February 27th to March 2nd National conference plans-Elder Kyle in Botswana and more

We are getting the windows replaced in the area office and that couldn't have happened at a worse time...right in the middle of preparing for the National Public Affairs Directors Conference starting next week.  Tuesday we met with the contractors who are replacing the windows. They told us that they would have to move our desks away from the windows. We work in a corner office and have large windows on both walls of where Elder Kyle and I sit to do our work. We keep the windows open and look at the tops of trees. It is a very nice office, but not today. They were supposed to come in this morning at 7 am, so we moved all our stuff off the desks yesterday and put them in orderly piles in another place. But, when we came in this morning they had done nothing, so we got all our stuff and placed it back on our desks and got to work. Then about 11:00, they came in and said they needed to move my desk so they could replace the windows on that wall only. I again moved my stuff off the desk and they proceeded to take out the old windows and make a complete dusty mess of the office.

Elder Kyle continued to work at his desk and I had to go into the training room and work on another computer, but it had to be set up so I would have access to the network drive and my emails. That took awhile and I kept needing stuff that is normally in my desk (like paperclips, staplers, etc). I don't know how many times I had to get up to look for something. I had to access the printer down the hall, so I kept getting up to go get my documents that I printed. It was a bit crazy. Finally, we went down to the Cantina (lunchroom) for lunch. When we returned Elder Kyle's desk was moved and all his papers stacked here and there and not in his organized files. His windows had also been removed and he was not a happy camper, but came in and tried to work where I was. I helped him get his laptop working with the network, etc., but he couldn't find important documents and it was crazy for the rest of the day.

They did get all the windows up and we were hoping we could come in there an work the next day, but things were such a mess that I chose to stay in the training room until a training class came in and kicked me out...Ha. I went back to my dirty desk and tried to clean it off as best I could. They left all the windows open on my side and the traffic was pretty loud, but we could not get them to close. It was kind of nerve wracking. Patricia, our cleaning lady came in and took pity on us. She promised to come and clean early the next day so we could work, but when we came in it was a mess and she hadn't had time to come and clean yet. I started finding my stuff and trying to dust it off, but she came in and did a thorough cleaning job and vacuumed. I thanked her loads and we got things moved, so I could get to my desk and start working. About two hours later, a worker came in and moved the table by the window and tried to close the windows, but they would not close...another new window was broken. There was a guy outside the window that was breaking away some of the plaster with a wedge and hammer (bang...bang...bang...) and the guys inside were trying to screw something through the metal frame (tat,tat,tat,tat,tat...). Plus, they were making dust inside again, getting the carpet dirty and our desks dusty again.

In the midst of all this confusion, we were working hard on getting everything together for the conference, answering emails, dealing with payment requests, getting together the helping hands printed materials and dealing with the Warehouse to get the stuff mailed out to the units. Elder Kyle found out he would be going to Botswana on Saturday and the hotel got our reservations mixed up regarding our upcoming conference.

On Monday, Elder Kyle and I went to the hotel (that the church uses often, because it is close to the office and very nice). We wanted to make sure that everything was set for the conference. We met with a different lady (Lorraine) who said she was now handling our conference. She took us to the banquet room where we will be doing our training and having our meals and it was perfect for what we are doing. She seemed to be a bit confused that we were having 40 people, because she thought we were having 28. We didn't know where she got that number, but we assured her it was 40. Then she seemed to be confused about the dates, but we gave her a schedule so she would know exactly which dates and times we needed the rooms and meals and breaks. She recovered and seemed okay with everything.

The next day someone called and asked us questions that we had just discussed with the other gal the day before. We finally found out that the hotel had mixed up the conference public affairs is having with the conference family history is having at the same time. It was a big mess. On Friday, because Elder Kyle and Sean went to Botswana, they called and talked to me about how we were shown the wrong room and were supposed to be in a different part of the building. She asked if we could change rooms on Friday and I told her that Friday was the day we needed the room she showed us, because of the location and set up of the room. I told her to try and get family history to go to the other room which is actually nicer. They just got confused because all of us are from the church and they thought it was all one big conference. Ha.

Dominic Tshabalala, our South Africa National Director who works in Church employment said he talked to them and found out what was going on. When the lady told him about their confusion, he said, "Do I look like Elder Kyle? I am black and he is white...how could you have gotten us confused?" He laughed, but acted incredulous that they got so confused. He said they had a conference the year before and during the conference four members of the church from another country booked the hotel at the same time. Because they were from the church all their charges got billed to the conference, even though they were not a part of the conference. I just said TIA (This is Africa) Ha.

I hope we have rooms next week for the conference. Elder Kyle has tried so hard to keep it all straight, with the hotel reservations, plane reservations, visas, etc. Just when he thinks everything is okay, someone calls with another problem. Our director in Malawi sent a message that he didn't have his visa and what could we do. This is days after an email was sent asking everyone if they had their visas...no response until the last minute. Whew. We will both be glad when it is over and I am sure things will work out - They always do, but even when we try we cannot seem to avoid the last minute confusion.

