Big Changes - KaNyamazane

 KaNyamazane

Turner, Rako and the truck

Big change is right. Big changes that aren't very easy. Let's start with the negative, get that out of the way. And then we can go into the positive things. The things that have helped and the things that I look forward to!

First. It is rough being here, in all honesty. I went from being in town; a town that we joked about not even being part of Africa. And now I am truly in Africa. Vereeniging was probably the best place that I could have ever started. The people there were so welcoming. I was seriously so nervous about leaving the MTC but when we got to Vereeniging and started meeting people those worries quickly melted away. Not to mention I had the best trainer I could have ever asked for. Prayers were definitely answered on that matter. Elder Wilkinson was the greatest. With him I was never worried. We got along so well. There were never any arguments. We had fun no matter what we were doing. The times went by so fast. I think things were so easy with him because he reminded me so much of Matthew. Literally. It was like I was out here serving with my older brother and that is what it ultimately came to. I look up to him like he is my older brother. He was a great companion, a great missionary and an over all great person. The problem was I never knew how much I was going to miss Vereeniging and Elder Wilkinson.

I got transferred to an area called KaNyamazane. There are two areas here. Nelspruit - which is a HUGE, very nice city. It is about twenty minutes away from KaNyamazane. It would be nice if we stayed in Nelspruit, but we stay in KaNyamazane. KaNyamazane is a township/village. It is truly Africa. Exactly what you would picture. Hills and mountains and houses/shacks built all through out. Dirt roads. Crazy potholes. Anyway. Because it is a poor area, the people aren't too well educated. Which makes it very hard to relate to anyone.

I am with my first African. His name is Elder Rakotoarimanana (Elder Rako) from Madagascar. He is very kind. But we come from opposite sides for the world. We don't have much to relate to with the exception of the Gospel. Which is very important. But at the same time, it is hard. There isn't much to talk about so I am left feeling alone. I just pray that I will be able to leave after this transfer.

Things are getting better though. My prayers are more sincere than they ever have been. When I pray it is literally like I am there with my Heavenly Father. Talking. And I don't want to hang up. I have truly learned the power of prayer this week. It is the most comforting thing in the world. I love the feeling I get when I pray for comfort. And the emptiness inside me leaves. I have truly learned that the companionship of the spirit is necessary. It helps me when I feel so alone to know that I am not actually alone. The spirit is so powerful and the power of the Atonement is amazing. I know that I can be comforted because the Savior suffered and felt these hard and discouraging feelings that I am feeling. Because of that I can be comforted.

Not only have I had to look for things that are spiritually strengthening, but I am having to find things that I truly enjoy about the area I am in. First. It is GORGEOUS. Gauteng, the Province that I was previously in is flat and dry. Now I am in Mpumalanga. It has gorgeous scenery. Very green. It is like a jungle here. There are mountains/hills. The houses/shacks are built into the hills. It is cool to see. I have to stop and think what a blessing it is to be in such a beautiful place and to be able to experience the uniqueness.

Second. There is a senior couple that helps our branch. It is a small branch that meets in a school. Anyway. They are the Hunts. They are from Sandy. Elder Hunt used to work at the Developmental center and knows Brother Dominguez very well he says. The Hunts live in Nelspruit. We see them less than I would like. But it is still nice to have them close. They give us cookies! That's nice! Haha! I guess it is pretty unique to serve around a senior couple. So I am grateful for this experience.

Third. Kruger. Kruger is known as the best wild animal park in S.A. I think. So I have heard! Haha! Anyway, my area is the area that gets to go there! Elder Wilkinson and I used to talk about going. But there was no realistic way we could have. We were five and a half hours away. But I have heard it is amazing. I will get to go! I keep looking forward to that!

There are some kind members in our branch. I hope to get to know them better. It is odd though. It feels like I am the only white person that these people have ever seen! (aside from Elder and Sister Hunt). The people in the roads will just stop and gawk at me with their eyes wide open! Haha! They all LOVE my hair! All of the little kids want to touch it! I love the little kids here. They are great! They make things easier! They are all fascinated by me!

We have some baptisms coming up, hopefully four that will get baptized on the eighteenth. That is always encouraging and exciting to look forward to!

There should be some pictures of KaNyamazane sent. Some selfies! Haha! And one of Elder Rako and I in our bakkie (truck). We have to drive a stick shift truck. If we didn't there would be no way we would be able to get around! It's like we are on a never ended safari! So many bumps and hills to climb!

Know that I am doing well. I was having a hard time when I first started emailing. But I have since calmed down. It is nice to look at the positives. Things will go by fast. Before I know it this transfer will be over. I mean, one out of six weeks is gone! And not to mention, there are only like ten more days and I will have been gone for four months! The first three months went by so fast, too fast. That's probably what made leaving so hard!

Just know that when you put your trust in the Lord, it will all be okay! I have learned that important lesson! I hope everyone at home will too! And remember:

"Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened!"

-Dr. Seuss.