Gate to Nambiti Game Reserve
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Catch up time
10 July 2011
Elder Tlkotsi, Elder Lyon, Elder Herrity
Elder Tlkotsi, Elder Henson, Elder Tualofu
Today was District Conference in Mbabane, President and Sister Von Stetten were here for 4 days; it was a very spiritual conference, the Saints just hung around after the meeting wanting to talk and visit with anyone who was there. President had all 18 of us missionaries stand up and it was a very powerful statement to see that many missionaries in a conference. He urged the Saints to give them their friends and families to teach and to pray that the District will grow and become a Stake. Some of our Elders were just MIA when we took the pictures; probably talking with their investigators. Sister Blackburn shared her testimony and there were a lot of tears; Elder Blackburn spoke in Conference at yesterday's meeting. There was a lot of good fellowship as we spent the last 4 days with the Mission President and Sister Von Stetten. We have been talking with Sister Ward everyday, Elder Ward is in the hospital in New Castle and they have not decided what is wrong with him. Elder and Sister Hudson have been going up there from LadySmith everyday to give her support. Otherwise, we would drive down there and stayed with her. We, the Couple missionaries find ourselves quite alone in these circumstances, because we live and our assignments are so far from each other.
President Von Stetten related this incident to us last night; there is a young man from Lesotho who is in the MTC in Johannesburg waiting for his police report so that his visa can be processed, he has been waiting a long time so Brother Mokoena drove to Lesotho, picked up Elder and Sister Dahle who are assigned there and they went to the Police Headquarters to get a copy of his police report (background search). They were informed it would take at least 30 days to get the copy, after inquiring why they were told the copy machine could not be used, when asked why, they said there was no toner and no money to pay for some so it would take 30 days to get enough money to buy it; Elder Dahle asked if another machine could be found in the building and use it, he was informed that this machine was the Police one and another one could not be used; Elder Dahle then offered to go buy toner and bring it back to them, he was told that they could not accept a gift of toner since that may be a bribe. There was nothing they could do they would just have to wait the 30 days and hope there was money for toner. So the Bretheren had to leave without the police report copy. The missionary will have to be assigned somewhere else until all can be sorted out. Someone once said "there is no way these things can be made up"!!! One of those African Experiences.
Elder Tlkotsi, Elder Lyon, Elder Herrity
Elder Tlkotsi, Elder Henson, Elder Tualofu
President Von Stetten related this incident to us last night; there is a young man from Lesotho who is in the MTC in Johannesburg waiting for his police report so that his visa can be processed, he has been waiting a long time so Brother Mokoena drove to Lesotho, picked up Elder and Sister Dahle who are assigned there and they went to the Police Headquarters to get a copy of his police report (background search). They were informed it would take at least 30 days to get the copy, after inquiring why they were told the copy machine could not be used, when asked why, they said there was no toner and no money to pay for some so it would take 30 days to get enough money to buy it; Elder Dahle asked if another machine could be found in the building and use it, he was informed that this machine was the Police one and another one could not be used; Elder Dahle then offered to go buy toner and bring it back to them, he was told that they could not accept a gift of toner since that may be a bribe. There was nothing they could do they would just have to wait the 30 days and hope there was money for toner. So the Bretheren had to leave without the police report copy. The missionary will have to be assigned somewhere else until all can be sorted out. Someone once said "there is no way these things can be made up"!!! One of those African Experiences.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tomorrow we will go to immigration to get visa stamps and then Elder and Sister Blackburn will leave for South Africa. There is a Couples Conference to be held just south of Ladysmith. We will spend tomorrow night with Elder and Sister Hudson and then travel to Nambiti Resort together, all the Couples and President and Sister Von Stetten will be there until Saturday afternoon. We will spend Saturday night with Hudsons and Sunday travel back to Swaziland in time to attend Church in Nhlangano and go visit Bishop and Sister Mamba, they have not been to Church for many months because their car is broken down.
