Still December 2010

20 Dec 2010
This was the day we had the Elders over to learn how to make Christmas cookies;  Elder and Sister Hudson arrived from Ladysmith to spend 2 days with us before the other couples arrived.  they were impressed with the Elders cooking and watching the movie It's a Wonderful Life.  President Von Stetten had given permission for them to view this film.  Elder Wark said, "this is now my favorite movie". After the Elders left we went to the Chinese Restaurant for dinner, Sister Blackburn felt she really deserved to be waited on for dinner.  After their party the missionaries exchanged small gifts.

21 Dec 2010
We spent the day showing the Hudsons the shopping areas then came back to Ezulwini to greet the other couples who had arrived : Davis, Zweifel, Ward, Allred, Berry, Nuzman, so 16 of us went to the Great Taipei Restaurant, and everyone said it was the best Chinese food in the whole mission, must be because Sister Blackburn enjoyed her meal there again.

At the Manzini Market

22 Dec 2010
Took couples who were here tourist shopping at the Silver shop,  Manzini and at Swazi Candle; then we took them and left them at the Cultural Center while we did some errands to have the Chapel ready when President Von Stetten and the Dahleys arrived.  After they arrived we had dinner at the Boma Restaurant and then went to the Ezulwini Chapel for a meeting and get to know you.  President Von Stetten informed us that our designation as couple missionaries have been changed to "Leadership and Training Missionaries:".

23 Dec 2010
Our mini Safari was scheduled for today at Mkhaya and it turned out to be the hottest day of the year 108 degrees fareinheit.  3 Sisters fainted and we had to end the safari drive early and most everyone was glad to get out of the sun.  Not very many animals could be found, they were hiding in the shade.  We will not do a Safari again in the summer months.  After everyone had rested we went to Summerfield for dinner, President and Sister Von Stetten was presented with a drum that had their family names carved on it; all the couples were given a small roundavel tree ornament as a remembrance of their trip to Swaziland.  President Von Stetten said the reputation of Summerfield was not as good as being there.

Black Rhino in Mkhaya



Dinner at Summerfield



Von Stetten's receiving their drum

24 Dec 2010
Everyone left today to their assigned areas except Elder and Sister Ward, they will spend the weekend with us.  President Von Stetten decided to visit the Silversmith for some shopping.  Elder Blackburn went to Timbali Lodge to tell everyone goodby and wish them a safe journey.  Three couples had a 14 hour drive in front of them.

  Elder and Sister Ward drove and we went to check out the Tree Canopy tour for when their children come in February, we were able to see quite a few of the Swazi "warriors" on their way to the Incwala, where they dance with the King and celebrate the first fruits of the harvest, then we watched It's a Wonderful Life in the evening then early to bed. Everyone was so tired.

25 Dec

Elder Blackburn gave Sister Blackburn a silver and giraffe hair ring; he received a silver elephant lapel pin; We had blueberry muffins for breakfast.  We then drove to Hlane to check out the self drive safari for the Wards for when their children come to visit; we were very disappointed, no animals were out and the roads were really muddy and we came close to getting stuck; Elder Blackburn and Elder Ward had great fun with the mud holes. This was the mud hole Elder Blackburn picked up a log under the car and a punctured tire.  Another reason not to go on a Safari in the summer months.

26 Dec 2010
We attend all three branches today, we needed to deliver Patriarchal Blessings and Seminary information to the Branches.  Manzini was showing the Christmas Devotional and did not know they were supposed to have Sacrament too so they learned something good. Then to Ezulwini and met up with the Wards and one of the newly baptized members was very distraught, she was having problems with her children and wanted to talk with Sister Blackburn, Sister Blackburn tried to comfort her and explained that every mother has shed tears over their children and then suggested that she have a blessing from President Shongwe, Elder Blackburn and Elder Ward; we then went to Mbabane where Elder Blackburn performed the baptism of Sister Regina Craig.  A day well spent in service to the Swaziland Saints.  (Elder Hudson said that he had not seen any missionaries as busy as Elder and Sister Blackburn).

27 Dec 2010
Took Elder and Sister Ward to Ezulwini Market before leaving for home and then to the Manzini Market for fabric; the Manzini Elders called us while in Manzini and their Bakki was broken so we went to find them, advised them to get a tow truck, but they found a mechanic and spent their pday getting their bakki fixed.  Elder and Sister Ward and we noticed our car had a flat tire(courtesy of the mud holes at the game park). We took the tire off and took it to the shop to get it repaired, we were glad to get a little rest before Elder Blackburn drove to Mbabane to set a missionary apart before leaving the next day for Johannesburg MTC. President Siko and the Mbabane missionaries were there for him.
Glad to see our bed.

28 Dec 2010
Went to the airport in Masapha to see that Boysie Dlamini got on the plane ok; his family was there to see him off. Good experience.  We were glad to have half a day to rest.

29 Dec 2010
Went to Manzini to get meat from our Butchery for a barbeque on Friday with the Elders; President has said they can spend New Years's Eve with us so they will not be stuck in their flat.  Bought groceries for next week, went to a petrol station and picked up money the Elders had overpaid.   Very hot today.