04 Dec 2011

Today is Fast and Testimony day, we went to Sacrament meeting in the Ezulwini Branch and were so welcomed there.  We don't get there very often and the young people are really special.  We gave Musa Mbuli the picture we took of him and Elder Khoza, then gave a picture to Sister Shongwe of her and Sister blackburn.  Portia shared her testimony and expressed her love for Sister Blackburn and the support Sister Blackburn gives her in the notes she writes to her on Face Book.  Brought a tear to Sister Blackburn's eyes.  Elder Blackburn picked up 2 more prospective missionary applications today, one in Ezulwini and one in Manzini.  We attended RS and Priesthood in Manzini, we got commitments from Branch Presidents in Ezulwini and Manzini to start the Eternal Marriage class in January and also to send women from RS and Young Women to a training on hygiene and sewing to be held on the 17th of December.  Then we went to visit Sister Jill and pick up some of her handmade bags for the Sisters coming from Johannesburg tomorrow, hoping they will buy some of them from her.  Still having a little difficulty with the Ezulwini missionaries, a lot of disobedience in that flat, Elder Blackburn will call the Assistants and make some recommendations for transfers that are to happen next week.

03 December 2011

4 Ezulwini Elders came today to help cut material and put sewing machines together for the Humanitarian project.  They worked really well together and we are hoping that they will catch the vision of losing themselves in service to others.  They do not work well together in their missionary endeavours.  Elder Blackburn took them for Chinese food for lunch when they had finished.  We had rain storms and Thunder and Lightening so we had to shut the computer down for the rest of the day.

Elder Brown and Elder Jenks cutting material and folding it.

Elder Musau and Elder Tameilau putting sewing machines together and placing label that says DONATED BY THE CHURCH OFJESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS.

2 December 2011

We got our telephone working today, now our internet is stable and we can use the fax machine. Hooray, Hooray, we did not realize how difficult it would be to conduct Church affairs in a 3rd world country.  Since most couple missionaries are asked to go to these 3rd world countries, we are very grateful our assignment was to this small Kingdom.  The people are so peaceful and humble, we have come to really love them.  We received our travel plans for going home and were able to get an upgrade and reserve the seats we wanted.  Had to buy skype credit to call Zions Bank and the Church Travel Office. Zions had placed a block on our debit card and when we tried to pay for the seat assignment, the card was declined.  We are also thankful for ths 21st Century technology that allowed us to talk to the right person at the bank and get the block removed.

1 Dec 2011
Elder Blackburn went to the Ezulwini flat and asked where the dog is and told Elder Tameilau he has to get rid of it today.  There is a lot of disobedience there and the others just follow along and do not seek Counsel.

Then we had to go to Mbabane to pick up George Dlamini and then meet with Stella Luhkele and Sister Ntshalintshali to get the plans made for the training and handover ceremony on the sewing machine project. Tried to call the telephone company all afternoon and they kept promising the repair man would come today.  Then we took George back to Mbabane, his truck was broken down and he did not have transportation to Lobamba to meet with us.  When we got back, Manzini Elders were holding their District meeting on our veranda;  Sister Blackburn hurried and made some muffins so they could have a treat when they left.

All these boxes are supplies for the Humanitarian sewing machine project; this is going to be a big project.

30 Nov 2011

This morning we woke up and decided not to go to Kruger and see animals, we decided to drive back to Swaziland and it was a good thing we did.  The Elders in Ezulwini had a big disagreement last night and one of them left the companionship and the Zone Leaders could not find him, he finally showed back up at the flat, no one knows where he went.  The Ezulwini missionaries are 4 self involved individuals, they have not learned how/ or will notwork as a team.  One of them had bought a dog and is keeping it in the flat.  He has been counseled by the District Leader and Zone Leaders to get rid of it and refuses, so now Elder Blackburn has to give counsel to him.

29 Nov 2011

We have to take the bakki to South Africa so we decided to go to the Piggs Peak border post and drive up to Kruger and see some of the animals.  We will spend the night in Komatipoort which is about 5 minutes from the gate into Kruger.  The B&B where we stayed and the Crocodile Bridge Gate where we entered Kruger.



We saw this woman as we were coming back from Kruger.  You never know what you will see these women carrying on their heads.

28 Nov 2011

We wanted to take the bakki to South Africa today to get the visitors pass stamped for it and for ourselves, our passport stamp is almost expired and we cannot get arrested for not obeying the law.  However, the telephone company did not show up in the morning and we decided to go the Ngwenya mine which is the oldest mine in the world, ochre was mined there and there was also a more recent mine which yielded iron ore.

The area where the iron ore was mined.

