Holidays - More baptisms coming up - More cooking November 24, 2014

This week has been good. It started rough with how I was feeling last week, but then P-Day was fun. We went to our chapel, which is the hang out spot for missionaries. It's also the mission office. Or where the mission office is. Haha! But I got to play volleyball. It was a lot of fun. I mean, I'm not the best. But I'm definitely better at volleyball than I am and soccer. And let's not even mention Basketball.  Anyway. Then we went to the other Elders flat. The other Elders in our District. That was fun. Just talked and hung out. Probably what we will do today. Anyway. Then we all went our separate ways for appointments. Then we met up after and went out to dinner. There is this place called Spur. They are all over SA. But they all have like American city names. It's funny. It's a pretty good restaurant. But on Mondays they have a 2 for 1 Burger deal. They are really good. Anyway. It was fun to do that.

The other exciting thing is that I have been getting things ready to send home. I probably won't send much home, since Wilkinson probably has a lot of his own stuff to take home. But I have small presents and letters for everyone. It has been fun. I got a little creative at wrapping. As always. Just a little bit different than normal. Since I didn't have our HUGE assortment of Christmas wrapping and bows to help me. But needless to say, I think I did a pretty good job. You will just have to see.

Friday was another fun day as well. We needed more baptismal interviews done. So Elder Brasher came back with me. It was a good day. We had Sister Maphosa and her son Mduduzi pass their interviews. They are nice people. The husband wants to get baptized as well, but he has been working in another Province for the past like two months. So he will get baptized when he gets home. Mduduzi is 11. He is a cool kid. We also had Sister Doreen pass as well. Sister Doreen is a VERY old lady. But she lives with her even older Sister. Sister Mathebe. Who I am pretty sure is Momma Odie from Princess and the Frog! But anyway. Sister Mathebe is a member. But Sister Doreen speaks like NO English. But we worked a lot with her. She learned enough to pass the interview. She is VERY excited to get baptized.

Other random Friday things. I made corn bread. It's good. I'm sure you have heard of pap. The starchy stuff they eat here. It's basically corn meal. But it's white. The corn bread was good. But white cause their corn meal is white. I also made enchiladas. They were good as well. It was fun to be with Elder Brasher again. We ended up talking a lot of the night again! It's just good to catch up and talk with someone who is a little bit more like you. He's a sweet kid. I really like him. 

Now we have transfers tomorrow. Elder Dzowa is getting transferred. So today will consist of cleaning the flat and the car. Getting everything ready for the new elder. We were told we had to do that from now on at transfers. personally I think it's nice. Cause I am sick of getting to a new area and having a filthy flat. 

Oh, here's some other random things. So I went borrowed a puzzle from a member. It was nice. Did a quick puzzle, don't know if that's allowed. But it was nice. Did my 200 piece puzzle and listened to Josh Groban's Christmas cd. It was a good night! Haha! I love that cd!

Other random things. I made home made alfredo sauce yesterday. And then had no good noodles. I cooked them and then they tasted like mildew. I was very upset. So now I have to go buy new noodles so I can enjoy the delicious alfredo! I am excited! 

Well. It was great to hear from everyone. I love you so much! Next week should be more newsy with a new companion and all. Pray that i like him ;) Haha! Love you!

Love,

Turner

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. AGAIN. Our land lord and his family randomly decided to have a Thanksgiving dinner this year. I am very excited! Also. Our recent converts the Ndlovus want to have a Thanksgiving dinner. So I will be getting one on Thursday and Saturday. Who knew I could have two in a country where they don't even have Thanksgiving!

Joining the ward choir - Ambassador is baptized - a bit of homesickness November 17, 2014

Well this week has been good. I have had some good things happen. But for some reason, the last couple of days have been really rough. I have felt like I was settled into Florida. But then again, I felt like I wasn't really at home. It has been really frustrating. Then I heard from Morgan. It has been a couple of months since I have heard from her. Anyway. Then I had updates on friends and it all kind of made me pretty home sick. Also. Hearing about my siblings that I love so much. It's hard to know that I am missing all of these sweet things in their lives.

First. Micah. I wish I could snow board. People here always ask me if I snowboard or ski. I say snowboard. I mean, I do, kind of. But I am definitely not even close to as talented as you. I think it's so sweet that you saved up to buy a board and all of the other stuff! I am actually really jealous. You will have to teach me when I get home. Cause when I get home, there will be snow! But have fun! And be safe!

