AFRICA HELPING HANDS August 12–18, 2013

“The Mormon Helping Hands program brings together members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their neighbors to provide community service.  These volunteers in their trademark yellow shirts  partner with government and nonprofit organizations to support and improve the communities where they live.   The Mormon Helping Hands program was established in 1998, and since then hundreds of thousands of volunteers have donated millions of hours of service to their communities. Mormon Helping Hands helps one to show our faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ through service. It is the easiest way by which we can respond to the prophet’s call to be kind to our neighbors, to respond to their need, to give rather than to receive. It is the easiest way to preach the gospel—by example.”  Until we came to Africa we had never heard of Helping Hands.  When we arrived at our home, I found these yellow bibs that had Helping Hands on it.  What was Helping Hands? So I went to the internet and found this little write up explaining the purpose of this event.  But I could not have imagined the impact it would have on my life until last year when I was privileged to be a part of “our first” Helping Hands.   This years was as memorable. 

Saturday, August 17, 2013, the saints in Swaziland and thousands of other saints across Africa gathered in their communities to participate in the annual All-Africa Mormon Helping Hands Day.  Swaziland District with members of the Buka community, joined together to build a safer bridge for connecting the communities. Even though it was extremely hot over 100 people showed up.  I really do not understand the engineering that has to be done to improve the bridge, but I do know that we spent 5 hours diverting a stream, laying rocks and sand bags along the water way and thoroughly enjoying singing and working together.  We are going back on August 31st to continue the “helping hands” project. 

 

Getting ready – of course, they needed a little sugar to get started….Elders Adale and Weston

Mandla Mantinto and Tilungile Ntshalintshali

The bridge in Guka

Getting to work diverting the water

Couldn’t resist these little ones coming to see who had invaded their community

Sister Chosen bringing the sand the African women way

Elder Rowley

Manzini Branch President Mthethwe

My poor attempt at shoveling – it is a good thing the Lord made the men so strong.

The sand for the sand bags was quite far from where the bridge was – so they had to dig the sand into the bags and then carry it to the site

Dennis transporting the sand the American way

Elder Weston trying the Africa way

Elder Tibbitts carrying sand and a little extra critter

We had to get a pile of rocks from up the hill to the stream – so a line was formed

I missed showing Dennis just by inches but got his hands passing the rocks

Sandzi and Futhi

Lucky Maseko and Ned Silavwe

Love this woman – Concelia Ntshalintshali

Stream diverted and rocks are half way completed

Now it is time for the sand bags to be placed along the stream

Gathering for singing and eating

Dennis had to share a few words

Mbabane elders (minus 1) and some members

Ezulwini elders and some members

The project completed for the day

The bridge – imagine crossing this with a vehicle – many have ended up in the water trying

I love ending my day with these young ones

I loved this day.  Why don’t we do this in America?  Can you imagine knowing that all over America on a certain day, all the saints are gathered serving and making a difference in their communities – no matter how large or small the project is.  It was such a humbling feeling know that there were thousands all over Africa doing the same type of service that we were doing – a feeling of Africa unity!

Monday, August 12 began early for Dennis.  He helped the Ezulwini elders take their bakki to get it fixed at 7:00 a.m.  Nonthokozo has to return to Joburg, so we picked her up at 9:00 and drove her to the kombi rank in Mbabane.  She was having such a difficult time leaving her mother.  They have been separated for 12 years.  I do not know the reasons why but I do know that Patricia is trying to change the situation.  She wants to find work in Soweto so she can be with her daughters.  After we dropped Nonthokozo off, we went to see how Patricia was doing at work.  We found her crying also as she was checking people out at Pick N Pay. My heart broke for them.  We later went and bought some paint for Muzi to draw a world map at the Lobamba Care Point.  The elders came over and then it was time for FHE.  Sibusiso asked if we could go with him to tell his gogo’s family about his decision to serve a mission and try to explain what that is.  Of course, we will help him.

Saying good-bye to Nonthokozo

Are you getting tired of these FHE/PMG pictures?  Sure hope not, because I could never! I look forward to  Monday nights!

After FHE there is usually a mess.  I was sweeping and had to leave for a minute.  Elder Adale took a paper towel that he had in his hand and tried to sweep up the dirt.  It was such a sweet moment, I had to record it.