The area where Ochre was mined using stone implements

27 Nov 2011                                                                                                                                             

Branch Conference in Ezulwini, the Chapel is looking so much like a church now.  It is a pleasure to attend Church here now.  Sister Smith and her family came over for dinner after Church, we had tacos and enjoyed the day together.

Thanksgiving 2011

25 Nov 2011
A cold day today, those storms out of the Antartic really drops the temperature, at least no rain so we can dry out.  We have had 5 straight days of rain and cool temps.  Elder Blackburn picked up bicycles at the shop in Mbabane for the Ezulwini Elders, then he went to Manzini to meet the Area Office computer expert who will install new computers and train all the Branches in using the software. He got home at 7:30pm so he put in a long day.  Sister Smith picked up Sister Blackburn and they went to the Guava Gallery to view new paintings of artists in Swaziland.  Sister Smith's hand was feeling better today, the swelling is down.  So she should be in good shape when their children get here next week.  Elder Blackburn is working with 7 young men to get their mission applications completed so that President Von Stetten can come to do the interviews and get the Patriarch from Durban to come and give Patriarchal Blessings.  It has been awhile since he has been to Swaziland.

24 Nov 2011
Thanksgiving day, one of the most favorite days of the year.  Our Elders, all 16 came for dinner, some made dishes that they enjoyed in their home country, Australia, Germany, South Africa, Zimbabwe, they were interesting dishes.  The GeGe Elders got sidetracked at the mall in Manzini and Sister Blackburn had to call them and tell them they better come now.  So they were obedient and came, they were still one hour late, they had never experienced Thanksgiving so we waited for them.

Each person at the table was asked to express gratitude for one thing, everyone was grateful for family, their mission and being able to serve in Swaziland.  They are a very good bunch of young men and are doing a marvelous job in spreading the gospel in their assigned areas.  It is a blessing for us to be able to associate with them and get to know them.  It makes us mindeful of our own children-missionaries and the work they did and we appreciate their faithfulness and dedication to their Heavenly Father and to their families.

Elder Khoza comes home

22 Nov 2011

Today Musa Mbuli came and washed the car then we went shopping for the rest of Thanksgiving dinner; at 4:00pm we picked up Branch President Shongwe and his wife at the Kombi stop and then picked up Musa at the road to his home and we all went to the Matsapha Airport to pick up Elder Michael Khoza.  He has returned from his mission to Uganda.  Elder Blackburn released him from his mission and then we took everyone to the Shongwe homestead where they all live except Musa.  Musa said when he was on his mission in Uganda that Elder Khoza was his companion for a short while and they became better friends even though they were friends before their missions.
The Ezulwini Branch now has 4 returned missionaries to help run the Branch.  Elder Khoza has a twin sister, her name is Portia.   A few days after they were born, their mother died and their grandmother Shongwe raised them.  Their father died at sometime too.  It is amazing how many orphans there are in Swaziland.  AIDS has virtually destroyed the complete family.  Still over 50% are HIV positive even after 25 years of education and medications.

23 Nov  2011
Today Sister Blackburn started preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, 3 pumpkin pies, a huge pan of stuffing, 2 turkeys to bake.  Just typing about it makes us hungry.

Each missionary companionship is supposed to make a dish of something from their homeland to share with everyone else.  We will have 16 Elders plus Elder and Sister Blackburn.

19 Nov 2011

19 Nov 2011
Today there was a Primary Training Program, Elder Jackson Mkhabela and his wife came to Swaziland, he is a Seventy serving in the South East Africa Area.  The members who came were very humbled to have a General Authority.  The training was really good and on a level they could understand.  After the Training, Brother Smith interviewed him for one of his documentaries and then they followed us to our house where we hosted them for dinner.  Elder and Sister Mkhavela were so kind and easy to visit with.  Sister Mkhabela asked if I had a dishwasher and I said yes and pointed to Elder Blackburn, Sister Mkhabela just started laughing, she so enjoyed the fact that Elder Blackburn washed dishes.  She said that most African men do not work in the house.  I think her husband is an exception, you could tell that he supported her in all she did, even at home.  They offered to help wash the dishes, we of course, said we would do them. They were a delightful couple and we feel blessed to have the opportunity to know them. We feel very disappointed that we did not get a chance to get a picture with them.

