SINS OF THE FATHERS February 11–17, 2013

During our Friday morning scripture reading we found a series of verses that I think is meant for some of the men here in Swaziland . It is Jacob 2 where Jacob chastises the men for breaking the hearts of their women and losing the confidence of their children because of their bad examples…”the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you”. This is exactly what the men are doing in this country and that includes those who are our members.  They just decide that they want to have someone else and pick up and leave their wife and children.  One lady was pregnant with two little boys and we heard her cries.  They have no remorse for their actions…they say it is the culture. But the sobbings of the women hearts have been heard and these men will have to answer at some point. Then in Jacob 3:7 it says…”Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children….” That is how this country is going to survive. As Pres. Bulunga said, “when men don’t treat their family well, their children’s eyes don’t smile at them.”

Monday, February 11, 2013 is my sweet Kamri’s birthday.  What a joy she has been since the day she was born.  She has always been so fun to have around with lots to say and do.  Kamri, we love you and bless the day you were born into our family.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Monday was spent with President and Sister Von Stetten.  We tried to go to a special place but it didn’t work out but our plan B was way fun.  We drove to Piggs Peak on a dirt road for 37 k – whatever that is in miles.  It took us quite a while but we saw some beautiful country, wonderful people and adorable children.  What could be better.  Then we drove to Magugu Dam and we showed them our special view spot where we had met those children on our previous visit.  Well, they were still there but this time there was more.  The moment we made the turn on the dirt road, the children came out, ran to the gate (one of the boys told us he was the gatekeeper), opened it for us and then immediately came to us.  They remembered us from the last time.  But like I said there was more.  We found out that there are 11 children ranging from a young lady 17 to the baby that is not quite a year.  We asked if they were from the same babe and make and they said yes.  Their surname is Mncina.  They danced for us, sang and was totally smitten by our visit.  I took a picture and told them we would be back with it in a large size.  We can’t wait to get back there to see them.  We have made some special friends.  We went for chinese for dinner, then came home to the Lobamba boys.  I told the elders they could have FHE at our home without us, but we were grateful to get back before they had left. 

President and Sister Von Stetten

We couldn’t pass this picture by – we see this so often with the children – holes in their pants

The entire 11 children – look at that beautiful scenery behind us

Tuesday, February 12th I spent at home while Dennis went with our new elders to the doctor to start preparations for their work permits. Then Dennis met with our new district president, Pres. Siko (this is how I will refer to him), to talk about all the things that need to be done and decided.  First on the agenda, is a new branch president for Mbabane to replace Pres. Siko.  While he was gone the whole day, I wrote my blog, worked on a special project I am doing, did housework and enjoyed being home not stressed.  During scripture reading one of the verses had a great impact on me…2 Nephi 28:32  “Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts!  For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.”  He is always ready and waiting with His arms outstretched to embrace and lead us even at times when we deny, forget, neglect, or forsake him.  What a comforting thought.  I love the scriptures,  I love my Heavenly Father, I love my Savior, I love this gospel, and I love the happiness that serving brings me.  Dennis spent the evening with Pres. Ntshalintshali discussing the overwhelming tasks ahead of the new district presidency.

Another day spent mostly at home.  I think I have become a “mission widow”, but I am okay with that.  Sometimes I think I would enjoy a car so that I could accomplish things I need to do but you know what, everything seems to get done eventually.  We went on a morning walk, baked and then attended the Mbabane’s DDM.  Elder Kuwanatsoka does such a good job as District Leader and his leadership skills are fantastic.  We thoroughly enjoy his lessons and his direction.  We then went and visited with Nonhlanhla and Pumi.  In a past blog I talked about taking this mother and her daughter around schools trying to find a place in Form 1 for her but everything was full.  Well, they finally found a place for Pumi and her father promised to send the money.  So they put her in it, bought her a uniform and she attended for two weeks but the father never came through with the finances, so she had to drop out.  She was devastated and so was her mother.  We went to see them to see how they were doing.  It was the saddest thing.  This  bright 13-year-old was sitting in their one-room home watching a soap opera in the middle of the day.  What a waste!!  Something has to change and something did. Tell you later.  Dennis continued trying to get our bakki’s registered but to no avail, again.  He then went to district presidency meeting again…this time with the entire presidency.  I seem to always find things to do even without television!  I really thought I would never be able to do without television but I just realized that it has been a year since I have seen anything on a screen.  I have not missed it at all.