Transfer day 28 June, 2011
Today was Zone Meeting and Transfer Day. All Elders came to our house for their meeting and then lunch of sanwiches and chocolate muffins. Transfers were interdistrict because of the visa problems in South Africa and Swaziland and other African countries. All the Elders seemed content with their transfer, they were somewhat disappointed at not getting a big transfer. Elder Cooley has been here 71/2 months and he already had an interdistrict transfer when he was assigned to be Zone Leader with Elder Reeder so they stayed in Mbabane. Elder Shelton went to Nhlangano to work with Elder Smith, Elder Herrity to GeGe to work with Elder Lyon, Manzini did not change, Elder Munger went to Mbabane to work with Elder Diseko, Elder Tlkotsi is serving with Elder Hensen. They all look like it will be good companionships. They all understood the problems with visas and know that Elder Tualofo will most likely have to stay in Swaziland because his SA visa has expired and don't know if he will get an extension. Elder Sessonga will go home early because his SA visa will expire the end of July. We went over the Evacuation Plan of Missionaries from Swaziland in the case of emergency, however, we explained that this is ground work and they will not have to be evacuated since the govt is not ready to fail. Collected almost all passports to take to immigration tomorrow to get the 6 month visa stamp. Brother Mokoena drove over from Johannesburg and met Brother Dlamini at the Border Post in Nywenya and gave him the cash to pay for the visas. Elder Blackburn had to meet Elder Smith on the Nhlangano road to get the passports of the Elders who forgot to bring theirs or did not get the message. A really full day.
27 June 2011
Went to Immigration to get our passports stamped and they were not ready, were told to come back on Wednesday after all the paperwork is completed. Elder Blackburn picked up the washing machine for Manzini Elders and when he called to make arrangements to take it to them they offered to come and get it and asked if we could fix them dinner, they were hungry and had not bought food for a few days so of course he said yes. Sister Blackburn fixed penne pasta casserole and not a bite was left, they must have been really hungry. Then they played with the neighbors dog and wanted a picture taken with it. Our neighbors have 3 of those huge dogs. Imagine trying to feed them, worse than trying to feed missionaries.
Elder Pierce tried to put back all the music on Sister Blackburn's ipod that got erased when the computer crashed. He could not get it back and then downloaded all his MOTAB music for Sister Blackburn so she would have something to listen to. We feel that he has such a special spirit.
26 June 2011
We went to Church in Mbabane again today, we picked up Sister King at City Inn and Elder Blackburn had several Melchizedek Priesthood interviews to do. So we stayed for Sunday School and Relief Society. We don't often get to stay in a Branch for all 3 meetings since we have 5 units to visit and there are only 4 Sundays most months. It was a good day.
27 June 2011
Went to Immigration to get our passports stamped and they were not ready, were told to come back on Wednesday after all the paperwork is completed. Elder Blackburn picked up the washing machine for Manzini Elders and when he called to make arrangements to take it to them they offered to come and get it and asked if we could fix them dinner, they were hungry and had not bought food for a few days so of course he said yes. Sister Blackburn fixed penne pasta casserole and not a bite was left, they must have been really hungry. Then they played with the neighbors dog and wanted a picture taken with it. Our neighbors have 3 of those huge dogs. Imagine trying to feed them, worse than trying to feed missionaries.
26 June 2011
We went to Church in Mbabane again today, we picked up Sister King at City Inn and Elder Blackburn had several Melchizedek Priesthood interviews to do. So we stayed for Sunday School and Relief Society. We don't often get to stay in a Branch for all 3 meetings since we have 5 units to visit and there are only 4 Sundays most months. It was a good day.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Met the Ezulwini Missionaries in Manzini
We met with FODSWA today with George Dlamini so that George could set up an agenda for the handover ceremony on the wheelchairs. Then this afternoon at 4:30 we picked up the Manzini Elders and went to an orphanage to see if Humanitarian can do something to help them, the children need clothes, shoes, food, dishes. All we can do is ask Johannesburg if they can help. On the way back to drop the Manzini Elders at their next appointment one of them said, "there are the Ezulwini Elders" and so there they were, making a beeline to our truck, then the traffic light changed and we had to drive away. We went up the street and parked, Elder Sapaku got out and got their attention so here they come running to us. They had gotten instructions to park their truck today and walk to save their Ks, they had gotten a kombi and missed their stop, the kombi driver just did not stop for them so they ended up in Manzini and had been trying to call Elder Blackburn to come find them. Manzini is about 30 minutes away from Ezulwini by car. Elder Blackburn had left his telephone home to charge. They were so happy to see us, one of those little miracles that happen for Elders. We dropped the Manzini Elders at their appointment and took the Ezulwini Elders to Malkerns to their appointment and waited for them since it was way too far to walk and no kombis were running. Then we brought them home with us and fed them dinner. No two Elders have ever deserved a good dinner as much as these two did today. And now at 9:00 pm they are "in and safe" at their flat.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Week of Immigration problems
21 June 2011
Had communication from Nielsens and Heningers about the Wheelchair project and the Sewing Machine Project and informed both of them that everything is in place in preparation for delivery of the Chairs and nothing can be changed or should be changed!! Also sent President Von Stetten a message informing him of the status of both projects. The Sewing Machine Project will not be completed until probably August since we need Customs Tax Exemption and that takes almost a month. Not a lot of spiritually inspiring meetings right now, but when these projects are underway we will see the great result of helping those who cannot help themselves.
