This was an interesting week. As I noted last week we lost the country directors for South Africa. We are now trying to do some of their work until a new couple arrives. In some ways we are looking forward to the additional work. As a result of the change we have been pretty busy this week. It makes the time go much faster. We will probably attend the “hand over” ceremony in Botswana on the 28th---we will officially “hand over” 500 wheelchairs to the Ministry of Health for distribution to those who need one. We hope to get some good pictures. There are also some measles campaigns later in the year in Namibia and Swaziland as well as NRT in other countries. We hope that will get us “out of Dodge” and let us see some of this country. It also looks like we will go to Zimbabwe early in May to train the new couple. We have looked forward to a trip to Kenya but, the “war stories” we hear about traffic in Nairobi make us less anxious to go there. Maybe we get out of the city shortly after we get there. We also may be involved in getting help to the people in northern Namibia (one of the countries served by the country directors for South Africa---here are some major floods in some parts of Africa.
We had our first Branch Presidency meeting in Soshenguve this morning. I have a much better feel for the branch and the problems but, there is still a LOT to learn. I helped do the finances after church. That was an “eye opener”. Greg probably earns more in one or two hours than some of the brethren in the branch make in a week. I have never done finances in the way it is done in the branch---everything is written out by hand. The record is then faxed to the area office where someone here enters the information (names, amounts for each category, etc) in the computer.
One night Judy, Sister Wells and Sister Davis went to dinner at one of the restaurant’s in the mall. When they went to leave the machine was down so they could not pay with their credit cards. They did not have enough rand (cash) to pay the bill. That would normally mean trouble. But, the waitress went back to the manager. He indicated that they could leave anyway. He said. “Those people come in here all of the time. They can be trusted. Besides that if they do not come back and pay, I will not call the police or anything. God will take care of them. He will send them to hell.” So to say the least Elder Wells and I were in the place early the next morning paying the bill.
We have been trying to get to the temple on Tuesday afternoon. That is when the missionaries from the MTC go to the temple. It is so neat to be with them. The 6 black elders this week were going through for the first time. It provides us (men) a good chance to help them. A large portion of these brethren have lost their parents. President Cannon (MTC mission president) has them go through the temple one week. They are then to prepare the genealogy work for their parents during the week and do the temple work for their Father the next week. President Cannon and his wife then stand in as proxies for the elder’s parents while they are sealed to their parents. I guess they have had some pretty special times when this work was being done.
We really shocked an elder this week. We went into the distribution center for a moment. There were two elders standing there. I looked at the name tag and said “You are Elder Younker from North Logan.” (Gordon Younker’s son). The look on his face was something to behold---like who are you and how do you know me/my family. We then told him that we had dinner with his Dad the less than 10 days before we went to the MTC and about 2 days after he got on the plane for South Africa. It was fun to visit with him.
I also have to tell you about the one Brother Elks got off on us on Thursday. Good Friday and Easter Monday are national holidays in South Africa. We were kidding him about all the days off. His response is that at least South Africans celebrate the important Christian days while Americans celebrate pagan holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s day. We did not have much of a response. If my memory is correct there are about 6 national holidays during April in South Africa. The others include election day (a holiday so everyone can vote), and several others. The South Africans take holidays seriously because the town nearly “dies” on holidays.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Update from email dated 3/31/09
My letter is later than usual. I did not have time to do it on Sunday for several reasons that are noted below. To say that we had an interesting week with continuation into this week is an understatement.
The last time Brother Elks left town we had some problems so when he left on Friday I reminded him that the last time he left we had some problems. He just turned to me and said (D&C 122: 7---last two lines). He then walked down the hall but came back and reminded me that “when a ship is sinking, it is women and children out first”. We have laughed several times since then because some of it is true. For example, the country directors for South Africa (we share office space with them) were sent to SA from the Congo because he had some health problems. As a result, they now have to leave. So we are scrambling to pick up the pieces. We have 500 wheelchairs in a warehouse in Botswana waiting for customs clearance (we think the local guy is holding things up for a payment to him). SLC has indicated that if we cannot get clearance soon we will ship them to some other place. We have discovered that working with some units of African government is a “real experience”.
Having a “real experience” reminds me of Saturday evening. Elder and Sister Cox who are country directors in Mozambique were returning from a NRT project in Angola and were stopping in Joberg to get some medical help (minor issue) and to take a couple through the temple today. We picked them up from the airport. This was our second time there—the first time is when we came to SA. We missed a road going out but, our GPS helped us get back to the airport in plenty of time. However, the way back to the flat was different. There are a few places in Joberg where “whites” should never venture especially at night. On the way back, we missed another turn and went right through one of the bad places at about 9:00pm. Let’s just say that my blood pressure was probably elevated and that I had an “adrenaline rush” when we entered the area. But, I do have to admit that we had some additional help because the lights were such that we did not have to stop. Your and our prayers that we can travel in safety were answered that night!
