06 June 2011
Traveling to New Castle, South Africe, you never know what you will see on their heads; both have eggs.

The African women work so hard every day from carrying things on their heads to wheelbarrows.





The Bank in Wokkerstrom, South Africa, must have been built in early 20th Century

Wintertime in Africa and the Trip back from Zone Conference.

Coming back from Zone Conference we had to go through Immigration at South African and Swaziland Border Posts, South Africa did not want to let Elder Tualofo to leave because he had a temporary visa and the Immigration Officer just did not understand it.  He got so confused he picked up a stamp and just stamped it without meaning to do so. It happened to be the exit stamp!! That was truly the Lord working to help us, we had been there 1.5 hours while trying to get 18 people through Immigration; what was great, no problems with Swaziland.

09 June 2011

We received a telephone call from Brother Mokoena from the Area Office and we have to get work permits for 18 people in place tomorrow!!  Huge job to get done, all Elders will meet in Mbabane and we will have all the paper work for them to fill out and spend the rest of the day at Home Affairs getting the applications in place.  If we cannot get this done, Legal Department of the Area Office in Johannesburg are threatening to pull all missionaries out of Swaziland.  Almost all drama in the Durban Mission seems to come from Swaziland, sometimes we feel like we could use a week on a warm beach somewhere, especially now it is wintertime and cold.

06 June 2011

06 June 2011
Sister Blackburn went with Elders Hensen and Herrity to deliver the blankets from Humanitarian to the children of the Msibi family on Sunday, their level of poverty is heartbreaking, the mom and dad are terminally ill with TB (AIDS); the children have to take care of themselves.  This was an especially good experience for the young Elders.

Today we went to the American Embassy to meet with the Chief of Security, we had made arrangements for Joseph Mokoena from the Area Office to accompany us so that he could make a report to the Area Presidency.  We have a good evacuation plan for Swaziland, however a few minor suggestions were made to make it better.  Brother Mokoena will make those recommendations to the Area Presidency and we will give our Mission President the same suggestions.  It has been a good day.  Our Sewing machine project was given final approval and now we will work to get training done in 52 community centers plus 5 Branches of the Church; it is a fantastic project.  Women will be taught how to make washable sanitary pads, pads for older women with incontinence and they will be taught how to use soap, toothbrushes and good nutrition.

05 June 2011
Delivered blankets to young children living in abject poverty, mother and infant has been in hospital about 3 months for TB; father has been in bed about 6 month for TB; neither one is expected to survive, the 4 other children take care of themselves; when we arrived the 7 year old was washing his clothes in a washpan by hand.  Cooked most of the day for Zone Conference on Wednesday, we leave on Tuesday morning and will provide cookies; Apple pie and dinner rolls for Presidency Dinner

04 June 2011
Elder and Sister Harm picked us up at the home of Elder and Sister Callahan, we went shopping in the China Market for glass beads, that had to be the best bead store ever opened and the cheapest.  Sister Blackburn spend less than $30 and had about 10 large and med bags of the small glass beads.  A woman in the Manzini Market is going to show her how to do the Zulu beading.  We then went back to the Temple to pick up our Bakki and saw the Missionaries from Swaziland.  Elder Dlamini and Elder Mamba, they were so happy to see us, especially Elder Mamba.  He writes us every month to let us know how he is doing.  We also saw some of the Ezulwini Saints and were able to visit for a little while before driving back to Swaziland.  We got back to Swaziland about 5:00pm; that is a long drive over there.  Saw the duplicate of Las Vegas sign in the China Mart area as we were leaving.


03 June 2011
We arrived early to the Area Office of the Church in Johannesburg, one of the first people we say was Sister and Elder Nielsen and they asked if we could bring hygiene kits back to Swaziland and we said yes if we could have blankets too.  It was agreed to give us blankets too.   Elder and Sister Harms were there and went to the warehouse with us and helped load the bakki, it was so full we could barely get our luggage in when we started home.  We did not have any trouble with the border check point; we declared the blankets and boxes as donations and they let us right into Swaziland with no problems.  You just never know if there is going to be a problem with the border.  We got back to the Temple about 5:00 and the Callahans will pick us up at about 8:15pm.  The Ezulwini Branch was too late for the 6:00pm Session so we went ahead.  When we got out there was a message for us that they had finally arrived and would go to the Temple on Friday morning.

02 June 2011
Today we drive to Johannesburg to go to the Temple with the Ezulwini Branch; it will be our first trip to the Temple in over a year.  We took time to leave a bicycle in Mbabane for repair and got to Johannesburg Area Office about 3:00.  We found Elder Howell and he took charge of us until Elder and Sister Callahan finished their assignment at the Missionary Training Center.  When we all connected up we went to dinner at a small cafe across the street from the apartment complex where most of the Area Office Missioaries live.  They all have really nice apartments, large and well furnished.

