Last weekend Dennis and I were asked to go to Swaziland to help our Church History Adviser do some Annual History training with the district and branch clerks. Of course, the assignment was enthusiastically accepted. Upon returning to Swaziland, I kept pondering on why I love it so much here. Why do I feel such peace and pure joy when I am among the Swazi's? Why does my heart long to return? My conclusion~~~~~~
we are of one heart and one soul.
In Swaziland the people have accepted us, embraced us, loved us and show that love openly. This time when we entered the Swaziland border, the lady that stamped our passport, looked up and just gave us the biggest smile...welcome to Swaziland. Our first stop was to a stationary store where Constance Dlamini works. She was behind the counter helping a customer, looks up, sees us, smiles and rushes to me with an embrace that I imagine resembles that of the Saviors. Then a visit to Zola Shongwe where she runs out of her office, yells, "Mom and Dad", hugs us and expresses her love. Off we go to Baobab Batik, no members of the church there, but over 30 young ladies have welcomed and loved us unconditionally and when they see us, they scream, run to us and again a tight embrace with "I love you". This was all within an hour. Later, we went to see an 86-year-old lady, Gogo Elizabeth Shongwe, She does not speak English but we communicate in other ways.
She touches her heart and then touches mine. Yebo, Gogo, I love you too!
Baobab Batik
These are not isolated incidences. They happen everywhere we go in Swaziland. Who doesn't long for this kind of love and affection? As I try to understand and share my love for the Swazi's, I become quite emotional. Four years ago, we went to Swaziland to help them, but we were the ones that were lifted and blessed far more that any assistance we may have given. I dearly love these grateful, content, prayerful, poor, humble yet incredibly happy people. The Swazi's and us "
are of one heart and one soul."
Think back. When was the last time a stranger embraced you and told you that they loved you? How often do we tell each other that? Maybe we need to be more like the Swazi's and express that love more often. I know it has sure made a difference in my life.
OUR TRAINING IN SWAZILAND ~~~ 2 - 5 June 2016
We left early Thursday morning and made it to Swaziland in good time. We stopped first in Mbabane to see Constance Dlamini and Zola Shongwe, then on to Baobab Batik to pick up a tablecloth for a friend. We were staying in Mountain Inn in Mbabane and they gave us a room with a view. It was beautiful. We contacted Mabel Nkambule to see if she could meet with us for a oral interview. She was the very first person to be baptized in Swaziland on 5 September 1987. She agreed but was at work and it takes her 2 1/2 hours to get home. We told her that we would love to pick her up, take her home and do the interview in her home. The distance from where she works and where she lives is FAR. She told us that she wakes at half-past three, makes preparations for her children, leaves the home at 4:30, walks an hour to the kombi stop, hopefully the kombi is not full, and arrives at work at 7:00. She then works all day, knocks off at 5:30, waits in a que for the kombi for as much as an hour, drives at least 1/2 hour to her drop off and then walks an hour to her place arriving home around 8:00, prepares dinner, has scripture study, bed and then starts all over again. How I love these people. Her interview was incredible. The story of meeting an ex-pat couple that approached her and her siblings with American chocolate chip cookies and then introduced them to church was inspiring. From that kind gesture the church exploded in Swaziland. The day she was baptized, 10 other family members joined her and it was performed on a cool day in a swimming pool outside. She later married a return missionary, had three children and after just ten years of marriage, he died suddenly. She told us a beautiful story of a dream that comforted her during this very trying time. She has remained faithful all these years, as given her all to the gospel and is now serving as District Primary President. What a beautiful experience it was to be in her humble home, hearing her story. Thank you Mabel for setting the example in Swaziland for others to follow.
The view of the Ezulwini Valley from our room
Hazy day in Mbabane
Mbabane
Mabel Ntshalintshali Nkambule
Her three children - they were waiting for us to finish so they could have dinner with their mom
We left her home late so this is the only shot I could get of the road we took to get to her lovely home. We hit bottom quite a few times but it was sure worth the interview.
Those who were baptized on 5 September 1987. Mabel is the first on the left.
