The first picture was taken when we were driving Elder and Sister Watson around on Friday, the next two were at District Conference.  The child is President Balunga's youngest, President Balunga is Branch President of Nhlangano Branch.  The other picture is of President von Stetten, Elder Watson, Elder Blackburn and wives at dinner on Saturday night after a full day of meetings.  Elder and Sister Watson left on Sunday right after District Conference with a sack lunch and special goodbyes with everyone.  We have taken advantage of a quiet week to get ready to take supplies and furniture to GeGe for the Missionary apartment.  We purchased appliances and bicycles.  Today Elder Blackburn worked with Brother Holder to get work started again on the Ezulwini Building while Sister Blackburn caught up on paperwork and got her computer fixed.

11 Feb 2011
This morning we picked up Charles Dlamini at the Swazi Post Office and took him with us to get the little Mbisi boy to take him to the Lobombo Clinic.  When we got to the Clinic we had to wait a little while for it to open and we were scheduled to be the first to see the Dentist.  After everyone was allowed into the Clinic the manager came up to Elder Blackburn and informed us that they always had "services" before they started their day and would Elder Blackburn  pray for them.  Elder Blackburn, of course agreed, then the manager asked someone to start singing a hymn and everyone sang a hym in SisWati, then Elder Blackburn gave a prayer in English, then a young man gave what appeared to be a short sermon.  We could not understand it because he spoke SisWati.  The Doctor had not come at 8:45 so we had to leave, we gave Charles enough money to pay for the Doctor (3 Rand) and enough to purchase medicine and get him and Mbisi home by Kombi.  We went to the Border Post to wait for Elder Watson and the 4 couples from the Johannesburg Temple came in so we took the time to help them get through customs and then led them to a Tourist area they really wanted to see.  We then went back to the Border Post and waited 1.5 hours for Elder Watson, we finally called President Von Stetten to get Watson's Cell number, we called Elder Watson and they were just arriving to leave the South African Border and enter Swaziland, so we helped them through Customs and they wanted to go to the Ngwenya Glass Factory where we had left the Temple Missionaries; when we got there the Temple Missionaries were still there.  So we just sat down and waited until everyone was ready to leave.  Explained the map to the Temple Missionaries and made arrangements to have dinner at the Chinese Restaurant at 6:00pm.  When Elder and Sister Watson was ready to leave they wanted to drive to a place called Pigg's Peak so we drove to the turnoff, parked our care and got into the Watson's car and went for a drive through the mountains, they were so happy and were able to get some great pictures; on the way back Elder Blackburn drove the car while Elder Watson took pictures;  when we got to our car and started back to Ezulwini, President Von Stetten telephoned us and wanted to know where the Watson's were and we explained that we would meet him in about 15 minutes; Elder Watson can explain to him where he was and why.  We got back to Ezulwini just in time to meet for a Chinese Dinner.  We had a busy productive day and are very tired and have to start at 7:00am tomorrow.  It is hard to take care of two groups of people who want your attention.  So goodnight everyone, we are off to bed.

10 Feb 2011

Elder Ng'Anda telephoned this morning and told us his eye was swollen, Sister Blackburn telephoned Sister Von Stetten and explained the situation and was instructed to take him to the Mbabane Clinic so we picked him up at the Missionary's house and took him to the Clinic where he was diagnosed with an infection "stye" and given antibiotic and pain meds.  His pain med was Percocet so Sister Blackburn instructed him to take only 1 since they are very strong; he has been obedient;  Elder Samai and Elder Masilele came by and we gave them lunch and sent Tylenol with them for Elder Ng'Anda with instructions that Sister Blackburn will pick up the Percocet.  Sister Blackburn telephoned Sister Von Stetten and reported.  We got back to our house in time to go to Lobombo and pick up Brother Armstrong and take him to the Supermarket in Mbabane to purchase a food order for the family Elder Blackburn visited yesterday, their little boy had a swollen face and Sister Blackburn checked his teeth and both sides had infections, we discussed this with brother Armstrong and he made arrangements for his nephew to pick up the boy tomorrow and take him to the tooth Dokotela.  He showed us the Lobombo Clinic where the child will be taken and we inquired about the Doctor and was told the child had to be at the Clinic by 8:00am tomorrow, the 8 month old little girl was also sick and her chest rattled, Sister Blackburn asked about her and was told that she also has TB;  so Elder Blackburn and Sister Blackburn will pick up the little boy and Brother Armstrong's nephew and take them to the Clinic.  Elder Watson called during all this and made arrangements for us to meet him at the Ngwenya Border Post at 12:00 noon.  Which we will do.  We were ready to get home have dinner and relax.  Elder Blackburn talked with his brother Bill and learned that they will be going to Peru on their next mission, they will leave about March 14th.

The pictures are of the house where we delivered the food. This is the Msibi Family.

