........You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, 

You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, 

You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd............

BUT YOU CAN BE HAPPY IF YOU'VE A MIND TO

May 4-12, 2013 Visits and Activities

May 4  We taught 13 Benoni  Stake members the Career Workshop.  This included several who could now teach others:  Thembinkosi, High Councilor, Present, Stake  Welfare Specialist, Cassie, Benoni ward Specialist, Albert, Daveyton Ward Specialist and Roshelle, Rynfield Ward Specialist.

May 5   We attended and trained in Benoni Ward Council.  Bishop Ndaba was very welcoming and he  had us meet with a Single mother during Sunday  School and discuss self reliance matters.

May 6-8    We taught Self Employment  Workshop.  We had 4 registered, but for various reasons only one attended, Brian from Uganda.  He is very intelligent and has excellent work experience and skills in IT.  He is meeting with the missionaries and hopes to be baptized within 30 days.  He has a job offer in IT that will allow him to save money.  He has access to family ranchland in Uganda.  He would like to return home and develop either a dairy farm or cattle ranch. 

THIS IS A THANK YOU NOTE FROM BRIAN. 

Dear Brothers,

I want to thank you for the workshop. It was a wonderful time, with great pleasure having met you. You reinforced my hopes and desires.

There is an indescribable feeling when interacting with members of the latter day saints. You are awesome feeling. The God Mormons worship is indeed alive and true. The temple grounds feel so serene and unique. I want this experience for myself forever as I can live. I will be very excited to become a member of LDS, hopefully, extend the invite to my siblings and family.

I am so grateful that God allowed for the workshop as it turned out to be. My will to succeed is now stronger than ever before. This time with a great belief and trust in God. It was so fulfilling when we discussed the possible opportunities. For the first time, I believed my wild thinking (dreams) can indeed be realized. Now I have learnt to put God first in everything I desire to accomplish, and I want to maintain this philosophy ever more.

Next time I communicate, I hope I will have joined the LDS church. I am very much looking forward to it. God bless you and the work of hands!

Kind Regards

Brian Nabusiu 

Elder Merkley, humanitarian water specialist and rancher from Trydell, Utah, met with us and gave Brian invaluable information that will help him more accurately research this possibility.  Brian was so very thankful.

It is somewhat of a miracle that the Merkley's were in the area office the day that Brian was here attending the Self Employment Workshop.

May 6 FHE:   The Merkley’s shared  their Humanitarian Mission experiences from Mynmar (Burma)  where they served for 2 years and the experiences they have had in the Africa Southeast area for the past 6 months.  Their daughter is married to Dan Erikson,  Margaret’s cousin, son of Guy and Leola Erikson.  (it is a small world)  they have now returned home to the ranch, but will continue to act as short term water specialists for the Humanitarian group in the Africa Southeast Area.

May 8  We had an evening with Isaiah under the direction of Elder Bruce Nielsen.  He has diligently studied Isaiah and it was inspiring to spend another hour listening and discussing the prophecies of Isaiah.  We particularly spent time in comparing the Isaiah passages in 2^nd Nephi and discussed the 4 empires Isaiah speaks of:  Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian and Roman.

May 9 Nombuso planned a reception for her former Kenya mission president, President Broadbent.  He and Sister Broadbent were in Johannesburg for a mission president's seminar.  He is an orthodontist from Pleasantview,Utah.  It was quite a reunion.

May 10 We visited the orphanage.  Mama said that things went well in settling her mother's affairs. She is happy to be home again.

There are now security lights on the outsides of the buildings.  It is very nice for the yard to be lit up at night.

There is new paint in the class room.  The children said Gooooooooooood Morning to Youuuuuuuuuu.  these children do not speak English.   Very cute!!!  Wearing a hat and jacket during the day even when inside is just a way of life...no heat.

There is now a ceiling in the class room.  It is the room we showed last time that now has a nice laminate floor.  It was cold bare cement before. 

New Paint on the outside

The Geyser (geezer) now works!!!! for the first time ever mama can bathe the children without heating the water on the stove and carrying it to the bathroom.  Mama says "I shall never die"...We are thrilled that she has been saying that a lot since we got here.







This is the new library.  It has a door and the windows painted since last time.

This is the inside of the Library.  Notice the tables for studying, the bookshelves and the pictures on the walls.

The garden is still producing.

Our sweet mama looks so beautiful.  We mentioned that one of our families is coming to visit in August.  She is excited to meet them.

May 10-12  We drove to Mokopane, Limpopo, in the Tzaneen district.  It is North and East of Johannesburg.  Beautiful farm country with mountains in the distance.  It reminded me of South Eastern Idaho.