Elders Kiwumi and Kuwanatsoka arriving in style to DDM

Getting ready to be fed spiritually

Getting back on the road

This is Pumi taking care of Sister Dlamini’s baby –  aren’t they both adorable

THURSDAY,  FEBRUARY 14TH   HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL OF YOU  I hope you all had a great day.  They actually celebrate this holiday here but I do not think there are many husbands and wives that are actually together for there to be much celebration.  There are many heart-broken women in this country.   We missed being home delivering flowers to all the wonderful women in our life.  But you were thought of and hopefully envisioned the beautiful flowers that we brought you.

It was a very unusual day.  Our home was like a revolving door with people coming and going.  We got up early to go for a walk.  We were just about ready to leave when there was a knock on the door.  It was Nathi and he just came over to say Hi.  So I fixed red heart pancakes in honor of Valentines Day that we all enjoyed.  After he left we drove to Mbabane to get Dennis’ papers copied and bound that he has been preparing for training District Presidencies.  They turned out extremely well.  We then tried to find a home of someone but found some really interesting sights that we enjoyed instead.  Right after we got home Nathi and Masisi arrived to wish us a Happy Valentines.  Masisi just landed a new teaching job and she wanted to share it with us.  She has been teaching for two days and was ready to quit.  Then Sbu came over to wash the car, then Patricia came over on her way home from work.  She had great news.  Her daughters that were here from Soweto, South Africa for Christmas, are getting baptized on March 10th.  We were so excited that we called her daughters and shared the joy with them.  Dennis went with Pres. Shongwe to take some food to some needy families.  Then the elders came over and then we ended our evening with the Hlatswako’s coming to visit with us.  It was a great visit.  We have missed being with them.  A sweet couple that desperately wants a family but has not had the opportunity yet.  It was a good Valentines Day.

Look at these homes with their laundry hanging out over businesses

Look at this lop-sided mud home.  I would love to see the inside.

 

Frank Sinatra look a  likes

Elders Stengile, Heki, Dennis, Bro. & Sister Hlatswako

Friday, February 15th we arose early and went for a walk to the grocery store, hurried home and the Murdocks from Durban came over.  They are the PA Directors for our mission.  We met Jerome Shongwe at the Swazi television station and made a presentation to them for the Music and Spoken Word that is now available free of charge for countries to broadcast over their stations.  We are praying that Swaziland takes advantage of this opportunity – what a wonderful gift for these people to have in their homes.  (They do not allow cameras at the station.  The station is owned by the king and apparently there are numerous attempts of bombing on the property.) Our day continued with lunch with the Zone Leaders to encourage and talk about goals for our zone.  They are wonderful young men and we are so excited to be working with them.  Then off to Nhlangano for a baptismal interview of a young man.  When we got there, he disappeared.  So instead of making it a waste of our time we went visiting with Pres. Bulunga.  Remember, that young man we talked about that showed up at district conference that we had been looking for…..well, we went to find him.  We had him talk to Pres. Bulunga after the meeting and he said he knew a family that lived near him.  We drove quite a distance from the town, reached the family, but found out that Bongumusa Dlamini was in Ezulwini with Zweli.  What a surprise to us.  But again, all was not lost because this family was delightful – Mkhonta family.  When we arrived they were trying to push a truck that wouldn’t start, so we helped.  Then the people kept coming and coming and coming.  What a huge homestead.  They were so cute.  I started giving out suckers and just about emptied my bag.  We found out from Pres. Bulunga that this man (grandpa) is trying to support all these women and children.  There were no men in this homestead.  They have all left their women and children.  Shame on them!  We dropped off Pres. Bulunga to go home to his sweet three children to fix dinner and tuck them into bed.  His wife died around 3 years ago.  He is building his mansions in heaven. Enos 1:27.  We ended our wonderful with an evening visit with the Murdocks.

