Monday, July 14, 2014
Shared 7/14/14 - Newcastle - Hiking Vulintaba in the fog, burning shirts for Hump Day, and giving a hair cut!
It's hump day, hump day, gotta burn shirts on hump day!
Sanbonani!
One year ago Tuesday... Was the last time I hugged a girl (sorry Sisters Carlile and Cluster, you don't count!).
One year ago Wednesday... Was the last time I saw my family.
One year ago Thursday... Elder Esplin, Elder Jeppesen, Elder Tibbits, and myself stopped at an English pub in London for breakfast, paying what we thought was the right price with the conversion rate, only to realize that the British pound was far more valuable than we or our waitress with crooked teeth realized. Perhaps we'll repay the debt next year. It was the day we wandered the Heathrow airport aimlessly trying to find a place to sleep because the other elders were too nervous that leaving the airport was against the rules (still a little bitter about that). It was the day a random man started speaking to us in Afrikaans while we were sleeping next to a bench, which makes sense since we were four Americans in London. Hmmm.
One year ago Friday... We entered the South Africa MTC and were introduced to African handshakes, pap, biltong, robots, braai, wors, and chips. It was the day I realized that a belief in witchcraft still exists in this day and age. It was the day my number of black friends started to increase exponentially. It was the day I began a spiritual journey that continues today. Looking at how much I've grown since then...gives me a good idea of how far I still have to go. Here's to one heaven of a lekker year, and may the next year and beyond be just as well!
What an absolutely incredible, Spirit-filled hump week. And what better way to begin it than by hiking Vulintaba in the fog? Man, that was an experience. We took a different route than we usually do which required Brother Classen taking his bakkie off-roading a li'l bit to the base. You always see those commercials with trucks that can traverse over big rocks and and haul a bed full of whatever, but you're always like, "For what?" For this, my friends. I testify to you today that that bakkie did maneuvers I didn't know possible. When we finally got out and started the hike, we could see ahead of us, but the higher up we traversed, the more we were in the clouds, and that was probably the closest I'll feel to being on a ski resort 'til winter 2015. Gbenga's hair even looked frosted. Didn't think that could happen in Africa, hey? Awesome, awesome experience.
Elder Childs and I ended up on exchanges in oSi on Tuesday, which is always a treat. Between Kimberley, Rocklands, and now oSizweni, this was the third area we've exchanged together in. Man, that guy's one of my favorite people. We exchange finding ideas all the time and finally had some time to be able to put them into practice. There's a scripture in Matthew where Christ is speaking to his disciples and encourages them to be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Gotta be creative in our bringing to pass righteousness. So what did he have planned for us? Speak to Reverend Zulu and ask if we can share principles from For the Strength of Youth with the youth of his congregation. He welcomed the idea with open arms. Eish, it's sad sometimes to see how young the people are that get involved with drugs, sex, and booze. Sadly, 13 and 14 year old mothers aren't as uncommon as would be ideal. Hopefully some good will come from this working together with Reverend Zulu. The youth are the future, hey?
DDM this week was lekker. Role plays can really suck if you have the attitude that they're gonna be awkward, but if that attitude's set aside, man, they can be the bomb.com. We practiced street contacting and were able to learn some approaches that work well and others that will do little more than put the person in an uncomfortable position. I think Elder Marumo's was my favorite. He comes up to me without any idea what he's gonna say and bursts out something along the lines of, "Don't you hate it when some guy you don't know just starts talking to you on the street?" Ahhh, good stuff.
Later Wednesday night we split with Brother Classen and Lungani to start visiting priesthood brethren, finding much success. There was a less active member Elder Marumo and I had tried to visit a month or so back, only to find a gate without a buzzer and a phone number that no longer worked. Elder Marumo and Brother Classen tried finding him again, and this time found success! They found their maid outside and she was able to let them in, and this brother was more than welcome to the missionaries. I guess he had joined the Church decades back in Zimbabwe, but commitments at work have been keeping him from attending. From the sound of it, he'd love to come back. Hurrah for Israel!
We met up with Elders Esplin and Willombe at Ocean Basket afterwards to celebrate mine and Esplin's hump day. Reminisced on lots of good times this last year and many more to come. With mission, you never really know what lies ahead, but you move forward anyway. In the words of SA Martinez, "Come on, yeah, it'll be alright. We're gonna take a ride. I dunno if we'll come back." That's faith, friends. We each burned a shirt that night because, come on... What kind of bogus missionary are you if you don't burn a shirt on hump day?
In addition to all the good times, we never forget the Spirit we feel every day in this wonderful work. We've been teaching a powerful new investigator named Nkululeko this week. Cyril introduced us to him, and man... There are some people that are just prepared for this gospel. He learns and keeps commitments like it's his job and even joined us at Mormon Helping Hands on Saturday. More on that later. Our lessons have been more Spirit-filled than ever, our relationships with members are as good as ever, and man... The work is just moving. Harmony in the work... What a beautiful thing.
