07 November 2009

Branch Social at :Port Durnford

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It would not be a social with out a braai – Siya, Quinton, elder Maremela, and president Machaka did the cooking – mainly the president. Chicken and worst – standard fare.

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After the movie I went into the chapel and found these two young men singing into the fan. The blast of air made their voices sound strange. I have a video that captures the sound and the smiles on their faces. Two man – young men – basket ball without goals and a very small court. Elder Wengert, Ayando Madondo, and Zehile’s little sister.

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Mary sat in a chair in the shade and gathered up children, talked to Bungumusa and elder Wengert – among others – and had her hair styled by Ayanda and Zinhle.

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Fufu picked up a couple of guys – that girl is a guy magnet and lots of fun. I could not pass up a picture of this young man and his yellow hat. Every time he sees me he says the only thing that I think he knows in English ‘How are you?’ It is now a standing joke between me and the children.

07 November 2009 – Saturday

We received an e-mail from Bob and Denise Cox saying that they were coming to our mission as CES missionaries. I called President Mann to tell him we had friends coming and he said he had just got their paperwork. He was glad to have a couple coming but wished they were coming as an office couple. A hour or so later the President called to say that he just got an e-mail saying that an office couple was called and will be here in January – about the same time that the Coxes will be here. So part of the pressure is off but it would certainly be great if he now heard that a couple was coming to replace the Bartholomews.

Since we are having dinner for the missionaries tomorrow, we did a ton of shopping this morning. We always cook what we think is too much food so they do not go away hungry. We know we were successful when there are any left-overs of any kind. Of course they are always more than happy to take any food home with them – meat is especially welcomed.

We went to Eskhiwini so Mary could give piano lessons and I could help sister Khumalo with her computer skills. It is interesting to work with someone who has little if any experience with computers get started. I have to think about what I do without out thinking and then explain it to her so she can understand it. This time she took notes so that she would be able to get into programs without any problems. While I was doing this Mary gave two piano lessons – both of the students seem to be practicing and progressing.

After the lessons we went to Port Durnford for a branch party. I must say that President Machaka and the elders did all the work. We just provided some advance cash for the food and then showed up to enjoy the company and the food.

While we were there a couple of the young sisters had fun working on Mary’s hair. They tried a small corn row but decided it was not for her. There were a number of non-LDS there and Bungumuse – our young artist friend – asked if we would pick him up tomorrow for church. As mentioned Thursday, Zenhile and her sister was allowed to come to the activity and seemed to have a good time. For once I remembered to take pictures.

By the time we got home the sun was setting. I spent much of the night editing pictures and ended up posting them on the blog. I still need to go back and add text but at least they are there for people to see. Hopefully Cindy will get to see them.



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