Second. People here love soccer. Obviously. And I like to brag about Matthew and Micah about how they are great players. I have especially been talking a lot about how Matthew is a University Athlete and that he is going to play in the Nationals Tournament. I seriously think that is the coolest thing ever. So proud.

Third. Rachel. Still sad that I missed all of your volleyball. But hearing about all of the boys that want you! Haha! And don't worry, there are still boys in Africa that like you! Everyone thinks you are so pretty! They also think you are older than me :).

BFF - 4 year old Lincoln

Alright. Well. Here are some of the highlights of the week. I think I wrote about him last week. But I will again. I have a best friend. He is four years old. Half Indian. His name is Lincoln. He is so cute! And hilarious! He likes to entertain us in the mornings. And during lunch. He and his brother Aiden are the coolest. Anyway. Last week, during weekly planning, he wanted to hang out with us, so he sat and colored on our whiteboard while we did our weekly planning. He also likes to give me movie updates about all of the super hero movies. And "How To Train Your Dragon 2". Best friend. Too bad they are moving in a month.

Here is a good news minute. So I decided I should get one of my suits cleaned. Cause one of them was getting pretty bad. Anyway. I got it cleaned for R60! Which is a little less than $6. And it was actually done really nice! Super convenient to have cheap dry cleaning.

I also got my hair cut, it looks okay. The lady wasn't very pleasant. But oh well. She cut the sides SUPER short. But what can ya do? I mean, I like it, but there were some changes that I would have had her make. But she was in like such a rush! But you know. I am pretty particular about my hair. When people ask, I always tell them that I was the kid that cried when I got a "bad" hair cut when I was a kid. Wow. What's wrong with me? Haha!

We also had a baptism. Ambassador. Super sweet kid. I really like him. We are now working on his little brother. He should be baptized either on the 30th of November or the 14th of December. But Ambassador was baptized by his friend Innocent. Who is also a really sweet kid. I really like him as well.

Turner and Ambassador

It has been raining a lot here recently. The weather is freaking bipolar. It was really nice weather this morning. I was sitting outside with my bffs Lincoln and Aiden while they were showing me all their toys. And now it is pouring rain. It's kind of depressing. At least it's p-day. Cause missionary work in the rain is possibly the worst thing ever. The days are long when it rains.

It's getting closer to the holidays. I am really going to miss being around. I am just really trying as hard as I can to not think about what is going on at home. And focus on the fun things that will happen for me here. Like Skyping home on Christmas! That is super exciting! We are also singing in the ward choir now. It is directed by the Lauren and Chase of South Africa (sad thing, they are going to Cape Town for the whole month of December). Anyway. We are singing Christmas songs. It's fun. But I am carrying the Tenor section. Scary. I think I forgot how to sing as well. Yikes. But it will go well! I also have some Mormon Messages. I am going to start sharing the ones about Thanksgiving. Cause, duh, American Thanksgiving is coming!

Well. This is the last week of transfers. I am working on writing new letters to everyone to send home with Wilkinson. Can't believe he is going home. Never thought it would come. Anyway. I am also gonna try and find an ornament for this year to send home with him! Can't miss out on that tradition! Anyway. I have a week to figure it all out!

Oh! Can't forget the cooking! This week, I have been making some delicious Indian curries. They weren't that great. But I am getting better. I also can't expect too much, since I haven't made curry ever. In my whole life. But they were great tasting, I just need to get the consistencies right. they both just ended up a little bit dry. Hmm..wonder what I will try to make this week?!

Well. I love and miss everyone so much. I hope this week will go by a bit better. Well. Not that the past week was bad. Just the rough patch at the end. I would be okay to miss that this coming week. Well I don't want to stop writing. Because I love writing home. It makes me feel close. As you have said many times before. I am feeling that now.

I love you both so much!

