Family,
Hello! I'm writing on Saturday instead of Monday because I've been sick in bed for 2 days and I am sick of studying. I've been writing some letters, and I realized that the letters and I realized that the letters I've been writing are in more detail than the ones I write on p-days (more time). So, I decided I should write home.
I don't know what I have. It's some kind of flu or cold. It just snuck up on me! Yesterday morning I just woke up completely sick. I didn't even feel it coming on. I stayed in bed all day yesterday and then this morning we tried to get out, but it wore me out so quickly! We had to come home and cancel all of our appointments. It's pretty harsh. I hope I'll be better by tomorrow.
Things have been going pretty well this week. It's been a pretty much lame week though, since I've been sick. But, next week will be better.
Loriann denDulk wrote to me this week. She also sent photos of her with you guys and also of the house. It was nice. She said she just loved you guys. I also got letters from Mark and Dee. It was nice to hear from them.
I guess I really don't have much to write about. I'll write more once transfers are phoned out.
Sister Allen is really taking care of me. She's been bringing me juice and Milo (it's like a food drink, tastes like hot chocolate) and she made me dinner tonight. She's also been cleaning the flat all day because she knows that I can't stand a dirty flat and it's been pretty bad lately.
Well, it's Monday now. Transfers came. I'm staying here, so is Sister Allen, but we are also getting another companion. We'll be a threesome. The new one coming is Sister Jensen. She's 6 feet tall as well! People always get us confused so it will be interesting to be her companion. She's from Salt Lake City and has been on mission for 6 months. I am happy about transfers. I was initially hoping that I would train because I figured that would be the only way that I could stay here in Durban North. But it worked out anyways. It will be fun to be in a threesome. It will only be for another month though.
I've had a cool experience yesterday. This whole being sick thing was really getting me down. A few times in the past couple of months Sister Allen and I have joked around saying "what would I give for just one sick day" This is the only way we could figure out that we could lay in bed and study all day and not feel guilty about not doing the work. Then I go and get sick. I figured the Lord was teaching me a lesson. I was just really burnt out and didn't have any desire to do the work. So the past couple of days I have been feeling bad because I figured the Lord was upset with me. Yesterday at church I was extremely sick. I was in so much pain that I was in tears. My sinuses were so congested that my head felt like it would explode at any given moment. I asked for a blessing from the Elders. My district leader, Elder Bromberger gave me a blessing. He told me that Heavenly Father is proud of me and that He loves me and doesn't expect me to kill myself over the work. When he told me this, I just felt a feeling of peace come over me. And I really felt the love of my Heavenly Father. In the blessing the Lord also promised me that I would be better today. I feel tons better today! I'm not completely back to normal yet. I think that will come as the day goes on. Now my ear is plugged and that's about it. But I feel 100% better than I did yesterday. Priesthood blessings are amazing!
Since the blessing I have felt the Spirit so strong. It has been really nice I'm very excited to go out and to do the work. I think that this will be a really good month.
Well, I had better go. I love you all very much! I hope that all is well with all of you. I know that the Lord will bless each of us as we strive to do His will!
I know that this is Christ's church upon the earth. I know that He is at the head of it. I know that through this gospel the world can find peace and happiness and that we each can have peace and happiness in our lives regardless of the things that go on around us.
I love you!
Michelle :)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Durban North (08/27/96)
Family-
This has been another good week. It flew by very quickly. This may be my last week in Durban North. Transfers are next week and since I've been here for 6 months, there's a good chance I'll be leaving. I'll be really sad if this is true. I've really come attached to this area.
We've been faced with some pretty tough situations this week. I don't like if I've told you at all about Alice. Alice just showed up to church 3 weeks ago. She didn't know what time the church started so she was there at 7 am with her 3 children. They just sat and waited for church to begin. We were really excited about her, we figured that if she was willing to put forth that much effort to come to church (she also took a bus to get there) that she was probably interested. We set up a time to go visit with her when we went we found that her boyfriend had just recently left her and took everything. She and her 3 children just stayed in one room with only one bed. She was begging us to help her. We explained that we really didn't have the means to help her (she wanted 650 Rands to pay her rent). We did teach her the first discussion. She came to church the next Sunday and afterward she asked the Bishop to help her. We went to visit her again and once again she asked us for the rent money. She's been coming to church, but each time she does, she asks us to bring her things. It's just so hard because we don't mind helping her out, like giving her laundry detergent that she asked for and rice and things like that, but it's frustrating because she is completely using us to get things. The Bishop told her about welfare and stuff, but she hasn't gone that route. It just tears my heart out because she needs help, but we can't afford to give it to her. The hardest thing is the children. They are so sweet and they are really suffering.
Another situation that is tearing my heart out is Ya and Udi Bell. Ya is form Thailand and Udi is from Israel. They've been married for about 3 years and have 2 small children. Udi is in his mid 40's and Ya is only 26. They were baptized about 1 1/2 years ago, but they are less active. We've been visiting with Ya probably every other day for the past 2 months. she is so miserable. Udi is an evil man. He treat Ya like a slave. She isn't allowed to go anywhere without him. She isn't allowed to talk when they have visitors. He brings people home almost every day to eat and she just has to cook for them. They are very poor, but Udi spends money like he is rich. I could go on and on, but I will spare you the details. I just have become so emotionally attached to Ya and her situation. Ya wants to go to church and be active, but Udi works on Sunday and won't let her go alone. Oh, it's just so sad!
There are good things happening in the area as well though. I think I told you about Philla. She is going to be baptized probably in the middle of Sept. We're going to set up a specific date this week. She is so cool! There is also Subusiso and Bongani who are brothers and they are 13 and 15 years old and then their cousin Julius who is 19. We've been teaching Subusiso and Bongani's mom and they've been coming to church for several weeks now. This Friday we are going to ask them to be baptized.
It will be wonderful if we can have some baptisms in this area, it has been over a year.
Mom, thanks for all the information on hypoglycemia. I think I told you in my last letter the diet that I am on and it is almost exactly what you wrote.
So, you may be moving to Kansas? I've been having mixed emotions about all of this. I think it would be strange to come home to someplace completely different. I guess Erik did it. It would just be hard. But in a way it would be exciting to live in Kansas. I've been so tempted to phone home and find out the latest on the whole situation.
It's starting to get hot here again. I'm not looking forward to the summer. It's just too hot. I'm hoping that I'll go to Hillcrest during the hottest summer months because that's the coolest area here for Sisters. The upsetting thing is, I'll just have finished a hot summer then go home to another hot summer. Yuck! (But the second won't be close to as bad).
Well, I don't have much more to write about. I love you all very much! I miss you tons, but I'm also glad to be here. I know that this is where I need to be and I know that missionary work is the best job in the world! I know that the Church is true. I love the Book of Mormon, I know it is true. I've seen it change lives.
Please take care!
I love you!
Michelle
xoxoxoxox
P.S. Mom, today I'm going to go to the health food store and see if it can get spirulian.
This has been another good week. It flew by very quickly. This may be my last week in Durban North. Transfers are next week and since I've been here for 6 months, there's a good chance I'll be leaving. I'll be really sad if this is true. I've really come attached to this area.
We've been faced with some pretty tough situations this week. I don't like if I've told you at all about Alice. Alice just showed up to church 3 weeks ago. She didn't know what time the church started so she was there at 7 am with her 3 children. They just sat and waited for church to begin. We were really excited about her, we figured that if she was willing to put forth that much effort to come to church (she also took a bus to get there) that she was probably interested. We set up a time to go visit with her when we went we found that her boyfriend had just recently left her and took everything. She and her 3 children just stayed in one room with only one bed. She was begging us to help her. We explained that we really didn't have the means to help her (she wanted 650 Rands to pay her rent). We did teach her the first discussion. She came to church the next Sunday and afterward she asked the Bishop to help her. We went to visit her again and once again she asked us for the rent money. She's been coming to church, but each time she does, she asks us to bring her things. It's just so hard because we don't mind helping her out, like giving her laundry detergent that she asked for and rice and things like that, but it's frustrating because she is completely using us to get things. The Bishop told her about welfare and stuff, but she hasn't gone that route. It just tears my heart out because she needs help, but we can't afford to give it to her. The hardest thing is the children. They are so sweet and they are really suffering.
Another situation that is tearing my heart out is Ya and Udi Bell. Ya is form Thailand and Udi is from Israel. They've been married for about 3 years and have 2 small children. Udi is in his mid 40's and Ya is only 26. They were baptized about 1 1/2 years ago, but they are less active. We've been visiting with Ya probably every other day for the past 2 months. she is so miserable. Udi is an evil man. He treat Ya like a slave. She isn't allowed to go anywhere without him. She isn't allowed to talk when they have visitors. He brings people home almost every day to eat and she just has to cook for them. They are very poor, but Udi spends money like he is rich. I could go on and on, but I will spare you the details. I just have become so emotionally attached to Ya and her situation. Ya wants to go to church and be active, but Udi works on Sunday and won't let her go alone. Oh, it's just so sad!
There are good things happening in the area as well though. I think I told you about Philla. She is going to be baptized probably in the middle of Sept. We're going to set up a specific date this week. She is so cool! There is also Subusiso and Bongani who are brothers and they are 13 and 15 years old and then their cousin Julius who is 19. We've been teaching Subusiso and Bongani's mom and they've been coming to church for several weeks now. This Friday we are going to ask them to be baptized.
It will be wonderful if we can have some baptisms in this area, it has been over a year.
Mom, thanks for all the information on hypoglycemia. I think I told you in my last letter the diet that I am on and it is almost exactly what you wrote.
So, you may be moving to Kansas? I've been having mixed emotions about all of this. I think it would be strange to come home to someplace completely different. I guess Erik did it. It would just be hard. But in a way it would be exciting to live in Kansas. I've been so tempted to phone home and find out the latest on the whole situation.
It's starting to get hot here again. I'm not looking forward to the summer. It's just too hot. I'm hoping that I'll go to Hillcrest during the hottest summer months because that's the coolest area here for Sisters. The upsetting thing is, I'll just have finished a hot summer then go home to another hot summer. Yuck! (But the second won't be close to as bad).
Well, I don't have much more to write about. I love you all very much! I miss you tons, but I'm also glad to be here. I know that this is where I need to be and I know that missionary work is the best job in the world! I know that the Church is true. I love the Book of Mormon, I know it is true. I've seen it change lives.
Please take care!
I love you!
Michelle
xoxoxoxox
P.S. Mom, today I'm going to go to the health food store and see if it can get spirulian.
Durban North (08/19/96)
Family-
Howzit? The weeks seem to be flying by. I can't believe that we are already approaching the end of August!
This has been another great week. Durban North is going great right now. It is so exciting! We've been having a lot of investigators come out to church and they are all progressing toward baptism. Durban North hasn't had a baptism in more than a year, but there should be 5 or so in September. I am really excited for the area.
I know my spelling is terrible! I swear it has to do with being in South Africa. They spell things in a crazy way. It just wacks me out. Sorry! I'll try to concentrate and spell correctly.
I'm glad that you got to see Beth and Loriann again and to meet Sis. Hyldahl. But I'm sad that you didn't get to meet Elder Brown. He's cool. Did they say why he didn't bring the material? I'm glad that you liked the material. I really liked it as well. I also bought some other really cool material, but it isn't wide enough for a table cloth, I'll use it for something else. I love it though.
I went back to the herbalist this week and got my treatment. I'm taking 5 different pills. I also have to be on a very strict diet because of my hypoglycemia. It's hard to stay on the diet because I don't have too much conrol over what I eat half the time. The main thing is that I'm not supposed to eat sugar at all, or any processed foods. I'm also supposed to eat 6-8 small snacks through the day instead of 3 meals. I have to make up this herbal tea stuff and drink it. It has licorice root, mistletoe, peppermint and one other herb in it. I can't remember what she says that it will do, but it sure does taste good. I've already noticed a big difference in my health since I've started all this. I have a ton more energy and a lot less headaches. But then there are days that I eat a ton of sugar and I feel terrible. Today we are going to a gym to work out. We are not allowed to go to a gym normally, but we got a 1 day free pass to a really nice one and so we got special permission to go there. I'm excited. I haven't exercised forever. That's another thing the doctor told me to do, is exercise, but I can't because my companion won't. I'm hoping that my next companion will. I need it!
It's funny because when I begin to write I always think I have so much to write about and that it iwll be pages long, but then I run out of things to write.
I don't remember if I already told you that I was wacked when you wrote about Blair Parrott because just that morning I was thinking about him and wondering if he was still active. It was really strange.
What's up with Paragon? Is it still alive? I haven't heard anything for a while about it.
What's up with Erik? He hasn't written to me in about 5 months. Well, I guess my moaning shouldn't be just toward Erik, I have 2 other brothers who haven't written to me at all on mission and a sister who has only written once. But that's ok, because something I have learned a lot about on mission is repentance and they fact that people can completely change their ways. It's wonderful when this happens! :) I'm just kidding!
We just got back from working out. It was really nice! I wish we could do it everyday. I am so out of shape it is terrible! I'd like to join a gym as soon as I get home. Get rid of the extra lbs. I've gained.
Well, I guess I'll close for now. I've run out of things to write about. I hope everything is going well at home. I'm doing great here. I think that every missionary comes to a point where they finally really feel in the swing of things and starts to feel good about the work he/she does. I think I've come to that point finally. I didn't realize that I wasn't to that point until I actually was.
Hey, I have a question, Sis Allen and I were debating this the other day. Does the post (mail) come on Saturdays there? It doesn't here, but I swear I remember it coming on Saturdays. Sis Allen says 2 of her uncles are postmen in Utah and they don't work on Saturday.
Hey, if you ever want to send me a package (for Christmas or whatever) I would love some deodorant! I know that sounds crazy, but they don't have it here like they do in the states. The only kind they have is like a perfume that you roll onto you pits. It's sick because then it goes stale. It is really stinky. I've been stinking for about a month now. The worse thing is, summer is starting soon and that's when I really need some good ole' American deodorant!
How's Julie Hiatt (or whatever her surname is)? Has she fully recovered?
Well, I love you all very much, please take care!
Love,
Michelle
Howzit? The weeks seem to be flying by. I can't believe that we are already approaching the end of August!
This has been another great week. Durban North is going great right now. It is so exciting! We've been having a lot of investigators come out to church and they are all progressing toward baptism. Durban North hasn't had a baptism in more than a year, but there should be 5 or so in September. I am really excited for the area.
I know my spelling is terrible! I swear it has to do with being in South Africa. They spell things in a crazy way. It just wacks me out. Sorry! I'll try to concentrate and spell correctly.
I'm glad that you got to see Beth and Loriann again and to meet Sis. Hyldahl. But I'm sad that you didn't get to meet Elder Brown. He's cool. Did they say why he didn't bring the material? I'm glad that you liked the material. I really liked it as well. I also bought some other really cool material, but it isn't wide enough for a table cloth, I'll use it for something else. I love it though.