Our Zone Leaders - Elders Holmes and Condie

Mkhonta Family

That gogo has “attitude”

Look at that little girl carrying the baby – you see this all over

You’ve got to love him

This is Bongumusa’s brother and Pres. Bulunga

Gorgeous country – imagine looking at this every day. What a blessing

Bro. Mkhonta spent the entire time behind the “bonnet” (hood) of his truck

On our way home, we saw these boys riding this cart they made.  Ingenious!

And these boys wanted to get into the action

Saturday was a busy but wonderful day.  It started with a visit to Nonhlanhla and Pumi’s place – they found a school and someone to help with finances. Pumi starts Monday!! Yea!; then a meeting with Charles Dlamini about our CES activity on Saturday; went to visit Muzi who is one of our Lobamba boys whom we have not seen for a while.  He said he has a big problem and is afraid to go to church and even to our home for FHE.  He said he wants to talk to us at church on Sunday, but he never showed up.  I worry about him.  We have talked to his home teachers, Elders Quorum president, missionaries, etc.  Prayers are needed.  We do not want to loose him.  Then off to watch Simon play tennis, to Mbabane for a youth activity that we were speaking at, home to prepare for our going away party for Thembeni who is leaving on her mission on March 7th.  Her family, the Mahlaleles, love the stick game.  We are leaving it with the when we return home.

This was Muzi’s homestead – we want you to get a feel of what life can be like for some people

Fixing pap

All these women are busy – cooking and washing (look at that pile of clothes and it takes that many buckets to complete the task)

Simon playing on the university courts

Mbabane Youth Activity

Sisters Maseko and Similane – Young Women Presidency

Mahlalela’s family

Another beautiful Sabbath in paradise.  We attended the Mbabane branch because they were sustaining a new branch president.   It seemed so strange to have Pres. Ntshalintshali release himself and ask for a vote of thanks.  Awesome!  The new president is Vuzi Malinga, 1st counselor – Mthethwa, 2nd counselor – Bheki Dlamini – who was not there because he was on a speaking assignment in Nhlangno.  I tell you that because his sweet wife during Sunday School fainted and they had to take her out.  George Dlamini and Dennis gave her a blessing then we took her and her boys home.  It would be quite overwhelming.  We later visited her and she is doing okay.  Then we rushed to Ezulwini to witness the baptism of 5 young men.  The missionary force is growing in Swaziland.  Three of these young men are from Lobamba and one young man works for the Shongwe’s in their homestead.  Their testimonies were powerful – they touched our hearts.  Dennis was in district meetings for 5 hours for the rest of the day and I worked on projects.  This new presidency is a great group of men.

Bheki Dlamini and his families’ home

Baptism of

Simphiwe Nkambule, Nhlanhla Dlamini, Marcose Dlamini, Medeni Mamba, Thabiso Dlamini

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”  Ephesians 5:25  This generation of men will not break the hearts of their women and they will change the culture that says it is okay to do so.   

I WISH EVERYDAY WAS SUNDAY February 4–10, 2013

Today was a powerful Sabbath.  It was our District Conference with an area authority visiting us….Elder Colin H. Bricknell and his wife.  I will tell you about the conference later.  But I want to tell you a story first.  Like I said it was an amazing two days.  At the conclusion of the final session on Sunday, Dennis was in the bathroom and one of our investigating Lobamba boys, Marcos Dlamini, came in.   After expressing how wonderful the day had been for him, Marcos said to Dennis, “I wish everyday was Sunday.”  How many of us feel that way?  I think at home I might have felt that way but I do not think it was for the right reasons.  I enjoyed the day because it was different than other days – not quite as many worldly responsibilities…a more laid back day.  I enjoyed visiting with the members but I do not think my heart and soul was in the correct spirit.  My thoughts were not always on the Savior so I could receive His spirit and feel the warmth of His love.  Here in Africa, every Sabbath for the past year has been a spiritual experience with feelings that I have no words to express.  I have opened my heart and thoughts to Him and sat back and let him teach me. 