20 Nov 2011
We went to church in Manzini today, Elder and Sister Mkhabela were the speakers, Elder Mkhabela related that they got to the Church very early and he went outside to enjoy the balmy breeze and while pondering the beautiful landscape the spirit whispered to him what message he would deliver in Sacrament.  He gave a powerful message on working hard, having goals and letting the Lord bless your efforts.  Don't be afraid to strive for excellence, you are a child of God and have that excellence within you.  You just need to put your fear away.  We had to leave after Sacrament meeting and on the way out Sister Matsabula, came to greet me and I mentioned that I had been thinking of the money her Relief Society had collected and that there were two young men in her Branch applying to serve and mission and they would need socks, ties, shirts, etc.and she should give her Sisters the option of using the money that way with the approval of her Branch President.  She really caught the vision of outfitting the prospective missionaries from her Branch.  I really hope that Branch President Mahalele supports her in this.

Nov 7th. through Nov 17th.

17 Nov 2011

Elders with health problems today - Elder Shannon, ZL broke a front tooth so we found a dentist in Mbabane, who was recommended by Branch President Seiko.  He got his tooth fixed, then a call from Elder Taemilau his ear had  a tick bite in it and he was not feeling good.  He went to the doctor and had an inner ear infection, no tick bite.  He had suffered with a tick bite before and it "felt just like before".  So he is on antibiotics for a while.  We went to immigration and got the new Elder's passports stamped with their visa.  Then to the silversmith to pick up Rebekah's ring, it was beautiful.  Then we went to Manzini to check on Elder Von Stechelma, he had broken his foot while tracting.  He is so tall and big and such a sweet natured young man.

Elder Blackburn had a Mission Presidency meeting with President Von Stetten on the telephone, our electricity was out so he could not use skype.  It is definitely the rainy season with awesome thunder and lightening and buckets of rain coming down.

We picked up Ayanda Mabuza's certified police clearance for his mission application and the police officer said to Elder Blackburn, "I want a white Pastor, so I can get help; not money just good help".  We never know when what we do will affect the lives of other people or where, we are so grateful to wear the black badges identifying us as representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ.

16 Nov 2011
Elder Blackburn got bicycles repaired and then met Brother Holder at the Ezulwini Chapel on the current projects not finished.  President Von Stetten wants a list of what should be done next.
Sister Ntshalintshali came to our house to see the sewing machines and supplies so that she could understand what needs to be done in dividing them in to 75 sewing kits.  Sister Blackburn then showed her how to access the new family search website and we found her family.  She set up her own account and will have her daughter help her in bringing it up to date.  She would like all the sisters in the District to be able to get their birth certificates and family death certificates up to date.  It was a really good day for both.

15 Nov 2011
Elder and Sister Berry left for Johannesburg today, on their way back to Bloomfontein where they are assigned as Seminary and Institute Missionaries.  They spent Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday nights with us.  We really got to know each other and become good friends.  That is the most special part of serving a mission as a couple, the friends you make.  The Zone Leaders left for New Castle early, via Manzini where they changed vehicles and tires.  They took the Manzini truck to New Castle to trade for one that is not so back a condition.  They took the new tires and put on their truck.  Elder Shannon was determined not to let those new tires go with a vehicle that is going to be sold.

14 Nov 2011
The sewing supplies were delivered today, now everything has been delivered and we will need people to help divide them into 75 sewing kits.  We have 2000 meters of material, 75 scissors, 75 tape measures, needles, thread, etc.  We spent the day with Elder and Sister Berry, they are doing their Christmas shopping and needed to pick up items at the Silversmith and Drums from Manzini.  Then we went to Summerfield for dinner, they treated us.  We had a really good time and were very tired.

13 Nov 2011
Today we got up early and went to Church in GeGe, we picked up President Balunga at the Nhlangano Building and took him with us.  Delivered mail to the Elders in both areas, needless to say they were really happy with this.  While we were waiting for President Balunga his children were jumping rope African style, they girls were very good, the boy was not so good, but he held the rope for the girls.

When we got to GeGe, Elder Blackburn, Sister Blackburn and President Balunga were asked to speak in Church, President Balunga passed out Seminary and Institute certificates and the whole Branch were thrilled with this progress of their people.  President Balunga interview 7 boys for advancement in the Aaronic Priesthood.  When we got back to Nhlangano, someone on the road noticed that we had a flat tire, so the Elders came and changed it for us.  We got back home at 5:00pm, we drove in the same time the Berrys and Zawakys did, they had been at the Seminary and Institute graduation in Mbabane where about 150 had been attendance.  We had hot fudge sundaes and had a good end to our Sunday.

12 Nov 2011
Elder and Sister Zawaky came over at 9:00am and did their computer work, then we all Blackburns, Berrys and Zawakys went Christmas shopping all over this part of Swaziland.  We really enjoyed our day together and the Berrys were able to buy what they had come for.  We were all so tired that we just went to bed at 8:00pm.

