Sikhona. Singezwa kini. (Zulu for "We are fine. May we hear how things are at your home?")

February 28, 2010

This week we have realized that we are definitely getting into a variety of assignments. We felt that we wanted to do all we can while we are here and so the schedule is filling up. We have seen the Lord’s hand in this work and know that we will be able to do what is the most important. It’s amazing how ideas have come into our minds on finding better ways to do some things. In addition to day to day functions, I have three major projects that have surfaced. The main one is providing connectivity to Church buildings in South Africa. So for a couple of weeks we’re meeting with stake presidencies in the evenings so we better understand their challenges. For example, one stake goes from Roodepoort (about 35 kilometers from Johannesburg) to Gaborone, Botswana, 5 hours away. In another stake, a bishop of a ward travels about 5 hours round trip each month to attend his training meeting. In addition to the time and cost is the safety when traveling late at night.

Debi has been very helpful in developing a basic computer training course for the missionaries and office staff. We taught it for the first time this past week. This will be really helpful so people are more enabled to do what they need to.

We had a great meeting with the addition recovery group on Friday. One man seems to be warming up to us and we felt that we made significant progress. One other man in the group, who is traveling right now, has made some great commitments. Debi also picked up another assignment. She has been asked to be like the editor or kind of the web master for the Church’s website for all of Southeast Africa. That will be some responsibility. I will try to pick up some of the technical support. The other social services work is still being formulated, but Debi does have one session with an individual this week. She will be trying to avoid counseling directly, so we’ll see how that goes.

We had another group from Madagascar at the temple this week. As near as I can tell, it takes anywhere from a week’s to a month’s income for them to come. The Church does have a fund for people coming for the first time, but others need to pay on their own. As we help people in the temple, they are so appreciative and grateful. You can’t help but just love these people. Again, we really enjoyed meeting with the ward in Tembisa. Debi has two piano students so far, and I am going to see what I can do to help with the young adults. These people are very sharp. We have attached some pictures of the community where the people live. The “Squatter homes” are just sad. Thankfully, I think most of the people live in better homes. We took some pictures of those that are around the Church. Note that these “better” homes average about 600 square feet. They do have electricity and most have indoor plumbing. (jlw)