It is hard to believe that it has been almost three months since I posted on this blog. Half of the rest of our mission is gone. We have been busy, but the real reason is that we find it hard to take photos of new things that we think would be of interest to you, our readers.
With that in mind, here are some random photos.
This was a baptism of two girls that absolutely love Gaye. We thought that we missed it on the Sunday that it was scheduled and were disappointed. By chance we went there the next Sunday and they were so excited because we were there and the baptism was right after church. We made it!
The young women of the KwaDabeka Ward.
The KwaDabeka District Elders. From left to right: Elder Brazee (US) Elder Stengelie (Capetown) Elder Maclean (England) Elder Manning (USA) Elder Caldwell (USA) and kneeling Elder Sele (Johannesburg). They actually had t-shirts made that had them, in caricatures, in this pose.
The Majonis, Gordon, Pamela, and baby. This young couple are examples of how tough it is here for some people. He is working at a grocery store, she is a hairdresser and they make so little money that they live in a house with at least 4 other tenants, share a cooking area, and bathroom and stay in a 10x12 ft room. Baby sleeps with them as there is no room for a crib because they have to have a refrigerator in the room. Grandparents in Zimbabwe have never seen the baby. They are just delightful. He is using PEF to become a chartered accountant, the equivalent of a CPA.
Umhlanga Lighthouse just north of downtown Durban.
Richards Bay Primary. We went to their District Conference and because of transportation problems they have leadership meetings in the morning before the conference session. Many of the leaders have children that had nothing to do, so Gaye took all of them and with some help from Young Women had a great time. Of course they loved having their picture taken.
Molweni children. The first Sunday here in South Africa we went to the Molweni unit (not even a branch). This is just over a year later. The kids are a little taller but it was great to see them. They are now attending the KwaDabeka Ward as they are getting a building in Molweni but will not be ready for about 6 months.
We had a family home evening with these young adults. It was one of the funnest times that we have had here. Girls are Thembe and Sinegugu. Boys are Sifundo, Patrick, and Thummi. We were laughing so much that our upstairs neighbors pounded on the floor about 10 PM. Had to put a lid on things. Sine is now a nanny in Cleveland Heights Ohio. Hope that she will be able to come to Oregon next year.
Just three high school students in Pinetown. All students here wear uniforms and take great pride in looking nice. It carries over to college as well. We go sometimes where there are several thousand college students at registration or some event and 99% are dressed very nice.
For the cultural experience we took a ride in a taxi or combi. It is the means of transportation for probably over 90% of the black population. We turned a few heads when we boarded. We just had to experience it. How could we be in Africa a year and a half and not ride in a taxi. The driver was making change and navigating at the same time. I found later that that is the job of the person riding alongside the driver--me, but I did not know the taxi etiquette.
A new couple, the Holts, came in July so we had the tough duty to show them around a little before they headed to their home and place of service in Lesoto.
Taken at Ushaka Marine World.
At the open market in Pinetown. Gaye bought the tam from these two ladies.
Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill in Swaziland
Swazi children. There were many children along the roads on our way to Nhlangano because the teachers are on strike. These boys were as happy to get the pictures of the Savior as they were to get the candy that we gave them.
We are always amazed at the young boys pushing wheelbarrows along the road carrying either their water in jugs or bags of maize meal, a staple for poor families. We are even more amazed at the big smiles we always get as we pass by--let alone when we stop.
Dinner at a traditional African restaurant. We were invited to go to Sibanes where the food is cooked in potjie pots (sort of like dutch ovens) or over an open grill. We liked all of it okay except the tripe:-( They absolutely love tripe here!
On the left is Sifiso Madela and his wife Neo and daughter Kuthula On the right Bishop Mthembu and his wife. Great memories.
The baptismal font at Ezikaweni Branch near Richard's Bay. They had three baptisms when we were there and it was very cold because of a strong wind.
Going away pizza party for Sinegugu Gasa just before she went to the US to be a nanny. Three of the Elders here taught her in our apartment before she was baptized. Elder Maclean, Elder Caldwell, and Elder Condie. Elder Mkuusi transferred in later.
Got a picture of this beautiful Collard Sunbird. I was shocked that it did not fly away.
A Purple Roller in Swaziland. I always have to add some photos of the animals that we see.
