Hello all:
I thought I had better write!. Time seems to get away from me and I just get a little lazy. Mom and Dad, thanks for the letter. Just to let every know, we are still here and doing well. The mission is doing well. I've been busy with baptismal records and submitting the medical to the insurance company. The office elders are gone a lot lately, so it's really quite and slow in the office. Not much has happened in the last little while. The Humanitarian couple just invited us to watch a bore hole drilling this coming Thursday. That should be exciting , if they drill into a water pocket. We just want to watch it once while we are here. Last week we met the Breckstrands from Bountiful. They are on there 3rd mission. Now they are here in Johannesburg at the area office training stakes all over the Africa Southeast Area, on how to audit there stakes. That sounds rather boring thing to do. Tonight we meet another couples from the area office and they are called as Historians and training other members on how to do "History and writing it down". They are from Sandy Utah. I've seen this pattern of senior couples that have been called to Africa once, get called back again for another mission. They seem to be better at what they do than we are, no worry here!!!!!
Our mission president asked Elder A the other day if we would consider extending our mission. Elder A had no problem with that question , but he did say that Sister H might be the hard one to sell that idea to. So of course, our mission president has not asked me about that question at all. He did want to know if we had any friends that might consider coming to serve here on a mission> So what do you all think, any takers?????
I hope you are all doing well. Just to let you all know, Rob and Whitney are moving this coming Wednesday to Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is being transferred with in his company. If any one wants to see what Louisiana looks like, Rob will be driving from CA. to Lake Charles on Wednesday. Whitney is flying to Denver for a few days and then to their new home. We will miss them and will have to Skype much more to watch Hailey and the new baby. Russ and Christine hopefully will be done with school in December. What a happy day for them. Then we wait to see what the next step is for them. Lou and Curtis planning to attend BYU-I next year. Dang all you guys are moving away. WE need to plan a family gathering for next summer, so come up with some great ideas.
A lady that is the house cleaner for the transfer house, told me about her nephews wedding last weekend. She said that they had a tribal wedding and then they had a church wedding. But what happens after the wedding is rather unusual. She said that the bride and 5 other ladies her size all dress I white material , with veils over there heads. They are taken to the grooms parents house and they all stand outside of the gate. Now the groom has to guess which one is his bride. With each guess he pays the brides family money. If he is wrong he has to pay more money!!! For a country with no jobs and money, they can be poor and broke before their life even starts. This lady said that it took her nephew several tries to get his bride, and a lot of money given to her family. What a tradition.
We hope that you're all doing well. Sounds like Utah has been blessed with more rain! That is a good sign for good crops. This lion killing here in Zimbabwe isn't as big a thing as it is in the States. I just read that Magabee just killed a baby elephant, antelopes and other animals for his million dollar birthday party. Then a landowner killed a lion and crocodile and stuffed them to give as a gift. I guess that these killings take place all the time here. He does need to confess to his crime. the dentist from the states.
We are planning a trip to Hwange National park and then to Victoria Falls in September. It should be quite different, since it will be the dry season and not much water. I just want to see some lions in the wild and not up close so they attack us!
Let me know if there are any takers on subbing for us in the office, so we can go home in January. wE are grateful to be here and see the growth of the church and see how the missionaries struggle and improve in their lives. I sure will miss the office elders come October, who will invite us to play paint ball games with????
Next week we are going to Masvingo, Zimbabwe to speak in church. But we are leaving the day before and go see some ruins at the Great Zimbabwe! It has ruins dating back to the life of Christ. This should be fun, to get a way for 2 days. Just hope we don't get lost and end up in South Africa or Mozambique. Now I have to decide what to speak about, I need to be inspired with the topic.
There have been some changes to the mission, with the new mission president. They will be good ones. HIs wife is a very nice person, and we seem to help each other in our callings.
Before your dad tells you his side of the story, I did fall again on a walk! It's the shoes and the potholes in the road. More road rash on the leg and hands. I'm on a big push to take as many interesting pictures that I can. Today we saw a first!!!! A lady had a new tire on her head. I really wanted that picture , but Elder A wouldn't pull over so I could get the shot...I have never seen that before. Well, I'm rambling.
Take care and know that we love you always and forever.
Love Alan and Joy
Monday, August 24, 2015
Happy Pioneer Day
Hello Family,
We'll I've seen some wonderful pictures of picnics and parades and birthday parties. I'm sure you all had a wonderful 24th of July. Dad, again , Happy Birthday. You look like you could run around the farm. Everyone looks so good and happy. We are doing well. Not much has happened this week. WE did receive four great missionaries into the mission, and 7 outgoing missionaries are very happy to be home with their families. It's like heaven people are coming and going all the time and it's always happy and sad moments when that happens.