I have to share a neat little saying. Last Tuesday at devotional (we have one almost every Tuesday morning), Sister Noll spoke. She has a neat little saying “Whoop ti do, the gospel is true”. She epitomizes the saying. She is happy, fun to be around and shines like the primary song “I have a little gospel light”.
Elder and Sister Esplin (he’s originally from Cedar City) have been serving a proseliting (spelling?) mission but were recently transferred to humanitarian/welfare. They brought 17 people from Kenya to the temple last week. There were three families plus one single sister. The single sister had served a mission in Zimbabwe and Zambia but, had not been through the temple. We visited with her for a few minutes and discovered that her younger sister was in the MTC. They were able to go to the temple together. But, the neatest part of the story was that the older sister had taught the gospel to a fellow that was baptized and had served a mission. He was now teaching the younger sister at the MTC before she left for her mission. Pretty neat, huh!
Sunday resulted in another change in my life. I was sustained as the 2nd Counselor in the Soshenguve branch presidency. My primary assignment is to train the branch presidency. That doesn’t sound too bad but, conducting meetings (pronouncing names) and getting to know the names of the members of the branch will be a real challenge. I looked at a branch roster and there were no names that I could pronounce and most were not readable. One of the young men in the office is teaching us some Zulu (most people understand that or something like it). We now know how to greet people (like hello and how are you?) but, not much more. I can’t figure out how Ron learned Chinese. We will just have to see how this goes. I hope the branch has lots of patience with me as I “stumble along”. The people in the branch have surely “taken us in” and made us feel welcome. The Cullum’s who go with us each week have also noted that they have never been welcomed in a ward/branch like this one. I did discover that they seek priesthood blessings so I will get to exercise some faith with them.
The last time Brother Elks left town we had some problems so when he left on Friday I reminded him that the last time he left we had some problems. He just turned to me and said (D&C 122: 7---last two lines). He then walked down the hall but came back and reminded me that “when a ship is sinking, it is women and children out first”. We have laughed several times since then because some of it is true. For example, the country directors for South Africa (we share office space with them) were sent to SA from the Congo because he had some health problems. As a result, they now have to leave. So we are scrambling to pick up the pieces. We have 500 wheelchairs in a warehouse in Botswana waiting for customs clearance (we think the local guy is holding things up for a payment to him). SLC has indicated that if we cannot get clearance soon we will ship them to some other place. We have discovered that working with some units of African government is a “real experience”.
Having a “real experience” reminds me of Saturday evening. Elder and Sister Cox who are country directors in Mozambique were returning from a NRT project in Angola and were stopping in Joberg to get some medical help (minor issue) and to take a couple through the temple today. We picked them up from the airport. This was our second time there—the first time is when we came to SA. We missed a road going out but, our GPS helped us get back to the airport in plenty of time. However, the way back to the flat was different. There are a few places in Joberg where “whites” should never venture especially at night. On the way back, we missed another turn and went right through one of the bad places at about 9:00pm. Let’s just say that my blood pressure was probably elevated and that I had an “adrenaline rush” when we entered the area. But, I do have to admit that we had some additional help because the lights were such that we did not have to stop. Your and our prayers that we can travel in safety were answered that night!
I have to share a neat little saying. Last Tuesday at devotional (we have one almost every Tuesday morning), Sister Noll spoke. She has a neat little saying “Whoop ti do, the gospel is true”. She epitomizes the saying. She is happy, fun to be around and shines like the primary song “I have a little gospel light”.
Elder and Sister Esplin (he’s originally from Cedar City) have been serving a proseliting (spelling?) mission but were recently transferred to humanitarian/welfare. They brought 17 people from Kenya to the temple last week. There were three families plus one single sister. The single sister had served a mission in Zimbabwe and Zambia but, had not been through the temple. We visited with her for a few minutes and discovered that her younger sister was in the MTC. They were able to go to the temple together. But, the neatest part of the story was that the older sister had taught the gospel to a fellow that was baptized and had served a mission. He was now teaching the younger sister at the MTC before she left for her mission. Pretty neat, huh!
