Adventures in Africa

Sunday

2008-05-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

In Sacrament meeting this morning I sat on the stand because they needed me to play the piano. It was sweet to look into those black faces and feel their great spirits reaching out. The speaker talked about trials in life and how we can endure anything with the blessings the Gospel brings. He talked about being surrounded with the Holy Ghost and the ability to KNOW the Lord is with us when we are suffering. He knew what he was speaking about as his only son was shot 1 month ago and left a wife and baby. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time....a terrible tragedy.

I looked at the young returned missionary who married the woman of his dreams and then with joy they had their first baby. At 6 months the baby died of dehydration and about 4 months later the mother of the child died. I have often wondered if it was from a broken heart. I saw about 15 outstanding young women in their late 20's who want more than anything to marry, but the young men are hesitant. Most are very, very poor who are struggling to survive. Unemployment in SA is only about 45% which is excellent compared to our other countries, but it is a problem.

I looked at the only white woman in the ward who many years ago financially supported her boyfriend on his mission and when he got home, he dumped her. She has never married. She lives in her parents home all alone and can't afford to move out of the very unsafe area, but is a wonderful support and generous to help the members of that ward. There was a woman sitting there who lost her first husband to aids, joined the church and married in the temple, but has lost 2 babies, a sister, a brother and father to Aids. I know of one young woman who has been disowned and kicked out of her house because she joined the church. She is 16.

Many are soooo poor in that ward because they don't have enough to eat and certainly no heat in their homes on these cold winter days. Several are HIV positive and they will die because many can't get the drugs. Many in that ward are living in fear right now because of the riots going on all around and the killings and beatings against the refugees that have come into SA. Many in that ward are refugees from Congo, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and other places. The ones who have taken them in live in fear also. The streets are not safe in the area that ward is in, but this is a new threat as you have heard from the news.

My Dad always used to say, "I felt sorry for the man who had no shoes until I saw the man who had no feet." Always teaching me that when I feel sorry for myself I should look around and I will be more grateful for my blessings. There are many more stories that I didn't know about this morning as I looked into the eyes of those wonderful people, but what I saw also was love, devotion to the Gospel, scriptorians searching the scriptures during the meetings, an absolute silence and reverence during the meeting Sacrament, robust singing of the hymns and smiles and laughter when the moments were right. I go away more grateful for my family, my blessings, my husband and just my life. I need to be more grateful.

Sabbath Day

2008-05-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

It was a cold, rainy, winter day. It was the Sabbath and as we drove to the Johannesburg Ward, we could see many people walking to their various churches. This particular ward is located in a very poor area, and most of our members walk to church. We saw a few under umbrellas, and some with blankets around them, some with plastic covering their bodies and many with nothing to protect them from the elements. All were scurrying as fast as they could.
When we walked into the chapel, I could smell a very unpleasant odor. Bill went to the stand and I sat in the audience in the middle of the black members. (that is where I love to be) My nose told me that the smell was familiar but it was quite a few moments before I realized it was a direct result of wet clothes. Some had on wool and that was a distinct odor, but the combination of fabrics made a very impressionable odor. A man sat down next to me and he was completely drenched. I couldn't’t imagine how far he had walked to get there. He pulled a washcloth out of his pocket as soon as he got there and immediately started wiping his head. He continued to his shoulders chest, arms and neck. As he was doing this he was singing the opening song with great gusto and with a beautiful, beautiful voice. He wiped his legs on the front and back several times, then he put his hands to the side of his legs and wrung the moisture out of the cloth. Water dripped on the floor. Then with this now damp cloth he shined his shoes. He spread the cloth out on the floor (I guess to dry) and then looked at me with a look of accomplishment and readiness to start his worship. He smiled the most beautiful smile you can only find in Africa. He shook my hand and said, “Good morning, Sister Parmley!” When someone has so little and can be so happy, I hope that our hearts can be touched with gratitude with all that we have and with the desire to give a little more to those who have so much less.

Relief Society sisters all over the world love flowers and beautiful things. This is very true in Africa too. In one little branch none of the sisters had a flower garden, so in order to have flowers for Relief Society for all to enjoy, the instructions were given for everyone to pick one wild flower on the way to church, or to bring a plastic one from home. As they arrived in RS each sister added her contribution of one flower to the basket on the table. As the president thanked them, there was a feeling of joy and happiness for what they had collectively contributed. It wasn’t the perfect flower arrangement or even one that would catch your eye with the combination of colors, lengths, plastic and real, but it would be one that would touch your heart as you realized the effort and love those sisters had put into that arrangement to have a spot of beauty in that old, rented unclean school building. I thought it was the most beautiful bouquet I had ever seen.

Kenya and Tanzania

2008-03-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we find out amazing things about our missionaries when we go on a mission tour. We have about 900 young missionaries in our area. This past week we were in Kenya and Tanzania. There are about 60-70 missionaries in these 2 countries with about 60 -70% being black. They come from all over Africa to serve as well as from Canada and the states. There was one missionary that is worth talking about.

He was from the DR Congo, in fact, from Kanaga. This is a city of about 2 million people. There is not a hotel there and this is the one place I did not go with Dad to visit a couple of years ago. He stayed in a brewery because there weren't any hotels. Some days he had water to shower and some days he didn't. They took there own food for survival....peanut butter, canned tuna, etc. It is very primitive, but even without full time missionaries the church is growing by leaps and bounds because of the efforts of the members.

This wonderful elder from Kanaga was told by his parents that he shouldn't go on a mission because he was too shy. His mother told him he would never be able to talk to anyone, let alone teach. Besides he only spoke French and was going to an English speaking mission. When we met him he was about 16 months into his mission. He was the zone leader of the 10 missionaries in Tanzania. This is a plane ride away from the mission office, so you know he was trusted with the leadership by his mission president because he was far from the office. Miracles happened with him. Within one month he was fluent in English. We know that the Africans are very talented with languages, but this was extra fast and then he was sent to Tanzania where they speak mostly Swahili and within a month he was fluent in that language. His shyness is GONE. He conducted the meeting; he mixed with the missionaries with gusto and with us also. He also decided he wanted to learn to play the piano. They don't have anyone who can play in Kanaga (in fact, they don't even have a piano in that district, but he wanted to play). He went to distribution and bought the "how to" program the church puts out. He asked the local branch president if he could borrow a keyboard from the church and he TAUGHT HIMSELF. He played for the meeting....not with one finger, but with both hands.
We are going to see that they have a piano by the time he returns home in August or September for the branch there in Kanaga so he can continue and so the people for the first time in Kanaga can sing with a piano. His parents won't know him. His life has changed forever in many ways. He talks to everyone, he teaches, he leads, he speaks 2 new languages, and he plays the piano. He says that they won't know him when he goes home. You would love him. I talked to him for about 15 minutes after the meetings and just loved every minute of the dialogue. He was not boastful, but humble, but yet full of life and animation. I had to really prod him to get him to talk, and the more he talked about his life and what he has accomplished in the past few months, the more I knew I was seeing a miracle. He knows it too and gives credit to the Highest.

African News

2008-01-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to take a closer look at life around me. After being here 3 1/2 years it is easy to take all the sights, smells, people and things for granted. I love these countries. I love the street vendors who are literally trying to put food on the table as they sell their product. They smile and try to cajole me into buying their product. I don't need spark plugs, newspapers, garbage bags, or maps, etc. I only need two pair of sunglasses. I have enough trouble finding one pair. Yet, I love the vendors. They are energetic, always polite and will grin from ear to ear if I simply smile at them. There is one man named Moki who just tickles me. He is always on the same corner doing his thing. I NEVER buy a magazine from him but from time to time I give him something.....apples, cookies, or even half of a soft drink. Each time he acts as if I have given him $100. He is just as gracious when I give him nothing. I've given him a Book of Mormon, but I suspect he can't read. He is a refugee from Zimbabwe which is very common.
I love the trees and flowers. I love the birds and the magnificent animals we are privileged to see. I love the bold, loud lightening storms.
I love the gardeners who work on the grounds of the area office. There are 3 of them and every day I see them and hear them whistling and doing their thing. They carry groceries for me and clip things from the gardens for my creations. Yesterday my doorbell rang and these 3 handsome young men were at my door grinning from ear to ear. They were carrying seven 8-10 foot papyrus stems from the pond. They thought it was time I had new ones. I love it.
I love our nine guards who take care of us. There are 3 on duty around the clock. Each day as I come and go they greet me. There are 9 and now 6 have joined the church. The other day very shy Malvin stopped me to actually bear his testimony in a sweet quiet way. He told me he and his wife and children love the church. It has changed his life and he is soon going to start school to help him get a better job. They make about $12 a day.
Of course, the most wonderful of all are the people. There is a group here from Chulyu, Kenya right now who have come to the temple. That is a huge sacrifice. They have nothing and have traveled 5 1/2 hours by air to get here and had to travel by combi (van with 24 people) about 5 hours to Nairobi to catch the plane. Yesterday I recognized the counselor in the District Primary who is here. She jumped in my car and I drove her 1/2 block to the temple and we hugged and I wept as I knew how hard it was for her to come. She is loving the experience. She can speak English now and she is the teacher who taught 8 woman to read last year. She is still teaching the literacy class and right now she has 10 women taking it. Can you imagine the impact on the lives of those families who now have a Mother who can read the scriptures and can read a Sunday school manual or teach Primary now because they can read the manual. It is a miracle. She is a miracle. I ask her about the impact the upheaval in Kenya is having on her life. She said, "Heavenly Father is taking care of us and we are prepared." I don't know exactly what she meant by being prepared because I KNOW how little they have. When she went to get out of the car, she didn't know how to open the door. She probably has never been in a car before.
I am always uplifted by these wonderful, humble people. Even in the orphanages where I go, I am uplifted because the children have 2 meals a day and they have a roof over their heads and they have people to care for them. I have learned to look at the good that is going on. It would be too easy to look at just the needs and the hard things. This is a good lesson that I have learned from my wonderful black friends. Every day is a gift, and looking for the wonderful things around us and the good in life is a choice even when life is very difficult. I continue to be blessed and I have learned that everyday is a gift and one to be enjoyed and savored.

Animal Adventures

2007-12-27T12:56:00.000-08:00

Life has been very very busy for us since arriving back in Johannesburg in August after a wonderful July vacation. We have traveled a great deal and taught and trained and visited and we’ve had seminars and conferences and retreats and of course we have done a great deal of entertaining. We have the couple missionaries for dinner as they come and go and visitors from Salt Lake or whomever. We love what we do and we have had some incredible experiences, but with great anticipation we decided to take a few days off (actually it was a Christmas present to each other) to go on a game drive which is one of our very favorite things to do here in Africa .
Early morning last week we left with Dr. Thomas (area physician) and his wife and President Bowden (Johannesburg Mission President) and his wife for the Mala Mala Game Reserve in Sabi Sands. It is about a 5 hour drive but one with incredible sights to see on the way.
It is quite an exciting thing to see a beautiful leopard lounging on a termite mound scanning the area for breakfast. We watched her leap off this 8 foot mound to stroll through the bush. We followed her until she found a beautiful mopani tree to climb. She gracefully leaped several feet and then climbed a few branches to plop down with legs straddling the thick branch. She was there for a long nap. We watched her with open awe; she is one of the most beautiful animals in the bush and one who doesn’t often show herself, so this was an incredible treat. We saw the big five which are elephant, cape buffalo, lion, rhino and leopard. We saw many other specimens of nature which fascinate us. The rhino was wallowing in mud, which is something we have never seen before. He would root around and then plop down in the mud and roll back and forth. He would snort and blow and he was just having a great time. We were only about 10 feet away from him so we had the smells, the snorts and grunts and the whole wonderful view. After about 15 minutes, he jumped up and rambled off at quite a quick pace. They are surprisingly fast for such a huge animal. We were glad his vision was poor as he isn’t an animal to trifle with. We, of course saw hundreds of agile impalas running and leaping and playing. There were dozens of new babies in every herd and they are adorable, especially in such large numbers. The second day it drizzled and rained all day, but we are avid viewers and we weren’t slowed down by inclement weather. We had gone to the safari with sunglasses, hats sunscreens, cropped pants and short sleeved tee shirts only to find ourselves in the rain and very chilly in the middle of the summer, but the guides gave us raingear and out we went to find those beautiful creatures that God created. The rivers and streams were deep but we plowed through at least 20 that day with water spraying us, hanging on for dear life and laughing as we went. We mowed down trees following the animals and searched diligently to see what we could find. We saw another leopard the second day. This was a cub waiting in the bush while momma caught an impala and pulled it high up a tree. It was an amazing sight to see how high that leopard can carry his kill to protect it from other animals. We saw two impala hanging in the trees that day. The elephants are wonderful to watch as they eat and eat and push trees over and as they scratch their rear ends on a tree. We could watch them for hours. We saw several giraffes gracefully walking and striding on their way from treetop to treetop. They are majestic as they walk and they are also very curious as they careen their necks to look at us. Watching a giraffe splay his legs so he can get low enough to get a drink is a sight to behold. We like to analyze the stripes on a zebra. Sometimes they are black with white stripes and sometimes the opposite. These beautiful creatures were mostly brown, black and white. Did you know that a mother zebra will only let her new baby look at her for the first three weeks of it’s life so it will learn to identify his mother by the stripe pattern? Every pattern on each zebra is different, just fingerprints are never alike. They run together and also are fun to watch. We love their crew cuts. We were close to 5 at one lodge (Blyde River Canyon Lodge for those who know), in fact so close that we could have touched them. We are bush savy enough to know that isn’t safe. The lions we saw were up on rocks sleeping which they do 18 hours a day. They are magnificent creatures. They looked so innocent way up above us on those huge boulders. The rocks were probably 30-40 feet high. We were right below them and could see them breathing and twitching and brushing off the flies. There have been many times on other drives that we have been 2 feet away from them in our open landrover. It is an exciting adventure to be on. The kudus were beautiful and quite plentiful in comparison in this park. We saw several huge magnificent males with their curled horns. Some of those horns were 4 feet long with beautiful curves and twists. They are a little skittish so you have to slowly drive upon them. We saw waterbucks wandering around and baboons frolicking on the roads and in trees. The herd of cape buffalo we saw was about 450 in number and we know they are kind of cows, but they too are fun to see. The males have huge helmut like crowns on their heads which they butt each other with. We saw several doing that, but mostly they just chewed their cuds with slow precision. We were 2-3 feet from them as we sat for minutes watching them. They too are amazing and actually very dangerous if they get riled. The hippos stayed in the water which is natural in the daytime. We only saw one crocodile this time and even they have a certain kind of beauty. The brown spotted hyenas were visible too this time. We saw one chasing playfully some impalas. It was funny as he rarely attacks. He simply lets other animals kill and then they scavenge.
On some rocks we saw up close and personal a family of klipspringers. They are a tiny antelope with padded hoofs that enable them to jump from rock to rock. Amazing!!
The birds in Africa are both beautiful and ugly, but we love them all. The different kinds of frogs are numerous and even though we only saw one, we heard the most beautiful chorus of them singing and chirping and calling their mates. After dark our guide turned off his engine so we could hear the cacophony of sounds. Believe it or not it sounded like a beautiful symphony.
The sights and sounds of Africa are glorious. Heavenly Father has created a multitude of creatures that we love to watch. We came home exhausted but renewed and feeling very blessed that we have the unique opportunity to see all of these wonderful creations. Africa is a land of great diversity in landscape, animals, people, sounds, and sights and truly we find every day a great adventure of some kind. My heart simply fills with joy as I think of all the wonderful experiences we continue to have. It is impossible to write about most experiences, but as we carry these things in our hearts we marvel …..at everything.