Elder and Sister Zweifel, Elder and Sister Blackburn

Elder and Sister Zweifel accompanied us to Nhlangano for church today, we had Branch Conference.  It was a really good Conference, District President Simelane spoke about self reliance and showed  great concern for the future of the Saints in Swaziland, he is deeply troubled about the future of the economy when the Emalengeni is devalued, a complete collapse of the economy is expected, he told the Saints to consult Elder and Sister Blackburn on food storage, how to do it and how to manage it.  He also expressed a conviction that the Lord has sent us here at this time to help them with this problem.

28 May 2011
Got up early and took the Zweifels to Hlane Big Game Park to look at the animals, they got some great pictures and so did we.  The hippos are the weirdest looking of the animals, they hardly ever come out of the water because the sun will burn their skin.  We were fortunate to get these pictures.  We went to Summerfield Restaurant for dinner, they wanted to treat us to a nice dinner before going back to Durban.  We both couples, had a really good time.

27 May 2011
Today is shopping day for the Zweifels, we will take them to all the tourist shops so they can purchase souvenirs for their family and friends. Sister Blackburn had an appointment with Stella Lukhele at the NGO to discuss their responsibility on the Sewing project for the women of Swaziland, She made a commitment to go over everything and send an email to Elder and Sister Nielsen confirming their commitment.   It was a long day shopping, when we got back we made muffins and hot cocoa for dinner, watched the movie Passage to Zarahemla then collapsed into bed.

26 May 2011
Waiting today for Elder and Sister Zweifel to arrive from Durban - a get a way from the office for them.  Went to the market, had District Meeting with Elders at our house.  All in all a very good day.

25 May 2011
Made an appointment with Stella Lukhele at an NGO to finalize terms to bring Sewing Machines project to Swaziland; then went to Mbabane to check on customs exemption for the Wheel Chair project - still not finished.  Should be finished this week.

                                                                                                   Patriarch Courtney with us

                                                                                             Elder and Sister Cox - CES Missionaries

24 May 2011
Received a telephone call from Ezulwini Elders they have been detained at the Ngwyene Border Post because their visas are expired.  We took some money and went to bail them out of their predicament.  The Customs Officials just wanted a bribe, which we paid to keep  them from being arrested.  This problem was caused by our Mission making the decision not to pay the money to get visas for the Missionaries without any of us knowing they had to leave the country every 30 days to stay legal.  So now we pay the price of time and money for this oversight.  We got back just in time to pick up the Mbabane Missionaries and go to the meeting at the US Embassy.  We met Ambassador Irving, a very gracious host, and he insisted that we meet his Security Chief and asked that we form a personal relationship with US Security so that they can watch over us and our missionaries.  We were very impressed with Ambassador Irving.  The meeting was very candid about the financial situation in Swaziland and the fact the country is close to an economic collapse.  It is a wait and see situation.  What will the King do?  Will he take the advice of the International Monetary Fund?  Elder Diseko was warmly welcomed, even though he is from South Africa,  one of the guards was one of their investigators, Elder Cooley, Elder Shelton and Elder Munger accompanied us.  The Ambassador and his staff were great with the missionaries.

23 May 2011
A few days alone again before company comes.  Time to do laundry, etc.  Elder Blackburn took money to Elder Ssesanga to pay for his dentist bill.  Elder and Sister Howell called and took us to dinner at the Chinese restaurant.  Mostly a day of rest.

22 May 2011
Picked up Elder and Sister Howell at Timbali Lodge and drove to Nhlangano for Church and Area Audit of the NHL records.  Elder Howell felt the Branch President is a good ecclesiastical leader but a poor bookkeeper.  The Branch has no computer, therefore all reports have to be done by hand.  We got home at about 6:00pm.  Too tired to feed anyone so we had a light supper and off to bed.  While in Nhl we helped Brother Motsa and Sister Hlope with their PEF paperwork, they want to enter school in Big Bend at the ITT College in July.  Called Elder Allen and explained some of the circumstances and he will take care of it.

21 May 2011
Elder and Sister Howell arrived today to spend time in Nhlangano to train the leaders in keeping the books.  Elder Blackburn left Patriarch Courtney in Mbabane and Elder and Sister Cox will take care of him and deliver him back to our house after he finishes tonight.  We met Howells at Timbali Lodge and took them to Manzini to do some shopping, they had some stuff to pick up for people in Johannesburg.  Brought them back about 5:00pm so they could rest for an hour, then all of us went to Calabash to have dinner together, Cox, Courtney, Howells and Blackburns.  We had a great dinner then came back to our house for Coconut cream pie for desert.  Busy, Busy day.