Today our mission president instructed the branch D1, to have everyone be instructed in the handbook for their callings. So I've been called to give instruction on Relief Society leadership, next Saturday. Every one needs to know their responsibility in the church. I do have a testimony of that. Then if someone has a question, we can just say read your handbook, or look it up in the handbook. This should be an exciting meeting. We walked into our little chapel/house, today and they had put up these curtains along one end of the building. It looks like a funeral home. They love them and that's what counts.
I attended Young Women's today in D2. The Y.W's president has this little girl, who got into the Vaseline jar during the lesion. She was glowing with Vaseline and then she started rubbing it on her mother's knees. She is so cute. She calls me Gramy. I can handle that name.
This week I took the mission president's wife to the Chinese Mall(Wal-mart) to show her what it was like. On the way, I got a 20.00 ticket. I came to a complete stop, but I still got pulled over. The officer, a woman, said that I didn't come to a complete stop. WE both said that I did, but the more we tried to fight against it, the madder the officer became. I just stayed quite, handed her 20. 00 dollars and said that I will be more attentive next time! I just wanted to scream!!!! The police are so dishonest, they should try to get the people who drive down residential streets at 95km. Oh, they can't there are only 3 police cars in the entire city!!! I'll get over it.
Hopefully this week , our mission president will be getting his counselors set apart, then he'll be able to spread out his responsibilities.
Alan and I will be the only missionaries in the office for Wednesday thru Friday. I don't like days like that, they go so slow.
This week we did "house cleaning " at the mission office. Unloaded 2 truck loads of stuff out of the back storage room. The office is getting a new look, infact the entire building will be. I'll send pictures when it's all done.
the mission had another car accident. I just can't believe how the missionaries are just driving these vehicles into the ground. One car just died! on the road and they had to tow it back to the mission office. Sad thing when cars are towed back to the mission office, someone comes and steals the batteries out of the cars.
Last Monday before home evening, I went out to get the clothes out of the dryer, and there was the biggest spider ever!! I had to take a picture of it. Then Elder A tried to kill it with the broom. It just wouldn't die! Finally after 4 whacks, it came a part. It was hairy, and huge!
I'm very cautious when ever I go out side, or even into the next room. I always look for spiders on the walls or ceilings.
My 40th class reunion is on September 5th. I sure wanted to attend this one, but maybe another time. It's been nice writing to the class members on face book, and getting caught up with them.
I sure hope you're all doing well. I love to hear from you and hear what your families are doing. WE talked with Russ and Christine yesterday. It was great to see you two. Praying that you'll get a job out west!!! Love the pictures of Hailey and Owen. The cutest grandkids I could ever ask for! (just more of them).
Take care and know that we pray for you all and love you always.
Love Elder A and Sister H.
We'll I've seen some wonderful pictures of picnics and parades and birthday parties. I'm sure you all had a wonderful 24th of July. Dad, again , Happy Birthday. You look like you could run around the farm. Everyone looks so good and happy. We are doing well. Not much has happened this week. WE did receive four great missionaries into the mission, and 7 outgoing missionaries are very happy to be home with their families. It's like heaven people are coming and going all the time and it's always happy and sad moments when that happens.
Today our mission president instructed the branch D1, to have everyone be instructed in the handbook for their callings. So I've been called to give instruction on Relief Society leadership, next Saturday. Every one needs to know their responsibility in the church. I do have a testimony of that. Then if someone has a question, we can just say read your handbook, or look it up in the handbook. This should be an exciting meeting. We walked into our little chapel/house, today and they had put up these curtains along one end of the building. It looks like a funeral home. They love them and that's what counts.
I attended Young Women's today in D2. The Y.W's president has this little girl, who got into the Vaseline jar during the lesion. She was glowing with Vaseline and then she started rubbing it on her mother's knees. She is so cute. She calls me Gramy. I can handle that name.
This week I took the mission president's wife to the Chinese Mall(Wal-mart) to show her what it was like. On the way, I got a 20.00 ticket. I came to a complete stop, but I still got pulled over. The officer, a woman, said that I didn't come to a complete stop. WE both said that I did, but the more we tried to fight against it, the madder the officer became. I just stayed quite, handed her 20. 00 dollars and said that I will be more attentive next time! I just wanted to scream!!!! The police are so dishonest, they should try to get the people who drive down residential streets at 95km. Oh, they can't there are only 3 police cars in the entire city!!! I'll get over it.
Hopefully this week , our mission president will be getting his counselors set apart, then he'll be able to spread out his responsibilities.
Alan and I will be the only missionaries in the office for Wednesday thru Friday. I don't like days like that, they go so slow.