A very busy day on Friday. We had an appointment at 7:30 a.m. to meet with Siko Ntshalitshali, the District President, for an interview. We picked him and drove to the Manzini chapel. Another great interview. He is the brother of Mabel and was also baptized on that momentous day. His life has been one of total dedication to the church, going to seminary at 5:00 in the morning which he loved, serving as Elders Quorum Presidents, Mbabane Branch President and now District President with the goal of becoming a stake soon. We listened to him tell stories of the beginnings of the church in Swaziland where they had to keep finding new meeting places because of the persecution of the community saying they were drinking blood and sacrificing children. But the members stayed faithful and the church continued to grow. Now they are looking at becoming a stake hopefully next year.
This is Siko being baptized
Siko now...
Our drive through Matsapha
Chickens for sale
Anyone for some firewood?
We then hurried to Lobamba to see Sifiso Ndwandwe who just returned from his mission. We had him and his companion for dinner the week before. It was so fun to see him in everyday clothes. He looked like a lost soul! It is hard to come home from mission and all of a sudden not having anything to do. He said that he has told the missionaries that he wants to go out with them.
Dennis, Sifiso and Sizwe who said he came by to keep Sifiso company. I think he truly needs it.
I made a new friend - he followed me through Lobamba
We had to hurry to the Shongwe home for a 1:00 appointment with Jerome for an interview. He was baptized 10 January 1988 making him one of the first after the Ntshalintshali family. We heard similar stories of the persecution they received but the strength that came from it. Thoko, his wife, and him were the first Swazi family to be sealed in the Temple. He also has a story of giving his all to the church being the first Swaziland District President. His recollection of the day the country was dedicated by Neal A. Maxwell was nothing short of a miracle. I love the stories and history that we are hearing. I love this part of our mission. Gogo, Elizabeth, Shongwe is Jerome's mother. What a faithful woman she is and what a great job raising such a faithful son.
Jerome filling out the donation agreements for the oral interviews
Jerome Shongwe
Dennis, Machawe Shongwe, Jerome Shongwe
Gogo Shongwe. I always bring her plastic bags that she turns into a masterpiece rugs. She gave me two that she had made. Love this woman - our hearts are truly one!
Then off the mountain where the Shongwe's live and rushed to Manzini where we were meeting Riccardo Nyoni, our Swaziland Country Church History Adviser. We met him at a mall where we were joined with his fiance, Queen, and had a delightful dinner and conversation. They are to be married in the temple 19 August. So thrilled for them. After dinner we drove to the Manzini chapel where we set up for the training the following morning. We drove them home and then to our room where we hit the bed because we had a 3:00 a.m. wake up call.
These boys were posing for me at the mall. When they see a camera, they become "hams".
Riccardo Nyoni, our Church History Advisor and his fiance, Queen
We met Siko and Phindile Ntshalintshali at 4:00 a.m. and drove to the night vigil of Gcina (Robert) Hlatswayo's father. When we arrived in Swaziland we heard of his passing and wanted to be there to support Gcina. I have no idea how he knew we were coming that morning, but he was there to greet us How I love that man. There were a lot from the branch that had been there all day. They held a service around 5:30 and then they sang while they followed the casket to the burial spot on their land. (We didn't get a picture of Gcina - shame, that makes me sad but he was busy with his family)
Xolile, Phindile, Siko and Dennis
They erect a tent next to the home where everyone gathers for the night vigil.
It was cold. Dennis and Nathi Dlamini
Xolile and her mother
Warming up in some room
Masisi, Carol, Dennis, Simile, Siko, Phindile, Constance
Singing and dancing as they follow the casket to the burial spot
This chicken was wise - still sleeping in the wee hours of the morning. Wished I was.
The sunrise as we were leaving.
Saturday, 4 June 2016 after the funeral we drove to the Manzini chapel were we began our preparations for the training of the unit clerks and historians. I began cooking the lunch that we were serving after and found that there were no utensils, bowls, pots, etc. in the kitchen. Luckily I had thought to bring a knife so it was used for cutting, stirring and dishing out. Bet you never knew a knife could be used in so many different capacities. We had all but one branch represented and even had a member of the district presidency, high council, clerk and the District IT specialist. Riccardo did a great job conducting the training.
Dennis and Tokozani Shongwe, the district high councilman over church history
Thokozani, Dennis, Riccardo and Mandle Mantinto
Riccardo explaining the power point
Dennis' part
The group
Lunch
Nhlangano was well represented - Branch clerk (Mncedzisi Mamba) and historian (Peggy Hlophe) and Simon at the end is the Fairview Branch Clerk
Mncedzisi reminded us that we were at his baptism in Nhlangano in July 2013. This is us waving to Elder Kalin Wilson who baptized him.