20 June 2011
We went to Mbabane to speak with the director of FODSWA, they will be receiving the wheelchairs from Humanitarian and have the Customs Tax Exemption, got a copy of that and faxxed it to the Nielsens so they can set a delivery date for us. Informed them about the conversation with George Dlamini and that this project HAS to be finished with the right people in the right places otherwise it won't happen. They must inform George that FODSWA will receive the chairs since they have the list of reciepients.
19 June 2011
We picked up Sister Joann King in front of City Inn and took her with us to Church in Mbabane, the meeting was really good. Brother George Luklele from the District Council spoke on family relations and resolving conflict, it was a very timely subject since the District Relief Society had asked Elder Blackburn and I for help, the Sisters in the Church are complaining about how their husbands treat them. Then George Dlamini needed to talk with Sister Blackburn and was informed that his plans for the Wheel chair project was not going to happen and other plans had been put into place, he was not very happy with the results, he will be happy when he sees how succesful the handover will be the way it is planned. Elder Blackburn took Sister King and Sister Blackburn to their respective places to stay while he spent the rest of the day in meetings.
18 June 2011
Today is Visiting Teaching Conference in Manzini; the luncheon was so successful, the sisters had never had baked potatoes or a salad bar and it was fun to watch them fill their plate, not a bite of food was left. Sister Blackburn showed items that could be made and sold and included quilts brought back from Johannesburg from the Humanitarian Missionaries. One of the Sisters wanted to know if the potatoes should be peeled and was taught how to bake potatores, just wash and put in oven! When the sisters filled their plate with the salad, instead of mixing it they put a small pile of each item in a different place on their plate. Very successful day. Sister Ntshalintshali had planned a skit on how to do Visiting Teaching and the Sisters did a wonderful job presenting it.
All us couple missionaries went to Summerfield for dinner tonight, we considered it our Anniversary dinner, we had a very good visit. Gundersons have some good plans to put into place for PEF; the Coxs plan on going home in August so they are winding down a little and putting things into place for their replacement. Things are going pretty smooth right now. We had a Sister call us who is staying at City Inn for two weeks, she is part of a Sister City group from somewhere in Texas and she wanted a ride to Church, so we will pick her up tomorrow.
17 June 2011
Elder and Sister Cox, Seminaries and Institute and Elder and Sister Gunderson, PEF came to town and dropped by our house for a little visit and get to know the Gundersons. PEF is really going to start being more effective in Swaziland with these new missionaries.
16 June 2011
Went to the Embassy this morning and the men there were so helpful, one went to Swazi Immigration to assure himself that he would be able to help us do what we need to do. He took our fingerprints on the cards the FBI will require and explained that we must go back to Immigration in 2 weeks to get a 3 month extension when we wait for the background check from the US; Also, we must go to Police Headquarters and get a Swazi Police Report since we have been here about a year. We got all papers together and took them to DHL to mail to FBI and it cost us 1,300. Rand which was about $170.00 American dollars for postage. At least it is done!!! And now we wait!!! At 2:00pm we had a meeting with Sister Ntshalintshali in planning the Relief Society program for Saturday. Sister Blackburn suggested something different for lunch, "a light luncheon"; they did not know what was meant by that so a list of food was prepared and was determined to fix everything at the Church.
15 June 2011
Today is our 48th Wedding Anniversary!! Our Swazi embassy rep. did not call, so we called her back and told her it has been 3 days and we need an appointment so then she gave us one for tomorrow at 8:30am. So now we don't have to send Senator Hatch a plea for help. We did a lot of errands and got home so late we did not feel like going out to eat, besides it has been cold in the evening.
14 June 2011
We called the Embassy today to get an appointment and the same receptionist says, "I will call you". So we will see, if she does not call today, we will get Rachel to send a request to Senator Hatch's office, this Swazi girl does not know how much influence our Senators have.
13 June 2011
We took all 16 Elders for a mental health checkup and the Dr. called each one up and looked at him and signed his certification. Easy Dr's appointment for them. Then we got all forms filled out and our young man who has been hired by the Area Office took all papers to Immigration for certification. When he came back it seems that Elder and Sister Blackburn needs finger prints and police report. So off we went to the Police Department and got fingerprinted, then we find out we need a report from home or FBI background clearance. We then went to the Embassy for help, the receptionist says she will call us with the appointment time. Took all day to get this done.