Hauling wood, preparing for winter.

Taking pictures from a moving car is, what it is.  Mokopane is a beautiful city of about 80,000.   There are beautiful trees in bloom.  It was about 75 degrees F. in the day time. 

The Mokopane Branch Building

We were welcomed by Elder and Sister Chastain from Southern California, Bend Oregon and most recently Nampa Idaho.  He serves as the Branch President.  

There is one church branch here with about 65 members who attend on Sunday.

We went to dinner with the Chastains.  Our server was Beauty.  She was interested in what we are all about.  She came back 7-8 times during our meal to ask more questions.  She has three children she is raising alone.  She said, "It is about time for a change.  We's like to come to your church."  She was delightful.  I hope she does come.

We enjoyed visiting regarding the branch on Friday evening and then Saturday, we taught 9 members including a member of the District Presidency and the Branch President and Employment Specialist from Polokwane Branch  the Career Workshop.  The full time Missionaries joined us, Elders Lopez and Xaba.   Johannes a 20 year old who has been a member for only 30 days was in attendance.

Garbage is put up in these baskets for pickup.

We stayed at the
Ananza Guesthouse Bed and Breakfast.

It was very Afrikaans

 Clean and a good breakfast.  















Saturday is market day on the main street. 
It was very busy and colorful.

Pretty little town

Sunday morning we spoke in Sacrament Meeting and focused our talks on Mother’s Day.  (in speaking of good mothers we were able to mention many self reliance principles)    

After the Sunday block we taught a Self Reliance Fireside and laid the doctrinal foundation for proper planning, self reliance and resource management.  We discussed how to bring a business idea to reality and how and why to use profits in helping build the Kingdom of God. 

We look forward to returning to Mokopane in September to teach and train and help individual members with business plans. 

One highlight of this visit was witnessing a father ordain his 12 year old son to the office of Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood.  This family, parents and 3 children, were sealed in the Joburg temple on Saturday, 4 May 2013.  The parents received their endowments the  same day.  This family lives 2.5 hours away from the branch chapel.  They attend church every Sunday and are on time.  The father teaches Gospel Doctrine class and  does a fine job.

May 12 After returning to Dukes Court from Mokopane, we enjoyed a Mother’s Day dinner with the Senior Couples.  The evening was spent visiting with children from back home who called to with their mother a happy Mother’s Day. 

May 14 Elder and Sister Knowles came into the office.  They are from Vancouver, Washington, and know the Adamsons, Lisa parents!!  Sister Knowles is originally from South Africa.  They serve as member leader support in the Potchefstroom Branch.  

By the way Bloemfontein District will become a stake this weekend!

Our best to you all.

Until next time, watch out for rollerskating giraffe in your buffalo herds.

...And I have miles to go before I sleep......

Elder and Sister DaBell April Visits

April 1-5   We had the opportunity to visit Victoria Falls in Zambia

April 6   We trained the Benoni Stake Employment Specialists.  We had representation from 6 units, the High Councilor in charge of Welfare, Tembinkosi Mkhize, who happens to be the PEF supervisor here at the area offices and Present Mahlaba, the Stake Welfare Specialist.  Wonderful opportunity!!!

April 6-7  We were inspired in listening to General Conference where we were taught by Prophets and Apostles and other leaders to be obedient, be missionaries, focus on family and particularly marriage and withstand the world as people around us stray farther and farther  from God’s teachings.  We are fortunate to have BYUtv.  It allows us to watch conference live from Salt Lake City.

April 8  In Devotional  this morning George Bonnet, DTA, expressed his testimony and shared some of his observations of General Conference.  He encourages all the employees and Senior Missionaries at the Area Office to have scriptures and a copy of the most recent General Conference talks on their desks and available to help them achieve the work of the Lord.  Brother Bonnet reminded us of the 4th verse of the Hymn "Testimony". #137

As testimony fills my heart,

It dulls the pain of days.

For one brief moment, heaven's view

Appears before my gaze.

April 10-12   We taught 11 people the Career Workshop.  We were really impressed with this group.  One young lady, Zandile, had an interview to be a “News Reporter” with  South African Broadcasting Company, SABC, a great opportunity for a bright young lady.

As we teach the class we encourage our students to create a plan to achieve their Educational/Employment Goals.  Zandile had prepared  from high school for a career in television broadcasting.  She attended basic courses, had a learnership, and then a broadcasting job on the radio. She overcame an interesting obstacle to get an interview with SABC. She was the perfect example of having a good plan and working the plan for success.  She had the interview during our class to be an news anchor with SABC tv, her dream career.  

