22 November 2013 

"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things." 

Elinor Smith

November 8   We served in the Temple on this Friday afternoon.   We once again learned from both the ordinance workers and the patrons. 

November 1  President and Sister Eppel began their 3 year service as Temple President and Matron.  We got to know the Eppels while they were serving as Area Auditors.  She was born and grew up in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, but with the independence, all white people were forced out of the country.  He is a retired Accountant and was employed by the Church Temporal Affairs department for many years.

9 November We went shopping with the Tshabalala's for the orphanage.  Sindee Savage from Salt Lake does some fundraising .  It covers the cost of medications, toiletries, and some food. We are so grateful for her help.  Mama visits with Dominic, since our Zulu isn't, ISN'T.  We went with Tshabalala's to help out with the shopping, and delivered the supplies to the orphanage. We noticed that there is some impetigo. 

Mama has a number of sponsors from the community now. Shoprite, Pick N Pay, Cash Build.  The missionary couple before us, the Savages and with their daughter Sindee, began the improvements. Seems like the community can see that there is a need and they are reaching out to help. 

There was a voting registration taking place in the library on the day of our visit.

Tiring day shopping!

Mama is always happy to have visitors!

Every two weeks Pick N Pay donates some of their food products that are at expiration.  The food is still good, and is greatly appreciated!  Some of it that isn't in the African diet is given to those who have helped out.

Clive, Mama's son, has a bakkie and brought the donation from Pick N Pay.

An occasional treat is fun!  Notice the wings?!

There are new wardrobes in the sleeping room!!!!!

This little girl was brought in just before we arrived.  No one knew her name.  She seemed to respond when called Bushi, so Bushi it is.  She was crying.  I sat on the step and held her.  Who ever would have thought that I would be sitting on the step of an orphanage in Africa, holding a toddler who was sobbing.

Moipone is the stalwart behind the happenings at the orphanage.

Mama has a new Samsung Washing machine!!!

This is Tlhalefang, our new intern.  She is from Tembisa.  We purchased some antibiotic ointment for a little guy with impetigo. Tlhalefang delivered it with instructions.  It will be nice to have someone who can help out once in a while.









November 10  We attended Kathelong Branch, Bedfordview Stake.  We had the opportunity to speak in Sacrament meeting and teach about 40 youth / YSA on making Critical Choices.  The Branch President is Pule Nkoe who works in Physical Facilities for the church. We have known Pule for our entire mission.  He is a friendly young man with a fine singing voice.  It was nice to witness him serving as a Priesthood Leader and meet his wife and children.  After the meetings, we met with the Branch Council and presented training on Self Reliance Principles, Needs and Resource analysis and LDSJobs.org.

Elder and Sister Eggett and Elder and Sister Moyer attend at the Katlehong Branch.  The other sister is in the Relief Society Presidency.

One duty is watching the gate!

The Branch meets at a Community Center.  There is a nice play ground

The "chapel" is brightly painted and tidy.

Perhaps Katlehong has something to do with cattle?  Anyway there are some in the area!

A parts store.  Part of this, and part of that!

November 12-14   We taught Career Workshop in the Employment Resource Center. We were very impressed by two returned missionaries from the Pimville Ward, Shaun (L) and Jabulani. 

They have only been home a couple of weeks.  They each joined the Church about 6 years ago.  Jabulani is looking at a career in psychology.  Shaun likes to fix things, especially motors, and is interested in mechanical training.

They are very good “networkers” and seemed well prepared for part-time work and additional educational training.



November 14-17   We left with the Hoffmans to travel to Polkwane Branch in Limpopo.  Elder Hoffman, Area Medical Adviser and an ordained Patriarch, has given 95 patriarchal blessings in the districts in the last 8 months.  He gave two blessings Thursday evening in Polokwane and then we went to dinner.  In the night he became very ill.  We taught a Self Employment Workshop to 8 in Polokwane Friday morning.  Elder Hoffman was still very ill, so we drove the Hoffmans back to Johannesburg (3 hours) and then we returned to Polokwane and then on to Tzaneen (5 hours)   (a long day of driving)  

Interesting load in this bakkie!

We spent the night at the Country Blue Bed and Breakfast.

Self Employment Class in Polokwane.  Wonderful people, fun class

The streets here in Polokwane are well kept.  No litter. Leaves and flowers are always swept up.

In Tzaneen we met Elder and Sister Smith .  We stayed at Sanloo Manor.  Wages are so low.  It is always fun to give a tip.

This is Christine, who kept out room so nice.

This is Eddie.  We remember him from our last stay here

Own a wheelbarrow, start a business!

Lenyenye Branch Building

We taught a Career Workshop in Lenyenye Branch to 8 participants on Saturday morning.  We were particularly impressed with Branch President Molele who met with us separately and counselled us on the Branch needs before the workshop.  Several of the young men in the workshop are preparing for missionary service, Thabo has his call to Kenya and plays the piano.  (He takes lessons from Sister Heyen) He is in the striped shirt in the back.

We were very pleased with Thabo's call.  Just this past week, Nombuso told us of two missionary experiences she had in Kenya, where she served.  I wrote them down, and had her approve what I had written.  We had a copy of it in the car and gave it to Thabo.

This is President Molele and his family.














This is Mamsi, the wife of Thomas, who works here in the Area Office in MSR (records)  His first born daughter is Prudence, then Anna and the baby is Darlene.  We took a picture and gave it to Thomas.  He visits home about once a month.  Many families are separated because of employment.

Saturday afternoon we visited the 1100 year old giant Baobab tree in Mojadji, very interesting.  Saturday evening we went to dinner with the Smiths and the Heyens.  

Sunday morning we went back to Lenyenye Branch and spoke in Sacrament meeting to approximately 100 members in attendance.  President Molele suggested the parents join us when we taught the Youth / YSA on making critical choices, so we had 75 in attendance.  He was wise in saying parents and youth need to be on the same page.  We returned to Joburg by 6 pm.  Very hot!  37 C.

November 18-21   We have been involved with a construction project on our Flat repairing a leaky ceiling and mold problem which requires new cabinets, some plastering on the walls, some painting and overall disruption.

The apartment above us had a leak in the hot water heater, the geyser (geezer).  it soaked down through the ceiling and wall, and mold grew.

The wardrobes were removed and the walls were not plastered, but plain brick.  A plasterer was hired.  Then a coat of paint, then the new wardrobes replaced.

November 21  We took Elder and Sister Curtis to the airport to return to their home in Salt Lake City.  He has served as the Executive Secretary to the Area Presidency and she has processed missionary applications and helped in Public Affairs and served as an all-around super party planner.  They will be missed, their 18 month service went by quickly.  We had the opportunity to travel with them, last Christmas to Madikwe, and last July to Cape Town.  Sister Curtis knows how to shop.  Elder Curtis is a retired orthodontist.

November 21   We had a missionary farewell for the Murdocks who have served 18 months in Public Affairs.  They have served both in Durban and Johannesburg.  Sister Murdock suffered from a ruptured appendix here in South Africa, but had no medical attention for a week.  She almost died.  She has miraculously recovered and they both served well.