HEAVENLY FATHER’S FAVORITE SCRIPTURE November 4–17, 2013

A few nights ago the Ezulwini elders and two young men leaving for their missions, Manqoba and Mbongiseni, and Dennis and I shared our favorite scriptures with each other.  The thought came to me….do you think that Heavenly Father has a favorite scripture?  If he did, don’t you think he would find a way for it to be repeated so we would hear it often?  Think about it…..what scriptures do members all over the world hear every Sunday……..the Sacrament prayers!!!  Don’t you find that an interesting thought (Moroni 4 & 5).  Today, I listened closely as the priests said the prayers of the Sacrament and it meant so much more to me with this thought that if it is Heavenly Father’s favorite scripture, why is it and what does he want me to learn from it?   As I came home and reread them,  I found one thing that was common to both and it was to “always remember Him”.  I think Heavenly Father is trying to tell us something.  I thought, am I doing that?    How do I always remember Him?  On mission there is one thing that I have found myself doing…..seeing God’s hands in every aspect of my life and in the life of those that I love both in my America home and my Swaziland home.  I think of him daily and express my gratitude to Him for giving me the opportunity to serve Him.  Consequently,  I see His daily  miracles….that helps me remember Him.

Dennis and I discussed another way that helps us to remember Him is trying to live as He did.  I love the Primary song…..”I ‘m Trying To Be Like Jesus”…we are teaching children at a very early age to remember Him by trying to be like Him.  As we consciously try to internalize the ‘attributes of Christ’ and then live them, Christ will daily be in our minds and in our hearts.

 For those who remember Jesus, they carry him wherever they go.

“The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat, this is My body which is broken for you, do this in remembrance of Me.’  In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "’This cup is the new covenant in My blood.  This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  (1 Cor. 11:23 – 25)

IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME

 

I decided that since I am writing this blog to remember our mission, I wanted to share all of my feelings.  It is becoming more difficult for me to find time to write.  Every day is jam packed with things to do and at the end of it, I have become more and more exhausted leaving me with no desire to stay up late to blog.  Consequently, here I am two weeks later, up late and trying to encourage myself to write.  I love doing it but don’t have the energy.  But I want it done and know that I will be extremely disappointed in myself if I do not.  So here it goes but maybe with a bit less details.   I will beforehand apologize for mistakes that I know I will make.  

Since I am being honest with my feelings, Monday, November 4th, I had a minor emotional breakdown.  There are just some things going on and decisions being made that is causing my tender heart to be affected.  One of them was seeing Elder Adale and Elder Hansen separated.  They came over to say good-bye, had a devotional and then Elder Adale asked Elder Hansen to say a pray.  Elder Hansen did not get four words in when he broke down and cried, Elder Adale cried, I cried, the zone leaders cried, the other elders cried……truly a heart-wrenching experience.  This is a hard disruption in mission for these young men.  I never realized what a trainer means to a “greenie”.  When it works, they bond as one.  After they left, I cooked for tonight and tomorrow and waited for Globalflight while Dennis went to Gege to pick up Manqoba to bring him here so he could go to the temple with us.  Nathi came over for to visit and then the long awaited “mission call” for Sibusiso came (I actually had to call every hour to get it here – it was sent last Wednesday from Joburg and was suppose to only take 1 day….another source of my stress).  If it had not come, Sibusiso would not have been able to go with us on our temple trip tomorrow.  I was so excited when it finally arrived.  I had it ready for him when he came over for PMG/FHE.  He came really early…he was hoping.  When everyone arrived, we opened it……..Zambia mission leaving 6 March 2014.  The funny thing is he actually guessed it right!  He said he just knew that was where he was going.  He is quite a young man.  After PMG lesson, we celebrated Lungile’s birthday.  The place was a mess after and I was so grateful for Manqoba being with us because he pitched right in and helped me clean up.  I also received a “tender mercy” earlier in the day.  Dennis came home with a letter from home.  It was a card with the Edgemont Relief Society sisters words of encouragement and signatures.  Eish, just what I needed to brighten my day.  Thank you Kim Brinton for being so inspired to send it and thank you Heavenly Father for having it arrive on that particular day. 

Elder Adale leaving us mid-transfer 

We had a small devotional before his leaving

He will be missed!

Sibusiso Dlamini’s mission call

He was just staring at it…..he seemed in no hurry to open it.

The call – Zambia Lusaka Mission leaving 6 March 2014

Lungile Khumalo’s birthday – isn’t she beautiful.  We love, love this girl.  She has only been a member for a few months!