But for these people here, Sabbath is the day that they can escape from their hard life and the evil influences that are constantly surrounding them, and let the Savior fill their hearts and souls.  When you live every day with immorality, drugs, drinking, poverty, etc., imagine how calming it would be to enter the chapel and have the spirit enter your soul.  Their desire to have everyday Sunday is a powerful statement. This young man has found the spirit he needs to survive in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Oh, how I love this work and bringing that calming spirit into their lives.   I,too, wish everyday was Sunday because I love worshipping the Lord with the Swazi members and non-members.

Marcos Dlamini – we lovingly call him “dreads”

He would be baptized, but he has relapses on his drinking.  He will make it!

 

Monday, February 4th – TRANSFER day for the next two days.  Dennis finished some responsibilities early before we left.  We went to Mbabane to pick up Elder Shumway and took him to deliver some food to the Msibi family.  He was shocked to see how they live.   We knew that she needed some food and didn’t want her to go without.  She was excited to show us how much water she had collected the night before because of a huge rain storm.  Now, she said, she could finish her laundry without having to walk so far to fetch it.  She gave some mangos to Elder Shumway.  She is a lovely woman who is building her mansions in heaven.  Then we proceeded on to Manzini to pick up Elder Zsembery, changed bakki’s with them for good (we are putting too many miles on our bakki, so the president asked us to change with Manzini elders’ bakki which had a lot fewer miles on it).  After the good-byes we drove to Piet Retief and handed them off to Elder Miller where they will continue their journey to New Castle for Elder Zsembery and Bloemfountain for Elder Shumway.  Dennis and I were elderless, so we went for dinner at Mama Mia’s before we continued home.  The Lobamba boys came over for their FHE/PMG.

Elders Shumway and Condie

Elder Zsembery

Saying good-bye

We are going to miss these guys – Elder Zsembery was with us for 7 1/2months

Tuesday I fixed pancakes for the Ezulwini elders to begin the day.  We picked up Elder Guthrie from Manzini, drove to Richards Bay – a 4 1/2 hour drive, met our new elders from Durban and Richards Bay, Elders Armstrong, brand new elders – Jones and Lime, Stengile and Holmes (our new Zone Leader) and then drove back home.  We arrived safely at 11:00 p.m exhausted.   Why does sitting and doing nothing make you so tired?  I’ll never understand it.

Elders Lombardi, Guthrie, Kinyaka, Redford, Awalla, Gideme

So hard to say good-bye

Teaching the gospel at the petro port in Richards Bay

Making the exchanges

Elder Stengile

Elders Jones, Lime, (Elder Guthrie’s new companion) Armstrong

Elder Lime and Holmes in their new boarding – I look evil

Elder Stengile meeting his new companion, Elder Heki

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 – LEONA LOMBARDI’s 10th Birthday.  What an amazing young lady she has become.  As the oldest in her family, she is a great example to her 4 siblings.  She is smart, talented, kind, loving and just a marvelous daughter, sister, granddaughter and cousin.  We love you sweetheart and wish we were there to celebrate with you!

I spent Leona’s birthday cooking and more cooking…getting ready for visitors and this weekend of conference.  We, also, went to visit Lalela for her teaching discussion with the elders.  They were late so we had time to talk.  She told us that she would like to go back to school but she has to take care of Clinton.  She showed us her pay check.  Remember she is a waitress at a very prestigious restaurant.  She earns E1008/month which is $113.  She works 9 hours a day, 6 days a week and in the three years that she has been there has never had a holiday off or vacation.  I do not know how she does it.  We fasted and prayed for her last Sunday that she would be able to find another job so she can come to church without a problem and find means to raise her child and fulfill her dreams.