Thokozani Shongwe - a dear friend from when we first arrived in Swaziland. He was at the time Ezulwini Branch President.
Tip Top making his own fence surround his newly planted grass
After the training, Riccardo did an oral history. One was with Mandle Matinto - a return missionary.
Helping Riccardo with his oral interview worksheet.
We can't come to Swaziland without driving past our Swazi home.
Love this sight.....
Sunday, 5 June 2016 we were off to Ezulwini Branch for church. They released Branch President Maseko and did not put anyone else in, so Manqoba Shongwe and Zweli Dlamini (counselors) will be running the branch until another president is announced. The testimonies were powerful - such support for those young men that now have such a heavy burden to carry. Then off to Manzini Branch for an oral interview with Wiseman Similane - who was the district president when we arrived in Swaziland in 2012. An inspiring church history we were able to capture. We saw all our Manzini family and even one from Nhlangano. A great reunion.
Zola and Sifiso Ndwande - our recently return missionary. First time at church - he came early to see everyone.
Some of our lovely women - the women on the left is Sifiso's mother.
Sibusiso and Dennis
Whatever Dennis said put a SMILE on his face
Branch second counselor - Zweli Dlamini
Off to Manzini - Sister Nomsa Malinga (Gege) and Sister Pierre
Futhi Sithole - due in four weeks - a little GIRL
Riccardo gave Queen a ring this morning. It is official! 19 August
We interviewed Wiseman Similane. He was instrumental in developing the growth of the Manzini Branch and getting the beautiful spot where the chapel sits.
His presidency when he was District President
Jabulani Motsa (clerk), Alfred Harrison (counselor) and Wiseman Simelane
They were having a Public Affairs meeting with all the unit directors. So HAPPY to see Selby Bulunga from Nhlangano.
Let me introduce Pontsho Mokoena from Lesotho but living in Swaziland. Manqoba Shongwe just went to Lesotho to negotiate with her family for marriage. They came up with a compromise. They are paying half on 22 July.
Selby Bulunga, Dennis, Jabulani Motsa, Jerome Shongwe
Manzini Chapel
These little ones were waiting patiently outside for their parents to take them home.
This is a home that the church bought in Manzini where the members met for awhile. They turned the garage into a Primary room (room on left side)
Leaving Swaziland...always hard to leave the place where so much love is given......sunset on our drive home.
THE REST OF THE WEEK IN A NUTSHELL.....
Monday 30 May, I attended a luncheon at Sister Linda Dunn's home with Sisters Egan, Walton and French. It was a farewell get-together for Sister Nomthandazo Msane who is leaving for Kenya to assist her husband as Kenya Mission President. I met some amazing sisters in the Joburg area.
Sister Nomthandazo Msane
Sisters united.....
Tuesday, Dennis had an MRI on his knee and discovered he has a torn ligament that has started creating a cyst which is the culprit for all the pain that he is having. He is scheduled for surgery the middle of July.
Wednesday, 1 June, Brother and Sister Malaza from the Ezulwini Branch in Swaziland with their little girl was here to attend the temple. It was great seeing them. Then we went to Chatty Padoa's sons funeral, Luke. Chatty is the secretary for President Hamilton in the area office. Her son was in a wheelchair because he had muscular dystrophy (?) but still served in numerous capacities which included assisting in the Area Family History Library. A good young man. He will be missed.
Sister Malaza and her daughter
Luke Padoa's funeral in the Springs chapel
Sister Claudia Hamilton fell and sprained her ankle a few days earlier. Pres. Hamilton spoke and did a great job. Today he officially carries the mantle as Africa Southeast Area President.
Sister Debbie and Elder Todd Neilson - a couple that just arrived from Draper, Utah. They are headed to Zimbabwe as Humanitarian couple but having visa problems.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOY!!
3 June is Koy's birthday. Nothing comes close to the pride that a mother feels when they see their son grow up to be the epitome of a loving husband, father and person. That is what Koy is. I wanted to make a successful man out of him, but he made a successful mother out of me. I love you KOY!
OF ONE HEART
