ELDER AND SISTER MICKELSEN: Happenings of the week 20-26 July

The weather this past week has made everyone very aware that we are in the middle of winter. The winds, which usually have been just warm and gentle breezes, have turned cool and with the dampness you have a hard time feeling like you will ever get warm. You feel like you want to sit in front of a fireplace, but we had to make do with our little space heater! The skies looked gray and overcast for some of the days, bringing hopes of much needed moisture, but resulted in a few drops that just make the car hold the dust particles! So one day soon, we need to head over to the local 1 ½ hour car wash and lunch. A slight reminder of our dirty car came when we were filling up with petrol and the attendant took the paper towels he had used to clean the windscreen (windshield) to try to wipe dirt off the doors. We hope we will be able to remember how to wash a windscreen when we return because we are spoiled here. Our PEF work is very slow right at the moment, but we are trying to stay fully engaged by finding ways to help our students learn some computer skills. Many don't know how to touch type or have a basic knowledge of computers.
Monday afternoon, we visited with Patriarch Courtney to give him the final printed copies of the newest patriarchal blessings. It was so sad to find that he hadn't given any new ones in the last week or so, and wasn't sure when he had his next appointment. It is such a spiritual experience to hear his words from the Lord given to these great, humble people, especially the missionary blessings. Watched more of the Isaiah commentaries on the BYU Channel and shared dinner together with the local couples.
Wednesday was our monthly PEF/Employment Meeting with the Durban Stake. In this month's meeting we are trying to get the wards and branches geared up and excited for our PEF orientations, scheduled for August and early September. After our meeting, we had an early dinner at Platto's and went on to watch the Pioneer Day re-broadcast at the Griesemer's. Until it started, we were not aware that it was a joint celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The 1 ½ hour program seemed way too short for us, and we felt honored to hear the Battle Hymn of the Republic being sung and see our wonderful American flag waving on the big screen monitors behind the choir.
Thursday mid-day, we fixed a taco salad lunch for Elders Hansen and Meistre serving in the Phoenix Branch. Elder Meistre is new to Phoenix and is one of several South African missionaries serving in the Durban Mission, coming from a suburb of Johannesburg. It is a treat to have the young elders in our boarding, to share a meal and enjoyable conversations.
Friday, Sandy was able to finally get her hair cut and we made a stop in the mission office to pick up our mail. We are trying to finish up the last of our Christmas preparations since Santa's sleigh needs to be filled and sent on its way shortly and appreciated that the stores were very cooperative this week.
Sunday, we visited the Pinetown Ward for church because we needed to do some follow-up for starting some typing/computer classes in that building. The brother giving the invocation in Sacrament Meeting, asked that the talks, which had been carefully prepared , would be for our spiritual benefit. Two of the talks were given by the African members, for whom English isn't their native language. The brother and sister had carefully prepared and presented great messages, which we knew and could see were difficult at times to present. Many people here know several native languages, plus have made the great effort to try to learn English-a great accomplishment. Wish we could say as much for ourselves in learning Zulu, though we are getting pretty good with the pronunciation of names!

Our photos this week feature the mission office staff. They should be of particular interest to our long time friends, Elder & Sister Bishop, serving in the office in the Florida Jacksonville Mission.

The mission office staff includes one senior couple - Elder and Sister Sessions from Rexburg Idaho. Of their many duties, much of their time is spent on the mission fleet of cars and mission apartments. They are on call 24/7 addressing the multitude of emergencies that arise in a mission with 104 elders and 11 couples. In addition to the mission office, they assist with the KwaMashu (a nearby township) Branch - Elder Sessions is a counselor in the branch presidency and Sister Sessions assists with the Primary. They spent the first ten years of their marriage in California where Elder Sessions was a highway patrolman and then in Idaho where Elder Sessions retired from a 35 year career with BYU-Idaho culminating as dean of students. They are one amazing missionary couple.

Elder Lemmon is the mission general secretary. Secretary assignments are usually for four transfers (six months) - one transfer being trained, two transfers on your own, and the last transfer training your replacement.