I went back to the herbalist this week and got my treatment. I'm taking 5 different pills. I also have to be on a very strict diet because of my hypoglycemia. It's hard to stay on the diet because I don't have too much conrol over what I eat half the time. The main thing is that I'm not supposed to eat sugar at all, or any processed foods. I'm also supposed to eat 6-8 small snacks through the day instead of 3 meals. I have to make up this herbal tea stuff and drink it. It has licorice root, mistletoe, peppermint and one other herb in it. I can't remember what she says that it will do, but it sure does taste good. I've already noticed a big difference in my health since I've started all this. I have a ton more energy and a lot less headaches. But then there are days that I eat a ton of sugar and I feel terrible. Today we are going to a gym to work out. We are not allowed to go to a gym normally, but we got a 1 day free pass to a really nice one and so we got special permission to go there. I'm excited. I haven't exercised forever. That's another thing the doctor told me to do, is exercise, but I can't because my companion won't. I'm hoping that my next companion will. I need it!
It's funny because when I begin to write I always think I have so much to write about and that it iwll be pages long, but then I run out of things to write.
I don't remember if I already told you that I was wacked when you wrote about Blair Parrott because just that morning I was thinking about him and wondering if he was still active. It was really strange.
What's up with Paragon? Is it still alive? I haven't heard anything for a while about it.
What's up with Erik? He hasn't written to me in about 5 months. Well, I guess my moaning shouldn't be just toward Erik, I have 2 other brothers who haven't written to me at all on mission and a sister who has only written once. But that's ok, because something I have learned a lot about on mission is repentance and they fact that people can completely change their ways. It's wonderful when this happens! :) I'm just kidding!
We just got back from working out. It was really nice! I wish we could do it everyday. I am so out of shape it is terrible! I'd like to join a gym as soon as I get home. Get rid of the extra lbs. I've gained.
Well, I guess I'll close for now. I've run out of things to write about. I hope everything is going well at home. I'm doing great here. I think that every missionary comes to a point where they finally really feel in the swing of things and starts to feel good about the work he/she does. I think I've come to that point finally. I didn't realize that I wasn't to that point until I actually was.
Hey, I have a question, Sis Allen and I were debating this the other day. Does the post (mail) come on Saturdays there? It doesn't here, but I swear I remember it coming on Saturdays. Sis Allen says 2 of her uncles are postmen in Utah and they don't work on Saturday.
Hey, if you ever want to send me a package (for Christmas or whatever) I would love some deodorant! I know that sounds crazy, but they don't have it here like they do in the states. The only kind they have is like a perfume that you roll onto you pits. It's sick because then it goes stale. It is really stinky. I've been stinking for about a month now. The worse thing is, summer is starting soon and that's when I really need some good ole' American deodorant!
How's Julie Hiatt (or whatever her surname is)? Has she fully recovered?
Well, I love you all very much, please take care!
Love,
Michelle
Monday, June 27, 2011
Durban North (08/12/96)
Family-
Howzit? Things are lakker here! We've had a great week! Mom, I got your letter about the denDulks. I am so glad that they visited you! It was kind of strange to hear you talking (or writing) about people from here. I'm glad that you liked them. They really are cool. We all miss them a lot. Durban North is not the same without her here.
It was kind of strange that you wrote about Blair because seriously, just that morning, I was thinking about him, wondering if he was still active or not. It was strange. I can't even remember why I was thinking about him.
We've had an excellent week! We were just about to teach some great discussions. It was just really nice because we are really seeing people progress. We should have some baptisms on the 25th of this month. One woman we are teaching, her name is Phila and she has been investigating for a long time (about 7-8 months). She's really cool, but we didn't think that she was really progressing, then last Monday we taught her a fourth discussion about the Plan of Salvation, Law of Chastity and Word of Wisdom. That was what she needed. She's just so excited about the Gospel now. She will probably be baptized on the 25th.
I went to an herbalist this week. It was amazing! She is an iridologist (or something like that) She looks into your eyes and every line in your eye is connected with part of your body. So she can tell just by looking at your eyes what is wrong. There was a big list of things wrong with me. Most of them related to stress, but some of the others were that I have a vertebrae out of line (causing my headaches) I have some mineral deficiencies (calcium, iron and zinc) I have a slight thyroid problem as well as a slight blood sugar imbalance. My kidney is under a lot of stress and I have a slight bladder infection. I'm a big sickie, ey? I haven't started taking any herbs yet, but I am feeling a lot better anyhow, just because we got my back in line again and I've been trying to watch my sugar intake and to drink a bunch more water. I was just so amazed at the is whole thing! She said that emotions and your body are so closely linked that she could see some of my emotions through my body. And she could!!! I was amazed. She was telling me the exact emotions that I've been experiencing. It was cool. I don't know if the have herbalists in Utah, but if they do, I so highly recommend them.
A lot of the Elders were thinking that I am wacked for going to Tamar (the herbalist) but now they are wanting to go themselves.
Well, I thought that this was going to be a really long letter, but I am already running out of things to say.
I'm doing really well. I really think that last week was a real trial of our faith. Because the Lord is really blessing the work in this area. I'm sad that I may be leaving soon.
I hope that everything is going good there for all of you! I still haven't heard regarding Paragon, what's up? Do you have E-mail in the office? Could you send me the number?
We got some really cool photos back this week. I'll send some this next week.
Well, take care! I love you all very much! Take some photos of everyone for me please.
I'd love to hear form some of you who i have never or haven't heard from in a long time. I'm not mentioning any names because you all know who you are! :)
I love you all very much! Take care!
Love,
Michelle
Howzit? Things are lakker here! We've had a great week! Mom, I got your letter about the denDulks. I am so glad that they visited you! It was kind of strange to hear you talking (or writing) about people from here. I'm glad that you liked them. They really are cool. We all miss them a lot. Durban North is not the same without her here.
It was kind of strange that you wrote about Blair because seriously, just that morning, I was thinking about him, wondering if he was still active or not. It was strange. I can't even remember why I was thinking about him.
We've had an excellent week! We were just about to teach some great discussions. It was just really nice because we are really seeing people progress. We should have some baptisms on the 25th of this month. One woman we are teaching, her name is Phila and she has been investigating for a long time (about 7-8 months). She's really cool, but we didn't think that she was really progressing, then last Monday we taught her a fourth discussion about the Plan of Salvation, Law of Chastity and Word of Wisdom. That was what she needed. She's just so excited about the Gospel now. She will probably be baptized on the 25th.
I went to an herbalist this week. It was amazing! She is an iridologist (or something like that) She looks into your eyes and every line in your eye is connected with part of your body. So she can tell just by looking at your eyes what is wrong. There was a big list of things wrong with me. Most of them related to stress, but some of the others were that I have a vertebrae out of line (causing my headaches) I have some mineral deficiencies (calcium, iron and zinc) I have a slight thyroid problem as well as a slight blood sugar imbalance. My kidney is under a lot of stress and I have a slight bladder infection. I'm a big sickie, ey? I haven't started taking any herbs yet, but I am feeling a lot better anyhow, just because we got my back in line again and I've been trying to watch my sugar intake and to drink a bunch more water. I was just so amazed at the is whole thing! She said that emotions and your body are so closely linked that she could see some of my emotions through my body. And she could!!! I was amazed. She was telling me the exact emotions that I've been experiencing. It was cool. I don't know if the have herbalists in Utah, but if they do, I so highly recommend them.
A lot of the Elders were thinking that I am wacked for going to Tamar (the herbalist) but now they are wanting to go themselves.
Well, I thought that this was going to be a really long letter, but I am already running out of things to say.
I'm doing really well. I really think that last week was a real trial of our faith. Because the Lord is really blessing the work in this area. I'm sad that I may be leaving soon.
I hope that everything is going good there for all of you! I still haven't heard regarding Paragon, what's up? Do you have E-mail in the office? Could you send me the number?
We got some really cool photos back this week. I'll send some this next week.
Well, take care! I love you all very much! Take some photos of everyone for me please.
I'd love to hear form some of you who i have never or haven't heard from in a long time. I'm not mentioning any names because you all know who you are! :)
I love you all very much! Take care!
Love,
Michelle
Durban North (I stopped dating my letters for a while)
Family-
Howzit? Are things well? How's the summer weather? Have you been doing anything fun? How's the fishing been? How's the Paragon situation going?
Things are well here. I don't know if I told you about how when Elder Ballard was here he pronounced a blessing upon this area. His grandfather many years ago pronounced a blessing upon South America, before there were even very many members there. But he blessed them that there would be an incredible increase in the numbers of baptisms and that the members would be strong. We now see how incredibly well the church is doing in South America, well, Elder Ballard pronounced the dame blessing upon South Africa. (In fact, I'm sending enclosed a copy of the prophecy give to us at Stake Conference a few months back) Anyhow, it is amazing because we can completely see this prophecy coming true. I've told you how few baptisms we have in our mission, well, this month there is such a large increase. OK, granted, we don't have any baptism schedules here in Durban North, but every other are in our Zone has 2 or 3 and we hope to have 2 committed for the first part of August. (We have 2 goldens) :) But unfortunately, Satan
sees the work going forth and he is working hard on the mission. Things are crazy! Elders are sick and having emergency operations for freakish things, Missionaries are going AWAL (3 so far and hopefully no more). One was just found yesterday. We're still waiting to see if he's going to be sent home. Remember how I told you about the Elders who were car-jacked a few months back, Elder Hansen and his greenie, Elder Gubler? Well, Elder Gubler was transferred and Elder Hansen was called to train another greenie. This week they were car-jacked again! CRAZY! Elder Hansen wants to get home so badly. He leaves in less than a month, he keeps saying he just wants to get home alive! I guess it is totally inspired that Sisters don't serve in townships. He also happens to be serving in the most dangerous township in South Africa. Anyhow, Satan is trying his best, luckily we know that good always will win, especially when it comes tot he Lord's work!
I always seem to just start writing and sharing everything that goes on and not even thinking that this may be freaking you out. I hope not. I really am safe here! :)
I can't believe that Justin found a black mamba snake in his flat! I would have died! The day I got your letter we had gone to a museum and learned all about the black mamba and how deadly it is. Yuck!
This past week was so cold! It rained for like 4 days straight! There was TONS of snow in the northern parts of our mission. I was wearing all the clothes that I have. I was even wearing sweats under my dress. It warmed up eventually and we are fine now. It was supposed to get cold again today, but it seems fine right now.
Have you met Beth and Lorianne yet? Well, probably by the time you get this letter and you'll probably have met Elder Brown (or I guess Spencer by the time you meet him) It's just weird for me to picture people who I've just seen recently seeing you so soon.
Last night the missionaries in the ward put on a fireside for the members. Kind of a get 'em pumped up type of a thing. I read the letter you wrote about your conversion. Many people cried. It went over really well. I was speaking about fellow-shipping and how important the social conversion is and how crucial it is in the lives of new converts.
The fireside went off well. Poor Sis Allen has a really hard time speaking in front of people. She started crying at one point so she just stopped and sat down, refusing to continue. She eventually got back up and finished, but I felt really bad for her.
We got chased by a cop the other day. Not because I broke any laws or anything, but just because he was trying to pick up on us. It was pretty funny! He followed us forever and then I pulled over to park and he goes on but turns around and comes back and talks to us. He was acting like he needed directions, it was wacked!!! He's a cop! Like he doesn't know his way around! He was old too, he had gray hair, no offense dad! :) It was funny though!
Well, I think I've run out of things to say. I guess I'll end here. I love you all very much! I love the Gospel and I am grateful for my chance to be a missionary! Please take care! Cheers!
Love,
Michelle
(So, I will add here, that car-jacking was a major problem in our mission (as you call tell by what I shared in this letter. There were always more things going on than I shared with my family. I was trying to be somewhat mindful of my mom's sanity. One experience I didn't share was that my first companion (Sis. Merkley) and I had to drive to the mission home late one night. I am not sure of the circumstances and why we were traveling so late at night. But, at least at the time, it was NOT safe to be out past 9pm at all. But for some reason we were in Durban, trying to find the mission home at about 11pm one night.There was no one else out on the roads besides a very occasional car passing by us. We had pulled over to look at a map, because we were lost and a combie (van) pulled up behind us and shined a spotlight on us. This was not a good thing. The men who do the car-jacking always were in these vans. We knew it was not a good thing, so my companion just floored it. This began a high speed chase through the streets of Durban with them cutting in front of us and trying to block us so we would have to stop. We were driving full speed over medians and curbs etc to get away. We were blessed, and protected and we were able to lose them and get away. It was a VERY scary experience! I had only been in the country for about a month at that point, so I was always very aware of my surroundings at night while driving, from that point forward)
Howzit? Are things well? How's the summer weather? Have you been doing anything fun? How's the fishing been? How's the Paragon situation going?
Things are well here. I don't know if I told you about how when Elder Ballard was here he pronounced a blessing upon this area. His grandfather many years ago pronounced a blessing upon South America, before there were even very many members there. But he blessed them that there would be an incredible increase in the numbers of baptisms and that the members would be strong. We now see how incredibly well the church is doing in South America, well, Elder Ballard pronounced the dame blessing upon South Africa. (In fact, I'm sending enclosed a copy of the prophecy give to us at Stake Conference a few months back) Anyhow, it is amazing because we can completely see this prophecy coming true. I've told you how few baptisms we have in our mission, well, this month there is such a large increase. OK, granted, we don't have any baptism schedules here in Durban North, but every other are in our Zone has 2 or 3 and we hope to have 2 committed for the first part of August. (We have 2 goldens) :) But unfortunately, Satan
sees the work going forth and he is working hard on the mission. Things are crazy! Elders are sick and having emergency operations for freakish things, Missionaries are going AWAL (3 so far and hopefully no more). One was just found yesterday. We're still waiting to see if he's going to be sent home. Remember how I told you about the Elders who were car-jacked a few months back, Elder Hansen and his greenie, Elder Gubler? Well, Elder Gubler was transferred and Elder Hansen was called to train another greenie. This week they were car-jacked again! CRAZY! Elder Hansen wants to get home so badly. He leaves in less than a month, he keeps saying he just wants to get home alive! I guess it is totally inspired that Sisters don't serve in townships. He also happens to be serving in the most dangerous township in South Africa. Anyhow, Satan is trying his best, luckily we know that good always will win, especially when it comes tot he Lord's work!
I always seem to just start writing and sharing everything that goes on and not even thinking that this may be freaking you out. I hope not. I really am safe here! :)
I can't believe that Justin found a black mamba snake in his flat! I would have died! The day I got your letter we had gone to a museum and learned all about the black mamba and how deadly it is. Yuck!
This past week was so cold! It rained for like 4 days straight! There was TONS of snow in the northern parts of our mission. I was wearing all the clothes that I have. I was even wearing sweats under my dress. It warmed up eventually and we are fine now. It was supposed to get cold again today, but it seems fine right now.
Have you met Beth and Lorianne yet? Well, probably by the time you get this letter and you'll probably have met Elder Brown (or I guess Spencer by the time you meet him) It's just weird for me to picture people who I've just seen recently seeing you so soon.