Love,

Turner

Ambassador and Advocate - Curry - Green Cream Soda November 10, 2014

So here is the news. Not a whole ton this week. But I'll try to stretch it! :)

I think last week, someone was asking about a Primary Program. And if they do them here. I don't know why I didn't answer. But our Primary Program was yesterday. They do them in the more developed wards. And Florida is definitely a developed ward. It was cute. But I missed the normal Cedar Hollow Fourth Ward Primary Program. They do a better job ;)

Okay. So Friday we had exchanges. Ambassador, one of our investigators was interviewed. So Elder Brasher, our district leader came here. Anyway. Ambassador is 18. Super sweet kid. He actually reads the pamphlets we give him, ALWAYS comes to church. And we will be baptising his little brother, Advocate on the thirtieth as well. Anyway. They are both super cool! But I had a great time with Elder Brasher. He is from Idaho. He is a year younger than me. But is older than me on mission. Anyway, it was just so great to talk to someone that I have things in common with. Long story short, got in bed on time. But then, ya know, a few conversations later, it was about 4:30 in the morning. Hmm. But it was fun. Good conversations! But the rest of my weekend was spent being very tired! haha! Still don't regret it though. :)

Saturday night was good. Well, weekends usually suck here. I have become pretty good at filling our week days, but Saturday and Sundays are hard. Anyway. Saturday we went to the Williamson family's house for dinner. I mean, not like we went far, they live in the same house as us. Ha! But they are a sweet family. They have two cute kids. One is five the other is seven. The five year old isn't in school yet. His name is Lincoln. He likes to entertain us during our lunch break. And in the mornings. He is so funny! He also likes to look at all of my pictures! So when we went for dinner he was telling his parents all about me! They were like, we don't even need to invite the elders over, we can just ask Lincoln and we will know everything about you! Haha! Anyway. The wife is Indian. She is from Durban. There are a lot of Indians in Durban. And they Husband is white South African. Anyway. They made us Curry. I LOVE curry. Anyway. The wife, Sam. She went somewhere in the Southern US on her mission. Very interesting. Don't meet a lot of people who went on mission to the US. Anyway. She loves Mexican food. So we talked about Mexican food! And because Mexican food and spices here are so expensive, she has learned to make a lot of it from scratch. Anyway. She is going to teach me how to make taco seasoning! And then some other delicious things. And I am going to teach her how to make salsa! I am also going to learn how to make home made tortillas. Cause buying like a pack of six here is about four dollars or more. Ridiculous. But I am just learning every day. I love cooking. Takes my mind of things for a bit. It will be nice to be able to make my Mexican food for a bit cheaper though!

So right now it is the rainy season. Also summer. Anyway. Today we had the plans to go to a Lion and Rhino park. Where you get to play with Lions and Cheetahs and stuff. Anyway. It decided to down pour on us. So yeah, won't be doing that. oh well. Instead we are going to go to a museum? And see Mandela's house? I don't really know, but it should be cool.

I hear from Elder Swan every week. Sounds like things are going well in my African home of KaNyamazane. I miss it there so much. But I just remind myself that I need to be thankful that I was able to serve there.

Here is an odd tidbit. So we email at our Land Lord's house. The Bray's. They are super nice. Anyway. I will probably be able to Skype here on Christmas. Anyway. That is a random thought inside of a random though. But here is the real random though. So they have cream soda here. But it's NOTHING like cream soda at home. I can't even begin to describe it. But the only thing I can tell you is that it's green. Gross. Anyway, I really don't like it. But people here love it. Anyway, Sister Bray just brought us both HUGE glasses of cream soda. So here I go. Chug Chug Chug... :( Haha! But it was still a super nice gesture! People here love to give us soda, but it's called cold drink here.

Anyway. I am running out of things to tell you. Things are going pretty well here. I am enjoying the members. Also enjoying new friends in our district. Elder Brasher, and Elder Ryan. Good to be around some more people that are similar to me. I love you. And miss you like crazy. Thank you for everything. I love you!

Spiritual Confirmations - Cleaning - Salsa November 3, 2014

This week has honestly been a good week. Let me start out with why. First. I have had some great spiritual confirmations. I have spent most of my life thinking about what a mission was going to be like and feel like. I especially focused on this right before I came. And then I got here, and it wasn't like that at all. But this week I was having a hard time with that. And then I just realized, well, this is it. This is mission. Live it. It's only what you make. it. I realized, I can make it how I thought it would be. So I have been doing that. Just reminding myself, "this is mission, live it!". It has helped so much!