Sunday resulted in another change in my life. I was sustained as the 2nd Counselor in the Soshenguve branch presidency. My primary assignment is to train the branch presidency. That doesn’t sound too bad but, conducting meetings (pronouncing names) and getting to know the names of the members of the branch will be a real challenge. I looked at a branch roster and there were no names that I could pronounce and most were not readable. One of the young men in the office is teaching us some Zulu (most people understand that or something like it). We now know how to greet people (like hello and how are you?) but, not much more. I can’t figure out how Ron learned Chinese. We will just have to see how this goes. I hope the branch has lots of patience with me as I “stumble along”. The people in the branch have surely “taken us in” and made us feel welcome. The Cullum’s who go with us each week have also noted that they have never been welcomed in a ward/branch like this one. I did discover that they seek priesthood blessings so I will get to exercise some faith with them.
Update from email date 3/22/09
What a week of ups and downs. First, it was our Aggies. We went to dinner with the Wright’s Friday night so we missed the first half. We did watch the 2nd half (yes Wendy senior missionaries can watch NCAA tournament games). We thought the Aggies were going to pull off the win when they went up by 6 but… There were lots of “what if’s” in the game but, I guess a loss kept me from watching them on Sunday.
This has been an interesting week for your mother. She bent over on Tuesday (?) morning and hurt her back. She “listed” most of the week and took a smaller portion of my magic back potion (3-4 Ibuprofens and 2 Tylenol) a couple of times a day for most of the week. . She feels much better today but, I have to watch her and keep her from bending too much. Bad backs are not just a pain the back.
We spoke in Sacrament meeting this morning. The branch president asked us to speak on humility. Your mother did a great job except she should have taken more time. I did not speak directly on the topic but I guess it was ok. We are getting to know more of the people in the branch all of the time. I think they have finally accepted the fact that we will be with them and that we are here to serve and work with them. We have much to do but they are great people. It is easy to love them. The primary children (and younger) are so cute. There are a couple of boys in the nursery (Judy has done the nursery the last couple of weeks) are just plain cute (pictures to come in the future).
We had an adventure when we went to dinner with the Wrights on Friday night. We went to an area of town that I am not sure I would have stopped to visit. But, given that he is the “security” person we went with them. The restaurant was a bit of a “seedy” spot. I had barbecued pork ribs. They were good but VERY different. Your mother had a seafood basket. The shrimp still had the head on and I was not sure if your mother was going to eat it and I did not offer to eat it for her. With Sister Wrights help, they got it edible and Judy ate it. Both of our dinners were better than the “fish bait” (that is how it was noted on the menu) dinner that Sister Wright ordered. They were like deep fat fried little sardines—heads and all. I don’t think any of us would order that again. She ate some of the “fish bait” but she mostly shared Elder Wrights order of ribs. This dinner was what one would call a real adventure! Nothing in the states matches some of the items on the menus here. I tend to be a bit cautious even if the prices are inexpensive. But, we have found a place in the mall across the street that serves a great hamburger. We thought we probably ought to buy one and share it but, we normally order two. They are about the size of a big LeBeau’s hamburger. A bacon cheeseburger with chips (fries) for $3.80 is not a bad buy.
This has been an interesting week for your mother. She bent over on Tuesday (?) morning and hurt her back. She “listed” most of the week and took a smaller portion of my magic back potion (3-4 Ibuprofens and 2 Tylenol) a couple of times a day for most of the week. . She feels much better today but, I have to watch her and keep her from bending too much. Bad backs are not just a pain the back.
We spoke in Sacrament meeting this morning. The branch president asked us to speak on humility. Your mother did a great job except she should have taken more time. I did not speak directly on the topic but I guess it was ok. We are getting to know more of the people in the branch all of the time. I think they have finally accepted the fact that we will be with them and that we are here to serve and work with them. We have much to do but they are great people. It is easy to love them. The primary children (and younger) are so cute. There are a couple of boys in the nursery (Judy has done the nursery the last couple of weeks) are just plain cute (pictures to come in the future).