Last night the missionaries in the ward put on a fireside for the members. Kind of a get 'em pumped up type of a thing. I read the letter you wrote about your conversion. Many people cried. It went over really well. I was speaking about fellow-shipping and how important the social conversion is and how crucial it is in the lives of new converts.
The fireside went off well. Poor Sis Allen has a really hard time speaking in front of people. She started crying at one point so she just stopped and sat down, refusing to continue. She eventually got back up and finished, but I felt really bad for her.
We got chased by a cop the other day. Not because I broke any laws or anything, but just because he was trying to pick up on us. It was pretty funny! He followed us forever and then I pulled over to park and he goes on but turns around and comes back and talks to us. He was acting like he needed directions, it was wacked!!! He's a cop! Like he doesn't know his way around! He was old too, he had gray hair, no offense dad! :) It was funny though!
Well, I think I've run out of things to say. I guess I'll end here. I love you all very much! I love the Gospel and I am grateful for my chance to be a missionary! Please take care! Cheers!
Love,
Michelle
(So, I will add here, that car-jacking was a major problem in our mission (as you call tell by what I shared in this letter. There were always more things going on than I shared with my family. I was trying to be somewhat mindful of my mom's sanity. One experience I didn't share was that my first companion (Sis. Merkley) and I had to drive to the mission home late one night. I am not sure of the circumstances and why we were traveling so late at night. But, at least at the time, it was NOT safe to be out past 9pm at all. But for some reason we were in Durban, trying to find the mission home at about 11pm one night.There was no one else out on the roads besides a very occasional car passing by us. We had pulled over to look at a map, because we were lost and a combie (van) pulled up behind us and shined a spotlight on us. This was not a good thing. The men who do the car-jacking always were in these vans. We knew it was not a good thing, so my companion just floored it. This began a high speed chase through the streets of Durban with them cutting in front of us and trying to block us so we would have to stop. We were driving full speed over medians and curbs etc to get away. We were blessed, and protected and we were able to lose them and get away. It was a VERY scary experience! I had only been in the country for about a month at that point, so I was always very aware of my surroundings at night while driving, from that point forward)
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Durban North (not sure of date)
Dear Family,
Hello! Howzit man? What's new?
Things are well here. I've had a really tough week, but things are really getting better now. I haven't been feeling too well. It's nothing serious, just that I get tired very easily and headaches as well. I was mostly just frustrated because it was keeping us from accomplishing the work. I wasn't feeling motivated at all and I think Sis. Allen is a lot like me in that she is self-motivated, but has a hard time motivating someone else, so a lot of the work wasn't getting done. Friday was the worse day of all though. While in the shower I started thinking about what I've accomplished thus far on mission and it seemed like nothing expect gain weight! :) But I started getting really down on myself and started crying uncontrollably. This continued all morning. Sis. Allen phoned some of the Elders in our zone to come and give me a blessing. They couldn't come until lunch time, so we went out to some appointments we had. At lunch I received a blessings from Elders Tate and Woolley. It helped a bit, but I don't think I had the faith to let it really work. Lately we have been meeting a lot of absolutely golden people, but when we teach them the first discussion they are completely excited about ti but they end up putting us off for a month or more for seemingly good reasons, but it is frustrating because these are people who are ready for baptism. So, I started feeling like I'm not worth to see these people accept baptism, so the Lord is keeping them from being taught until I leave the area. This thought was killing me, but I kept thinking it.
That afternoon we went to a pharmacy to make some photocopies and as we were standing there a woman walked in and I instantly had a good feeling about her and felt as though I needed to talk to her, but I was having a majorly bad attitude and I decided that it would be a "waste of time" (ouch, I know, like I said, I was having a really bad attitude [here I drew a small picture of myself being struck by lightning]) so I didn't say anything to her. Sis. Allen spoke to her a little bit but didn't tell her who we were or anything. Then we left. We decided to go tracting, we drove to the place we decided to tract and neither one of us felt like tracting there. We decided to drive around and find a new place to tract, we drove around for about 1/2 hour not being able to decide where to tract. We finally decided to just pull over and study the map and find a place that way. I drove to a park and pulled over. As I pulled over I saw that same lady from the pharmacy standing there with her dog. I pointed her out to Sis Allen and asked her if we should go talk to her. She said, "you can" I lost my motivation there. I wasn't in a position to do it without moral support, so like a dummy I just sat there. Is started feeling quite guilty. I decided that I needed to go talk to her, but just as I was ready to get out of the car she ran off the opposite direction with her dog. I then began praying silently that if I was supposed to talk to her that she would come back. Before I even finished praying, she stopped running, turned around and began running straight for our car. Sis Allen and I both jumped out of the car and the lady came and started talking to us. Her name was Jackie. She is GOLDEN!! She has been searching for a church for years and she has investigated many but has not found one that she feels good about. We asked her if we could come teach her. She said that she is uncomfortable with one on one situations because she feels like she has no real knowledge of the bible. So we are going to invite her to a family home evening. She was so cool. We were still really frustrated that she didn't except the invitation to hear the discussions, but we still feel really good about her. For a while this experience frustrated me even more because this is exactly the situation that has been happening where we are put off one way or another. But now I feel a lot better about it. I think that the Lord was being so kind to allow me to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost even when I wasn't living worthy of it all the time.
Sunday we had a fast for our GOLDEN pool. All these people who have put us off. We fasted and prayed that they would be prepared and that we'd be able to teach them soon. Last night we were able to teach one of them. Her name is Tholokele. She is so cool. In addition to teaching her the second discussion we were able to teach her sister, her sister's son and her 2 sons a first and second discussion. We will teach them all a third on Friday. I think that they all will be baptized. It was a really cool experience. 2 of the boys want to be baptized and serve missions. They asked us 20 questions about mission. It was pretty cool.
So, anyhow things are getting a lot better. I'm not feeling down anymore. I'm gong to a doctor today to see what's wrong with me. Hopefully I'll be able to get my health back into shape and that will help a lot.
Transfers are this week. Sis Allen and I are staying the same. I think I will be in Durban North for 3-4 more months. I may be training here next month. I know I've been writing about thinking I was going to train for months now. I guess I should stop listening to all the mission rumors! Sis Merkley started telling me I was going to train in May and remember that freaked me out? But we haven't gotten any new Sisters since March. Then everyone started telling me I'd train this month because there are 2 new sisters coming in, but then everyone found out about the Sister coming in Sept. and decided I'd train her, probably as a curse. No, that sounds so rude. It's just that Sis Akin, the one coming in Sept is amazing! She has done everything in her short 21 years. She is a dance teacher, teaches voice, was an EFY counselor the list goes on and on. She sounds cool, but how intimidating! So, anyhow, the way transfers worked out this time make it so next month I'll either stay here and train or go to Hillcrest in a three some (unless of course the Lord has other plans and does something totally unexpected) Anyhow, we'll see what happens. I'd be happy either way. We'll see what happens.
Well, I had better end. I hope all is well. I'm anxious to hear about Paragon. Do you guys have an e-mail address either at home or at Paragon? That would be excellent to be able to talk (write) like that. Also, a couple of months ago I asked for some photos from my album. Were you able to find them? (they were on the page that said something about party in the Movies 8 Parking Lot, in my black album) Could you send those if you can find them?
I love you all very much! Take care! The church is true and I love it! :)
Love,
Michelle
(As you can tell, I was and still am very hard on myself and I set expectations for myself very high. However, as I have aged and matured I have come to realize that I cannot get down on myself and beat myself up for not always accomplishing my goals. It is still a constant battle for me to be kind to myself, but I am getting better!)
Hello! Howzit man? What's new?
Things are well here. I've had a really tough week, but things are really getting better now. I haven't been feeling too well. It's nothing serious, just that I get tired very easily and headaches as well. I was mostly just frustrated because it was keeping us from accomplishing the work. I wasn't feeling motivated at all and I think Sis. Allen is a lot like me in that she is self-motivated, but has a hard time motivating someone else, so a lot of the work wasn't getting done. Friday was the worse day of all though. While in the shower I started thinking about what I've accomplished thus far on mission and it seemed like nothing expect gain weight! :) But I started getting really down on myself and started crying uncontrollably. This continued all morning. Sis. Allen phoned some of the Elders in our zone to come and give me a blessing. They couldn't come until lunch time, so we went out to some appointments we had. At lunch I received a blessings from Elders Tate and Woolley. It helped a bit, but I don't think I had the faith to let it really work. Lately we have been meeting a lot of absolutely golden people, but when we teach them the first discussion they are completely excited about ti but they end up putting us off for a month or more for seemingly good reasons, but it is frustrating because these are people who are ready for baptism. So, I started feeling like I'm not worth to see these people accept baptism, so the Lord is keeping them from being taught until I leave the area. This thought was killing me, but I kept thinking it.
That afternoon we went to a pharmacy to make some photocopies and as we were standing there a woman walked in and I instantly had a good feeling about her and felt as though I needed to talk to her, but I was having a majorly bad attitude and I decided that it would be a "waste of time" (ouch, I know, like I said, I was having a really bad attitude [here I drew a small picture of myself being struck by lightning]) so I didn't say anything to her. Sis. Allen spoke to her a little bit but didn't tell her who we were or anything. Then we left. We decided to go tracting, we drove to the place we decided to tract and neither one of us felt like tracting there. We decided to drive around and find a new place to tract, we drove around for about 1/2 hour not being able to decide where to tract. We finally decided to just pull over and study the map and find a place that way. I drove to a park and pulled over. As I pulled over I saw that same lady from the pharmacy standing there with her dog. I pointed her out to Sis Allen and asked her if we should go talk to her. She said, "you can" I lost my motivation there. I wasn't in a position to do it without moral support, so like a dummy I just sat there. Is started feeling quite guilty. I decided that I needed to go talk to her, but just as I was ready to get out of the car she ran off the opposite direction with her dog. I then began praying silently that if I was supposed to talk to her that she would come back. Before I even finished praying, she stopped running, turned around and began running straight for our car. Sis Allen and I both jumped out of the car and the lady came and started talking to us. Her name was Jackie. She is GOLDEN!! She has been searching for a church for years and she has investigated many but has not found one that she feels good about. We asked her if we could come teach her. She said that she is uncomfortable with one on one situations because she feels like she has no real knowledge of the bible. So we are going to invite her to a family home evening. She was so cool. We were still really frustrated that she didn't except the invitation to hear the discussions, but we still feel really good about her. For a while this experience frustrated me even more because this is exactly the situation that has been happening where we are put off one way or another. But now I feel a lot better about it. I think that the Lord was being so kind to allow me to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost even when I wasn't living worthy of it all the time.
Sunday we had a fast for our GOLDEN pool. All these people who have put us off. We fasted and prayed that they would be prepared and that we'd be able to teach them soon. Last night we were able to teach one of them. Her name is Tholokele. She is so cool. In addition to teaching her the second discussion we were able to teach her sister, her sister's son and her 2 sons a first and second discussion. We will teach them all a third on Friday. I think that they all will be baptized. It was a really cool experience. 2 of the boys want to be baptized and serve missions. They asked us 20 questions about mission. It was pretty cool.
So, anyhow things are getting a lot better. I'm not feeling down anymore. I'm gong to a doctor today to see what's wrong with me. Hopefully I'll be able to get my health back into shape and that will help a lot.
Transfers are this week. Sis Allen and I are staying the same. I think I will be in Durban North for 3-4 more months. I may be training here next month. I know I've been writing about thinking I was going to train for months now. I guess I should stop listening to all the mission rumors! Sis Merkley started telling me I was going to train in May and remember that freaked me out? But we haven't gotten any new Sisters since March. Then everyone started telling me I'd train this month because there are 2 new sisters coming in, but then everyone found out about the Sister coming in Sept. and decided I'd train her, probably as a curse. No, that sounds so rude. It's just that Sis Akin, the one coming in Sept is amazing! She has done everything in her short 21 years. She is a dance teacher, teaches voice, was an EFY counselor the list goes on and on. She sounds cool, but how intimidating! So, anyhow, the way transfers worked out this time make it so next month I'll either stay here and train or go to Hillcrest in a three some (unless of course the Lord has other plans and does something totally unexpected) Anyhow, we'll see what happens. I'd be happy either way. We'll see what happens.
Well, I had better end. I hope all is well. I'm anxious to hear about Paragon. Do you guys have an e-mail address either at home or at Paragon? That would be excellent to be able to talk (write) like that. Also, a couple of months ago I asked for some photos from my album. Were you able to find them? (they were on the page that said something about party in the Movies 8 Parking Lot, in my black album) Could you send those if you can find them?
I love you all very much! Take care! The church is true and I love it! :)
Love,
Michelle
(As you can tell, I was and still am very hard on myself and I set expectations for myself very high. However, as I have aged and matured I have come to realize that I cannot get down on myself and beat myself up for not always accomplishing my goals. It is still a constant battle for me to be kind to myself, but I am getting better!)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Durban North (07/28/96)
Family-
Howzit man? Things are lakker here! Actually they aren't so lakker, things are in an uproar here. The mission is basically falling apart. Satan is really working on us all. One of the elderly couple missionaries that were serving in the islands were in a car accident last week. They are now in Jo-berg in very critical condition. They were in a taxi and the driver died, there was also a member in the car and he is now a vegetable. It's just not a nice situation. The Packards (the couple) are about 74 years old, so it's hard for them to recover. 2 Elders are going home this next week. One because of health reasons and the other because he can't handle mission. He was completely less active before he came on mission. I really don't understand that. It seems to happen often. My companion was completely less active before as well. Her main trial before coming on mission was to go to church 3 weeks for 3 hrs. each time. It's so sad because in each case they get here and only want to go home. Sis. Allen basically hates it here, but since she was little she wanted to be a missionary, so she is here. I'm glad for her because her testimony is growing by leaps and bounds and she is learning so much. The learning process is hard though. The other night we were at an investigators home and she started playing face cards with them. Afterwards I talked to her about it and told her that it probably wasn't the best thing to do. She went off and ended up telling me that I'm self righteous and that "staunch" members of the church are lame, etc. She apologized afterward, it was no big deal, but she had no idea that the church has a stand of face cards. I guess I've always thought that it was general knowledge since we were always told about it growing up.
Anyways, that was a long paragraph! Things are well here. I'm still in Durban North. Transfers are this next Saturday. I used to think that either Sister Allen or I would be transferred, but I think we'll stay the same. They've already done part of the transfers and from what they did, it looks like we'll stay the same until September. I may be staying in Durban North for 3-4 more months. That will be half of my mission. Sometimes I think that would be cool, but others I think I'll be burnt out. But we'll see. I always make assumptions off of rumors, but it's what the Lord wants, not necessarily what seems logical or whatever.
I'm writing a letter to Dee today. Could you give it to him? Thanks!
