GOD BLESSED US TODAY December 3–9, 2012

A few weeks ago my blog title was “God Bless Us Everyone”.  And this week we had an experience that I knew my title had to be similar but different in meaning – “GOD BLESSED US TODAY”. 

We went for a drive up towards a town called Piggs Peak where there is the Magugu Dam.  We pulled off this dirt road that led to a viewpoint over the reservoir.  As we turned there were a few children sitting on the side.  One immediately got up and started running up the road for us to follow (without any shoes on – I don’t know how they do it).  When we arrived at the top he was showing us where to go to find the best view for a picture.  Pretty soon there were other children surrounding us.  Later, we found out that they were his siblings and even his babe joined us.  The young boy showed us where he goes fishing by the lake and how big the fishes are that he catches.  They were absolutely delightful.  As we were headed back to our car, they said they wanted to dance and sing for us.  They were kicking their legs while they sang.  How can you not love these children of God?  We joined in, clapped, laughed and was truly entertained.  We gave them some apples, a few coins and lots of hugs.  As we were leaving, the young boy came to the window and said, “God blessed us today”.  At that moment, I knew that they were not the only ones blessed, we were also blessed that day.  We may have given them a few apples and coins, but they had blessed us with a glimpse of what is really important.  They may be poor in the things of the world but rich in what really matters – pure love.  May I quote someone, “When love is all we have, we realize that it is, in fact, all we really need.”  Yes, God blessed us both that day.

Zawacky’s were with us on Monday and Tuesday.  Monday, December 3rd, we met up with Xolani to plan a Seminary/Institute party for the Swaziland youth.  The Lobamba boys came over for the weekly Preach My Gospel discussion.  Nathi dropped in to visit and joined the group as well as all the other elders.  It became quite a big party.  Super fun!  Tuesday, the Zawacky’s and us went on our drive to Piggs Peak, Magugu Dam, lunch at the Piggs Peak Casino and then over the pass to Manzini.  A beautiful drive – country you cannot even imagine.  Swaziland is rich in beautiful country and people. 

Nbonghensi’s birthday – his first birthday cake ever

Our mini-trip to Piggs Peak

This man and his son carved that woman bust that we bought and also, that amazing sculpture which was unfortunately way too big to bring home

Malolotja, the largest nature reserve in the country.  It was overcast most of the day.

Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino

Wednesday, December 5th – GOD TRULY BLESSED US TODAY  Our little Shelby Taunia Bytheway was born into her loving family -  Terry, Trista, Sabrina, Blake and Miri.  We received a phone call at 12:30 a.m. Utah time from Trista telling us that her water broke.  Of course, my counsel was to get to the hospital which she obediently followed.  I received updates on her progress all day.  While I waited I sewed 60 Christmas bags, had Mbabane’s DDM here,and missionary work on the computer.  We received a tender mercy that night.  A big storm came in with lightning and  rolling thunder and rain, rain, rain.  For the past week, whenever a storm brewed we always lost our electricity.  Dennis and I kneeled down and prayed that we would be able to be at Trista’s delivery via skype and he answered our prayers.  Our electricity went out for just a few minutes, then we received the call that she was ready to deliver.  We got on skype and was able to witness the miracle of birth.  Thank you Terry for handling both computer and video camera so we could be a part.    A healthy 7 lbs, 20 1/2 inch beautiful girl has joined the Lombardi clan making it 19 grandchildren. GOD BLESSED US TODAY 

SHELBY TAUNIA BYTHEWAY

In all the excitement of the birth of this beautiful baby girl, I forgot to wish Terry a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  What a marvelous present – a new daughter.  God blessed you today,Terry.  God blessed us 8 years ago when you joined our family.  We love you!

Thursday, December 6 was spent taking elders to doctors, picking up broken washers, making posters and cake and visiting some good friends.  Patricia’s, our Pick N Pay clerk, children are coming to visit for Christmas.  She has a 20, 14 and 6 year old daughters that live in South Africa with Patricia’s mother.  We found out that they were going to arrive while Patricia was at work, so we made a poster and a chocolate cake for them to welcome them home.  Later that evening some of the elders came over and we were discussing the size of Patricia’s boarding.  We had never been there and the elders said that it was nice and big.  So I responded with, “So it is more than one room like everyone elses?”  Their response, “No, it is just one room but bigger than the others.”  How long have we been away  when we can see that a home can be nice and large and still be only one room. (I hope that makes sense)

We visited Bhekiwe and she gave us some mangos

 

It was 6:30 a.m. and I look pretty scary.

This weekend God blessed us with a visit with President Von Stetten and his wife.  They arrived Friday for interviews with the elders.  We met them at the Manzini Chapel where we visited with Sister Von Stetten and the elders most of the afternoon.  Then Dennis and the President went to dinner with the branch presidents and Sister Von Stetten (Reenie) and I went to our home for a girls night out with Tilungile and Pumi – some young single ladies in the Manzini branch.  We ate, laughed, talked and did all those wonderful things that girls do.  It was fun to be among the young and the wise.

Pumi brought this wonderful red velvet cake that she made

Saturday, the Von Stetten’s and us took a drive to Siteki, little over an hour.  We enjoyed the visit and scenery.  Then we went to Manzini Market, Ezulwini Market, introducing the Lobamba boys to the president and ended the day with dinner in our home.  It was a great day.  Another tender mercy – this time the electricity waited to go out until after the Von Stettens left.  Then it was out all night!  The Lord is good to us.  Such simple things we are so grateful for. 

Sister Zulu gave Sister Von Stetten that wrap around

December 9th – 40 years ago GOD BLESSED US with a beautiful little boy whom we named Ty Allen Lombardi.  He has been such a joy in our life and tread the path for the others to follow.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!  May the Lord continue to bless you in your life ahead.

We attended the Mbabane branch for church with the Von Stettens.  The President gave a powerful talk on how the members had to do their part in building up the kingdom in Swaziland so they can become a stake.  It was given with power and love.  Then we hurried to the Ezulwini chapel for the baptism of Senzo Dlamini – another Lobamba boy.  I was so proud of the whole group of them.  Zweli gave a talk on baptism, Nbonghensi on the Holy Ghost and Maxwell baptized him.  Wow!!!  I am sure 4 months ago these boys had no idea that they would be talking and performing ordinances on the Sabbath day.  They have come a long ways.   Dennis attended District Presidency meeting where he presented the new youth program to the district leaders.  We ended the Sabbath at the Shongwe’s where we made brownies in their new first oven.  It is also Manqoba’s birthday tomorrow which we celebrated.   Nathi Dlamini (the young man that does all our work permits for the elders coming into Swaziland – our life saver) informed us that on Saturday he had negotiated with Masisi’s family their marriage.  The lepola was less than he thought it would be – only 12 cows.  He had to pay 2 up front with the others coming.  They hope to be married the end of January.

Maxwell and Senzo

Senzo and his mother – so excited that she came

Making brownies at the Shongwe’s

Nathi and Masisi – soon to be married

GOD BLESSED US THIS WEEK.  “Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.  The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.”  D & C 78: 17 - 18