We had an adventure when we went to dinner with the Wrights on Friday night. We went to an area of town that I am not sure I would have stopped to visit. But, given that he is the “security” person we went with them. The restaurant was a bit of a “seedy” spot. I had barbecued pork ribs. They were good but VERY different. Your mother had a seafood basket. The shrimp still had the head on and I was not sure if your mother was going to eat it and I did not offer to eat it for her. With Sister Wrights help, they got it edible and Judy ate it. Both of our dinners were better than the “fish bait” (that is how it was noted on the menu) dinner that Sister Wright ordered. They were like deep fat fried little sardines—heads and all. I don’t think any of us would order that again. She ate some of the “fish bait” but she mostly shared Elder Wrights order of ribs. This dinner was what one would call a real adventure! Nothing in the states matches some of the items on the menus here. I tend to be a bit cautious even if the prices are inexpensive. But, we have found a place in the mall across the street that serves a great hamburger. We thought we probably ought to buy one and share it but, we normally order two. They are about the size of a big LeBeau’s hamburger. A bacon cheeseburger with chips (fries) for $3.80 is not a bad buy.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Update from South Africa
Judy now has a sewing machine to use. It was bought for the missionaries and she volunteered to use it to make hats for the hospital. She will tell you more about that later. Sister Wright's ward (?) has sent her $$ to buy material and the sisters make blankets and hats for newborns. Some of the sisters are not as busy as Judy because their husbands have the primary assignment (Area MD, Auditing, Security, etc) so this is a great activity for them.
If you are interested to learn more about the humanitarian efforts happening in the Africa area, check out Elder & Sister Glenn's blog. They are the humanitarian directors for Uganda. http://aeglenn.blogspot.com
If you are interested to learn more about the humanitarian efforts happening in the Africa area, check out Elder & Sister Glenn's blog. They are the humanitarian directors for Uganda. http://aeglenn.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Email Update - January 25, 2009
The branch we have been assigned to is Soshanguve. It is a combination of four tribes of people that were moved to the area during apartheid. They moved essentially all of the blacks out of town. Many of the areas were settled by one tribe (e.g., Zulu) but Soshanguve was four tribes. This branch is a lot different than the Etwatwa branch. It is smaller but has a larger number of people that have been members of the church for several years (maybe 5-10). We continue to be amazed at the African people. They have faith that is hard to believe. They read and study their scriptures. The talks in church are scripture based. I guess it comes from their strong Christian background.
We had a baptism after church (an older lady and her teenage niece). One of the things they did as part of the general service was to give each of them a "Legacy of Love" handout. It had a picture of the Johannesburg temple on the front and a pedigree chart in the middle. The concept was now that they are baptized they have the opportunity to do that for their ancestors. The missionaries were going to teach them the material associated with work for the dead. Anyway it was "pretty cool".
One other thing that really caught me this morning is I helped a young RM prepare the Sacrament. He did something that was so good. We cleaned up the Sacrament from the ward that preceded us. But, before we started to do the trays for the branch, the young man briefly washed every tray and then dried them with a cloth. Every tray was clean and dry for our meeting. I was impressed!
I did get a real shock however after Sacrament meeting. The branch president caught me right after the closing payer asked me if he could "throw me into the deep" ----would I teach Priesthood meeting. All the brethren that are not youth meet together so you have recent converts to brethren that have been through the temple. The lesson was on Elder Bednar's talk in October Conference (Prayer). I skipped Sunday School and read the talk during SS. I didn't have much time to get my thoughts together. But, I had more time than the 1st C in the Stake Presidency that was visiting. The final speaker stood up with about 20+ minutes to go and spoke for about 5 minutes. The other ward was still in meeting so we could not dismiss at that time so the Branch President asked the Counselor (Stake) to speak. He gave a fine talk. I think I better get some "spur of the moment" thoughts/talks together because that will likely happen again.
Judy went to Primary and she came out with a bunch of new friends. Yes, she truly is a GRAND mother and is a "kid magnet". It is fun to watch!
Driving to church is a "real experience". It takes us about an hour one way. I pushed the mileage button last night after I filled the car with petrol. When we got back this afternoon we had gone 173 kilometers (about 107+ miles). It takes us about an hour to drive to meeting. I could feel sorry for myself but, it pales in comparison to the sacrifices some of the members of the branch make to get to meeting. The lady that sat next to Judy this morning had paid for two taxi rides to get to meeting. I am sure that was a good portion of her weekly funds but, that was not going to "keep her from attending her meetings".
We had a baptism after church (an older lady and her teenage niece). One of the things they did as part of the general service was to give each of them a "Legacy of Love" handout. It had a picture of the Johannesburg temple on the front and a pedigree chart in the middle. The concept was now that they are baptized they have the opportunity to do that for their ancestors. The missionaries were going to teach them the material associated with work for the dead. Anyway it was "pretty cool".
One other thing that really caught me this morning is I helped a young RM prepare the Sacrament. He did something that was so good. We cleaned up the Sacrament from the ward that preceded us. But, before we started to do the trays for the branch, the young man briefly washed every tray and then dried them with a cloth. Every tray was clean and dry for our meeting. I was impressed!
