,
shopped, took the food over, prepared the screen for the videos, etc.
In the morning the Webb’s and the Nielsen’s from the area office came
over. The Webb’s are going home on Dec. 31st so they wanted to say
goodbye. As the elders arrived we put Santa hats on them and they
immediately seemed to get into the spirit. We had Christmas stockings
at the table and these things they have here called “firecrackers”.
They made for great table decorations. They ate, then gathered together
to fill their stockings with “scripture treasures” like toothbrushes,
hand sanitizer, sweets, etc. They had fun deciphering what their gift
was going to be with the scripture read. Then each boarding did a skit,
showed the the mission DVD put together by the AP’s (they truly out-did
themselves),gathered around he Christmas tree for the firecracker
tradition, opened their presents, read the Christmas story with songs,
showed a Christmas video and then bore testimonies of what the Savior
meant to them. It was a glorious celebration and the spirit was there
in force. We pray that this helped our dear elders to enjoy the season
and appreciate the sacrifice they are making to serve the Lord. I was so excited to be there to help my parents and to experience their mission responsibilities.
Another wonderful Sabbath in the magical land of Swaziland. We attended
the Manzini branch – always a delightful experience. Pres. Mahlalela
was so excited that my parents had brought Brian and I to his branch to
introduce them to his wonderful members. You have got to love these
people! For their Sacrament meeting they showed the First Presidency
Christmas devotional. How wonderful to listen to the prophet's words to
prepare us for this special day. After we went visiting – Silavwe,
Mabuli family, Mavis Dlamini, and then to Patricia’s and joined with her
children in reading the Christmas story and singing songs like we had
done the night before with the elders. We also played an animal game
which we all loved. Life here
is grand!
Sbu and his family
CHRISTMAS EVE arrived!! It was a busy day. We went grocery shopping,
took Nombulelo’s Christmas present to her and then started of on our
wishing good tidings to our dear Swazi friends. We first went to the
Msibi family but Sister Msibi was at the hospital getting her medicine.
Manzini chapel was next to wish Tip Top a Merry Christmas – actually
here most of them say Happy Christmas. He was thrilled with his present
and then Dad asked him about being available the day after Christmas to
receive a package from someone. Mom said, “Will you be here the day
after?” His response, “God’s work must move forward. So I will be
there.” Such a dedicated man to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then off to Nhlangano to visit friends there. Our first stop was at Bro. Bhekiwe Hlope’s
homestead. He was busy still putting his kitchen together. I
immediately fell in love with his grandchildren (or small children
living there). Dad helped with his kitchen whileMom took pictures and
visited with Bro. Hlope’s mother. Good people. Then we went to see
the Shongwe’s, put they were not home, and the Mabuza sisters and they
were in Manzini. We phoned both and wished them a Merry Christmas. We
found Bro. Dludlu home and his daughter from South Africa there to visit
for the holidays. He says he still is going to come home with us and
spend time in America. We took the dirt road to Gege and visited the
Malinga’s. They are remodeling their home and in such a mess. But we
had a great visit. We headed for home to get ready for Christmas Eve. I
made goodies for those who were joining us for “It’s A Wonderful
Life”. Six Lobamba young men and 10 elders came over. It was really
hot but they loved the movie, being together and enjoying Christmas
Eve. Many said that was the first time they had ever done something for
Christmas Eve – even some of the elders. We stuffed Christmas bags for the orphanage.
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| Dad helping build his kitchen. He is awesome! |
I fell in love with these girls
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| Watching It's A Wonderful Life with the missionaries and the Lobamba Boys |
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2012! We woke early ate our traditional sweet
rolls and then opened presents. At 9:00 a.m. we met the elders at
the Mbabane boarding (which is looking much better – they have moved
past outer darkness – that’s to get one of our elders out of trouble)
to caravan to the place that we are feeding and passing out Christmas
treats to orphans and under privileged. We had bought food for them to
fix for the children. This area, Kabona, has a lot of children having
children and no means of support. They told us that these children can
go days without food and had no plans for Christmas. We were so glad
that we discovered them and was able to help. There were a bunch
waiting for us when we arrived. The women had arrived at 7:00 a.m. to
start preparing the food. The elders jumped in with their Santa hats
and even a Santa, to play and entertain them. Elder Lorimer had “clown”
balloons and had read the instruction on how to make animals with
them. Brian learned quickly how to make a sword which the boys loved.
