"Oh I've got a little bit longer... I've got a ways to go!"

Sanbonani!

So last week I think al-Qaeda threatened to bomb Durban if all this xenophobia stuff didn't calm down, but I think things are ok now. The whole country's rallied in support of our foreigners, being all trendy using the hashtag #SayNoToXenophobia and whatnot. So that's cool. It's super funny though... Elder Kakar's telling everyone we visit #SayYESToXenophobia! And people will ask him, "Aren't you a foreigner...?" And then he'll say, "Yes! We have to go!"

Do you ever get random songs stuck in your head that you haven't heard in nearly two years? Oh, because I do sometimes. A Ways to Go by Grouplove... But it felt like a fitting title this week. After this week, it's single digit weeks left. But it's not time to slow down... It's time to go go GO!

Whoo, all in all this week has been great. We've eaten at the House of Curries like crazy. We've had some powerful lessons. The members are great. And I think we even figured out a cure for cancer. Ok that last one might not be accurate... But just roll with it.

I think it was last week... This kid named Sfiso randomly showed up to church. One of the members in Berea recognized him and got us his details from Facebook. Which, I felt like was a little bit of a breach of privacy, but it ended up being for a good cause... We found his house, and after explaining how we found it, we talked with him for a while. Found out he hasn't been to church in years, but just walking home from Musgrave Center one day, he saw the chapel and felt like he needed to attend. He told us he's been wanting to make some changes in his life, so we're really hopeful. Has a family too.

There was one day this week Elder Kakar took us to a couple former investigators. Baba Nkomo in the morning and Gogo Luwaca later in the afternoon. Most of our time with them we spent just listening. There's a lot to be said about listening. Had we just tried to plunge the Book of Mormon down Baba Nkomo's throat, we wouldn't have been able to learn his thoughts about God's love for all his children. Or had we testified boldly right off the bat that this is Christ's church, we wouldn't have been able to learn of the spirituality of her calling in her church. But because we listened, they both opened up to us and were ready to listen with open ears when it came our time to speak.

The Z Man's pushing member work big time this transfer, and we've seen a few miracles from it so far. On Wednesday night, we had a lesson with the Ngcobo family. Tino, who's preparing for a mission and comes teaching with us a lot, shared a scripture from Alma 34 about patience and hope, and the spirit was so strong. After a short discussion, we asked the family if there was anyone they knew that could use some more hope in their lives, and the older brother S'phamandla, suggested their older brother. The family nodded in agreement, and we have a time to meet with them this coming week.

We had the chance to watch conference this weekend (more on that in a minute), and afterward, Sister Zondi invited us over to teach someone staying at her apartment. Her name is S'li, and Sister Zondi's shared a lot with her already about the Book of Mormon, so we just spent some time answering questions. It was incredible... Most people we teach will either disregard entirely the Book of Mormon, accept it without really understanding what it means ("Yeah, your book is true, but all books are true!), or other stuff like that. S'li questions were bold, but they were honest, and she was willing to read and pray about it too find out if it's true. So we'll be following up with her in a few weeks. Cheers to Sister Zondi, though, for being such a great member missionary!

In the spirit of weekly planning in creative places, we went to the Durban Botanical Gardens this week. We weekly planned to the tune of a cool breeze blustering through the foliage, various species of fowl going about their days, and the occasional couple passing by. It's just a spiritual place to be, and I think we've got some good plans for the coming week.

Conference was awesome (as I'm sure you guys in Utah who watched like a month ago know already...). I think Elder Wilford Andersen gave perhaps one of my favorite talks I've ever heard. "The Music of the Gospel." Here's a quote I liked from it:

"When our children are little, we can sing them the lullaby of love unfeigned, and when they are obstinate and refuse to go to sleep at night, we might need to sing the lullaby of long-suffering. When they are teenagers, we can tune out the cacophony of arguments and threats and, instead, perform the beautiful music of persuasion—and perhaps sing the second verse of the lullaby of long-suffering. Parents can perform in perfect harmony the tandem attributes of gentleness and meekness. We can invite our children to sing along with us in unison as we practice kindness toward a neighbor who is in need."

This gospel is a gospel of love... And if we do everything else but forget that one aspect, our efforts are in vain. Love, love, love... There is no satisfactory substitute.

I stepped on a scale this week. Gained 10 pounds in Umlazi. Renewing my commitment to work out every morning starting today. Family, please follow up with me and give me fire if I haven't worked out next week. Deal? Sweet, thanks!

Should have a good week coming up. Zone training meeting on Wednesday, and for the first time in months, it won't be me teaching it! So I'm excited for that. Excited to learn from Elder Esplin and Elder Ocitti.

To House of Curries today, I'm hoping. Pops and Mama, don't worry... We'll eat there plenty once you're here. :)

Sala kahle, stay positive, love your lives.

Thanda kakhulu,

iGosa Johnson