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".
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)