This week we did "house cleaning " at the mission office. Unloaded 2 truck loads of stuff out of the back storage room. The office is getting a new look, infact the entire building will be. I'll send pictures when it's all done.
the mission had another car accident. I just can't believe how the missionaries are just driving these vehicles into the ground. One car just died! on the road and they had to tow it back to the mission office. Sad thing when cars are towed back to the mission office, someone comes and steals the batteries out of the cars.
Last Monday before home evening, I went out to get the clothes out of the dryer, and there was the biggest spider ever!! I had to take a picture of it. Then Elder A tried to kill it with the broom. It just wouldn't die! Finally after 4 whacks, it came a part. It was hairy, and huge!
I'm very cautious when ever I go out side, or even into the next room. I always look for spiders on the walls or ceilings.
My 40th class reunion is on September 5th. I sure wanted to attend this one, but maybe another time. It's been nice writing to the class members on face book, and getting caught up with them.
I sure hope you're all doing well. I love to hear from you and hear what your families are doing. WE talked with Russ and Christine yesterday. It was great to see you two. Praying that you'll get a job out west!!! Love the pictures of Hailey and Owen. The cutest grandkids I could ever ask for! (just more of them).
Take care and know that we pray for you all and love you always.
Love Elder A and Sister H.
7/19/2015
Hey all,
Another Sunday down, and it's been a very busy one. I was assigned to give a talk in both Branches today, on different topics. Then for Relief Society, they asked me to give the lesson, about the blessings of the temple. My brain is fried!!! It really wasn't that bad. Church doesn't start on time and we have so many who need to be confirmed that there isn't much time for talks, and we make a point to end on time.
How was your Sunday? I have to tell you about our activity yesterday. The office elders invited us to play at the paint ball course with them. It was so much fun! I first was very nervous about trying to shoot someone, but that fear soon left when one of the assistants nailed me on the shoulder. I got him back on the neck. It definitely isn't the most Christ like activity to participate in. We did attend to the branches baptisms yesterday, which is always most inspiring. There was a man that was baptized, who is so clear in his speech, and must really study the gospel. He's smart and has a desire to embrace the gospel with everything he has. We also witnessed a wedding at the chapel yesterday before the baptisms. I wish I could understand Shona, because it would have been an entertaining wedding. Just way to much laughter.
Lorraine I can just envision the potato fields and wheat fields in Idaho. That state is really beautiful.
My ear is still plugged and it's quite annoying. I can hear somewhat when someone is talking to me if there is no other noise. But as soon as there is any other noise I'm lost. I do hope it will just happen some morning that I can wake up and hear normally again. Maybe this is a trial that I must endure, joyfully.
I do hope you all have a wonderful 24th of July celebration, where ever you are. Dad I hope you the best birthday in the world. I would love to see the cake with 90 candles on it!!!!
We are having a transfer on Monday and Tuesday. We are going to send home some wonderful missionaries. They have served with all their heart!!! WE have four new missionaries coming into the mission on Tuesday. They are from South, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. It is a happy day when they all get on the plane together and arrive in a group.... Our mission President is doing well. His wife and daughter are adjusting and they will be a great help to the mission and all of Zimbabwe. Things are run differently, so I've had to make some adjustments. With time I might get everything down the way he would like it run.
Things that happened last week: We went to the bank and they had no 20 dollar bills and 10 dollar bills. The money they did give us is so dirty. Infact I laminated a 2 dollar bill and a 1 dollar bill, to show you just how dirty the money is here. May debt card has stopped working, the atm machine says that my car is"unsuitable". I just hope that Elder A's card doesn't stop working, or else we'll be coming home real soon if that happens. Just a few differences here is Zimbabwe.
I just want you all to know that you are all so loved by us! We pray that you're all doing well and your healthy and happy. I've really realized how grateful I am for our family. You bless our lives so much. We love you always,
Love Elder A and Sister J.
Another Sunday down, and it's been a very busy one. I was assigned to give a talk in both Branches today, on different topics. Then for Relief Society, they asked me to give the lesson, about the blessings of the temple. My brain is fried!!! It really wasn't that bad. Church doesn't start on time and we have so many who need to be confirmed that there isn't much time for talks, and we make a point to end on time.
How was your Sunday? I have to tell you about our activity yesterday. The office elders invited us to play at the paint ball course with them. It was so much fun! I first was very nervous about trying to shoot someone, but that fear soon left when one of the assistants nailed me on the shoulder. I got him back on the neck. It definitely isn't the most Christ like activity to participate in. We did attend to the branches baptisms yesterday, which is always most inspiring. There was a man that was baptized, who is so clear in his speech, and must really study the gospel. He's smart and has a desire to embrace the gospel with everything he has. We also witnessed a wedding at the chapel yesterday before the baptisms. I wish I could understand Shona, because it would have been an entertaining wedding. Just way to much laughter.