Zandile knew the job was open and went into the SABC office to ask for an interview time.  She was told she would not be able to get an interview.  She asked for the extension number of the person interviewing and called him.  She told him she had a delivery for him that needed a signature, and asked him to please come out into the outer office.  When he came out, she told him that she was the delivery and that she wanted an interview.  She was given a time.

 Another young lady, Agnes, talked to Sister DaBell about her resume.  She had been a stay at home mom, but was needing to work.  She had computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.  Sister DaBell encouraged her to  improve her background by volunteering  and advised her to confer with Nombuso.  By the end of the day she had interviewed with Tirhani in PEF and started on 8 April 2013 as a volunteer in PEF in the Area Office.  This is a position that will give her great experience and likely lead to future employment.  Networking is the key to being employed.

Nkombwe is a political refugee from Uganda.  He wanted a picture of him with us to sent back to his mother.  Families here face very difficult challenges!

April 12   In the afternoon we had the opportunity and blessing of serving in the temple.  Each time we do this ii is humbling and a learning experience.  Margaret and I officiated in the 5 pm session where Brother Maduna from Etwatwa Branch received his Endowment.  He was escorted by President Maebela, his Branch President, and Stake President Holmes was also part of this session.  Brother Maduna will leave soon to serve a mission in Kenya.

April 13   We went with Elder and Sister Curtis and enjoyed a Soweto tour. (Please see previous post!)  led by Thoba Karl-Halla who works in Public Affairs in the Area Office.  Sister DaBell teaches Thoba’s granddaughter Mazi piano lessons.  Thoba was born and raised in Soweto and is very familiar with the transition that occurred from the time of Apartheid and the strife that took place ultimately leading to the election of Nelson Mandela as the first Black President of South Africa.  Mandela lived in Soweto with his wife, Winnie Mandela, for a short time before he was incarcerated for 27 years.  We toured the home they lived in.  Thoba grew up with some of the Mandela daughters.  Hearing personal experiences she had in her youth was inspiring and interesting.  We are amazed at the ability Thoba and most native “black” South Africans have to forgive and move on to a better future life.  During Apartheid, many of the white South Africans taught that the “blacks” were basically subhuman and did not have the ability to learn and perform like a “white” person.  We can testify as we get to know many wonderful “black saints” and others that this is false doctrine.  All God’s children, black and white, given the opportunity can flourish and grow as they learn and practice agency.  This is a “pioneer experience” here in Africa.

April 14  We attended Rynfield Ward, Benoni Stake.  We visited with Bishop Peter Vosloo and offered our services in Welfare and Employment.  We were able to view once again the final session of General Conference after partaking of  the Sacrament.

April 15-19   We taught a Self Employment Workshop with Elder Basso.  There were 5 participants. 

April 19   We served in Temple from 2 to 8 pm  Many patrons attended and we had many opportunities to serve and learn.

April 20 We took a field trip to Bryanston Organic Market.  This lady was selling brooms.  We are now the proud owners of a totally handmade broom and a lovely picture.  A very rainy cool day where the power was out for about 5 hours.  How can it be cool?  Well, with cement buildings loose fitting windows and doors, and no central heat, it is cold.  I remember some of the homes we lived in growing up BRRRRR.

April 21  Tsakane Branch

We spoke in Sacrament Meeting in Tsakane Branch, Benoni Stake, on Self Reliance.  We also had the opportunity to teach the youth / YSA on Critical Choices they need to make regarding their testimony, serving missions, getting married in the temple and preparing for a career. 

Branch President Maloka appreciated our help and invited us back to teach on the fifth Sunday in June to the combined Relief Society / Priesthood meeting.  President  Maloka and family live in Benoni Ward area, but serve in Tsakane Branch.  We rode to church with Sister Naylor and Taylor who are assigned to Tsakane and serve in Family History.

Brother Thomas Mokgapi is a sealer in the Johannesburg temple.  The first one of native African descent.

The piano is now in our flat.  This instrument was purchased by a missionary couple here, who were then transferred to Cape Town.  They had the piano shipped there.  They left for the United States the first of April.  I visited with them and we decided that the piano should go to the Tshabalala family.  Elder DaBell and I had it shipped from Cape Town back to Johannesburg.  It was very much the worse for the wear.  The pedal did not work, several keys did not work, it sounded awful!!!  I did not see how it would be usable in any way.  