Things seem to be calming down for me. There are usually tons of crazy things that happen to me, but things have been same-o, same-o, which is good, some of the Sisters were dreading to be my companion because everything happens to me. But Pres. Stevenson gave me a blessing a while back, a special blessing of protection, etc. and everything has calmed down. I'll tell stories when I get home! :)
We are being fed so much! We haven't been shopping in 2 weeks. We are going today just for milk and bread. Everyone suddenly wants to feed us. We've even been turning down dinner appointments! I'm getting FAT! I've gained 10-15 lbs since I've been here, I'm hoping that once summer comes I'll be able to drop all of that. You know how you eat more when it's cold. We've stopped exercising. Sister Allen is a stick! She's been freaking out because she's reached 100 lbs on mission. She's thin, but she eats tons! :) More than I do and she doesn't gain weight, so she doesn't want to get up early to exercise because she doesn't need it. I'm going to start getting up by myself and jump rope and stuff.
I think I might have hypoglycemia. Sister Allen has it, so does Sis. McKay, the 1st counselors in the mission presidencies, wife. And I've been not so well lately, not sick, but always tired and I get a headache every time I eat sugar, so they both think I may have it. Sis. Allen and I are going to try and find a good herbalist here and I'll go there and see what happens. If it's true, it will be a good excuse for me to go off sugar. We'll see what happens.
Well, I had better go! I love you all tons. Mission is great. I'm sorry if my letters have seemed negative lately. I really am having a wonderful time. Granted, it's hard a lot of the time, but I am learning tons! Thanks for all your letters. I love you!
Love,
Michelle
(I have to laugh at myself as I read back over these letters. I was so uptight! lol Does the church really have an official stand against face cards? I'm not sure. I do know that we didn't have them in our home growing up and I think my parents told me it was because of the church's stand on them. Just makes me laugh that I got so upset about my companion playing with the investigators)
Howzit man? Things are lakker here! Actually they aren't so lakker, things are in an uproar here. The mission is basically falling apart. Satan is really working on us all. One of the elderly couple missionaries that were serving in the islands were in a car accident last week. They are now in Jo-berg in very critical condition. They were in a taxi and the driver died, there was also a member in the car and he is now a vegetable. It's just not a nice situation. The Packards (the couple) are about 74 years old, so it's hard for them to recover. 2 Elders are going home this next week. One because of health reasons and the other because he can't handle mission. He was completely less active before he came on mission. I really don't understand that. It seems to happen often. My companion was completely less active before as well. Her main trial before coming on mission was to go to church 3 weeks for 3 hrs. each time. It's so sad because in each case they get here and only want to go home. Sis. Allen basically hates it here, but since she was little she wanted to be a missionary, so she is here. I'm glad for her because her testimony is growing by leaps and bounds and she is learning so much. The learning process is hard though. The other night we were at an investigators home and she started playing face cards with them. Afterwards I talked to her about it and told her that it probably wasn't the best thing to do. She went off and ended up telling me that I'm self righteous and that "staunch" members of the church are lame, etc. She apologized afterward, it was no big deal, but she had no idea that the church has a stand of face cards. I guess I've always thought that it was general knowledge since we were always told about it growing up.
Anyways, that was a long paragraph! Things are well here. I'm still in Durban North. Transfers are this next Saturday. I used to think that either Sister Allen or I would be transferred, but I think we'll stay the same. They've already done part of the transfers and from what they did, it looks like we'll stay the same until September. I may be staying in Durban North for 3-4 more months. That will be half of my mission. Sometimes I think that would be cool, but others I think I'll be burnt out. But we'll see. I always make assumptions off of rumors, but it's what the Lord wants, not necessarily what seems logical or whatever.
I'm writing a letter to Dee today. Could you give it to him? Thanks!
Things seem to be calming down for me. There are usually tons of crazy things that happen to me, but things have been same-o, same-o, which is good, some of the Sisters were dreading to be my companion because everything happens to me. But Pres. Stevenson gave me a blessing a while back, a special blessing of protection, etc. and everything has calmed down. I'll tell stories when I get home! :)
We are being fed so much! We haven't been shopping in 2 weeks. We are going today just for milk and bread. Everyone suddenly wants to feed us. We've even been turning down dinner appointments! I'm getting FAT! I've gained 10-15 lbs since I've been here, I'm hoping that once summer comes I'll be able to drop all of that. You know how you eat more when it's cold. We've stopped exercising. Sister Allen is a stick! She's been freaking out because she's reached 100 lbs on mission. She's thin, but she eats tons! :) More than I do and she doesn't gain weight, so she doesn't want to get up early to exercise because she doesn't need it. I'm going to start getting up by myself and jump rope and stuff.
I think I might have hypoglycemia. Sister Allen has it, so does Sis. McKay, the 1st counselors in the mission presidencies, wife. And I've been not so well lately, not sick, but always tired and I get a headache every time I eat sugar, so they both think I may have it. Sis. Allen and I are going to try and find a good herbalist here and I'll go there and see what happens. If it's true, it will be a good excuse for me to go off sugar. We'll see what happens.
Well, I had better go! I love you all tons. Mission is great. I'm sorry if my letters have seemed negative lately. I really am having a wonderful time. Granted, it's hard a lot of the time, but I am learning tons! Thanks for all your letters. I love you!
Love,
Michelle
(I have to laugh at myself as I read back over these letters. I was so uptight! lol Does the church really have an official stand against face cards? I'm not sure. I do know that we didn't have them in our home growing up and I think my parents told me it was because of the church's stand on them. Just makes me laugh that I got so upset about my companion playing with the investigators)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Durban North (07/22/96)
Family -
My faithful green pen is on it's last leg! But this is the only pen that I have. I'll have to go and buy another one today. :)
Things are going well here. Sister Allen and I had kind of a lame week, but hopefully this next week will be a big improvement.
We had a big disagreement with the Assistants to the President this week. We just got a new AP and he really has a problem when he is in leadership positions, he's one of those power mongers (or however you spell it). Sister Allen had phoned to make an appointment to see President Stevenson. Elder Bestor (the new AP) phones one night and asks me why Sister Allen needs to see Pres. I told him he should speak to her. He then asks her why she wants to see Pres. She responded that it is a personal matter, he said that, that wasn't specific enough and kept hounding her to tell him. She finally said, "never mind", she didn't need to see Pres. He then asked for me again and asked again why she wanted to see Pres. I told him I didn't know and then we hung up. The next day we were at the mission office for a meeting and the AP's called us into Pres' office and they sat and reamed us. Telling us how Sisters are such a problem and how Elders would have just said what the problem was and then they would have known when to schedule the appointment for. Just on and on. They were such jerks! Anyways, it was interesting, Pres knows the problem with this one AP, but Elder Bestor knows the office really well and has a lot of really good administration skills, they just don't have anyone else right now, I guess. It's dumb!
Anyhow, I'm sorry if this has all been negative. It really isn't that big of a deal, I guess it happens often with Sisters, I've just never experienced any problems at all.
Well, other than that this week has been pretty quiet. I'll tell you, the people here want us to get fat! Everyone is feeding us! I haven't had a meal at home for, I don't know how long. There is a lady in our ward, Sister Francois who has a daughter on mission in Johannesburg and she just really takes care of us because she hopes someone else will do the same for Karen. She brings us food and such to church every Sunday. Other people have caught on and bring us things as well. Yesterday we came home with bags of food. They really are kind. I'm really sad because I think I am going to be transferred in about 2 weeks time. I've really grown attached to this pace in the past 5 months. Even though this is the hardest area in the mission (or at least that is what they say). I could stay here for the rest of my mission. I'll be sad when I am transferred.
Some areas in the mission are going like gang busters. Umlazie (one of the townships) had 13 baptisms yesterday! That is really exciting.
Mom, my companion and her family are really into natural healing and things like that. They only go to a herbalist, not a doctor. She's been telling me about all of the things this herbalist does. It sounds cool. You should look into going to an herbalist. They are supposed to be quite a bit cheaper than a normal doctor. You just might want to look into it.
We were at an Indian family's home for lunch on Saturday and their son has a 16 foot fishing pole. I suddenly thought of home. They do a lot of ocean fishing. They are a really cool family. I love curry! I want to learn how to make it and I'll make some when I come home. Mom, I think you'll like it, and everyone else, but I think dad will have a hard time with it. It's the kind of spicy that makes you sweat and makes your nose run. It's really nice though! :)
Well, I had better go. I hope all is well there. I love you all very much. Take care. I'd love to hear from all of you. Mom, thanks for your letters! Be good. Stay well!
Love
Michelle :)
P.S. Maybe something happens in the shipping of tapes because I had a hard time understanding the one you sent a while back.
My faithful green pen is on it's last leg! But this is the only pen that I have. I'll have to go and buy another one today. :)
Things are going well here. Sister Allen and I had kind of a lame week, but hopefully this next week will be a big improvement.
We had a big disagreement with the Assistants to the President this week. We just got a new AP and he really has a problem when he is in leadership positions, he's one of those power mongers (or however you spell it). Sister Allen had phoned to make an appointment to see President Stevenson. Elder Bestor (the new AP) phones one night and asks me why Sister Allen needs to see Pres. I told him he should speak to her. He then asks her why she wants to see Pres. She responded that it is a personal matter, he said that, that wasn't specific enough and kept hounding her to tell him. She finally said, "never mind", she didn't need to see Pres. He then asked for me again and asked again why she wanted to see Pres. I told him I didn't know and then we hung up. The next day we were at the mission office for a meeting and the AP's called us into Pres' office and they sat and reamed us. Telling us how Sisters are such a problem and how Elders would have just said what the problem was and then they would have known when to schedule the appointment for. Just on and on. They were such jerks! Anyways, it was interesting, Pres knows the problem with this one AP, but Elder Bestor knows the office really well and has a lot of really good administration skills, they just don't have anyone else right now, I guess. It's dumb!
Anyhow, I'm sorry if this has all been negative. It really isn't that big of a deal, I guess it happens often with Sisters, I've just never experienced any problems at all.
Well, other than that this week has been pretty quiet. I'll tell you, the people here want us to get fat! Everyone is feeding us! I haven't had a meal at home for, I don't know how long. There is a lady in our ward, Sister Francois who has a daughter on mission in Johannesburg and she just really takes care of us because she hopes someone else will do the same for Karen. She brings us food and such to church every Sunday. Other people have caught on and bring us things as well. Yesterday we came home with bags of food. They really are kind. I'm really sad because I think I am going to be transferred in about 2 weeks time. I've really grown attached to this pace in the past 5 months. Even though this is the hardest area in the mission (or at least that is what they say). I could stay here for the rest of my mission. I'll be sad when I am transferred.
Some areas in the mission are going like gang busters. Umlazie (one of the townships) had 13 baptisms yesterday! That is really exciting.
Mom, my companion and her family are really into natural healing and things like that. They only go to a herbalist, not a doctor. She's been telling me about all of the things this herbalist does. It sounds cool. You should look into going to an herbalist. They are supposed to be quite a bit cheaper than a normal doctor. You just might want to look into it.
We were at an Indian family's home for lunch on Saturday and their son has a 16 foot fishing pole. I suddenly thought of home. They do a lot of ocean fishing. They are a really cool family. I love curry! I want to learn how to make it and I'll make some when I come home. Mom, I think you'll like it, and everyone else, but I think dad will have a hard time with it. It's the kind of spicy that makes you sweat and makes your nose run. It's really nice though! :)
Well, I had better go. I hope all is well there. I love you all very much. Take care. I'd love to hear from all of you. Mom, thanks for your letters! Be good. Stay well!
Love
Michelle :)
P.S. Maybe something happens in the shipping of tapes because I had a hard time understanding the one you sent a while back.
Durban North (7/8/96)
Dear Family-
Hi! I decided to stop writing so much on those aero grams. I received one a while back and they are a pain in the butt to open and stuff! I decided I could also write more on this type of paper.
Anyhow, how are things at home? I think the post is messed up, either that or you all have forgotten about me. I haven't heard from home in quite some time. How are things with Paragon? Mike, why haven't you written to Claudia? She keeps posting letters off to you and she never gets anything in response. How's the weather? Is it a hot summer? Have you been doing a lot of boating and skiing with Erik? He had better not sell his boat before I get home or anything! I really look forward to going out on the lake!
The weather here is COLD! It's been raining a lot. Everyone is amazed how cold it is because it doesn't usually get this cold. I'm lacking in warm apparel. Yesterday after church, Sister Allen and I came home and we completely bundled up. I put on 3 t-shirts, 2 jerseys, plus my coat. I also had stockings on which I've only worn, maybe, 10 times here and I also put on a pair of sweat shorts under my dress. I looked like the Pillsbury Dough Boy! But I was very warm! (except for my feet) We went to a less actives home. They have a son who is 7 feet 1 inch tall. Sister Allen got a picture of her standing next to him (she's 5'1'') so she could send it home and say, "mom and dad, I found my husband". His parents are forever trying to set me up with him. They made me take a photo with him as well. I tried hard to get out of it, but it didn't work. He's not a member so he didn't know the little missionary arms length rule, so he totally put his arm around Sister Allen. She was freaking out! I was scared that he'd do the same to me, fortunately he didn't.
This last Monday, I got really homesick. It was really bad. It freaked me out because it was the first time I've been like that. But I was talking to a bunch of the missionaries who are going home and them I saw Elder Brown and I know that he'd be seeing you guys in a few weeks time and it just really got to me. It lasted for a few hours and then I was fine. Luckily it was P-day, so it didn't affect the work at all.
This has been a crazy week though. There has been a lot going on. We found 2 GOLDEN people this week. They are great! So we'll have some baptisms here soon, unfortunately, I'll probably be transferred in 3 weeks time, so I won't be able to see them.
3 of the missionaries that are going home had their families come and pick them up, so we've had a chance to meet them which is pretty cool. It's always good to talk to other Americans. But it's strange because I was totally feeling like a South African. They were making fun of my expressions and my accent. It was weird.
My pen is really quite leaky! :) Oh my gosh! I got on this scale thing the other day. It's like where it tells you your height and your weight and then your ideal weight. I'm 6'1''!!!!! I freaked out! I'm also 20 lbs over my ideal weight. But I'm 6'1''!!! It shattered me! BUT, it also said that Sister Allen is 5'2'' when she has always been 5'1''. So, maybe it's wrong, but even if it means that I'm more over weight!!:( I'm working on that though!
My companion is going off on Elder Brown. She's on the phone with another Sister just ripping one way. Sister Allen has a problem with strong members of the church. She was somewhat less active until just before she came on mission and so she feels uncomfortable around strong members of the church unless she knows them well (I think it has a lot to do with the fact that she has a low self esteem) Anyways, I'm feeling frustrated with her. i just thought I would share that! :) It's better now, I told her she was being rude! :)
Well, I've run out of things to talk about. I hope all is well there! I love you all very much! I love being here on mission. I am learning so much. I love helping people become closer to the Savior. I know that my time here is going quickly. I need to take advantage of every moment. Take care! I love you!
Michelle :)
Family-
Well, it's the same day, but a few hours later. I got 3 letters from mom this afternoon, so I figured I could respond to them.
Israel??? What??? What is up with that? When would it be? Would I be having my homecoming in Israel?
