Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus.” As I reflect back upon this holiday season, this statement has put on a greater meaning. Did I find room for Jesus in all the responsibilities that was put on me? Was He the center of the things that I did? Did I even remember Him while I was serving these people? He is the center of my life so why is it so easy to forget to make room for Him? Even here on mission, amidst the baking brownies, keeping the elders happy, planning activities for the members, visiting these wonderful people, I find myself not really thinking why I do all this. Why I am here! I am here to proclaim the truthfulness of the knowledge that He lives and loves us and wants us to return to Him through the ordinances of the gospel. It is as simple as that, so why is it that I forget so often?
Making room for Jesus is not just for December but for all year. Since He is the center of our lives, we should make room for Him every day of our life. As I contemplate this subject, my thoughts turned to all of you dear family and friends. You are an example to me for “making room for Jesus.” I think of those who helped with making the dinner possible for the orphans on Christmas day. You couldn’t be here but found a way to help; my dear friends that are on missions currently and those getting ready to serve – you are willing to sacrifice so much to declare good tidings to all those around you; family members that found a way to visit us so we would not be alone; other family members that provided a Christmas to elders they did not know serving in all parts of Africa from Swaziland; service you give daily in your callings so unselfishly; friends that have made it possible for us to serve by doing kind deeds; some of you have had health problems this year but you continued serving your family, fulfilling your callings and making sure there was “room’ for the Savior. You are all examples for me of being the kind of an “innkeeper” that makes room for our Savior. The kind of “innkeeper” that I want to be.
So, the next two weeks was filled with fulfilling mission responsibilities, getting ready for all the Christmas festivities, showing and introducing this wonderful country and people to Trina and Brian but most importantly enjoying the Christmas spirit here in Africa. The Swazi’s don’t have much – don’t exchange gifts – but I think understand Christmas better than most of us. They make room for the Savior – they reflect on the Savior’s love for them and enjoy the gathering of family. Not expensive, not stressful, not all-consuming, just as simple as “a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger”.
Monday, December 17th we woke to a gorgeous day and we wanted to show Trina and Brian some of the beauty that surrounds our home….so we went for a walk. We showed them the pond that we love, the more attractive homes that surround us, the worn-out bridge that connects the people from their homes to the outside world and then a river that had to be crossed by jumping rocks. After we successfully crossed the river, we encountered some young boys that were returning to their homes with firewood in a broken down wheel barrow. We could not figure out how they were going across that river with that wheelbarrow. So we asked if we could follow them back. They consented and then proceeded to put on a show for us. So cute……You will love the pictures. That afternoon we had a braai for the elders to celebrate South Africa’s “Day of Reconciliation” – braai day as the elders know it by. The elders brought their meat (which some said they did not know that was part of the agreement) and I made baked beans, cole slaw, fruit, drinks, dessert. We had a great time. Since it was Monday, we had the Lobamba boys over for PMG or FHE. The elders had a wonderful lesson prepared where they divided up and role played giving a discussion with one being an investigator and the others missionaries. They really got into it and asked some profound questions. Brian was able to participate with them and enjoyed being a missionary again. We ended with a special Christmas message followed by a special gift that we had made for them – “Trust in the Hand of God” – a carved wooden statue of baby Jesus in the hand of God. It was an inspiring evening. These boys never cease to amaze me with their genuine love for their Savior and their thirst for righteousness.
It took quite a bit of encouragement from family and some men working in the fields watching us, to get me across. But luckily I did not fall in.
