Happennings of the week 8-14 June

The skies are full of nasty looking air and if we were in Los Angeles, one would think that it was smog. But no, it is smoke from everyone burning the dead grass and weeds from off their properties. If we didn't know that this was a normal winter ritual, a person could become quite alarmed at the flames burning here and there, especially as it is often quite close to homes and roads. Everything seems to be under control because we have never seen any fire out of control.
The week has held its usual amounts of paperwork, computer time, phoning, Family Home Afternoon and meeting with Patriarch Courtney to download a blessing onto the computer. Besides which, we are also trying to gear up for a PEF campaign the first part of July to help ready students planning on starting their university/trade schooling in January or February, 2010.
Wednesday was Zone Conference at the Hillcrest Chapel, for Pietermaritzburg and Hillcrest Zones, with about 42 young elders and three senior couples. The focus was on Elder Oaks quote, “Testimony is to know and feel. Conversion is to do and become.” It is amazing to watch these young men teach and bear testimony, but even greater to know what fantastic leaders they are becoming, and what great leaders they can be as they return to their homelands, wherever that might be. With this transfer, President Mann has his first African Assistant to the President, Elder Ang'ila from Kenya.
Friday, we went to our favorite petroport and had the car washed and detailed, while having our lunch. This petroport is called Total Riverhorse Valley, located on Hippopark Road and we wondered if there was any significance to the names. So to Wikipedia we went and searched “riverhorse” and found it is another name for hippopotamus. There is water in the area, but have not seen any hippos. Guess that they were here in times past!
Saturday, drove up to PMB (Pietermaritzburg) and stopped in Kloof to give Patriarch Courtney the 7 transcribed patriarchal blessings. He indicated that he had appointments to give 3 more blessings on Sunday. The patriarchs are kept very busy because of the tremendous church growth here. Our purpose for the trip was to sign loan papers with Isaac Larbie and clarify some instructions for another student just starting the PEF process. Had a fun SKYPE visit with Dennis and Polly Bishop, who are serving in our old mission, Florida, Jacksonville.
Sunday, we attended the Berea Ward and were able to attend Relief Society/Priesthood, Sunday School and Sacrament Meeting, something that doesn't usually happen for us. As we were leaving the room after Sunday School, a sister, noticing our missionary badges asked how we liked the delightful Durban winter, which it is because so many plants and trees stay green and lush. Sandy replied, much better than summer! After the meeting block, we found a quiet room, even though it wouldn't have mattered to Xolisa (deaf) and thoroughly reviewed and signed his loan papers. He is such an inspiration to us and a joy to help.

Pizza is the traditional lunch at zone conferences in the Durban Mission. There is a limit of five slices of pizza per missionary. Apples and pans of homemade brownies brought by the couples round out the meal.

The church has been in South Africa for a long time. The name of the church on this older and well established building in Pietermaritzberg (inland about 80 kilometers from Durban) is in both English and Afrikaans.

Sandy meeting with the Hillcrest Stake Patriarch, Anthony Courtney, to download blessings from his recorder to our computer for Sandy to transcribe.

We found these three young ladies at an outdoor African craft market braiding hair. This is an all day job for two braiders - with one it can take two days. One of our PEF students braids hair to earn money to make her monthly loan payments. The young lady on the left displays a good example of the end product. The styles and types of braids are never ending!

Pineapple along with sugarcane fields are found all along the coastal region of the KwaZulu-Natal province. Note these pineapple fields extend back as far as you can see. We have enjoyed an abundance of fresh pineapple and have found it sweeter than what we would buy back home.

Jared, this photo is for you. We almost became a two Audi A4 family but declined the purchase after considering the logistics of getting it home. Also, note the steering wheel is on the wrong side.

We found this sign at the petroport, where we do most of our business. South Africans have a good sense of humor.