Mom, thanks for the Ensign article. I really appreciate it. But we do get the Ensign here. We get it late, but it does come. I didn't read that article though, but I will.
Wow, it sounds like my hope chest is full and running over. Now I just need a husband to go with it! :) Keep your eyes open! No rush though, next summer! :)
Sometimes I feel the same about all the fun stuff we get to do, I sometimes wonder if this is really mission. But then I find myself tracting all day and then I realize that it really is.
I wish the weather would change quickly here. It's been raining straight since Saturday night, it hasn't let up yet. I'm permanently cold.
Well, thanks for the letters mom! Thanks for writing about our conversion. I cried as I read it! :)
Well, I love you all!
Love,
Michelle :)
Hi! I decided to stop writing so much on those aero grams. I received one a while back and they are a pain in the butt to open and stuff! I decided I could also write more on this type of paper.
Anyhow, how are things at home? I think the post is messed up, either that or you all have forgotten about me. I haven't heard from home in quite some time. How are things with Paragon? Mike, why haven't you written to Claudia? She keeps posting letters off to you and she never gets anything in response. How's the weather? Is it a hot summer? Have you been doing a lot of boating and skiing with Erik? He had better not sell his boat before I get home or anything! I really look forward to going out on the lake!
The weather here is COLD! It's been raining a lot. Everyone is amazed how cold it is because it doesn't usually get this cold. I'm lacking in warm apparel. Yesterday after church, Sister Allen and I came home and we completely bundled up. I put on 3 t-shirts, 2 jerseys, plus my coat. I also had stockings on which I've only worn, maybe, 10 times here and I also put on a pair of sweat shorts under my dress. I looked like the Pillsbury Dough Boy! But I was very warm! (except for my feet) We went to a less actives home. They have a son who is 7 feet 1 inch tall. Sister Allen got a picture of her standing next to him (she's 5'1'') so she could send it home and say, "mom and dad, I found my husband". His parents are forever trying to set me up with him. They made me take a photo with him as well. I tried hard to get out of it, but it didn't work. He's not a member so he didn't know the little missionary arms length rule, so he totally put his arm around Sister Allen. She was freaking out! I was scared that he'd do the same to me, fortunately he didn't.
This last Monday, I got really homesick. It was really bad. It freaked me out because it was the first time I've been like that. But I was talking to a bunch of the missionaries who are going home and them I saw Elder Brown and I know that he'd be seeing you guys in a few weeks time and it just really got to me. It lasted for a few hours and then I was fine. Luckily it was P-day, so it didn't affect the work at all.
This has been a crazy week though. There has been a lot going on. We found 2 GOLDEN people this week. They are great! So we'll have some baptisms here soon, unfortunately, I'll probably be transferred in 3 weeks time, so I won't be able to see them.
3 of the missionaries that are going home had their families come and pick them up, so we've had a chance to meet them which is pretty cool. It's always good to talk to other Americans. But it's strange because I was totally feeling like a South African. They were making fun of my expressions and my accent. It was weird.
My pen is really quite leaky! :) Oh my gosh! I got on this scale thing the other day. It's like where it tells you your height and your weight and then your ideal weight. I'm 6'1''!!!!! I freaked out! I'm also 20 lbs over my ideal weight. But I'm 6'1''!!! It shattered me! BUT, it also said that Sister Allen is 5'2'' when she has always been 5'1''. So, maybe it's wrong, but even if it means that I'm more over weight!!:( I'm working on that though!
My companion is going off on Elder Brown. She's on the phone with another Sister just ripping one way. Sister Allen has a problem with strong members of the church. She was somewhat less active until just before she came on mission and so she feels uncomfortable around strong members of the church unless she knows them well (I think it has a lot to do with the fact that she has a low self esteem) Anyways, I'm feeling frustrated with her. i just thought I would share that! :) It's better now, I told her she was being rude! :)
Well, I've run out of things to talk about. I hope all is well there! I love you all very much! I love being here on mission. I am learning so much. I love helping people become closer to the Savior. I know that my time here is going quickly. I need to take advantage of every moment. Take care! I love you!
Michelle :)
Family-
Well, it's the same day, but a few hours later. I got 3 letters from mom this afternoon, so I figured I could respond to them.
Israel??? What??? What is up with that? When would it be? Would I be having my homecoming in Israel?
Mom, thanks for the Ensign article. I really appreciate it. But we do get the Ensign here. We get it late, but it does come. I didn't read that article though, but I will.
Wow, it sounds like my hope chest is full and running over. Now I just need a husband to go with it! :) Keep your eyes open! No rush though, next summer! :)
Sometimes I feel the same about all the fun stuff we get to do, I sometimes wonder if this is really mission. But then I find myself tracting all day and then I realize that it really is.
I wish the weather would change quickly here. It's been raining straight since Saturday night, it hasn't let up yet. I'm permanently cold.
Well, thanks for the letters mom! Thanks for writing about our conversion. I cried as I read it! :)
Well, I love you all!
Love,
Michelle :)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Durban North (07/01/96)
Family -
Hello! Howzit? Lakker? (awesome?) Things are good here. This week has been great. We had a 3 day mission conference and I learned so much and I am so excited about the work right now.
The conference was basically like the MTC, they did a bunch of training and teaching. We started on Tuesday with an opening meeting and then we spend a couple of hour doing round robin workshops. They just varied in topics from tracting to trainer/trainee relationships. We then had lunch, then in the afternoon all the Sisters did a program where we all spoke and stuff on the conference talk "10 things I'd tell my son going on a mission" Then we had dinner and a cool fireside. The next morning we had a master teacher seminar where the AP's and other older missionaries went over the discussions (the 1st and 2nd this morning) and went into some of the doctrine behind them and also some helpful teaching hints and then we broke off into small groups and we practiced teaching the discussions to some members who acted as investigators and there were evaluators who watched and gave us feedback. That afternoon we had a braai (BBQ) and played sport for the rest of the day. Before we broke up for lunch they announced that they needed me and 2 of the Elders to go to one of the offices there in the church. It scared me. I didn't know what they wanted. I went in and Pres walks in with the AP's and everyone seemed all serious, it really scared me! But it just ended up that they calling us to be mission presidents for the day. They were having a mission simulation that night. They told us that we had 5 minutes to go and choose some counselors, they gave me a head start. I ran out and I saw two of the best Elders standing together and I asked them to come with me. Well, anyway, what it all boiled down to is that we as mission presidencies had to set up our own mission. We could change anything that we wanted to change, but we just had to decide exactly how we'd run things. So, we all had presidency meetings that afternoon while sports were going on. Then that night we had the simulation. It scared me to death! Pres. made everyone refer to the mission presidencies as Pres. so and so. So, I was referred to as President Zenger all day. So, anyhow, we walk into the cultural hall and this is how it is set up.
(I drew a picture of the cultural hall. But basically there were 3 desks at one end of the hall for the 3 mission presidencies. A desk at the opposite end where the real Mission President, his wife and his AP's and some former AP's. They were all the panel of judges, so we were facing the Mission Pres and the panel of judges. Then there were chair on either side for the rest of the missionaries to sit)
Alright, so anyhow they had us each make a 10 minute presentation on the things we would change. Then they presented us with a situation, we had 5 minutes to discuss it and then we'd have to act out what we'd do. Like the first situation I had was that 2 Elders got into a fight and one threatened to kill the other. I said I would interview them, so 2 of the panel got up, come sit in front of me and I had to interview them there on the spot. Ok, so it doesn't sound liek that big of a deal, but I was in front of the entire mission, doing something I've never done before and never will. But I was way out of my comfort zone. I was shaking for 3 hours straight!
In the end I was glad for the opportunity. I learned a lot. Besides, afterwards the mission voted who they would want as their mission president, they chose me. That made me feel a lot better about it. The coolest thing though is that all the changes I made, except for one, Pres Stevenson is now changing in the mission. Cool hey? Just things like flu shots for each of the missionaries, regular boarding inspections, a required exercise program (taking time out of our normal schedule to exercise, not having to get up at 5:30 am to do it) putting cookbooks in each flat with the proper cooking utensils. I can't remember what else there was, but the one the didn't go for was putting a tape deck in each boarding along with some mo-tab tapes, they don't have the budget for that. So, that's that night (we also had some skits).
The last day we had another master teachers seminar and then more round robin workshops. Then we had a testimony meeting. That was absolute power! The whole conference was actually.
I hope I haven't bored you too much with all this info. about conference. It was just cool, they are going to have them every 6 months (another one of our suggestions! :))
I don't know if you'll get this before or after you meet Elder Brown. But he's cool, hey? Have you met Sister denDulk yet? She's RAD as well.
We'll be missing her tons while she is there, it's just not Durban North without her here. But I'm glad that she is visiting Utah.
Well, I haven't received a letter in a couple of weeks, so I don't know what to say. I hope all is well there. I love you all very much! Take care!
Love,
Michelle
Hello! Howzit? Lakker? (awesome?) Things are good here. This week has been great. We had a 3 day mission conference and I learned so much and I am so excited about the work right now.
The conference was basically like the MTC, they did a bunch of training and teaching. We started on Tuesday with an opening meeting and then we spend a couple of hour doing round robin workshops. They just varied in topics from tracting to trainer/trainee relationships. We then had lunch, then in the afternoon all the Sisters did a program where we all spoke and stuff on the conference talk "10 things I'd tell my son going on a mission" Then we had dinner and a cool fireside. The next morning we had a master teacher seminar where the AP's and other older missionaries went over the discussions (the 1st and 2nd this morning) and went into some of the doctrine behind them and also some helpful teaching hints and then we broke off into small groups and we practiced teaching the discussions to some members who acted as investigators and there were evaluators who watched and gave us feedback. That afternoon we had a braai (BBQ) and played sport for the rest of the day. Before we broke up for lunch they announced that they needed me and 2 of the Elders to go to one of the offices there in the church. It scared me. I didn't know what they wanted. I went in and Pres walks in with the AP's and everyone seemed all serious, it really scared me! But it just ended up that they calling us to be mission presidents for the day. They were having a mission simulation that night. They told us that we had 5 minutes to go and choose some counselors, they gave me a head start. I ran out and I saw two of the best Elders standing together and I asked them to come with me. Well, anyway, what it all boiled down to is that we as mission presidencies had to set up our own mission. We could change anything that we wanted to change, but we just had to decide exactly how we'd run things. So, we all had presidency meetings that afternoon while sports were going on. Then that night we had the simulation. It scared me to death! Pres. made everyone refer to the mission presidencies as Pres. so and so. So, I was referred to as President Zenger all day. So, anyhow, we walk into the cultural hall and this is how it is set up.
(I drew a picture of the cultural hall. But basically there were 3 desks at one end of the hall for the 3 mission presidencies. A desk at the opposite end where the real Mission President, his wife and his AP's and some former AP's. They were all the panel of judges, so we were facing the Mission Pres and the panel of judges. Then there were chair on either side for the rest of the missionaries to sit)
Alright, so anyhow they had us each make a 10 minute presentation on the things we would change. Then they presented us with a situation, we had 5 minutes to discuss it and then we'd have to act out what we'd do. Like the first situation I had was that 2 Elders got into a fight and one threatened to kill the other. I said I would interview them, so 2 of the panel got up, come sit in front of me and I had to interview them there on the spot. Ok, so it doesn't sound liek that big of a deal, but I was in front of the entire mission, doing something I've never done before and never will. But I was way out of my comfort zone. I was shaking for 3 hours straight!
In the end I was glad for the opportunity. I learned a lot. Besides, afterwards the mission voted who they would want as their mission president, they chose me. That made me feel a lot better about it. The coolest thing though is that all the changes I made, except for one, Pres Stevenson is now changing in the mission. Cool hey? Just things like flu shots for each of the missionaries, regular boarding inspections, a required exercise program (taking time out of our normal schedule to exercise, not having to get up at 5:30 am to do it) putting cookbooks in each flat with the proper cooking utensils. I can't remember what else there was, but the one the didn't go for was putting a tape deck in each boarding along with some mo-tab tapes, they don't have the budget for that. So, that's that night (we also had some skits).
The last day we had another master teachers seminar and then more round robin workshops. Then we had a testimony meeting. That was absolute power! The whole conference was actually.
I hope I haven't bored you too much with all this info. about conference. It was just cool, they are going to have them every 6 months (another one of our suggestions! :))
I don't know if you'll get this before or after you meet Elder Brown. But he's cool, hey? Have you met Sister denDulk yet? She's RAD as well.
We'll be missing her tons while she is there, it's just not Durban North without her here. But I'm glad that she is visiting Utah.
Well, I haven't received a letter in a couple of weeks, so I don't know what to say. I hope all is well there. I love you all very much! Take care!
Love,
Michelle
Durban North (06/14/96)
Dear Family -
Another P-day and I'm getting FAT!! :( I'm sorry to say that I am only now realizing what Kim kept telling me was true. Sisters do always gain weight. It's not so bad yet, I'm just back to where I was before I lost that weight the November before last. I'm hoping it will end here and get better. I just need to have the will power to arise at 5:30 am. I did this morning without a problem. I just hope that this trend continues. We are going hiking with a bunch of the Elders this morning. We are going to watch the sun rise over the ocean. It should be really cool.
The work is going good. I'm starting to feel like it's time for a transfer, but only from the area, not my companion. I'm really afraid that I'll be transferred in July or August. 1-2 months is not long enough to be companions with someone you totally get along with!
I've become a bit frustrated with the people we are working with. Johan and Leslie are not progressing, they say that they won't be baptized for at least another 5 years. Their friend Ruth who was our golden, sacked us with basically the same reasoning. The list goes on with people who are not willing to make and follow through with commitments. I think my problem is that I get completely attached to the people we teach and when they don't keep commitments I take it personally and so I quickly get emotionally burned out.
Well, there really hasn't been too much exciting going on. I got a new pen, did you notice? Green instead of purple! :) I learned 2 new songs in Zulu. They are cool songs. One of the members is giving us Zulu lessons every week, it's nice.
We've been tracting a bit this past week. More than I've tracted in a week on mission. It's our most effective way of finding people right now. I'm beginning to enjoy it. Sister Merkley always used to say that tracting always put her in such a good mood, I thought she was insane, but now I am beginning to understand.
I went to the dermatologist this week. He put me on an antibiotic and also a cleanser and face cream. Hopefully it will work. It's supposed to take about 4 weeks before you see a big difference. So, I'll have to wait and see.
I don't remember if I have already told you, but next week is Elections and they are a little bit worried about the missionaries in the townships, so they are pulling all the missionaries into Durban and we are having a 3 day training retreat. It should be a lot of fun. We were going to be able to play beach volleyball, but then Pres changed his mind. I was sad! Did I already tell you that we might be able to go to the temple for Christmas? That would be so wonderful! I miss it so much!
We just got back from our hike. It was pretty cool, except it was overcast so we didn't get to see the sun rise. The Elders went to play soccer, but we have a lot to do today, so we came home.
