On our way to Esikhawini’s PEC meeting, we came across this recent accident and I got out and took a picture. This car went through the brick wall but stopped before hitting the house. The other car had it’s whole side wiped out. Amazingly no one was hurt. It is always wonderful to go to a baptism. This one was especially good because we knew one of the families. Also it added another family to the Richard’s Bay branch. In the evening the elders in the zone came for dinner. They are a fine group of elders who have really worked hard the six weeks they have been together. Three of them will be leaving the zone on Thursday – we will miss each of them.

02 May 2010 – Sunday

It was a rather quiet Sunday for us – at least when it comes to visiting branches. After PEC at Esikhawini we stayed for their testimony meeting because we thought Bongani would be there. The testimony meeting was a little unusual because a number of the members talked and preached a little – something that is hardly ever done here – without giving strong testimonies. I wonder what the 14 investigators thought. (I later talked to Elder Lieros and he said that it was powerful and his investigators were impressed.)

We enjoy going to Esikhawini because we know many of the members well and we do not get to see them as often as we would like. Sister Khumalo gave her usual strong testimony as did sister Mathe who talked about how living the gospel changed her life.

The baptism at RB went well. Five new members of the Kingdom including Morris (who’s real name is Clifford) and his wife and son will be a great addition to the branch. I did not know the other two that were baptized. Uncle Freddy conducted the meeting but kept checking with me about what he should do. He is a great member and we continue to pray that someday his family will join him so he can have some support at home. There are a number of members who are the only one in their family and yet they stay strong and live the gospel as the Lord has asked. Mary used her talent and played both for Esikhawini and for the baptism.

After the meeting we came home so we could start preparing dinner for the elders. Because Elder Zondi is leaving, Mary fixed his new favorite food – potato salad – to go with the tacos, refried beans, and fruit salad.  Most of the elders enjoyed all the food but a few were reluctant to try the potato salad. I am afraid American food is very strange to some of the African elders. Everyone liked the fruit salad, the brownies and the ice cream.

It was a delightful evening with 12 fine young men. It is the last time these particular 12 will be in our home but they will always have a place in our hearts.

We tried to call Shauna to wish her happy birthday but they were not home. We left a message and we hope she got it.