It was a busy but glorious day on Tuesday, November 5!  We woke up at 5:00 to pick up 7 young men – 6 that are going to the temple to receive their endowments and then Mac Shongwe who is going just because we enjoy having him along.  We rented a 12-passenger van.  Dennis drove the 4-hour journey to Joburg, then we went to a China market and bought suits and luggage for the soon-to-be elders, drove to the area office where Sister Curtis and Sister Knudsen had lunch prepared for us, bought garments for the boys, and then entered the House of the Lord.  The young men’s joy was overflowing.   When Zweli entered the Celestial room, he was wiping away tears.  Majaha (Shakes) also had tears and expressed how strong the spirit was.  Sibusiso stood with awe-------I almost felt like an intruder in this spiritual experience but so blessed to be there with them. “Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.” The session didn’t start until 5:00 – got out about 7:30 and then we had to hurry to make it to the border before it closed at midnight.  We made it just barely and by the time we took most of the boys home, it was 2:00 a.m. when we arrived in our home.  Then I had to finish making preparations for breakfast the following morning for the elders before ZTM.  We were up Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. to clean out the van, take it back to the company by 7:00, home to fix breakfast, fed 18 young men, had ZTM, drove back to Gege (reminder a 1 1/2 hour journey one way) to take elders and Manqoba, drive back home just in time to drop Dennis off at his district meetings, I drove home, fixed dinner, Dennis came home, we ate and I went to bed around 9:30…….….exhausted.

We gave the boys new ties to wear to the temple

Ready to go with recommends in hand

Our chauffeur

Checking the oil under my seat

We’re off

Don’t you think this picture should be in a magazine

Getting more ties at the China market

Luggage for all..

Suits (thank you to a person for their financial assistance)

Luggage and suits – ready for missions

Arriving at the area office

A meal fit for a king provided by angels

Look how beautiful this temple is with the jacaranda trees in bloom

You can even feel the spirit walking on the grounds of the temple

We had a devotional on the grounds before we entered

Cleaning the van the following morning

Thursday, November 7th………..HAPPY  11th BIRTHDAY  Corbyn!!!   This young man is growing up fast – not only physically but spiritually also.  He is such a joy and we were delighted the day that he was born.  We love you Corbyn!

I declared Thursday my individual P-day.  I stayed in my pj’s all day.  While Dennis picked up bakkis for elders, got shoes for an elder, went to the cleaners, shopped, I stayed at home worked on the computer answering emails, finishing last weeks blog, made things for the elders leaving, compiling pictures for everyone that wants the pictures I take, organized our treasures that we want to pack and get sent home….was busy but did it all from home.

Friday, November 8 we attended the Swaziland College of Technology’s graduation to support Lenhle Mcina.  It was to start at 9:00 but when we arrived at that time, there was no one sitting in the seats, the sound system was not set up……how can a graduation not start on time?  We were able to find Lenhle and she was excited that we actually came.  It finally started after 10:00 but we had another appointment at 1:00 so had to leave around noon so was unable to see Lenhle receive her diploma.  We picked up Mac and went to an embroidery store to see about writing something on some ties that we bought for the young men leaving on missions.  Then took pants of an elder to get fixed, returned a dress, pictures done and had dinner with Mac.

Lenhle getting ready to receive her diploma

How do you like that hat?

“Swazi Forever”

Saturday the 9th of November started early by making rolls for the Ezulwini’s YSA going away party for Mbongiseni and Zweli.  At 9:00 we picked up Mbongiseni and Majaha and went to visit Marcose at the prison.  He still needs R500 for bail.  His case may take up to a year which he will have to remain in prison if he doesn’t come up with it…..what to do?  He didn’t know that Mbongiseni was going on mission and was so excited to see him before he left.  We dropped the boys off at the chapel to prepare for the party,  continued to Manzini to talk to Pres. Mahlalela, got lots of pictures developed (over 100), went to the YSA activity, Sutherlands arrived and went to dinner at Chinese.  Eighteen hours in three sentences! Not bad.

Ezulwini YSA party

Bahle Ngubeni

Combination chapel and multipurpose room

Zweli bearing testimony

Mbongiseni doing the same

After they cleaned the chapel and then did some dancing.

Sunday, November 10th we attended Ezulwini again for Mbongiseni’s farewell.  Dennis had early morning meetings and was late getting out, so consequently, late picking me up which made us late for church.  Sister Shongwe also talked and they both did a great job.  Sister Shongwe talked on the scriptures and in a nutshell said in a very bold way and strong emphasis, if you read your scriptures ALL parts of your life will be better.  I love Sister Thoko Shongwe.  After Sacrament meeting we rushed to Mbabane for Relief Society and then started preparations for Seminary and Institute graduation with the Sutherlands.  We had a great turn out – great kids.  The Sutherlands joined us for dinner in our home after.  The elders came over and we had a great visit.

