Our Cup Runneth Over: FOOTPRINTS ON OUR HEARTS December, 2013

Everything is said in these 25 words. Dennis and I have been changed forever...we will never, ever be the same because we have been part of the Swazi people. So for the next few weeks, we spent our time saying farewell to the people of Swaziland. (A good-bye isn't painful, unless you're never going to say hello again). I know that I have already put a few pictures of these farewells in former posts, but I will be more specific in the next few.

Monday, 23 December was a crazy day. I am going to give you a brief account: We woke early and drove to Nhlangano (1 1/2 hour drive) where we met with President Bulunga. Dennis interviewed Sanele Dlamini for a temple recommend . We went to see Sister Shongwe to deliver our Christmas present. We saw Ma Zungu and her family and then drove to Bro. Dludlu to bid farewell (he died a few months after we returned home - he was a special man). Then hurried on to Gege where we saw the Malingas, Manqoba Ndlovu's family and pastor Hlope. But our time was passing quickly because we had to be back in Mbabane for Bower Kanyembo and Lenhle Mcina's wedding. When we arrived, President Mahlalela who was to be performing the ceremony, called and said that his car was not working. We rushed to Ezulwini to pick him up and hurried back to Mbabane and only 2 1/2 hours late. It turned out to be a beautiful wedding. It was delightful to meet her parents. They have come such a long way in accepting this union. Her father even gave a lovely speech after the ceremony. I was impressed. A good day.

Ma Zungu and her grandson

Bro. Dludlu with his daughter and great, granddaughter

The couple arriving...

Gathering of friends

President Mahlalela performing the ceremony

Innocent - Lenhle's brother

The group

The new Mr. and Mrs. Kanyembo

Lenhle's parents (Bower is from Zambia)

I have no idea what I was wearing - remember we had been gone literally all day

Pres. Siko Ntshalintshali, Kanyembo's and parents

Tuesday, 24 December......here it goes again. Visited Constance Dlamini, the Nkambule family, Sister Shabangu, Shongwe's, Sbu Mbuli and family, Busi Mahlalela and then visited the Nazarene Hospital Maternity ward with some sisters from the Manzini Branch and gave them packets for the new moms and child that I had put together. We entered the maternity ward and I immediately had to have Dennis leave because it was so hot that the new moms were undressed on top - so shame, we have no pictures of this activity. Then hurried home to prepare for a Christmas Eve feast with elders and members to watch "It's A Wonderful Life".

The Maternity Ward's packets for mom and child

Some of our visits

Hlope family

Malinga's

Masisi Dlamini

Sister Ndlovu

Sister Shabangu

Christmas Eve

I am going to do a post just for Christmas. The day after Christmas was spent pretty much like the previous days - visiting dear friends to bid them farewell.....Chosen, Tip Top, President Simelane, Xolani and Futhi, Mpilo and then went to most of our Swazi missionaries families to say good-bye. We ended our day with the Ezulwini elders coming over for games.

Friday, 27 December we were up at 5:00 a.m. and headed for Johannesburg where we visited with the Reber's at the MTC and then to the temple to meet the Nhlangano branch. They were two hours late....don't think I will ever get used to that. But while we were waiting, we were surprised with a visit from Elders Weston, Zsembery, Guthrie and Mabena. The first three were headed home and had a lay-over in Johannesburg and Elder Mabena picked them up. It was a pleasant surprise to see them. I had fixed the Nhlangano Branch dinner so when they finally arrived, they got settled and then we ate. Tomorrow, four of them will be going to the temple for the first time. I love this work.

Nhlangano arrives

Saturday started early with meeting Derrick Fakudze and his wife to purchase their garments and then off to the temple for the 7:30 a.m. session. Four members were receiving their endowments - Bro. and Sister Fakudze, Sanele Dlamini and Sister Hlope. What a marvelous session and when they brought in the Fakudze's son to be sealed to them, was a moment that was indescripable.

The Fakudze Family (Derrick is now the Nhlangano Branch President)

Sister Hlope, Derrick and Sister Fakudze and their son, Sanele Dlamini

Leaving the temple in the kombie....

After the session was over, we left for the China Mall to buy suits for Sibusiso and Sifiso for their missions. Then we met up with the Eggetts of the area office at Mikes and then headed for our 4 hour drive home. It is amazing what you can put into a day!

Sunday was another great Sabbath because we were able to attend Jabu Nkambule's baptism. She is the sister of Mbongiseni. What a great testimony she bore after. It will be grand for Mbongiseni to have another member of his family a member. It is just too bad that he was not here to baptize her. Thokozani Shongwe came over to learn how to make my homemade rolls. He is leaving Ezulwini to be the main chef at a resort about an hour and a half away. He will only be able to return on weekends for church once a month. The branch will miss him. When he left, the elders came over to visit. We had a great discussion about the resurrection. Love these boys.