Did you watch the 60 minutes program on the church recently? The first time I saw it I didn't like it, but I watched it again yesterday and I liked it better. I don't know, I guess it's just different to see Pres. Hinckley in that spot where the guy was basically being condescending. I'm used to seeing the prophet prophesying in General Conference or something.
Well, I had better go! I love you all tons! I hope you enjoy the tape! Take care!
Love,
Michelle
Another P-day and I'm getting FAT!! :( I'm sorry to say that I am only now realizing what Kim kept telling me was true. Sisters do always gain weight. It's not so bad yet, I'm just back to where I was before I lost that weight the November before last. I'm hoping it will end here and get better. I just need to have the will power to arise at 5:30 am. I did this morning without a problem. I just hope that this trend continues. We are going hiking with a bunch of the Elders this morning. We are going to watch the sun rise over the ocean. It should be really cool.
The work is going good. I'm starting to feel like it's time for a transfer, but only from the area, not my companion. I'm really afraid that I'll be transferred in July or August. 1-2 months is not long enough to be companions with someone you totally get along with!
I've become a bit frustrated with the people we are working with. Johan and Leslie are not progressing, they say that they won't be baptized for at least another 5 years. Their friend Ruth who was our golden, sacked us with basically the same reasoning. The list goes on with people who are not willing to make and follow through with commitments. I think my problem is that I get completely attached to the people we teach and when they don't keep commitments I take it personally and so I quickly get emotionally burned out.
Well, there really hasn't been too much exciting going on. I got a new pen, did you notice? Green instead of purple! :) I learned 2 new songs in Zulu. They are cool songs. One of the members is giving us Zulu lessons every week, it's nice.
We've been tracting a bit this past week. More than I've tracted in a week on mission. It's our most effective way of finding people right now. I'm beginning to enjoy it. Sister Merkley always used to say that tracting always put her in such a good mood, I thought she was insane, but now I am beginning to understand.
I went to the dermatologist this week. He put me on an antibiotic and also a cleanser and face cream. Hopefully it will work. It's supposed to take about 4 weeks before you see a big difference. So, I'll have to wait and see.
I don't remember if I have already told you, but next week is Elections and they are a little bit worried about the missionaries in the townships, so they are pulling all the missionaries into Durban and we are having a 3 day training retreat. It should be a lot of fun. We were going to be able to play beach volleyball, but then Pres changed his mind. I was sad! Did I already tell you that we might be able to go to the temple for Christmas? That would be so wonderful! I miss it so much!
We just got back from our hike. It was pretty cool, except it was overcast so we didn't get to see the sun rise. The Elders went to play soccer, but we have a lot to do today, so we came home.
Did you watch the 60 minutes program on the church recently? The first time I saw it I didn't like it, but I watched it again yesterday and I liked it better. I don't know, I guess it's just different to see Pres. Hinckley in that spot where the guy was basically being condescending. I'm used to seeing the prophet prophesying in General Conference or something.
Well, I had better go! I love you all tons! I hope you enjoy the tape! Take care!
Love,
Michelle
Durban North (not sure of the date)
Family -
Hello! How has your week been? Mine has been pretty uneventful! It actually just flew by so quickly, nothing had time to happen. Oh wait, there are a couple of things. One of the Elders who had only been here for a month went awal. He was, I guess having problems adjusting. I don't know the details about that, but on Tuesday he just grabbed his backpack and ran out of the flat. It took 2 days to find him. Pres. Hinckley was even involved. They finally found him in a hotel in downtown Durban. He was interviewed by Pres and given the option to stay or to go. He decided to go home. Shame, man! He was a good guy and would have made an excellent missionary.
One of our investigators who hasn't been progressing at all gave up smoking this week. We were pretty excited. She goes running with us every morning. I'm excited for her. She really wants to be baptized but now she just needs to live the law of chastity.
Ok, so it actually has been an interesting week! :)
Hey mom, I got you some material. Actually I was talking to a less active family and I was telling them how I was looking for material for a table cloth. They asked me kind of what I was looking for and then they said that if they ever came across anything that they'd let me know. 2 days later we phoned them for something and they said that they had bought some material. I was really scared because I didn't want to waste money on something I don't like or something you wouldn't like, but when we went and looked at it, I really liked it. It was also a really good price $12 for 6 meters. That's probably more material than you need, but it was all that was left on the roll so they finished it.. You can use the extra for something else. I'm not sure when I'll send it, probably this week or next and it will probably take about 6 weeks or more. If you don't like it just let me know and I'll find something else and I'll keep that, just let me know what you think.
I got a letter from Sondra this week. She is so cool. I love her to death! I even read her letter to my district leader. :)
How did the Y.W. Sacrament meeting go? I guess Mom and Sondra both were chosen. That's great! It sounds like that would have been a nice program.
Yesterday at church there was an American guy visiting from Utah. He asked me if I knew Wendy Cope. He used to date her. Small world! It was really funny because Elder Jones (from Paradise) was standing there as well and so we both knew her. It was funny!
I got a letter from Wendy this week. She is excited to go on mission. I'm excited for her. She will be an excellent missionary.
We have our 3 day elections conference this week, starting tomorrow. I think it will be fun. I don't think that these elections will be unusually violent. I'll tell you, being here sure has made me appreciate the US and even the government there. I know that it sounds crazy, but it is so true! No one can afford to have more than 3 children here because it costs thousands of Rand each term to send them to school. It is very rare to find mothers at home because they can't afford t have children and not work. It's just really sad.
It sounds like Matt's wife has him tied around her little finger! That's great! Matt needs it! :)
One of the members here who's daughter is on mission in Johannesburg told us that we need to draw a layout of our flat for our mothers. I don't know, I don't see the importance, but she promised that it was important, so anyhow, here it is (a sketch of our flat)
So, anyhow, that's our flat! I don't know how long I'll be staying here. I may be transferred next week, but I may stay for a while also. Who knows? We'll have to see.
Well, I had better go! I love you all! Take care!
Love,
Sister Zenger
Hello! How has your week been? Mine has been pretty uneventful! It actually just flew by so quickly, nothing had time to happen. Oh wait, there are a couple of things. One of the Elders who had only been here for a month went awal. He was, I guess having problems adjusting. I don't know the details about that, but on Tuesday he just grabbed his backpack and ran out of the flat. It took 2 days to find him. Pres. Hinckley was even involved. They finally found him in a hotel in downtown Durban. He was interviewed by Pres and given the option to stay or to go. He decided to go home. Shame, man! He was a good guy and would have made an excellent missionary.
One of our investigators who hasn't been progressing at all gave up smoking this week. We were pretty excited. She goes running with us every morning. I'm excited for her. She really wants to be baptized but now she just needs to live the law of chastity.
Ok, so it actually has been an interesting week! :)
Hey mom, I got you some material. Actually I was talking to a less active family and I was telling them how I was looking for material for a table cloth. They asked me kind of what I was looking for and then they said that if they ever came across anything that they'd let me know. 2 days later we phoned them for something and they said that they had bought some material. I was really scared because I didn't want to waste money on something I don't like or something you wouldn't like, but when we went and looked at it, I really liked it. It was also a really good price $12 for 6 meters. That's probably more material than you need, but it was all that was left on the roll so they finished it.. You can use the extra for something else. I'm not sure when I'll send it, probably this week or next and it will probably take about 6 weeks or more. If you don't like it just let me know and I'll find something else and I'll keep that, just let me know what you think.
I got a letter from Sondra this week. She is so cool. I love her to death! I even read her letter to my district leader. :)
How did the Y.W. Sacrament meeting go? I guess Mom and Sondra both were chosen. That's great! It sounds like that would have been a nice program.
Yesterday at church there was an American guy visiting from Utah. He asked me if I knew Wendy Cope. He used to date her. Small world! It was really funny because Elder Jones (from Paradise) was standing there as well and so we both knew her. It was funny!
I got a letter from Wendy this week. She is excited to go on mission. I'm excited for her. She will be an excellent missionary.
We have our 3 day elections conference this week, starting tomorrow. I think it will be fun. I don't think that these elections will be unusually violent. I'll tell you, being here sure has made me appreciate the US and even the government there. I know that it sounds crazy, but it is so true! No one can afford to have more than 3 children here because it costs thousands of Rand each term to send them to school. It is very rare to find mothers at home because they can't afford t have children and not work. It's just really sad.
It sounds like Matt's wife has him tied around her little finger! That's great! Matt needs it! :)
One of the members here who's daughter is on mission in Johannesburg told us that we need to draw a layout of our flat for our mothers. I don't know, I don't see the importance, but she promised that it was important, so anyhow, here it is (a sketch of our flat)
So, anyhow, that's our flat! I don't know how long I'll be staying here. I may be transferred next week, but I may stay for a while also. Who knows? We'll have to see.
Well, I had better go! I love you all! Take care!
Love,
Sister Zenger
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Durban North (06/10/96)
Family -
Hello! Howzit? How are things going? I haven't heard from home or received any post for over a week or so. I know that doesn't sound like a very long time, but it sure seems like it! :)
Things are well here. Right now we are at Sister's conference. They have it once a year,
I think and we just basically have a little sleepover. Last night we had a dinner and then a "fireside" and then we stayed up most of the night and watched movies (mission approved) and then this morning we are going hiking and then this afternoon we are going shopping. It has been pretty fun. A lot of the Sisters here complain that the Sisters are treated bad and that the Elders get treated better, etc. That's dumb! We get so spoiled. Sometimes I understand why some Elders don't like the sisters. There are only 8 sisters in the mission right now and there are only about 3 who aren't constantly causing problems. It's really sad.
Pres. told us last night that they are trying to get permission to take us to the temple in Johannesburg for Christmas. They usually take all the missionaries on a camping trip for a few days, but they've decided they want to take the whole lot of us to the temple. That would be so cool! I miss the temple so much!!! I hpe we are allowed to go.
Things are going great. I am happier now than I have been on mission. I love Sister Allen! She is so much fun and she is so willing to work hard. We are really working hard and I love it! I know that the Lord will bless us because of our efforts.
Pres is having Sister Allen and I go to a dermatologist. My skin is SO terrible since I've been here! Worse than it ever has been, so Pres. is having us go.
The other night we were making re-fried beans. We had to boil the beans for a few hours and Sister Allen was going to stay awake late to turn them off. She fell asleep. All the water boiled out of the pot and the beans just burned. I woke up at 1 am and about died from smoke inhalation. It was terrible! Our flat was just full of smoke! We've been trying to air everything out, but everything still completely stinks. It's bad, but it really was a funny experience. The pot was destroyed
One of the Elders here, Elder Brown just came down with spinal meningitis. It's really sad. His release date was the day after he got really sick. But he extended a month and his parents are coming out in July. So his last month he's having to spend in bed. He's staying here in the mission home. It's really hard for him. He's probably the best missionary in the mission and he is an extremely hard worker and now he can hardly even walk without passing out. It's really sad, but he'll be alright.
Sister denDulk one of the members here in Durban North will be coming over in July and she's going t phone and I told her to go for a Sunday dinner there. She's so funny! She'll make you laugh.
Well, anyways, I had better go. The other Sisters are thinking that I am a party pooper because I'm in here writing letters and they are all chatting.
I hope all is well with all of you. Mike, Claudia is anxiously awaiting your letter. She decided not to phone. But please write to her at least once.
I love you all very much! The Church is true. I love the Book of Mormon! I know that it's true.
I love you!
Michelle :)
Hello! Howzit? How are things going? I haven't heard from home or received any post for over a week or so. I know that doesn't sound like a very long time, but it sure seems like it! :)
Things are well here. Right now we are at Sister's conference. They have it once a year,
I think and we just basically have a little sleepover. Last night we had a dinner and then a "fireside" and then we stayed up most of the night and watched movies (mission approved) and then this morning we are going hiking and then this afternoon we are going shopping. It has been pretty fun. A lot of the Sisters here complain that the Sisters are treated bad and that the Elders get treated better, etc. That's dumb! We get so spoiled. Sometimes I understand why some Elders don't like the sisters. There are only 8 sisters in the mission right now and there are only about 3 who aren't constantly causing problems. It's really sad.
Pres. told us last night that they are trying to get permission to take us to the temple in Johannesburg for Christmas. They usually take all the missionaries on a camping trip for a few days, but they've decided they want to take the whole lot of us to the temple. That would be so cool! I miss the temple so much!!! I hpe we are allowed to go.
Things are going great. I am happier now than I have been on mission. I love Sister Allen! She is so much fun and she is so willing to work hard. We are really working hard and I love it! I know that the Lord will bless us because of our efforts.
Pres is having Sister Allen and I go to a dermatologist. My skin is SO terrible since I've been here! Worse than it ever has been, so Pres. is having us go.
The other night we were making re-fried beans. We had to boil the beans for a few hours and Sister Allen was going to stay awake late to turn them off. She fell asleep. All the water boiled out of the pot and the beans just burned. I woke up at 1 am and about died from smoke inhalation. It was terrible! Our flat was just full of smoke! We've been trying to air everything out, but everything still completely stinks. It's bad, but it really was a funny experience. The pot was destroyed
One of the Elders here, Elder Brown just came down with spinal meningitis. It's really sad. His release date was the day after he got really sick. But he extended a month and his parents are coming out in July. So his last month he's having to spend in bed. He's staying here in the mission home. It's really hard for him. He's probably the best missionary in the mission and he is an extremely hard worker and now he can hardly even walk without passing out. It's really sad, but he'll be alright.
Sister denDulk one of the members here in Durban North will be coming over in July and she's going t phone and I told her to go for a Sunday dinner there. She's so funny! She'll make you laugh.
Well, anyways, I had better go. The other Sisters are thinking that I am a party pooper because I'm in here writing letters and they are all chatting.
I hope all is well with all of you. Mike, Claudia is anxiously awaiting your letter. She decided not to phone. But please write to her at least once.
I love you all very much! The Church is true. I love the Book of Mormon! I know that it's true.
I love you!
Michelle :)
Durban North (around Father's Day 96)
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!
Hi dad! How are you? I didn't get a card off to you for Father's Day, so I decided that I would fax you a letter instead! I know, really creative, hu? It is also a few days early, but this is the only time I will be in the office this week, so I decided to do it now.
Well, things are going well with me here. I have a little bit of a flu right now so I'm not feeling all that wonderful, but I am fine (colds are called flu here). We had Sister's conference this weekend and we stayed overnight at the mission home and they rented some videos for us to have an all night video party, so I was up until 2 am and then the next morning we went hiking and we played under a waterfall and it was quite cold, so I think that the combination of both things caused me to become ill. But I will get over it! My companion, Sister Allen is sick as well.
How are things with Paragon? Any news yet? I tell ya, something has to happen soon. This is just too long to be dragging it out. The Lord will bless you. I guess He just wants us all to learn patience. I do pray for all of you and that situation often.