Mission Tour in Zimbabwe

2007-09-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a Mission Tour in Zimbabwe and we are even more grateful for our lovely home in Johannesburg and our abundance of food, water and all the necessities of life. We were gone for several days and this trip entailed much driving from city to city to meet with the various zones. We flew to Harare, drove to Mutare, Bulawayo, and Gueru which took many hours. We were in an eleven or twelve passenger van carrying the mission president and his wife, the two assistants and the two of us. We carried IN the van 5 huge plastic containers that carried gasoline. Every time we went over a bump or around a big curve we could hear the sloshing. The assistants would fill the tank when needed as there wasn't any gas in the service stations. They have coupons for gas that could be filled in Harare. We also carried about 8-10 empty gasoline containers to give to the missionaries with cars so they could have emergency gas. It was quite a sight to see more people walking on the streets than ever before. Gas is scarce, expensive and therefore the combis (taxis) were also scarce and expensive. There were many, many places on the highways where 50 to one hundred people were sitting on the ground waiting for transportation. They all had bags, and suitcases and children and many possessions hoping to go someplace....where, I don't know. The grocery shelves are almost completely empty. Many of the missionaries, president and wife and couples have not had chicken or beef for weeks. Bread and milk, eggs, cheese, etc is just not available. Their rice supplies are very low and they seem to be living on macaroni with some sauce they make and the missionaries are using LOTS ot ketchup. Some areas have peanut butter and those cute missionaries put it on pasta with honey if they can't get bread. They are NOT complaining. They are working hard doing missionary work and aren't bothered or worried about what they don't have. They make the most of what they do have. The mission president is watching his flock very carefully. As we speak a van full of rice, toilet paper, oil and many other things are being driven from Zambia (which is in their mission) to all the missionaries. All of them have a emergency supply of food that they are not allowed to touch unless given direction by the MP. They have plenty of water and they have charcoal to cook on because the electricity goes off all the time. I must say that we came away inspired by the way these missionaries are just rolling with life. They are, I think the happiest missionaries I have ever seen. They love what they are doing, they are working hard, and they are succeeding in all areas. Baptism rate is high. You should hear them sing. We had a special musical number in every zone that would bring tears to our eyes. We laughed with them also and just had an inspiring tour.
One zone had arranged for 2 women to cook and serve the lunch, but they left Zimbabwe on the spur of the moment, so the missionaries cooked the meal. It was soooo cute. One companionship cooked beets and sliced them very thin and pickled them. Another companionship made a "HUGE" sheet cake without some major ingredients. I can't remember what it was, but it was delicious. Another com. made a huge potato salad. I think they had enough to fill a half bushel basket. It was delicious.....and they said their arms about fell off from peeling the potatoes. Another companionship had a pasta dish with chicken in it. They had bought a live chicken....killed it....plucked it....cooked it.... shredded it and made a great pasta dish....mostly pasta, but it was good too. It was the sweetest meal we had because it was made with loving hands......inexperienced hands, but hands that were willing. It was very touching. You should have seen how the food was piled on the elder's plates. In every zone, they plates were 4-6 inches high. The LOVED the food and really appreciated it. Do we appreciate enough what we have? They were just full of smiles and laughter during lunch and it was a joy to see.
It was a blessing to be with all of the elders and the outstanding mission president and his wife and to bask in their joy of serving. We are blessed to be in this land. It is a privilege.

Hospital Experience in Soweto

2007-05-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today was another remarkable and memorable day in South Africa . I went on an errand of “good works” with 4 other friends, one senior missionary, one African director of an orphanage, one South African who volunteers many hours to charity and one 23 year old African who works two weeks a month at Oprah’s school. We went the largest hospital in the world which is located in Soweto . The name of it is Baragwanath Hospital and it occupies 173 acres with 3200 beds. Our purpose was to deliver 50 hats made by a young woman in the Alamo II Ward in California and fifty homemade baby blankets made by her mother. We also had 80 newborn kits that we picked up at the church warehouse to deliver to these new mothers.
As long as I live I will never forget the visuals I saw that day with babies everywhere and mothers half dressed everywhere and truly almost total silence. We only heard at the most 3 babies cry.
We drove about 20 minutes from where I live to this HUGE hospital. We were directed to pull into the emergency vehicle lane where we would unload our treasures onto several small trolleys. We had two cars and an ambulance could not have gone where it needed to go if one had appeared but because we came bearing gifts that seemed to have priority. There were 5 of us who would give these things out and there were five workers from the hospital who would guard what we had so that things would not disappear as we were busy handing clothing, hats and blankets out. The five workers were all in uniforms and the hospital itself was very clean. As we walked through the door, the first thing we saw was between 40 and 50 women sitting in chairs that were lined up like you would see in a church meeting. All of these women were in labor and were waiting to see the doctor to see if they could be admitted. As we started to pass our gifts to them, they broke into huge smiles inspite of their pain and were thrilled and they waved and smiled and said thank you over and over again. An amazing sight.!!!
As we walked down the halls, the director of the maternity wards told us that 70 babies had been delivered in the past 18 hours. They have 151 beds and all were full. The women are allowed to stay 6 hours after birth if there weren’t any complications. If they had a cesarean section, then they could stay longer, and if there were any problems with their health or the baby’s health then they could stay overnight. Many AIDS babies are delivered there, many were premature and they have many deaths of these babies everyday. We met 3 women who had lost their babies, but were in the regular maternity wards with all the mothers and their babies. Two of them simply had tears running down their faces, but they didn’t make a sound. My heart ached to see them looking at the other mothers with their babies and their arms were empty.
We went into about ½ of the maternity wards. I will never forget what I saw. There are not enough hospital gowns for the mothers, so at least half and probably more of the women were wrapped in bed sheets. Some of the sheets were around their shoulders, but many were like a strapless dress, twisted and tucked. Many had blood on their sheets or their gowns. Many had their breast exposed….they were just in all stages of undress. We even saw one woman totally naked sitting on a small stool. Some were walking very slowly because they had just given birth. Some still didn’t know whether they had a boy or a girl because they hadn’t seen their baby yet. We saw 2 sets of triplets and 2 sets of twins. We found out that everyday they find babies outside of the hospital who have been abandoned. They are on the steps, in the bushes or by the dumpster.
The babies were everywhere sort of lined up in their portable plastic bins. In each bin was a paper 8 ½ X 11 with the name of the mother and all of her information. There were so many bins of babies that we wondered if they mixed up babies everyday. There were no name tags on the babies or the mothers. There was a room for premature babies; there was a room for babies with jaundice; there were isolation rooms with babies in these bins; there was a room for sick babies which I assumed were babies that were HIV positive. I’ve never seen so many black babies in my life and they were all beautiful. They just didn’t cry which was amazing to me. The babies were in some blankets that belonged to the hospital, and some were in old twin size blankets from home, I guess. We were told that some babies go home in newspaper or plastic because they have nothing.
We gave our meager gifts, and we didn’t make a dent. Tomorrow 70 more babies will be born. It was thrilling to see the joy as we gave out what we did. It was hard to know that many of those babies will die from AIDS or malnutrition or dehydration. It was understandable to see some mothers try to come back for more, saying they didn’t get anything. It was heart warming to know that about 80 babies would have 2 things to take home, but it was heartbreaking knowing that the hole is so large and the needs so great that we can’t make a dent. I think that Mother Teresa’s philosophy is the best to think about which is that if we can help one person at a time, we can make a difference. The Savior has taught us also to reach out to the one. We reached out to many today, because a sweet young woman from California cared enough to do something, and the wonderful RS sisters put those newborn kits together someplace in an Enrichment meeting. I don’t think any of the givers really had any idea what this gift would mean to these mothers and babies. We were the heroes as we gave out these gifts, but it is the ones at home who really should be here to deliver these lovely things and to see the joy and the appreciation. I am blessed to have been there to be part of this. I want to do more. I want to solve the problems, but I know that won’t be possible. …..so we do what we can and pray that our minutes of service are enough to bring joy to a few souls.

Hospital Photos

2007-05-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Babies being Treated for Jaundice

Photos from Soweto Hospital

2007-05-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Twins
Mothers in Afterbirth attire
There are babies in there

DR Congo

2007-04-02T04:02:00.000-07:00

Going to the DR Congo is hard. We were in a small town for a District Conference. That town is Kolwezi and it is not a direct flight. It took all day to get home today and we are tired, but happy. The hotel or what was called a hotel was the only room in town. We took our own sheets and pillow cases. There was one towel and we flushed the toilet with buckets of water. The roads in the town are all of red dirt and since it was the rainy season, there were craters in the streets full of water. We had to walk a block to the hotel cause the car couldn't get through the craters of water. We ate dehydrated food which the mission president and his wife brought because restaurants were out of the question. It was from REI so it wasn't too bad and when you are hungry, it is good. We took the tube of peanut butter that Todd and John picked out at Pic N' Pay when they were here. They gave it to Dad as a joke, but we threw it in at the last minute with crackers and were thrilled to have it. There were very few cars in the city. The gas stations were far and few between and they were not buildings, but were yellow cans full of gas and when we wanted gas, we pulled up to the corner and somebody would come with a funnel and the yellow can to give us gas. The flights in and out were crazy....barely making connections, being bribed, accosted and trying very hard to understand French or Swahili. Inspite of the hard living for a few days, it was a glorious experience. The members there were so anxious to have us come. There are 435 members there and 3 55 came to the conference. My auxiliary training went very well because they wanted to learn. They asked wonderful questions. They flew in an interpreter from Lumambashi (sp) and he was fabulous. It makes such a difference to have someone good. He was soooo great. He did all the translating for me and for Dad during the conference sessions. The clothes of the Congolese are soooo beautiful....their smiles were incredible and the singing is out of this world. I think this is the country where the singing is the very best....it is always loud, but the harmony and the voices are so beautiful. I loved the children. They are beautiful and sit so quietly. We were one hour early for the Sunday morning meeting and it was already half full and the children sat for 3 hours without a toy or a bit of food or anything. I did notice that some played with their fingers and some crossed their eyes at each other, but it was sooo quiet I couldn't believe it. This was a hall that echoed and their wasn't any PA system. When you have interpreters, only he has to speak loudly!!! It was a hard trip and we are exhausted but it was worth it. We got home at 5 and had 30 people for dinner at 6:00. I had set all the tables and done all the flowers on Thursday and all the food was brought by the couples> It was a going away party for the Jex's and the Smiths. Can't believe it is time for them to go.....especially John and Marlene. We will miss them sooooo much.

Christian Mulomba

2007-04-02T03:54:00.000-07:00

Christian Mulombo is a tall, handsome young man who lives in the Johannesburg , South Africa Ward. He loves his family, school, the church, sports and all the good things that young men his age enjoy. He has a keen sense of humor and has a shy infectious smile that endears people to him and always is surrounded by many friends who admire and respect him. His two little sisters adore him and someday his brand new baby brother will feel the same.
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Ironing, doing the dishes, helping around the house, and taking care of his dog is a daily occurrence in his life which in the past few months has been especially important. A tragedy occurred in the Mulombo family when Christian’s aunt was killed in an automobile accident leaving five children ages 5 to 14. These children are in Christian’s home now and this has increased the family from six to eleven people and of course a lot more responsibility has been put on his shoulders, which he carries well.
Christian has stood in his ward and expressed a sweet testimony about what a privilege it is to pass the sacrament and he indeed performs that sacred ordinance in a very quiet, dignified way.

Christian has his priorities and goals all in proper order. All he wanted for Christmas a year ago was a suitcase. This was to be his “missionary suitcase.” He will not turn 19 and be eligible for a mission for four more years, yet he is preparing constantly for his mission. That suitcase is right by his bed. He sees it daily and perhaps every time he looks at that suitcase he is reminded what he must do to keep himself worthy to serve our Heavenly Father. He is reminded to keep his standards high by staying morally clean, reading and studying the scriptures, attending his church meetings and even by earning money to go. This suitcase for four more years will be a wonderful, constant reminder to help Christian focus on this honorable goal. He will be more than ready to serve Heavenly Father when the time comes for him to go on his mission.

Ugandan Saints Journey to the Temple

2006-09-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

By Sondra Hansen

Three families from lush, green Jinja, Uganda, the head waters of the Nile River, boarded a plane with small children and meager belongings recently, traveled through the midnight skies of Africa, to arrive in Johannesburg and spend a few precious days at the temple, full well knowing that they may never visit the temple again.

Given the distance of over 2940 kilometers (4620 miles) and their simple lifestyle, the opportunity to attend the temple more than once, in their lifetime, may not be possible for this group of faithful members.

The 24 Saints, coming from Bugembe and Walukaba, in the Jinja District, outside Kampala, Uganda, were accompanied by Marian and Wade Brown, fulltime Ugandan missionaries, and stayed in Patron Housing on the Area Office grounds during the visit.

Some of the adults had only been members for four years, so the commitment was great to visit the House of the Lord. "Their faces were beaming as they arrived early that morning," said Pam Bragge, director of Patron Housing. "Even though they had traveled all night and watched over small children, their joy and eagerness to be here brought tears to my eyes."

Many of these members' homes are small mud huts with thatched roves and austere concrete floors. At night, their beds are often mats laid out on the concrete slab. Food preparation is done over a fire outside, using a large can filled with hot charcoals.

