"I'd celebrate the day we made our vows If we could, I'd go back right now...
And do it all again - take you by the hand, in exactly the same way - on exactly the same day.
I wouldn't change a thing; savor every scene....and then I'd marry you again." (Joshua Creek)
Wednesday night the Nathi and Masisi arrive with Xolani and Mpilo that came with them to be part of this special event. Nathi is holding up a suit he had made for the sealing.
Friday, 15 January, 2016 sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Johanessburg Temple
Masisi had her dress made for the occasion. Don't know if you can see it, but there are beads on the bodice. So pretty.
We first met Masisi in May 2012. It was her birthday and Nathi asked me to make her a cake. Nathi helped Dennis with the missionary's Swaziland visas for the two years that we served. He was one of the first Swazi's that we met and a dear, dear friend.
We took them to Summerfield to celebrate their marriage.
Masisi's baptism 22 September 2013
This is where Masisi taught school - it was her birthday.
We had the privilege and honor of being with them for every special event that led to this ultimate ordinance. We are so grateful that we were here in South Africa to share this weekend with them.
The Lord would not command us to love each other so much during our lives only to tear us apart in the next life. How grateful I am for the gospel and our knowledge of eternal families!
It was a week of guests. I love having people over to our home which fills it with laughter and love.
Monday, 11 January, Larry and Debbie McMurdie, humanitarian senior couple from Zimbabwe, arrived in Johannesburg for a conference. So we had them over for dinner. They were so good to us when we were in Zimbabwe, that it was a pleasure to have them. We had such an enjoyable time! We love these people that we meet on mission
Larry and Debbie McMurdie - originally from Wisconsin
12 January began in the wee hours with an amazing thunderstorm followed by a lot of rain! Kept me up all night along with other things. The day at the center was uneventful but the evening was superb! The church is transferring Dominic Tshabalala to Durban and unfortunately he has to take his family with him. So we had a big sleepover with dinner, movies and all the fun food in between! We had most of the family until late when mom and dad went home. We watched Frozen, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, El Dorado and we put the kids on a "sugar" high with popcorn, ice cream, homemade cookies, drink and candy. Moipone told me I would regret that when the kids wouldn't fall asleep. We finally made it to bed around 1:00. The following morning they didn't wake up, so I made pancakes,put them in a container, laid everything on the table, left the keys to our home on the table ready for Dominic to come (which he arrived shortly after we left). He said the kids didn't wake up until 10:00. They later came by the center and it was so good to see them. Dennis gave Dominic a blessing before they left.
Tshabalala family over for a sleepover
Concelia and Tilungile Ntshalintshali came to see us from Swaziland. Tilungile is on her way back to Washington DC.
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY DAPHNE BELL
In just one short year, this sweet little one has brought us so much joy. Her smile melts my heart and everyone she meets. Love you sweet Daphne!.
Friday, 15 January, we had a farewell party for Given Masetle - he worked on membership. MLU Manager. He had been working at the area office for ten years.
I
Elder Sifiso Ndwandwe came to visit us with his new companion. He is now serving in Four Ways.
Sunday 17 January we went to a special meeting at the Benoni Stake Center. They were taking three wards and making five....Benoni, Springs and Rynfield Wards and adding North Mead and Boksburg Wards in preparation for making another stake. It was a powerful meeting. They passed the sacrament which was a spiritual experience; the announcement of the boundaries was done in such a positive way; the testimonies of the new bishops were humble and heartfelt; and the stake talks were great. Some quotes from the meeting: "Nephi after his trials said"have you lived after happiness"; "It is the Lord's way that we serve."; "It is Africa's time for the growth of the church"; "stay true to your sustaining vote"; "see the good in the world"; "stay deeply and fully commited to your covenants and living the gospel"; "commit yourself to support, stay in harmony and share their burdens." Just a few. We also saw some of our former elders there - Deo Garcia Masaya, Reuben Holmes and his wife and Bongasi Ntombela and his wife. It was a great meeting. We also got to say good-bye to the Tshabalala family. They were headed to Durban after the meeting. I rushed home after to make final preparations for dinner where we had Rion and Charlotte Needs, Linford and Mary Beckstrand, and the brand new couple, Russell and Linda Coleman. Another great visit.
Sunday visit to the Benoni Stake Center where wards were split. Dominic Tshabalala was released as bishop of the Benoni Ward because of his transfer to Durban. This is Moipone holding a friend's baby.
Jsckson Martin, Bishop and Daniel Holmes and Thobo Malope
Clint Lombard, Branch President with Tifo Moseti and Billy Won Soll
Paul Bester, Bishop with Mike Westrand and Chase Hugo as counselors.
Another dinner at the home....
Russel and Linda Coleman - they arrived 22 December and he was in the hospital with kidney stones on the 26 December. There is something about kidney stones and the area office - is it the water? What a way to begin a mission.
While we were eating, Mozambique Mission President, Koch, called and asked if we could help him with the new couple that is coming to serve in Swaziland. In March they will be flying into Johannesburg and he would like us to show them around for a few days and then take them to Swaziland so they can discover Swaziland through our eyes. What fun that would be. I love actual missionary work.
Salt Lake Temple where our forever began 45 years ago.......
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