Can you imagine giving your young child a machete and sending him out to cut with it? Scary! They had no shoes on which was a blessing since they fell into the water. (The wheelbarrow was missing a handle)
Elders Kiwumi, Lombardi, Shipalane, Sele and King (the last three were transferred)
Our Lobamba Boys (there were two investigators that joined us )
What we had carved for the young men
Tuesday, December 18th is a day that is going down in the record book as a near perfect day. We woke up at 4:00 a.m. (for me, that is not what makes it a near perfect day) and left for Hlane Game Reserve. We were entertained by the animals! Right when we started we saw a troop of elephants at a water hole. While I was taking pictures, Dennis calmly said, “Dear, there’s an elephant right here.” I shooed him away and he repeated it again. I turned around and there was a huge elephant in our front bakki window!! I screamed and told him to back up. He was there protecting his family. He stood there gazing at us while the mother and babies stomped across the road. Then he casually turned and joined his family and the other troop at the waterhole. About an hour later I finally was able to breath again. We laughed until we burst! Throughout the day we saw numerous other elephants. It definitely was a day for elephants. We also saw rhinos, hippos, giraffes, springbok – but we all agreed that the elephants was the highlight! We had a superb time at Hlane! Then we left the game park and met up with Vuzi Mamba at his homestead. What an afternoon with a traditional experience. They are the sweetest, kindest, hospitable family we have ever met. Vuzi showed us around his homestead and explained what all the buildings (can’t think of a more appropriate word) were for and the traditional things that went on in them. Then they fed us some corn on the cob that they eat – is is different than at home. It is hard. Then 29 children came in and entertained us Swazi style with songs and dancing. Of course, they made us join in. It was an afternoon that I will never forget. We thank Vuzi for arranging it and making us feel loved and welcomed. He then took us to another of his aunt’s homestead. She is rather old but recently has been given the responsibility of taking care of 3 very young grandchildren. He told us that they had no food at the moment. We made a plan for the next day for him to meet up with us and we would buy some food. I don’t know how these gogo’s do it. Their life is hard until the day they die. I love these people and their loving ways! (You want to know how awesome Vuzi is? He called Trina and Brian the night before they left to go home, to wish them well and hopes to be able to see them again some time. He had enjoyed getting to know them. An incredible young man!)
This is the one that greeted us at our window.
We found this huge spider right were we were standing looking at some animals. Eish…….I am not a fan!
We talked to this ranger that was counting the animals. We told him about the elephants and it kind of freaked him out. He said that he carries this stick around with him and when the animals come near he strikes a tree (he demonstrated) and it is suppose to scare them away. I pray it works for him!
The MAMBA homestead
This building had collapsed during a rain storm
This is used to grind their maize
Eating their corn
Being entertained by some very special people
Of course, they received brownies – real small ones because I had no idea there were going to be so many….
His other “auntie’s home” and the three children that she is now responsible for.
Wednesday, Dec. 19th, Dennis left early so perform the transfer responsibilities. While he was gone Trina, Brian and I sewed and baked. Later, we went to visit Sister Shabangu and the Nkambule family to wish them a Merry Christmas. Trina did not like the road up to Sister Shabangu’s homestead. She wanted to get out and walk but we were convincing and she stayed in the car. It is quite the experience. That evening the elders came over and we had homemade bread and ice cream. (I had cancelled our transfer dinner because of the braai on Monday and Christmas dinner on Saturday, but they still wanted to come over so we could meet the new elders) A great group of new elders.
Transfers – always a sad day!!
Elders Shumway and Karabonyana
Elders Heki and Kuwanotsoka
Elders Mabena and Condie – our new Zone Leaders
Elders Zsembery and Awala
Making some of our Christmas bags
Shabangu Homestead
Nkambule Family
Thursday the 20th, we did some sights around our home – the Silver Smith shop where we ordered a Swazi ring for Trina, introduced them to the township of Lobamba where our boys liv and Manzini Market. Then we went to the airport to pick up a returning missionary – Elder Dlamini from Mbabane. Dennis released him at the Mbabane chapel (all new sights and experiences for Trina and Brian) and then we met up with Vuzi Mamba and visited with his family in Ngwane Park. Later that day we visited the Shongwe family. They loved Trina and Brian. Gogo Shongwe wanted to give Trina one of her crocheted rugs from plastic bags but we insisted on paying her. So she said, “Then I give her buy 1 and get one free!” Too cute!! So Trina picked out two rugs to take home with her. Dennis put the money on the table and when she saw it, she said, “Oh, I am rich (R60 – worth around $7). I think I will buy me a plane!” We laughed. I love that lady. Money has little value to these gogos.
Silver Smith Shop
Lady in Manzini Market wearing the 14 necklaces that Trina bought for her Beehives back at home.
Elder Boyzie Dlamini returning home South Africa Joburg mission
Vuzi Mamba’s family
The Shongwe’s
Friday was a strange day. Dennis and I got up early – 7:00 - and drove to the Petro Port to meet up with the AP’s to get all the Swazi mail for Christmas. Now mind you, that is over a three hour drive. Then we turned around and came back home. But the border was busy!!!! It took us over an our to get through the border. So we did not arrive home until 4:00. Trina and Brian stayed at home to relax. But unfortunately, the electricity went out around 9:00 and did not come back on until just before we got back. So it is hot, hot, hot here and they had no air, no fans, couldn’t watch a movie, fix anything to eat. So they walked to KFC and got some lunch. We rushed to Swazi Candles before they closed then went to Summerfields to eat. Then we came home and made preparations for the Elders Christmas Party on Saturday.