The blessing of using running water from a faucet, hot showers, and sleeping in a bed with sheets and blankets was a luxury for these humble Saints. Many had not cooked on a stove top, so explaining how to use the kitchen appliances at Patron Housing was important for the young, slender mothers. Sister Bragge also demonstrated how a refrigerator could keep their vegetables and meat cold. Many were eager to try out the elevators in Patron Housing, and having electricity in their rooms was a joy and a wonder.

Each Ugandan shook hands with many fulltime missionaries and employees serving at the Area Office, who saw them by the fish pond and gardens, wanting to introduce themselves and smile and be part of a larger body of Latter-day Saints.

The Ugandan visitors spoke English, Luganda and Lusogo, so the temple sessions for endowments, sealings and temple marriage were conducted in English.

During one morning, Shanna Parmley, wife of Elder William W. Parmley of the Seventy, first counselor in the Africa Southeast Area presidency, spoke to the group of young and old, calling them pioneers in Uganda. Sister Parmley told stories of her early English ancestry who came to Utah Valley pulling handcarts, and then drew a parallel with her pioneer ancestry to the Ugandans, telling them that they were early Church pioneers in their land.

Chuylu

2006-09-05T04:20:00.000-07:00

Chuylu is a beautiful remote place in Kenya where Kamba is the language spoken. There are about 1,200 members in that area. The Book of Mormon has never been translated into that language, so people who do not speak English can not read the scriptures.
When I met Sister Christine Mbuvi in Chyulu, I was touched deeply by her outstanding accomplishments. Sister Mbuvi decided a few months ago that she wanted to learn to speak and read English. After a very short time and because of intensive work she is able to understand and speak English and she is able to read the scriptures for the first time. When Sister Mbuvi talks about her accomplishments her eyes light up and she radiates joy. She is 38 years old, and the mother of six children. She is the District Primary President and has been a member of the church for 15 years. I asked her why she wanted to learn to read and she said, “I wanted to learn to read so I could understand the Gospel and I wanted to be able to teach my children about Heavenly Father. I knew the Gospel was true by the feelings I had, but I wanted to really understand everything about it.” She speaks Kamba and there is not a Book of Mormon translation in that language. When I asked her what has happened since learning to read she beamed that beautiful smile of hers and said, “I don’t know the meaning of every single word, but I have learned what the promises of the Gospel are for me and for my family. I know that we have many talents that we must share with others. I am so happy.”
Then I met another beautiful African woman by the name of Damaris Muthenya. Sister Muthenya was also radiating a beautiful smile. She is the mother of 3 young children and a branch Primary President. When I asked hear to tell me about herself, she said, “I am Sister Mbuvi’s teacher!!!!” Sister Muthenya has unselfishly given her time to teach others to read. In fact, she has taught 8 sisters to read this past year by using, Ye Shall Have My Word.” I asked her how it felt to be the teacher of Sister Mbuvi and the others and to see the successes these women are having and she said, “it feels wonderful!! Now that they are able to read the scriptures they can share the Gospel with their families and others. I am so happy.” I could feel her joy and great sense of accomplishment as she looked at her student with love and pride.

African News

2006-06-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.lds.co.za/artview.asp?ObjectID=1124

2006-06-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

Timbani and his new baby daughter
The director...a modern Mother Teresa

Handing out Toys
The new doll had to go right on her back, African style

Our Gardeners

2006-06-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

Our gardeners are wonderful. They keep our grounds in pristine order and make this a beautiful, beautiful, place to live. Besides that I really love these guys. They pick branches and things when I need to decorate for some event. They laugh and tease me. They carry groceries up the stairs for me and they just help whenever I need them. They work 5 days a week so I see them all the time.
The other day my doorbell rang and Timbani had some news to share. He was a father. I insisted on seeing the new baby so a week later I took the two home from work so he could show his new baby. I was startled when he had me pull over to the side of the road in a non-residential area. He said his wife would bring the baby to me to see. We waited and finally we could see her walking down the hill carrying a pink bundle. Mother was shy and the baby was beautiful, clean and irresistible. I couldn't figure out for a while why she had walked to me. I wouldn't let her walk home so we all piled in the car and they directed me to where they live. This is a terrible part of the city. It is congested with people, the slums, dangerous for me to go into, and quite a sight. There were many twists and turns and I couldn't possibly have made it there alone nor could I make it home alone. It was like going in a maze. She had walked about 4 miles to show off her baby. After hugging and kissing that beautiful baby goodbye and giving my gift to mother and baby, Freedom rode back with me to a place where I could go home alone. He told me that they didn't want me to go into that neighborhood. They knew I would get lost and I know they were afraid for my safety.
I felt badly that she walked, but then,I guess I have to remember that they always walk as they don't have cars and transportation is expensive. I hope my generous gifts will compensate for that walk. I loved holding that baby.
These boys are amazing. They are both 23 years old. They are cousins and are from Zimbabwe. They are sooooo blessed to have work.They each support their families in Zimbabwe.....15 to 20 members each. Every 2 weeks, one of them takes money to both families. He will leave Friday night after work and drive 15-18 hours in a crowded combi (van that holds up to 20 people) and delivers most of their paycheck. Then they spend Saturday with family and then drive back on Sunday and go to work on Monday. Then 2 weeks later the other cousin or gardener goes on the combi with a big bag of mealie meal. Remember, people in Zimbabwe are starving and can't get food. This bag looks like a big bag of fertilizer. They have 2 meals a day of this ground up corn mixed in water (looks like Cream of Wheat). That bag will serve all of them for one month. These boys never complain that everything they make goes to the family. They feel it is their duty as sons. You can see they are happy, great guys. They are blessed to have work....really blessed. I am blessed to know them.

Katha Day Care Center

2006-06-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

Going to the Katha Day Care Center is a life changing experience. This is a refuge for children from infancy to 6 years of age where these children come from 7 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. They walk from long distances for short little legs and they come because here they are loved and cared for. These are aids orphans who are in foster care at night and on the week-end. They are taken care of by "Grannies" who receive a pittance to have them sleep in their homes. They often have nothing to eat in these homes as poverty is so severe. The norm is to come Monday morning with ailments that come from not eating anything. The day I visited, there were 75 orphans there and 58 are HIV positive. Many will not live to See their 6th birthday.
These are the cutest, most beautiful children you have ever seen. They are polite, really somewhat reserved and curious. But when you smile and sing to them they express joy in small smiles and a little sparkle in their eyes.
This Center is a miracle in their little lives. The women who work there (mostly for nothing but food in return) LOVE these children. They cuddle and laugh and clean and change them and feed them. Another miracle in their lives from this is that they have 2 meals a day and an insulated place to be....a place of protection from predators, from weather and it is just a happy place. They always are touching each other and holding hands and putting their arms around each other.
We took toys and blankets and hygiene kits from the Humanitarian Warehouse. They patiently stood in line as they came to get toys to play with....but they didn't know how to throw the balls, or run the cars on the floor. We had to teach them and then they came alive. Actually, we were also teaching the teachers how to use the stuff.
They had as much fun as the children racing cars, throwing balls, rolling balls, and actually playing with 2 very large cranes that some wonderful person had constructed and sent. The children could sit on those and manipulate it and they will be treasures for a very long time. Sister O'Frieo and I (the stake president's wife) have arranged to do some workshops out there for the teachers to help them know how to help children
They are sooo excited. They just hugged us when we told them we would come and teach them some games and how to act out stores, etc. We both have been teachers so I know we can help. Actually, any Primary teacher could help immensely. The director is going to arrange to have the teachers from some other similar daycares in the neighborhood come and learn too. We will start in August. I must say though, they do know how to teach the children to sing!!!!
The director is am amazing woman. She is in her 50's and really loves these children....She has been serving for 20 years. The place is spotless, inside and out. It is located out of Joburg about 30 minutes so there is some property around it.
She has gardens for fresh vegetables that are tended precisely. My favorite is the room with all the herbs. She goes out into the veld and gathers these herbs....brings them back and pounds into powder as needed. Each shelf is labeled according to the ailment. For example: heart problems, indigestion problems, open wounds, sore throat, skin rashes, for immune system etc. Everyday, these children drink a concoction she has brewed and it is remarkable how healthy they are in spite of their problems. She comes from a line of African doctors (sangomas) who have treated the people in their villages for years and she was taught by her mother and grandmother. I don't know what good it does, but I think it does something, if nothing more than show tremendous love, but she pointed out that their weren't any coughs (except me) and no runny noses. That is amazing in the cold winter. She said that every Monday morning when they come back they all have diarrhea from not eating or from eating things to harsh for little ones, and she says by Wednesday she has them in order and keeps them that way until the week-end and then they start all over again. She is happy and loving and amazing. I think of Mother Teresa when I see her.
There is a choice when we see places like this. You can go home and cry and fret and worry and wonder or you can be thankful that for a few hours each day these precious children are looked after by angels on earth. They have food. a roof and loving arms around them. I know Heavenly Father is aware of these children and loves them and is grateful to anyone who makes their life a little easier. I went home a little more humble again.

The Missionary Suitcase

2006-06-04T04:32:00.000-07:00

Harriet is a beautiful Congolese woman who has moved with family from the Congo to Johannesburg. After they joined the church they were disowned by most of their family. Unemployment in Congo is 90% and here it is only 40% so they were hoping to better provide for their 4 children plus about 4 extended family member who live with them She is a beautiful seamstress and she helps support her family by sewing gorgeous African clothes. She is RS President in on of the wards. A while ago she came to me and asked if I could help her with Visiting Teaching. Their %'s are very low and she wanted to have her sisters understand the need to watch over each other. We talked for a long time and she reiterated what I already knew the problems were. Nobody has cars so they have to walk. The distances are long. Women often are very busy just helping ether families survive. They don't really have the vision of reaching out to sisters other than their own families. Because many are new converts it is a new concept to even serve others. I suggested she have a meeting ( VT Conference) to teach why and how. She loved the idea so I gathered materials to help. I went to her very humble home to teach and help her.
Her home is one of the nicest in the ward with carpet pads for carpet, a very old and used couch and one chair in a tiny living room A table for the family to eat on was a board on some kind of supported wood. It was spotless as all African homes are that I have been in. Her darling girls danced around me with beautiful hair with extensions and beads and bows that the Mother had spent hours styling. One is 8 and the other 3 years old. and she has 2 sons ages 11 and 15.
She took me into her tiny sewing room which did have 2 sewing machines and an ironing board made from a board she had padded and it rested on a cardboard box. We talked about VT and used the ironing board as a table. This was also her 15 year old son's bedroom and there was a tiny cot for him to sleep on. Right next to his bed wedged between his bed and her sewing machine was a very large suitcase. Harriet saw me look at the suitcase . She said, " Sister Parmley, that is my son's missionary suitcase." All he wanted for Christmas was a missionary suitcase and that is it. Isn't it beautiful?" We had to search hard to find it." When my little girls come in here and play with the zippers on the case, he gets very upset and tells them this will be his only missionary suitcase and they should not touch it. He is 15. As he turns over in his bed for the next 4 years, he will have the suitcase in his face to remind him of his desire to serve the Lord. As I was in that humble home, I felt the Spirit whisper AGAIN how privileged I am to rub shoulders with such righteous, humble women such as my friend, who are striving to serve the best way they can and mostly are devoted to having the Spirit in their homes so their children will grow up in the Gospel. I will never be the same as I am constantly touched by these remarkable people.
_

The White House

2006-04-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

As I sit at my computer on the second floor of the building where we live, I have a perfect view across the drive way of the area offices where 80 people are employed by the church and where our 15 area couple missionaries have offices. It is a beautiful complex with a fish pond full of koi and lovely surrounding vegetation. Included in the complex is the Distribution Center which has only the very basic materials, but my favorite is the Temple Patron Housing Complex. Everyday I see Saints who have come to go to the temple. Remember we have 26 countries included in our area, so they come from Kenya (5 hour flight), Zimbabwe, Congo, Mozambique, Madagascar, etc. These are people who will most likely only be able to come to the temple once in a lifetime because it is so far and so expensive. There is a fund that is available for those taking out their own endowments and after they make a "meaningful sacrifice" and contribute what they can, then the church makes up the difference. We try very hard to see that leaders such as bishops, stake presidents, counselors, etc. are able to come. As I look out my window I see these beautiful women often in their native dress with wild, wonderful African fabrics and with fabulous headpieces that most often match. The women's hair is often fixed in the most glamorous ways that take many many hours to "do". Their children who are being sealed to them are drssed perfectly also. It is quite a sight. There is a communal kitchen when they prepare their own food as it is the only inexpensive way and they all have their ethnic foods. It is fun to go to that dining room and talk to them....even if they speak French or Portuguese, it is fun to communicate and that we can do. One day I heard music and went in and they were all singing (about 15 people) in the most gorgeous voices, "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet." It truly was glorious. Their lives are blessed as they come and they just radiate the Gospel through this event. They often go to every session they can and they can usually stay about 4 or 5 days. Many travel 30 to 80 hours by bus to get here, carrying their food and a bag of meager belongings. They are a happy, beautiful people who have almost no material belongings but my oh my, do they radiate the Spirit and they do know the Gospel backwards and forwards as the scriptures are their most cherished possessions. We ALWAYS learn from them as we travel and teach.
Recently I heard in a prayer someone say, "help us find the blindness in our lives".
I wish you could all see out my window. It strengthens my testimony almost daily.