Eish, Tuesday was a busy but full-filling day.  We were out of the house by 8:30.  We went to see Patricia to hopefully brighten her day.  The Lord had sent her a “loving message” to let her know that He was aware of her struggles and loved her.  That morning her boss had approached her and asked if she would like to be the store receiving manager.  She was ecstatic because this meant she could be in church every Sunday.  Then continued with “God answered my prayers.  I want to be in church.”  But for us, this means we will not find her greeting us every time we go to Pick N Pay. Our next stop was the Lobamba Care Point to take the paint that we bought for the map.  When we arrived there were two different sets of people – one from Germany and one from Taiwan – talking to Abigail and Nonitu.  They were both there to see what they could do to help them.  After, Abigail told me that no one ever came to help them until we came and painted. Now the Lord has sent so many more people.  She said that we were sent by Heavenly Father to bless them and now many come.  It touched our hearts.  How can we ever thank our Heavenly Father for directing us to certain people?  They have blessed our lives much more than we have theirs.  Then we were off to meet Jerome and Machawe Shongwe to finalize some details about Helping Hands.  Dennis brought me back home to do major baking while he went and visited with an investigator (remember the man he met over the “hump” in their cars – and gave him a Book of Mormon – this is him and Dennis is having the opportunity to share the gospel with him). Dennis is an amazing missionary.  I feel like I am holding him back.  It still is not comfortable for me.    We then rushed to see Nathi at work to finish up work permits.  Then met Zweli, Mbongiseni, Maxwell, Shakes, Sibusiso, Elders Ogutu and Norbert and went to a prison to visit with a young man that has recently been incarcerated.  He was so grateful to see us.  We were his first visitors.  We were able to get some toiletries for him – they do not provide anything but some food. Then back to Pick N Pay to pick up Patricia so we could go visit Sister Shabangu.  We hadn’t been up there for such a long time and missed her.  But she speaks no English so we need someone with us that can help us communicate.  Patricia is the perfect person and she loves it.  Boy, did she need to talk.  Apparently, she had to leave 3 children behind years ago because of an abusive husband.  One of them has died recently and they just let her know.  It has broken her heart……but the Lord blesses us during our trials.  The children have not wanted to have anything to do with her because of her desertion but have expressed lately that they would like to come see her.  They were to meet in Matsapha on Sunday but they did not show up.  They called later and said that they had transportation problems and wants to try again.  Long story, but she needed to talk – and talk they did.  Patricia is a natural Relief Society counselor!  We took her home, picked up Manqoba and went to visit with Sylvia Dlamini.  That morning she was diagnosed with sugar diabetes and was concerned.  Dennis was the perfect one to talk to on that subject.  She asked for a blessing which was graciously given.  These people have so many trials to face.  She told us her husbands story.  He did not attend any church but when he found the missionaries, he invited them in and was taught along with the family.  This was about 12 years ago.  Both Sylvia and her husband consented to baptism on a Saturday.  The Monday before he got sick and died on the day they were to be baptized.  She said it took her a while to be baptized but finally entered the waters and she said that her husband is also now a member and they have been sealed together as a family.  They have a house on the property that is half built.  She said that he was building their dream home for her and she is trying to work on it when she can gather some extra money.  What a sweet lady.  Her daughter and son also joined us – her daughter is active and her son only comes periodically.

This is Gables where our new post office is, where we pay water bills…..and that is Joseph who is employed there and makes sure everything is clean.  He loves Dennis and calls him pastor.

Where Patricia works

Muzi – the one doing our map – at the care point.  The children rushed to him when they saw him coming.

During good weather the children love to be outside

In every establishment you will see these pictures – the King, Queen mother and prime minister

Machawe, Jerome and Dennis at Bethel Court

Elder Norbert (with some of the Lobamba children) getting ready to go to the prison

Maxwell

Sister Shabangu’s homestead

Patricia listening – she would interpret periodically for us

Shame, I did not take of picture of our visit with Sylvia.  This pictures was taken at her mother’s funeral – she is the one standing. 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 started early with chocolate muffins taken to Thembegile and Masisi for their birthdays.  Then off to Ladysmith, South Africa to visit with the Wildings and meet the new senior couple in New Castle, Herringtons – a great couple.  It was a beautiful drive.  I love car trips – the Earth is indeed the Lord’s masterpiece.  We had a delightful evening – eating and playing games – couldn’t be better.

