Our First Sunday

 Well, we did not intend to post today but after our experiences we feel we must share.  As I mentioned last night in my post we were going to the Molweni Branch.  We found that it not an actual branch but attached as a dependent unit of the Kwadebeka Ward.  It is there because the people in that area have no transportation and it is hard for them to get to church otherwise.  We rely heavily on the GPS to get us places--that is great where there is an street address--in the case of Molweni there was none, so with the GPS and a map we headed out.  It took us the right way but there are other ways as we found on the way back.  We went down a very steep and narrow road that had people, goats, a few cars, and even a Zebu bull on it.  People were heading to church as they were dressed very nicely and seemed so bright and cheery and friendly.  Nearly all smiled and waved as we passed.  Some of the women carried five-gallon buckets heading to a stream that was in the bottom of the canyon or kloof as it is called in Afrikaans.  The thought of them having to carry them full back uphill was heartbreaking.  Just when we got close to where we began earnestly looking for the Kwa Dinabakubo School, where the unit meets, someone was honking at us from behind.  I thought that it was because we were going so slow but as we pulled over to let them pass, it was the unit leader President Zondi.  He recognized the car and had us follow him to the school-pictured above.  If I ever feel inclined because our chapel is too hot or too cold or there is some other discomfort, I hope I will remember this little school that serves as a chapel for the people of the Molweni Township.  Perhaps even sadder is although it looks abandoned it is still a functioning school.  Children go to school there.  The South African government has recently passed a law prohibiting churches from meeting in schools so the Church has purchased property nearby and will likely be moving in some modular units for the meetinghouse.  The amazing thing is that, although the members live in little very poor houses some without running water, they come to church clean and in their very best.  They are so humble and, because it was fast Sunday, we were privileged to hear their testimonies.  Some spoke English at first then finished in Zulu.  It was quite touching.  But the most touching was before the meeting the little girls, without any prompting, started singing There is Sunshine in My Soul Today  as prelude because there was no organ and the missionaries forgot to bring the CD for the little tape player that they bring.  It was so sweet and they really did mean that there was sunshine in their hearts.  We met Nosipho and got her signature so her loan can proceed and after Sacrament meeting we found that the teacher for primary (there is only one for all the children) was absent so Gaye and I got to teach--mostly Gaye.  She will take over from here. 

When I found out I was teaching, I really wasn't too worried since I never seem to have trouble finding things to say.  We taught about testimonies.  The girls ranged in ages 4 to 13.  No young women leader either.  "Lungile" is 13(in the pink blouse) and was so sweet.  They LOVE to sing.  We gave them time to bear their testimonies, after much encouragement, and they all did it.  I helped the 4 year old.  They all live in very poor conditions but were so clean and happy to be there.  It was fast Sun. so no treats, but I had breath mints and they loved them.  We did alot of singing.  Amanda, in the coat, even knew "Once There Was a Snowman" even none of them have ever seen snow.  We did "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" and they got a kick out of watching me trying to touch my toes. Two hours is a long time to keep that many different ages interested.  One time, I said"do you need a break"? and they giggled and said they needed to go to the bathroom but they said no to "toliet" because they are very stinky.  Then they just ran outside and came back in about 2 min.  Lots of bushes, I guess.

I wanted a picture of lined up so I could get their names correct. left to right:  Aphiwe, Bengeka, Ayanda,Zamile,Sbahle,Pamela,Amanda, and Lungile.  Aphiwe (a-pee-wee) isn't baptized yet so I told her if she got baptized, I would try to come. I don't even know where they have baptisms?? Notice the writing on the blackboard, in Zulu.

Kids like to be silly where ever they live.  So fun, can't wait to go back.  We see that what we offer both spiritually and in the way of loans to help these young people out of these situations is one of their only hopes.  The Perpetual Education Fund is truly an inspired program.  We hope that we can learn quickly and do our part.       Hope you all know to click on the pictures to make them larger.  Til next post........