11 Nov 2011
We went to Mbabane to talk with Customs and the Swaziland Revenue Authority about redoing the Customs letter to include every item, the Lavumisa customs agent will not release the shipment and it has been about 5 weeks since the delivery came to Swaziland.  Mrs Mabuza at the SRA was very upset with Lavumisa and called them.  If the Minister of Finance signs and stamps the tax exemption that is all that is needed, she called Lavumisa and told them to release the shipment immediately.  Finally, someone who recognized good works.  She made the statement, "you Church is doing something good and we will not stop it".  70 sewing machines were delivered when we got back to our home.  What a relief to finally have this resolved.  Elder and Sister Berry and Elder and Sister Zawacky arrive this evening for shopping and Seminary and Institute graduation on Sunday, we will have a busy good weekend with them.

10 Nov 2011
Elder Blackburn went to Matsapha to talk with the shipping company and find out what is holding up our shipment, it has been well over a month they have been held up by Customs, he talked with a Mrs. Simelane at Lavumisa and she said we needed a new letter including all items from the Ministry of Finance, so tomorrow we will go there.  Then we took the Manzini truck to the border to get a 30 day permit to be in the Country, we will have to take all the trucks to South Africa every 30 days for these permits.  Johannesburg does not want to license them in Swaziland because vehicles from Swaziland are very difficult to sell in South Africa because of Swazi roads and Swazi maintenance.  The Church vehicles are sold in South Africa when they get 120,000. miles on them.  That is when maintenance becomes too expensive.

06 Nov 2011
Today is Sunday and we went to Church in Manzini, decided to attend all three meetings.  We had a report that the Relief Society was asking for donations to do the activities that they wanted to do, or use the money to buy food, shoes for members who needed them.  Sister Blackburn had to tell the RS President that she could not ask for donations and her money box must go.  There was a good discussion on how the budget is for all auxilliaries.  Sister Peterson was there also and backed up everything Sister Blackburn taught them.  Good Relief Society Sisters who have hearts full of goodness.  Elder Blackburn had his District Meetings in the afternoon and suggested that a Sunday School be started in Siteki.  The Branch President Mahalele was excited about that since it would be in his Branch and he has members who are not active who live there.  Elder Blackburn also suggested that the Mbabane Branch be divided.  The District President felt this would be a good move but did not know how to do it, so Elder Blackburn will put it on the agenda for the next Mission Presidency Meeting.  The Fast and Testimony meeting was very spiritual, the members were asked to keep their testimonies to 2 to 3 minutes and they really complied.  We enjoy good days like today and feel that we do have influence here.

5 Nov 2011
We waited most of the day for someone to come repair our cable, yesterday they repaired the telephone.  They finally got here about 3:30pm.  Elder Blackburn had Priesthood Leadership Training for the District, Elder and Sister Peterson were here from Durban to conduct welfare and employment training for the District, after the meetings we all had dinner at Woodlands.  Sister Blackburn cleaned Elder Daniel's teeth this morning.  These African missionaries come on their missions with no dental work done at all and then they get teeth that hurt and need to be fixed, his teeth had never been cleaned.  He was so grateful after the procedure was  finished.  He learned how to brush and floss and he will probably never miss a day.  When these young men learn something good they don't let go of it.

04 Nov 2011
Elder Blackburn has a flare up of gout in his foot so he stayed close to home all day, we were waiting to get our telephone fixed.  He took the computer to the shop and the motherboard is fried and the technition said the other machines were also worthless

02 Nov 2011 
Elder Blackburn got up early and took Musi Vilakati to the airport for his flight to Johannesburg.  Elder Blackburn said he never thought he would shed a tear for a young man leaving on a mission, except for his
own sons.  Musi is a sweet natured young man and will be an excellent missionary in Nairobi, Kenya Mission.  After Elder Blackburn go back from the airport we took Elder Dutson, USA and Elder Tameilau, Australia to Mbabane, immigration papers needed to be submitted.  We already had Elder Daniel's papers

Family of Elder Vilakati and us;  Elder Vilakati at Matsapha airport on his way to the MTC in Johannesburg.
01 Nov 2011
Today was transfers, the Mission Office sent us another computer.  One they were not using and we are so grateful for it.  Telephone does not work, internet does not work and no fax machine.  The electric storm caused our computer, telephone and fax machine to be burned internally.  We met Elder Zweifel at the Petroport for transfers.  Elder Katiza and Elder Jonga left, we received Elder Dutson and Elder Tameilau.Then we took Elder Dutson and Elder Kubheka to Nhlangano so they could get settled and Elder Dutson could start his training as a "greenie".