Thembigile’s birthday

Children we saw at Sibusiso and Thembigile’s homestead

Masisi was at school were she teaches – we surprised her

Her desk

August 15th is Gina and Ben’s Anniversary.  The day they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple was perfect.  She was a beautiful bride and he a handsome groom.  Ben has treated our daughter with the love and tenderness that every parent wants for their daughter.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

 

Thursday was spent enjoying the sights of the Drakensberg mountains.  We left early and went to Spioenkop reserve but didn’t see many animals.  Last time when we went with Misit we saw numerous animals.  We felt badly for the Herringtons, because they have only been in Africa for a week and we so wanted them to see African wildlife!  But the country was beautiful and they did see a few giraffes, zebras, wildebests and blesboks.  We continued on to a place called the Amphitheater in the Drakensburg where we hiked and saw lots of baboons on the path.  So fun!  We were not able to reach the amphitheater but I would love to return when we had more time.  We had a picnic lunch and then headed back to Ladysmith and then on to New Castle to spend the night with the Herringtons.  We concluded the evening with the elders visiting.  It is great seeing the Swazi and New Castle elders join forces.

Spioenkop Reserve

These sweet ladies were sitting on the side of the road weaving their baskets.  This is the one that I bought.

Panoramic view

Sister Herrington at the entrance of the Amphitheater in Drakensberg Park

Baboons – we probably saw at least 20 moving from the top of the mountain where we were to the valley

Zone Conference with our new president and his wife was held Friday, August 16th.  I love this time to be taught by both the president and the Holy Ghost.  My testimony grows leaps and bounds.  The president presented his vision for the mission which included his Mission Standards of Excellence which are 1) 25% increase in Sacrament attendance; 2) 2 baptism per month per area; 3) 4 investigators or less actives in sacrament meeting every week; 4) we are making a COVENANT KEEPING PEOPLE – not just baptizing.  How are we going to accomplish this standard of excellence:  1) inspired planning – including the spirit; 2) keeping the daily schedule – be in white shirts and ties by 8:00 a.m.; 3) work with the members – give them exciting missionary work to be involved in; 4) be a consecrated missionary.  Love the vision!!!!

Break time….

Both zones fearless leaders – Elders Jalla, Davis, Bingham, Lowry

The sisters of the zones – Me, Wilding, Zackrison, Herrington

They do love the pizza!

An ice cream toast – Wilding, Herington and Dennis

The president giving one-on-one teaching

Swaziland Zone

Swaziland Mbabane District

President and Sister Zackrison and Sister Herrington

After the Helping Hands project on Saturday, Dennis and I went with the Zone leaders on a teaching appointment to the Simelane family.  Sister Simelane has been a member for 17 years but her husband is not.  The elder have been teaching him and asked us to come along.  The babe didn’t make it home but the elders gave a wonderful lesson after I spent way too much time talking with the make and her two children.  Eish, I really thought the babe was coming and we were just waiting for him.  But we learned a lot about their conversion and how supportive babe has been with the family’s church attendance.  We are praying that he will soon join the family as members.

Elders Lowry and Bingham with the Simelane family minus babe and Thulani who is on a mission

Another wonderful Sabbath day in Swaziland minus that we had to talk in the Ezulwini Branch….seriously, twice in two weeks is way too much for me.  It was high council Sunday but Nathi could not be there so he asked if we would talk.  We can’t tell Nathi no….he does so much for us.  I taught Young Women’s because there were no leaders; took Sister Shabangu home;  Clusters from Durban came for dinner and we had an enjoyable time visiting with them.

Leaving after church – the only two cars that are in the parking lot belong to the same family – the Shongwes

It has been a good week.  We love being anxiously engaged in a good cause.  We love serving with the Swazi people.  We love our elders.  We love the new vision for the mission.  We love our incredible family at home.  We have a busy next five months.  Almost every weekend until we go home is already booked.  That is good….it will make the time fly while I am missing my American family.  Let’s try and get Helping Hands going in America then I won’t have to miss out next year.