Lorraine I can just envision the potato fields and wheat fields in Idaho. That state is really beautiful.
My ear is still plugged and it's quite annoying. I can hear somewhat when someone is talking to me if there is no other noise. But as soon as there is any other noise I'm lost. I do hope it will just happen some morning that I can wake up and hear normally again. Maybe this is a trial that I must endure, joyfully.
I do hope you all have a wonderful 24th of July celebration, where ever you are. Dad I hope you the best birthday in the world. I would love to see the cake with 90 candles on it!!!!
We are having a transfer on Monday and Tuesday. We are going to send home some wonderful missionaries. They have served with all their heart!!! WE have four new missionaries coming into the mission on Tuesday. They are from South, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. It is a happy day when they all get on the plane together and arrive in a group.... Our mission President is doing well. His wife and daughter are adjusting and they will be a great help to the mission and all of Zimbabwe. Things are run differently, so I've had to make some adjustments. With time I might get everything down the way he would like it run.
Things that happened last week: We went to the bank and they had no 20 dollar bills and 10 dollar bills. The money they did give us is so dirty. Infact I laminated a 2 dollar bill and a 1 dollar bill, to show you just how dirty the money is here. May debt card has stopped working, the atm machine says that my car is"unsuitable". I just hope that Elder A's card doesn't stop working, or else we'll be coming home real soon if that happens. Just a few differences here is Zimbabwe.
I just want you all to know that you are all so loved by us! We pray that you're all doing well and your healthy and happy. I've really realized how grateful I am for our family. You bless our lives so much. We love you always,
Love Elder A and Sister J.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Sunday Evening
Hello All,
I just have to tell you about today. It was a very special sunday. We drove about 2 hours to a town called Kadoma. The zone leaders met us along the road and we followed them to the chapel for church. This branch has grown a lot, so today the branch was split. It was the first time being there, and they have a really nice chapel and it was almost packed. The music was beautiful and everyone was so reverent. Now they have Kadoma 1 and Kadoma 2. I'm sure in about 3 years they'll have another branch.The members are not people that live out in the bush, so it was a different feeling in their meetings. Most everyone speaks English and can read it. But the branch president did translate the division line , in Shona and everyone understood then what was happening. The young man playing the organ, keyboard was really good. He taught himself and has only been playing for 2 years. He is 22 and was called as one of the branch clerks. He did say he was getting ready for a mission.
After church these 2 cute little girls came and latched onto my hand and then ran to grab Elder A's hand. They were so cute and expressive.(A tender mercy). Later they only wanted a picture with them in it. We laughed for a while over that.
The Lord pours out his blessings, and we saw that today.
We've had many tender mercies come our way lately. Like last night, our power was out for most of the day and our generator wouldn't stay on. I thought that I'd have to go to church with another "bad hair dooo". But last night the power came on so we could clean up for our Sunday meetings.
I just have to tell you about today. It was a very special sunday. We drove about 2 hours to a town called Kadoma. The zone leaders met us along the road and we followed them to the chapel for church. This branch has grown a lot, so today the branch was split. It was the first time being there, and they have a really nice chapel and it was almost packed. The music was beautiful and everyone was so reverent. Now they have Kadoma 1 and Kadoma 2. I'm sure in about 3 years they'll have another branch.The members are not people that live out in the bush, so it was a different feeling in their meetings. Most everyone speaks English and can read it. But the branch president did translate the division line , in Shona and everyone understood then what was happening. The young man playing the organ, keyboard was really good. He taught himself and has only been playing for 2 years. He is 22 and was called as one of the branch clerks. He did say he was getting ready for a mission.
After church these 2 cute little girls came and latched onto my hand and then ran to grab Elder A's hand. They were so cute and expressive.(A tender mercy). Later they only wanted a picture with them in it. We laughed for a while over that.
The Lord pours out his blessings, and we saw that today.
We've had many tender mercies come our way lately. Like last night, our power was out for most of the day and our generator wouldn't stay on. I thought that I'd have to go to church with another "bad hair dooo". But last night the power came on so we could clean up for our Sunday meetings.
We are doing fine. This week , we get to Skype with our new mission president. It should be good and exciting. I'm rather nervous to get a new mission president. I just don't know what to expect from him and his wife. We'll just do our best in the office. I believe that they are as over whelmed as we are about this change in the mission. I'll just have to give her some cookies and soften them up.
Our missionaries are doing well. No accidents this week. Just some really big medical challenges for some missionaries. they might have to go home early.