Secondly. Elder Dzowa acts super depressed sometimes. Okay, most of the time. So I just thought  "Why am I letting that bother me? Just because he is acting depressed, doesn't mean I need to act depressed." Being happy is a personal thing. A personal decision. I can choose for myself whether I want to be happy or not, regardless of how Elder Dzowa is acting. So I have been a lot happier. 

Elder Richards and Dzowa

Third. I just decided that I don't have to stress over the little things. I have been making a big deal out of things that don't matter. So I have been working on not letting those things matter. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Alright. So a few things you should be aware of. Supposedly, the postal strike is supposed to be over today. I don't think it is. But I was able to send letters home. I pray that you get them. But who knows, thanks to the wonderful world of African postal services. But there should be one for, Mom and Dad, Matthew, Lauren and Chase, Rachel, Micah, and Taylor ( I don't know her address so I just send them to you). And then one to Morgan, but I do know her address. So yeah.

This week, I kind of went on a cleaning rampage. Like that's new. At least for me as a missionary. I am kind of a clean freak. But I realized that cleaning is kind of a release, I can just forget for a second. Like I said cleaning FREAK. I clean for odd reasons. But I feel more comfortable in a clean flat, and it makes things easier. I can't describe it. So anyway. One night we had like all of our appointments cancel. So we decided to go clean the flat. Yeah. We went home and I cleaned the flat. Alone. Oh well. But I had a few cleaning tips from the office couples. Did you know that window cleaner is like an all around cleaner! It works for EVERYTHING! Especially grease. Which there happens to be a lot of in missionary flats. Because some missionaries think they can only fry food. Anyway. Steel wool and window cleaner became my best friends this week. Now our flat is great. Elder Dzowa asked me where I learned to clean. Said that he has never had a companion that has cleaned like me. He was very confused. But thankful at the same time. I mean, who wouldn't be! He has been living in that flat his whole mission, and it has NEVER looked like it does now! Haha! Plus it's way easier to keep clean now.

Alright. Now to Salsa. I have taken after you mother. I have been making home made salsa! It doesn't compare to yours. But it's good! Salsa here is hard to find. Well Mexican food is hard to find. Anyway. I just realized, I can make my own salsa! Mexican food is pretty much a hit here. Since it is found almost no where. So yesterday night I cooked for the Ndlovu family. I made tacos. They were very impressed. I mean, tacos are like the easiest thing in the world. But they deemed me the best cook they know! Haha! And they kept asking what and when I was going to cook again. Anyway. I also made my own version of queso dip (I have no clue how to spell that. Please fix it before you send it out!). Anyway. They don't have easy melt cheese here, or canned chili. So I had to be creative. I got some cheap cheddar cheese, which is pretty much easy melt cheese, and a can of baked beans (they have these cans that are "baked beans in tomato sauce") and then put some salsa in it. Then added a little bit of taco meat. It turned out really good actually. I also made home made guacamole. Because they guacamole seasoning packets they have in this area aren't good. It was a good dinner. Oh! I also found real tortilla chips! That was a plus for me!

South African Salsa

Nachos

So President Dunn has had this revelation that we need to have food storage. So I now have a big bag of rice and a big thing of water. Each missionary is supposed to have their own food storage by then end of this transfer. Which consists of basically what I bought. I hope that it isn't really revelation. But I just figured, he is the mission president, better listen. If something happens, great, I'm prepared. If not, even better.

So Wilkinson will be coming home at the end of November. He is taking thing home for me. I have a few things to send. Do you want anything specific? 

Lastly. There is a sweet family that told us yesterday that they signed up on our feeding calendar to have us over for Christmas Eve. I am very excited actually. I just feel loved. Which is nice. It will be good. 

So this week we have had some interesting experiences. We are teaching this very old lady named Doreen. She doesn't really speak English very well. The Elder I replaced is South African and was breaking the rules, and teaching her in their language, Zulu. But now he is gone and Elder Dzowa and I don't speak Zulu. So we have been struggling to teach her. But I, deep down, honestly think she should be baptized. Anyway she stays with another old couple. They are members. The member lady, Sister Mathebe has been VERY sick. We went over on Saturday and she couldn't even get out of bed. But they drug her out so we could give her a blessing. I seriously thought she was going to die. I thought I was going to be giving her her last blessing. Anyway. We gave her the blessing and went back to check on her on Sunday. And she was doing so much better. She couldn't even remember that we were there. They kept saying she was at the door of the spirit world. I truly believe she was. Anyway. She is doing much better now. I think it's because of her faith. She really has amazing faith.

