Sunday, April 7th off to Lesotho

Street heading into Lesotho

Today, we got up and had breakfast, then drove to the country of Lesotho, which is located in the center of South Africa, but they are their own country and not part of South Africa. Therefore, we had to show our passports when we left South Africa and get them stamped. We drove across the border and then had to show our passports again at the customs desk in Lesotho (pronounced laysootoo). Luckily Sunday was not a busy day, but certainly no one is in a hurry there, so it took longer than it should have. As soon as we crossed the border, it was obvious that Lesotho is a poor country. They have the highest incident of aids in all of Africa...about 54%. It was obvious as we drove down streets and saw neighborhoods that this country is poor, but when we arrived at the Masero Branch for sacrament meeting, the members were clean and all dressed up in their finest to go to church. All that we met were very humble and happy to be there.

Lesotho people selling their wares

They treated us like visiting royalty. Sacrament meeting was fast and testimony meeting and we hear the sweetest, purest testimonies that we have ever heard. After sacrament meeting, we drove to the Masianokeng Branch, a couple of miles away. They do not have a building yet and are meeting in 'speed  trailors'. Even though their buildings are modest, they are spotless and full of people. We could not fit in the trailer holding Sunday School because it was so full. They asked the Murdocks to give a youth fireside during YM/YW meeting hour. They came prepared and talked to the youth about cell phones, Facebook and social media dangers and ways to use them for good. I thought perhaps these people were too poor to know about these things, but judging from the questions, many of them have used them or have friends at school who do. After we were finished, we went back to the Masero Branch and taught the same fireside again to their youth, who stayed after church to hear it. The response was about the same. What I learned from this was the amazing difference the church is making in these people's lives, the positive impact it is having on their self-esteem, regardless of their meager incomes. The African people are a very religious people and most believe in Jesus Christ. Many cannot come to church each Sunday because they do not live close, but they save their money and take a taxi whenever they can. Their love of the Savior is very evident in their humble testimonies. Our PA director in that area is Sister Moorosi and she is a very sharp and beautiful African woman. Her husband is the Branch president of the Masianokeng Branch.

The Elders in this branch are amazing. One of them, Elder Falcom was in Ghana and got tranferred to Chatsworth, the Indian Branch outside Durban where he completely turned the branch around and then was transferred to Lesotho to help them get going. He was such a nice young man and so excited to help the African people. We promised him that we would come back the following morning, before we left to head back to Durban, so we could take Sister Moorosi to the local newspaper and show her how to approach them regarding things our church is doing in the area. We left there and headed back to Lady Branch where we were invited to dine with the Olsens. We had to stop at customs in Lesotho to exit and South Africa to enter...it took a bit longer, but still wasn't bad. Sister Olsen fixed a great meal and we watched the Sunday morning session of conference live (It was 6 pm our time). Because of the time difference and many wards not having access to the broadcast, most wards watch the conference from DVDs two to three weeks after the conference has aired, usually in their ward or branch buildings. We then headed back to our B&B for the evening. It was a GOOD DAY, but we are so very tired.