How are you all doing? we love to hear from you and hear what you're up to. Our winter is here now, and it's cold. I need to buy some winter tights, so I can wear under my skirts. I know that sounds like a "Colorado City" thing. but it's cold!
I'm back to the doctors tomorrow to try to get my ear unplugged. I think I might have an ear infection. They took the wax out but I still can't hear. Very annoying!!! I'm going to get a hearing aid in the future. Not hearing is awefull. I just have to hear what is going on.....
We hope that you're all healthy and your doing well.
Love always Sister H. and Elder A
Hello Family
Hello family.
I'm getting on my soap box, to say how grateful I am for our country. Just to be able to drive down the road and not be stopped every 5 miles by a police stop, or to have sidewalks and garbage cans. I'm just so missing these things. Our mission office activities are going well. ON Tuesday we have another large transfer with new missionaries coming in and 10 going home. That will be a busy day. Just praying that everyone will get their right flights and then that makes me happy.
Our power here has been really crazy lately. Last week we had 3 days with no power. Then on Monday Sister Cook read me this message on her face book, from a man that knows all in Zimbabwe. It said that now until the end of July the power will be out for 16 hours a day. WEll it has started! Our generator is chugging along. Now we tried to have hot water, and there is something wrong with the geizer, or hot water tank. I think I'll just go to bed!
Our maid came to day, but I had to send her home, because we didn't have power and water, so she couldn't clean or iron. I felt bad all day, because she came a long way to do her job. I haven't had her for two weeks in a row, because of the power outages. She just wanted to hang out at our flat and wait for the power to come on, but I told her no and gave her money for the buses to go back home. She only has us and the Cooks, for income. I'm not sure how they will survive. Some days I just wish that these people could get a truck full of food and money and then they'd be ok.
Last Sunday, for our fifth lesson. Our branch president spoke about food storage. He said that the branch members could hide there food in a cave, or dig a hole outside and cover it and store it. Also he said that they should save their coins!!!. BEcause times are going to get tough again. My heart aches for how poor they are. Then today at the office, the cleaning lady that cleans the missionaries transfer house, came and was begging for a propane stove at the transfer house.She said that she had to move out of her house because her husband is abusive and she is on her own now. WE just can't give things like that away. wE have to watch out for the missionaries first. We';ll have to talk with her about seeing her bishop and getting assistance first.
I do hope your all doing well, sorry about my venting. I might just go home with the Cooks, This will be a test of all tests to stay here.
Oh, one more vent. The ATM machine declined my debit card! It wasn't compatible, What does that mean? Does that mean that it could tell that I'm white and someone behind the machine was just laughing at my frustrations. The teller just said that I have to try other machines. Great! Only Elder A has a card that works.
I do have to count my blessings. The missionaries in this mission don't have washing machines, hot water, or water for days on end. they don't have heat in their flats( no one does). and they have no power for weeks at all. But they don't complain like me, and they do their calling. I so admire them, they are good and strong.
I do hope that you're all doing well. We sure miss you and pray for you always. There is another bright light. ON Saturday there will be six baptisms at the branch. That will brighten my day. Oh yes, we went shoe shopping last Saturday. Just running shoes, are 150.00 and up. I do believe that i'll be keeping my uncomfortable shoes for the next little while. Most of the white's here make good money, so they can buy expensive things. I have heard that there is a "black Mall" downtown with cheaper items. I would go, but I'd be a little out of my league.
The gospel is true, so very thankful for it. Love you all and please take care.
Love always
Mom
I'm getting on my soap box, to say how grateful I am for our country. Just to be able to drive down the road and not be stopped every 5 miles by a police stop, or to have sidewalks and garbage cans. I'm just so missing these things. Our mission office activities are going well. ON Tuesday we have another large transfer with new missionaries coming in and 10 going home. That will be a busy day. Just praying that everyone will get their right flights and then that makes me happy.
Our power here has been really crazy lately. Last week we had 3 days with no power. Then on Monday Sister Cook read me this message on her face book, from a man that knows all in Zimbabwe. It said that now until the end of July the power will be out for 16 hours a day. WEll it has started! Our generator is chugging along. Now we tried to have hot water, and there is something wrong with the geizer, or hot water tank. I think I'll just go to bed!
Our maid came to day, but I had to send her home, because we didn't have power and water, so she couldn't clean or iron. I felt bad all day, because she came a long way to do her job. I haven't had her for two weeks in a row, because of the power outages. She just wanted to hang out at our flat and wait for the power to come on, but I told her no and gave her money for the buses to go back home. She only has us and the Cooks, for income. I'm not sure how they will survive. Some days I just wish that these people could get a truck full of food and money and then they'd be ok.
