New Area Maps for the Elders

We invited the Elders over tonight so that they could finish the maps we have put together for them.  I cut them down to A4 and had the laminated and then had the elders tape them back together so that they could fold them and have them in their cars.  I told them I expected better efficiency from them and an increase in baptisms.

This morning Sister Thomas finished the cookies that she had promised to make so the Elders also enjoyed some cookies and drink when we were done with the maps.

Family Home Evening at the Church for the Single Sisters and others

Tonight we were asked to provide a family home evening for the Single Sisters of the Ward at the Church.  This was sponsored by the Relief Society but it was opened up to a larger group.  In the end we had 45 attending.  The lesson we provided, which was lead by Sister Thomas  was on loving our Neighbors and we used the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

We also played a balloon game that Elders Palelei and illsLabrum brought and which was enjoyed by all.  The objective was to pop everyone else’s balloon while keeping yours from being popped.  The older group was very fun to watch.  Following this game we had refreshments.

Primary Presidency Meeting and fixing front doors.

Sister Thomas had a meeting with the Primary Presidency today.  Following the training that they had from Sister Boyce they are excited to get organized.  I spent some time working on the ward records.  I was finally able to move a sister and her brother to a ward in the Soweto Stake.  She was lost in the lost record file of the church.  It was a bit of a challenge but Brother Given Masetle from the area office helped me out. 

While Sister Thomas was in her meetings I took the front door off the hinges and filed about 1/4 of an inch off the bottom so it could open without hitting the floor and making a great deal of noise during meetings.  Sechaba also helped me with this and we also fixed the central latch so when the door closes it latches shut.  Now it opens and closes with ease.  Some WD-40 on all the hinges works wonders.

Installing the Water Filtration System

The mission has water filtration systems installed at all the Elders housing.  We were given one to install in our flat.  I finally have all the parts that are needed so I am installing this today.

Sister Thomas is happy that we can now stop purchasing bottled water.  I am thrilled because the ice in my drinks don’t taste funny any more.  You can see the finished installation on the right.  Not bad for Elder Thomas.

A Birthday Package Arrives for Sister Thomas

Just outside the post office is a very happy Sister Thomas.  She received a small Birthday package from Amy Lawrence.  It included only those things that an American who has lived in South Africa once would know that Sister Thomas would be missing.  Chocolate Chips, etc.  But the special part was how Sister Thomas read and reread the short note from an old friend.  It was nice to watch. 

With a bit of a tear of gratitude I say thank you to Amy for thinking about my eternal companion and then put those thoughts into action.

Wendy's Fairwell Social - She Departs for the Mission field on May 1st

Wendy’s going away social was a wonderful thing to experience.  What touched my heart were the short messages from the primary.  You could see their love for their Primary Leader.  You can tell she has had a positive influence on them.  It was also nice to experience and see the love that Wendy’s family has for her.  We are grateful that Heavenly Father has allow our paths to cross with this young women.  With all our hearts, we hope that our paths will cross one more time so we can see what will become of Wendy.

Getting ready for Wendy's Farewell Social

This morning we had to divide our resources in order to be able to conquer.  I had to go out to Sada and help the Bishop with a survey that was going to be done at the Church.  He wanted my support during what turned out to be an actual survey of the site to define the boundary of the church’s property rather than an inspection of the building.  This was a lack of communication and, as a result, all we had to do was unlock the gate for the surveyors.

While at Sada, I went up to Sibonile to pick up Wendy so she could come to Queenstown to get her last shots.  While waiting, I spent some time with a couple of Wendy’s nephews and I also fixed their front door knob which only opened from the outside.

In the meantime, Sister Thomas had to borrow a car from the Elders while they were at District Meeting (we had to excuse ourselves this week) so she could meet up with Sister Xalabile and began to purchase the food for Wendy’s going away party which is at the Church tomorrow.  Brother Badi was also in Queenstown and came and helped out as we carried all the groceries to the car.