31 Oct 2011
We had a barbeque (braai) for all the Elders, Jon, Anne and Zack Smith also came.  Anne helped fix the meal for all of us. 21 adults for dinner.  When we were cleaning up there was a hugh flash of lightening and thunder right over our neighborhood, it knocked out the computer, telephone and fax machine.  We all enjoy these braais so much.  A chance to say goodby to Elders we have worked with for 6 months, to get emails and sign journals.

30 Oct 2011
We went to Church in Mbabane today, Elder Blackburn spoke in Church about choices we make and how they can affect our whole lives, one of the best talks he has ever given, he really had the congregation's attention.  We then went to Manzini for Relief Society and Priesthood, we had forgotten it was combined meeting, but it was a really good lesson by Branch President Mahlele on Self Reliance.  Three white couples there.  The Smith family, us and Brother and Sister Hall, a young couple who are here with the peace corips.  They are living over toward Siteki.

29 Oct 2011
Today was the funeral for Sister Wilhemina Regina Craig, Elder Blackburn had baptised her about 8 months ago.  He sister, Jill is very active member of the Church in the Ezulwini Branch and had asked Sister Blackburn to talk at the funeral.  The funeral started 1 hour late (talk about being late for your own funeral). It was the first funeral held in one of the Branches and conducted by one of the Branch Presidents.  President Shongwe did an excellent job.  They had to cut the funeral short because the grave diggers would not wait and would leave the cemetary and not bury Sister Craig so Elder Blackburn did not get to give the "Word of God".

26 Oct 2011

We got up early and drove to Richards Bay to meet Elder and Sister Nuzman at the mall, we had lunch with them gave them their Elder's mail. We had a really good visit with them.  We returned a can opener and another electrical gadget that just did not work and got a credit on the JPMorgan card.  Then we went to the Zulu gift shop to pick up the Nativity dolls that we had ordered then on to Swaziland.  We got back home late.

25 Oct 2011

In Durban for Presidency Meeting, spent the last two nights at Little Haven B&B, not as nice as Crystal Springs was but no choice this time.  We had dinner with all the couples at an Italian Restaurant and President von Stetten had said this would be the last time all couples would meet for dinner after his meeting; he wanted to have dinner with just his Counselors so he could get feed back from them.  We went with the Wards to Gateway mall and found a Subway Sandwich shop and had lunch, then left for the Presidency Meeting.

24 Oct 2011

We left Pietermaritzburg this morning and drove to Durban, we went to Bake A Ton for sugar and baking supplies for Sister Blackburn and Sister Smith.  We checked into the B&B Little Haven for 2 nights.  It is run by an older woman who is a member of the Church and we think it is getting too much for her, she was showing the property when we got there. We stopped at a Lion Preserve and got some great pictures of the Lions.

23 Oct 2011

We went to Church in Pietermaritzburg this morning and Brother and Sister Caine was there, Elder Blackburn and his companion had baptized them and the Orth family 51 years ago.  Brother and Sister Orth came in and talked with us and said that she had gotten up and felt that she shrould be in church in Pietermaritzburg this morning so they drove from Durban and were so happy we were there.  Elder Blackburn has a sweet reunion with both families.  The Caines then invited us to Sunday Dinner and we had a marvelous visit with the.  Both families have stayed active and raised good active children who were local leaders in their Wards.  It was really satisfying to Elder Blackburn.

22 Oct 2011

We got up early and left for Pietermaritzburg, it was a long drive;  we had made reservations at a B&B called Africa's Eden and it was so clean and comfortable, we loved staying there.  Probably because we were so tired, we drove about 9 hours.  But we look forward to meeting up with Brother and Sister Caine tomorrow at Church.

Electricity out!!!!!!!!

21 Oct 2011
Our electricity went out 2 days ago just as we were posting our blog, so we finished that posting today.  We had a terrible wind storm, no rain.  Electric lights along the roads actuall bent to the ground, KFC severly damaged and many signs down.  These cement block houses survive very well, the roofs even stayed on.  We felt very fortunate to have found a propane (handigas) stove top.

Elder Blackburn has had a lot of running around to try to get the police report on the accident Elder Katiza had, an attorney has been hired to represent him in court.  It is a serious offense to try to use a cell phone while driving, which he did.  When we go to Johannesburg we always come back with the truck full of Humanitarian supplies, this time we brought Hygiene Kits and New Born Kits.

This baptismal font is very old, was first used in Manzini before that chapel was built, we found it behind the building and brought it to Ezulwini.  Now that Ezulwini has a permanent baptismal font and room it goes to GeGe, duct tape and all.