2006-04-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Ethiopia

2006-03-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

We loved our first trip into Ethiopia. It is a country that is truly different from any other African country we have been in. One difference was the complexion of the people. They are a friendly, open people who smile easily at anyone who smiles at them. They are lighter skinned than most Africans and their facial features are more delicate and soft. They are beautiful. Most of the women wear a scarf around their head that drapes gracefully over their entire body. They are reminiscent of the Muslim women but a large percentage are Christian. The scarves are almost always white. Someone told me the scarves were to keep their clothes clean and another told me it was worn for warmth and another told me it was simply tradition. Who knows, but it is a beautiful sight to see these draped women framed by the most humble circumstances. Walking on dirt roads or roads of stone weaving in and out of the market place is lovely to see.
The other thing that struck us forcibly with a wonderful visual was the darling little burros that were frequently on the streets. There were all loaded to maximum capacity with water, sacks of meal, sticks, vegetables, chickens or whatever. They were always being driven from behind by a man with a stick. The one sight we will never forget is the little burro who finally said, "enough is enough.!" He simply sat down in the middle of the road with cars passing on either side and his master pushing and pulling to get him up. His load had been too much for him. We kept thinking there was a wonderful talk in all of this, but couldn't quite put our finger on it.
A touching experience we had was with a young missionary who was faithfully completing his mission and was preparing to return home to Zimbabwe. To describe him, he is tall, very black, handsome and he exudes love and kindness and gentleness. He bore his testimony in farewell in a sweet, deliberate and forceful way. As I talked to him after wards I found that his mother had died when he was very young. His father died one month after he was on his mission. None of he remaining family are members and he had been rejected by all for joining the church. He hadn't had one bit of communication from anyone in 2 years. Yet, he was happy, full of faith and determined to go home and succeed. This is not an uncommon scenario with our young African missionaries, but they serve with dedication and testimony.
Another sweet experience was with the District RS president. I trained with her for about 2 1/2 hours. She is beautiful, articulate, a member for about 4 years. She is a single mother supporting her own 3 children, plus her deceased brothers 3 children.
We laughed together and learned together and bonded in a sweet way. At the end of the meeting she told me she had something for me. IT was a beautiful malachite (green) necklace that she had put in an envelope to give to me. She gave it to me and said,"I love you." She had on a green dress and in retrospect I realized she had been wearing the necklace and then she gave it to me. My heart is touched knowing she has so very little.....probably no electricity, no indoor plumbing, water available at the well a few miles away which she or her children would have to carry, yet she gave that to me. I have wondered if it was her only adornment. Needless to say, I was so touched......to my very toes.
We visited a leper hospital which was also very touching. We met an angel there...a man who has been a member of the church for 10 years and who has worked at this hospital for 30 years. He has been a nurse, a detective, an administrator and man who loves these wounded people. He used to walk miles to the various villages looking for lepers to help get them treatment. Now he stays at the hospital and screens patients for the doctors. He introduced to a 19 year old boy who had walked from a village that day to see about a spot on his arm. He had had the discolored skin for about a year. He was the beginnings of leprosy. He will be treated everyday with 3 medicines donated by a pharmaceutical company for one year and if he is faithful to his medicine, he will be cured. I asked the doctor to ask the boy in his language how he knew to come and he said an older person in his village told him to come and he promised he would take that medicine. We saw many without fingers and toes and with noses and other appendages missing. It was very touching, but very heartening to know that the disease is close to becoming eradicated. People are being educated about sanitary conditions, and of course the signs of the illness. It was a very humbling day. This man will always be in my heart as I think of the service he has given to mankind.

The Baboon Experience!!!

2006-02-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a jounal entry experience. I promise that everything I say is TRUE and not exaggerated. We had a retreat for the Area Presidency and their wives for one day at a hotel about one hour away. It was to plan and work on our objectives for the next year. The wives were in one area for the morning working on auxiliary training and then we combined our efforts for the afternoon. This hotel is reached from a main highway where we turned onto a dirt road for about five miles to reach the place. Itis beautiful country. It is a hotel that has game drives and just a beautiful peaceful place. We saw zebras as we entered the grounds of the hotel. It is in a remore area.
The conference room that the women were in was lovely. It was a large room (twice the size of our living room at home) and it had windows all the way around. We could see the mountains and green bush and the zebras that kept going by. It was a dream. The 2 baby zebras were to die for. I couldn't believe that we were sitting there working and talking and zebras would just appear. All of a sudden we saw a large male baboon coming out of the bush loping towards our conference room. Diane Golden jumped up to close the sliding door, but didn't make it before that large baboon came quickly into the room. Maurine Young stood up and started yelling at him and shooing him away. He kept coming. He came right up and put his front feet on the table where I was the closest. Maurine kept yelling and motioning at him. He put his feet on my scriptures and I want you to know he was 10 inches from me. It happened so fast I was frozen and Diane was frozen and Maurine was carrying on. He didn't like her at all and the more she yelled and screamed and waved her arms, then the angrier he got. Right next to me he looked at her and reared up tall on his hind feet and opened his mouth and bared his teeth and growled a very mean growl. His teeth were long and pointed and sharp and I thought I was a goner.....I mean he was literally 10 inches away from me. She stopped moving and yelling. He got up on the table with all fours for a few seconds and then just got off and walked out the door. We called into the hotel and a security guard came running with a long metal pole and he went looking for that baboon. We don't know if he ever encountered him. We just sat down in shock and unbelief. We found out later that he comes around every once in a while and is very mean and agressive. I think it was my scriptures that perhaps saved us. Maybe when he put his foot on them he felt the admonition to "go in peace". Who knows!! Only in Africa!!!!

Laundry day and a painted House.

2006-02-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

Rondevals in the valley

2006-02-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

Firewood and Water on two different heads.

2006-02-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

Laundry Day

2006-02-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

Can you find the golf course?

2006-02-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

Baboon in hiding

2006-02-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

An"eland" at the San Cave Drawings Museum

2006-02-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

Cathedral Peak Hotel in the Drakensberg Mountains

2006-02-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

Grandpa in the Drakensberg Mountains

2006-02-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

A stream in the Drakensberg Mountains

2006-02-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

Weaverbirds and their nests. How many birds do you see?

2006-02-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

An African mural in Thokozisa near the Drakensberg Mountains

2006-02-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

A meerkat family

2006-02-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

2006-02-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

Grandpa just got a wet gooey kiss from the elephant.

Shanna leading the elephant.

We trained Kumba to lift her foot and trunk

2006-02-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

With the Jensens and a new friend at the elephant sanctuary

2006-02-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

he Haw-Dee-Daw Sisters playing their piano duet

2006-02-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas party put on by the Area Presidency for all the senior mission couples

2006-02-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

Stirring the meali-meal for dinner at the twilight house for homeless boys

2006-02-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

Goncalves bride and groom with President and sister Wallace. I sealed them in the temple.

2006-02-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving day entertainment at the front of our house for all the couples.

2006-02-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

Waiting 5 hours for the plane in the Lubumbashi Airport with brother Monga.

2006-02-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

Training the 3 auxiliary presidents with Sister Maycock (Brother Monga is the interpreter)

2006-02-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

I thought we were supposed to drive on the left side of the road

2006-02-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

Tamiko and Brett

2005-12-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

I have had a wonderful experience today. I have made friends with Tamiko and Brett Sher. She is half Japanese and he was raised in South Africa. They are really good friends. I found him because I saw these beautiful handwoven throws in the airport over a year ago when we moved here. I didn't want to pay that price (does that surprise you?) so I e-mailed to the address on the card thinking there was a shop that sold in that wasn't in the airport. He e-mailed back and I found he is 10 minutes from here. They live in a lovely home with their business in their home. I fell in love with his pillows, throws, scarves, purses, etc. It is high end quality stuff and he sold anything to me wholesale. We've become friends. I've taken missionary couples over there...mission president's wives over there because it is such fun. Their house is lovely, their gardens are lovely, and their workman are great as well as the beautiful things they have to sell. He will often call and say, "where have you been...come over" He likes my input with his new designs. They are all handwoven fabrics or African prints or Kuba cloths from Congo. ANYWAY, they have become good friends. They are in their very early forties.....artsy, kind, lovely people. He called a couple of weeks ago and wanted me to come over for a Christmas present they had for me. Well, I finally went today and took them gifts, but you won't believe what he gave me. He has a trunk with treasures in it that he has shown me before. He got them 20-24 years ago as he and his father went into the bush and would buy treasures from the people...mostly Zulus. He sold to dealers, collectors and the biggest African collection in the Smithsonian is from him. Also in the main museum here are things he sold to them. (By the way I went with another So. African friend to the bead collection in that museum and we went into the basement and she just kept pulling out drawers for us to see the massive African bead collection.....because I love the beads so.) He told me he was going to let me pick something from his collection for Christmas......you have to know that this collection means a great deal to him....it is valuable, but mostly an emotional collection. We sat on his living room floor and went through the collection and he told me about every piece....mostly being Zulu beadwork....bracelets, earrings, and many many belts. He also has some baskets, head rests, and a few dolls. It is mind boggling. I told him I couldn't choose as I didn't feel right about that. He gave me a beautiful Zulu necklace from the early 1940's. It is extremely valuable and very hard to find anymore. It is red, black, green, pink, yellow, and light blue. You can tell the age by the colors and size of the beads which he knows all about and about which I am learning. THEN he gave me a pair of Zulu earrings that the men wore. They are wooden, round, about 2 inches in diameter and they have mosaic like designs put on it with tiny, tiny nails. They are fabulous and have definitely been used. I treasure them. The earlobes are stretched those 2 inches to be able to wear them. I treasure the 2 hours going through his treasures and learning about it and hearing about the tales of meeting the people, and bargaining and dancing with them and becoming their friends. It is a lost venture now as the old treasures like these are gone and now it is dangerous to go and try because of the robbers. Some still go out for the new treasures which are still beautiful, but the old things like this are gone. It was quite a day. We are going to have them to dinner in January when the Andersons are here and he is going to show pictures of his trips into the bush and also show a ceremony with him and British Airways. He and some Nbele women designed the bright colors that are on the tail of those planes. I want you all to meet the two of them when you come. Ann has met him as have Ben and Isaac. We went to meet the owls that live in his trees. He talks to them every night. Enough.....just wanted to share the day with you. It was very special to me....couldn't get over it. I try to be spiritual every moment of my life but find I'm still worldly a lot too.......And I love it.

DR Congo Again

2005-12-14T03:54:00.000-08:00

It really is hard to describe our impressions and experiences in the DR Congo last week. It truly is something I want to write about so that I can remember and also so others might feel what we feel as we travel there. We have made several trips there, and it continues to be place of poverty, joblessness, chaos, illness and even an underlying hostility that you can feel, but it also is a country of color, laughter, happiness, joy, talent and inventiveness that is so amazing. The drive from the airport is one of people, people and more people. There are hundreds of people on the side of road decked out in the most beautiful fabric of flamboyant color. They are busy walking, carrying, selling, talking, laughing, running, playing and just going about their everyday life. It reminds one on an ant hill with everyone going a different direction, but with great purpose.
We had one scary incident on that drive to the mission home. All of a sudden the traffic stopped because of an accident or something up ahead. We couldn't go forward or backward and there were dozens of people walking and many right next to the car. Most were students and I made eye contact with several and smiled and waved and they smiled and waved back. All of a sudden the waves changed and their hands turned over and they were asking for money. Their smiles became demanding looks and intense look and all of a sudden they were pounding on the car. It was very scary. Our driver, Eustach, had the space to turn around and he did so immediately and we went back to another route. From one second to the next the climate changed and I learned that in close quarters like that I can't make eye contact like I can in South Africa. We were glad to be on our way.
We trained all day on Saturday and that is always a wonderful experience. We couldn't get into the stake center because it was in the middle of Kinshasa and the roads were blocked off because of poles in the road on one street or a load of gravel on another street, or the metal plate that went over the sewer was out on another street so we parked out car in the middle of this area and walked about 4 or 5 blocks to the church. It was wonderful to see the way they live in that way. Little children were naked as they were bathing in the pan of water. There were chickens running around and children playing and laughing and following us, the white folks. We could see into their homes and courtyards all of dirt floors. We saw them cooking over their little fires, and one woman was delousing her child and many were doing the braids on their little girls. We loved it and they waved and smiled and we felt joy. The oasis in that village was the beautiful stake center which was an old house. I trained the women under a covered gazebo type structure which was wonderful because it was cooler there. Even though it was hard with the interpreter translating from French to English and sometimes from French to Lingala to English. In spite of it the women laughed with me and we learned together. I presented the new Health Manual that we had been working on and which was recently translated to French and they were thrilled to get it. We didn't have enough copies so we will print 200 more and send them up.
The most touching was Stake Conference on Sunday. We woke up in the middle of the night to a terrible storm....rain and wind. The next morning it had not stopped and we knew it would affect the attendance. When we arrived at the rented hall on the fairgrounds, which was a huge cement building with no windows and little light it was still pouring. When it was time to start there were 30 people there. We started a few minutes late because they were having trouble with the PA system. Slowly but surely the people began to arrive....in a slow steady stream. At one point a hired bus pulled right up to the door so they could dash in, but in that horrible downpour that was so severe that you could hardly hear, because of the rain on the tin roof, those people kept coming. I sat there with tears streaming down my face and Bill had tears in his eyes too as did the mission president and his wife as these wonderful Saints came in completely soaked in their Sunday best clothes and with beautiful smiles on their faces. They walked through mud and pot holes and a fields to get there. What a testimony to me of the goodness of those people. When they sang I thought the roof would come off. What a blessing to participate with them in that meeting.
There were 11 check points in the airport as we found our way to the plane on the tarmac. We were searched several times and when we finally lifted off for Johannesburg, we were thrilled to be going "home", but we knew we had had many experiences of a lifetime and we loved it.

2005-09-10T03:04:00.002-07:00

Looking fabulous....

2005-09-10T03:04:00.001-07:00

Beautiful baby...

2005-09-10T03:04:00.000-07:00

Making dinner?

2005-09-10T03:03:00.000-07:00

Shanna with mothers and kids in Mozambique.

Mozambique

2005-09-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

We just returned from Mozambique and our six days were very unique on many levels and we were very busy every minute. We had a great time and there are images in my mind that I'll never forget. The first day we did auxiliary training with all three organizations represented. It was great to watch our General RS President, Bonnie Parkin, teach and do her thing. She is very good at what she does and is very entertaining as well. I trained with her part of the time which was fun also. We went to church in the chicken coop on Sunday and it was great even when everything was in Portuguese. A darling little black boy gave at talk....luckily we had missionaries behind us translating. We then went to a missionary meeting, a fireside, and then dinner at the Mission Home and then back to the hotel to bed. From then on our schedul with the Red Cross was crazy. They had us on a bus going many places and it was great. We got to know some wonderful people who spend their lives serving others.Those Red Cross people are smart, compassionate and loads of fun. They also are very impressive professionally. We went to an orphanage with children whos parents have died of Aids. It was not clean. It was poor and those 80 children were very subdued as they sang to us. I think because there just isn't much stimulation there. They at least get gruel 2 times a day that is cooked over an open fire outside. They mash the soy beans with a long pole and add mashed peanuts when they have them for protein. They made something for us to eat that was deep fried in the back pot of grease that was on an open fire in the dirt. We graciously gave it to the children!!! All preparations were outside in the dirt with water from a well and all prepared in the open air as they don't have a kitchen. As least the children get some food and a roof over their head at night. We did use disinfectant afterwards as we had high fived the kids and shook hands and squeezed the children. I was hoping not to get scabies or ring worm or some such thing...but the interaction was worth it. We attended the measles campaign in several different locations and it was one of the most touching things I've ever seen. Up to a million children in Africa are dying of measles every year. Many that don't die have brain damage from the high fever, including many cases of cerebral palsy. This project is slowly eradicating the deadly disease. To us it is an incredible miracle and I'm proud that President Hinckley wants money spent this way. We saw lines and lines of children waiting to get their polio medicine and measles's shot. Some of the children were crying but most were stoic. At one place it was mothers with their babies on their backs and holding the hands of their other children. The mothers and children were clean and dressed in their best for the occasion. It was a sight I'll never forget. They were coming on trust as at first many though the needles might be tainted with the HIV virus and much education with radio and TV spots were used. There were posters every where. The church member spent 20,000 hours going door to door to teach about the event. They did a tremendous service as many don't have the media in their homes and the turn out was wonderful....93-94% of all children were inoculated. It is a modern day miracle to eradicate that deadly disease. At another location it was just children without their moms. Many children including 5-6 year olds were carrying a baby on their back. We sang with them...high fived, shook hands and touched heads again. They are too darling not to touch and they love the attention. We saw a school where HIV training was going on. It was being taught by the students WHO had been trained....with our interpreters it was fabulous. We went to a place where a well had been dug by the church and the Red Cross. It of course is a life changing project and we saw the five women who are in charge of the well take it apart and service it and then put it back together. It was quite a sight. Leave it to women!!!! It was a great experience to be part of life changing events. We are blessed to be in Africa.

