August 21, 2017

back with Elder Zongoro

Well, time is flying and I'm a year this week... It's amazing how much I've seen and the growth that's taken place. It'll be interesting to see what this coming year has in store... so far I've served where and with

MTC - Pres. Ashton

-Kruse

-Keetch

SACTM - Pres. Merrill, Pres. Lebethoa

Mthatha

-Zongoro (trainer)

-Thulari (home)

KwaMagxaki

-Milne

-Reedy

Mandalay

-Steffensen

-Zongoro

I've learned from each of my companions and I'm looking forward to the future elders and areas I'll get to serve in. This week has been busy with transfers and stuff. On Wednesday early I said goodbye to Elder Steffensen and jammed at the chapel with Elder Greengrass until his plane left for East London. A bit later Elder Zongoro showed up and we took off to the area. 

The good news is Inam and Unathi passed their interviews so we are looking forward to their baptisms, but they won't be until September 10th. We found out the stake will be doing a stake baptism then so that's the plan for now. 

How often do you do laundry?  Where do you do it?

When I run out of whites or darks- we have a washing machine and dryer. 

Do most of the homes in your area have computers, cell phones, and televisions? 

Computers, no but cell phones and TV's everyone has.  

Are there any problems in your area with homelessness or drug abuse?

Very haha, we'll leave it at that. 

What’s in the news right now in the area you are in?

Well in South Africa, people want Zuma to step down so there's always strikes or something going on politically, lately in our area there's been a lot of kidnapping/murders and drive by shootings

Are there street vendors in your area?  Do they offer good food?  Do you snack during the day between appointments?

Ya, some do, you have to know where to look. There are two in Phillipi's area that offer super good braai meat and there is one where we stay that sells Pakistani food and it's great.

What has been your favorite meal made by members so far?

Everything except the head and gizzards of Cow, Sheep, Goat or Pig

How much do you work on retention in your area?  Are there a lot of less active members?

In most wards in South Africa there is between 100-300 less actives or inactives but we focus on our recent converts and helping them stay strong, we do work with less actives often though

Are the people in your area into social media?

Ya, the biggest things here are What'sApp, and Facebook

What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you on your mission?

A lot of things...... 

What do most people do for work in your area?  

I don't even know, there's a huge range of things. 

Well, 1 year down.

Until next week

Elder Smith

August 13, 2017

Time is whizzing by and my 2 months with Elder Steffensen are coming to an end... Transfer news came Saturday morning with something I didn't expect.

My new companion isn't so new to me, he was my trainer, Elder Zongoro.

It'll be interesting to serve with him again but we'll definitely have a fun time, he's really old now on mission though, about 22 months, same age as Elder Thulari was on mission when I had him. But it'll be fun, about a year starting all over again haha. 

This week we were busy with Inam and Unathi preparing them for baptism and as of yesterday Inam is ready and interviewed and Unathi needs to be interviewed. The only problem is there is no water here in Cape Town (the dams are at 18%) so it's against the law (according to what we're told) to fill the fonts. So we need your prayers for rain. We need A LOT of rain. 

But the work will still keep going. 

This week we had a fun Elder's Quorum activity with the ward and we went on a jog to some of the members/investigators houses. Coffart, one of our investigators was with us and he really enjoyed it! Hopefully he'll be ready for baptism in September.

Sunday was a busy day, us elders held our Culture Fireside/Activity at the chapel after church. It went surprisingly well. We opened and then split into two groups and taught classes and then rotated the people. Elder Matare and myself were teaching about Culture and The Gospel Culture. 

Something really stuck out to me as we were prompted to teach about clan names. 

"Xhosa clan names (isiduko (sing.), iziduko (pl.) in Xhosa) are family names that are considered more important than surnames among Xhosa people. Much like the clan system of Scotland, each Xhosa person can trace their family history back to a specific male ancestor or stock." 

We then proceeded to teach the ward members that our clan name in the gospel is that of Jesus Christ. When we are baptised we take upon ourselves His name. Jesus Christ makes it possible that we can not only connect ourselves to him and our ancestors, but provides a way that we can teach our children a way to follow. 