I am having a senior moment. I know that one of these days we went to the Swazi Cultural Village but I have no recollection which day it was. So I am going to just post some pictures here and their experience there. You have already seen it a few times in the past few blogs, so this is just a few of Trina and Brian.
Saturday, December 22nd, was a busy day! We spent the day getting ready for the Elder’s Christmas party. I have been stressed over this for months. It is the first year that Swaziland will not be included with the other zones and we were on our own to plan the menu, activities, decorations, etc. We just wanted them to have the best Christmas they could being away from their families. We know that it is not easy so wanted to make sure that they “made room for the Savior” at this special time of year. We started our final preparations on the food, took our Christmas tree to the Ezulwini chapel, decorated the tables and room, shopped, took the food over, prepared the screen for the videos, etc. In the morning the Webb’s and the Nielsen’s from the area office came over. The Webb’s are going home on Dec. 31st so they wanted to say goodbye. As the elders arrived we put Santa hats on them and they immediately seemed to get into the spirit. We had Christmas stockings at the table and these things they have here called “firecrackers”. They made for great table decorations. They ate, then gathered together to fill their stockings with “scripture treasures” like toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, sweets, etc. They had fun deciphering what their gift was going to be with the scripture read. Then each boarding did a skit, showed the the mission DVD put together by the AP’s (they truly out-did themselves),gathered around he Christmas tree for the firecracker tradition, opened their presents, read the Christmas story with songs, showed a Christmas video and then bore testimonies of what the Savior meant to them. It was a glorious celebration and the spirit was there in force. We pray that this helped our dear elders to enjoy the season and appreciate the sacrifice they are making to serve the Lord. We were so grateful that Brian and Trina were there to help us and for them to get to know these amazing elders better.
Elders Zsembery and Awalla made gingerbread cookies for everyone to go with their Christmas skit/story
Another wonderful Sabbath in the magical land of Swaziland. We attended the Manzini branch – always a delightful experience. Pres. Mahlalela was so excited that we had brought Trina and Brian to his branch to introduce them to his wonderful members. You have got to love these people! For their Sacrament meeting they showed the First Presidency Christmas devotional. How wonderful to listen to the prophet;s words to prepare us for this special day. After we went visiting – Silavwe, Mabuli family, Mavis Dlamini, and then to Patricia’s and joined with her children in reading the Christmas story and singing songs like we had done the night before with the elders. We also played an animal game which we all loved. They instantly loved Trina and Brian. Life here is grand!
Lydia Silvawe and her daughter – Ned is in Zambia visiting his family
Mabuli Family
Mavis Dlamini
Patricia and her family – having a Family Home Evening
Patricia’s youngest found a new friend
CHRISTMAS EVE arrived!! It was a busy day. We went grocery shopping, took Nombulelo’s Christmas present to her and then started of on our wishing good tidings to our dear Swazi friends. We first went to the Msibi family but Sister Msibi was at the hospital getting her medicine. Manzini chapel was next to wish Tip Top a Merry Christmas – actually here most of them say Happy Christmas. He was thrilled with his present and then Den asked him about being available the day after Christmas to receive a package from someone. I said, “Will you be here the day after?” His response, “God’s work must move forward. So I will be there.” Such a dedicated man to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has “room for Jesus” every waking moment. Then off to Nhlangano to visit our friends there. Our first stop was at Bro. Bhekiwe Hlope’s homestead. He was busy still putting his kitchen together. Trina immediately fell in love with his grandchildren (or small children living there). Dennis helped with his kitchen while I took pictures and visited with Bro. Hlope’s mother. Good people. Then we went to see the Shongwe’s, put they were not home, and the Mabuza sisters and they were in Manzini. We phoned both and wished them a Merry Christmas. We found Bro. Dludlu home and his daughter from South Africa there to visit for the holidays. He says he still is going to come home with us and spend time in America. We took the dirt road to Gege and visited the Malinga’s. They are remodeling their home and in such a mess. But we had a great visit. We headed for home to get ready for Christmas Eve. I made goodies for those who were joining us for “It’s A Wonderful Life”. Six Lobamba young men and 10 elders came over. It was really hot but they loved the movie, being together and enjoying Christmas Eve. Many said that was the first time they had ever done something for Christmas Eve – even some of our elders. After they left I made sweet rolls for Christmas morning tradition, stuffed our Christmas bags and called family. A good Christmas Eve.