Elder Blackburn finally got a sign made and put up on the fence of the Ezulwini Chapel.   Tomorrow we go to Pietermaritzburg, we hope the sewing machines are ready for delivery when we come back next Thursday.  Next week is the Mission Presidency Meeting, so we get 2 days in Durban.

19 Oct 2011

19 Oct 2011
Well it is October 19 and we still do not have the sewing machines released by Customs; it will probably take another week for delivery since we are leaving for Durban on Saturday via Pietermaritzburg.  A sister Cain lives there and Elder Blackburn baptized her 50 years ago.  The family has been extremely active in the Church - the Caines serve in the Johannesburg Temple every other week.  The Elders in the Ezulwini area came by after District Development Meeting and we gave them left over spaghetti.  They must have been really hungry, they ate every bite that was left.

18 Oct 2011
Elders called early and they did not have water in their flats in Manzini, so they came here to shower and get ready for their day; Sister Blackburn fed them biscuits, gravy and scrambled eggs.  Two American Elders and the rest from Australia and African Countries.  They loved it.

17 Oct 2011
Still can't seem to get the sewing machines out of customs.  Elder and Sister Webb came by to tell us goodby, they went back to Johannesburg after a couple of days in Swaziland.  Elders had activity at the Cultural Center and seemed to enjoy it.  We did not accompany them.  They always try to come by on their pday.

16 Oct 2011
Conference shown in all the Branches, we attended in Ezulwini, the Temple missionaries were there too.  Elder and Sister Webb went to GeGe and had a wonderful experience.  Then they went to Nhlangano.  They were meeting with all the Branch Presidents to explain the Perpetual Education Fund so the Presidents could encourage their young people to get training for work.

15 Oct 2011
We met the Temple Missionaries at the border post.  With the Temple closed they came to Swaziland for R&R.  So we spent the day with them showing them the sights of Swaziland.  Johannesburg is in the plains area of South Africa and Swaziland is a mountainous area of the Continent.  We went to dinner with them at the Chinese Restaurant.  Elder and Sister Webb and Elder and Sister Zawacky decided to be on their own for dinner.  Good day all around.

14 Oct 2011
Elder Blackburn had a quick trip to Nhlangano to get their projector working so they could view General Conference the amplifier kept breaking, he finally bought a better one and it worked.  Elder and Sister Webb came to Swaziland today and invited us to have dinner with them at Summerfield.  Elder and Sister Zawacky were at Nhlangano when Elder Blackburn got there so he invited them to dinner also. 

13 Oct 2011
Elder Blackburn delivered a wheel chair to Stanley Dlamini to take to someone he knows and the report was, "the man was so happy, when he would need to go to the doctor the family would take him in a wheelbarrow.  His wife really started to cry when Stanley delivered the chair.  Delivering a couple of wheelchairs has motivated Stanley to ask for his mission papers, this helped him make his final decision.

12 Oct 2011
Had the Zone Leaders take the portable baptismal font to GeGe.  Now they can have their baptismal services there instead of trying to come up with the transport money to go to Nhlangano.

11 Oct 2011
We spent the morning trying to contact the delivery truck driver, never did make contact.  The truck was enroute to the border for customs inspection, when it got there the people did not understand the way the exemption was written, so we called Stella and got a copy of the request for exemption faxed to the trucking company and they felt that they could work out the problems, there were 75 machines sent instead of 70 and the material, scissors, needles, etc were not itemized.  As of tonight no calls with more problems so we are hoping the shipment will be delivered to us tomorrow.  This afternoon we went with the Ezulwini Elders, Brown and Musau to teach a woman and her adult daughter.  We gave her a copy of the forgiveness quote someone posted on Face Book and it seemed to help her resolve some issues she has with other people.  We felt the meeting went well and may go back with the Elders next week.

10 Octo 2011
Today, Elder Blackburn mailed a box home.  We had some communication with Elder Heninger about shipping the sewing machines to Swaziland, we have the original customs exemption.  Anyway, payment was verified, truck loaded and left Durban.  Other than that a very quiet day.  Elder Blackburn is trying to get the electronics working in the Ezulwini chapel so we can play the Conference DVDs.

09 Oct 2011
President Von Stetten spoke in Sacrament on Sunday, he gave such a good talk on preparing for Conference, the Saints really enjoyed his remarks.  He called a few days before he came to Swaziland and asked if he was scheduled to speak and Elder Blackburn asked if he wanted to and of course he said yes, so President Shongwe was called and informed that the Mission President would be speaking, which is what usually happens, no one thought to ask him.  After his interviews with the Elders he came to our house for dinner, the Smiths had been given approval to come and interview him for their documentary.  A pleasant evening enjoyed by all of us.