From an article by Elder Dallin H Oaks in the March 2012 Ensign it says, "This gospel culture comes from the plan of salvation, the commandments of God, and the teachings of the living prophets. To help its members all over the world, the Church teaches us to give up any personal or family traditions or practices that are contrary to this gospel culture.....

All men and women on this earth are the offspring of God, spirit brothers and sisters, whatever their color or citizenship. No wonder God’s Only Begotten Son commanded us to love one another. What a different world it would be if brotherly and sisterly love and unselfish assistance could cross over all boundaries of tribe, nation, creed, and color. Such love would not erase all differences of opinion and action, but it would guide each of us to focus our efforts on cooperative actions with our neighbors rather than on hatred or oppression of them."

The gospel is awesome. I'm excited for these upcoming 6 weeks with my father. It'll be fun to catch up on old times. Next week I'll be a year, but until then, I'm not over the hill yet haha. 

Dinner from Milton (Pap, Spinach, and Pilchards, good stuff)

Family Evening in the Mormon House (Bro & Sisters Babayeo, Mgobeni, and Sis Lindelwa with friends visiting)

we've had a lot of rainbows this week. the two are from our boarding and the other is at the chapel

Last district meeting with Elder Steffensen

When you get bored in studies

August 7, 2017

Time is going fast,

Monday we of course went to the motor museum (pics in the last post)

Tuesday through Friday we've been busy with the work. We'll hopefully have three investigators ready for baptism on the 20th which is pretty powerful, we're hoping everything will go just right. We've been in a struggle to find some investigators but we have some new people moving in and so hopefully we can get some referrals and get the work going in one of the locations in our area, Montclair. 

Haha, our luck with locks. On Friday morning we went to go get haircuts but when we tried to open our gate to leave the key broke in the lock so the other elders had to take us, long story short while we were gone Elder Hansen had to come and cut the lock so we could get our car out haha. We've had the car, now the gate, now hopefully not our boarding. 

Saturday we had a great Zone Training in Somerset. The Zone Leaders gave a great training and following us elders did a musical item with four verses from four hymns with the tune of come thou font of every blessing. Following, President Lebethoa gave a great training and gave some great motivation. I also appreciated the interview before, I love him and his counsel. I've been really having a hard time these past few weeks. 

1. What is the weather like today?  Is the climate dry?  Humid?  Does it cool down at night or stay hot?

Today it'll be hot, the weather is somewhat dry but more on the humid side, we are going into spring. It cools down a lot at night.

2. What is the worst thing you have had to eat?

Sheep intestines and livers, second to that is sheep head, then cow, then pig head.

3. Do you do a lot of service in your area?  What service projects have you done?

Not often, we washed Sister Pam's rug the other weekend. That's always a nice service.

4. When was the last time you saw an answer to prayer?

A long time 

5. Do you know any of your neighbors?  Are they friendly?

One, Aziz (I think that is how it is spelled) he is a coloured/pakistani/islam guy. He's pretty cool and we talk to him when we are walking to the shop. Also the shop owners we have gotten to know, here in Cape Town, many are from Pakistan/Arabic countries so I have learned a little arabic here and there. One of our favourite shop guys in our area is Sam, he is from Egypt and loves to teach us some Arabic. We also have a great Pakistani Food place called Wajiid's where you can get a nice chicken roll with chips for R18 which is about $1.34

6. What is the government like in your area?

The Government here in Cape Town is (I think) The DA, or Democratic Alliance. Same with PE. But the party that Zuma is, is the ANC, the African National Committee, and there are a myriad of other parties, EFF, etc. I prefer the DA a little more but we're not told to get involved with politics.  

7. Does the mother and father both work in most families there?  Do mothers stay home and care for the children?  Do the fathers?

Most families don't have fathers so most of the mothers/grandmothers work. 

8. What kinds of food to the members feed you?

Everything, but many times it is 7 colours (or a selection from it) so it is Beef or Chicken, with Rice, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes or Butternut Squash, Beet Root, Salad or Spinach, Shaka-laka. It's nice. 