Oh! Here's something. We've been trying to figure out how we can contact in the wealthier part of Newcastle, because with only one member family that side and lots of big gates, eish...it's tough. That one member family though... The Mngomezulus... They mean it's possible. Missionaries had found success in the past. We had an appointment with them this week in hopes of figuring out how. Worded a li'l differently, we essentially asked, "How the fetch did the missionaries find you guys?" "The sister missionaries just knocked on our door one day," Hlobi told us. Hmmm. So the quest continues. But don't worry, we're cookin' up some good ideas. Stay tuned.
One year ago Tuesday... Was the last time I hugged a girl (sorry Sisters Carlile and Cluster, you don't count!).
One year ago Wednesday... Was the last time I saw my family.
One year ago Thursday... Elder Esplin, Elder Jeppesen, Elder Tibbits, and myself stopped at an English pub in London for breakfast, paying what we thought was the right price with the conversion rate, only to realize that the British pound was far more valuable than we or our waitress with crooked teeth realized. Perhaps we'll repay the debt next year. It was the day we wandered the Heathrow airport aimlessly trying to find a place to sleep because the other elders were too nervous that leaving the airport was against the rules (still a little bitter about that). It was the day a random man started speaking to us in Afrikaans while we were sleeping next to a bench, which makes sense since we were four Americans in London. Hmmm.
One year ago Friday... We entered the South Africa MTC and were introduced to African handshakes, pap, biltong, robots, braai, wors, and chips. It was the day I realized that a belief in witchcraft still exists in this day and age. It was the day my number of black friends started to increase exponentially. It was the day I began a spiritual journey that continues today. Looking at how much I've grown since then...gives me a good idea of how far I still have to go. Here's to one heaven of a lekker year, and may the next year and beyond be just as well!
What an absolutely incredible, Spirit-filled hump week. And what better way to begin it than by hiking Vulintaba in the fog? Man, that was an experience. We took a different route than we usually do which required Brother Classen taking his bakkie off-roading a li'l bit to the base. You always see those commercials with trucks that can traverse over big rocks and and haul a bed full of whatever, but you're always like, "For what?" For this, my friends. I testify to you today that that bakkie did maneuvers I didn't know possible. When we finally got out and started the hike, we could see ahead of us, but the higher up we traversed, the more we were in the clouds, and that was probably the closest I'll feel to being on a ski resort 'til winter 2015. Gbenga's hair even looked frosted. Didn't think that could happen in Africa, hey? Awesome, awesome experience.
Elder Childs and I ended up on exchanges in oSi on Tuesday, which is always a treat. Between Kimberley, Rocklands, and now oSizweni, this was the third area we've exchanged together in. Man, that guy's one of my favorite people. We exchange finding ideas all the time and finally had some time to be able to put them into practice. There's a scripture in Matthew where Christ is speaking to his disciples and encourages them to be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Gotta be creative in our bringing to pass righteousness. So what did he have planned for us? Speak to Reverend Zulu and ask if we can share principles from For the Strength of Youth with the youth of his congregation. He welcomed the idea with open arms. Eish, it's sad sometimes to see how young the people are that get involved with drugs, sex, and booze. Sadly, 13 and 14 year old mothers aren't as uncommon as would be ideal. Hopefully some good will come from this working together with Reverend Zulu. The youth are the future, hey?
DDM this week was lekker. Role plays can really suck if you have the attitude that they're gonna be awkward, but if that attitude's set aside, man, they can be the bomb.com. We practiced street contacting and were able to learn some approaches that work well and others that will do little more than put the person in an uncomfortable position. I think Elder Marumo's was my favorite. He comes up to me without any idea what he's gonna say and bursts out something along the lines of, "Don't you hate it when some guy you don't know just starts talking to you on the street?" Ahhh, good stuff.
Later Wednesday night we split with Brother Classen and Lungani to start visiting priesthood brethren, finding much success. There was a less active member Elder Marumo and I had tried to visit a month or so back, only to find a gate without a buzzer and a phone number that no longer worked. Elder Marumo and Brother Classen tried finding him again, and this time found success! They found their maid outside and she was able to let them in, and this brother was more than welcome to the missionaries. I guess he had joined the Church decades back in Zimbabwe, but commitments at work have been keeping him from attending. From the sound of it, he'd love to come back. Hurrah for Israel!
We met up with Elders Esplin and Willombe at Ocean Basket afterwards to celebrate mine and Esplin's hump day. Reminisced on lots of good times this last year and many more to come. With mission, you never really know what lies ahead, but you move forward anyway. In the words of SA Martinez, "Come on, yeah, it'll be alright. We're gonna take a ride. I dunno if we'll come back." That's faith, friends. We each burned a shirt that night because, come on... What kind of bogus missionary are you if you don't burn a shirt on hump day?