9 Feb 2011

We had to go to Mbabane to go to Traffic Court with Elder Samai; we picked up him and Elder Ng'Anda at the Missionary's house and went to the Police Station since we did not know where the Court House is.  When we got to the Police Station the Traffic Policeman told Elder Samai to get into the back of his patrol wagon, we were shocked then Elder Samai says "we have a car" the Policeman then instructed us to follow him to the Court House.  Sister Blackburn instructed Elder Samai not to plead guilty to anything he did not feel he had done.  It was a fender bender in a rain storm at night. The Judge asks Elder Samai if his name is Elder or if he is an Elder in the Church, Elder Samai tells him that the title Elder designates him as a missionary, then the Judge asks if it is the Church that teaches Joseph Smith, Elder Samai says yes and that as a missionary he teaches about the Restoration of the Church in the Last Days. The Judge then turned it over to the Prosecutor.   The Prosecutor read off 5 charges and Elder Samai says, "that is a lot of charges, I did not do all that.  I will plead guilty to one and pay a fine."  The Judge then consulted with the Prosecutor and they decided to charge him with negligence.  They judge asked Elder Samai how he was going to plead, Elder Samai says "guilty".  The Judge then says "What can you say to me that will convince me not to sentence you to 10 years in Prison."  Elder Samai then explains that he has served in South Africa and Swaziland for a period of 2 years and is scheduled to go home in 2 weeks.  The Judge wanted to know how long he had been in Swaziland, how long he had been driving and if he had tried to fix the other vehicle.  Elder Samai explained that he had tried to do all that he could, the Judge could see he was an honorable young man and then sentenced him to a fine of E500.00. ($75.00 American Dollars).  We were so grateful that Elder Samai showed what an honorable young man he is and how sincere he came across to the Judge.  the fine could have been double or triple that amount.  Elder Samai had so much remorse and agony anyway over the accident and that the Church Truck had been damaged, even though not very much.  We went back to the Police Station to pay the fine.

Elder Blackburn had an appointment with President Shongwe to visit two families at 5:00pm so he met him and had quite the experience witht the second family. "There was the husband, wife and 5 children - oldest 18, the youngest 8 months.  Both the husband and wife have tuberculosis (AIDS), both bedfast, the live in separate houses on the homestead.  His sister comes everyday to feed him but will not feed the wife or the children, if there is anything left over she throws it away.  The wife had not food in her house for herself or their children.  No electricity, no running water it is down the road, they cook outside over an open fire.  The house is built with sticks and stones with a dirt floor.  A mattress on the floor is the only piece of furniture they have.  This is the "sorriest"  LDS family I have ever seen.  The mother is considering putting the Children into an orphanage, but does not know how she will get water delivered to herself to drink and who will bring me food.  The house is about 5 miles up a dirt road and the Relief Society President does not have a car to go help.  What a Problem!!!!"  Elder Blackburn offered to take a member of the Branch Presidentcy to Purchase food for the mother and the children and will do that tomorrow.  Elder Blackburn writes, "I am so thankful I was born where I was; I will try never to complain again;  I am thankful for our mission call to Swaziland - wonderful people - the gospel is the only answer there is for these people.  The little girl who is 8 months old just started to screm when she saw me.  The first white person she had seen and one with white hair.  The children just stared and stared at me."



Ge Ge, High School students washing their lunch dishes

5 February 2011
The first ever District Relief Society Training Meeting for the District Branches.  There was a very good turn out.  Sister Blackburn gave a spiritual thought and the coordination of teaching subjects were very good.  I was very impressed with how the District Relief Society had put it together.  They did a great job.  I had a chance to talk with a couple of teachers from the rural areas and ask what their young high school girls did when they had their menstrual cycle each month.  They told me that the girls used whatever they could find, paper, leaves and sometimes when they could not find anything they either stayed at home or came to school and bled on their clothes.  I sent this report to Sister Neilsen and she will see what she can do to bring humanitarian to Swaziland to help these young women.

4 February 2011
Met the Neilsens at 7:30 to travel to the "Grand Canyon of South Africa"a place just north of Nelspruit;  we got through the border with no problems and came to what seemed our turn; we were both agreed to it.  Neilsens' were in one car and we were in ours.  So we drove and drove (the gps kept telling us to go back) we chose to read the map.  We drove some more and were on dirt roads, and ended up in a community of houses, there was a woman who came from her house to talk with us and she showed us on our map where we were and we were backtracking to Swaziland on dirt roads.  Took us an hour to get back to the main road and we decided to give up on the visit to the Canyon.  Elder and Sister Neilsen went back to Johannesburg and we decided to take a drive to Kruger and see some animals.  We did not see very many, it was the middle of the day and hot.  We got back to Swaziland at 7:30 pm.  12 hours in the car.  We were really tired.

3 February 2011
Met the Neilsens at 8:15 am and took them to the Ezulwini Town Board where they met with the CEO to discuss humanitarian needs the town of Ezulwini, good progress was made and an appointment will be made with the Chief the next time the Neilsens come to Swaziland; then we went to Manzini to meet with the place that is going to receive the wheel chairs and plans were put into place for ordering and receiving them.
We had a good discussion on what Humanitarian projects are available now and one of them is sewing classes to teach young women how to make sanitary pads, they use leafs in Uganda and the sewing project has been very successful.  Sister Blackburn will investigate what the rural girls use here in Swaziland.
2 February 2011
Elder and Sister Nielsen arrived today, we met them at the border post in Mbabane.  We tried to find the Save the Children Orphanage and could not, so we had lunch at Friar Tuck Restaurant in Mbane, Branch President Shongwe was too busy to come out and talk with us.  We then led them to Ezulwini to the Royal Casino and Spa where they had reservations.  Our lunch was late so we invited them for a dish of ice cream and hot fudge sauce, which they loved.