We are also teaching this 18 year old kid. Ambassador. He is cool. Reads everything we give him. Very excited to get baptized. He should be baptized on the 16th of this month. He is a cool kid. 

Last Friday I was able to go on Exchanges. It was great. And then this Friday I am going again. For the baptismal interviews. I really like our district leader. His name is Elder Brasher. I think he is from Idaho and well. Really nice kid. This time I get to go with him. I'm excited about that. Exchanges are always nice. A good break from the same day to day routine.

Anyway. I knew last weeks email sucked. But I didn't have much time. So today, well, the past week, I tried to make sure that I had PLENTY of things to write. I hope it feels that way. But anyway. I love you and miss you so much! But things are moving. Again, thank you for everything. I love you so much!

Cow Intestines - Yuck October 27, 2014

So this week has been a bit of a roller coaster. Well a good one I guess. I have really been working on keeping the positive thoughts and keeping things in mind that I am looking forward to. So I guess I will start with the looking forward to things that have actually all passed now. I just need to find new ones now!

First. The temple. We were able to go to the temple. Which is always great! I always loved going to the temple with both of you. I seriously miss that. We will NEED to do that again when I get home. Okay? Good. Anyway. It was really good. My good friend from the MTC Elder Roybal is in my Zone. We actually got to sit next to each other. Anyway. It was just great to be at the temple again. Also. There was another movie. I didn't like it. I don't know if that's bad to say. But it felt like it was done in like the nineties. So...yeah. But the spirit was still the same!

Second. Exchanges with the Zone Leaders. That was great. I got to go with Elder Dye. He is from Idaho. Anyway. It was good to be with him. He had a ton of errands to run, so we didn't really get to do much. But it was still good. We hung out with some other elders. Made pancakes. It was good. Anyway. yeah.

Next was General Conference. I LOVED conference. It is always so good. I couldn't help thinking about you when Elder Holland talked on Saturday Afternoon about being generous and giving. You have blessed a lot of lives. Rako, Mandela and Cynthia, and many more. You are so loving and so giving. Thank you for that example. It was also fun to see Trevor in the MTC choir in priesthood session!

Anyway. Conference was a great time. Loved it as always.

The area is getting better. I am getting settled in. Trying to fill our time. Seeing members, hopefully getting referrals. I feel like that was emphasized in conference. Hopefully it will help people.

Elder Dzowa and I are getting along fine. We had a bit of an argument last night. Wasn't able to sleep very well. But we talked things out today, and I think it will help us in the long run.

I was able to eat some unique things. Cow parts. So people here eat intestines. So the Ndlovu family cooked that one night. Anyway. I ended up trying a piece of cow intestines and cow stomach. I will probably never eat it again. Not that it was bad, but the thought of what I was eating was just disgusting. And I'll be honest, the whole house smelled like poop while it was cooking. It was gross. Intestines. Nasty.

Well. I really have like no time today. But know that I love you and miss you like crazy. This week has gone good. It will continue to go well. I know. I am just working on not being so pessimistic. And being more positive.

I love you so much. I am so sorry this was so short. But know that I miss you and love you and that I am doing fine.

Love,

Turner

Transfer to Florida October 20, 2014

So. The news. I am now in an area called Florida! Oddly enough! I also think there is an Orlando close by! Haha! 

Florida is a town. Mostly a black town. It's not super nice. Well there are areas that are very nice. But we don't work too much in those areas. But it's weird to be back in town after being in the middle of no where for ever! And dealing with township livin'! But it will be good.

The ward is GREAT. We have a big ward. The members are awesome. I love them already. There are some recent converts. The Ndlovu family. They are amazing! A single mom with Brandon who is 18. Then Tanya who is 12. And Zweli who is 7. And then Blue who is like 2. They are SUPER nice. Very warm and welcoming. I had had a hard day, but when we got to their house, all of the worries melted away. They are just so great! They remind me exactly of Rhalda and Dmitri from Vereeniging! There is also a couple. Dominic and Cyndie who remind me EXACTLY of Lauren and Chase! The way they talk, interact, everything! It's great! Cyndie is actually a teacher and plays the organ at church! How funny! 

