"In the end, Nelson Mandela showed us how to love, rather than hate, not because he had never surrendered to rage or violence, but because he learnt that love would do a better job." --Bono
As I'm sure a lot of you have heard, Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa passed away this week. I'm sure after his long struggle with different ailments, he's in a happier place now. The more I learn about him, the more I learn just how incredible of a man he was. Truly one of the most Christ-like people to ever walk this earth. He led a country divided to stand as one. After being jailed for nearly 30 years, never being allowed to leave even for the funeral of his son, he fought for equality rather than vengeance. Instead of seeking to oppress the Afrikaans population that suppressed him and his people for so many years, he sought to become one with them. How amazing it is to see an entire country rally and mourn one of the most philosophically sound people of our time. You will be missed, Madiba, but never forgotten.
As for this week though... P-day last week was... Haha, it was good...for most of us. We were playing soccer on a basketball court, and Elders Gold and Jeppesen both went for the ball...they collided, Elder Gold fell on his wrist...one thing led to another and he had a torn ligament or something and wound up having to have surgery the next morning. Crazy, right? But it's cool, he has two wires sticking out of his hand which I believe is the closest to a Star Wars hand he'll ever have.
Tuesday we had DDM and made it back to Kimberley, worked, and then got a visit that night from Elder Cauble! He's in the group that just went home, but him and his dad have been visiting his old areas. I'd heard nothing but good things about him from the members here, so it was baie lekker finally getting to meet him. I guess he's the one who baptized and taught Bakang and Tshiamo! Two of my favorite young men!
We did a fair mix of service, finding, teaching less-actives, and teaching investigators the next couple days. The people we're teaching are progressing incredibly! Elsa keeps blowing me away. Her testimony now compared to when we first started teaching her is absolutely incredible. It's crazy what reading the Book of Mormon and praying can do for you.
Thokozani's looking so desperately for truth, but there's a little bit of a crazy side to him that we have to take care of... Haha, when he hears a creaking in the roof, he blames it on snakes. When he's sick, he tells us there's a cat trying to escape from his stomach. Dogs are always following him, and the best part... He knows mermaids (in the Biblical sense). But all things said and done, Christ doesn't deny the gospel to anyone, and we're doing everything we can to bring him the truth.
Friday we had zone conference, and yho... SO powerful!!! President Grobler of the Bloemfontein stake spoke, and man... His vision for Bloem is big, bold, and I can't wait to be a part of making it happen. He wants to see Bloem turn into 2 stakes, 2 districts, and eventually see a temple. He was pleading with all us missionaries to find father-led families, to find priesthood holders to be able to make it happen. The work is hastening and I'm stoked to be a part of it!
Saturday we went looking for a less-active who turns out had moved, but that turned out being ok because we found a man named Leandro and his family who are willing to let us come by and teach them! Very humble, respectful family.
So you know how in Utah it can be a blizzard and everyone will still show up to church? (Unless you're in St. George apparently...) It's a li'l different in Africa. Typically the Kimberley Ward has about 80 people show up to sacrament meeting. But if it's too cold, the number sharply drops. If it's too hot, it's the same thing. And yesterday I found out that rain'll do it too. But I guess we can cut them some slack since a lot are walking 5 or more kilos to get to church. But it's cool...it was a great Sunday, felt the spirit, and got pumped for the week ahead. :)
Stay well, stay positive, love your lives.
Baie liefde,
Ouderling Johanneseun
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