Swaziland District Seminary and Institute Graduation

Sutherlands setting up the refreshment table

Ezulwini Branch – President Malaza

Manzini Branch – President Mthethwa

Mbabane Branch – President Malinga

Nhlangano Branch – President Bulunga

Enjoying the refreshments

Ezulwini Elders getting new plates

Elders Houghton, Hansen, Wilcox, Mahnanha

Dennis and the Sutherlands visiting with the elders

Quite a Monday, November 11th…I was too tired last night to email our Swazi warriors, so I spent most of the morning doing that.  Dennis ran to Mbabane for errands.  Later in the morning we met up with the Sutherlands, went to the Care Point, went to Lobamba to try and find Senzo – we need to talk to him, did some shopping at the Ezulwini Market, had lunch and then the Sutherlands left us.  Dennis and I went and bought some groceries for the Msibi family.  When the elders came over last night, they had come from the Msibi family and their father wasback in the hospital so that left the children by themselves and they had no food. Seriously, I don’t think my heart can handle much more of the sadness of this situation.  What is going to happen to these sweet children.  We didn’t have time to take it to them tonight because Zweli, Mbongiseni and Sibusiso was coming over early to skyp with Benjamin Maclean.  It was so good to talk to him and the boys loved it also.  After PMG we were suppose to celebrate Maxwell’s birthday but he was not present.  His sister blew out the candles and got to choose the biggest piece.  I presented the picture book that I made for the soon-to-be missionaries, and they loved them. 

I never tire of being with these children

The US Embassy has built them a new kitchen and Dennis is pumping water into that tower you see in the background.  It takes someone 5 hours of continuous pumping to fill it.  There was a man doing it that Elder Sutherland and Dennis gave a reprieve to. 

See the dirt on Sister Sutherland’s white sweater?  Those are from the hugs of the children.

Elder Maclean and his new wife, Glorianne

PMG/FHE – the young lady at the end of the table is Maxwell’s sister

We are getting a lot of new faces coming to join us on Monday nights

Early Tuesday we tried to take the food to the Msibi’s but no one was there and the dog growled at Dennis whenever he came near…..then the dog went to the door and was guarding it.  I felt a lot better that the children were in good hands with that dog around.  We took the food over to the elders and asked them to take it to them because we were on our way to Ladysmith, South Africa…..a 4 1/2 hour drive.  On the way we stopped at Dundee to see Elder Adale.  It was so good to see him.  He was adjusting and Elder Ogutu is now serving there also and is doing great in Dundee.  We continued on to Ladysmith where the Wilding’s fed us and put us up for the night.  We love this couple. 

Elder Adale and Ogutu

Enjoying dinner with the Wildings and two elders that came to visit

A DAY OF SPIRITUAL OUTPOURING  We had to be in a large township by Ladysmith called Ezakani at 9:00 a.m on Wednesday, 13 November to set apart a young man, Elder Radabe, who is leaving for the MTC in Ghana tomorrow in preparation for his mission to Serra Leone.  The president could not do it so asked Elder Lombardi to perform the honor.  It was a spiritual experience.  He was set apart in his home with his mother, nephew and best friend, Tandon (who leaves for his mission to Kenya in January) in attendance.  Dennis gave a beautiful blessing.  Many tears were shed.  But we did not linger long because we had to drive 3 hours get to Gege to set apart Manqoba with his family and friends.  Again, the spirit was present and the Lord accepted Manqoba has one of His servants.  It was pouring rain and on the dirt road to Nhlangano we received a “miracle”.  There was a huge truck stuck in the mud and as we tried to get around him we were fish tailing and have no idea how we did not hit him.  Our wheels were spinning and we were within inches of colliding but the Lord guided the bakki past and we were able to continue to get home to finish the day of “priesthood power”.  We arrived home just in time to pick up Mbongisent at 7:00, brought him and Manqoba home, had dinner, the elders came over and we shared favorite scriptures, again Dennis gave an amazing setting apart of Mbongiseni , they retired to bed to prepare for their big day tomorrow.