I did get a real shock however after Sacrament meeting. The branch president caught me right after the closing payer asked me if he could "throw me into the deep" ----would I teach Priesthood meeting. All the brethren that are not youth meet together so you have recent converts to brethren that have been through the temple. The lesson was on Elder Bednar's talk in October Conference (Prayer). I skipped Sunday School and read the talk during SS. I didn't have much time to get my thoughts together. But, I had more time than the 1st C in the Stake Presidency that was visiting. The final speaker stood up with about 20+ minutes to go and spoke for about 5 minutes. The other ward was still in meeting so we could not dismiss at that time so the Branch President asked the Counselor (Stake) to speak. He gave a fine talk. I think I better get some "spur of the moment" thoughts/talks together because that will likely happen again.
Judy went to Primary and she came out with a bunch of new friends. Yes, she truly is a GRAND mother and is a "kid magnet". It is fun to watch!
Driving to church is a "real experience". It takes us about an hour one way. I pushed the mileage button last night after I filled the car with petrol. When we got back this afternoon we had gone 173 kilometers (about 107+ miles). It takes us about an hour to drive to meeting. I could feel sorry for myself but, it pales in comparison to the sacrifices some of the members of the branch make to get to meeting. The lady that sat next to Judy this morning had paid for two taxi rides to get to meeting. I am sure that was a good portion of her weekly funds but, that was not going to "keep her from attending her meetings".
Monday, January 12, 2009
Email Update - January 11, 2009
I have had some really interesting projects given for me to review. One was for some pumps for the Black Lion Hospital in Ethiopia. The old pumps were only partially working so people had to carry water to the top floors of the hospital. It is a very large complex. There are about 10,000 people (patients, staff, etc) that use the hospital every day. The other one was for a pineapple project in Uganda. The area is very poor (I will send some pictures that the humanitarian couple sent me when I get them home). Aids is a major problem in the area. Most of the recipients will be children because the adults rarely live beyond age 25. The other interesting one that I have been working on is sending supplies (food, medical supplies, etc) to Kampala for the refugees that are coming from the Congo.
We did have a fun day Saturday. We went to the Johannesberg zoo. The east border of the zoo is about ¼ mile from our flat but, it is BIG---52 hectares (over 100 acres). There are not a large number of animals but they are basically in natural settings so they have lots of room to move. All we saw were in "great shape". We saw a few animals we have never seen before, except on TV (e.g. some of the antelope species and wild dogs). Most of the animals at the zoo are common to most zoos. I would like to be there when they feed the crocodiles. The one big one looked like he/she could eat you in a couple of bites. I wanted to see the black Mamba in the reptile house but none of us spotted it. The spitting cobra was "eye to eye" with me (with glass in between) and one of the female lions was as close as the cobra.
Today was probably our last day to go to church at Etwatwa. We apparently have an assignment in a ward that needs some help (especially in primary). I guess Judy is needed in ways she was not expecting. Both of us will miss the people---especially the kids. The young couples have the cutest little babies you have ever seen and the primary kids are great! The people are special and easy to get to love. They have so much faith, have strong testimonies, are really trying to live the commandments and have few worldly possessions. We will have to visit Etwatwa in the future.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Email Update - January 4, 2009
We went to a garden shop and bought a bunch of plants for the flat/apartment. I have to admit that it makes the place look a lot more like home. Judy spent some time looking at all the plants. Most of them were the same plants we have at home (like Greek Gardens or Anderson's). If we had a garden plot we probably would have been planting it on Saturday.
On Friday night we had a neat experience. Four couples went out to dinner (great company and fantastic inexpensive food) and then we went to the MTC. We were to play the role of investigators for the elders---just like someone did for us at the MTC in Provo. The first elders (we did it twice) were really fun. The white elder was from Idaho Falls and graduated from Skyline High. The second elder was from Uganda and was going to Cape Town. He had quite a history (we learned later). Most of his family had been killed and he had been drafted into the Army. Somehow he had escaped. He was a Muslim and was introduced the Gospel, was converted and subsequently called on a mission. He had only been a member about 1.5 years. He was so humble and had the sweetest testimony. This is a little MTC. They have capacity for about 25 elders. They apparently bring in a new batch every 3 weeks. As a result, they become quite close. They are about half native and half imports from the US. There are no sister missionaries in Africa---too dangerous (more on that below).
One side note as we drove up the mission home the secretary to the mission president (lady) and the fellow over the mission cars came out to see us. Someone indicated that they were from Cache Valley. He looked very familiar and was from Newton. We visited a minute and he indicated that I also looked familiar---it was Mr Summers who taught at Skyview (I don't remember what). I think some of you had him as a teacher.