Funeral

2005-09-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, I must tell you about the funeral I
attended yesterday. Last Sunday as Bro. Malumalu was
teaching his Sunday School class he had a stroke and
after 2 days on life support he passed away. He was
about 6'2", handsome, articulate, and one of the best
teachers I've ever heard in my life. He was 50 years
old. It was a shock for the entire ward where he was
bishop at one time. He left a wife and 5 children
ranging from 10 to 18 years old. He was loved. The
funeral was Saturday and it was a very moving
experience. It started 1 hour late because they had
to wait for the body to be brought from the mortuary
and the family who were with the body. About 40
family members came in following the casket with much
wailing and crying and sobbing.....it was very loud.
I learned from my So. African friend who was sitting
next to me that some of those crying and wailing were
hired to do the sobbing. After they sat down, all was
reverent and quiet for a moment and then the 17 years
old daughter started waving her arms and crying and
sobbing out loud in anguish. That went on for 2-3
minutes and then she stopped. She had run away from
home 2 months before and had come home the night
before her father died. That was a blessing....they
made peace, but it was hardest on her. Then the
funeral began and the one conducting asked that the
visitors not smoke or drink on the grounds and he also
asked that there would be a reverent service. The
first 2 speakers were so eloquent and they were so
touching. They gave such peace a comfort to the
family as they spoke. Then the 5 children sang , "I
know that My Redeemer Lives". The boy played the
piano and the 4 girls or I should 3 girls sang...the
4th was just too overcome and had to sit down. Then
there were 7 or 8 testimonials by family members from
Congo....they were mostly in French...some had
translators and some didn't. One was speaking and
asked his friend on the spur of the moment to come up
and play the piano and sing.....he wasn't fabulous but
it was from his heart and as he sang many in the
sudience sang the song softly with him.....it was most
touching. Then the 15 yearold spoke about an essay
that she had just written for an english class....it
was about her father and how she loved and respected
him and that her dream was one day to be able to buy
him a landrover so they could take the family on trips
into the bush and have a great time. She said I
didn't know that he would be takin a different ride.!
It also was so touching. After the closing prayer the
widow who was sitting on the front row started shaking
her arms high above her head and she wailed and sobbed
and cried and then the casket went out to the Relief
Socity room and all of the family followed wailing and
screaming and crying and sobbing....including the paid
mourners. As they did this very very slowly then
every second or two someone would rise from the
audience and would give a loud cry or wail and it
seemed to it was to let that mother and family know
that they were deeply mourning with them. When they
got to the RS room you knew when they had opened the
casket for viewing as the wailing level went up 100%.
I truly was touched that they were able to mourn in
such a way that many of us have felt at times, but
because of our traditions we seem to keep bottled up
except in private. I was really in awe at the new and
old traditions coming together. There was the proper
service as well as the part of mourning that I'm sure
these people had seem their mothers and fathers and
grandparents do. It was very touching to me to bring
every aspect of mourning and learning and comfort into
the realm of the day.They were ALL in African or
Congolese dress as that is where his home is. That
was a magnificent sight. I felt it a privilege to
know him and learn from him. The flowers were so
simple....something that of course I would notice.
Two little glasses of yellow daffodils were put on a
stand and then they brought another little glass of
purple sweet peas to compliment the yellow. It was so
simple and lovely and appropriate to the
circumstances. The women of the ward fixed a feast
for everyone who came. That toowas sooooo touching as
many of these people can't afford to feed themselves.
We didn't stay for the viewing or the food but I truly
felt it a privilege to be part of such a poignant day.
Incidentally, he was teaching about life after death
when he collapsed. What irony.

A long hard weekend of no fun

2005-06-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

We have been back a day and we had a wonderful time. We drove this time as you know and believe me South Africa is a beautiful country. ......it is sooo beautiful. We were in high mountains that were a little reminiscent of Tahoe which was beautiful, lush and green and then down in areas that looked a little like driving to SL only the trees had huge thorns and more grass. We drove through a forest fire right on the road that nobody seemed to care much about and villages where water and sticks were carried on heads. We saw many shacks made of tin, but each had a little property around it for a little garden. Some of the towns looked so prosperous and neat and clean. We just saw one extreme to the other in a few minutes. We felt we were in central valley sometimes with the orange trees and avocado trees as well as many fields of mangos. It was lovely. We loved the three branches of the church we visited. We are ALWAYS overwhelmed with the knowledge of the Gospel the people have and their testimonies and sweet humility. The reverence in the meetings are perfect and the singing was wonderful. I played the electric keyboard as no one else could play. They usually use a tape recorder, so the chorister told me the singing was extra wonderful because it was so great to have regular accompaniment. It was fun because I was facing the audience as I played so the voices were basting me and I could see the huge smiles as they sang. And as is always the case every deacon (yes deacons) and child, in fact every single person sings with all their heart. Oh What fun that is. Dad and Steven Snow golfed and Phyllis and I rode the carts with them...not to watch them golf particularly, but to be on that BEAUTIFUL course and to LOOK for ANIMALS. We saw many wart hogs, crocodile, hippos, impala, but no giraffes or elephants. It was sooo much fun and the weather was perfect. We saw many beautiful unusual birds.We then drove over to Krueger Game Reserve and we had 3 hours before the park closed and didn't expect to see a whole lot, but as we drove through we saw giraffe, elephants, baboons, zebras and LIONS!!! We for sure didn't think we 'd see lions that time of day, but as we rounded a corner there was a beautiful male and female lion sitting on the road looking at each other. We sat a watched and took pictures and she finally got up and strolled into the bush and he slowly followed her. There was a HUGE elephant that took us on. As we stopped to look at him and "her", he turned, raised his trunk and flapped his ears (not a good sign) and slowly started for us.....in that position. We slowly moved, but he kept coming so we left. He could have taken our car in a minute. After the flat tire episode, we are a Little more cautious. What fun. We also saw the food of the bush....impala, a kudu and several other antelope type animals which are very beautiful. We saw beautiful waterfalls, and many other sights. This is where we hope all of you will be able to go. Ann and Ben went there and loved it as we did. When we get our pictures onto the computer we'll send them along....we are still slow with that.

We can't wait to see all of you and hope all is well. Todd got a part in Much Ado About Nothing which is exciting. I know Ann and Ben are fine as I can talk to her on Skype. She is in charge of the ward roadshow so is in deep rehearsals. We heard from John and Elizabeth and Michael and Carol before we left. I'm sure you are all finishing up the school year...or I guess are finished. I'm bringing a couple of projects for the kids to do at the beach houses....something sort of African. It will be great fun.

It will be very hard to have the Snows go. They are such wonderful neighbors. We had many, many laughs with them on this trip and many sweet experiences together also. They are sooo great. I want all of you to meet them. They know about all of you.....maybe someday. Well, guess I'll go back to bed. Hope to hear a line or two from you.

Love Mom

2005-06-10T03:46:00.000-07:00

Mac Mac waterfall

2005-06-10T03:45:00.001-07:00

Male and female lions who were lying on the road. He then nudged her off as we approached.

2005-06-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

Elephant who was unhappy with us and moving toward us.

2005-06-10T03:44:00.001-07:00

Black with white or white with black?

2005-06-10T03:44:00.000-07:00

Baboons!!! Can you find the baby?

2005-06-10T03:43:00.001-07:00

Impalas gathering on termite mound

2005-06-10T03:43:00.000-07:00

You can tell he is an old giraffe because he is so dark

2005-06-10T03:42:00.001-07:00

Crocodile with golfers Elder Parmley and Elder Snow in the background. Can you find the turtle?

2005-06-10T03:42:00.000-07:00

In front of our cabin a warthog is eating on the golf course

2005-06-10T03:33:00.000-07:00

Largest baobob tree in the world

Congo

2005-04-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

We just arrived home from Congo and as always I run to the computer to see if any of my kids have e-mailed. Often one of you has written or sent a picture and we love it. Thanks. My eyes are really tired (if that makes sense) from all the visuals we've had these past few days.

(Right now it is hailing and lightning like crazy!) I almost can't believe what me eyes saw in that very tired, poor country. I'm going to start at the end because that is on my mind the most. Running from the conference where 1700 members were in attendance we made a dash for the airport and I mean a dash!!!! President Waldram is quite the driver and he wanted us to get there. We wanted to get there too and there was another plane out until Tuesday if we missed it. We went through potholes and over "things" in the road. We drove on the wrong side of the street a few times to miss potholes and trucks and goats. In one area particularly there are dozens of people going here and there. They are walking, selling something, riding bikes,buying something, talking, laughing and generally just being busy. It is hard to describe, but the scene is just full of color everywhere and the color is on the people. The fabrics are fabulous.....bright colors with and unique patterns. The dresses are long....sometimes 2 piece and sometimes one. Often there are matching fabrics tied on their heads in the most beautiful fashion you can imagine. ....sticking out and up. If the women don't have head regalia on then they have wonderful hair. The hairs is either wigs or extensions fixed in hundred of ways. It is glorious. The men wear bright colors too.....a good to describe it might be "pajama-like". The surroundings are colorful and vivid. There are many things on the street to buy...furniture, car parts, fruit and vegetables stacked in beautiful ways. There are chickens and goats wandering and hardboiled eggs being carried on heads to sell one at a time, but the cartons are tens layers high. We see onions and garlic in mounds to sell, and beans and the white meal like stuff (can't remember the name, but it is not corn) that is the staple, but doesn't have much nutritional value. We've seen people hawking water in bags from the Congo river, fish hanging on a pole, and one I love are nurseries along the way where you can stop and buy plants that are planted mostly in plastic bags. There will be rows of these containers on the side of the road just waiting for purchase. It truly is a mass of humanity. We didn't take pictures because the people hate that and yell at you and raise their fist so our pictures will only be in our head.

The airport is another sea of people....everyone wanting to help you....crowding around you. Pres. Waldram has hired one man to help us and he took us through 7 checkpoints before we got to the waiting room. It was hot.....humid....and not air conditioned. Our luggage was searched 3 times before we boarded the plane. The last time was on the tarmac in the blazing hot sun. We were in the intense heat in the sun for about 15 minutes. We were dripping and soaked by the time we got on the plane Everyone was soaked and grumpy when they got on the plane. Some were very loud with complaints. Then this handsome blackman got on the plane. He was dripping....his shirt was soaked, his face was wet with perspiration. He stopped and smiled this huge smile and said, " the important part of the journey is getting home." He was saying this is hard, but we can do this because we are almost home. I loved it. People smiled back and some said, "yeh". It put a dfferent spin on the horrible 2 hours we had just spent getting through the entire ordeal. . At these various check points there were not any lines, only people surrounding the counters or desks, waving passports and boarding passes and whatever. Everyone is loud and of course speaking french so we didn't know what anyone was saying. In spite of Anton helping us, it is REALLY something and we were glad to get on that plane bound for our home in Joberg. We had all but one meal at the Waldroms home as there is only one restaurant that they dare go to. We had some whipping cream on something which was like gold as it was $13 for the pint. The food is soooo expensive and many things are not available. The Wardroom go home in July (mission president) after 2 years instead of the usual 3 because it is considered a hardship mission which it is. They have had some great experiences, but it has been hard and they are about ready to go. They have been great.

The meetings were great.....I think!!!! It was all in french so what ever my interpreter told me I believed. Actually, it was great fun. Auxiliary training is always my favorite thing and even with language barriers going on it is fun. Women are the same everywhere. They want to look pretty (and they do), they love their families and want to serve them, they are anxious to do their best in church and they were happy and fun. We laughed and cried together as women do. We testify of the Savior together and we sang together, which was so great. Let me tell you, those Africans really can sing and in the Congo they sing at the top of their lungs. Oh what a thrill. In the conference session with the 1700 people, I thought the roof would come off with the singing. I loved it...at times, I was in tears. These people are soooo very poor....,but to look at them you would never know it. They were groomed, clean and happy. The Gospel brings joy, service, education and oh so many things. There were baby twins on the front row and I couldn't take my eyes off them. They were soooo very cute.....2 little girls 3 months old dressed fit to kill. I just watched them every minute.....as I did the other children. I love the children. Josh, I met some 8 year old boys and I thought of you. I had the interpreter ask them if they had been baptized, and they said,"oui, oui". I winked at one of them on the first row and all of conference he tried to wink back. He couldn't so he took his finger and held one eye shut. How cute is that.

Tomorrow Sister Snow and I are going to the Twilight Boys Home to take pictures for Dwight Jackson's service project. He is have the youth of the stake make 70 quilts for these boys so we are sending pictures to show where they are going. We are also going to a children's handicapped place to teach the children how to play UNO. We had some little stands made to hold the cards because they can't hold them with the handicaps they have. I'm also preparing for the Mission President's Seminar in Cape Town that starts next Monday and then the next we the auxiliary women are coming. Sister Susan Tanner the General YW President is coming and the new General Primary President, Sister Lant, and Kathleen Hughes a counselor in the RS. We have a lot of preparing for them too. We will host them in Kenya and Uganda. They will really have more of an understanding of this part of the world very soon.