20 May 2011
Elder and Sister Cox made their monthy trip to Swaziland and brought Patriarch Courtney with them so he could give 11 blessings.  He went to Ezulwini on Friday afternoon as soon as he arrived.  Elder Blackburn does interviews and signs the blessings so the brother or sister can get their blessing.  He did not finish until about 8:30pm.

Today, Portia Khoza and her friend Maguga came to our house to learn how to bake brownies, Sister Blackburn explained that this would be a "girls day" and movies would be watched.  The girls picked The Lake House and The King and I.  They took their brownies home and want to set another "girls day".  Elder Blackburn had a lot of errands, he met with Joseph Moekuena from the Area Office to get visas set for all the missionaries in Swaziland and the Area Office will pay for them instead of the Durban Mission, that will make life much simpler for all Missionaries in Swaziland when he got back the movies were almost over and we took the girs with Sister Maguga's children to their home, they were happy to not have to find a Kombi.  A fun  productive day for all.

Memories of the last few days.

Gosh, so much has happened, today was Zone Meeting with all the Elders meeting at our house; we could not stay for it since Sister Blackburn had a meeting scheduled with Sister Ntshalintshali, the District Relief Society President.  Sister Blackburn gave her 5 sewing machines purchased with the money donated by special women at home.  The sisters have already started borrowing them for special projects.  The Humanitarian project was discussed and Sister Ntshalintshali accepted the challenge to find 10 women to train as teachers in sewing Maturation pads, incontinence pads and personal hygiene.  We are working with a non-government organization to teach these things in the Rural Areas although some of the women and girls who live in the urban areas will also benefit.  When we finally got to Zone Meeting we were able to instruct the Elders that they must go to South Africa every 30 days to get their passports stamped and stay legal with immigration laws and customs.  Cold rain this afternoon, we are certainly going into winter.  Sister Nuzman sent a special combination of vitamins to ward off the flue for Sister Blackburn and it was timely since Elder Sapaku was coming down with a cold.  What a blessing for him to understand that Heavenly Father knows our needs and will meet them when we are not expecting it and in unexpected ways.  He was very happy to get the vitamins etc.

18 May 2011
Today is transfer day, the Mbabane Elders will take our Bakki and deliver Elder Moeta to Piet Retief to Elder and Sister Ward.  At 11:30 am the Bakki came back to Elder and Sister Blackburn to deliver Elder Mashilele and Elder Mokouena to the Petro Port in South Africa.  The other Bakkis registeration has expired and they cannot be taken into South Africa or they will be impounded in Customs.  When we got to the Lavumisa Border Post the Customs Officer looked at the date stamps on the passports and the Elders were 4 days past their expiration date and we did not know this.  He then insisted on arresting them and went so far as to go get the police and bring him to take them to jail for the night and then go to court the next day (today).  The situation was getting very heated, and after a quick prayer Sister Blackburn stepped in front of Elder Blackburn, placed her hands on the Customs Officer's hands and quietly said, "is there some way we can get these young men to Durban tonight", I could feel the spirit move through e to him and calm his soul, he then took Sister Blackburn and the Police Officer to his office where Sister Blackburn explained that she would take full responsibility, but that 150 missionaries were moving through South Africa to assignments and these two young men needed to be in Durban tonight!!.  This Customs Officer saw only a mother pleading for two young men and he then took the passports to the counter, stamped them and told Elder Blackburn, if this happens again, "I will arrest them".  So grateful for young men who respected their mothers so much that he listened to Sister Blackburn.  So the two Elders were delivered to the Petro Port to Elder Zweifel and Elder and Sister Blackburn picked up 3 new Elders and we came through the Lavumisa Border Post without any hitches at all.  Everyone "in and safe" by 9"00p.m.

16 May 2011
Sister Blackburn tried to put pictures and write on them but it did not work too well.  The pictures were of the Cottage Meeting on Sunday, the new Bakki we have to drive now, just hoping the gas mileage will be almost as good as the little car.  We fed Elders all day, rained all day and they had not gotten their alotment yet so they watched movies all day.  They were really glad to have free food since they had no money.  Sister Blackburn called and told the other Elders to contact their Branch Presidents and get money from the Fast Offerings if they had no food, just enough to tide them over until their alotment was deposited.

15 May 2011
The Couples from Johannesburg went to Ezulwini for Sacrament Meeting; they then went back to Johannesburg and we went to Manzini to see how much damage was done to the bakki that went through the cement block wall.  Then we went to Mbabane in time to speak at a Cottage Meeting on the Second Coming of Christ; Everyone had good questions and were very pleased with their understanding when it was over.  We felt what a great tool for the Missionaries to use.  We had not heard of Cottage Meetings in 30 years.  We were happy to come home and relax by ourselves.

