8 Sept 2010

13 Sept 2010

Cooked breakfast for all the Elders, they had to be here by 10:00 so we could eat and get on the road to New Castle for Zone Conference, they were on time.  They enjoyed biscuits, sausage gravey, scrambled eggs and juice, they were like well fed cats; no drama this trip, no one got lost, etc.  We all arrived safe and sound.  Elder Blackburn and I stayed with Elder and Sister Ward and enjoyed good companionship.  Springtime in Swaziland is beginning to burst out.  the blossoms are beautiful.

14 Sept 2010
Zone Conference from 9:00 to 1:00 p.m.  We met Elder Renlund and his wife; the theme of the Conference was "Obedience with Exactness".  Everyone was well instructed during this Conference; Exact obedience brings a bubble of protection over you where you can weather the storms of life and not fall prey to temptations.  After Conference we had pizza, took pictures and were on the road back to Swaziland by 2:00pm for the first time.  Very pleasant trip home, we had pizza left over so we brought it with us and shared with the border guards, they love the missionaries and love to talk with us.  President Blackburn reported to President Von Stetten that all missionaries were safely tucked in by 9:00pm.

15 Sept 2010
Zone Development Meeting; the new missionaries were very capable and good leaders; Appointment made to get our work permits at the government offices on Tues. the 21st.

16 Sept 2010
District Development Meeting for Mabane District, we held the meeting at Elder and Sister Blackbulacrn's house, Sister Blackburn served rootbeer floats afterward, it was the first time the African Elders had experienced this delicacy.

17 Sept 2010
Elder Renlund and Wife, Elder Von Stetten and wife arrived in Ezulwini about 2:30pm.  We met them on the highway to lead them to the silver shop to do some tourist shopping, we then took them to their boarding; they met back at our house at 5:30 for dinner, we had chicken teriyaki rice bowls, vegetables, greek salad and apple pie with ice cream.  Everyone was well fed and enjoyed each others company.

18 Sept 2010
Elder and Sister Blackburn picked up Sister Renlund and Sister Von Stetten at their boarding and took them to some of the tourist shops, we had a great time, we met their husbands at the Manzini Chapel at 1:00pm where their portion of District Conference took place, the Swazi Saints attendance was really good.  Good leadership training.

19 Sept 2010

Swaziland District Conference, presided over by Elder Renlund of the South East Africa Area Presidency; great talks given by President Simelane, Sister Zola Shongwe, Nhlangano Relief Society President; President Shongwe, Testimony by young returned missionary Elder Shongwe; Sister Von Stetten, President Von Stetten, Sister Ruth Renland and finally Elder Renlund.  A Very inspiring Conference, made us determined to be more obedient and faithful in our earthly sojourn.  Elder Blackburn was set apart by President Von Stetten as a Counselor in the South Africa Durban Mission and will be known now as President Blackburn.
8 Sept 2010
Transfer days, Elders went to Durban to pick up new companions, our Swaziland Zone has had complete change in Elders in the last 7 weeks, so all will be quiet on this front until next week.