We loved our trip, but we are REALLY glad to be home. Congo is not an easy place to go, but it is worth it when we see the saints there. They are really pioneers as our ancestors were. They are paving the way for the generations to come. It is a blessing to serve. I'm so grateful for energy and good health. We miss you even though we are busy and we love you.

Love Mom and Dad

2005-04-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

General Board Members

Cape Town Etc.

2005-04-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

We arrived home about an hour ago very tired but exhilarated too. We had a great trip, but a very busy one. i want to type this while it is still in my heart and if I wait until tomorrow when I have much to do it will not happen and then the moment and the memory is past. We leave for the Congo on Thursday Am so much has to be done. We were very busy with 4 cities, 4 mission tours and one leadership training and I taught RS today, so that is in 6 days time. I just feel very grateful that Dad and I have the energy to do all this and that my health allows such wonderful experiences, so I will not complain. We went to Port Elizabeth, East London, Cape Town and a city in Namibia which I can't spell and I am too tired too look it up or go find your father. We loved the missionaries in those cities and we were with them for about 5hours of training each time. I love being with them. They are exuberant, dedicated, happy but of course some are homesick or whatever, especially the new ones. It is wonderful to see the stages of growth as they go through the stages of a mission. It is a miracle in my mind to see these young people serving and testifying and growing. I love them. There are always one or 2 that I am drawn to to get to know a little and I love that.

Namibia is the place that stands out in my mind the most as that is where we were with the members of a tiny branch. They have a brand new building which replaces one that burned down about 2 years ago and it is lovely. They are so proud of their building that looms up and is quite a lovely sight in the middle of places that are not so lovely. First I have to tell you that we had trouble getting in the country. We traveled with the mission president and his wife and 3 assistants to the president so there were 7 of us, and when those young elders looking so neat and wonderful went up to the desk of immigration the officer saw all of us and said, "no, we will not let you into the country....there are too many of you." So we had to wait in a corner for at least an hour for someone to come and see us and then it took a long time to approve ;our entry. We honestly didn't know whether we would get in or not. We had to show return tickets and all sorts of documentations. That is the hardest it has every been for us, but we finally we given permission, found our luggage and were on our way to the hotel.

The next day after zone conference and a leadership training session with the leaders of this tiny branch we went to their branch dinner....the first they have ever had. There were probably 180 people there and they had gone to lots of trouble to cook a pig, chickens, and sausage on a spit in the back yard of the church. They had worked for days to do a few decorations and prepare the food. We were at the head table looking at the people and chatting as we were waiting to be served by the deacons and some YW. ( the boys always held one hand behind their back as they came in and served the food. They took this all very seriously. I loved them. In front of us were 2 1/2 tables of just children....ranging from about 3 to 13 years old. They didn't have any adults at their tables....I couldn't figure it out. When they finally started serving the juice (first) after about 45 minutes of waiting I watched as they put pitchers of juice on the tables. I could see that these children couldn't and were not going to pour the juice. I waited for their parents to help, but they didn't I supposed the were in the mad house kitchen trying to serve all these people. ..a first for the branch. I finally got up and went over and poured for them I loved it. I love the black children with their big black eyes and wonderful hair and great smiles. I told one little girl that I loved her hair as she had about 8 tiny ponytails sticking out all over. I asked her who did it and she didn't answer. i thought she maybe only spoke a tribal language so I asked slowly if her mother did it. She shook her head and said, "no, I did it". She was 7 years old. After I poured the drinks and encouraged a "thank you" the waiters brought a plate of rolls. Two or three of the boys stood up and started grab ( wanted to say BLC) the rolls. I took the plate and showed them how to take one and pass it and we did the same with the butter. While I was standing there with the children the served plates came with 2 salads and 1 sausage on each plate. I went to my seat and was a served plate with a big piece of pork, a sausage, and a half breast of chicken. On our table were salads served home style. I couldn't eat it. I knew the water wasn't safe....I knew the vegetables had been cleaned in the water. I had seen the kitchen. I wasn't hungry...actually I was tired. I didn't drink the punch because of the water. I moved the food around and just enjoyed the people that came by and just watching and visiting. After a while the children had finished their food and they were having a hard time waiting for people to finish and it was hard waiting for dessert, so the children were allowed to go out in the fenced in yard of the church while others finished. There was one beautiful little boy dressed in army fatigues that stayed at the table. He caught my eye and we smiled at each other....several times. I finally motioned with my finger for him to come to me. He looked around to see who I was motioning to and finally understood that it was him. He came over and I asked him if he wanted my juice.....all the children were thirsty and had had one cup. I he said, " no, I would like your meat.".. I gave him my plate......and he took it back to his table and started devouring it with his fingers almost in a frenzy. i couldn't believe my eyes. Dad and I watched this, and then 2 other boys came back in and sat by him and he shared and they did the same thing....devouring like they were really hungry. Then the children came in for dessert. Many had second helpings and I noticed they were wrapping some of it up in a napkin. A former branch president then sat by me and he noticed my interest in these children. He said, "do you see that little boy that is chewing on something? (he was my little friend and I had seen him chewing long after the meat was gone, but couldn't figure it out) HE IS ONE OF OUR ORPHANS. He is eating chicken bones. He won't stop until every piece of the bones are gone. He then finished the chicken bone and started on the pork bone that he had in a napkin. It all made sense all of a sudden. There were no parents to sit by them and care for them....the little girl had done her own hair, they were hungry. There is a woman in that branch who has opened her home to aids orphans. The ward helps when they can, but of course they are so poor there is not much they can do....but they gave them some food at the dinner. They bring them to church when they can, but there are only about 8 cars in the branch so that is hard. They put a new roof on her home recently and they do what they can. It was quite touching. I couldn't sleep thinking of that beautiful little boy eating the bones. I realized after and Dad noticed it too, that he had a distended stomach. They get one meal a day of a maize mush.....it looks like cream of wheat, but the elders say it is flavorless. It is simply for survival. I thought of all the food we throw away, of the blessings we have with food and home. This morning, when we went to church the orphans were all squeezed on the front row looking clean and neat and ready for church. I don' t think any of them are members. One little 8 year old had 3 inch heels on (sandals) that someone had given. She could hardly walk, but she took care pf the little girl next to her during the meeting. If she moved or looked behind her and squirmed, the older one shook her or chastised her. They all tried to sing...they loved the hymn books and during the meeting they took turns just turning the pages. I'm sure they don't have any books....when you don't have much food, you don't have books. My heart was a little heavy, but then I looked at the wonderful side of this....these orphans are not on the street. They do have some food. They have clean clothes. They have woman who loves them They all have Primary teachers and they love Primary. They have a roof over their heads and someone cares. I love those people for accepting them and helping them the best they can. I have tears as I think of it and as I think of my grandchildren who have wonderful parents in their lives who love them and feed and clothe them and teach them about the Savior. My cup runneth over with gratitude as I come home exhausted in a good way. I feel so blessed to have these experiences....to be with the people. I loved teaching RS and being witht he women today. We laughed and cried together as we would anyplace. Their lives are hard, but the Gospel brings them peace and purpose and they are learning self reliance as they learn about gardening and education and work and doing and leading. The beautiful RS president in her bright yellow blouse came up after the meeting and said I think I get it (I talked mostly about Visiting teaching and being our brothers keeper) now. I have only been a member 2 years and I have so much to learn, but I love the Gospel and I love helping the sisters. I"m going to be better. I gave out RS stickers again, and said put this where you want.....book, mirror, paper, etc. and a young girl about 19 or 20 up and said, "Look, Sister Parmley, I put my sticker on my cell phone, cause you know we girls are always on the phone.!!! I loved it. Many live in townships with one room houses, but they do have cell phones, and I can see that get much joy and communication....I can't judge anything anymore. Dad teaches so well as he instructs the missionaries and the leaders. He has a great ability to teach. He and I are ike frick and frack a little, but he always helps me with my suitcase and carries for me and opens doors and loves me. It is good. We miss you and love you. It is good we are busy. The Snows greeted us when we got home with an open door and food and love. We will miss them sooo much as their assignment has changed. They go back to Utah on August 1st. We'll enjoy them until then. I'm going to bed. I love you. Mom

Lesotho

2005-03-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful trip for two days to Lesotho. This is a small country in the south of Africa. It is a tiny country ruled by Parliament and sovereignty. The purpose of out trip was to be part of a humanitarian effort where they were giving away 500 wheelchairs from the Church. We drove with Elder and Sister newby and we had a great time.
The drive took us about nine hours going because we were having a great time going a beautiful way to see the sights. ...and see sights we did. Truly, South Africa and Lesotho are beautiful countries with many beauties of nature. We went into a National Park by mistake and it was glorious. All four of us in the car were gazing at a beautiful golf course and missed the turn until we were all the way through the park and were we ever glad we had made a wrong turn. We were in the most beautiful mountains with glorious rock formations that were very reminiscent of Bryce and Zions. It was not quite the same but we saw similarities. However it was very lush and green from the rain the past few days, so it SW quite a sight with the rock formations and green hills and mountains and waterfalls. There we saw cattle being led by typically dressed Leshoto cowboys with pants and boots and beautiful blankets around them or over one shoulder. They had all sorts of hats from cowboy hats to baseball hats. It was fun to see. It was so wonderful that we got on the wrong road because on the way back through the park we saw rare mountain zebras that were beautiful and strange and they were by some cattle. Also on the way back through the park we saw many baboons climbing on the rocks and boulders. It was great.
We went with Elder and Sister Newby and they are great fun. He is the Executive Secretary and she is at the desk downstairs all day everyday so we see them every day several times and have gotten to know them very well.
There was a detour for about 30 minutes that took us through fields of corn and on narrow dirt roads that were full of holes and bumps and it was awful driving. At one point a huge truck was stopped because he was stuck in the mud and so cars were stopped in both directions and many people were standing trying to help and just milling around. It was a little unsettling for a while as we were pinned in between cars and ditches and mud on either side. We were glad our prayers had been specific that morning and we trusted and exercised faith. We were the only white people for miles and miles around and we'll just say we were thrilled to get moving.
We really felt quite safe, but your mind goes a little crazy knowing what can go on, but we arrived safe and sound and barely before dark which is good. Black people are very hard to see in the dark and there are few street lights and many people walking everywhere.
The next day was the highlight as we went to the palace for the ceremony. Your Dad presented the wheelchairs to the queen in a very sweet way and she accepted them formally and then the wheelchairs were brought out to 20 handicapped people. Many, many more were to be given the next two days in different areas. During the speeches the handicapped children and adults sat by their families who were struggling to hold them up and keep them comfortable. We could see the caregivers were really going to benefit as most were very disabled and had to be carried everywhere. During the middle of the ceremony we heard a person making tremendous noises.....very loud and almost like a warrior noise that you have heard in the movies. I thought it was one of the handicapped people in the back that couldn't control themselves. As it turned out it was a mother whose child was handicapped who was making these noises out of joy. She did it off and on through every speech and then when her child received his chair she went crazy with that noise and tears were streaming down her face. It was really touching. We found out it was a Zulu response of joy. It was so touching to see all of them receive their chairs. One wife was had feeding her husband and they were thrilled. One child was about 4 years old and had never been off his mother's back except to sleep at night. She has carried him all these years because he couldn't sit or stand. We all had tears of joy for them and are so grateful for a church who believes in giving and sharing. It was also very touching to see the members of the branch come in with their "helping hand aprons" with hands on the front and the name of the church on the back. They had put the wheelchairs together and were passing them out and then helping the people into the trucks to go home. It was fun to see some being wheeled home as we left. They waved and laughed and smiled as we passed them. What a thrill to see such joy and to see what a difference one chair will make in their lifetime. Many spare parts were sent also in case repairs are needed. It was quite an event. It is really hard to put into words the emotions feelings we had.
We had a great drive home....it didn't take quite as long, but it was beautiful every step of the way. There were acres and acres of sunflowers blooming. They were breath taking and the blossoms were huge...the size of dinner plates. They are harvested to make sunflower oil.We loved every minute of our two days. We stopped for meals and shopped a little and laughed a little and cried a little. We feel so blessed to be part of this. I must give credit for the wheelchair give away. It was arranged by Karl and Donna Snow who are over humanitarian services here. They are one of those wonderful couples who are serving away from them families and comfort zones and are having the time of their lives. This was another great adventure.

2005-01-30T02:53:00.001-08:00

More Cheetahs

2005-01-30T02:53:00.000-08:00

Dad and I had a great time at the Cheetah Game Reserve. We went with the missionary couples and had a great time. The cheetahs are magnificent animals and we loved seeing about a dozen up close and personal.

Relief Society Stickers

2005-01-20T03:54:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Bill and I attended a branch here in Joberg. I can't remember the name, but it was about 45 minutes away and a very small, humble branch it was. They are meeting in a temporary building which is reminiscent of a trailer.....a triple wide trailer. Anyway that morning the attendance was low, because in December people travel home to there villages to for the holidays and many places simply close down. This particular morning I was really touched by what happened in Relief Society. There were 8-10 women there and they passed out the new David O. MacKay manuals. You'd have thought they passed out the crown jewels. Those women were exclaiming, touching the manuals like they were gold, hugging them and even kissing them. They were SO THRILLED TO HAVE THIS BOOK OF THEIR OWN TO READ. THEN the RS president passed out once RS sticker to each woman there. Again, they went into spasms of joy....touching and trying to decide what to do with this precious addition to their lives. Finally, they decided they would put them on the new manual. Again, they touched and loved and really caressed their new possessions...all the time exclaiming and expressing joy and laughter. it was quite a sight.

Soooo, when I went to train in Zimbabwe, I took RS stickers. They are easy to carry and have no weight. The weight restrictions are tough between countries. Anyway, I cut them up and had someone give each woman in the training session a sticker as they left. I gave about 125 stickers. I didn't see much of a reaction because they were leaving and I was answering individual questions. Well, low and behold the next morning at District Conference we were sitting on the stand and all of a sudden it came to me that the women were wearing them on their dresses. At least half of the sisters had come adorned in their RS stickers. Quite a fun sight and very humbling to see that so little could bring such joy.