9. What has your mission president been doing to inspire the missionaries in your area?  What is your favorite thing he has taught you?

Well due to the fact the mission is very large and he's on the road several weeks of each transfer, we only hear from him here and there. Most of the motivation comes from the MLC- President --> AP's/Zone Leaders --> DL (Me) and then we train on it in District Meetings. 

10. How are your clothes holding up?  How are your feet? 

Dandy, and good, but I get tired from sitting all day.

Until Next Week! 

Elder Smith

July 31, 2017

This week has been full of ups and downs. 

PDay last week, of course, was towing the car so not too eventful.

Tuesday I was on exchanges with Elder Wamunyima. We had a fun time and we were able to see several people in the evening which was really nice. 

Wednesday through Sunday things were quite normal, seeing people. 

We had two of our investigators drop, a mama and daughter. Friday we were supposed to have an appointment with them but they texted us saying that they have no need for anymore bible. They are content with what they have and they didn't want us back. Reminded me of 2 Nephi 29 haha. 

We also had great success with our investigator "Gift." 

The previous Sunday on his way home from work he got mugged and the tsotsis took his phone and such. He was feeling pretty bad but he told us that it is just a trial and he forgave those guys. He has faith for days. In the lesson we talked about tender mercies and we told him he did the right forgiving and forgetting, and how God will bless him. He also talked about how after he has met us and has been reading the Book of Mormon he's seen the hand of God in his life. 

We saw him Sunday and he said just after we had left the appointment, the tsotsis came to his home and apologized and gave back his phone. It just goes to show we will only receive a witness, after the trial of our faith, he had the trial and received the witness. It was powerful. 

Today for PDay we went to the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Amazing stuff... the collection cycles every 3 months but there were so many rare and expensive cars. Enjoy the Pictures

From the best mission in the world- 

Elder Smith

Bugatti 1928 type 35B, This very car won the 1928 Targa Floria, raced in 9 Grand Prix, etc. 

Ferrari Enzo

Rolls Royce Phantom 1 1928

Mercedes-benz 1929 S Type

July 24, 2017

Hello, everyone! Time is flying, 11 months tomorrow, I'm still green though..... I hope

On Monday we started out by going to Fish Hoek and Simon's Town. It was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever been on. When we got to Simon's Town we went to Boulders and saw the penguins. Man, they are stinky. Anyway, on the way home, we drove along Baden Powell Drive which follows the coast of False Bay, beautiful drive for sure. It was weird to see snow on the far mountains past Somerset West though. 

Tuesday we were back in action trying to save souls but on Wednesday I had a good exchange with Elder Mthembu and we had a fun time. He's an awesome elder and it's good to serve with him. 

Friday we had a Zone Meeting with a great training from Elders Hugo and Wamunyima. .... although it was an early start to the day. 

Sunday we actually had ward council and ward choir so it's fun to see stuff picking up in the ward. Our powerful investigator, "Gift", told us he had read the Book of Mormon for 4 hours straight. Powerful stuff, he had told us earlier he had a dream that he needs to Read AND Pray a lot more because there is something special. It's pretty cool. 

Today, (Monday) we towed our car haha! The second attempt, the ignition was giving us trouble and after our first attempt Saturday we actually got it towed today. Fun Stuff.... in the process Elder Matare and myself made 106 Peanut Butter Cookies.... yum

1. What’s the best thing about being a missionary?

The food and seeing people catch the vision. And being in South Africa
2. On average, how many dinner appointments do you have each week?

Mthatha (1 or 2) KwaMagxaki (4 or 5) Mandalay (1 about every 2 weeks)
3. How many investigators do you have right now? Who are you teaching currently?

5: Gift, Inam, Unathi, and Terresa/Coffant (husband and wife)
4. What are some differences you notice in clothing in your area?

Modesty hahaha, I'll leave it at that
5. What has been your favorite P-Day Activity so far?

Addo Elephant Park, the Castle, or Baywest Mall in PE
6. What do you like about your companion?

He can dance pretty funny, and he can cook cookies
7. What kinds of foods do you cook for yourself in your apartment?