Week of 23 Jan 2011

1 Feb 2011
Elder Samai and Elder Cooley came by this morning to discuss a meeting the neighborhood had concerning security, some of the houses have been forcefully broken into and families assaulted.  Elder Blackburn and I decided the Ezulwini missionaries and us had better stay put since our security is really good.  Then we went to Ge Ge to meet with the Eric Rosenberg High School committee to determine if they will let us rent the school to hold Sunday Services, they were hesitant at first, Brother Malinga gave what appeared an eloquent sermon in SiSwati then Elder Blackburn and I answered questions and told them a little about the Church, we could see a softening in their attitude and at the end of the meeting they accepted the amount of rent we offered and gave Elder Blackburn and I a hug and one woman gave me a kiss on the cheek, even the men were giving hugs to Elder Blackburn.  We saw the Spirit actively soften their hearts toward the hurch.  A very profound meeting.  We saw the students carrying dishes and washing them at an outside faucet, they bring their own lunch dishes and then wash them.  I think the World Food Program probably provides the lunches for the students, for some it will be their only food for the day.

31 Jan 2011
Received email from Elder and Sister Neilson from Johannesburg, Humanitarian missionaries, they will be in Swaziland from the 2nd to 4th of Feb.  We were in the Ezulwini Town Board and saw they would like a wheelchair project so we made an appointment for the Neilsons with them.  We were looking for houses to rent for us and the missionaries, could not find anything.

30 Jan 2011
Went to Nhlangano for Church, Elder Blackburn needed to present Brother Malinga's name to be sustained as Group Leader for Ge Ge.  He also interviewed prospective Elder and Set apart the new Branch Clerk, Brother Motsa.  Brother Motsa is 26 years old and was so subdued because of his call, he will do a good job.  He has taken this call so seriously.  Very productive day for Branch President Bulunga, many calls extended for the Ge Ge Group and accepted.

29 Jan 2011
Went visiting members today, the worst dirt road ever, tall weeds and ruts.  Saw brother Malaza a member of the Ezulwini Branch Presidency.  We explained that we want to visit inactive and less active Priesthood holders and try to get them to come out again to strengthen the Branch.  Then we went to visit Sister Jill, several of the handbags she makes have been ordered by Sister Nuzman and Sister Hudson, she will get those made for when we go to Durban.

26 Jan 2011
Had pictures of GeGe wedding developed and will take to Brother and Sister Malinga to give to the bride and groom, we hope this will be a good PR effort.  Received a call from the Swaziland Internal Revenue Service, they have a check from the Church and the clerk, Nomsa does not know what to do with it.  So we went to the IRS and explained the check was to be broken down and the amounts are to be posted by the month for the last 4 months.  She really did not understand but was willing to do it the way we told her.

25 January 2011
In the car again today, had to go to Mbabane for small errands, picked up sweater at cleaners, had prints done of pictures taken at the wedding, will give them to the Sister Malinga on Sunday, we have to go back to Nhlangano to set apart the Group Leader for GeGe, Brother Malinga and get Aaronic Priesthood ordained. Had to buy a new mixer, the one Sister Blackburn had fell off the counter onto the cement floor and broke. Then we had to go to Manzini to see Elder Samai about a traffic accident he had, there were forms that did not get filled out and sent to the Mission Home.  Elder Samai was on exchanges with the Elders in Manzini, we went to the Manzini Market again and picked up a Nativity Set. Had to stop in Matsapha to give copies of the wire receipts showing all the apartment rents for the Elders had been paid.  Checked on the cost of two bicycles for GeGe; will get the answer on the cost tomorrow.   The new Noah's Ark is not finished yet, when we get it, we will send a box home.  All this running around will really cost us this month in gasoline.

24 January 2011
First thing a call from Elder and Sister Allen, they sent us the confirmation of funds for Sipiwe Songwe's school tuition; Sister Blackburn had told her mother to have Sipiwe at the school very early on Monday morning so we could convince them to allow her to start without money in hand.  Sister Blackburn telephoned Sister Shongwe and asked if Sipiwe was on her way and was informed that she would call Sipiwe and tell her to hurry;  Elder and Sister Blackburn went on to the school and met with the Head Teacher who agreed to let her start, we gave him the confirmation of money letters;  2.5 hours later Sipiwe telephoned us and said they would not let her into school, she was told to go to the Commercial Department and see the Head Teacher, he did let her start school, we hope she can get out of bed and get to school for the next 18 months.  Her mother called later and Asked for the money for Sipiwe to board at the school, Sister Blackburn informed her that PEF did not pay for room and board and that Sipiwe knew this, it had been discussed, if Sipiwe wanted to stay at school she would have to pay for it herself.  We went to the Manzini Market and picked up the drum for President and Sister Von Stetten, it was very well done.  All names carved and spelled correctly.  Long day, glad it ended.

23 Jan 2011
We got up early and started for Nhlangano, we picked up President Simelane and his Executive Secretary, brother Jabulani Motsa so by 7:30a.m. we were on the way from Manzini to Nhlangano, we arrived in time for Elder Blackburn, President and Brother Motsa to attend PEC meeting with President Balunga.  Had good meetings, everything in English and organized they way it was supposed to be except R.S., got to work on that.  After meetings, Sister Blackburn had packed a lunch, so we ate lunch on the way back to Manzini and Ezulwini.  It was President Simelane's birthday and he wondered if his wife would remember.  He and Brother Motsa ate all the brownies Sister Blakburn had made.  After meetings in Manzini, it was mentioned that Sister Simelane did not remember her husband's birthday.  We think he was probably really disappointed.  Long day!!!