In addition to all the good times, we never forget the Spirit we feel every day in this wonderful work. We've been teaching a powerful new investigator named Nkululeko this week. Cyril introduced us to him, and man... There are some people that are just prepared for this gospel. He learns and keeps commitments like it's his job and even joined us at Mormon Helping Hands on Saturday. More on that later. Our lessons have been more Spirit-filled than ever, our relationships with members are as good as ever, and man... The work is just moving. Harmony in the work... What a beautiful thing.
Oh! Here's something. We've been trying to figure out how we can contact in the wealthier part of Newcastle, because with only one member family that side and lots of big gates, eish...it's tough. That one member family though... The Mngomezulus... They mean it's possible. Missionaries had found success in the past. We had an appointment with them this week in hopes of figuring out how. Worded a li'l differently, we essentially asked, "How the fetch did the missionaries find you guys?" "The sister missionaries just knocked on our door one day," Hlobi told us. Hmmm. So the quest continues. But don't worry, we're cookin' up some good ideas. Stay tuned.
Round two of Mormon Helping Hands this week wasn't as succesful in the sense of getting things done, but we had some good times anyway. Brothers Classen and Gbenga both couldn't make it, and they had all the tools. We kinda had to scramble last minute to rally some, and on top of that we only had like an hour to work. But Kindo and Nkululeko joined us and hit it off really well. Speaking of Nkululeko, he came to church for the first time this Sunday, along with another investigator named Mongizi, and surprise! They knew each other! Small town, hey? They decided they both want to be baptized on the same day and have their lessons together! Who knew... You can fellowship investigators with investigators.
We were supposed to go to Chelmsford Dam for p-day today, but gosh dang it allotment wasn't in and we were all broke. So we just ended up braaing at the Herringtons instead and I learned how to cut hair. I apologized to Elder Childs in advance, but it ended up working out ok, and I saved him 80 rand so he can't complain.
Lots of good things happening this week! Our jobs class starts Friday, we have zone conference next Monday with Elder Hamilton (which means I'll be emailing Tuesday I believe...), and the gospel is still true as ever. Sala kahle, stay positive, and love your lives my friends.
Much love,
Umdala Johnson
Monday, July 7, 2014
Shared 7/7/14 - Newcastle - 4th of July celebration and Mormon Helping Hands
Halala ngosuku lokuzalwa iMelika!
Sanbonani!
Ah... Even though we may be 9,787 miles away from our own country, you get a group of us Americans together on the 238th anniversary of our voetsek letter to Great Britain and we'll inevitably decide we need to blow up the sky to celebrate. (Voetsek is an Afrikaans word having a similar meaning to "buzz off." If you say it to a dog, that's lekker bru, but if you say it to a person, what the fetch is wrong with you?) Man, what a fantastic Independence Day celebration courtesy Mark and Nona Herrington. In the spirit of including the neighbors, the African elders, and the members that came, the Herringtons put together a flag drawing contest to celebrate all our countries. I hate to say it, but South Africa's flag may have ours beat. But hey, we have Mexican food so who's the real winner? Good food and good times followed. And to finish the night off, yoh...just because Elder Herrington's been around the block a little bit more than us 19 and 20 year old elders doesn't mean he's lost his love of fireworks. After verifying they were legal this time of year with multiple sources, he bought a huge bag of bottle rockets, fire crackers, fountains, sparklers, and a grand finale...basically every young Boy Scout's dream. It turned out so successful that one of the neighbors decided to call the cops and tell them all about it. But the cop's response when he got there? "No worries. You guys are fine. I just have to be able to tell my boss we came by. Have fun!" Happy birthday, iMelika.
Ah... Even though we may be 9,787 miles away from our own country, you get a group of us Americans together on the 238th anniversary of our voetsek letter to Great Britain and we'll inevitably decide we need to blow up the sky to celebrate. (Voetsek is an Afrikaans word having a similar meaning to "buzz off." If you say it to a dog, that's lekker bru, but if you say it to a person, what the fetch is wrong with you?) Man, what a fantastic Independence Day celebration courtesy Mark and Nona Herrington. In the spirit of including the neighbors, the African elders, and the members that came, the Herringtons put together a flag drawing contest to celebrate all our countries. I hate to say it, but South Africa's flag may have ours beat. But hey, we have Mexican food so who's the real winner? Good food and good times followed. And to finish the night off, yoh...just because Elder Herrington's been around the block a little bit more than us 19 and 20 year old elders doesn't mean he's lost his love of fireworks. After verifying they were legal this time of year with multiple sources, he bought a huge bag of bottle rockets, fire crackers, fountains, sparklers, and a grand finale...basically every young Boy Scout's dream. It turned out so successful that one of the neighbors decided to call the cops and tell them all about it. But the cop's response when he got there? "No worries. You guys are fine. I just have to be able to tell my boss we came by. Have fun!" Happy birthday, iMelika.
