Food Poisoning and a Zone Activity January 5, 2015

Well things here have been interesting. Nothing too exciting. Well. I will try to make it sound as exciting as possible. Haha! I will just go through the week so I try not to miss anything.

So Monday. Monday we helped Dominic's family move into where Lincoln's family moved out of. I think I told you that last week. Anyway. So then we ended up emailing late. Then we didn't have much to do. The Bray family was all outside. They have this massive blow up slip and slide. It is really cool. Long story short. I kind of ended up getting convinced to go on the slip and slide. Fully clothed. Yeah, probably shouldn't have. Cause that's not exactly allowed. But it happened. And it was really fun. But won't do it again. You can cut that out if you would like, so people don't think I am just a disobedient missionary. But it was fun for me. So I thought I would just tell you.

Then Monday night all of our appointments cancelled, so Elder Edeyaoch and I made dinner with Elder Brasher and Elder O'Riordan. Well, pretty much Brasher and I made dinner for the four of us. We had enchiladas and corn bread. It was pretty good. However, by the end of the night I wasn't feeling too good. 

We got home and I went to bed. But couldn't really sleep. That's when the cycle started. I got up and went to the bathroom. Went back to bed. Couldn't sleep. Went back to the bathroom and threw up this time. Then back to bed. Then back to throw up. I went to the bathroom to throw up eight times. And that doesn't count the times I just sat in the bathroom and waited for myself to have to puke again. One time I was going to the bathroom and had to throw up in the garbage can. Yeah. Pretty annoying. And not to mention, every time I would go back  into my room, I was freezing cold. So I had a heater on. Then when I would go into the bathroom I would get SO hot, you probably could have fried an egg on my forehead. Ugh. It was the worst night I have ever had on my mission. I just wanted to come home. I hate when my I am sick with stomach problems. That's the worst for me I think. 

Anyway. I finally got like three hours of sleep. When I woke up, I found out that my companion wasn't feeling too great either. Tuesday we weren't able to go to the area. We were both too sick. Seriously felt like I was going to die. However, being sick on mission is like the worst thing in the world. Because, what can you do? Pretty much sleep and read your scriptures. I don't know, maybe I'm not righteous enough, but I can only read my scriptures for so long before I want to start crying. They're great and all, but really, all day? Yeah. Not my kind of relaxation. But yeah. I think we both had food poisoning. Which is odd because Brasher and O'Riordan ate the exact same things as we did. And neither of them were affected. 

Wednesday was fine. We went and taught for part of the day. But then we had to be in by six because it was New Year's Eve. So we went to Brasher and O'Riordan's flat to have dinner. I made Chilli. I make a fairly decent and simple Chilli. But Chilli and corn bread. (if you haven't noticed, we eat a fair amount of corn bread). Then we just kind of all hung out. Did some head stands. You know. The usual. 

Thursday was awful. I felt like I was serving a mission with a whole bunch of hormonal teenage girls. We had plans to go to the Zoo. But then our Zone Lords (Leaders) decided to plan a Zone Activity and not tell us until the night before. Anyway. They wanted to go to this restaurant called Spur. You can get all you can eat wings and ribs for like $13. So we go to Spur. And really, I have never heard good things about the all you can eat deals. Just that it isn't good, or even worth the money. So Brasher and I went to McDonalds. And really, I was still having some stomach issues, so I couldn't eat much. But when we left Spur, and went to McDonalds (and keep in mind, we are at a mall, just going to a different part of the food court) we thought the Zone Leaders were fine with it. Then our District decided we wanted to go to the China Mall. We got a little bit mixed up with cars. Anyway. In the end, we have some stupid elders, and someone's companion got left. And it was blown out of proportion. We thought that the Zone Activity was over. But no. Guess it wasn't. And instead of informing us that the activity wasn't over, the Zone Leaders decided to go straight to the AP's to tell them that we were being disobedient and not staying with the Zone. Ugh. Really. Just tell us it isn't over! That might be a good idea! Oh well. And on top of that we have the missing Elder. Well, just the missing companion. We knew where he was. Then we ended up finally getting ahold of the missing companion. And went to go get him. But there wasn't enough room in the car. So Brahser and I stayed behind. Just hung out. It was good. Just talked, walked around my neighborhood. Anyway. Then when they got back we went to Pizza Hut. There are only a few is SA. It was good. Tasted like real pizza! And there was Thrusday, with about 10% of the drama.