22 Jan 2011

We got up very early and started for Nhlangano and GeGe, made a stop in Manzini at the Elders apartment to pick up vacumn and iron, they had borrowed them from us.  We got to GeGe at 12:00 noon at Brother and Sister Malinga's house.  Elder Blackburn needed to call Brother Malinga as the new Group Leader for the GeGe Group and check the house the new Elders will stay in if President Von Stetten sends them to us at the next transfer.  What a rough road to travel to and from, however we did get to attend a wedding as we had to go find Brother Malinga to extend the call.  Brother Malinga is the assistant Chief or "Headman" of the area.  The little house was adequate, we took pictures to send to Pres. and took pictures of the school the saints will probably be meeting in.  Then we went to Nhlangano and met with Pres. Bulunga to inform of the changes that will be made tomorrow and to inform him that District President Simelane will be there tomorrow to make changes in his Branch and to be prepared for them.  Then to the Elder's apartment for their periodic inspection.  Everything looked good there.  Then home and dinner in the crockpot.

21 Jan 2011
Brother Mbuli came early to wash and clean our car, then the Allens came to do PEF papers; Portia was here too so I could type her an application cover letter to apply for a job.  Lots happening.  Mbuli finished the car, Elder Blackburn took him as a compantion to deliver Portia to her job interview, sure hope she gets it.  While they were gone Allens came, when Elder Blackburn and Mbuli came back, the Allens took him with them to Mbabane to find the Standard Bank and the Shongwe family so they could sign their PEF loan documents and get everything set up for them.  We then went to Mbabane to check the price of duvet covers and to get Sister Blackburn's passport stamped with her work permit (visa).  We got back home and rested for about an hour and then met Elder and Sister Allen at the Chinese Restaurant for dinner.  We were glad to find our bed tonight.

20 Jan 2011
We were home most of the day; Elder Blackburn had a Presidency Meeting on SKYPE and they had difficulty with reception because of the weather.  President Von Stetten suggested that the Sisters make duvet covers for the Elder's blankets so they will not have to carry them on transfers.  President approved calling a Group Leader in GeGe and will seriously consider sending missionaries to the area.  Elder Blackburn is to check out the school that has been recommended for them to meet in and check out the little house for the Elders to live in.

11 Jan 2011
Transfer Day!!!! We had to get up early and drive to the PetroPort in South Africa to pick up 2 Elders from Durban, Elder Munger and Elder Shelton. It has been a rainy day.  Made it to the PetroPort on time picked up our Elders and came back to Swaziland.  We took pictures, the Elder's cameras did not work.  We stopped at the Nisela Game Reserve for lunch.  They were really pleased to be out of the City and in the country.  We feel they will be good Elders here.  The Swaziland Elders got back from New Castle safe and sound and when we got to Mbabane everyone was out on investigator lessons; we were very pleased and reported good results to President Von Stetten.

10 Jan 2011
We had Zone Development Meeting at our house and everyone shared their testimony; there were many tears shed.  These Elders have been together from 4 to 6 plus months and have built a wonderful brotherhood with each other and with us.

04 Jan 2011
Elder and Sister Robinson (from St. George - our Ward) Public Relations met us at their boarding and followed us to Manzini and we picked up Brother Martin Mayabe on the road, he directed us to where his wife works, he did not want to do the film without her "she is my eternal companion and I don't want to leave her out of this opportunity", so we picked her up then proceeded to Brother Mayabe's home, 3 vehicles, the Cinematographer, Robinson's car and ours.  That was an experience the picture tells the story.  they filmed family home evening and Brother Mayabe playing with his young daughter.  Then we went to Mbabane to Brother George Dlamini's home for another Family Home Evening, he was so great, he said "I never thought when I joined the Church that I would have this many White Faces in my home at once".  The we went to Vusi Malinga family where they entertained the Lucky Maseko family.  It was a fun day.  We took the Robinsons to Summerfield for dinner and were they impressed.  Very fruitful day, good films.etc.

03 Jan 2011
Elder and Sister Robinson came to Swaziland, we met them at the Mbabane Boarder Post and escorted them to their Bed and Breakfast boarding; they got checked in and then we all went to the Chinese Restaurant for dinner, which was enjoyed by all.  They brought a cinematographer and his crew with them for the filming.  They are filming Family Home Evening segments in Black African Homes to be approved by the First Presidency for distribution in Africa, starting with Angola.  Exciting to be part of this.  Enjoyed reunion with the Robinsons.

First lesson taught to Gift, amazing how flexible the Elders can be when teaching a lesson .                                                                                      

Nhlangano Branch when Elder and Sister Wilson was leaving.