We contacted the Facilities Management to see who is the technician for the church pianos.  He was not available and said he did not know anyone who he could really recommend.  Then he said "Oh yes, I know someone...it is "

We called him and he said, " I just happen to be in the area.  What about meeting you at 12:00?"  We did.  His first words were, "You should have left it in Cape Town......"  My heart sank.  He then took off the front moved a few things around, got out a screw driver, poked at a few other things and MIRACLE OF MIRACLES it worked.  He said, "should I tune it?"  I said it still has to be moved.  He said "it will hold."  He tuned it.  It is one hundred years old and a nice instrument.

April 22-26  We taught Career Workshop with 8 participants.  As usual, several of the participants were non members and we had opportunity to bear testimony as we taught self reliance principles that are part of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are so impressed with the fact that so many of the young people in South Africa have not had parents who had any expectation that they could grow up and gain an education and training that would lead to a career that could lead to economic self reliance.  We are really working with “pioneers” who are awakening to a world of opportunity. We continually emphasize the need to get good grades and study math and science and prepare at a younger age to be ready for the opportunities ahead.  Way too many of these youth are in their mid-twenties with NO job experience and still wondering where they are going  and what possibilities are before them.  There is not a lack of intelligence or desire, but there is definitely a lack of vision on the part of the youth and a lack of expectation on the part of parents who grew up with very little agency.

April 26 We went to dinner with Hoffmans to celebrate Margaret’s “29^th” birthday.  They are the Area Medical Advisors (we hosted them when they arrived).  We went to Sophia’s Bistro and had a delicious pork dinner.  When we returned to Dukes Court, Becky Hoffman served a delicious chocolate birthday cake!

April 27   We had  the opportunity to present a  Self Reliance / Business Presentation to the Regional Single Adults.  

So many are unemployed  or underemployed and need encouragement and training to help them have the confidence to find better employment or start a small business.  After our 1.5 hour presentation,  we had 3 testimonials from individuals including Bedfordview Stake President O’Friel, regarding successful business ventures and the principles needed to succeed. 





After a light lunch, we helped with some networking and left materials for future workshops and encouraged registration on LDSJobs  (the Church’s powerful resource).

April 28   We visited Secunda Branch, about two hours from Joburg, where we spoke in Sacrament Meeting,  taught the youth and YSA on  critical choices and trained the Branch Council regarding Councils in general and Welfare / Employment specifically. 

The Branch President, Soko, is an enthusiastic young man who works a Sasol, an oil refining plant in Secunda.  He and his wife have two children.  She serves as the Primary President.  There were about 40 in attendance, but  10 of that number were us and Tshabalala Family who joined us since this branch is close to Leslie, the township Dominic grew up in as a child.  

After our training,   Dominic and his family gave us a tour of Leslie including the house he lived in as a  child when  his mother worked in Joburg as a domestic  worker and he lived with grandparents and aunts and cousins.  

Dominic's grandfather was an organizer and a builder.  He helped organize the community into streets and helped to build more solid structures of metal and wood.  He built the home in the middle.

l to r Mable Dominic's mother, her sister,  Dominic and Khumo

The family then moved to this home.

We met Dominic's aunt, who is his mother’s older sister.   She was so kind and gracious.   Life in the township is difficult and so often, the men either leave or die young.

We have great respect for Dominic’s mom, she joined the Church and got Dominic better education out of the township  and he is now one of the African Pioneers with greater expectations and along with Moipone (they are both returned missionaries) they have higher expectations for their children and they are offering them greater opportunities and expecting better performance.  (3 of the children take piano lessons from Margaret)

With Khumo and Meninhle

When we returned to Dukes Court on Sunday evening, we had a potato bar  with the other Senior  Missionaries and shared thoughts on General Conference.  What an inspiring conference:  much to be said about obedience and living a Christ-like life!

April  30   We had dinner at the Curtis’ flat with the MTC President Reber and his wonderful companion and the Curtis’ and Larsens.   We shared stories of our missions, much focus was on the young African missionaries who come to the MTC with little material clothing or supplies and in many cases not even knowing their parents and being loved by the Rebers in a way they have never known in their lives.  The Rebers who have served 2 prior missions including Mission President in Austria, are down to earth and really know how to connect with the young Elders and Sisters.  They are doing a   great work.  They  will return to their 8 children and grandchildren in  January 2014.  They will be missed, but the Lord will call another couple to continue this ministry.

May 1   This is a Public Holiday and we spent part of the day at the Crocodile and Reptile Farm with 4 other couples learning about venomous and non venomous snakes and viewing  many crocodiles.   We enjoyed the good company , the wildlife and the pizza.  And we watched out very carefully!

Until next blog,  Elder and Sister DaBell