14 May 2011
We took the sewing machines to the Ezulwini Chapel and set them up for Sister Jill, she is teaching a sewing class, then we went to meet the Couples from Johannesburg, they were, Elder and Sister Scott, Callahan, Savage and Webb.  We took them to the Swazi Candle for lunch and shopping while we picked up Sister Jill and took her back to the Ezulwini Chapel; when we got back to Swazi Candle they were ready to go to Manzini Market to shop so we went there.  Got back to Ezulwini about 5:30 and left the couples and made arrangements to meet for dinner at the Chinese Restaurant.  We then went back to the Chapel, picked up the sewing machines and locked up.  Sister Jill had gotten a ride home with someone else.

13 May 2011
Friday the 13th - the Manzini Elders crashed their Bakki through a cement block wall; no one was hurt which was very much a blessing.  When we talked with Elder Sapaku he was so distraught he wrote on his report, "I am so sorry for the inconvenience and the use of Church funds to correct my fault."  We are always so amazed at the remorse these young men feel when they have accidents in the vehicles or cause the use of Church funds for their behalf.  They even hesitate to go to the Doctor until it is absolutely necessary.

8 May 2011
We spoke in Sacrament meeting today or should I say Sister Blackburn spoke in Sacrament, she used all the time, however no one cared because the information was so interesting.  The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  Elder Blackburn will speak on something else at a later day.  He was going to speak on Mother's Day.  The elders gave Sister Blackburn a nice plant and messages on a drawn hand; those are the pictures posted before this.
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Mother's Day; bathing in river; cottage meeting

05May 2011
We ran errands ALL day, went to Mbabane this morning to get picture frames, get a picture printed.  Met with FODSWA the handicapped charity for Swaziland; the Director met with us and he is deaf and mute, no wonder we could not connect with him by telephone, he promised to get the paper work done today and to let us know when it is finished, as of 7:00 pm no word from him, we will have to follow up tomorrow.  We have almost 200 wheelchairs donated by Humanitarian for people of Swaziland and need the customs excise tax expemption and FODSWA is in charge of getting that.  Gave the Manzini Elders their new duvet covers with instructions on transfer and what bedding to take when they are transferred.  Met with our Family Home Evening family and gave them a Family Home Evening Manual, Sister Blackburn explained the purpose of the CTR rings as she gave them to the children, there were 4 children there, 2 Book of Mormon and some brownies.  We had a good visit with expectations to visit again during the daylight hours.  They did not have electricity, only candles.  The Make's brother was there, he had surgery today in the gov't hospital and he was not in good shape.  Took our printer and fax machine to Matsapha to get it serviced and fixed so it will, hopefully, be able to scan.

4 May 2011
Home all day, it was a hard trip going to Johannesburg and back in  one day.  We had a Family Home Evening scheduled for this evening and it fell through... she will reschedule though.

3 May 2011
Got up early and drove to Johannesburg to get the new bakki, the Nielsens found us there and packed up the truck with Humanitarian hygiene kits and books to be used with the Sewing Machine project, we had lunch with them, bought new scripture bags at the book store - black ostrich skin and grey elephant skin.
Then we drove 5 hours back to Swaziland to fall into bed.

2 May 2011
Elder and Sister Nuzman left early to return to Richard's Bay she was not feeling very well.
Got the car washed preparatory to taking it to Johannesburg to trade for the new bakki;  Sibusiso Mbuli gave Sister Blackburn his resume to fix, she also gave him a Letter of Recommendation and a list of companies that may be looking for a driver.  Received a letter for him from the woman Sister Blackburn has been helping him put together a documentary for her on life in Swaziland, he will get paid about $150 dollars for this.  A lot of money for a young man who makes 7 dollars a week.

1 May 2011
Elders Blackburn and Nuzman left early for church in Nhlangano; Sisters Blackburn and Nuzman went to Church in Ezulwini; the young men wanted to know where Elder Blackburn is and who is driving the car.  They were surprised that Sister Blackburn could actually drive.  We had pork roast, potatoes and carrots with apple cake for dinner (very delicious).  We watched the DVD The Home Teachers and went to bed early.

30 April 2011
We left Komatipoort early to return to Swaziland;  We stopped at Piggs Peak tourist shops and they were so expensive that we did not buy anything.  When we got to Ezulwini and our house we just wanted to rest so we watched the DVD Passage to Zarahemla, the Nuzmans had never seen this movie and really enjoyed it.