This was an interesting week from one perspective---the need to be careful was reinforced. I received a call from the welfare/humanitarian couple serving in Zimbabwe. They had a shipment of supplies (food?) coming in and the police (actually the group was more like the CIA in the US) intercepted it. When the couple went to ask about it and to "recover the goods" the police interrogated them for about a half day then went to their apartment and searched it thoroughly. They took all the couples petrol certificates (about $1400 worth). They also went to the mission home and took about $800 in cash. To say the least it is not very safe in Zimbabwe.
We hope to be able to go to Kenya before the Pocock's leave in March. They are our most experienced couple and have done a number of interesting projects. One was the construction of a fence around a school so the kids did not run into the street and the elephants did not come eat the trees on the playground. We would like to learn from them and see some of the other things they have done.
On Friday night we had a neat experience. Four couples went out to dinner (great company and fantastic inexpensive food) and then we went to the MTC. We were to play the role of investigators for the elders---just like someone did for us at the MTC in Provo. The first elders (we did it twice) were really fun. The white elder was from Idaho Falls and graduated from Skyline High. The second elder was from Uganda and was going to Cape Town. He had quite a history (we learned later). Most of his family had been killed and he had been drafted into the Army. Somehow he had escaped. He was a Muslim and was introduced the Gospel, was converted and subsequently called on a mission. He had only been a member about 1.5 years. He was so humble and had the sweetest testimony. This is a little MTC. They have capacity for about 25 elders. They apparently bring in a new batch every 3 weeks. As a result, they become quite close. They are about half native and half imports from the US. There are no sister missionaries in Africa---too dangerous (more on that below).
One side note as we drove up the mission home the secretary to the mission president (lady) and the fellow over the mission cars came out to see us. Someone indicated that they were from Cache Valley. He looked very familiar and was from Newton. We visited a minute and he indicated that I also looked familiar---it was Mr Summers who taught at Skyview (I don't remember what). I think some of you had him as a teacher.
This was an interesting week from one perspective---the need to be careful was reinforced. I received a call from the welfare/humanitarian couple serving in Zimbabwe. They had a shipment of supplies (food?) coming in and the police (actually the group was more like the CIA in the US) intercepted it. When the couple went to ask about it and to "recover the goods" the police interrogated them for about a half day then went to their apartment and searched it thoroughly. They took all the couples petrol certificates (about $1400 worth). They also went to the mission home and took about $800 in cash. To say the least it is not very safe in Zimbabwe.
We hope to be able to go to Kenya before the Pocock's leave in March. They are our most experienced couple and have done a number of interesting projects. One was the construction of a fence around a school so the kids did not run into the street and the elephants did not come eat the trees on the playground. We would like to learn from them and see some of the other things they have done.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Email Update - December 24, 2008
Yeserday was quite an experience. We got some directions to Marko (like Costco). Driving on the freeway taxed by ability and to make things more interesting we missed the turnoff so we came back on the back streets. Then when we got into the store it was packed. The most interesting experience was when we went to another mall. We parked in the underground parking terrace and went shopping at pick and pay (the major grocery chain in the area). When we tried to return to the car we could not find it! The parking area could probably hold at least 2,500 cars. To say the least we paniced a bit and agreed that we were prime candidates for a mugging. It took us at least a half hour to find the car (we basically had to re-trace our steps in an unfamiliar environment). It was not time for "senior moments".
Your mother did have her first missionary experience. When we were waiting to check out at the electronics area the gal that checked us out saw our name tags (lots of people look at them), she asked if she could come to our church. She also asked if she could get a bible from us. Like any good missionary, Judy took her name and address and indicated that someone would bring her a copy. Perhaps the most intersting time was the first time we shopped for groceries at the Pick and Pay in the mall across the street from our apartment complex. We had a difficult time getting anything that we thought was similar to what we have in the US. It was also the first time we had used our debit card for any purchase. Yes, it was another stressful moment. We finished checking out and the black lady who ran the check stand indicated that she used to teach seminary in Mosambique. Some may call that a coincidence but I have another word for it. We try to get her every time we go to that store. We even had a little gal catch us and indicate that she "she used to go to our church".