Msibi Family
Bhekiwe Hlope’s home
Saying good-bye to us---isn’t she adorable
Bro. Dludlu and family
Bro. and Sister Malinga in Gege
It’s A Wonderful Life
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2012! We woke early and took sweet rolls over to the Ezulwini Elders; woke up Trina and Brian, ate our traditional sweet rolls and then they opened presents. At 9:00 a.m. we met the elders at the Mbabane boarding (which is looking much better – they have moved past outer darkness – that’s to get one of our elders out of trouble) to caravan to the place that we are feeding and passing out Christmas treats to orphans and under privileged. We had bought food for them to fix for the children. This area, Kabona, has a lot of children having children and no means of support. They told us that these children can go days without food and had no plans for Christmas. We were so glad that we discovered them and was able to help. There were a bunch waiting for us when we arrived. The women had arrived at 7:00 a.m. to start preparing the food. The elders jumped in with their Santa hats and even a Santa, to play and entertain them. Elder Lorimer had “clown” balloons and had read the instruction on how to make animals with them. Brian learned quickly how to make a sword which the boys loved. They played soccer, basketball, jump rope and just had a great time. The children performed for us and we sang a few songs, then we ate and gave away our Christmas bags filled with sweets and a small gift. We served over 150. It was memorable Christmas and helped ease the pain of being away from most of our family. It was over just in time before a huge lightning storm and pounding rain arrived. We sat on the porch and watched it all unfold in front of us. But the electricity went out. I had a turkey in the oven which did not get cooked until late that night. There was a break in the storm so we hurried up to the Msibi family to deliver their presents. What joyous exclamations for such simple gifts. Xolani and Futhi along with one of Xolani’s missionary companions from America came over. We had no food to offer but the left- over goodies from the night before. We also went and picked up Nomvuyo and her friend from the market. She had text us a few weeks earlier saying that she had no where to go for Christmas and wondered if she could join us. She had to work until 5:00. It was great having them all here with us. That night Trina, Brian, Dennis and I relaxed. It was an extra special Christmas.
Christmas with the Msibi’s
Xolani and Reed
Dennis at the end of an exhausting Christmas – asleep
Wednesday, December 26th, we left for St. Lucia, South Africa. It was about a 4 hour drive to this beautiful city. When we arrived we went on a Hippo/Crocodile boat ride. So fun to see so many hippos – yawning and getting ready for the end of the day. They were very noisy also. I loved hearing hippo talk. Two languages I need to learn. After seeing the hippos we headed for dinner near the ocean.
Thursday, December 27, we headed for a day in the Indian Ocean. Beautiful and warm. It was about 95 degrees outside and the water of the ocean was also delightfully pleasant. We swam, walked and got sunburnt. Poor Brian got it the worst. We were out for about 2 hours, went back, showered and then headed for home after lunch at the same place the night before. The drive home seemed longer, especially for Brian. He came home and went to bed. We had nothing to relieve his pain and all the stores around here close at 7:00 p.m.
Playing Mormon Bridge
Friday was spent doing laundry, finding a remedy for Brian’s sunburn, making some final runs for Trina and we went to a MOVIE!!! Yea! James Bond even. Dennis was happy.
Saturday we woke to a spectacular array of white butterflies covering the entire kingdom of Swaziland. It was as if there went out a memo that told all the sleeping butterflies that they were to arise and take flight at 7:00 a.m. on December 29, 2012. It was amazing. We tried to take a picture but it didn’t work out – you couldn’t see all the butterflies. We drove to Nhlangano for the baptism of Moses Dluli, a former pastor from Gege. On the drive down the butterflies were literally covering the countryside. Many of them found their fate on our windshield. What a waste! We finished the day getting Trina and Brian ready to leave on Sunday.
This Sunday was bitter sweet. We loved attending in the Mbabane branch but had to say good-bye which is always hard for me. We had an area presidency member in church and he gave a great talk. Two of the elders, Elder Shumway and Mabena, also talked and did incredible. After Sacrament meeting we headed for Joburg where we had to say our farewells for 9 months to Trina and Brian. It seemed just as hard as it was 9 months ago. I do miss my family. This mission work would be perfect if it wasn’t for the loneliness I feel for my incredible family. So Dennis drove 4 hours to Joburg, was there for 2 hours and then 4 hours back to Swaziland. We got home around midnight. He did a great job driving but at the end was having a difficult time staying focused. I love that man!
What an amazing Christmas season. Full of family, friendships and most of all being able to serve our Heavenly Father. My goal for this coming year is to daily make room for the one who lived and died for me. I want to always remember him while I am baking brownies, planning activities, visiting the less-active, making posters, handing out pass-along cards….in everything I do remember the one that makes this all possible. I love my Savior and so grateful for his birth, his life, his death, his resurrection and his atoning sacrifice.
Merry Christmas to you all and may you all have a prosperous and happy 2013.