Had communication from Nielsens and Heningers about the Wheelchair project and the Sewing Machine Project and informed both of them that everything is in place in preparation for delivery of the Chairs and nothing can be changed or should be changed!! Also sent President Von Stetten a message informing him of the status of both projects. The Sewing Machine Project will not be completed until probably August since we need Customs Tax Exemption and that takes almost a month. Not a lot of spiritually inspiring meetings right now, but when these projects are underway we will see the great result of helping those who cannot help themselves.
20 June 2011
We went to Mbabane to speak with the director of FODSWA, they will be receiving the wheelchairs from Humanitarian and have the Customs Tax Exemption, got a copy of that and faxxed it to the Nielsens so they can set a delivery date for us. Informed them about the conversation with George Dlamini and that this project HAS to be finished with the right people in the right places otherwise it won't happen. They must inform George that FODSWA will receive the chairs since they have the list of reciepients.
19 June 2011
We picked up Sister Joann King in front of City Inn and took her with us to Church in Mbabane, the meeting was really good. Brother George Luklele from the District Council spoke on family relations and resolving conflict, it was a very timely subject since the District Relief Society had asked Elder Blackburn and I for help, the Sisters in the Church are complaining about how their husbands treat them. Then George Dlamini needed to talk with Sister Blackburn and was informed that his plans for the Wheel chair project was not going to happen and other plans had been put into place, he was not very happy with the results, he will be happy when he sees how succesful the handover will be the way it is planned. Elder Blackburn took Sister King and Sister Blackburn to their respective places to stay while he spent the rest of the day in meetings.
18 June 2011
Today is Visiting Teaching Conference in Manzini; the luncheon was so successful, the sisters had never had baked potatoes or a salad bar and it was fun to watch them fill their plate, not a bite of food was left. Sister Blackburn showed items that could be made and sold and included quilts brought back from Johannesburg from the Humanitarian Missionaries. One of the Sisters wanted to know if the potatoes should be peeled and was taught how to bake potatores, just wash and put in oven! When the sisters filled their plate with the salad, instead of mixing it they put a small pile of each item in a different place on their plate. Very successful day. Sister Ntshalintshali had planned a skit on how to do Visiting Teaching and the Sisters did a wonderful job presenting it.
All us couple missionaries went to Summerfield for dinner tonight, we considered it our Anniversary dinner, we had a very good visit. Gundersons have some good plans to put into place for PEF; the Coxs plan on going home in August so they are winding down a little and putting things into place for their replacement. Things are going pretty smooth right now. We had a Sister call us who is staying at City Inn for two weeks, she is part of a Sister City group from somewhere in Texas and she wanted a ride to Church, so we will pick her up tomorrow.
17 June 2011
Elder and Sister Cox, Seminaries and Institute and Elder and Sister Gunderson, PEF came to town and dropped by our house for a little visit and get to know the Gundersons. PEF is really going to start being more effective in Swaziland with these new missionaries.
16 June 2011
Went to the Embassy this morning and the men there were so helpful, one went to Swazi Immigration to assure himself that he would be able to help us do what we need to do. He took our fingerprints on the cards the FBI will require and explained that we must go back to Immigration in 2 weeks to get a 3 month extension when we wait for the background check from the US; Also, we must go to Police Headquarters and get a Swazi Police Report since we have been here about a year. We got all papers together and took them to DHL to mail to FBI and it cost us 1,300. Rand which was about $170.00 American dollars for postage. At least it is done!!! And now we wait!!! At 2:00pm we had a meeting with Sister Ntshalintshali in planning the Relief Society program for Saturday. Sister Blackburn suggested something different for lunch, "a light luncheon"; they did not know what was meant by that so a list of food was prepared and was determined to fix everything at the Church.
15 June 2011
Today is our 48th Wedding Anniversary!! Our Swazi embassy rep. did not call, so we called her back and told her it has been 3 days and we need an appointment so then she gave us one for tomorrow at 8:30am. So now we don't have to send Senator Hatch a plea for help. We did a lot of errands and got home so late we did not feel like going out to eat, besides it has been cold in the evening.
14 June 2011
We called the Embassy today to get an appointment and the same receptionist says, "I will call you". So we will see, if she does not call today, we will get Rachel to send a request to Senator Hatch's office, this Swazi girl does not know how much influence our Senators have.