It looks like we will spend a large share of our time at the computer (reviewing projects, answering e-mail, filing reports, etc). I am gaining new computer skills. I thought I knew quite a bit about excel but Elder Dow (who we replaced) was a real guru. I am very impressed with the data base he set up in Excel to allow us to track projects. He also had a bunch of little "tricks" built into his desktop that are "cool". One of the enjoyable parts is that we get to review all of the projects being done in SE Africa. It varies from wheelchairs (I got final approval for one that will send 480 to the Sudan that a country director had submitted) to water projects (e.g., a water tank for an orphanage), to measles shots, to..... I am sure we have only seen a small tip of the iceburg. I can't remember the numbers but it seems like the church had spent something like $10 million during the first six months of 2008. Most of this is matched (or more) by contibutions by other groups. One of the things that we are to emphasize is helping other organizations be more effective. We can do that because the country directors are commonly people with lots of leadership expeience. As a result, the influence of the church is greater than the dollars spent.
(Later) We just got back from a delightful social with the other couples that stayed in Johannesberg for Christmas. Most of the couples have gone to places like Kruger National Park in Kenya or the beaches in south Africa. There were about a dozen couples that were hosted by the Packers from Honeyville. We had one couple from SLC that arrived last night. They were pretty blurry eyed.
Pictures from our apartment building:
Your mother did have her first missionary experience. When we were waiting to check out at the electronics area the gal that checked us out saw our name tags (lots of people look at them), she asked if she could come to our church. She also asked if she could get a bible from us. Like any good missionary, Judy took her name and address and indicated that someone would bring her a copy. Perhaps the most intersting time was the first time we shopped for groceries at the Pick and Pay in the mall across the street from our apartment complex. We had a difficult time getting anything that we thought was similar to what we have in the US. It was also the first time we had used our debit card for any purchase. Yes, it was another stressful moment. We finished checking out and the black lady who ran the check stand indicated that she used to teach seminary in Mosambique. Some may call that a coincidence but I have another word for it. We try to get her every time we go to that store. We even had a little gal catch us and indicate that she "she used to go to our church".
It looks like we will spend a large share of our time at the computer (reviewing projects, answering e-mail, filing reports, etc). I am gaining new computer skills. I thought I knew quite a bit about excel but Elder Dow (who we replaced) was a real guru. I am very impressed with the data base he set up in Excel to allow us to track projects. He also had a bunch of little "tricks" built into his desktop that are "cool". One of the enjoyable parts is that we get to review all of the projects being done in SE Africa. It varies from wheelchairs (I got final approval for one that will send 480 to the Sudan that a country director had submitted) to water projects (e.g., a water tank for an orphanage), to measles shots, to..... I am sure we have only seen a small tip of the iceburg. I can't remember the numbers but it seems like the church had spent something like $10 million during the first six months of 2008. Most of this is matched (or more) by contibutions by other groups. One of the things that we are to emphasize is helping other organizations be more effective. We can do that because the country directors are commonly people with lots of leadership expeience. As a result, the influence of the church is greater than the dollars spent.
(Later) We just got back from a delightful social with the other couples that stayed in Johannesberg for Christmas. Most of the couples have gone to places like Kruger National Park in Kenya or the beaches in south Africa. There were about a dozen couples that were hosted by the Packers from Honeyville. We had one couple from SLC that arrived last night. They were pretty blurry eyed.
Pictures from our apartment building:
Email update - December 28, 2008
From Bruce:
We went to church today in the Etwatwa branch(2nd week). It is amazing! The branch president is a successful local businessman (computer area). He gave a talk on the status of the branch that was so good. I am amazed at the depth of understanding of the gospel the people have even though most are recent converts. The people are hard for us to understand even when they speak English (UK brogue). We (Packers and Us) plus a couple of single elders are the only whites in attendance (about 70? in people). Your mother has been a real hit. She goes to Primary. The kids love her. I took my camera today and three (about 10 year olds) were my instant friends. All the boys wanted me to take their picture. The school is old and not in great shape but it does not seem to matter. The meetings are great!
We had a nice Bar-b-cue on Christmas day with the couples that had not departed for other places over the holidays. Then last night we had a turkey dinner with three other couples---Wrights from Eagle Idaho, VanStetton's from Pennsylvania, and Well's from Provo. I think we are the oldest (in years) but we are the newest couple in area office. The couples have made us feel very welcome. It has been nice to get to know them. These are indeed new friends.