Zambia and Zimbabwe

2005-01-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

We had a wonderful trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia. We were busy every minute and it was sooooo hot that you can't believe it, but we loved it. There was not any air conditioning in any church or hotel, or even the mission home and it was very humid, so often my whole head was wringing wet, but we still loved it. We traveled the entire time with the mission president and his wife and they were great fun and great leaders and that was good. It was hard to see the terrible things happening in Zimbabwe. Mugabe is a cruel and wicked man and he is ruining the country. The situation of white Africans that were killed or run off their farms is soooo sad and the black people who took their lands don't know how to farm so that beautiful fertile land is going to weed and is being ruined. The people are hungry and out of work. The unemployed is 80% so you can see the problems. It is beautiful country and we drove many hours going from conference to conference so we really saw the land. It is beautiful.. some parts are green and hilly and the acacia trees are magnificent. Other parts are very much what you think the land in Africa should look like.....very open and many thorn trees and bushes. It isn't too dense in those places, but we loved that landscape. In some parts we were very high and had to climb. We didn't know the elevation as there were no markings, but there was tremendous beauty. There were many flowering trees....tulip trees, flame lilies, jacaranda, plumeria, and many we couldn't identify. It is a beautiful part of the world. There was one area that had huge balancing rocks that were fascinating and beautiful at the same time. We were reminded a little of the boulders used in Cuzco in Peru, but these were not man placed and it was intriguing. The landscape was wonderful. My favorite part were the rondeval villages. I hope I have spelled that right. Anyway, they are round houses made of mud with thatched roofs. The inside wall were smeared with cow dung as were the floors. This hardens and they are able to sweep and clean it. The roofs have to be replaced every few years as do the floors. There is a bench all around the inside of the house and there is a fireplace in the middle. They sleep on the floor on mats if they have them and roll them up during the day. There are often smaller square buildings close to the round one and that is for food storage....mostly the maize which they grind and eat at every meal. If they have it they add chard and a few other vegetables.. If they are really well off they will add the protein of chicken or snake or whatever. (Grandpa ordered crocodile for dinner the other night and loved it. He said it tasted a little like chicken) We often saw women bending from the waist sweeping the dirt around their little round house. It is red dirt and they sweep about 4 or 5 feet away from the home. We thought it was crazy to sweep the dirt, but we found out why. If a snake comes crawling into their house they know it because the snake leaves a trail in the newly swept dirt. Oh me!

The people are wonderful. They are happy. They smile and wave and love it when you smile and wave back. The church members are so happy to have the Gospel in their lives and they love anything we teach. They are the pioneers of Africa. Almost all are first generation members and have much to learn about the government of the church, but they try so hard and are doing well. We are always absolutely amazed with the depth of their understanding and the knowledge of the scriptures and the testimonies that they share. The baptisms are astounding in that area. There are wonderful missionaries, and there is a spirit here that is almost touchable.

They love and believe what they hear. The church is doing great things there with humanitarian services and CES is there and Employment help is on its' way. A new missionary couple will be there in a week to help with that. In Johannesburg that program was implemented last year and 2000 members either started their own business, or found employment or improved their employment because of that education and help. That means 2000 families were impacted, which means thousands more because they care for their own here so well, so that means many more mouths were fed. The church is doing much with teaching keyboard skills, health training, and oh so much more. There are sad cases and happy ones. We choose to focus on the good we see. Of course AIDS is an unbelievable problem, and we are helping with orphanages, etc, but it rages on. In Uganda where the president of the country said, "abstinence before marriage and fidelity after marriage" has helped make incredible progress. The rate of AIDS has gone from 35-40% of the population to 15-17%. In the other countries they teach "use condoms", so we wish the presidents of those countries would change their slogan. Those that join the church are changing their lives and that is going to make a difference on a small scale, but many of course were infected before they became members. It is a tragedy to behold, but one by one lives are being changed. It is the next generation that will have a big impact as children are taught correct principles. Oh I have just gone on and on. I do want to add another Mugabe has done.......he is cracking down on the church and the missionary effort. The church has been red flagged, which means visas are not being extended for more than 30 days at a time and in some cases missionaries are being kicked out. While we were there 8 were sent to Zambia and a missionary couple who has done great things teaching gardening were given 48 hours to leave. We all have faith that as soon as the elections are over things will settle back down to normal. That man really is evil.

Now, I want to tell our grandchildren about Noreen. Noreen is a little black girl who is 5 years old and she lives in the mission home because her father is the gardener. He takes care of the big, big yard, and cleans the mission home once and week and does all the handy work that needs to be done. She was the cutest little girl. She had beautiful big, brown eyes, and short kinky hair that often had lint or leaves in it. She was lonely because there wasn't anyone else to play with. We would wake up to her singing outside our bedroom window some mornings. She would always run and greet us when we came there. One time we were sitting in the living room talking. It was very hot outside and her mother had given her a squirt bottle to keep cool. She decided to cool us, I guess and she sprayed through the window and really shocked him. She got in a little trouble but we thought it was funny and Grandpa thought it felt good. The very cutest thing was how she played with her doll. President and Sister Jenkins gave her a white little doll for Christmas. She had never had a doll. She doesn't have very much at all. There is only one bed in their tiny house so she sleeps with her parents. She follows her daddy around as he gardens and works. Anyway, she loves this doll. She carries it. She sings to it. She talks to it. We saw her out the window, AND the cutest part is she has her mother tie her dolly on her back like all the African mothers do and she would carry that doll for hours as she danced on the lawn and followed her dad and sang and jumped. One day as we left she had her back to us and did see us and she was just jumping and jumping with that dolly on her back. The thing that was so cute......Noreen is very very black and her dolly is very very white. We loved her. More nest time. We love you and miss you.

2004-12-18T05:20:00.001-08:00

Baby asleep on mother's back

2004-12-18T05:20:00.000-08:00

This woman showed me how to wrap her baby on her back

2004-12-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

In a small branch

2004-12-16T01:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

We had a Christmas party on our lawn last week for the staff at the office (about 80 people) and the missionary couples about 20 that day. Even though it was our lawn in front of our house, it wasn't our party. We were guests too. They roasted a lamb and had African food and it was delicious. There was a devotional first with a wonderful choir made up of some of the people invited and they had been practicing for about 2 months and it was beautiful. Bill and I were in the front looking at the audience and it became hard as the choir sang and I looked into the tear stained faces of some of the missionary couples (wives mostly). They were missing their children and then of course so did I. It is a sacrifice to be here especially at times like the holidays, but none of us would change that. We want to be here. It is a glorious place to be, but I have been going down memory lane this week and have been remembering some of our Christmas times together.

Remember when Michael was about 5 and the day before Christmas a little boy hit him in the eyes with a stick and all of Christmas Day his eyes were covered because the cornea was scratched. He was pretty brave. I remember when John got his skate board and all the paraphanalia that goes with it and Dad and I standing in the living room watching him go down the hill in front of the house time after time and we were holding hands and our breath fearful he would kill himself. Remember when Todd cracked the Christmas package code after I had taken days to try to fool everyone. He sat under the tree with pencil and paper for a day calculating and he did crack it.....although I didn't admit it to him until Christmas Day. Do you remember when Ann got a package of scarves and nightgowns and silky things from Goodwill so she could play dressup with Shelby. That box cost about $5 and she had some lovely clothes that were more expensive, but it was the Goodwill box that was the hit. I remember many times when the boxes the gifts came in were more fun than the gift. I didn't know until many years later, but remember when you took the hinges off the door that led under the house and saw your Christmas gifts and it ruined your Christmas? I remember eating See's candy as we decorated the tree and I remember lovely gifts from each of you that you had made in school....ceramic faces and vases, stamped fabric for a table runner, and cards and pictures and other gifts that I treasured more than anything. Of course the Christmas plays come to mind as we struggled to write it and practice it....the fun we had when you were younger and wanted to practice it over and over and the agony when you got older and we were begging you to write it and begging you to at least practice it once before we performed. What fun when we gradually added your spouses and chldren to our acting pool. John, I am sure is very grateful this year for the practice he has had in writing over the years as he has been asked to write the Christmas play for his ward. Somehow, I don't think it encompasses the nativity. ....but I'll bet it's great. The end results were always fun and worth it. I remember trying to get the pictures ready for the Christmas letter. Trying to figure out what you should all wear and trying not to have all of you in tears at the same time as we tried to get the picture. I remember with fondness killing myself to get the Christmas Eve dinner ready and that it was always worth it even though it twas always eaten in about 15 minutes. I loved Christmas morning as you opened your gifts and usually loved them after Dad and I spent weeks trying to figure out what would make you happiest. I did hate Toys R Us. That place was a nightmare, but we'd get it done early and then hide things at Mrs. Hardings or the McConnaugheys. Reading from Luke was a highlight for us. It was fun to watch someone put Baby Jesus in his manger. It is hard not to have you all close this year....hard not to run around shopping and trying to fool all of you about what you were getting....but mostly I will just miss being with you. Dad and I are going to keep busy with a trip to help us not get homesick...when you are old you can get homesick for old times. However, even though we are missing you we are loving being here. We pray you are being blessed because of our service. We feel so blessed to be here. My health is good, we are together, this place is beautiful and we love the experiences we are having. We feel needed and appreciated by everyone and we know we are in the middle of a miracle as far as the church is concerned. We love the black people we have met. We are in awe of their dedication to the Gospel and their understanding and love of the scriptures. They soak up everything they can about the Gospel and the government of the church. They want to do everything right. They have faith and knowledge that often puts us to shame. Yesterday in the Johannesburg Ward there were 4 deacons sitting right in front of me. They were amazing. They were all dressed in their white shirts and ties and I have to say I loved their hair....short and fuzzy and they even had a little lint in it. Those 4 boys were so reverent...oh they occasionally poked each other as you would expect but 95% of the time they were intent on the speakers and they looked up every scripture that was mentioned. They took notes when Dad talked and their scriptures were worn from use. I loved watching them and even learning from them. They will be the backbone of the church in the next decade...strong, good leaders. This is the kind of thing we see all the time.
Anyway, please know that my memories of Christmastime with you are numerous and wonderful. I hope you have good ones. Someday, I'd like to hear some of them. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year with your families and friends. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you. Sorry, that we can't be as generous as we have been, but know we love you and we love the Savior which is the most important equation of the season. I'm grateful for His life and His love for me. I've been learning even more about the Atonement these past few months and what peace that brings me. I love all of you and miss you, but am so grateful for the part you play in my life. You are all precious to me.....probably more than you will ever know.

Love Mom and Grandma

2004-12-15T02:26:00.000-08:00

Children in traditional attire.

2004-12-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

Party on the lawn

2004-12-15T02:22:00.000-08:00

Dancing

2004-12-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time decorating the tree. There were 8 adults and mostly the men heckled us as we put the decorations on. Ann and I picked out the decorations at Mr Lee's and I brought them here becuase there isn't much here in the way of decorations. The men put on the lights and we did the rest. Then we had pizza and dessert. It was fun. It helped us all not to be homesick too much for our families. Wish you were here with us.

2004-12-06T01:30:00.000-08:00

More...

2004-12-06T01:28:00.000-08:00

More nativity sets

2004-12-06T01:27:00.000-08:00

Assorted nativity scenes

2004-11-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We have had another adventure in Mozambique. The thing that comes to mind is rivulets of perspiration, no sweat, coming from our bodies. I have never been so hot in my life. As we taught in that auxiliary training meeting my hair became soaked and water was dripping from my head to my feet and every place in between. I was still wonderful. It was very exciting to be there as the church has had missionaries there for only 5 years, and we had 500 people at that district conference, and this year they will have baptized 800 people. The missionaries were outstanding and I really felt a fondness for the assistants who were with the women every minute taking us wherever we wanted to go...sometimes to meetings and sometimes shopping. They reminded me of my sons so much and I guess that is why I enjoyed them so much. There were so good at what they did and they were fun and they were loved by all the people around them. ....the shopkeepers as well as the members. They were wonderful. It was wonderful to be with Elder Bateman of the First Presidency of the Seventy. He is wonderful. He is a masterful teacher and so smart. He remembered every name and every detail of the church in all of Africa. It was fun to travel with him. He was a wonderful sport as sweat dripped off him too. The country is tropical and beautiful and right on the he Indian Ocean.....sometimes it is deceiving to see the coastline and the beauty of nature and then you see the poverty. They are a happy people. They are not hungry like the people of Kenya because there are so many natural resources. For our grandchildren, I want you to know I saw children playing with big leaves again. They are huge leaves, tropical leaves with a large stem that they take turns pulling each other on. It is like having a wagon without wheels. It is easy to pull because the earth is sand. I also saw some children making dolls out of mud and sand. They molded their little families into people and made eyes and mouths out of little rocks. I also saw children that had old wire rims.....maybe from an old bicycle that they would roll with a stick and chase it all over. They were very good at it. I also saw some children dancing to music on the street....little children....age 18months up to 6 or 7 years old. They were having a wonderful time. When you don't have toys, it is amazing what you can do to find things to play with. We loved the people even though they speak only Portuguese. The missionaries were such wonderful translators that it was easy to communicate and I've found it is pretty easy to communicate with my hands and heart.

Elder Bateman and Elder Nelson were traveling together and before we went to Moz. we were with them at a Mission President's Seminar. I loved that. Those mission presidents and their wives are so wonderful and we loved being with them and learning with them. We had a department for the wives which turned out well, I think. We feel blessed to be here. We're having spiritual experiences and funny experiences and educational experiences and all kinds in between. Especially after last year, I feel so blessed to be here....to have my health and energy. We miss you all and think about you often. I even talked about one of my grandchildren in this last conference and the people loved it.....how do I know that? ...they smiled and laughed with me. Someday, I'll tell you who and what I said. We love you all. We love your e-mails. Please keep them coming.....they are wonderful.

2004-11-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

We have had a nice few days. Today was church and we went to a ward in Soweto. None in the Primary Presidency showed up nor did any teachers.....just the secretary and nursery leader......so I taught them for an hour off the top of my head and it was fun. They love the missionaries, so I taught them "I hope They Call Me On a Mission" and they didn't know it and they loved it...and stood and sang it and learned it so quickly. African people are wonderful musicians. They don't have pianos. So we did it without a piano. They usually use tape recorders and CD"S. There were a few who only speak Swahili so they didn't understand anything I said, but they were so reverent and they actually learned the song, even though they didn't know what the words meant. It was really fun. I told them about my grandchildren and showed them pictures of all of you. They laughed and smiled. It was a fun day...we had 6 people to dinner and now we are collapsing, but I miss all of you...especially on Sunday night. We talked to John and his children for a few minutes until the connection broke up and it was great. Claire kept saying, "Poppa". I miss you but know you are all doing your very best. We are too.