They played soccer, basketball, jump rope and just had a great time. The
children performed for us and we sang a few songs, then we ate and gave
away our Christmas bags filled with sweets and a small gift. We served
over 150. It was memorable Christmas and helped ease the pain of being
away from most of our family. It was over just in time before a huge
lightning storm and pounding rain arrived. We sat on the porch and
watched it all unfold in front of us. But the electricity went out. Mom
had a turkey in the oven which did not get cooked until late that night.
There was a break in the storm so we hurried up to the Msibi family to
deliver their presents. What joyous exclamations for such simple
gifts. Xolani and Futhi along with one of Xolani’s missionary
companions from America came over. We also went and picked up
Nomvuyo and her friend from the market. She had text my parents a few weeks
earlier saying that she had no where to go for Christmas and wondered if
she could join us. She had to work until 5:00. It was great having
them all here with us. That night Mom, Brian, Dad and I relaxed.
It was an extra special Christmas.
Orphanage
Giving presents to this cute family
Wednesday, December 26th, we left for St. Lucia, South Africa. It was
about a 4 hour drive to this beautiful city. On our drive there we saw 4 giraffes on the side of the road so of course we stopped and took pictures. Brian and I got out to take pictures with them. When we arrived we went on
a Hippo/Crocodile boat ride. So fun to see so many hippos – yawning
and getting ready for the end of the day. They were very noisy also. I
loved hearing hippo talk. Two languages I need to learn. After seeing
the hippos we headed for dinner near the ocean.
Hippo Park
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| Pub and Grill |
Thursday, December 27, we headed for a day in the Indian Ocean.
Beautiful and warm. It was about 95 degrees outside and the water of
the ocean was also delightfully pleasant. We swam, walked and got
sunburnt. Poor Brian got it the worst. We were out for about 2 hours,
went back, showered and then headed for home after lunch at the same
place the night before. The drive home seemed longer, especially for
Brian. He came home and went to bed. We had nothing to relieve his
pain and all the stores around here close at 7:00 p.m.
Looking at the croc in the water
The sun wore us out
Saturday we woke to a spectacular array of white butterflies covering the entire kingdom of Swaziland. It was as if there went out a memo that told all the sleeping butterflies that they were to arise and take flight at 7:00 a.m. on December 29, 2012. It was amazing. We tried to take a picture but it didn’t work out – you couldn’t see all the butterflies. We drove to Nhlangano for the baptism of Moses Dluli, a former pastor from Gege. Brian had the privilege to be in the circle to give him the Holy Ghost. It was an awesome experience. On the drive down the butterflies were literally covering the countryside. Many of them found their fate on our windshield. What a waste! We finished the day getting us ready to leave on Sunday.
Mom playing the piano. She is amazing, she taught herself how to play.
The Pastor and his wife
Their baptismal font and one of the missionaries who taught him
Giving out suckers to the kids on the side of the road
Putting cream on Brian's burnt feet
This Sunday was bitter sweet. We loved attending in the Mbabane branch
but had to say good-bye which is always hard for me. We had an area
presidency member in church and he gave a great talk. Two of the
elders, Elder Shumway and Mabena, also talked and did incredible. After
Sacrament meeting we headed for Joburg where we had to say our
farewells for 9 months to my parents. It seemed just as hard as it
was 9 months ago. Saying bye a second time was so hard but I would have rather seen them and say bye again then have to go the whole 18 months without seeing them. I loved going to experience their mission with them and fell in love with the people and country. It is no wonder why they love it there so much. I have learned to love it in just 2 weeks. Thanks Mom and Dad for showing us the time of our lives. We love and miss you so much already!
So sad to leave Africa and my parents
My amazing parents who are the best missionaries and greatest example to me! I love them!!!!
Our journey home was a total of 33 hours. It was so long but totally worth it since I got to see my parents and visit the people they have learned to love. Our little one did really good in my belly. I can now tell him he has been to Africa :).
Ahh! there is something about africa that is sooo magical! I am extremely jealous of your trip.. the people and culture there are truly amazing!
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