Week 42

Week 42—October 20-26, 2008

20th: Both Karen and Stan got hair cuts, we paid our Telecom bill, and picked up post. This is the first time that one of our cartons (boxes) has been misplaced. As it turned out, it was delivered to NamPost, the Namibia parcel post station and we didn’t get it until the 22nd—3 days later than usual. We really hated to see this happen because the elders live for their mail and we have 3 greenies who were especially disappointed. We went shopping and purchased a cell phone charger for one of the companionships, took Elder Farley’s passport to Jackey for visa renewal. We also sent an email to Sebastian pertaining to replacement locks for the Katutura building.

21st: Elder Judd is still not feeling well so he talked to Dr. Tembo who prescribed some additional medication, which we purchased and gave to him. Elder Walker has been asked by President Charles to play the piano for the Windhoek Branch so we got an AC/DC converter for a keyboard which was here at our flat and delivered it to Elder Walker. He can now practice the hymns at his flat instead of borrowing a key to get into the church to practice. We spent a couple of hours at the Kat building on various projects—took photos of all locks, installed 2 soap dispensers in the bathrooms, and moved the chapel clock closer to the front of the building. Stan spent some time working on the English as a second language project using the Book of Mormon, as the elders requested. Karen began working on her Sunday assignments to teach the Young Women about Personal Progress faith requirement, singing time practice for the Primary Sacrament Meeting presentation, and a “back-up” lesson for the elders to teach in Primary whenever needed.

22nd: The zone leaders reported to us this morning that last evening they had a minor fender bender. Met with Elder Magaia, Kat district leader, and talked about having all elders attend Sac Mtg., 4 elders, 1 from each companionship, attend gospel essentials class, 2 elders attend gospel doctrine class, and 2 elders attend Primary. During the last block, 4 attend elders quorum mtg., 2 attend aaronic pr mtg, and 2 in Primary. Elder Johnson called from the mission office for information on cell phone use by the elders in the zone; however, we have not received that info from the cell phone company. In the early evening we met with Sister Ruth, an investigator of Elders Steed/Curtis. She has attended church a couple of times and last Sunday when we introduced ourselves she asked us to come visit her. We talked to her about the church and how it operates and also assured her that we are a Christian church and believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. She was struggling with English during our visit. She has 1 child, a girl 7 years of age, and a live-in boyfriend.. In response to her question if it is wrong for a man and woman to live together under the same roof, we told her that before she can be baptized she and her boyfriend would need to get married or he would need to move out. She accepted this without question. We encouraged her to have him get involved in the missionary lessons and to attend church. Today we FINALLY received a shipment of garments and supplies for the Wind Branch. We delivered garments to Sister Arlete, which she very much appreciated. She lives here in Wind but is a native Angolan. Her husband continues to stay and work in Angola.

23rd: Sister Gladys picked up her garments from our flat this morning. We worked on our JP Morgan verification of expenses/assignment of account codes. We also met with an electrician in Kat who is preparing a quotation to purchase and install ceiling fans in the building. We also prepared a memo for Sebastian on the key/lock situation. LIGHT SHOWERS DURING EVENING HOURS—THIS IS THE FIRST DROPS OF RAIN SINCE WE HAVE BEEN IN NAMIBIA!!!

24th: District meeting. Gave electricity info to purchase electricity for their flats. Took photos of new companionships for this transfer to display in the buildings. Attended Wind Branch district mtg. Stan was asked to present a 2-minute discussion on diligence and Karen gave a somewhat longer discussion on the influence of scripture study. Got photos developed, updated photo boards, put them back up in the 2 buildings, picked up the post, (early this time) and delivered it to the elders. HAD A NICE EVENING THUNDER SHOWER—CAME QUICK!! WE PROBABLY GOT ABOUT ¼ INCH IN 30 MINUTES.

25th: During the morning Stan organized the Mormon HHP folder and we prepared a summary email as requested by Pres Probst [will this project ever be “put to bed” for good?!] Karen prepared apple crisp for the Wind Relief Society culture sharing activity. Stan made a quick run to Kat to deliver keys to the elders who were cleaning the church there. In the afternoon we purchased 2 fans for use in the Kat building or elders’ flats and then went to the Wind chapel for the cultural activity which was to start at 3:00. We arrived at 3 minutes to 3 and no cars were sight! A few people came, then more, and it finally started at 3:45. Even then, more people came late. Tables were set up around the cultural hall with nice lace tablecloths, a little centerpiece, and labels for the different cultural groups represented in the Branch—Zimbabweans (Sis Tembo), Phillipino (Gladys, Chinley), Oshiwambo (Sis Dr. Ruth, Womba, Sis Ina, Theopolina [Pres Charles’s wife]), Herero (Diana, Sis Abigail),Germans (Sis Anderson), Damara/Nama (Sis Theresia, Desdamona), Caprivivians (Sis Samahiya), Basters (Sis Angela), Americans (Sis Allen), and Angolans (Arlete). Everyone wore their traditional dress and brought a traditional dish to share. (Most everyone brought MANY dishes!) Everyone took turns telling about their clothing and food. Karen explained that the only thing she and Pres Allen brought from America was each other (everyone laughed). She did wear her red, white, and blue striped top and denim skirt explaining that our country’s colors which are on our flag are red for courage, white for purity, blue for truth, and the denim was originally developed for the rough and tough life of a cowboy or rancher which was the ancestry of the west where we come from. Some of the sisters demonstrated a native dance. Stan joined us after his meeting with Presidents Charles and Samahiya in which they planned the Wind Branch Conference. Stan even ATE WORMS, considered a delicacy by the Oshiwambos and Caprivivians! DURING THE PROGRAM THERE WAS A NICE THUNDERSHOWER AND THEN LATE IN THE EVENING THERE WAS ANOTHER CLOUDBURST.

26th: Stan attended the Kat Branch Pres Mtg. Planned Branch Conference for next week. Testimony meeting was exceptional with many participating and sincere testimonies expressed. The elders attended the various mtgs. as assigned by Elder Magaia. Karen attended Primary and led the song practice for the Primary Program, then went to YW and presented a discussion on the YW value of faith. Elders Lyman and Curtis came to Primary and the kids loved it! They participated in the singing and helped maintain order. One of the frustrations of Pres Swartbooi is that members accept callings and then don’t show up. By now the elders have figured out for themselves that they need to prepare to be “back up” teachers in case they need to fill in for AP, Elders Q, or Sunday School. We decided that the elders who come into Primary could also have a “lesson in their pocket” to use whenever needed. Karen prepared such a lesson complete with lesson plan, visual aids, project, and suggestions for teaching young children. When that lesson is used, she will develop another one. So after the block and missionary coordination for the elders, Karen introduced the stand-by lesson idea and gave a short tutorial on working with children. It was very enthusiastically received. Late afternoon came and it was time to go to the dating class. Enthusiasm is waning—only 4 came. The questions discussed were the harmful effects of pornography on relationships, disregarding counsel regarding marriage given in patriarchal blessings, and propriety in showing affection in church. All in all, a very busy Sabbath but a very rewarding day.