Love Mom

Kinshasha, Congo and Brazzaville, DR Congo

2004-11-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We thought we'd drop another note after our 6 day trip to Kinshasha, Congo and Brazzaville, DR Congo. It was a wonderful trip and every single moment seemed to be a journal entry. We arrived at the airport which was a beehive of confusion. Luckily President and Sister Waldram met us to help us through all the red tape and there was also a beautiful member of the church (Josepha) who works there who helped us and believe me, we would still be there if it weren't for them. It was crazy with jillions of people trying to carry your bag and stopping you at check points, etc. They made what could have been impossible so very easy. Our ride into the city was quite a visual. There was and always was a sea of people everywhere....walking and walking and walking. There are cars also, and there are crazy, crazy drivers. I wish I could describe well what we saw but it is hard to put in words. ...I'll try. The women were in beautiful colored dresses....African prints that took your breath away. With their beautiful black skin these colors were magnificent.......very bright and lovely. Many had the fabric tied on their heads in the same matching fabric. Some had other colors on and of course some were in western dress, but not the majority. A lot of the men were in western dress, but there were many who had the same wonderful fabrics in their clothes. They were often designed like a hospital scrub outfit....some wear long dresses of beautiful fabric. The clothes tend to be loose because it is so hot and humid there. Many babies ride on their mother's backs again held there with these beautiful fabrics. We only saw a handful of white people the entire time we were there.

It is tropical, so there was much rain which turned the black dirt roads into mud. There are some paved roads, but many many areas were dirt and it was good we have a four wheel drive to go around in. The markets except for 5 or 6 were stalls with tin roofs or people just sitting or walking at the side of the road selling things. We loved the onion and garlic stalls. All products were stacked in a beautiful way as the people sat on the ground waiting for people to buy.....wall to wall stalls of all kinds of merchandise.

We had to cross the Congo River to get to get to Brazzaville Stake Conference and that was an experience of a lifetime. There are not bridges only boats. There are 2 kinds of boat. One was a motorboat which wasn't as nice as the African Queen and the VIP boat was a little nicer than the African Queen. We traveled on each boat..... the small one going and the VIP coming back. It was so crowded on that little boat. There were supposed to be maximum of 9 passengers and there were 11. It only took about 10 minutes but we were packed in with these life jackets and the fun part was getting in and out from about a 4 foot drop. Honestly, we weren't very gracious in our church clothes. The men had on suits and I know we were a sight, but climbing in and out was hard.....no ladder....only from boat to shore with people pulling and pushing. It was quite a deal. Lots of red tape on the other side. Again, there were people to help us get through.....no computers....everything done in triplicate and many check points. We were going into a different country. The church officials met us and were very glad to see us...dressed in their suits and ready to leave for meetings. I did auxiliary training while Bill trained priesthood. Actually, I did it with Sister Waldram, the mission president's wife. She doesn't speak french either, but she read hers in french and I had a interpreter. It is hard to do it that way, but I am learning and the women were wonderful. They were dressed beautifully in their dresses and head pieces and they took notes, but I don't know what they wrote, cause I don't know if the one translating got it all. We had to start and stop, but the spirit was there and many came up and kissed me on both cheeks and were so wonderful. There were 3,000 at stake conference.....85%. The singing was so fun.....loud and vigorous. The choir was the same....all young adults with big gold bow ties and matching skirts (bright blue satin) and white blouses. There was a new member meeting before conference with about 50 new members who bore testimony and who had lights shining through their hearts and eyes. There were tears of joy as they bore testimony. That was a very moving meeting to be part of. It was Bill and I and the mission president and his wife and the new members and the missionaries who had converted them. Those missionaries were also "shining". We were given huge bouquets of flowers, which of course we couldn't carry back on the boat, cause it was about all we could do to get ourselves and our suitcase on board, so we gave them to our drivers to give to their wives. Our drivers were CES people and our vehicles were trucks. The cars take quite a beating because of the roads......We hit many potholes very hard as we traveled about for the 6 days. We loved being with the Waldrams. They were so gracious and fun and helpful. We are so impressed with their upbeat attitudes with hard living conditions. They are a great blessing to the people there and are doing a wonderful job in everything they do. They took us everywhere to see the churches there and the sight which they hope will be for a temple one day. Mostly the saints meet in houses, but we saw one lovely building and the ground had just been broken for the next one so they are making great progress. Those saints know there scriptures very very well and are very educated in the Gospel, and are learning much about the church organization. We have only had the Gospel 13 years in Congo, so these people are the pioneers. They are very teachable and humble. It was wonderful to be with them. Language was a barrier, but we felt the Spirit together and learned together and worshiped together. It was a blessing to be there and we loved it. We get tired sometimes with all that is going on but it is a good tired. The missionary couples continue to inspire us. Those in the Congo have a very hard life, because of the living conditions, but they are doing it and are sooooo needed. They are something else. We miss all of you and love your e-mails....it is an experience of a lifeline. We love what we are doing and are getting ready for our next adventure. We go to Durban in 2 days, so must do the laundry and get ready. We want you to know that we feel very blessed to be here and we know this is the Lord's work and it is a privilege to be part of it. The Gospel is true.

Love S
Please keep in touch.....

Driving on the wrong side

2004-10-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, It is a beautiful day here and in a few minutes I'm going to walk 4 blocks out of the compound with Sister Brown to the fruit stand. We are quite brave to do this, but it is great to get out. The street we will be walking on is lined with jacaranda trees which are all in bloom and it is breath taking. They are huge trees (like oak) so it is a canopy over the street. The blossoms are beautiful lavender. Saturday we went with 2 other missionary couples to Pretoria to see the trees which are more abundant over there and then to a wonderful monument honoring the men and woman who trekked from Cape Town to avoid persecution. ...in about 1835. The had covered wagons and were heroic as our pioneers were. It was a very familiar story, however instead of Indians attacking they had Zulus attacking and killing. When you come we must go there. We saw some animals roaming around but I can't think of the names......beautiful with long straight horns black stripe down the center. I am going to buy an animal book, a flower book and bird book.....there are so many unusual kinds here. We went to church in a ward about 20 minutes from here. A very small ward. I visited the Primary of 12 children and it was fun. I was asked to play piano there and in Sacrament meeting because the don't have any who can play. This wonderful black chorister came up and asked me if I played, by any chance. I said I hadn't done if for years and years, but I would try. He said he had prayed for an angel to help him with music that morning. I looked at him with a chuckle in my eyes (if that is possible) and he got very serious and said, no, I really did pray for an angel to help me. I guess I was the angel, but I had a little trouble with 3 sharps. Jenna, keep practicing those hymns. You are going to be needed.
The big news is that I'm learning to drive.....on the wrong side. I know it doesn't sound too hard especially for you Ann. I know you are going everywhere over there in Australia, but here it is different for several reasons. There is lots of traffic, with not too polite drivers. They tend to be impatient. The street names can change 2 or 3 times in a 2 mile stretch, but the main reason is the problem of safety. You really can't stop and ask for directions unless it is a service station and they are not too plentiful and the people who work there do not drive, so they can't help. Many , many people do not have cars and they are in the middle of the street selling things like glasses and fruit and newspapers and all sorts of things. It is a little nerve wrecking, BUT the good news is that I now can drive to 2 shopping centers and I don't feel trapped. The grocery stores are in the shopping centers for security reasons and there are guards to take care of the cars while we shop. We tip them a few rand to do that.
We hope you are all well. You are in our prayers morning and night and in between. I now you are all busy and that is good. We have a meeting in the morning with humanitarian missionaries. They are amazing and are doing wonderful things. They are coming from all over Africa. It will be fun to See them as we meet them and get to know them as we travel. Dad is speaking. We go to Congo on Thursday which will be quite a trip I know. We will not do much when we are not in meetings, but stay in hotel or mission home.That is one place we have to be careful, but I am thinking that mission president's wife will take me shopping...That is a must, don't you think. I am taking her some books, because she can't get them there. It is a french speaking country. I am also taking them a few treats that they can't get there. Will e-mail on return. We are fine and it is good to feel needed.
We do miss you though and love your e-mails. Here is some news that i know:
Carol is busy as PTA pres. , Michael is busy with practice. John is busy with trials, Elizabeth is busy as soccer coach, Todd is in play about atomic bomb, Ben is busy traveling with work, Ann is busy learning new city and is new counselor in Primary.I love you all and really love your e-mails even if they are short. Did you think about Skype and a t least a microphone? I am gong to spell check on orders from John, or should I say because of criticism from John. Be safe. Love Mom

2004-10-22T17:43:00.001-07:00

These are my creations.....What fun.

2004-10-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

The wild one is in our bedroom. Can you believe I've gone from all neutrals to this?? When in Africa...................please let me hear from you. Did you get any of the pictures? Love Mom

2004-10-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

I hope this really gives you a feel for the experience we had. See the thank you on the wall in ferns. See the little boys with the bare feet and runny nose and sucker in his mouth. They were all given suckers

2004-10-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

In the background are their little crops and their homes.

2004-10-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

I love the picture of the woman with the stuff on her head and the baby on her back. They were on the way home after the school presentation of the bags and the thank yous to the church. Quite a sight, don't you think?

2004-10-19T17:30:00.001-07:00

You can see Dad and I giving out the bookbags and in the picture outside you can really see the view of the valley....ltheir little crops and their homes.

2004-10-19T14:34:00.001-07:00

Thank you

These are pictures from the school we told you about in Madagascar. Hope you enjoy them. Love Mom

2004-10-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Children in school house

2004-10-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

Giving school bags in Madagascar

Madagascar II

2004-09-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family, I thought I had sent you all our latest experience last night, but I think I forgot to push the send button. Anyway, if yo have already received this....I'm sorry. I can't find it. We arrived home last night after touring th Madagascar mission for two weeks. We spoke at several sessions of conferences, firesides, Mission Conferences, Auxiliary Training and met with the missionary couples alot. Our cup is overflowing. This will be a brief synopsis as we leave in just a few hours today. We are going to New York to see Todd's play and then to conference in SL. We loved our trip to these 3 islands. I am only going to mention one experience although we had many, many more. When we arrived in Madagascar we were immediately taken to an out lyingvillage where a humanitarian missionary couple took several of us to see their finished project. There is a small qne room school there that had it's roof blown off by a typhon. The couple asked the church finance this project and they did. A new roof was reinforced and replaced.....doors and windows were put in and a cement floor replaced the red dirt. Crude benches and desks were put in and we were going to visit so these people could thank the church for this gift. It was a bumpy trail on red dirt and up and down hills and through drainage ditched that took us to the school. It was on top of a little mountain with an exquisite view of the countryside. We saw terraced farms of rice, banana trees and other wonderful products. Chickens and mangy dogs were all over as well as women in bright colors with babies on their backs and loads of things like sticks, water, laundry, bread or whatever on their head. Everyone smiled and waved as we went by. They have nothing materially, but are a happy people. When we arrived at the school they were waiting for us. All the little pre school students were on the frist 3 rows and all of their parents and famililes were sitting behind them quietly waiting for us. We were greeted with song and smiles and gratitude for this humble little school house for their children. On the wall in front of us as we walked in were the words "thank you" pasted somehow on the cement wall in fern leaves. They had added a blossom or two to make it more beautiful. There were 3 or 4 vines hanging to decorate the other walls. Some vines were only 7 or 8 inches long. Some of the people had shoes and some did not. Bill and I were then asked to present each child a book bag that we presented to each child. Some wonderful RS had put these simple bags together and had sewn the bags and how grateful they were. They touched and loved those bags....as did their parents. Bill and I spoke briefly and then at the end the eldest man of the village came to the front in tatterd but clean clothes with his pants rolled up because they were way too long and he had barefeet and very few teeth. He had tears in his eyes as he thanked the church for this generous gift to their children. We all had tears as we watched this wonderful event unfold. The had all had a ameasles vaccination before we arrived. That has been the project of another missionary couple. These couples are making such a difference and are having the adventures of a lifetime. Non of these childre at that school were members of the church or were their families. It was a blessing to be part of that and to see such overwhelming gratitude from these humble people. The school project cost the church $3,000 and kept 2 people in work for months as they built it.

Madagascar

2004-09-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends. We just arived home after a 2 week trip that was absolutely wonderfu. I am tried and we leave tomorrow for New York to see Todd's play (we can't wait) and then off to conference in SL. Iwanted to share sn expereince or two while it is fresh in my heart. By the time I get back to Joburg the moment maybe will have passed. We have been to La Reunion, Mauritius and Madagascar and we traveled with President and Sister Harmon of that mission. We had a wonderful time with them. One of the sweetest moments happened in Madagascar. They picked us up at the airport and took us immediately to a little country pre-school way out in a remore village. The last 20 minutes of the ride was in a very hilly area on red dirt through the ditches and fields. This little school house had one room. The roof had been blown off in a typhoon so a missionary couple took this on as one of their projects. They got the church to fund help there. They shored up and put on a new roof....changed the red dirt floor to cement ...put in crude benches for the little ones and painted and cleaned and put in a door and window. We were going to the school so the people could thiank the church through us for the school. We we arrived to this humble tiny one room schoo the children and their families were all sitting on the benches waiting for us. On the walls written live pieces of fern was "Thank You". The were tattered and torn but clean. About halfof the people had shoes but allhad a smile. The children sang to us. I taught them "open Shut them, and we shook every hand and wept as we felt such tremendous gratitude from these people. After Bill and I said a few words, then the builder said a few things with a hammer in his hand, and then the oldest "little old man" in the village came to the front in his rolled up pants and bare feet and thanks us on behalf of the entire village. They clapped for us, then we for them. Bill and I then passed out book bags to each child as their name was called. These bags were made by some wonderful RS. Their eyes were big, and they were so excited, but oh so reverent and polite. The cost to the church was $3,000. What a beautiful gift. The missionary couple that found this project, started and saw it to fruition were so very touched too. Their hearts were full and their tears very evident through the whole time. What a way to spend 18 months after retirement. Everyone who serves that way doesn't always have such a defined success. Of course none of these children or families are members of the church. There was a measles project going on by another couple. They saw to it that hundres of children were given the vaccine. They were all saving so mnay lives....the couple had made up songs about the measles innoculation day and the members took flyers into the neighborhoods and hundreds were done in 3 days. The death rate from that disease has been tremendous......thousands and thousands of children have been dying. Another remarkable expereince. WE had many more things happen. We feel so blessed to be able to do this. ...more than words can express. We love you all....More when I'm not so tired. Love Grandma and Shanna We will send pictures of this when we get back from SL.....too much tonight. Hope you have a visual, though

2004-09-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

Plains