New Years Eve

31 Dec 2010
We received a telephone call in the morning from a young man by the name of Gift, he asked to be baptized, we contacted the Manzini Elders, since he lives in Ngwenya Park area and picked the Elders up at their boarding, then went to find Gift, after much searching and calls we picked up a young man to show us where Gift lives; Gift did not want to have the lessons with his parents, "they are sceptical" so the Elders found a place outside to teach him.  He will have a lesson tomorrow and probably Sunday.  His sister was invited to join him for the lessons, hopefully she will and relieve her parents anxiety concerning the Church.
Elders were invited for the evening; dinner was barbequed hamburgers, home made buns, potato salad, cilli beans and cookies.  Elder Shibambo needed to fill out an accident report on the broken tail light on his bakki after about 30 minutes of explanations, Elder Blackburn determined that they were driving too fast in a rain storm, the bakki was fishtailing all over the road and they hit an embankment.  They watched their slide show of themselves for the year 2010 and enjoyed it tremendously; then watched Harry and the Hendersons, the first time many of the African Elders had seen a movie made for the theaters.  Much laughter; then they wanted to know the history of "Hurrah for Israel", Sister Blackburn had printed a copy and had Elder Ng'Anda read it to everyone else, after that they were determined to give the best Hurrah for Israel they had ever given.  It made the house shake.  Now they will do that after every District and Zone Meeting.  They left at 8:30 after they had done the dishes for Sister Blackburn; they were "In and Safe" by 9:30p.m.

1 Jan 2011
Today has been a very slow day, we find we have been sleepy and sleeping almost all day.  Elder Blackburn was sleeping on the couch and the young man who tends the horses here at Twiggs Garden wanted to talk with him about having the missionary lessons, he is HIV positive and thought he would die 2 years ago and is expecting to die anytime. He told Elder Blackburn he is completely alone and wants to make changes in his life, he sees the companionship the Elders have with each other when they come here and wants something like that in his life before he dies. The Ezulwini missionaries were called and they came  and met with him and gave him the 1st discussion and made a follow up appointment.  Perhaps he can prepare himself to face death with his life in order.  Very sad.  So many of the same stories here in Swaziland.

2 Jan 2011
We drove to Nhlangano for Church today and such disorganization, it was pitiful; Meetings were at least started on time.  When Sister Blackburn went to Relief Society, the President asked her to teach, Sister Blackburn asked her, "don't you have a lesson prepared" she replied "no".  So it gave Sister Blackburn an opportunity to discuss how the Relief Society is supposed to be organized and staffed, who does what. Everything put on the chalkboard so they could see what organization they needed to put into place.   Sister Blackburn challenged them to accept their callings and to do them, she quoted to them, "we follow Christ, Christ served, so we MUST serve."  They have a challenge to get staffed and start to function.  Sister Blackburn then had a meeting with Branch President Bulunga and explained the challenges she had given the Relief Society and he must allow them to happen.  So, we shall see.  2 hour drive back to Ezulwini, then a cloud burst so the rest of the day at home.

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.

More in December 2010

15 Dec 2010

We went with President Jerome Shongwe to the Ministry of Justice to try and secure the test for the Branch Presidents to become Marriage Agents and perform marriages.  We got nowhere, the lady in charge wanted  us to pay to send our Branch Presidents to her Church for training.  So we came home and sent a letter about the experience to President Von Stetten asking if we should get the Area Legal Office involved and he forwarded the letter to the Area Presidency, so now we will wait.

18 Dec 2010
Ezulwini Branch held their Christmas party and the pictures tell the story!!! When Elder Blackburn and Sister Blackburn shared the food with the Saints they were so surprised that we would eat with them.  Evidently past couple missionaries did not share their food.  We were truly accepted at this party.

Ezulwini Branch Conference

First meeting in the new building by Ezulwini Branch; it was the Branch Conference and President Simelane and most of the District were present.

What we can remember, Dec 2010

We decided not to give gifts to the Elders and instead decided to give the gift of a tradition, making and delivering Christmas cookies;  many cookies were made and our Elders delivered a plate to each family in our complex, white and black.  Then it was time for a gift exchange; each one brought a gift, we placed a number on it and wrote the same numbers on slips of paper they could draw.  They had a great time.

Couples conference at Summerfield. great dinner had by all.

Tom decided to buy a Christmas tree; he put the lights on, all the time, wishing for Barbara to come a do the job for him.  Then Sister Blackburn put the other decorations on it.

Christmas Party Week

The last time we were in New Castle, Sister Blackburn cleaned Sister Ward's teeth.  This is one thing I can do for the couples, if they need it.  Elder Ward got his teeth cleaned too.

06 Dec 2010

We went to the Butchery today and picked up the hams for the area Christmas Party in New Castle.  They were so yummy looking.  We are anxious to go, it is good to get a break from our area and see other couples;  Sister Ward called tonight and the caterer she had asked to do the dinner cancelled.  So the Sister half of the Couple Missionaries will have to cook the whole dinner and clean up..... (am not looking forward to all that work).

08 Dec 2010
We got up early to go to the store in Mbabane to pick up large can of sliced apples for the desert.  We finally left the country at 8:30a.m.  We had rain and fog on the way, we have had rain for so many days, are not counting anymore.  Everything smell mouldy.  Arrived in New Castle 12:30.  We met the Wards at the Church, they were finishing their Zone Meeting; the Elders set up the tables and chairs;  Half of the Chapel was set for the Zone Conference the other half for a party.  Sister Ward informed Sister Hudson and myself that the District President's Counselor and his wife will decorate the tables and come and clean up for us.  What a relief.  We went to lunch - then the Hudsons went home to do their share of the cooking and Sister Ward and Sister Blackburn went to the Ward's home and started preparing their share of the food - potatoe casserole, apple crisp and ham.  Elder Blackburn sliced all 3 hams.  We prepared the pineapple brown sugar glaze for them. There was a big thunder and lightening storm tonight.  We finally went to bed about 9:30pm (all tuckered out).

