Happenings of the week 8 -14 December

Monday (Dec. 8) morning, with our 6 pieces of luggage, we flew to Durban and were met by Sister Mann (Mission President's wife), with a traditional Hawaiian greeting, only this was a necklace of wooden beads and small carved animals. Both she and the president were to have “fetched” us, but the plane was 45 minutes late and he had to be on his way to another part of the mission. After being introduced to the mission home and office, the office couple, Elder & Sister Sessions, took us
shopping for a few things to clean house with and for breakfast and lunch, and then took us to our boarding (house). After living out of suitcases for 3 weeks, we were excited to have a bed and be able to stay here, even though for now, we only have a bed and kitchen table with chairs. A car was to have been delivered today for our use, but it was not at the office, and no one knows anything about a car for Elder and Sister Mickelsen! In the evening, Sister Mann, minus President Mann, had a welcome dinner for us, along with 3 other senior couples in this area. Arlo is feeling the effects of traveler's intestinal problems, so wasn't in a get-to-know you party mode. After we returned to our boarding for the night and got ready for bed, we turned out the lights in the kitchen and experienced what Jonathan and Andrew did in the Philippines - two geckos were walking around the ceiling.
Tuesday (Dec. 9) Arlo is worse today, and some young elders came over to help give him a very needed blessing. The ADT security systems came out to arm the system that is in the house. The house has bars on all the windows and the front entry door is a barred door (a door size grate with 5” square openings, that we padlock closed whether we are in or out of the house. Inside the house is an accordion type gate in a hallway that separates the living area from the bedrooms. Sandy asked if we pull it shut and lock it at night, one of the security people questioned back, “Why wouldn't you want to use it, if you have it? and as he pulled it out, he locked us in the passage (hallway) and the keys were in the kitchen! Not very funny, but he had a phone number for the women that owns the house and only living a few doors away, she came down to rescue us! You feel like you are in prison, except you can get out if you want. The security man assured us South Africa and Durban are beautiful, but you must be vigilant with your safety precautions.
Wednesday (Dec 10) Laundry day, takes a good bit of time because the washer and dryer are small,. Outside the garage, where the laundry units have been installed, there is the “other” way of washing clothes from a time not to far past in this area (like last year!), so there is much appreciation to have the modern appliances. The washer will hold 1 sheet, 1 shirt or our bathroom towels, just to give you an idea of how large the tub is. The dryer has one speed and temperature, runs for 15 seconds and then does a reverse tumble for 15 seconds, and goes back the opposite way again. This is how it drys the entire time that you have set on the timer. Still no car, so Sister Mann and Sister Sessions came and took Sandy grocery shopping
Thursday (Dec 11) Yea, the Area PEF office authorized a rental car for us to use, thus eliminating the helpless feeling, plus Arlo is finally on the mend. The return call with the authorization was to have happened in one hour, but we are finding things don't work like we are accustomed to! Five hours later, President Mann and Elder Sessions(office couple husband) came to the boarding to take us down to the airport to pick up the rental car. Get to the Avis office and there is a car with manual transmission, which we didn't want since this was our maiden voyage driving and it is enough to worry about the side of the street we are driving on. We spent a couple of hours back at the mission office where President Mann gave us a very thorough overview of the mission. Driving back to the boarding at rush hour was a thrilling experience to say the least.
Friday (Dec 12) Made a trip out for some driving experience and some groceries. Before arriving in South Africa, we had heard of this huge mall (one of five mega-malls in the world) located in Durban. The Gateway Mall is located about 3 miles from where we board (live). Knew there was a Checkers Hyper (like a Super Target) in the mall, but could not find where to enter. There are different parking levels and structures and we tried two different ones, paid the different parking fees and were totally frustrated. After some divine intervention, and both of us almost in tears, the way became clear and were able to head into Checkers Hyper-such a strange name and hard to say it without laughing. In the evening, we attended a Christmas party, no singing of carols or stories of the holiday, at the Chatsworth Ward (totally Indian)-wonderful people, who welcomed us warmly. There is lots of hugging here, but just women to women and a special handshake that shows respect when given.
Saturday (Dec 13)
Adventured out to shop - going in a different direction. Objective was dual purpose - driving experience and look for a few needed things. In the afternoon we met the Session's at the KwaMashu Branch building for a brei/Christmas party. After several hours of shaking hands and meeting people, it was announced that the food was ready. The Branch President made a few comments as we gathered in a room for a prayer and blessing on the food. Afterwards, he asked that the children (about15-20) come with he and his wife into another room and then asked the women to eat, followed by the men. Not being able to see where the meat was being served and curious as to what he was going to do with the children, we looked into the door where Pres. Zulu was. All were sitting quietly on the floor, waiting patiently as Pres. Zulu passed out plates of meat, beans and sliced bread to each one. A very touching sight to see this service, but this was probably a wonderful present to have a meal such as this.
Sunday (Dec 14) Our mission president, Pres. Mann, has assigned us to the Phoenix Branch, to attend there whenever possible. Since we have not been able to start with our PEF responsibilities, due to a lack of materials, Sunday was free to attend with the branch. The branch president was elated to find that a new couple had been assigned, but sad to find out that our situation makes it impossible to be with them every week. A truly humble group of Indians, with a few blacks mixed in. Their meeting place is a huge elementary school - reminds us more of a middle school in the United States. The small windows provided a little air, but the ceiling fans weren't working, for whatever reason, and so the room, used as a chapel/Priesthood was very hot. The people were prepared for this situation because most had washcloths that they pulled out to wipe their faces and necks. There was a magic (programmed with church hymns) keyboard, which Sandy used to play for the sacrament meeting. The sisters were so excited to have Sandy in their Relief Society meeting, and eager to share that following the baptismal service there was going to be a bring and share meal. The branch president's sister-in-law has been investigating the church for about 8 years and finally decided to make the commitment to be baptized. Her husband has been less-active and with his wife's decision to be baptized, has now returned to activity. After the baptism, which was held in the KwaMashu building, we had the bring and share meal. This turned out to be a cultural experience for us. When the meal was all set up, the branch president announced that they had a technical difficulty - no forks. Come to find out, this was only a difficulty for the 4 American's in the room. Indians are comfortable eating their food with their fingers and are very proficient at it. Sandy was game to try eating some very long penne pasta in a white sauce with her fingers, while Arlo folded up a sheet of copy paper and made a little shovel and tried several different food, including one curry dish. The First Presidency Christmas Devotional was rebroadcast tonight from last week and we traveled into a new area to watch and feel the Christmas spirit. Unless you are in the mall, where there are some holiday decorations, a person wouldn't even know that Christmas is coming.
It has been a learning week on our part and our thankful for a return of health for Arlo and that we made it through some practice driving without anything happening. Arlo is navigating like a pro, but we have sweaty palms and feel such a relief when we get to wherever it is we have to go! A month has passed since we left St. George and sometimes, it just doesn't seem possible. Our love to all of you and thank you for your prayers and support.
Love,
Elder (Arlo, Dad, Papa) and Sister (Sandy, Mom, Grandma or GoGo-African word for Grandma)