Today was sister Brummer’s birthday. She has the honor of being the oldest member of the branch except for Bill. She also does not like me to take pictures of her but today she kind of gave in. The two Kujane girls came up to her and sang happy birthday so she could not refuse a picture with them.

Later another group of members sang happy birthday before we went in to sacrament meeting. She got a final rendition of the song in Relief Society meeting so she had lots of Happy Birthday experiences.

Sister Neo is here with brother Menzi – I have been taking a picture of him with a different young lady each week. President Kwaikwai wanted his picture taken with a couple of the women in the branch…

Elder Liera is showing Papa Thulo how to be a good missionary – in this case how to make sure an investigator does not walk away before they give their name and phone number. Actually of course Papa was giving him a hard time and tried to take his African lapel pin.

It was another beautiful Sabbath day here in Ikageng with 55 members attending a very spiritual testimony meeting and then enjoying the other two hours of classes.

The mother of one of the branch members passed away during the week and we attended the funeral. It was a Catholic service but I am pretty sure a US Catholic who saw the service would have been a little surprised. African funerals include lots of singing – like after each person speaks – there were 21 items on the program – and sometimes while they are still speaking. But important thing is that there is a good spirit there and neighbors, friends, and relatives from all over come to them. These pictures were taken at the cemetery because I was asked not to take pictures at the home.

In the program – it was beautifully produced – were a number of poems in English that basically were written to console those left behind. They mentioned that she was in a better place and that they should be happy for her and not mourn for long. The beautiful headstone – it was done in just 4 days – includes one of the poems.

The other event of the day was dance practice for the youth who are having a big dinner dance on the 21st of March. Some of the youth still have not come to any of the practices but those who do have lots of fun.

Their trainers are Meisie Ratema and Omphile Mokate and they do an excellent job. From the smiles on faces of the youth you can see that they are having a good time.  

This is a picture of president Kwaikwai showing his moves with young sister Khayne Lekebe. He said he was not a dancer but he seemed to be doing OK. One thing is for sure by the time practice was over everyone was really tired.