09 Dec 2010
Up early and took the food to the Church, the decorated tables were absolutely beautiful; Everything looked wonderful.  Sister Von Stetten came into the room and just stopped, she teared up when she saw how beautiful the room was.  We let her know the District President's Counselor and his wife had done the decorating and would come back and clean up for us.  She was so overwhelmed.  We had a good Zone Conference with New Castle and Swaziland in 100% attendance;  the Elders ate all the food, nothing at all was left to snack on later (ham bones). We had a big rain storm all afternoon; good thing everything was inside.  The Rain stopped about the time everything was over with.   After dinner and games, we walked into the kitchen and it was sparkling clean, it was wonderful.  We went back to the Ward's house and just crashed.

10 Dec 2010
We went to the Game store and bought a larger crock pot and a Christmas Tree;  Elder Blackburn decided he would not be a scrooge after all and enjoy the season.  Then we drove back to Swaziland, it was a beautiful sunny day and the drive was really enjoyable.

11 Dec 2010
Put up the Christmas tree; it took us all day, we had to move things around; we did not go anywhere, just stayed home and prepared for Sunday.  We have been challenged to read 3 pages a day in the Book of Mormon along with anyother studying we should do.

12 Dec 2010
We went to Mbabane for Church.  Elder Blackburn had several interviews to do;  One young man is getting married on the 17th and it was a first Temple Recommend for him. He had 5 interviews for Temple Recommends and he really enjoys those visits. Wish we could go with him, however we have a lot to do to get ready for the Couples to come to Swaziland and we have to buy a refrigerator, the Ezulwini Elders' fridg stopped working and we gave them ours so they would not eat food that may be slightly spoiled.  The Relief Society in Mbabane had exchanged gifts and were discussing other things that need to be brought to the attention of the District President.  The men ignore the women and they are not getting trained the way they should.

13 Dec 2010
We went to Manzini and Mbabane to check out Refrigerators and bought one in Mbabane, not as big as we wanted but prices are up compared to 4 months ago, maybe because it is Christmas and the Swazi people do give gifts to each other.   We came back and started cleaning house; the kitchen was first to get ready for delivery of the appliances.  We also bought a small fridge for the Elders; with 4 in the apartment they need more than just one medium size fridge.

14 Dec 2010
Took our area rugs up so they could be taken to Mbabane for cleaning; the white tile was so stained with red dirt that Sister Blackburn had to use orange oil cleaner to clean it; the window ledges and security bars got a good cleaning too.  Cooked some brownies for the Elders District Meeting tomorrow; they will have it at our house and we will be gone, we have to go to a government department and try to get them to give our Branch Presidents the authority to perform marriages; the District feels that Elder and Sister Blackburn can have more success than they can.

Wheel Chair and the last 2 weeks

05 Dec 2010
Sunday and Fast Sunday at that.  We had a good day today, accomplished a lot.  We went to Manzini for Sacrament and to take a wheel chair for Sister Ncami, the chair was provided by the Humanitarian Department and the Elders brought it back from their trip to Durban for transfers this week.  Sistr Ncami was so pleased with the Chair.  Elder Blackburn took President Mahlalela so that the President could present the wheel chair to her.  Sister Ntshalintshali met with Sister Blackburn today and gave her the plan for how the sewing machines will be handled, Elder Blackburn took the plan to District Council Meeting and President Simelane approved the plan with minor changes to the amount charged for maintenance.  Sister Simelane came up to Sister Blackburn and said, "My husband says we are getting sewing machines and I must learn how to sew!"  She was excited about the project.  Elder Blackburn took a time line to District Council meeting to help the Bretheren get their meeting over on time, they were very pleased with how the meeting progressed.

04 Dec 2010
What a day!! The Shongwe girls were supposed to meet with Sister Blackburn to finish Sipewe's PEF application, they were very late and called Elder Blackburn, that they "had trouble with transport".  They had walked about 5 miles and were just very tired and were only half way here.  We got the papers filled out and faxed to Elder Allen, we will mail the originals to him.  Then Maquoba Shongwe called and wanted help with his PEF application, when he finally got here, his papers were not ready, we had to give him a list of things to get collected and will meet with him again on Monday afternoon.  Then we took the girls to the Armstrong residence, Sister Armstrong is ill and they were going to visit her.  While we were there, Sister Armstrong had an attack of stomach spasms and Elder Blackburn and Brother Armstrong gave her a blessing of health.  Then their little girl asked for a blessing also, that was also done with much love.  Brother Armstrong expressed a feeling of inadequacy in giving blessings, Elder Blackburn explained to him how it is done and encouraged him to give his family Father's Blessings.  Then we went to the Primary Christmas Party in Manzini, it was not quite what we are used to.  Elder Blackburn discovered that he can eat with his fingers, he had just forgotten how, childhood was so long ago.  The Children were really enjoying themselves.  Sister Blackburn asked  the Sisters if Swaziland had Christmas Traditions and they did not know what she was talking about, Sister Blackburn then asked, "Do you have Christmas Trees", the answer was no.  "Do you do Santa Clause?" the answer was no, "Do you exchange gifts?" the answer, some people are starting to do that.  All in all, a very long day, but very productive.

03 Dec 2010

We went to the American Embassy to pick up Elder Blackburn's passport, he needed more pages added.

We went to Manzini to look for new furniture for our house, we gave the new Elders our 2 seater couch.