29 April 2011
Got up at 5 to be at the Kruger main gate by 6 a.m.; we spent the whole day driving the park looking for animals, which we did see quite a few Buffalo, Elephants, Giraffs, we saw a lioness and a leopard, the leopard was very elusive, Sister Blackburn tried to get a picture and it just did not show the animal through the bush it blended very well.  We felt we had a successful day "hunting".  We had dinner at our B&B Trees Too they prepared a barbeque which was very good.  To bed early, we were tired.

28 April 2011
Elders from Manzini had their District Development Meeting at our house this morning, we were waiting for Elder and Sister Nuzman to arrive.  They got here at about 1:00p.m. and we immediately left for Komatipoort to go to Kruger National Park for 2 days.  We left the Nuzman's car in Swaziland.  We let the Mission Home know they had arrived and that we were going "exploring" and would be going to South Africa.

24 April 2011
Sister Blackburn did not get to go to Church today, Elder Blackburn had to take President Von Stetten to the Airport to fly back to Durban. The last couple of days have been really hectic.

23 April 2011
Sister Blackburn stayed home all day; Elder Blackburn picked up President Von Stetten at his B&B at 8:00a.m. to tour the mission in Swaziland; he had first time Temple Recommend Interviews to do and they did not finish until about 8:00 p.m.  Sister Blackburn had fixed a very light supper for them, then President went off to his B&B to bed.

22 April 2011
Left Durban early so we could get back to Swaziland and take care of any needs President Von Stetten may have; he took an airplane, the Zone Leaders will pick him up at the airport and he will then conduct missionary interviews the rest of the day.

21 April 2011
Mission Presidency Meeting today; went to Bake A Ton , met with Sister Von Stetten at 1:00 p.m. so she could show Sister Blackburn, Allred, Ward how to do beading, we all enjoyed that.  We met the Heningers at the mall for lunch before going to the mission home.  They had some papers for George Dlamini the District Public Affairs Chairman.  After the Mission Presidency Meeting all the Durban couples joined with us at Wilson's Warf for dinner and an evening of socializing.

20 April 2011
Drove to Durban from Richard's Bay and checked into our B&B. Picked up Elder and Sister Ward at the Mission Home, they brought one of the Mission Cars from New Castle that needed some repairs.  They will stay with us until Friday Morning when we will take them to the Mission Home to pick up the car.

19 April 2011
Drove to Richards Bay to spend the evening with Elder and Sister Nuzman, we went to dinner on the Wharf to celebrate Elder Blackburn's Birthday.  A nice end to a long day.

Banana Plantation

In Kruger

On the way home from Kruger                              

 Sister Nuzman wanting to know what the barrel was for and how she carried it.  To put her children's clutter in so her house will be cleaner.

Cleaning Sister Ward's teeth.

Beginning of April

9 Apr 2011
What a piece of trivia Tom remembered; today would be Marvin Herbert's 71st birthday, a childhood church friend of his.  We set out to do errands and post office said, "new equipment coming and I cannot mail your letter or your box, go to Ezulwini PO", we went to Matsapha PO and the clerk said, "not today, I am only one."  So Monday we do mailings. Brother Machawe Shongwe came by to deliver an apron his mother had made for Sister Allred and to pick up the money for it.  She dyes and hand sews these aprons to sell for her children's school fees and uniforms. He always has such a happy smile on his face, he draws people to him because of his happiness.   Otherwise a quiet day at home after buying meat at the butcher shop and odds and ends at Pick N Pay.   Watched Finding Nemo, then the blog update.

8 Apr 2011
Elder Blackburn went to Nhlangano and GeGe today, he traded vehicles with the Elders in Manzini, they have a 4 wheel drive truck for dirt roads.  Met the Nhl Elders and treated them to lunch.  Then to GeGe, Sister Blackburn had cut a warm King size blanket in half to give them for extra warmth; we are starting the fall months, then winter.  Sister Blackburn made pillow cases all day for grandchildren at home; she was happy not to travel all day in the vehicle.

7 Apr 2011
We got up early to drive to Tembe Elephant Big Animal Reserve, they had sandy roads so we could not do a self drive, we met Elder and Sister Nuzman along the way and enjoyed a short reunion with them.  They went on to Kosi Bay to see how work is progressing on the Chapel that is being built there so they could make a report to President Von Stetten. Before we even left Swaziland we had been stopped by traffic police 4 times at the last one the officer asked, "how many road stops have you passed, we told him his was the fourth and he just waved us through without any checks.  There are going to be protests on the 12,13,14 of April and the government is concerned about weapons and violence.   It was a long, enjoyable day.  Sister Blackburn got a chance to Chat on Face Book with Robbie in Germany, she loved that.  He is doing well.