Ah man, what a week! A couple downs, but lots and lots of ups! Tuesday was just sort of one of those days you have to laugh about. We had time to go street contacting, but weren't even able to talk to one person. We started our quest and saw a couple guys. "Let's go talk to these guys!' I said. As soon as we started walking towards them, they started walking the other way. Dang it. We kept walking, found a couple more people on the street walking towards us. "Let's talk to them!" we said. But fate wouldn't have it, and they took the street running perpendicular. Same sorts of things kept happening, and by the end of our street contacting time we were asking ourselves, "Ok, what are these guys gonna do to get away from us?" We were busting up laughing, but were able to put the time to good use and brain storm some lekker finding ideas in the mean time!
I think I've mentioned this jobs idea we have, right? The idea is to help people realize that the principles of the gospel can be applied to finding a job. We got together as a district this week and planned out on we're gonna make this effective and do some good in the community in addition to preaching Jesus. As a district, we divided up four workshops that we can teach over the course of a month that will aim at helping people to develop qualities that employers are looking for, write a resume or CV, and keep themselves free of harmful substances (ever heard of the Word of Wisdom?). We're super stoked about it. This week marks the beginning of the contacting.
We've got some absolutely stellar people we're working with this week. The Mlambo family is doing fantastic! Buyi always told us she would be baptized and that her goal was the end of this year, but we felt prompted a few weeks back to set a specific goal to work towards, and she's doing wonders! She's doing her part, the Spirit's doing the rest, and us as missionaries... Well, I think we're helping a little bit in there. We met a member named Mukesh a while back, and he was baptized around 30 years ago, but when the chapel moved farther away from his house, he was unable to attend. But man, he's got desire to come back like no one I've ever met! He misses church and the teachings and everything. This last week he's started helping us to teach his kids about the Restoration. How cool is that?!
Oliver Pillay and his family are long time memberes, and they invited us over this week to share a family home evening lesson and have dinner with them. Now, they're an Indian family, so the dinner I was super stoked about. When they told us it was tripe and chicken liver, part of me died on the inside, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that tripe, if properly cleaned and cooked with Indian spices, can actually be very nice! Ah man, I reaffirm my testimony of Indian food. I know that it is the only true and living way to cook tripe on the face of the earth. In the name of Al Habib, amen.
As far as spirituality goes, it's been a very uplifting week. Brother Classen is one of my favorite people ever. He's instilled a spirit of unity in the active members that I believe is going to be a turn around for the branch. During PEC last week, he pointed out the weakness in the elders quorum that Elder Marumo and I had been noticing for quite some time and immediately made a plan to build it up in strength. After our Mormon Helping Hands project on Saturday (more on that in a minute), he led us and the other active elders in a group fast for the brethren in Newcastle. He took us out to Nando's, we shared a spiritual thought in the car, and then we prayed to open it. If there's one thing you can't forget in this glorious work of salvation, it's the spirit. The work of salvation includes far more than just baptizing people. There are people out there that need help enduring to the end, and I think our commission to serve our fellow man includes serving them, too. Brother Classen understands this, and I'm so excited to be a part of serving in this sense.
We started our Mormon Helping Hands project this Saturday and will be finishing it up next week. Brother Gbenga and Brother Classen have been the ones organizing it, and what we're doing is clearing a field and planting a garden for one of the clinics in Madadeni. The hope is to do some good for the community and teach them self-reliance. It was flooded with weeds when we got there, so we started by clearing them out. In an effort to save on plastic bads, Brother Classen let me take the lead in digging a fire pit to burn them all. Fire...that's one thing I haven't quite grown out of yet. We made some great progress in the five hours we worked this week and should be able to finish it up next week!
I want to give a shoutout to Brother Lungani real quick. Man, what an absolutely stellar young man. He's in grade 11 and has one of the strongest testimonies I've ever heard. He came with us teaching after church on Sunday, and he understands the importance of members in missionary work on a far better level than most. After taking us to a couple of his friends that would like to be taught, he took us to a couple less active members to invite them on the hike we're going on today. He has a spirit of love unmatched by most people. What a guy.
Exciting day ahead of us today! It was raining when we started emailing, and I'm hoping it continues as we hike Vulintaba again today with the young men. (Really, I'm hoping the rain turns to snow, but you guys would probably call me crazy for saying that, so I stuck with saying rain.) Let the good times roll! Got a great week ahead of us, and I'm so excited to be part of this wonderful work of salvation. Bizarre to think I'll be turning a year on mission this Friday... Time flies when you're having fun I guess! Sala kahle, stay positive, love your lives my friends.
Much love,
Umdala Johnson
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