We paid a few bills.  A lot of driving.

02 Dec 2010

Transfer day, Elders came back from Durban and brought the wheel chair for the Manzini Sister, Elder Blackburn will contact President Mahlalela for delivery to the Sister.  Ezulwini was sent 2 new Elders so the area can be expanded.  3 new Elders for Swaziland, Elder Ockwig left for the good old USA and home.  We sent a small gift via him to Rachel, (so they can meet).  He will be attending BYU in January.

World wide training on Handbook

20 Nov 2010
Went grocery shopping this morning, early, so the store would not be crowded.  Couldn't find cranberries. We had bought some dried ones in South Africa.  Am trying to reconstitute them and make sauce.  They sure don't look very appetizing.  We went to Manzini for the World Wide Training on the new Handbook of Instructions; the DVD was hooked up to a laptop and was not successful, had to bring the television out of the strong room and hook it up, then no problems.  After the meeting, Elder Blackburn was talking with President Shongwe and Sister Jill and President Shongwe asked Sister Jill "where is your calendar?" she replied "you have the calendar", he said "I want a calendar of the Relief Society events" she replied "What events, we don't do anything". They have never calendared ANYTHING.  A whole new concept for everyone.   I don't think there will be a calendar!!! Relief Society needs so much training here, they even think that they can only have 1 teacher and she is the "Relief Society Teacher"!!  Sister Blackburn told the new Relief Society President in Ezulwini, after her Teacher was sustained that "now you need 2 more teachers" and she was so shocked that she needed more.  We had over 50 at the Training Meeting, these leaders are so concerned and want to do everything right.  It will be fun to see how they implement the new concepts.

19 Nov 2010
We went over to the new Church to see  how the remode is progressing and they had the old roof off and were putting new tin  on so Sister Blackburn telephone the Elders and asked them to take some of the old tin and one of the old doors over to Sister Jill's house, she had said her roof leaked.  The Elders were very good to come right away and do that.  They will probably schedule a service day and go put the tin on for her.

Patriarch Courtney

18 Nov 2010

Blue Pumpkins but orange inside

Went to Manzini to try and find a Truck Driving School for Elder Mbuli, talked with Elder Allen of PEF and he will accept the application (finally), after we talked with Elder Blackburn's brother Bill to help us get this rolling for this young returned missionary.  It was great to get out of the house, still cloudy and may get rain today too.

13 Nov 2010
Elder Blackburn and Patriarch went to Nhlangano to conduct interviews and give Patriarchal Blessings - 7 blessings were given, each blessing takes 1 hour so he was very tired when he finished.  Sister Blackburn had dinner waiting when they got back to Ezulwini.  Sister Blackburn had several young adults over to learn how to Line Dance, she gave them lunch of Chicken Enchiladas and pumpkin pie, they thoroughly enjoyed their day. The had to show the Patriarch and Elder Blackburn, Elder and Sister Cox what they had learned. Patriarch wanted the recipes for Enchiladas and Pumpkin pie.

14 Nov 2010
Went to Manzini for Church, Patriarch Courtney did 4 more blessings there.  Sister Blackburn met with Sister Ntshalintshali and District President Simelane to discuss how the sewing machines destined for Swaziland will be taken care of and stored.  President Simelane wanted to know who would "own" the machines and Sister Blackburn stated "the women of Swaziland" "with the Relief Society protecting them."
He was much pleased with the project and gave us his ideas on how he would like them stored.  We then went to the District Seminary Graduation and about 150 seminary and young adults attended the graduation, Elder and Sister Cox had the Branch Presidents call forward the ones advancing and the ones graduating.  It was a really successful event.  Elder and Sister Cox, Patriarch Courtney then came to our house for dinner, we served pork roast, mashed potatoes and vegetables with brownies and ice cream for desert; again Patriarch Courtney wanted the recipes to take home.  He particularly liked the brownies.

15 Nov 2010
Patriarch and Cox' went back to Durban this morning; we met the Elders and went to the Ngwenya Glass Factory where they use recycled glass to make glasses, statuary, etc.  They blow the glass there and allow visitors to watch.  Then we took the Elders to Friar Tucks for a buffet luch.  Then home to rest.

16 Nov 2010
Went to the Dentist today, one tooth has really been bothering Sister Blackburn; good Dentist, nothing wrong with tooth, just the bite off and hitting the opposing tooth  too hard, so he ground it  down and we will see. 
Met with Sister Wendy Anderson about the Elders boarding in Mbabane to discuss when she will scrape the mould and get the house painted and get the sliding door fixed.  She "has been in a mental hospital because she is bipolar and is now on meds and doing much better."  Zone Leader and District Leaders left for New Castle for training for 2 days.  We picked up 2 pumpkins to cook for Thanksgiving and got one cooked, the electricity went out before the 2nd one got cooked, so we just turned the stove off.  It was the worst storm we have had to date. 

17 Nov 2010
We stayed home and finished fixing the pumpkin, enough for 6 pies, we will share with Nuzman and Ward Couples.  Rained all day and was chilly, we wore sweaters all day and did not go out.  Electricity and Internet was on sporadically all day.