Thursday, February 7th was again spent cooking and cleaning.  Sbu had to come at 6:00 a.m. to wash our car because Dennis had to meet someone (for the life of us, we cannot remember who or for what reason).  I made waffles for him and the elders.  I have been so stressed out lately that Heavenly Father had to send a monkey to get me refocused on what is important.  I was doing dishes and thinking about all the things I had to do, when I looked up and there was a monkey on my window sill, just looking at me.  How had I not noticed him there?  I swear he smiled at me, jumped off the sill and rejoined the others in the back yard.  They took off and I didn’t see them again.  I took a moment to enjoy the view from the window and thanked Heavenly Father for that reminder.   I finished writing the Lobamba boys’ stories (I wanted to give one to Elder Bricknell this weekend), Dennis attended branch presidency meeting and Elder Lorimer and his parents arrived around 8:00.  We ate, talked and went to bed.  Lovely people.  It was a great evening.

Friday, February 8th was another day without pictures. I don’t think I have every gone this many days without pictures our whole mission.  Shame!  We ate breakfast with the Lorimers, met the President and his wife at 9:30 to make final preparations for district conference and then took them to Baobab Batik.  They loved it.  President is an artist and he loved the work that they were doing.  These ladies love to see us come but I came with just containers for their paints and no sweets.  I think they were a little disappointed.  After Dennis and I went to see Nombulelo but she is on vacation.  Rushed to the Mbabane chapel to help Elder Holmes.  Heavenly Father blessed me again. He sent us an elder that can play the piano, Elder Holmes.  He consented to play the piano for me at district conference and the choir numbers.  He even said, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity.”  I was so thrilled.  But we met so I could show him what to do on the songs for the choir.  The Lorimers had a busy day visiting with investigators and members that Elder Lorimer knew.  When they arrived home we ate and talked.  I then finished the evening making final preparations for lunch tomorrow.

Lorimer Family 

February 9th - HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!  We are so thankful that you are part of our family.  You and Gina make a perfect fit…..Love you

Saturday, February 9th began the whirlwind weekend.  We were up early and had breakfast with the Lorimers.  Dennis went to the Manzini chapel to prepare for Elder Bricknell and President Von Stetten’s interviews for choosing the new district president.  Dennis has been working on this for weeks….approving people to interview, setting up appointments, making sure the agenda for the meetings are all set up and ready, etc.  It was quite the process.  I stayed at home and prepared the sandwiches and salad and dessert for lunches for them.  Dennis came and got me, we went and picked up Sister Von Stetten and then drove to the airport to pick up Sister Bricknell – she was suppose to come with her husband the night before but they did not have a reservation for her at the airport.  At 1:00 our Women’s auxillary meeting began with the district Relief Society, Primary and Young Women presidents.  Then all the branch presidencies joined us.   Sister Bricknell did a fabulous job of training.  She talked about teaching, visiting teaching and modesty.  We packed the Relief Society room.  I kept going out and getting more chairs. We had over 60 women in the room.  While we were having our meetings, the brethren were being taught by Elder Bricknell.  Dennis said the emphasis was on using councils and especially listening to the sisters who often times know more and see more than us brethren. He also showed a ward mission plan was excellently done and then asked the question “do you know what happened?    Nothing, absolutely nothing.” lesson: if you make a plan work your plan. But the best thing was when he taught “ The Savior will never forget our service to Him, and focus on the Savior and you will be better in all things.  Then we had our general session which was such a spiritual experience.  Sister Slyvia Dlamini from the Ezuwini branch began it with a powerful talk on tithing.  I can’t begin to express the wonderful job she did.  I had met her earlier and she was in a room going over it.  She told me she was so nervous.  But the Lord definitely worked through her and got his message over to the people the importance of tithing in their lives.  WOW!  What an evening.  It was completed with dinner at a restaurant where we enjoyed relaxing with the Bricknells and Von Stettens.

