25 Feb 2012

26 Feb 2012
We went to District Conference in the Mbabane building.  Elder Blackburn and Sister Blackburn were asked to share their Testimony - Sister Blackburn shared that she and Elder Blackburn had over 100 years of service in the Church and that is why Couples are being asked to serve missions;  all the couples have that much time in service and they did not serve 50 years as the Relief Society President or as a Primary Teacher, they have served in all the callings of a large Ward and that is what makes them such wonderful mentors for the mission field where most members are first generation in the Church, she also shared her love for the Swaziland Saints and thanked them for the friendship and love offered.  Elder Blackburn shared the great love he feels for the Saints and working with the young men to get them on missions; 6 are currently serving with 6 more leaving within 3 months.  A District Choir is now functioning and the music was beautiful; and after Conference, "all the Sisters are talking about the gossip you showed them could happen when they talk".  They were determined to not be like that.  We received some dinner invitations we are going to try to fit into our schedule before we leave.  Elder Blackburn drove Elder Usi to the airport, President and Sister Von Stetten drove back to Durban.

25 Feb 2012
District Conference Leadership Meeting today with the first session of Conference starting at 4:00pm.  Sister Von Stetten and I conducted the Women's Auxiliary Leadership Meeting.  We did not watch the time and so Sister Von Stetten did not have time for her final presentation.  Sister Von Stetten explained the importance of following the Counsel of the District Leaders - they are there to help establish correct procedures.  Sister Blackburn had the Sisters play the gossip game, where some phrase is repeated many times and then the final repetition is given and compared to the first statement.  Then Sister Blackburn gave a lesson on being friends with "the one". To make sure everyone is made welcome and feel that they are with family.  Our Area Authority is Elder Usi, a member of the 3rd Quorum of Seventy, he lives in Kenya.  Everyone really enjoyed the messages given.  The District Presidency with their wives, Elder Usi, President and Sister Von Stetten, Elder and Sister Blackburn all went to dinner at a Portugese restaurant in Manzini.  We all had a wonderful evening visiting and eating.  It was good to see the support the District women gave their husbands.