Friday was interviews. They were good. Sister Dunn did stuff while we waited for our turn to interview. She did a cooking thing. One person from each district was in charge of cooking a quick and easy meal and teaching everyone how to make it. So I was in charge. We made the Chilli again. It was pretty good. It was fun to get to do something while we waited instead of just sitting on the couch. Then I had my interview. It was good. Kinda short. But that's fine. But I did find out when I will be coming home. 8 December! Crazy! I only have 11 months left. I have to be honest and say that I am really excited. I never thought I would reach the end. But now the end is actually in view. Just makes me realize I will actually get to come home some day! haha! But it's a great time because I will have Christmas, time to relax and recuperate a bit. And then I can go to school in January.

Then we had district meeting. Then we made lunch as a district. Let's be real. Brasher and I made lunch for the district. It was fine. But then we had a few appointments. Nothing too exciting.

Saturday sucked. NOBODY could see us. So finally after being sick of trying to find things to do, feeling largely discouraged, we decided to go home a bit early and I made a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies. Then we got transfer news. We will both be staying. 

Sunday was great. Pierre came to church and so did the Dunns. Then Sunday night we went to teach Pierre. He announced that he wanted to be baptized. It was a pretty sweet moment. We were all very excited for him. But you know, I really am coming to love the Dunns. They are great. And it is such a fun experience getting to teach with them and getting to know them on a more personal and unique level, but they can talk! Holy cow! Sometimes we are talking about one thing, like say, the first vision and all of the sudden we are talking about tithing! Yeah, I don't get how it works that way either. Oh well. But it is still great.

Now. It's Monday. Today we are finally going to go to the zoo. I am exited to actually do something. Instead of sitting around doing nothing.

Follow up to the Christmas Call December 29, 2014

It was so great to talk you guys on Christmas! It was hard to say goodbye as always. But I agree with you Dad. It's hard to want to say goodbye, but we didn't really have much to talk about anymore. But it was still really great to see all of you! I love that I got to talk to you for so long! But yeah, it won't be too long before I get to again. Everyone always says that the time from Christmas to Mother's Day is short, but the time from Mother's Day to Christmas takes a long time. Anyway.

So Christmas was good. I don't know. I pretty much told you all about what happened. Because by the time I was finished talking it was already the 26th. So..ya know. You pretty much know everything that happened. But it was a good Christmas. hard to be away from the family. But, I got to hang out with my mission friends. And then be with the Bray family. They are so great. I think part of the reason I am serving in Florida is so I would survive the Holidays! I mean, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. It has made it a lot easier to be away from you all when I have had great people to be around. 

Anyway. This week should be interesting. We have New Years Eve and then New Years Day. We aren't supposed to do a ton of proselyting on New Years Eve and then there is NO proselyting on New Years Day. Too many drunk people. So we will be hanging out with other missionaries. It should be interesting. I think we're going to go to the Zoo in Johannesburg. And we want to go to Carnivore some time. The bring ridiculous amounts of meat around to you on huge kabobs place. I really want to go there. I mean, obviously I do. Look at me. Does it look like I don't like all you can eat places?! Yeah...

Transfers are coming up soon. This is the last week of transfers. So you will be hearing the news next week! Who knows. Everyone is guessing different things. 

We also have interviews with the mission president next Friday. That should be good. It has actually been pretty interesting..okay fun..to teach with President and Sister Dunn. It was a lot better this week. The lesson was much more structured. And they weren't all over the place this time! Haha! But the guy, Pierre, is really cool. And will be a great member. i say that with confidence that he will get baptized. I mean, please. He is a referral from the mission president and his wife. He should be a pretty good guy! ;)

You know how the members here gave us presents. Like all the missionaries. Anyway, they gave us the CD of President Dunn and his bear attach. It's a CRAZY story. And really interesting and fun to listen to! I'm glad I finally got to hear it. I can't believe my mission President was attacked by a grizzly bear...and survived! Pretty awesome!

Well. It was great to hear from you. I love an miss you all. Thanks for everything. I am really sorry. But I haven't thought about what to send me. I will keep thinking about it. Just hold of on the package sending for another week! Haha! I love you!