Friday's trip with Elder Kyle and Sean to Botswana...quick trip on plane there and back in same day... to meet with the Mission President there went very well. A plan of action is being developed for that country and both of them were hopeful eventually we can be better known as a church there and the misunderstandings be addressed and solved and missionaries will be able to get their visas for longer periods of time. It is a work in progress.

Sister Shupe & Belliston providing office support

Sister Shupe returned form her 10-day trip and had a lot of work to do to get the notebooks ready for the conference. Because of jet-lag, she was just planning on working in the morning and then going back to the flat, but it turned out to be a marathon -inserting everything into the binders. She worked all day and still did not finish, even with Felly helping her, so it will wait until next week. That is Sister Shupe in the background. Sister Belliston in front has returned home to the US.

Elder Hamilton naming Robin Padoa as Helping Hands Dir.

I created the Helping Hands CD Cover and got Debbie to put them on the CDs that she copied for us after I put an envelope for French, Portuguese and English with all the Helping Hands info and posters onto the CD. I checked with the Warehouse about the mailing and ordered the envelopes to put each unit's Helping Hands Stuff in. We will get the Cds to the Warehouse on Monday and hopefully all materials will go out on Tuesday, a bit ahead of our schedule which will be nice, but we shall see. Robin Padoa and Elder Hamilton (photo on left) will be pleased when these go out to the units...big job! We have 389 English speaking units, 224 French speaking and 50 Portuguese speaking (meaning stakes, districts or missions will all get these packets to give to their units in Southeast Africa).


A funny thing that happened was that Sean sent me some photos about our wonderful Mormon professional golf ladies that keep Eyes4Zimabwe charity going. They had sent a lot of photos of them at a cargo ship docking in Port Elizabeth, but didn't say much about it. I read their website and it talked about how they get containers filled in Salt Lake through donations by members of various items the people in Zimbabwe need and how primary children make kits for the children there and write the Zimbabwe children notes and put into each kit.



I just assumed that was why they were at the cargo ship, so I wrote a generic story about what they do for Zimbabwe and put it on newsroom with the photos. Later we got this sweet note from one of these ladies telling us that they appreciate us and all we do and then very sweetly mentioned that we might want to use the attached story. The story was about the real reason they were in Port Elizabeth on that boat. It was not their containers arriving, but the company that owned the cargo ship sponsors them in their golf and their Eyes4Zimbabwe charity. They were at a golf tournament in Port Elizabeth and heard that their sponsor's ship was coming in while they were there, so they went down to see the ship. I quickly changed the story on newsroom and Facebook to their story and apologized, but their gentle hint was so priceless. These are not just first class golfers, but first class ladies as well. Cecilie on the left (in the photo above) is from Norway. Reeve on the right lives in Zimbabwe where her entire family does humanitarian work for the people of Zimbabwe. I found out after watching a video they made on utube where they played golf for 101 straight holes for charity, that Laurette in the middle has had 11 hole-in-ones and Cecilie has had five. Reeve is their coach. Amazing!

Sunday, we went to church at Secunda again. It was Fast and Testimony meeting. The people there always act so glad to see us. It is worth the 90 minute drive to get there. First up was the branch president who said: "I am glad I got to go to the temple and have a time of reflection and peace.  I enjoyed it very much. There is no other way to go back to Heavenly Father, except through Jesus Christ. All prophets testify of him. We don't know when He is coming again, but we know he will come when we least expect it. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. I love the Savior, love the Gospel and pray that we will stay on the straight and narrow."

Elder Kyle bore his testimony: "I am grateful to be here and bear testimony. I see the young men and women and I am so grateful for them. Know that you are the future of the Church. I see the Lord's hand in the work Sister Kyle and I do everyday. If we show willingness, He will provide us what we need to do His work. We don't have to be the best or the most knowledgeable.  I am grateful for the Branch President and his counselors and all they sacrifice in our behalf. I am grateful for my eternal companion and that I get to be with her forever. Not only that but my children and grandchildren. I am grateful for the temple that provides this gift."

Brother Harrison: "I was going to be the first to get up, because I am the oldest in this ward, but Elder Kyle beat me to it. Time is not standing still. Read the Ensign which had an article about a temple being built in Russia. I never thought I would see the day. I want you missionaries to look at me, the oldest person in this branch and know that if you just bring one individual into the gospel, hundreds will become members because of this. They knocked on my door four different times and finally I let them in and what a blessing that was. If you want to have peace of mind, happiness and tranquility, the gospel will bring that to you. It is the purpose and reason for everything in this life. I've been a member for 43 years. I love the Church and strive to be obedient. Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger. He was innocent and yet they arrested him. Even Pontius Pilot could not find him guilty and yet they persecuted him and thrust a sword in his side and hung him on a cross. Even then he asked that they be forgiven. I have been to New York, Chicago and Salt Lake City to be sealed to my wife for all time and eternity. I've known her since she was 13. I sustain and acknowledge that Joseph Smith was a prophet and Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today. Coming to Church inspires me. I love Branch President Soko. The Gospel is true. The Book of Mormon is true. Many are battling outside and I pray with them and see tears in their eyes. Let us love one another and sustain our Branch President."