Odd facts. The MTC and Mission Office are in our area. So are the Dunns and Area General Authority. But of course we don't see either of them often. We have a nice chapel. It's the chapel that we do all of the transfers at. But in all honesty, I would give that up to be back in the humble little KaNyamazane branch. I miss it SO much.

My companion is Elder Dzowa. He is from Malawi. Unique. I thought I would be getting an America. But nope. Another African for me. I don't mean this in a racist way, but sometimes it is very hard to be with African companions. But I am working though it all. 

If I am being completely honest. I would want nothing more than to go back to KaNyamazane and serve the rest of my mission there. I am missing the people and the place SO much. It kills me. But that's not really a possibility. Oh well. 

I remember feeling the exact same way when I left Vereeniging. Elder Wilkinson told me, while we were companions, that the first two weeks of a new area are always super hard. But then it goes back to normal. That's kind of how it worked in KaNyamazane. I am just waiting until then. And praying like my life depends on it. But let's be honest, my sanity depends on it. So...yeah.

Thank you all for the advice. I was really worried that when I wrote and read today that I would just want to come home even more. But it actually has been a blessing that I feel better. I feel a little bit more motivated. Thank you. I love you so much. 

So we live in this little flat. SO small! It's like the size of one room in my last flat. But there are several different members that we live around. Don't see them often enough. But yeah. We email at our member land lord's house every week. But today we are at his mom's because his wife is gone. Anyway. Just nice to be sitting in a home. That feels comfortable. They are the Brays. They fed us dinner last night. African version of Chips and Cheese. they used Doritos and then just tomato and onion mix and then cheese. It was good. I am going to work some of my kitchen magic and make them again with a more american twist.

I always remember this quote from Mrs. Ellis. My seventh grade math teacher. "Complaining is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but gets you no where". I'm trying to keep that in mind. I have been writing a list of "good" things. Here it is.

1: The ward is great.

2:  I have a really nice matress.

3:  The Ndlovu family rocks.

4:  Dominic and Cyndie feel like Lauren and Chase

5:  I get to go to the temple on Friday

6:  Exchanges are on Friday

7:  We had two GREAT father led family lessons yesterday

8:  The members are super great (too bad we don't see them more).

9:  I get to write home every Monday for free!

10:  THIS WON'T LAST FOREVER

Anyway. There's my list for the day. I just keep thinking I will probably end up loving this place as well. It will just take time. But anyway. Positivity and Prayers are my answers. 

I don't want to stop writing, but I don't have much else to say. I feel close right now. Mom, you always say that. And I think today is the first time that I am actually feeling that way as well. I love you so much. I miss you more than I can explain. But it is great to get those small moments that help me realize that I am doing what is right. 

I love you so much. 

Love,

Turner

Kind Words From the Swans - our Great Missionary

Sister Richards, Yesterday your son was transferred from Kanyamazane.  We will miss him but he will do well wherever he goes.  I just thought I would drop you a line to let you know what a fine missionary he is.  He is far and above most young men of his age especially when it comes to life skills.  His apartment was always immaculate. His daily work schedule always organized.  

A month or so ago my wife made banana bread.  I flippantly made the comment that none of them could make a loaf .....I was so confident that I would take all four of them out to a steak dinner if they succeeded.  Next week your son came to my door, with that cute smile on his face, and gave me a loaf.  He was so proud of himself!  That was an expensive lesson.  The funny thing is that every week since he has baked something different.  I don`t think he has baked the same thing twice.  Every Sunday he has a new treat for us. 

Yesterday we went to inspect his old apartment.  On the desk were instructions for the new elders on how to maintain baptismal dates for their investigators.   You could tell that his heart and soul was being left behind.  I think he would have been happy to serve his whole mission in Kanyamzane.  There are many good missionaries in the field but some I might worry about them when go home.  Not necessarily about their testimony but just how they will fair with some aspects of their life.  Some tend to revert back to the kids they were before they left.  Your son however will do fine.  He is well rounded in so many aspects... ..he works hard, he works smart, he is a peacemaker, he is clean, he likes to try new things and has solid testimony.  I sometimes wonder when our children do well whether its our fine parenting skills or their natural personality they brought with them.  In any case you may you both have done well.  I hope you and your family have been blessed for his service.  Elder Swan