A Piece of Home and Christmas December 22, 2014

Christmas here is weird. Like NOBODY decorates the outside of their houses. It's actually really sad. And then only a few people actually have decorations inside. The Bray family, our landlords, the love Christmas. Their house is cte. Lots of stuff. They're the ones with the Palm Tree Christmas tree. Actually both are their trees. But they were saying that I should send a picture home and tell you guys that that is what Christmas trees are like in Africa! haha! But our Christmas plans will be as follows. I will be making egg nog and ginger cookies to take to people. Christmas Eve we are going to a family's house to celebrate with them. The Erasmuses. They are a nice family. Then Christmas Day we have our mission Christmas activity. We will be having breakfast, then watching a movie (but we don't know what movie yet) and then playing sports. Then Dominic's family is having us over for lunch. (Interesting fact. His little sister, Sara, she got her call to Temple Square. She will be there in March.) Then Christmas night we will be going to they Brays. Brasher and I are Skyping there. I love the Bray family. Super nice. Told us that we could come over whenever if we just needed some "family"Christmas time. But that's about it. A lot of hanging out with the other Elders in our District. Which is a good thing.

Here's some random things. So we got a referral from President and Sister Dunn. He is like 27 or something. Really nice guy. He is a Pentecostal. But here is the interesting thing. We are teaching him at the mission home! With the Dunns! He is a really nice guy. Seems very prepared to hear the gospel. But it's a cool and unique experience. I mean, how many people get to teach investigators with the mission president at the mission president's home!

Hmm. What else has happened. We got to watch the Christmas Devotional. It was great. The first time it actually felt like Christmas. But it was kind of pathetic. I find myself wanting a piece of home and Christmas time so badly, that when you are watching Motab sing, they all start looking familiar! Haha! How pathetic right?! But it was a great devotional. And the music was BEAUTIFUL. I am sure you guys know. 

I took some pants to the dry cleaners to get tailored. And some ties to get cleaned. They ended up like re-sewing all of my ties. And made the fatter than they were. You can imagine how upset I get. Anyway. I ended up unsewing and re-sewing all of my ties. That night. But they also totally tailored my pants wrong. They hemmed them, but really, they were just supposed to be taken in through the legs cause they were too big. They didn't do that. Just made them shorter. So I had to unstitch them and re hem them. They are pretty much ruined. Thanks to the dry cleaners. So I bought a new pair of pants. But pants here don't fit me. So I had to buy them big and am getting them taken in. Hopefully it works this time. I did not take them back to the same place. Yeah. I am still pretty mad about all of it. Hopefully these new pants don't get ruined. It's just a shame. Cause I think I'm growing, cause pretty much most of my pants are almost too short now. 

Here was a happy thing. So Elder Wilkinson got a Halloween package from someone. Love the mail strikes. Anyway. It finally got here. And as you know, he is home. So it was given to me. I think he told them to. But it was fun to get a random package! Haha! Made my day! But the funny thing is my Zone Leader was like trying to make me feel guilty. He asked if I even knew Wilkinson, and I told him yes, he was my father (trainer). He then proceeded to tell me how he was really good friends with Wilkinson and wanted the package. I just kind of laughed and said sorry and then walked away. Jealous much? Haha! 

Well. This week will be good. I am SO excited to talk to you guys! I love you and miss you so much!

Halloween at Christmastime - Thanks Wilkinson!

 

Zone Conference and Twisted Ankles 12/15/14

We had our Zone Conference/Mission Tour thing on Tuesday. It was good. I tried to have a very good attitude about things though. I don't know. It was just odd. Because our mission presidents have said things about how normal missionary things don't really work in our mission. Which is pretty true. But then, Elder Cook said that it all applies to our mission. Just odd that he was counteracting what our mission presidents have said. And then he said we are selfish missionaries if we have pictures hanging up of our family and friends. I'm sorry, I guess I am selfish, but I have pictures up. And it makes things easier and happier for me. Not trying to be defiant or anything. But if it makes things easier for me, then I'm gonna do it. 