6 Apr 2011
Zone Meeting at our house for new transfer cycle.  Elder Blackburn had to meet brother Holder at the Ezulwini Chapel to discuss new contracts and bids to finish the building.  We have a new Zone Leader, Elder Reeder, he was Assistant to the President before this assignment;  We were looking at the new Zone Leaders and District Leaders in the Mission and almost all of them served in Swaziland in the last 6 months; they really did learn a lot in this small Country. 

5 Apr 2011
Transfer Day!! We drove to the border post and met the Nuzman Couple, they delivered Elder Reeder the new Zone Leader and we delivered to them Elder Mead.  We had to make a stop at Manzini Clinic for Elder Mead, he was very sick and running a temperature; he has a Sinus infection and bronchitis, so with the Prescriptions he should be up and about in about 3 days, when we got back to our home, we called Sister Von Stetten and gave her the diagnosis and that he should be allowed time to sleep for the meds to take effect.  An all day affair.

4 Apr 2011
Heninger were supposed to leave today; we were exhaused, rained all day so we went to Manzini and bought new furniture and had it delivered and then the rest of the day we just stayed at home and rested.  It was a drizzly, chilly autumn day.

3 Apr 2011
Picked up the Heningers and drove to Manzini where we left one car and we all traveled to Nhlangano in Elder Heninger's car .  We had over 100 Saints for Fast and Testimony meeting in Nhlangano, then a fast trip back to Manzini for District Presidency Meeting and District Council Meeting.  Elder and Sister Heninger gave their presentation and then they took Sister Blackburn and drove to Ezulwini;  Sister Blackburn prepared dinner and when Elder Blackburn got back at 6:30 we all had a nice dinner together.  The Heningers leave tomorrow for Durban.

2 Apr 2011
This morning we went to Mbabane to meet with Wendy about electricity; we had to stand in line about 2 hours to pay the final bill.  She wanted us to buy her some electricity, but we had to tell her no.  After that we met up with the Heningers at their hotel and went to the Silversmith so they could get a ring showing the world they were married.  Someone in South Africa had questioned their marital status, it is really expected married people to wear rings here on this Continent, probably because so many are not married.  After they were finished with their meetings for the day, we took them to Mlilwane to see Zebras and other African animals and that really thrilled them, they had not seen any of the African wildlife yet.  He was out of the car taking pictures, following the animals any way he could.  Then dinner at Summerfield, the electricity went off and service was not very good, just another African "experience".  Needless to say a very successful day.  A lot of Church work accomplished today along with good relaxation.

1 Apr 2011
Met up with the Heningers and took them to the Manzini Market, we are having dinner at Mountain Inn with George Dlamini and his wife to discuss Public Affair problems in Swaziland and how to solve them.  George has been well trained by the Harms and knows his job.  Dinner was very successful and a lot of plans made for George to have more success with the District Council.

31 March 2011
Mbabane Elders moved to a different house, they took all our furniture so Monday we will go buy furniture for the house. Elder Blackburn is still trying to get the estate Agent to fix a couple of things in the house, that is going to be a challenge; nothing is ever fixed in this country.

29 March 2011
Went to Ermelo to pay a Dr. Bill; all the bills have to be deposited to a bank account and Standard Bank in Swaziland does not accept deposits for South Africa.  Got back in time for the Mission Presidency Meeting on SKYPE and it failed; president finally placed a phone call to discuss items with Elder Blackburn.  Next time he is going to try a Conference call on the land line and it does not work half the time, live a learn.

27 March 2011
Mbabane Branch Conference, there were 8 baptisms for the Ezulwini Branch.  Missionary work is really moving along.

Trip to New Castle

27 March 2011
Branch Conference in Mbabane Branch; the theme of the Conference was self-reliance, a much needed area for the people of Swaziland.  We were impressed with their understanding and knowledge that they know how and what to store.  Concern was expressed about the possiblity of war and being prepared.  Some of the items they suggested for storage was sour porridge, maize, beans, rice and water.  President Simelane expressed the importance of storing water.  It was stated that "we are very lucky to have a Prophet and we must do as he says". They expressed the need for wood and matches and the big pots all Swazi people have, they know how to cook outside and grow and store their staples.  "Are there any hands up?" (are there any questions)  Also, they expressed their testimony that the First Presidency has been chosen by God.

26 March 2011
We spent a few hours with the Petersons they were here to do an employment presentation in the different Branches; we were not involved at all.

25 March 2011
Today we stayed in all day and rested.  Enough said!!

24 March 2011
We met the Nuzman family at Timbali Lodge and spent the day with them.  They insisted on paying for our lunch and our dinner.  We took them to Manzini Market, Swazi Candle and the Ngwenya Glass Factory.  It was truly a great day with people we have learned to love very much.