Dennis found a new friend

Elder Radebe and his mother

Dennis sharing a few thoughts

Manqoba has a lot of support

Elder Mkude and Komakech has trained Manqoba well

Manqoba and President Bulunga

Preparing for Mbongiseni’s setting apart

Sharing our favorite scriptures

Our electricity went out during the night so I was unable to make the boys the farewell breakfast that I had planned….shame.  So, instead they had yogurt and fruit.  On the way to the airport we first went to Mbongiseni’s homestead to get his patriarchal blessing and made it to the airport by 7:00 a.m. for check-in.  These are getting harder and harder for me to say good-bye to these young men.   We were the only ones at the airport to say farewell.  We will miss them.  The rest of the day was spent picking up Christmas presents at Manzini Market, calling the Swaziland Electric Company every hour to the point they knew who I was and actually going to Mbabane to talk to them to try and get our electricity back on….it was an extremely hot, hot day.  We visited people we have not seen for a long time, Dennis had an interview he had to do, elders came over because their electricity was also out and about 9:00 p.m. it came back on.  Hallelujah!  We saw the truck come down our dirt road…about 5 minutes later, electricity came on and the truck drove out. Five minutes after 30 hours of inconvenience.    I am learning patience and how many of the people I love here, live.

Our newest Swazi Warriors

Boarding for their first plane ride

Arriving at the MTC in Johannesburg

Eish, I’ve heard that they get 5 shots the first day……..

Classroom

Elder Peterson and Elder Ndlova (Manqoba)

Elder Nkambule (Mbongisenit) and Elder Sorenson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Josephine……our sweet Josie is 5 years old.  As we see pictures of our loved ones at home, I think Josie has probably changed the most.  She has gone from a baby to a beautiful young lady.  Love you, Josie!

Friday. November 15 I prepared a meal and we took it to the Msibi family.  We told him tonight he did not have to prepare a meal……they had baked spaghetti, corn bread, fruit and brownies.  They were so cute.  Masabendze is now out of school, I wish that we could find him a summer job so that he could earn a little bit of money.  We are working on that.  We had a marvelous Friday evening…..we went to a concert at the Royal Swazi Convention Center performed by Ian von Memerty and his family.  It was fabulous.  They sing and dance and provide great humor.  Pres. and sister Mahlalela and Zola came with us.  You ought to look it up on the internet to find out about their history and why they do what they do.  A great story.

Msibi famiy

Ian von Memerty concert

They had us get up and dance – sorry about the poor quality of picture

Saturday started early with Sbu at the home for cleaning of the bakki.  We spent a few hours talking after and enjoyed it immensely.  We ordered pizza and took it to the new home of Xolani and Futhi’s to celebrate their 1-month anniversary.  They have a lovely place and made it feel like home.  We tried again to find Senzo at home but he was not there but enjoyed our visit with his make and sister.  Later in the evening Senzo came over to visit with us.  Something is bothering him but he is having a hard time sharing it.  Dennis gave him a blessing.

Xolani and Futhi’s 1-month wedding anniversary

We again attended the Ezulwini Branch because Nathi was suppose to talk there as a high council speaker but couldn’t be there so asked Dennis to speak instead.  He did a great job.  Following sacrament meeting we went to the Manzini Branch to finish the block.  After they had 6 baptisms that we wanted to be there for.  Two were older gentlemen that will really help the branch.  The other were young adults that will grow up to hel the branch if we can keep them strong.  We then went to visit Sister Mangerino and her young daughter in the hospital.  The family lost their son a few months ago and now their daughter is under the doctors care for burns on her arms and foot from an accident with boiling water.  It makes me wonder how much can one family handle.  My heart goes out to them. They expect to be in the hospital for 14 days.  We then took some medicine to Elder Rowley who is not feeling well and then headed home where I made homemade bread for Dennis – which I haven’t done for a very long time and two cakes – one for Senzo 1’s birthday tomorrow and for our zone activity for the elders also tomorrow.   I developed MTC pictures of Mbongiseni and Manqoba and we decided to take some to Mbongiseni’s family.  They were so excited to see him!

Six baptisms in Manzini

Bro. Bandzile Phiri, Simphiwe Phiri, Andile Masina, Fernando Langa, Samuel Ntshangase, and Sister Tbenguni Mxumalo

Sister Mangerino and her 16-month-old daughter

Mbongiseni’s  family

So next Sunday when you listen to the Sacrament prayers, think of it as Heavenly Father’s favorite scripture and what he desires us to learn from it….to always remember His son in every aspect of our life…each and every day and what he willingly did for us.

I ran across this saying that I love:  “When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are.  It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us.  It means that if we meet again, you will know me.  It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.  For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.”

FOR THOSE WHO REMEMBER JESUS, THEY CARRY HIM WHEREVER THEY GO.