My man – Tip Top

The men waiting for their interviews

Cutting  handouts for the meeting

Sisters Bricknell, Von Stetten, Lombardi

Meeting with the women auxiliary district presidents

Dinner at Calabash – Bricknells, Von Stettens, Lombardi’s

I wish everyday was Sunday, February 10th, 2013 – District Conference.  What a wonderful, fulfilling day.  We received an early phone call from Lalela.  She wanted to know the details about what was going on today for church.  She wanted to attend.  We took her to the Manzini chapel to go with the members there on kombi and then we continued on to Mbabane to prepare for the conference.  There was a 9:00 a.m. meeting for all the newly baptized and recently activated members.  Dennis had arranged for kombi’s for these members so that we would have a good turn out and a great turn out we had!!!!  We had over 60 show up.  There was not room for them all.  A lot were standing but no one seemed to mind.  Elder Bricknell had everyone introduce themselves and then asked 6 to bear testimony of how they found the church and their conversion.  We had old and very young (one of the boys that was baptized last week) but what powerful testimonies they bore.  Lalela was there with a few other investigators.  I am sure they felt the spirit.  At 10:00 our general session began.  I cried through the whole thing….from the release of the old presidency to the sustaining of the new; the sustaining of 20 young men to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood; talk given by Vuzi Mamba on what his mission meant to him; the talks from Pres. Von Stetten and Elder Bricknell.  I didn’t want it to end.  I wanted Sunday to last forever.  One statement that Elder Bricknell started his talk with was “I live my life from this statement…I pray I know the Savior better tomorrow than I do today.”  I loved it.  What a simple equation to life.  The Von Stetten’s reign as mission president is over in June.  He was quite emotional.  He expressed that his dreams for Swaziland would be to have the dreaded disease be stopped; the gogos to be able to enjoy the latter-part of their life instead of raising children; that there would be opportunities made available for the people and for the Swaziland to become a stake.  Those are Dennis’ and mine desire also for this land that we love.  So the new district presidency is: Pres. Siko Ntshalintshali (former Mbabane branch president); 1st Counselor – Lucky Maseko (former 2nd counselor in the district presidency); 2nd Counselor – Solomon Mahlalela (former Manzini branch president). It is a dynamite presidency.  Swaziland will grow under their leadership.  After the meeting, Dennis gathered all the 20 young men and they transferred the higher priesthood to them.  It was emotional for Dennis.  I visited with the members, made sure Lalela go home in time to get kombi for work; met with our CES party committee and just “lingered longer”.  We had 450 members come!   Then we rushed home to make final preparations for dinner for the Bricknells and Von Stettens.  It was great having them in our home.  After they left we went to visit Patricia to see how she enjoyed the conference and to give her the 50 pictures that I developed for her of the things that we have done together with her and her family.  Later, the Von Stettens rejoined us more talk of the conference and just good old chit chat.  “I WISH EVERYDAY WAS A SUNDAY LIKE TODAY”

This little family was there before 9:00.  Look how good these little ones are sitting.

The Ezulwini branch arriveing for the 9:00 a.m. meeting being led by Patricia.

I hurried and tried to take a picture of the 9:00 a.m. meeting right after the prayer

Zweli with his new suit – ready to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood

(Ty sent us this suit in December; I gave it to Zweli and he saved it for this special day)

Manzini Young Men

Sister Simelane – just sustained as 2nd counselor in the District Relief Society Presidency

Former Presidency

Shongwe, Simelane, Maseko

New Presidency

Pres. Maseko, Ntshalintshali, Mahlalela

Pres. Von Stetten, Maseko, Ntshalintshali, Mahlalela, Bricknell

Spouses and families

“…he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy…”  Mosiah 4:20.   Mosiah 5:2  “And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”  This is what is happening here in Swaziland.  The leaders are speaking, the Lord is pouring out His Spirit and the people are making a mighty change  - forsaking evil and doing good continually and joy is filling their hearts.  They want every day to be Sunday!!!