23 March 2011
Got up early for Zone Conference, Sister Blackburn cleaned Elder and  Sister Ward's teeth before we left, it is something we can do for them, they are so kind to us.  The Sisters were busy with getting food for the Elders that they missed pictures and most of the conference.  We left at 3:00 p.m. so we could get to the Swazi border post before 6:00 p.m. and closing time.  We really drove hard and fast and arrived at 3 minutes to 6:00 p.m.  The guard was really nosy and had everything taken out of the bakkis and car so he could see everything we had; he was like a child and curious.  We had to even declare a pizza.  We had planned on feeding the Elders once we passed the border gate.  We learned that more people have been posted to that border post so they can get more customs tax.  Unfortunately for them, we did not have enough.  We thought they were looking for weapons because of the future unrest and protests.  We were happy to get out of the cars and settled back in.

22 march 2011
We picked up Elder Moeta and Elder Mutariswa and left for New Castle and Zone conference, the Zone Leader's bakki in the shop for repairs and won't be finished for about 2 weeks.  Sister Blackburn got a hair cut and the Wards prepared dinner for us and the Mission President and wife.  We have to leave tomorrow right after Conference to get the missionaries back to their areas.

The Rhinos that wanted to ram our car.

21 March 2011
We made two trips to Manzini today to check on things ordered by Couple Missionaries, did our laundry and got ready to leave for New Castle tomorrow.  We will have to take 2 Elders with us since their bakki is not fixed.

20 March 2011
Elder Blackburn went to Ezulwini Branch for 3 hours then to District Presidency Meeting; the Elders had his car so he was really at their mercy.  Sister Blackburn made Penne pasta casserole for lunch, 4 Elders were here and Elder Herrity (from England) said it was the best spaghetti he has ever eaten.  We called Susan and Paul on skype to see how he is doing, he looked pretty good, able to talk reasonably well.  Elders for lunch were Elder Herrity, Elder Henson, Elder Moeta, Elder Mutariswa.  Long day, glad to go to bed.

19 March 2011
Relief Society Birthday party in Ezulwini and all the other Branches; Sister Ntshalitnshali had asked Sister Blackburn to attend Ezulwini since the District Presidency will attent the other branches.  It was very unplanned.  The Relief Society President brough Polony, Bread, bananas, apples for lunch and gave a lesson.  Sister Blackburn thougth it would be like an English Tea so she brought cake and a book mark to give each sister with the Relief Society Code.  The Sisters liked the book mark and the Relief Society President was asked when she held her Presidency Meetings and replied that she had not; she was encouraged to hold one every two weeks and Sister Blackburn would love to attend them; and now is the time to start planning a Christmas activity.  Elders still have our car.

18 March 2011
Started to GeGe and the Elders Bakki broke, we traded for another one and left our car for the Elders to drive while the broken bakki was taken to the shop.  We then continued on our way to GeGe to meet with the Senior Princess.  We took 4 Elders and Brother Malinga with us;also the only other Melchizedek Priesthood holder went too, he is a young man named Musi and has been working with the Elders in GeGe.  We stopped at the orphanage first to assess their needs, then walked over to the Princess's house;  She is 81 years old and is a half sister to the current King; she lives in very humble circumstances; we took a pink blanket, rice, sugar and apples as gifts for her.  She was really pleased with the blanket and when Sister Blackburn curtseyed she was smiling and pleased.  Then Elder Blackburn asked if she would like a Priesthood Blessing and she nodded yes.  The young Elder Musi gave the blessing in SisWati so she could understand it.  This visit gave us the blessing of the Chief, the Princess to go anywhere in GeGe our elders want without harm or harrassment.  A morning well spent.

14 March 2011
We went to Hlane Big Game Park with the Manzini Elders, we always love to go there.  We met some big Rhinos in the road and they would not move, Elder Blackburn revved his engine and they turned to charge the car so Elder Blackburn backed up and hit a tree, broke the tail light on the car, however we did get away from the big, big Rhinos.  So Elder Blackburn ordered the tail light and will not tell Durban anything about it.

Receptionist at the Ministry of Finance - we went to find out how to get wheel chairs into Swaziland without paying customs.  She has 5 telephones and is a very laid back employee (almost laying down in her chair).

Princess Sehlephi Dlamini Hlatshwayo the Senior Princess of Swaziland; 81 years old, half sister to King Mswatti III                                                

This orphanage is a day care for the local children, orphans and children whose parents work during the day.  They are given one meal a day.

Princess Sehlephi's home in GeGe it is pretty humble for the daughter of a King.


Relief Society Birthday celebration - Polony Sandwiches;  Sister Blackburn brought CAKE

The Gables where we shop for food, pay our electricity and water bills.

