The news weather forecasters tell us autumn/winter is closing in-only reached 70 degrees several days this past week and it was overcast with a few rain showers here and there. One evening at dinner time we both commented that we felt a tad bit chilly, the word not being in our vocabulary since arriving in South Africa. Our mission president sent note to us, “We are on the opposite side of the planet so our seasons are opposite those in North America. We are just now entering our fall and it is getting noticeably cooler and the days are shorter. Around Durban it always stays pretty green and the temperature stays quite moderate, but in the western part of the mission it gets quite cold in the winter and occasionally they do get snow.”
The senior Mickelsen's are fast becoming part of the texting culture, something we never thought would happen. Coming out of desperation, but know that it was truly inspiration, we have started to text our students. We cheat somewhat, we get to use our fingers on the computer instead of fingers on a telephone key pad, which would take us forever! Don't know if our fingers would ever go as fast as we see some of the kids sending messages! This method of communication helps us when we have a difficult time understanding the kids and it works in reverse when they don't seem to understand our words either. Nearly every person we personally come in contact with has a cell phone which gives them free SMS (text messaging),-air time to make calls costs, so we can send reminders, questions, etc. and then there is no chance of misunderstandings. Everyday involves much computer and paperwork to stay on top of all of these kids. With our meeting on Sunday, the list of PEF students and prospective students stands about 70, with more just waiting for us to visit them-if only there were more hours in the day!
Monday, Sandy made some banana bread, her first real try at baking since arriving here. We don't have any loaf pans, so used a muffin pan, which is described on the tag has being a 12-holer. During our last visit to Swaziland, a new dessert was described to us and so we tried it-banana bread with vanilla custard poured over-yummmm! This custard comes already prepared in a box that has been heat treated, much like milk. It is similar to vanilla pudding, but more runny and with a stronger, wonderful vanilla flavor.
Wednesday, was Zone Conference at the Hillcrest Stake Center with the theme, “Becoming a Consecrated Missionary.” President Mann had much praise for those who are serving now and their tremendous efforts as missionaries. A typical lunch for zone conferences is pizza and depending on which restaurant Sister Mann orders from, determines how many slices each missionary can take. This week it was 5 slices, so the pieces must be cut smaller and not as thick. The two varieties she ordered were new to us – bar-b-qued pork and pineapple and sweet red chili and chicken..
Thursday, was another exciting day as our six PEF loans were approved by Salt Lake. One young lady, when told her loan was approved, said “I am so happy, don't know what to say.” These words really make our day!
This is the KwaMashu Branch building located in the KwaMashu Township. I couldn't back up far enough to get the whole building in the picture and stay within the security fence. During the week we can get into this building to meet with PEF students because there is a full time custodian who we can buzz and he will open the security gate.
This is the main entrance into a foyer with a chapel and small cultural hall on the right and classrooms, offices, kitchen and library on the left.
The chapel is average size by U.S. standards. It seats approximately 200 and has been mostly full the three Sundays we have been there. We would expect pews to be added sometime in the near future and this branch becoming a ward can't be too far off.
The KwaMashu Branch Intitute class meets on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. At the same time seminary is held in another class room. This last Wednesday five PEF loans for young adults in this branch were approved by the loan committee in Salt Lake. We had come to help them with the documentation they will need before payment can be made to the schools. The yound lady on the right is Mbali Majozi who is studying environmental health at Durban Univesity of Tehnology. Sizakele Hlengwa is in the center in the green and white stripes. She is in her third year at the University of KwaZulu Natal studying physiology and anatomy. The student in pink on the far left is Zanele Zindela who has a two year diploma in sports managment and is planning to obtain a certificate in fitness and nutrition from INTEC College. Missing is Xolani Ntombela who is planning to be a doctor and is studying at the University of KwaZulu Natal and Sithembile Dlamini who will be in her final year at Damelin College studying motion picture (film studies). These Zulu names have been a challenge for us, but we are getting so our students don't laugh every time we attempt to say them.Thanks for your prayers and support. Stay well ------------Love,Elder (Dad, Papa, Arlo) and Sister (Mom, Grandma, Sandy) Mickelsen
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