A young woman (Beehive-MiaMaid age) got up and said, "I know the Church is true. I know that Jesus Christ died on the cross so I can be forgive of my sins. I know this is true, because when I repent, I can feel his forgiveness. I know that Jesus Christ is at the head of this church and if we just obey him our lives will be blessed."

Brother Fourie: I am so grateful today. I know that a loving Heavenly Father looks upon us with love. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I am grateful for the gospel in my life, for my loving family. I am grateful that I can be here with you brothers and sisters. Who the Lord calls he qualifies. I am grateful for the qualified Branch President and his counselors. I know the Gospel and the Book of Mormon are true."

First Counselor: "Each person has to find their own light that will guide them back to Heavenly Father. No greater love that this to die for your friends. I know that he died for us. I am so grateful that I traveled to the temple and received the blessings that flow from there. I feel joy that we can be together as families. I testify that what we are taught there is true. All Church leaders are chosen to help you and me find out way back to His presence. It doesn't matter which language people speak...the Gospel is always true. Joseph Smith was called to restore Jesus Christ's gospel in these latter days and because of that we are able to partake of blessings that we would otherwise not see. The temple is a blessing. We are lucky that it is less than two hours away. I hope we can all be obedient and press on."

Investigator who has committed to baptism next week: "I am very grateful to join this church. The missionaries came to our home and it felt so good to hear the new word of the Gospel. I want to know more after my baptism. I will learn from you and I pray that you will teach me."

Elder from England: "One thing I have learned from my mission is there is nothing better on a mission than feeling your testimony growing stronger. We pray to find people to teach the Gospel. I am so grateful for the family that his here today. Last week we prayed that we would have someone to teach and we found a man that day that let us in his home. I know we were guided to him. He couldn't come today, but said he will come next week. I know the Savior died for us. I know that we have a prophet at this time, Thomas S. Monson and that Joseph Smith was asked to restore this Church by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I also know that if we follow the prophets we will achieve what we need in this life."

Elder Buchanan: "The last time I bore my testimony was about ten years ago. I bore it when teaching a lesson or other situations, but not in sacrament meeting. But then Brother Harrison got up and bore his testimony and the young woman got up and bore hers and I thought, 'I have no excuse not to do this.' I appreciated all the testimonies about the temple. When I was home our temple was just minutes away. I served in Zimbabwe before coming here and they don't have a temple. They wanted to plan a trip to go to the temple, but they never seemed to get one going. They didn't have the money or the time. It was a struggle to go a long distance to the temple. I love the peaceful feeling I get when I go there. Just seeing the temple makes me feel good. When I first came to the temple in Johannesburg, we had a hard time finding it. We drove around a bit and then we went around a curve and we caught sight of the temple spires and the Angel Moroni and I said, 'Ah, we've found it.' I know there is no other way this Gospel, with all the info we have, is not true. I love this church."

Non Member - First time coming to our church: "This is my first time I am here. What I know is that Jesus died for us and because of him we are all saved. I love Jesus very much, amen."

I bore my testimony and told them about Sisters Marriott and Stevens and how much they loved the people of Africa. I told them what I have learned since being here and how much we've enjoyed it and the people, that I know that our church not only believes in Jesus Christ but we follow him and do as he would do. I told them about the humanitarian work we have going on all across Africa and how we are being guided by Jesus Christ to do these things because he cares about the Africa people.

After this meeting it was announced that they have three baptisms next week and hope that we will all be there to support them. After church we shook their hands and learned that one young man had a birthday last week and his sister's birthday is the day of the baptism. I told them I would bring them cupcakes next Sunday and asked what kind. She said it didn't matter and then very softly said, "Chocolate would be nice." So, I guess I am making chocolate cupcakes next week. Maybe I will put some cream cheese frosting on top.

We pass through three toll booths to get to church each Sunday and three coming back from church. These people have the most boring job and you can tell by the way they take your money, but in December, we started giving them suckers with our money and the change was positively amazing. They started smiling and saying nice things to us...calling Elder Kyle Papa and me Mama and today one gal called him baba, which is a term of endearment. We make sure we have six suckers each Sunday and it is so much fun to lighten their lives a bit with this small gesture...plus it makes us happy too to see them smile and show gratitude for our gesture.

There is a another man that we see everyday coming home from the office. We give him money and chat to him. He is always so happy to see us and he and Elder Kyle bump knuckles and elbows for a greeting. He calls us mom and dad and tells us what is going on with him that day. He is begging for money to support his family, but is so happy all the time. I am disappointed when we miss him because the light is green or he is not there, but about every day we get an opportunity to chat.

We have special opportunities here for which we are so grateful! They just keep coming.