Next odd thing. It's a food thing. There are many weird things here that are eaten by the people. I have eaten most of them. But one thing I wanted to avoid was chicken feet. Yeah. Sounds pretty nasty right? I mean, think of a chicken and what they walk in, and how nasty their feet are. Well, low and behold, we got served chicken feet. I ate some of it. But I couldn't stomach it. Gross. But hey, now I can say, I have eaten chicken feet.

Here is a random insert. Dad. I loved the stories about my dog. I miss him so much! He's so cute!

Then there is the annoying thing. So Lincoln's family moved. We helped them move. I enjoy doing service projects. Anyway. I was carrying a box, didn't realize that there was a drop from the grass into the dirt. Rolled my ankle really bad. It killed. It was swollen so bad. It looked like there was a golf ball in it. Then it turned purple. It still is pretty bad. But I am managing. Haha. I'm just clumsy.

Anyway. Not much else has happened this week. It's weird though. It doesn't feel like Christmas. Mostly cause there is no snow. And it's hot. And not many people decorate for Christmas. It's pretty upsetting! Oh well. It makes it easier to be gone. But it's nice to be serving in a town. Cause people actually want to have us over the week of Christmas. So that will be nice. 

Turner and Dominic - is this Lincoln's brother?

News 12/8/15 Service and a Great Baptism

So Saturday we had this big service project planned. And it has been planned for a long time. But our ward, is pretty dysfunctional. Anyway. The last Sunday, they planned the ward Christmas party for that same Saturday (last Saturday) and we already had plans. Anyway. The service project was with Dominic and Cindy's land lord. They are trying to get them to eventually join. But their plan was to get them comfortable with the missionaries first. Anyway. They own like a daycare/aftercare kind of a thing. And they had like their end of the year graduation/celebration thing. I don't really know what it was. But there were performances by the kids. Anyway. We helped set everything up and take it all down. Chairs and stages. They also had a lunch. So we helped Dominic and Cindy cook the lunch. They did hamburgers and chicken burgers. So we cooked all of them. And a side note. Boy I have never seen lower quality hamburgers. But it worked out. It was a very long project. But we had to leave half way through to go to the Christmas party. Because the ward choir was singing and we are in the ward choir. And Cindy and Dominic are the Choir directors. Anyway. We went and sang, and then went back to the service project.

Then, Saturday night, we went to the Dobsonville flat. And we all pretty much just gave each other hair cuts. Okay. Not pretty much. That's exactly what we did. Brahser cut Edeyaoch and my hair. And then I cut Brashers. In the end, we actually all looked pretty good! haha! But it's fun to do stupid things like that with other Elders.

Sunday was probably the best day though. The news of Sunday started on Thursday when we got a call from Dominic. But this needs a bit of back ground.

So Dominic hasn't always walked the best paths in life. He has gotten into some things he shouldn't have. But eventually he realized that he really needs the church in his life. So he put himself back on the right track. And about eight months ago he got married to Cindy. She comes from a very strong LDS family. So Sunday he was baptized. And I was very touched that he chose me to baptize him. There were lots of people he could have chosen, his family members, very close friends, etc. Anyway. I feel blessed that I was able to baptize him. It was very unique and spiritual experience for me. He had really gone through a lot. But he has changed so much. He is a great guy. His family was there, some very close friends, and the missionaries. And the bishopric. Anyway. It was a very great service. Something I will probably never forget. Very unique. Something that not all of us get to experience. But the spirit was there and has been there through this whole process. It was interesting to look back and see the promptings and impressions I have had that led to all of this happening. It's great to see how happy Dominic and Cindy are. They are now planning to get sealed next year December.

Anyway. That experience made everything that has happened here in Florida worth it. I feel like I was really supposed to be there for that. And I am very grateful that I was blessed enough to play a part in his journey back to the church.

Oh, one more thing I guess. Christmas updates. You asked if we had plans. Well, on Christmas day, we have a mission Christmas party. So that will be fun. Hopefully. I don't actually like big groups of people. But it will be fun. But when we were doing the whole hair cutting thing, we kind of planned some stuff. There is a place called Carnivore here. There are two in South Africa, or at least in our mission, and I have wanted to go FOREVER. But there is one close. So we want to go for Christmas. It's like Tucanos I guess, but it's African. I'm very excited. I hope we actually go.