Springtime and 5K walk

This is the area around our house.  Springtime is really here right now, 80 degrees today.  Love this weather.  The purple trees are called jacaranda and the blossoms last about a month.

This morning Sister Blackburn got up for a 5K walk to support Breast Cancer Awareness, very rewarding knowing this is world wide and even in a very small country like Swaziland, 900 people came for the walk, paid their $10.00 and had an enjoyable morning.  900 people is 1% of the population of this Kingdom.  We walked along one of the rivers, it was wonderful being outside and just walking.  I even crossed the finish line and was not the last one.  Ann Smith, her friend Nelly, Zack Smith and Sister Blackburn.

Elder Blackburn had bicycles to tend to, got to keep those Elders rolling.  They really do work very hard.  I was thinking last week after the Zone Leaders had finished their meeting and presentations, that no one, not even the Prophet could have done a better job and when they go home they will be just youth again, until they get married.  All that talent put on hold!!  President Von Stetten comes to Swaziland tonight, he is doing interviews with all the Elders and he will come to dinner with us tomorrow.

Boy with broken arm

Elder Blackburn went to Manzini today to give Elder Maring a driving test (to make sure he really can drive safely) and he really can.  All new Elders have to wait one month and then pass a driving experience with Elder Blackburn before they are allowed to be behind the wheel.  These young Elders are given a full size 4 wheel drive truck and told, "there it is don't damage it."  The African Elders have barely gotten a license or have paid for one without driving school.  The American Elders do really well, but a big truck with lots of power in the hands of a 19 to 20 year old.  Accidents will happen.  The American Elders accept their accidents and move on, the African Elders agonize over breaking the Lord's vehicle and it takes a long time for them to forgive themselves.  They really know the value of having your own transportation.  We were fixing dinner and the telephone rang, Elder Musau was on the phone and related that someone had fallen out of a tree and was not moving, we thought it was his companion, Elder Brown and our hearts just stopped until Elder Musau could explain, so we could understand, that a young boy had fallen and needed attention, so we told him we would come meet them.  They were up a dirt road several miles, they needed permission to put the boy and his mother in the truck and take them to the hospital in Mbabane so we told them it would be alright and we led them to the hospital in Mbabane, about 30 minutes away.  When we got there and were going to leave the boy's mother was going to leave him and have us take her back home so she could have a free ride.  Elder Blackburn gave her enough money for transportation (about 4.00 dollars).  Then the Doctor wanted a slip of paper from somewhere else in the hospital before he would look at the boy so Elder Blackburn and the Elders went to another room and the attendant wanted 50 rand for the paper and Elder Blackburn told him no and when he was insisting Elder Blackburn told him, "do you want me to just take him back and put him in the field where we found him?"  So the attendant wrote "owes 20 rand on the top of the paper.  Anyway, we left the paper with the mother, left her at the hospital with a way to get home for her and her son and we came home, the Elders went back to their teaching appointments.  All is well!!

Today we were able to get the visas for the last two missionaries in this cycle, for once there were not many people at Home Affairs and no lines to stand in.  We went through the Border Post to get a stamp in our passport so we can still qualify as a visitor until we get our background search from the FBI at home.  Barbara is checking on that for us.  We spend so much time on the telephone this afternoon trying to get a prospective missionary and his papers ready for an interview with President Von Stetten on Saturday afternoon.  Elder Heninger is working really diligently to get the sewing machines and fabric shipped by the first of next week.  Sister Renlund was so right when she told us, "the Church moves very slow"!  All is well!!!!

25-09- to 05-10-2011

05 Oct 2011
This morning Sister Blackburn removed 6 sutures from Elder Jenks head.  The wound was from the truck wreck in GeGe.  Then everyone met at Zone Meeting which the Zone Leaders had done a wonderful job with the training and spiritual development of the Elders.  They are building a good brotherhood now.   Sister Blackburn had baked birthday cakes for the Elders who were to have birthdays this transfer cycle.  Elder Blackburn went to Mbabane for a Temple Recommend interview and the sister had not been to the temple since about the 1990s and was still wearing the same one pair of garments that she had purchased at that time.  He instructed her to purchase new ones and she said she did not have the money so he gave her $15.00 which will purchase 4 pair and she was so grateful.  Elder Blackburn also worked this evening with 2 prospective missionaries to make sure their papers were complete so they could have their interview with President Von Stetten, their names are Junior Verde and Thulani Mabuza.  They both seem really anxious and happy to serve a mission.