Indian Ocean - not real warm and not real cold.

At the B&B in Salt Rock just south of Richards Bay, great place to stay.

Lunch on the Beach with Elder and Sister Nuzman - Fish and Chips

This is the septic tank which was dug for the Elder's home in GeGe; we found out it was dug by the local grave digger - looks like a grave doesn't it?

Catch up on what happened in Feb 2011

7 March 2011
Today was a relaxing day, got our car washed with all the monkey doo washed off.  There were about 50 of them yesterday all over the front yard and porch and car.

5 March 2011
Today Elder Blackburn went to GeGe to see how the progress is on the house the Elders will move into; still not finished, they say they are going to move in on Thursday even if it is not finished.  Elder Munger was talking with a local this week and the man asked him where he stays, he said in the house at the Malinga homestead and the man said "you have a geezer"!!! (hot water tank) the only hot water tank in the community.  No one has indoor plumbing.  Sister Blackburn called Durban and all the blood tests came back normal.  The knee has not hurt since a blessing was given.  So all is well right now.

4 Mar 2011
We found a new house for the Mbabane Elders to move into, signed the lease and they will move on the First of April.  Elder and Sister Cox came to Swaziland for CES we met them for Chinese food and invited them back for a piece of Lemon pie.  They will come back tomorrow night and watch a movie with us.  Passage to Zarahemla, they have not seen it.

27 Feb
We got up early to drive to Nhlangano for Church, the Nuzmans were in very good spirits and laughing about their trials and trying to decide if they should move.  After Nhl we went to GeGe and the house is still not ready, it will be another week.  We got home safe and sound and very tired.  The Wards arrived with their family and came by and invited us to Summerfield for dinner, we had just had fried eggs, so we went with them and Sister Blackburn had Apple crepes and Elder Blackburn had a bowl of soup, it was good to meet their family, they will go do the Zip Line tomorrow.

26 Feb 2011
Today when we got up Elder Nuzman went to the Telephone Store, his new phone was not working and later when Sister Blackburn opened the door there was a baby snake laying right against the door step, Elder Nuzman must have stepped over it and did not see it.  We took pictures and then Elder Blackburn killed it and we decided that where there is a baby snake there has to be a big snake close by so we were careful where we stepped when we were in the yard.  Richards Bay District had a career fair today and we went to that after a good lunch of fish and chips on the beach.  The water was not as warm as you would think since it is the Indian Ocean.  We got together with Elder and Sister Peterson, who gave a presentation for the career fair and then Nuzman, Blackburn and Peterson couples went to dinner at the beach again.  Lots of laughter and talking.

25 Feb 2011
Today we had to drive a car to Richards Bay for the Nuzman Couple; Elder Blackburn drove our car and Sister Blackburn drove the car for the Nuzmans; we had a good drive with no problems.  The Nuzmans were really happy to see us, they had been stuck in the house without even a telephone, we also brought them a new cell phone.  We were scheduled to stay with them for 2 nights then drive on to Swaziland.  We went to a restaurant on the Beach for dinner then back to the house and bed by 9.

24 Feb 2011
Found out today that Elder and Sister Nuzman in Richards Bay had a home invasion and their new television, 2 computers, cell phone, other odds and ends and their car was stolen;  the Public Relations couple happened to be there and had decided to stay with them instead of getting a B&B and they all (4) slept right through the robbery.  Sister Blackburn went to the Orthopedic Doctor and had xrays of her knee and was told she has osteoarthritis in the knee, he gave her pain pills and  glucosamine to take.  She will get the results of the blood tests next week.

23 Feb 2011
Elder Ward and Elder Blackburn took Sister Blackburn to her doctor's appointment, she had blood tests to check thyroid and sugar levels and anemic levels,  and was referred to orthopedie surgeon to examine her knee, she has been in a lot of pain.  Elder Blackburn, Ward, Allred all met with President Von Stetten for their Presidency meeting, Sister Blackburn took quite a few of the small bags which Sister Jill had made and the Sisters bought quite a few of them, we brought quite a sum of money back to Sister Jill and had to inform her that there would not be any more sales since all the Sisters had now bought what they wanted.  All the Couples went to dinner at a Thai Restaurant and had a lot of good fellowship that evening.

22 Feb 2011
We left for Durban early and spent the night at Salt Rock a B&B on the Beach, it was so enjoyable and the next morning we drove along the beach and then went on to Durban.  Sister Blackburn had a Doctor's appointment on the 23rd.  The Wards met us at the Mission Home, then Elder Zwiefel and Elder Davis happened to see our car and all the zip ties holding fender together, etc.  So they took the car to the body shop and we had to ride with the Wards until Friday.