Kruger National Park and the week

A large herd of Cape buffalo

a closer look at the herd of Cape Buffalo

An Elephant, one of many

On Tuesday 2 Nov 2010 Elder and Sister Blackburn decided to "run away" so they got into their car and drove to Kruger National Park about 3 hours from where they live in Swaziland.
We saw many, many elephant; a great herd of Cape Buffalo which Elder Blackburn said "made the trip worthwhile"; Pretty Ugly to me.  Giraffe in the distance, we have seen a lot of them; a Wild Dog it was also pretty ugly;  We enjoyed the beautiful mountain scenery during the drive.  We had hoped to see some big cats; but the employees said they were hiding today.  It really was a good relaxing day.

4 Nov 2010
We went to the immigration department to get our work permits; we stood in line about 4 hours and went to 3 different doors, such inefficiency; we did get the permits; Sister Blackburn could not get her passport stamped there was not enough pages, so now we have to go to the American Embassy and get pages added which will cost $160 American Dollars, pretty excessive charges for a few pages of photo copied paper.  We feel it is amazing how much it costs to live in a 3rd world country, because they have so little, what they do have they charge a lot for. We paid someone to wash our car while it was parked in the parking lot at the embassy.  Not unusual for someone to watch the cars, wash the cars and help you back out of your parking place, all for a few cents.

7 Nov 2010
Went to Church in Ezulwini, stayed for all three meetings, new converts shared their testimony and we were impressed with the strength of their conversion.  We had cooked a roast for dinner and we sure did enjoy it with mashed potatoes, veg, ice cream. etc.

8 Nov 2010
Manzini Elders went to Nhlangano for a baptism interview and a situation was revealed wherein the investigator had been a polygamous wife, her husband has passed away, however she still lives next door to her sister wife.  She lives in GeGe.  Elder Blackburn will have to call Mission President before baptism can happen.

9 Nov 2010
Woke up to rain, rain, rain all day; heavy thunder and lightening;  We just stayed home and studied.

10 Nov 2010
Still heavy storms; Elders came to our house for their District Meeting and they stay too long; they didn't want to go back out into the storms anymore than we did.  They left about 2:00pm after peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and watermelon.  First melon of the season and was perfect not like the first one we had bought here.  We were finally informed that the natives will cook green watermelon and eat it that way.
We bought a blue pumpkin from roadside market, and Sister Blackburn was assured it was orange inside.  The girl selling the produced picked one out for us, when we got home it was orange inside, got a recipe off internet - Food Network to cook it.  It cooked really good and then put it in a blender and guess what? we are going to have real pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.

11 Nov 2010
Beautiful day, Elder Mbuli came and washed the car (I guess we have hired him every week).  After the first request to wash our car, he just keeps coming back each week. Good thing the car needs washing all the red mud.  Elder Blackburn went to the Ezulwini Elders Boarding to wait for the repair man.  They are getting electric shocks when they shower.  Went to the grocery store and spent R1050. our refrigerator was like Old Mother Hubbard's Cupboard.  We found a turkey for Thanksgiving, grown in Minnesota by Jennie O.
It cost us $35.00 American Dollars, but we figuered we would spend that much on chickens to feed the Elders.  Talked with Sister Ward last night to plan the Christmas Party for the New Castle and Swaziland District, we had a three way with Sister Hudson, husband had to put their voices in too. So Elder Hudson is going to use Butternut Squash instead of Sweet Potatoes - that will be interesting.  Sister Ward asked me to stop at Spars market in Bollito where we get some American products and see if I could find Libbys Pumpkin, I assured her I would bring her some pumpkin and she kept insisting it had to be "Orange"  She was skeptical that I had pumpkin for pies.

12 Nov 2010
Patriarch Courtney is coming today, he will be giving Patriarchal Blessings for 3 days.  Elder and Sister Cox is bringing him with them and he will stay with us.  The Cox' have Seminary Graduation this weekend.
We woke up today with no water, so we got dressed and went to Mbabane to the US Embassy to pick up Sister Blackburn's Passport, she now has lots of new pages to get stamped.  Our water was finally fixed at 3:30pm today.   What a nuisiance this old house is.  Elder Blackburn has gone to Manzini to conduct Patriarchal Blessing Interviews so the Patriarch can do his work.

Saw this eclipse at 12:00 noon today; Elder Samai called us and recommended that we stop driving and look at it; This evening we had a new member appointment with the Elders and the Dlamini family - the mother, thabisile, daughter Cindy and 3 other children. they committed to obeying the 10 Commandments and expressed gratitude for each member of the family. There was a wonderful feeling of love between them that was not there 3 months ago. A very good way to end the day.

Learning about Electricity

 The Elders called and needed new light bulbs, they have been complaining about light bulbs for months.  We bought a couple of boxes and took them to the Mbabane Elders, Elder Blackburn put one in and they said "see, something is wrong with the electricity, they won't work."  Elder Blackburn walked over, FLIPPED THE SWITCH and there was light.  Elder Mbatini just laughed and laughed, he thought that was so funny.
So then we went to Conference at the Mbabane Chapel and they could't get the DVD player to work; some one went down the street to get another one, meantime Elder Blackburn plugged in a cord and still would not play and then Sister Blackburn said, "Push play". there was Conference at the push of a Button.  Elder Mbatani was almost in hysterics over this one.  Sometimes we forget that some of these young men come from homes without electricity or even furniture of any kind.  So we have had 2 days of Conference, have not seen 100% of Conference in years.  It was worth the time spent, I think we will go to the Church when we get home instead of being so comfortable at home we just fall asleep.