Last Sunday, for our fifth lesson. Our branch president spoke about food storage. He said that the branch members could hide there food in a cave, or dig a hole outside and cover it and store it. Also he said that they should save their coins!!!. BEcause times are going to get tough again. My heart aches for how poor they are. Then today at the office, the cleaning lady that cleans the missionaries transfer house, came and was begging for a propane stove at the transfer house.She said that she had to move out of her house because her husband is abusive and she is on her own now. WE just can't give things like that away. wE have to watch out for the missionaries first. We';ll have to talk with her about seeing her bishop and getting assistance first.
I do hope your all doing well, sorry about my venting. I might just go home with the Cooks, This will be a test of all tests to stay here.
Oh, one more vent. The ATM machine declined my debit card! It wasn't compatible, What does that mean? Does that mean that it could tell that I'm white and someone behind the machine was just laughing at my frustrations. The teller just said that I have to try other machines. Great! Only Elder A has a card that works.
I do have to count my blessings. The missionaries in this mission don't have washing machines, hot water, or water for days on end. they don't have heat in their flats( no one does). and they have no power for weeks at all. But they don't complain like me, and they do their calling. I so admire them, they are good and strong.
I do hope that you're all doing well. We sure miss you and pray for you always. There is another bright light. ON Saturday there will be six baptisms at the branch. That will brighten my day. Oh yes, we went shoe shopping last Saturday. Just running shoes, are 150.00 and up. I do believe that i'll be keeping my uncomfortable shoes for the next little while. Most of the white's here make good money, so they can buy expensive things. I have heard that there is a "black Mall" downtown with cheaper items. I would go, but I'd be a little out of my league.
The gospel is true, so very thankful for it. Love you all and please take care.
Love always
Mom
Memorial weekend
Hello family.
I hope you all had a great memorial day weekend. I've seen pictures of beautiful cemetaries loaded with flowers. This time of year is a great way to remember those who have passed on and those who have gave their lives for our country and freedom. Here in Africa there was a holiday last Monday also, it was Africa Day. I believe that it is only for Zimbabwe. It was the day they joined the African Union and received their independence. Most of the African workers in our office had no idea why they had a holiday. In fact one worker, Bongani Moyo came to work that day. I said that he should go home and enjoy the day with his wife, he said that it's better to work because at home there is nothing to do. Some holiday's are like that.
Well a week ago on Friday night we received a phone call and a set of elders had just been in a car accident. They had been driving down this road at night and a "comvee" , a van bus, came right at them with it's lights on bright. This vehicle was making it's own third lane, right down the middle of the road. So the elders went to the side of the road and there tires came off the lip of the road and caught the gravel/dirt. Their car rolled 7 times off the side of the road down a hill. Came to a stop. One more roll and it would have landed in a body of water. I asked the senior companion what he did when it started to roll, he said" I hugged my companion and said, Lord we are your chosen servants, please help us now". I know they were helped, they walked away with out a scratch. The car is totaled. They are the best missionaries. Infact the senior companion is going home in just a week from his mission, Elder Ojok, who has served with us in the office. I will so miss him, and his goodness.
Later that same night, in Bulawayo the furthest part of the mission, there was another missionary accident. They weren't as lucky. Their accident was on a straight road, the same thing a comvee came towards the missionaries and cut them off, so the elder swerved to miss them and hit a pedestrian and then hit a car head on. The pedestrian was killed and the missionary driving broke his leg, cut up his hand and arm. The lady in the other car received cuts on her face. The branch elder sitting in the front seat had no injuries, but the elders sitting in the back seat (wearing his seat belt), has body bruises from the seat belt and hitting the seat infront of him. So our mission president called us last Saturday morning to drive to Bulawayo and get the missionaries out of the hospital and see how they were doing. Also the one elder needed to have surgery on his broken leg. The trip to Bulawayo was very interesting. Very dense trees and bushes. One place on the road there were baboons all over. It is a one lane road, so we were always looking for pedestrians or other cars coming at us, but the road was good, for Zimbabwe. The closer we got to Bulawayo it became more open and grassy. It looked somewhat if we were driving towards the Arizona Strip. WE could see some higher mountains in the distance, but you could see for ever! Then came the donkeys and big cattle wandering on the road, there are no fences.