Our first week in Africa was intense training. I guess it was designed so the Dow's could leave for California and brother Elks could take some time off from the office. We are now trying to keep the ship afloat until he returns. Your mother may have more to say about her work but I have major projects or initiatives going on or being approved for Uganda where a major portion of the refugees are going to escape the war in the Congo---there are something like 25,000+ in a couple of camps. They left with nothing but what they could carry or wear. I guess it is pretty bad. The situation in Zimbabwe is also pretty bad. Cholera has taken the lives of several thousand, food is scarce and it's pretty grim. Several organizations are involved and the church strives to assist them instead of being the major donor in many of these situations. Much the work done by the country directors is designed to help local organizations be more effective. It is really leadership development instead of "giving" aid. This is done so the work will be sustainable in the long run.
We went to church today in the Etwatwa branch(2nd week). It is amazing! The branch president is a successful local businessman (computer area). He gave a talk on the status of the branch that was so good. I am amazed at the depth of understanding of the gospel the people have even though most are recent converts. The people are hard for us to understand even when they speak English (UK brogue). We (Packers and Us) plus a couple of single elders are the only whites in attendance (about 70? in people). Your mother has been a real hit. She goes to Primary. The kids love her. I took my camera today and three (about 10 year olds) were my instant friends. All the boys wanted me to take their picture. The school is old and not in great shape but it does not seem to matter. The meetings are great!
We had a nice Bar-b-cue on Christmas day with the couples that had not departed for other places over the holidays. Then last night we had a turkey dinner with three other couples---Wrights from Eagle Idaho, VanStetton's from Pennsylvania, and Well's from Provo. I think we are the oldest (in years) but we are the newest couple in area office. The couples have made us feel very welcome. It has been nice to get to know them. These are indeed new friends.We just finished "Sunday Dinner" and I thought we would share what we had. We bought a smoked pork neck yesterday. It turned out to be just like ham----yum yum. We also had fresh watermelon. The rest was pretty traditional (spuds, salad).
From Judy:
I did go to primary again. This week one of the mother's took care of Primary—everyone else seemed to be away on "holiday". This week while the primary leader did everything herself, I held her baby. I had the easiest job because the baby slept for an hour or so while she sang and taught the children. She knew a lot of songs because she had been a primary teacher. She would say one, two—and then they would begin to sing. This young mother was very much in control. Those kids behaved well. I have no idea what she would say, but they snapped to attention when she said it. She is tall and thin. When she came into Sacrament meeting she had her baby tucked on her back in the large bath towel. If she would have put her baby back in after Primary we would have taken her picture. We will get a picture one of these next times. She was wearing her hair like a lot of the young women. It is like ringlets all over her head. Not kinky just tight curls and probably medium length although it is curled so tight it is like a shorter hair cut.
Did I tell you we met one of the people who were in the book that Boyd (nephew of Judy's) shared with us about pioneers in Africa? Yesterday when we met him in the hall—he was coming home from the market with his collard "greens"—he was wearing a Nelson Mandela t-shirt. It appears he may be quite politically active but he is very nice. We would like to get to know them better. Speaking of Nelson Mandela—we have been told he does not live far from here in one of the mansions that are nestled here and there in the trees surrounded by high fences. Someone has supposedly seen him in the nearby mall with his body guards.
We are getting a little more comfortable in Johannesburg. We know the route from the "flat" to the Area Office and to one other shopping mall (everything is under one roof--hardware, groceries, clothing, etc.). We walked up through the neighborhood on Christmas day. There are some very nice, quiet apartment buildings around here. There has not been a lot of people in the streets or on the roads the last week or so because of the "holiday". I still do not plan to drive here but your Dad is doing quite well.
Most people do not wear suits to work each day, at least in the heat of the summer , so your Dad bought a couple of new pairs of slacks. When we asked if he could try them on—all the measurements are in centimeters so he was not sure of the size—we found there was only one dressing room for men and women with little curtains for doors. He didn't waste much time deciding if they were going to fit. You probably heard he bought a new plaid, too, so now he has a South Africa plaid shirt!
I still have not baked here. There is no Crisco or other shortening appropriate for baking. The brown sugar is granulated and sprinkles like regular sugar. The only nuts in the grocery store were like little pieces of gold. We have not found American chocolate chips although I did buy a Cadbury milk chocolate bar to cut up like Wendy suggested. To tell you the truth I would really like to eat the chocolate bar straight up--forget the chocolate chip cookies!
Last night at that dinner your Dad mentioned, they served fresh green beans. They were so good. Of course it is summer. The watermelon we had today was good, too. We just bought a wedge so we were pretty sure it was ripe and ready to eat.
I think one reason the food is so inexpensive here is because it is all produced in South Africa. Even the salad dressing which was labeled "Knorr" is produced here. The clothing must also be manufactured here or somewhere nearby. The dress slacks were about 150 Rand which is about $15.00.
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