03 February 2010 – Wednesday

Woke much too early but could not go back to sleep – later after breakfast and getting ready I was able to take a short nap.

President Vezi, his wife, and other family came over about 9:00 so I could help him make a business profile that he could turn in to RBM in hopes of getting some business for his construction company. I am not sure how good a job I did for him – Mary would have done much better – but at least he has something that looks pretty good to give them. While we worked on that, sister Vezi and another sister cleaned part of the house.  When they asked me for a mop I showed sister Vezi our squeeze mop and she did not think much of it – they are use to using a string mop which cleans quickly and well.

After they left I fixed myself some lunch from the leftovers that I got at Spurs last night. Their fake pork ribs – think McRibs – are very good because they have a wonderful BBQ sauce.  While I was eating, president Mngadi called and we set a time for me to meet him at his shop to go over his needs for the temple trip at the end of the month.

Just as I was leaving for Engwelezane to meet with President Mngadi, the elders drove up and had a fax they needed get right off – they had a combined DDM at RB that I missed because of helping President Vezi. It was the last one for at least elders Wengert and Nare before they head back to their homes.

I had a good visit with pres Mngadi – we went through their plans for the temple trip at the end of February and made arrangements for the Greismers to teach a temple prep class to the three who are going for the first time.  The Bartholomews had set this up before they left in October and so their influence continues long after they have gone home.

My next stop was Esikhawini where I went with the elders to meet with an older baba who has been inactive for many years. They thought that having one gray hair talking to another would be good. He has a great knowledge of the bible –much better than mine – but I was able to hold my own as we talked about some gospel subjects. Since I was trying to get to see Mary before visiting hours were over, I had to cut the visit short, but we made an appointment to come back on Saturday, I got him to say the closing prayer, and a commitment to come to church on Sunday.  After thinking about it I am not sure I did the branch any favor by having him come.

I did not make it to the hospital in time so I just got some fuel and went home.  I was only here for about 90 minutes and then I left for the RB chapel and District Council meeting. I asked President Baldwin before hand if I could be excused early so I could see Mary and give her the clothes she needs to come home in tomorrow. He of course said it was fine.

Mary looked and felt fine but was not happy about the food. About 80% of the time it is not very good but then hospital food seldom is. We went for a nice walk around the floor for about 10 minutes. She moves quite well and hopefully will get stronger each day. She will feel much better when she can come home and not be so bored.

Although there has been some trauma in our lives these last 10 days – Mary’s operation and loss of the car – I still feel blessed for being here in South Africa trying to do the Lord’s work. How different it would have been if Mary had become sick in Indonesia. It would have been at least one day and perhaps more before we could have gotten her to Singapore for an operation in a safe hospital.  But here she was operated on by a very qualified surgeon in a good hospital just 15 hours after she first became aware of the problem.

By the time I got home I was dead tired and I was turning off the light by 9:00. I think I was asleep 2 minutes later. It was a good day in Richards Bay…