Everything from worms to curry to chicken to anything
8. What are some of the local sayings and expressions people say in your area?

a lot of things, shap is a common one anywhere (kind of means like sure or good or whatever you want it to mean)
9. What is the music like in your ward?  

Hymns haha, no it's good

Does everyone sing? 

Yes

Does it sound good?

Depends how hard you listen ;) ya it does
10. Do members or investigators ever ask to see photos of your family?  

Yes

What do you tell them about your life at home?

People have a misconception because of TV and media that the United States is all big buildings, rich business men, but they get surprised with the pictures of So. Utah. They find it interesting how my mom's side of the family is all blonde ish and dad's is so dark haired and white haha.

Until next week in Mandalay!

Elder Smith

False Bay (looking towards Cape Peninsula and Simon's Town

Penguins in Simon's Town

Towing the Car, Wohoo!

July 17, 2017

Time is really flying and time is soon approaching on 11 months and a year- but- I'm not over the hill yet and Mandalay has yet to see the fire so there's still a lot to do. 

Monday we started out with a fun P-Day, as recommended by Elder and Sister Hansen, 

We went to the Castle of Good Hope in the center of downtown. It was an awesome castle and it made me feel like I was in Europe again. We went on a self guided tour and had a fun time wandering around through all of the castle. It had a beautiful view of Table Mountain too, the day was perfect. Afterwards we took a short drive on the coast to Sea Point and took some pics. There's a reason why they call it the most beautiful mission in the world ;) 

The rest of the week we've been keeping busy with the work. The work is slowly but surely picking up. We actually had PEC with the ward this week and the ward mission plan is starting to motivate the ward to do good. Our investigators are starting to keep commitments so hopefully in August we will be able to have some baptisms! 

Mandalay is growing on me, it's dangerous, but your prayers and support are really helping. We'll be working to get some more investigators and get the work rolling like mad. Sorry for the short email this week but things are still going going going! 

Elder Smith

July 10, 2017

The weeks are flying by

We started out this week with a Braai at the Zone Leaders and Elder Steffensen bought some giant steaks and they were pretty great. One of the Pirate Ships at the Disney Studios was moved closer to the N2 so we had a nice view of it on the drive. 

Tuesday I was on Exchanges with Elder Wamunyima, my Zone Leader and we had a great time with some powerful lessons. 

Wednesday Elder Steffensen came back sick and so we were put in sick rest for the day so I did a lot of cleaning and studying. 

Thursday was a normal day, we had a great lesson with Coffant, one of our investigators and we actually set a baptismal date for him on August 20th. 

Friday was powerful, we had a meet and greet (kind of a zone conference) with President Lebethoa and his family and the three Cape Town Zones. It was powerful and he is going to be a really awesome mission president. He is full of fire and is ready to push this mission from the get go which is awesome! I'm excited. 

Saturday we had a normal day and had a nice appointment with our bishop and his wife in the evening.

Sunday we had a great day at church and afterwards went to Mama Doreen's for an appointment and she fed us some nice sandwiches. Following we went to our Lunch Appointment at mama Mtila's with the other Elders. We had a great time there. Following that Elder Steffensen and I drove into Cape Town and we had a nice DA with the Hansen's (The Sr. Couple. He was a history teacher at Snow Canyon) We had a great taco salad and I was able to help Sister Hansen with some music stuff and we had a nice lesson. 

As a district we've been looking for ways to push the ward and increase the ward's involvement with missionary work, as of late there is none, but we drafted a Ward Mission Plan in District Meeting and we presented it to the Bishop. We now have a spot on the bulletin and we're hoping it will work to bring missionaries and members together. Our vision is that the Missionaries and Members will be equally yolked to bring 5 individuals unto Christ per month with full retention and support. The Vision scriptures are D&C 38:40-41, and 18:10,15-16. We'll be pushing this for the ward and we're optimistic it will bring good change.

Another Week in Mandalay

Elder Smith

P-Day Braai at the Zone Leader's (Elder Steffensen and I had the 3 steaks)

One of the Priates of the Caribbean ships at Disney Studios Cape Town

Exchanges with Elder Wamunyima 

After Church

The District