13 June 2011
We took all 16 Elders for a mental health checkup and the Dr. called each one up and looked at him and signed his certification. Easy Dr's appointment for them. Then we got all forms filled out and our young man who has been hired by the Area Office took all papers to Immigration for certification. When he came back it seems that Elder and Sister Blackburn needs finger prints and police report. So off we went to the Police Department and got fingerprinted, then we find out we need a report from home or FBI background clearance. We then went to the Embassy for help, the receptionist says she will call us with the appointment time. Took all day to get this done.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Week of 12 June 2011
12 June 2011
A couple of incidents we forgot to include in our blog last week. On Monday the Manzini Elders, Sapaku and Jonga called us, we were in the car driving home and they had found an infant along side the trail they were walking and wanted to know what to do. The baby was in a plastic bag and was crying, we told them to call the police which they had already done and while we were talking the Police got there, the child was about 2 days old. What an experience for them. On Sunday night we got a call from the District President's wife, she was hysterical and said he is getting violent so we got into the bakki and drove to their home in Manzini and they had a terrific argument and he had pushed her away and she took this as a hit. Anyway, we talked with both of them for awhile, Sister Blackburn with Sister Simelane and Elder Blackburn with President Simelane. We calmed the situation down and it is part of the African Culture for the husband to just sit down in front of the Television Set when there is a ballgame on (sound familiar) and she had just gotten fed up. So we told him she needed his attention since his work and Church took him away from home so much of the time. Today in Nhlangano another similar experience with Sister Shongwe, she does not like her husband at all, he is gone all week working and when he comes home all he does is watch TV, all night. So Elder Blackburn talked with both of them and Brother Shongwe promised to do something for his wife each day and to get his life in order so that he can go to the Temple in 6 months. Sister Shongwe is going in September, she got tired of waiting for her husband to prepare for the Temple. It is Swazi Culture for the Husband not to tell his wife how much money he makes and likewise for the wife who works not to tell her husband how much she makes. They do not share their money. What a lot of change has to take place in Africa for families to be truly united.
A couple of incidents we forgot to include in our blog last week. On Monday the Manzini Elders, Sapaku and Jonga called us, we were in the car driving home and they had found an infant along side the trail they were walking and wanted to know what to do. The baby was in a plastic bag and was crying, we told them to call the police which they had already done and while we were talking the Police got there, the child was about 2 days old. What an experience for them. On Sunday night we got a call from the District President's wife, she was hysterical and said he is getting violent so we got into the bakki and drove to their home in Manzini and they had a terrific argument and he had pushed her away and she took this as a hit. Anyway, we talked with both of them for awhile, Sister Blackburn with Sister Simelane and Elder Blackburn with President Simelane. We calmed the situation down and it is part of the African Culture for the husband to just sit down in front of the Television Set when there is a ballgame on (sound familiar) and she had just gotten fed up. So we told him she needed his attention since his work and Church took him away from home so much of the time. Today in Nhlangano another similar experience with Sister Shongwe, she does not like her husband at all, he is gone all week working and when he comes home all he does is watch TV, all night. So Elder Blackburn talked with both of them and Brother Shongwe promised to do something for his wife each day and to get his life in order so that he can go to the Temple in 6 months. Sister Shongwe is going in September, she got tired of waiting for her husband to prepare for the Temple. It is Swazi Culture for the Husband not to tell his wife how much money he makes and likewise for the wife who works not to tell her husband how much she makes. They do not share their money. What a lot of change has to take place in Africa for families to be truly united.
Friday, June 10, 2011
10 June 2011
Very, Very cold today and very, very windy - at least not cold enough to snow. We spend all morning with 12 Elders getting their passport pictures and papers filled out for Swazi Immigration, it took all morning. Our electricity was out almost all day, we had to eat out for breakfast and lunch. At least it is back on for the evening, we just need to get our house warm enough to live in. I really don't know how these African people just seem to get along with the cold, no heat, they cook outside over open fires, sleep on dirt floors and sit on a reed mat on a dirt floor. Today I really appreciate being born in the USA and all the conveniences we have, especially warm houses, good electric company and good gas company. This is a picture of our stormy, windy day.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Traveling to New Castle, South Africe, you never know what you will see on their heads; both have eggs.
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.
Monday, June 6, 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.
Sunday, June 5, 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 2011We 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.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
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| Elder and Sister Zweifel, Elder and Sister Blackburn |
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.
Thursday, May 26, 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
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.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
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.
s
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.
s
Monday, May 16, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
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
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 
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
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.
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.
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