04 Oct 2011
Elder Blackburn spent the day doing errands, picked up bicycles from repair shop and returned them to Elders, big shipment of teaching materials that had to be distributed to the Elders - Book of Mormon and phamplets, got the car washed today.  Sibusiso Mbuli walks 1.5 hours to our house to wash our truck, it takes him 2 hours and we pay him $15.00.  He never misses a week.   Then it rained on the truck all evening, at least the inside will stay decently clean for a week.

03 Oct 2011
Rained all day, this storm is out of the Antartic and is really cold, supposed to rain for 3 days.  We even had to turn our heaters on to get rid of the humidity and warm the house.

02 Oct 2011
Went to Manzini to Church, Testimony meeting went so fast, people would come up one after another without a break, what Testimony Meeting should be.  Sister Blackburn gave Sister Ntshalintshali, the District Relief Society the packets she needs for the Branches to teach the sisters how to dry vegetables and fruits, she also gave her a string of green beans that she had dried so the sisters could see how they were done and how they would look.  There are so many things we know how to do because of our technology that the people of Africa could use to improve their lives, but do not have any way to get the knowledge.  Elder Blackburn encouraged the District to plan a Temple trip for the youth so they can go do baptisms before the end of the year, we really hope they follow through with this activity.

01 Oct 2011
This morning we went to the Temple with the Nhlangano Branch, Sister Mabuza was able to obtain her Endowment, she was so attentive during the session, after the session, Sister Blackburn gave her a gift of a temple veil and she was so touched.  Sister Blackburn was her Escort.  There will always be such a sisterhood between us after going to the Temple together.  Sister and Brother Smith was also there and went through the session with us.  They spent the night in Patron housing.  We spent the night with Elder and Sister Callahan and had such a good visit with them, it just was not long enough.  Then we drove 4.5 hours back to Swaziland.
Sister Mabuza after the Temple Session.

30 Sept 2011

Got up early and drove to Johannesburg, we are to meet the Nhlangano Branch at 3:30 to do an own endowment session at 6:00pm.  Brother and Sister Smith followed us over there, they were told there would probably be an extra room at the patron housing for them.  We waited and waited for the Branch to get there, Elder Blackburn went to the 6:00pm session while Sister Blackburn waited for the Nhlangano members, two sisters are supposed to do their Endowments this trip.  The Branch finally got there at 7:00 pm.  There was a lot of road construction on the way they drove over to Joburg.  Sister Blackburn had purchased 2 pair of garments and 2 veils for the 2 sisters.  One sister had changed her mind and did not come,which was a great disappointment to us all.  We hope she will be able to make it before the end of the year.

29 Sept 2011

Elder Blackburn had a Mission Presidency Meeting on Skype today.  Elder Blackburn ran errands all morning.  He had a meeting in the morning with Presidnet Simelane to see how he feels about his job and how the District is performing, so he could report to President Von Stetten.  We have felt some concern lately, the President has not been holding his District Meetings and seems distracted.  After the meeting, Elder Blackburn felt that President Simelane would try to get more done.

28 Sept 2011

Elder Blackburn had to go to GeGe Police Station and take pictures of the wrecked Bakkie, then he took Elder Jenks to the Doctor to get his head sutured, there was a gash that he was hesitant to take care of.  Elder Blackburn said, "In my mind I could hear Sister Blackburn telling me that he needed to be sewn up and to take him to the doctor."  He was glad he listened to that prompting, Elder Jenks needed 6 sutures to close the gash.  Elder Katize needed to see the doctor because his back was bothering him.  He was told to come back for xrays in  3 days if he was still hurting.  Needless to say, these errands took all day and Elder Blackburn was happy to get home.

27 Sept 2011

Today the Zone Leaders and District Leaders drove to New Castle for training, they will be gone until tomorrow evening.  At 8:30pm we received a telephone call from Elder Katize telling Elder Blackburn that he has a problem, when asked what the problem is he replied that he had wrecked the Bakkie and it was turned over.  Elder Blackburn ascertained that no one was seriously injured and then called Brother Malinga in GeGe to go check on the truck and the Elders which he readily agreed to do.  Elder Katiza and Elder Jenks were on their way to GeGe to have dinner with the GeGe Elders and Elder Katiza was driving too fast and lost control of the vehicle.  Brother Malinga got the GeGe Police and they towed the bakkie to the police station, then brother Malinga had the Elders come to his place and they spent the night with the GeGe Elders.  Tomorrow we will sort everything out.

26 Sept 2011

Today Sister Blackburn baked cupcakes to take to the Maseko family in Mbabane, he is the 2nd Counselor in the District Presidency and they have 2 little girls.  When we got there, he was still at work and would not be home for quite a while, we had to wait for Sister Maseko to get home.  We did spend about 1 hour with them and left the cupcakes for the family to enjoy.  The Swazis enjoy american deserts.