Christmas Preview

"What else do you do when your companion is sick in bed? Obviously get out your Christmas lights and take some pictures! Haha! It was pretty fun though! Also. My home made stuffing. 

 

Lots to be Thankful for at Thanksgiving 12/1/2014

Things have gone well this week. I guess I will start with some answers to questions, since they are fresh on my mind. First. I haven't gotten a dear elder letter yet. I am sure I will though. I will let you know. Second. It is great to have baptisms. And yes Mom, I am keeping track. I have had 23 (please don't send that out). But they haven't really been because of me. I just try and do what I am supposed to. The members and the Spirit do most of the work.

Alright. Let's get into the week. So last Monday. We hung out with the Dobsonville Elders. Cause it was gonna be the last time the six of us could hang out. But we had to leave early because Elder Dzowa and I had to pick up an Elder to stay with us for the night. He companion was going home, so he was staying at the mission home that night. Anyway. The kid ended up being one of the Elders that was in KaNyamazane. So great to hear about all of the people and be updated on all of the news. I do email Elder Swan each week, but he doesn't inform me of much that goes on. So it was nice to have a bit more news. 

Tuesday. Tuesday was transfers. It was totally weird to see Elder Wilkinson go home. I know most of the people in his group. Weird to see them all go home. It just kind of made it real in my mind that mission is going to end. Anyway. I sent Christmas gifts home with him. And letters. He should get them to you soon. He was gonna go last week end, but I am sure he was busy with everything. Hopefully you will get them soon though. 

Wednesday was pretty uneventful. Well. I had to make some things for our upcoming Thanksgiving dinners. We ended up having three. There was a girl that opened up her call though. She is going to Temple Square. Quite unique for an African to go to the states! 

So Thursday afternoon we had our first dinner. I made home made stuffing. It was quite the feat. You can't buy stuffing in a box. Because they don't have Thanksgiving here! Haha! So I found a recipe and had a little extra help from Sister Thompson, one of the office couples, finding substitutes for all of the ingredients that they don't have here. However, I ended up finding out that I am allergic to a chicken stock I used. I have used it once before and it made me sick. Didn't realize it was from the stock though. But I am sure now. Anyway. This dinner was with the Dobsonville Elders. It was fun. We had some good food. Elder Ryan is in our district and he is a good cook. 

Thursday night's was probably my favorite though. We ate at the Brays. They are our landlords. They are members. Anyway. They randomly decided they wanted to have a Thanksgiving dinner this year. It was super fun. They had a TON of food. But it was all delicious. And great company. A bunch of people from our ward were there. It was very fun. 

Then Friday was our third dinner. This was with the Ndlovus. I ended up getting roped into doing the whole thing. They helped pay though. But I made chicken, turkey is expensive here. And then mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, corn, I think there was one more thing. But I can't remember. It was all pretty good though. I was definitely getting sick of Thanksgiving food. I was pretty sure if I had to make stuffing one more time I was gonna be sick. Just walking into our flat was gross. Cause it smelled like stuffing. Everyone but me thought it smelled nice. Haha!

Dominic and Cyndie

Then Saturday morning, Dominic and Cyndie had us over for a huge breakfast feast! They invited their land lords. We are gonna try and start teaching them. Anyway. It was good. But another HUGE meal. I am pretty sure I am like 5000 pounds now though. 

Sunday was nice. The Williamson's, Lincoln's family, are moving. So Brother Williamson, or Brother Scott, ( I don't like it, but they call people, Brother or Sister and their first names here) gave the last talk. It was really good. About repenting and changing. It was a great talk. But it was funny. Right as we were about to start sacrament meeting, we were about to sing the opening song, the power went out. Just for a second. But it was pretty funny.

Then Sunday afternoon we had our baptisms. There was a child of record baptized. His name is Lwazi. His Dad baptized him. Then we had Sister Maphosa and her Son, Mduduzi. They were baptized by Bongani. A sweet kid, waiting for his call, who comes out with us quite a bit. Anyway. Then we had Sister Doreen, the gogo. Who was also baptized by Bongani. But also, Brother Lucky. It was interesting. Sister Doreen is so big that they both had to be in the font to help her. But it all worked out. Great to see them all baptized.

Sister Doreen - the gogo

So great to see so many people get baptized!