You know, since I've been on mission I have come to appreciate more the upbringing that I have had. I am so grateful for the chance that I had to be raised in a home where I was taught valuable lessons. I remember once when I was probably 15 and was planning on going to a Young Women's activity. The Sharps phoned and asked if I could go water skiing with them. You wouldn't let me go because I had made a commitment to go to young women's. I remember that I was quite cross about that, but as I look back now with my 20/20 hindsight, I really learned a valuable lesson from that. I was really taught responsibility and to follow through on my commitments. I could go through and relate many times when I learned valuable lessons, but I won't. I would just like to thank you for all that you have taught me. More than that, you showed me by example how to be dedicated to the church and to have a strong testimony.
There are a lot of things that I have come to appreciate more or to miss about home since I have been on mission, one of course, is mom's cooking, another is Sunday family dinners, but probably more than that is that I miss when you would open my door late at night and just say that you love me and blow me a kiss. It's funny the things you take for granted.
I have to leave this letter in the office until I go home and get the fax number and phone back here to the office to have one of the Elders send it, so I am sure in the mean time one of the Elders will read this and I am sure they think I am a cheeseball. But oh well, right? But I just wanted you to know how much I love you and how much I do miss you. I feel like I might be hurting mom's feelings when I say that the time has been flying and that I haven't been homesick, but I do miss you all very much, I just know that this is where I need to be and that a year really is really not a very long time. I know that I will be home in no time at all and it will seem like I never really left. So, I need to take advantage of the time that I have now.
I hope that all is well with you. I received that letter with the check in it. THANKS! I hope to hear from you soon! You guys can fax me anytime here at the office, I should probably fax you more often and prevent the long delay, but I don't think about it very often. I hope to hear from you soon. Give everyone hugs and kisses for me and tell them I love them! Thanks! Love you tons!
Love,
Shel (Sister Zenger) :)
Hi dad! How are you? I didn't get a card off to you for Father's Day, so I decided that I would fax you a letter instead! I know, really creative, hu? It is also a few days early, but this is the only time I will be in the office this week, so I decided to do it now.
Well, things are going well with me here. I have a little bit of a flu right now so I'm not feeling all that wonderful, but I am fine (colds are called flu here). We had Sister's conference this weekend and we stayed overnight at the mission home and they rented some videos for us to have an all night video party, so I was up until 2 am and then the next morning we went hiking and we played under a waterfall and it was quite cold, so I think that the combination of both things caused me to become ill. But I will get over it! My companion, Sister Allen is sick as well.
How are things with Paragon? Any news yet? I tell ya, something has to happen soon. This is just too long to be dragging it out. The Lord will bless you. I guess He just wants us all to learn patience. I do pray for all of you and that situation often.
You know, since I've been on mission I have come to appreciate more the upbringing that I have had. I am so grateful for the chance that I had to be raised in a home where I was taught valuable lessons. I remember once when I was probably 15 and was planning on going to a Young Women's activity. The Sharps phoned and asked if I could go water skiing with them. You wouldn't let me go because I had made a commitment to go to young women's. I remember that I was quite cross about that, but as I look back now with my 20/20 hindsight, I really learned a valuable lesson from that. I was really taught responsibility and to follow through on my commitments. I could go through and relate many times when I learned valuable lessons, but I won't. I would just like to thank you for all that you have taught me. More than that, you showed me by example how to be dedicated to the church and to have a strong testimony.
There are a lot of things that I have come to appreciate more or to miss about home since I have been on mission, one of course, is mom's cooking, another is Sunday family dinners, but probably more than that is that I miss when you would open my door late at night and just say that you love me and blow me a kiss. It's funny the things you take for granted.
I have to leave this letter in the office until I go home and get the fax number and phone back here to the office to have one of the Elders send it, so I am sure in the mean time one of the Elders will read this and I am sure they think I am a cheeseball. But oh well, right? But I just wanted you to know how much I love you and how much I do miss you. I feel like I might be hurting mom's feelings when I say that the time has been flying and that I haven't been homesick, but I do miss you all very much, I just know that this is where I need to be and that a year really is really not a very long time. I know that I will be home in no time at all and it will seem like I never really left. So, I need to take advantage of the time that I have now.
I hope that all is well with you. I received that letter with the check in it. THANKS! I hope to hear from you soon! You guys can fax me anytime here at the office, I should probably fax you more often and prevent the long delay, but I don't think about it very often. I hope to hear from you soon. Give everyone hugs and kisses for me and tell them I love them! Thanks! Love you tons!
Love,
Shel (Sister Zenger) :)
Durban North (06/03/96)
Family-
Hello! How are you all? How's the weather there? I think I am finally adjusting to the cold here. Everyone laughs at me when I am cold. They figure since I am from Utah, I should think that it is still hot!
I love my new companion! We get along so well! We have too much fun together. We laugh a lot. It feels great! Sometimes we don't feel like missionaries though because we both got so used to being miserable that we started thinking that it was part of being a missionary. But I'm very glad to have a new companion.
Well, I wasn't planning on saying anything to you all, but if you can't tell your family, who can you tell? It's just a silly story, but ... As I told you, in the MTC my district leader, Elder Miller and I got along really well. We were good friends and enjoyed each others company. But being that we are both missionaries and the fact that he is engaged, nothing came of it other than friendship, of course. Anyhow, we have been writing back and forth, nothing more than "this is how things are in the mission" etc. (He is serving in Las Vegas) But, see, I have this insane Mission President. He encourages us to have boyfriends and girlfriends at home. Seriously! And if you don't have one, he tries to set you up with someone. Crazy! His reasoning is, if 50,000 missionaries are writing to 50,000 other young adults, imagine how many young adults will be exchanging powerful testimonies and encouraging each other to live righteously. So, anyhow, every interview he's been asking me about boyfriends or perspective boyfriends. I kept assuring him that there were none. Then he started getting specific about the "young men" who I write or who write me. I eventually told him about Elder Miller. To make a long story short, he got completely excited about the whole thing and made me promise to make a commitment to him. I finally did and the commitment was to write to Elder Miller and tell him my feelings and tell him in Pres' exact words "My Mission President sees the light in my eyes when I talk about you" CHEESY!!! I about died! I couldn't figure out how to write this and disguise it to not sound so stupid! But it didn't work. So, little obedient me, followed the commitment. I wrote it almost 2 weeks ago. I'm sure I will never receive a reply but that's alright, it's not any great loss. But I thought I would share that experience with you all, just to let you know how funny my Mission President is. He's whacked! :)
Well, things are going really well. I'm happier than I have been on mission yet. I love the area where I am working even though everyone thinks it's the hardest area to work in the mission.
Hey, that's sad that you had to get rid of your cat. I was excited to have a cat when I get home. I've started to like cats a lot more since I've been on mission, even though one attacked me last week and hashed my hand. I was cross!
It was cool to get Matt's wedding announcement picture. It was really weird though! I can't believe he is actually married. It's weird. His wife looks familiar to me. What's her name? Did you go to the reception? How was it?
Well, I had better go! I love you all!
Love,
Michelle
Hello! How are you all? How's the weather there? I think I am finally adjusting to the cold here. Everyone laughs at me when I am cold. They figure since I am from Utah, I should think that it is still hot!
I love my new companion! We get along so well! We have too much fun together. We laugh a lot. It feels great! Sometimes we don't feel like missionaries though because we both got so used to being miserable that we started thinking that it was part of being a missionary. But I'm very glad to have a new companion.
Well, I wasn't planning on saying anything to you all, but if you can't tell your family, who can you tell? It's just a silly story, but ... As I told you, in the MTC my district leader, Elder Miller and I got along really well. We were good friends and enjoyed each others company. But being that we are both missionaries and the fact that he is engaged, nothing came of it other than friendship, of course. Anyhow, we have been writing back and forth, nothing more than "this is how things are in the mission" etc. (He is serving in Las Vegas) But, see, I have this insane Mission President. He encourages us to have boyfriends and girlfriends at home. Seriously! And if you don't have one, he tries to set you up with someone. Crazy! His reasoning is, if 50,000 missionaries are writing to 50,000 other young adults, imagine how many young adults will be exchanging powerful testimonies and encouraging each other to live righteously. So, anyhow, every interview he's been asking me about boyfriends or perspective boyfriends. I kept assuring him that there were none. Then he started getting specific about the "young men" who I write or who write me. I eventually told him about Elder Miller. To make a long story short, he got completely excited about the whole thing and made me promise to make a commitment to him. I finally did and the commitment was to write to Elder Miller and tell him my feelings and tell him in Pres' exact words "My Mission President sees the light in my eyes when I talk about you" CHEESY!!! I about died! I couldn't figure out how to write this and disguise it to not sound so stupid! But it didn't work. So, little obedient me, followed the commitment. I wrote it almost 2 weeks ago. I'm sure I will never receive a reply but that's alright, it's not any great loss. But I thought I would share that experience with you all, just to let you know how funny my Mission President is. He's whacked! :)
Well, things are going really well. I'm happier than I have been on mission yet. I love the area where I am working even though everyone thinks it's the hardest area to work in the mission.
Hey, that's sad that you had to get rid of your cat. I was excited to have a cat when I get home. I've started to like cats a lot more since I've been on mission, even though one attacked me last week and hashed my hand. I was cross!
It was cool to get Matt's wedding announcement picture. It was really weird though! I can't believe he is actually married. It's weird. His wife looks familiar to me. What's her name? Did you go to the reception? How was it?
Well, I had better go! I love you all!
Love,
Michelle
Durban North (05/27/96)
Family-
Is Mike a High School graduate? I can't believe it! My baby brother is all grown up! Wow! I am old!! Send me pictures of graduation! Please!?! :)
Wow, this has been a very busy week! Lots of news - well, no that much, but some! We had transfers this week. They were emergency transfers for Sisters. None of us can quite figure out why. It's a big mystery. My new companion is Sister Allen. She is from Mesa Arizona. She has been on mission for 4 months. We are both quite green still. But it is a great companionship. We get along really well. She has a great sense of humor and she likes to work hard. I think that we will have an excellent companionshihp.
Sister Merkley and her companion Sis. Larauce are being transferred to Madagascar! Sis. Merkley is pretty freaked! She's been wanting to go her entire mission, but now that it is happening she is torn. She will never serve in South Africa again. She'll stay there the rest of her mission. She has to learn the language and it's very disease ridden. But it is also a beautiful, great place to serve. So it's interesting.
I've been making a video this week. Johan and Leslie let us borrow their video camera. I'm not going to send it home because I only taped some and I'll continue to tape more throughout my mission and then at the end I have to convert it, because they use different types of video tapes here. I don't really understand it, I just know that I have to go through some process to do it. Anyway, you all can watch it when I get home.
I can't believe it, but I am freezing! For the past 2 days I have just been dying! I think it's because it's the first time it has really gotten nippy and I'm not adjusted. And the homes are not well insulated. They are just as cold inside as outside.
President Mason, the Area President for South Africa came and spoke to us this week. It was cool! He is really motivational. He made me so excited to continue working and to work my very hardest. He's so cool!
Well, I guess not as much has been happening as I thought. We've been really busy though, with all kinds of crazy things. The transfers basically messed up the week. Not really messed up, but just made things crazy. Sister Tolman only had a few hours to say goodbye to everyone. I think that she was excited to be transferred though, I don't think she liked this area very much.
Well, I guess that is about it for now! I hope that all is well with all of you! Could I please get Kim and Brian's address? Do you still send copies of my letters to them? What about to Mark? Mom, I have a talk that I want to copy and send to you about the Plan of Salvation that was given by the Mission President of the Cape Town mission, I really think you'll like it! It's POWER! Actually, there are a bunch but I haven' read them yet!
Well, I'd better cruise! I love you all! I miss you! The church is true and missionary work is the greatest! :)
I love you!
Michelle :)
Is Mike a High School graduate? I can't believe it! My baby brother is all grown up! Wow! I am old!! Send me pictures of graduation! Please!?! :)
Wow, this has been a very busy week! Lots of news - well, no that much, but some! We had transfers this week. They were emergency transfers for Sisters. None of us can quite figure out why. It's a big mystery. My new companion is Sister Allen. She is from Mesa Arizona. She has been on mission for 4 months. We are both quite green still. But it is a great companionship. We get along really well. She has a great sense of humor and she likes to work hard. I think that we will have an excellent companionshihp.
Sister Merkley and her companion Sis. Larauce are being transferred to Madagascar! Sis. Merkley is pretty freaked! She's been wanting to go her entire mission, but now that it is happening she is torn. She will never serve in South Africa again. She'll stay there the rest of her mission. She has to learn the language and it's very disease ridden. But it is also a beautiful, great place to serve. So it's interesting.
I've been making a video this week. Johan and Leslie let us borrow their video camera. I'm not going to send it home because I only taped some and I'll continue to tape more throughout my mission and then at the end I have to convert it, because they use different types of video tapes here. I don't really understand it, I just know that I have to go through some process to do it. Anyway, you all can watch it when I get home.
I can't believe it, but I am freezing! For the past 2 days I have just been dying! I think it's because it's the first time it has really gotten nippy and I'm not adjusted. And the homes are not well insulated. They are just as cold inside as outside.
President Mason, the Area President for South Africa came and spoke to us this week. It was cool! He is really motivational. He made me so excited to continue working and to work my very hardest. He's so cool!
Well, I guess not as much has been happening as I thought. We've been really busy though, with all kinds of crazy things. The transfers basically messed up the week. Not really messed up, but just made things crazy. Sister Tolman only had a few hours to say goodbye to everyone. I think that she was excited to be transferred though, I don't think she liked this area very much.
Well, I guess that is about it for now! I hope that all is well with all of you! Could I please get Kim and Brian's address? Do you still send copies of my letters to them? What about to Mark? Mom, I have a talk that I want to copy and send to you about the Plan of Salvation that was given by the Mission President of the Cape Town mission, I really think you'll like it! It's POWER! Actually, there are a bunch but I haven' read them yet!
Well, I'd better cruise! I love you all! I miss you! The church is true and missionary work is the greatest! :)
I love you!
Michelle :)
Durban North (05/14/96)
Hello Family!!
Sanibona! Ninjani! I've been studying my Zulu! the word for cat is iKati, I don't know for sure how to pronounce it, but I'll find out for sure and let you know. I'll also find out if there is a better name for her. I'll let you know.
(My family got a new cat while I was on my mission and was looking for a cool Zulu name for her :))
I forgot Bob and Sondra's address. Dumb, I know! I just went to sleep and forgot it. So, I'll just send their letter to you and you can give it to them.
I've been thinking about the money for curios. I'm thinking that maybe you should send it now. First of all, because the exchange rate is so good right now and also because I'm thinking that if I come across something that I really like then I would like to buy it then instead of not being able to and then never finding it again. If you could send $200 that would probably be good. Mom, I'd also need the length of the dining room table to know how much material to buy for you. Also, if you know how to figure it out in meters, that would be best, but if not, just tell me in yards and I'll figure it out. Would you also like me to get material for the serviettes? (Napkins) Just let me know what you want.
It would be best to write me a check. That will work the best and I'll just keep the money in my account until I need it.