We made it to Bulawayo and went straight to the hospital. The one elder with the broken leg had been released a few hours earlier, so we tried to get the other missionary out of the hospital. He was doing well, just very sore and achy. His xrays showed no internal problems. The doctor wouldn't release him, so he spent another night in the hospital. The hospital was clean and no smells. IT was a 3 story hospital, six people to a room, with community showers and bathrooms. Not modern at all! The beds were a very thin mattress with a piece of plywood under the mattress. They lay flat, no sitting up in bed. They did feed the patients, were as some hospitals here people have to bring food into the hospital to feed their friends. So the Zone leaders showed us where the other elder was and we went to their flat. I'm so grateful for my flat here. The missionaries really have it a lot harder, living conditions. The mission does try to find the best housing for the missionaries.
The elder was in a lot of pain , even with painkillers. He had been instructed to pack his clothes, so with help he was ready to leave his flat. He spent the night with the zone leaders. That night we took the elders out for dinner at a local pizza place. It was downtown and we felt very safe. So Elder A and myself spent the night at the Holiday Inn, it was nice to have a hot shower and soft carpet under our feet and the electricity stayed on all the time.
On Sunday morning we met up with the elder with the broken leg, because we were to take him to the airport and ship him to South Africa for surgery. This elder wanted to say good bye to his branch ,so we took him to church. What a special experience to attend this little branch. The members that came were the choosen few. It was held in a little house, that was so clean and built well, with crown molding and a fireplace. They called on this elder to bear his testimony so Elder A helped him get to the microphone. He bore a simple testimony of the restoration, the prophet Thomas S. Monson, and of Jesus Christ. Then the branch president counselor helped him back to his seat, but he hit his leg on a chair. This elder was in a lot of pain. During sacrament meeting the elder in the hospital called and his doctor wanted to talk with us about this elder. So we tried to hurry after the meeting, but every member came and hugged the elder that we had and wished him the best. It was touching! There about 40 members who did this. Elder A was anxious to get to the hospital because our mission was to get the other elder out of the hospital! I know the Lord blesses those who attend sacrament meeting and partakes of the sacrament weekly, because we were blessed that day. To tell you alittle about this branch. One lady had her car totaled during the week, an army truck side swiped her. Another member's husband was trapped in his car after a car hit them and then it caught on fire, and the man has server burns on his body and is in the hospital. and then to have their elders in an accident. They were suffering as a branch, but they were strong spiritually.
We retrived the elder from the hospital, we never talked with the doctor, and then we drove him back to the little branch to meet up with the zone leaders, who were to take care of him.
Elder A, the other elder and myself sped off to the airport. The area office sent an escort from their office to be with this elder. Well we got there and they wouldn't let him on the airplane, because he couldn't walk by himself up the stairs to get on the airplane. The head airline official was set against him getting on the plane, even though the escort showed him how he would help carry him up the stairs. Elder A called our mission president and told him what the situation was at the airport. The mission president, wife and the area 70 president, were all together in the car. The ARea president Carl B. Cook, told the Cooks to pull over and they needed to offer a prayer. At the same time we were all saying a prayer for this elder. Not more than 3 minutes later, the airline official changed his mind and all was well. This elder has had surgery on his leg and is doing well. He can't leave the Continent until the legal matters are taken care of. We talk almost every day
I hope you all had a great memorial day weekend. I've seen pictures of beautiful cemetaries loaded with flowers. This time of year is a great way to remember those who have passed on and those who have gave their lives for our country and freedom. Here in Africa there was a holiday last Monday also, it was Africa Day. I believe that it is only for Zimbabwe. It was the day they joined the African Union and received their independence. Most of the African workers in our office had no idea why they had a holiday. In fact one worker, Bongani Moyo came to work that day. I said that he should go home and enjoy the day with his wife, he said that it's better to work because at home there is nothing to do. Some holiday's are like that.
Well a week ago on Friday night we received a phone call and a set of elders had just been in a car accident. They had been driving down this road at night and a "comvee" , a van bus, came right at them with it's lights on bright. This vehicle was making it's own third lane, right down the middle of the road. So the elders went to the side of the road and there tires came off the lip of the road and caught the gravel/dirt. Their car rolled 7 times off the side of the road down a hill. Came to a stop. One more roll and it would have landed in a body of water. I asked the senior companion what he did when it started to roll, he said" I hugged my companion and said, Lord we are your chosen servants, please help us now". I know they were helped, they walked away with out a scratch. The car is totaled. They are the best missionaries. Infact the senior companion is going home in just a week from his mission, Elder Ojok, who has served with us in the office. I will so miss him, and his goodness.
Later that same night, in Bulawayo the furthest part of the mission, there was another missionary accident. They weren't as lucky. Their accident was on a straight road, the same thing a comvee came towards the missionaries and cut them off, so the elder swerved to miss them and hit a pedestrian and then hit a car head on. The pedestrian was killed and the missionary driving broke his leg, cut up his hand and arm. The lady in the other car received cuts on her face. The branch elder sitting in the front seat had no injuries, but the elders sitting in the back seat (wearing his seat belt), has body bruises from the seat belt and hitting the seat infront of him. So our mission president called us last Saturday morning to drive to Bulawayo and get the missionaries out of the hospital and see how they were doing. Also the one elder needed to have surgery on his broken leg. The trip to Bulawayo was very interesting. Very dense trees and bushes. One place on the road there were baboons all over. It is a one lane road, so we were always looking for pedestrians or other cars coming at us, but the road was good, for Zimbabwe. The closer we got to Bulawayo it became more open and grassy. It looked somewhat if we were driving towards the Arizona Strip. WE could see some higher mountains in the distance, but you could see for ever! Then came the donkeys and big cattle wandering on the road, there are no fences.
We made it to Bulawayo and went straight to the hospital. The one elder with the broken leg had been released a few hours earlier, so we tried to get the other missionary out of the hospital. He was doing well, just very sore and achy. His xrays showed no internal problems. The doctor wouldn't release him, so he spent another night in the hospital. The hospital was clean and no smells. IT was a 3 story hospital, six people to a room, with community showers and bathrooms. Not modern at all! The beds were a very thin mattress with a piece of plywood under the mattress. They lay flat, no sitting up in bed. They did feed the patients, were as some hospitals here people have to bring food into the hospital to feed their friends. So the Zone leaders showed us where the other elder was and we went to their flat. I'm so grateful for my flat here. The missionaries really have it a lot harder, living conditions. The mission does try to find the best housing for the missionaries.
The elder was in a lot of pain , even with painkillers. He had been instructed to pack his clothes, so with help he was ready to leave his flat. He spent the night with the zone leaders. That night we took the elders out for dinner at a local pizza place. It was downtown and we felt very safe. So Elder A and myself spent the night at the Holiday Inn, it was nice to have a hot shower and soft carpet under our feet and the electricity stayed on all the time.
On Sunday morning we met up with the elder with the broken leg, because we were to take him to the airport and ship him to South Africa for surgery. This elder wanted to say good bye to his branch ,so we took him to church. What a special experience to attend this little branch. The members that came were the choosen few. It was held in a little house, that was so clean and built well, with crown molding and a fireplace. They called on this elder to bear his testimony so Elder A helped him get to the microphone. He bore a simple testimony of the restoration, the prophet Thomas S. Monson, and of Jesus Christ. Then the branch president counselor helped him back to his seat, but he hit his leg on a chair. This elder was in a lot of pain. During sacrament meeting the elder in the hospital called and his doctor wanted to talk with us about this elder. So we tried to hurry after the meeting, but every member came and hugged the elder that we had and wished him the best. It was touching! There about 40 members who did this. Elder A was anxious to get to the hospital because our mission was to get the other elder out of the hospital! I know the Lord blesses those who attend sacrament meeting and partakes of the sacrament weekly, because we were blessed that day. To tell you alittle about this branch. One lady had her car totaled during the week, an army truck side swiped her. Another member's husband was trapped in his car after a car hit them and then it caught on fire, and the man has server burns on his body and is in the hospital. and then to have their elders in an accident. They were suffering as a branch, but they were strong spiritually.
We retrived the elder from the hospital, we never talked with the doctor, and then we drove him back to the little branch to meet up with the zone leaders, who were to take care of him.
Elder A, the other elder and myself sped off to the airport. The area office sent an escort from their office to be with this elder. Well we got there and they wouldn't let him on the airplane, because he couldn't walk by himself up the stairs to get on the airplane. The head airline official was set against him getting on the plane, even though the escort showed him how he would help carry him up the stairs. Elder A called our mission president and told him what the situation was at the airport. The mission president, wife and the area 70 president, were all together in the car. The ARea president Carl B. Cook, told the Cooks to pull over and they needed to offer a prayer. At the same time we were all saying a prayer for this elder. Not more than 3 minutes later, the airline official changed his mind and all was well. This elder has had surgery on his leg and is doing well. He can't leave the Continent until the legal matters are taken care of. We talk almost every day
Now the rest of the week has been exciting. We've had the priviledge to meet with Elder Lynn G. Robbins and his wife. They gave the zone conference this week and then we had a couples dinner with them. He told us about the ailing apostles and President Monson. Today we saw that Elder Perry had passed on. That was quick.
I apologize for writing a book, but I needed to write to save my thoughts. Also for sacrament meeting today, our combined meeting , our branch president gave a lesson on "food storage". I thought he was crazy, but I'm sure there will be harder times ahead for these people and also for us in the land of plenty. We love you all and pray that your safe and happy. Remember you are in our prayers and thoughts always.
Love you,
MOM and Dad Missionaries
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