I talked to Claudia. She was amazed that Mike hasn't recieved her letter. She is going to fax him a letter in the next couple of days. She is staying with a family of a man who is in our ward. She will be there for a month. I don't know the exact details of her trip I don't know that she does either. I'm sure she'll say something about it when she faxes you.
Well, I'm going to end. I love you all tons! It was great talking to you! Take care!
Love
Michelle :)
(I had just talked to my family early that morning for Mother's Day, that is why there were so many random conversations started in this letter)
P.S. I was just sitting here writing letters and I heard a gun shot in front of our house. I looked out my window and say quite the drama. A black man was running down the street with a bag in his hand and then a white man running after him with a gun pointed at him. The white guy shot the gun off into the air and the black man stopped. The white man started beating the black guy. The black guy had stolen the bag from the other man. They finally walked the man back to the other mans house to phone the police. Interesting! Who needs T.V. when you live in South Africa! :)
Good thing I'm a missionary and have angles protecting me! :)
ok, the name for the cat, umntwana = oom twa na, which means child. The word for cat is iKati, but I like this one better!
Love ya!
Shel :)
Sanibona! Ninjani! I've been studying my Zulu! the word for cat is iKati, I don't know for sure how to pronounce it, but I'll find out for sure and let you know. I'll also find out if there is a better name for her. I'll let you know.
(My family got a new cat while I was on my mission and was looking for a cool Zulu name for her :))
I forgot Bob and Sondra's address. Dumb, I know! I just went to sleep and forgot it. So, I'll just send their letter to you and you can give it to them.
I've been thinking about the money for curios. I'm thinking that maybe you should send it now. First of all, because the exchange rate is so good right now and also because I'm thinking that if I come across something that I really like then I would like to buy it then instead of not being able to and then never finding it again. If you could send $200 that would probably be good. Mom, I'd also need the length of the dining room table to know how much material to buy for you. Also, if you know how to figure it out in meters, that would be best, but if not, just tell me in yards and I'll figure it out. Would you also like me to get material for the serviettes? (Napkins) Just let me know what you want.
It would be best to write me a check. That will work the best and I'll just keep the money in my account until I need it.
I talked to Claudia. She was amazed that Mike hasn't recieved her letter. She is going to fax him a letter in the next couple of days. She is staying with a family of a man who is in our ward. She will be there for a month. I don't know the exact details of her trip I don't know that she does either. I'm sure she'll say something about it when she faxes you.
Well, I'm going to end. I love you all tons! It was great talking to you! Take care!
Love
Michelle :)
(I had just talked to my family early that morning for Mother's Day, that is why there were so many random conversations started in this letter)
P.S. I was just sitting here writing letters and I heard a gun shot in front of our house. I looked out my window and say quite the drama. A black man was running down the street with a bag in his hand and then a white man running after him with a gun pointed at him. The white guy shot the gun off into the air and the black man stopped. The white man started beating the black guy. The black guy had stolen the bag from the other man. They finally walked the man back to the other mans house to phone the police. Interesting! Who needs T.V. when you live in South Africa! :)
Good thing I'm a missionary and have angles protecting me! :)
ok, the name for the cat, umntwana = oom twa na, which means child. The word for cat is iKati, but I like this one better!
Love ya!
Shel :)
Durban North (05/06/96)
Family-
Howzit? Well, another week has flown by! Not really that much has happened Well, once again, that's not true. It has been a pretty cool week. On Friday a woman we've been teaching committed to baptism. She is scheduled for the 30th of May. She has some Word of Wisdom problems that she will hopefully be able to overcome. Another investigator, Ruth, is GOLDEN she hasn't committed to baptism yet because she wants to learn everything before she makes the commitment. But she comes to church and all the activities and loves it. We hope that she'll be baptized on the 30th as well.
Johan and Leslie were married this weekend. It was really cool because they totally let us help with things. I did Leslie's make-up. It was really fun. Then we helped get into her dress and stuff. It was just fun to be involved. They are so cool! I took a bunch of pictures of them and their wedding. I'll send some home when I get them developed.
Hey Mom and Dad, would you do me a huge favor? if you feel comfortable with this, but I find myself telling our investigators your conversion story quite often and I always wish I knew or remembered more about the feelings you experienced or how you knew that you should be baptized etc., would you both write that all down for me and send it to me. I would love to be able to use it to help our investigators. Most of the missionaries here come from long-time Mormon families and investigators aren't able to relate to that. They always want to know if we were born into the church and if our parents were as well. They tend to think if you were born into the church you may have been brain washed.
Well, what's new at home? Anything? What's up with Paragon? Dad are you still busy being a world traveler? How is Julie Hiatt (or whatever her married name is) Is Dee engaged yet? Or has he still not even kissed her? :) There is a girl here that I would love to set Erik up with, but she's leaving on mission this month. She is going to Johannesburg. Her name is Karen (car-in) She's 27 and she's RAD! They always keep the South African missionaries in South Africa because of the Rand to dollar exchange rate. It is just far too expensive to send the foreign.
(This is Sister Tolman and Sister Karen Francois and myself, I wanted to set Karen up with my brother Erik, it never happened though)
Anyhow, things are going well here, oh hey! I got on the scale the other day and I actually haven't gained any weight, but I still am fatter. I think all my muscles have turned into flab. My dresses hide me well though. Some of our investigators gave me a Zulu name when I asked them for a translation they said it meant Sister Skinny! hu? Imagine that! I just laughed!
Hey, I had my first Indian Curry this week. A family invited me (or us) over for curry. It was cool . You eat it with your hands. They say that it tastes better with your hands. It was cool. I'll have to make some when I get home.
I love you all very much! I miss you tons as well. I hope that all is great there. I love you!
Michelle :)
Howzit? Well, another week has flown by! Not really that much has happened Well, once again, that's not true. It has been a pretty cool week. On Friday a woman we've been teaching committed to baptism. She is scheduled for the 30th of May. She has some Word of Wisdom problems that she will hopefully be able to overcome. Another investigator, Ruth, is GOLDEN she hasn't committed to baptism yet because she wants to learn everything before she makes the commitment. But she comes to church and all the activities and loves it. We hope that she'll be baptized on the 30th as well.
Johan and Leslie were married this weekend. It was really cool because they totally let us help with things. I did Leslie's make-up. It was really fun. Then we helped get into her dress and stuff. It was just fun to be involved. They are so cool! I took a bunch of pictures of them and their wedding. I'll send some home when I get them developed.
Hey Mom and Dad, would you do me a huge favor? if you feel comfortable with this, but I find myself telling our investigators your conversion story quite often and I always wish I knew or remembered more about the feelings you experienced or how you knew that you should be baptized etc., would you both write that all down for me and send it to me. I would love to be able to use it to help our investigators. Most of the missionaries here come from long-time Mormon families and investigators aren't able to relate to that. They always want to know if we were born into the church and if our parents were as well. They tend to think if you were born into the church you may have been brain washed.
Well, what's new at home? Anything? What's up with Paragon? Dad are you still busy being a world traveler? How is Julie Hiatt (or whatever her married name is) Is Dee engaged yet? Or has he still not even kissed her? :) There is a girl here that I would love to set Erik up with, but she's leaving on mission this month. She is going to Johannesburg. Her name is Karen (car-in) She's 27 and she's RAD! They always keep the South African missionaries in South Africa because of the Rand to dollar exchange rate. It is just far too expensive to send the foreign.
Anyhow, things are going well here, oh hey! I got on the scale the other day and I actually haven't gained any weight, but I still am fatter. I think all my muscles have turned into flab. My dresses hide me well though. Some of our investigators gave me a Zulu name when I asked them for a translation they said it meant Sister Skinny! hu? Imagine that! I just laughed!
Hey, I had my first Indian Curry this week. A family invited me (or us) over for curry. It was cool . You eat it with your hands. They say that it tastes better with your hands. It was cool. I'll have to make some when I get home.
I love you all very much! I miss you tons as well. I hope that all is great there. I love you!
Michelle :)
Durban North 04/20/96)
Family -
Hello! How are you all? Wow! Today is a very busy day. We have been running errands all day and I also got into a total cleaning mood today and spring cleaned the flat (it's actually winter here!) But I scrubbed the floors on hands and knees, moved around all the furniture etc. It looks quite nice in here.
This has been a pretty good week. I've been mad at my companion most of the time for an assortment of reasons. Shame, she really does try! She is always asking me what she can change. She's never had a companion who would be honest with her. They would all just ask for transfers and stay quiet. She asked me to go see her therapist with her. She wants me to tell her (her therapist, Marge) the problems I encounter. So this should be interesting. I'm not too crazy about it, but if it will help Sis. Tolman and our companionship, I'm more than willing to do it.
Well, on the brighter side, one of the guys that Sis.Merkley and I found and taught is getting baptized this next week. I'm sure I've told you abut him. His name is Michael Tarr, he's quite strange. The funny thing is, even though he is seriously quite insane, I miss teaching him! I'm so happy for him that he's getting baptized! It will be the best thing for him.
Johan and Leslie are getting married this Saturday. I'm really excited because Leslie asked me to do her make-up for her. She's never worn make-up before, so she doesn't know how to put it on. We are having a little make-up party with her and also Ruth, one of her best friends who we are also teaching. I'm excited.
It's funny because my vainess is wearing off on my companion. Most of the Sisters here just have the attitude of "hey, I'm on mission, I'm not going to worry about how I look" My companion has probably been one of the worst at that, but a few weeks ago, she asked me to do her make-up and hair. She looked awesome! I did and I think she really liked it. Today she went and bought make-up and stuff for her contacts which she hasn't worn in month. It's just really funny. I think it is good because, true, we are not here to impress guys or anthing, but we still need to look nice and impress our investigators.
That's cool about Amy's roommate! I'll write her today. It seriously is a possibility that I will train her. Remember I told you about the rumor. She's the one it was referring to (well, basically, just the next Sister to come. We thought it would be May, but now it is June???) Anyhow, I don't know if I'll train her, but chances are good seeing that a lot of the Sister here are going home soon and there are a couple just new Sisters, so there are about 3 other Sisters that could train and 2 of those are already training now, So, I don't know, we will see!
We met some really cool guys today. They are from Zimbabwe! They are so cool! They are golden! They asked us what made us decide to come on mission and Sis. Tolman bore her testimony. One of the guys said, "Wow, I could really feel the Spirit when you were telling me that" We about died! We just met them outside of the post office. They travel back and forth between Zimbabwe and South Africa. When they are here in Durban they stay out of our area so we'll have to send the Elders to teach them. I'm jealous! :)
There are a couple of families that are from there who are coming to Utah in the next 6 months or so. The first is the denDulks. Loriann their 16 year old daughter is moving there to finish H.S.. They are bringing her over. Sister denDulk is going to come meet you. She's very funny! She's an interesting lady. She is so cool to the missionaries. She really takes care of us and she is so funny! You'll like her. The second family is the Groves, they are coming or going over for General Conference in October. They are RAD! They totally remind me of Bob and Sondra. I want them to come meet you. They promised they'd at least phone, they'll only be there for a weeks or so. The denDulks will be there for 2 months or so. Anyhow, when the Groves phone please invite them for dinner or something, you will love them!
Well, I had better go. Oh!, By the way! You can buy these aero-grams at the post office. They are a lot cheaper to send. You might want to look into it. I love you all very, very much. Thanks for your letters, they make my day! The Gospel is true!
Love,
Michelle :)
Hello! How are you all? Wow! Today is a very busy day. We have been running errands all day and I also got into a total cleaning mood today and spring cleaned the flat (it's actually winter here!) But I scrubbed the floors on hands and knees, moved around all the furniture etc. It looks quite nice in here.
This has been a pretty good week. I've been mad at my companion most of the time for an assortment of reasons. Shame, she really does try! She is always asking me what she can change. She's never had a companion who would be honest with her. They would all just ask for transfers and stay quiet. She asked me to go see her therapist with her. She wants me to tell her (her therapist, Marge) the problems I encounter. So this should be interesting. I'm not too crazy about it, but if it will help Sis. Tolman and our companionship, I'm more than willing to do it.
Well, on the brighter side, one of the guys that Sis.Merkley and I found and taught is getting baptized this next week. I'm sure I've told you abut him. His name is Michael Tarr, he's quite strange. The funny thing is, even though he is seriously quite insane, I miss teaching him! I'm so happy for him that he's getting baptized! It will be the best thing for him.
Johan and Leslie are getting married this Saturday. I'm really excited because Leslie asked me to do her make-up for her. She's never worn make-up before, so she doesn't know how to put it on. We are having a little make-up party with her and also Ruth, one of her best friends who we are also teaching. I'm excited.
It's funny because my vainess is wearing off on my companion. Most of the Sisters here just have the attitude of "hey, I'm on mission, I'm not going to worry about how I look" My companion has probably been one of the worst at that, but a few weeks ago, she asked me to do her make-up and hair. She looked awesome! I did and I think she really liked it. Today she went and bought make-up and stuff for her contacts which she hasn't worn in month. It's just really funny. I think it is good because, true, we are not here to impress guys or anthing, but we still need to look nice and impress our investigators.
That's cool about Amy's roommate! I'll write her today. It seriously is a possibility that I will train her. Remember I told you about the rumor. She's the one it was referring to (well, basically, just the next Sister to come. We thought it would be May, but now it is June???) Anyhow, I don't know if I'll train her, but chances are good seeing that a lot of the Sister here are going home soon and there are a couple just new Sisters, so there are about 3 other Sisters that could train and 2 of those are already training now, So, I don't know, we will see!
We met some really cool guys today. They are from Zimbabwe! They are so cool! They are golden! They asked us what made us decide to come on mission and Sis. Tolman bore her testimony. One of the guys said, "Wow, I could really feel the Spirit when you were telling me that" We about died! We just met them outside of the post office. They travel back and forth between Zimbabwe and South Africa. When they are here in Durban they stay out of our area so we'll have to send the Elders to teach them. I'm jealous! :)
There are a couple of families that are from there who are coming to Utah in the next 6 months or so. The first is the denDulks. Loriann their 16 year old daughter is moving there to finish H.S.. They are bringing her over. Sister denDulk is going to come meet you. She's very funny! She's an interesting lady. She is so cool to the missionaries. She really takes care of us and she is so funny! You'll like her. The second family is the Groves, they are coming or going over for General Conference in October. They are RAD! They totally remind me of Bob and Sondra. I want them to come meet you. They promised they'd at least phone, they'll only be there for a weeks or so. The denDulks will be there for 2 months or so. Anyhow, when the Groves phone please invite them for dinner or something, you will love them!
Well, I had better go. Oh!, By the way! You can buy these aero-grams at the post office. They are a lot cheaper to send. You might want to look into it. I love you all very, very much. Thanks for your letters, they make my day! The Gospel is true!
Love,
Michelle :)
Durban North (04/22/96)
Family-
Hello! This week flew by. It feels like I just wrote to you yesterday! Can you believe that on the 27th (5 days) I'll be out for 4 months!?! I don't know, maybe you can believe it, but on this side it amazes me.
Things are well here! I guess kind of a lot happened this week. I think in my last letter I told you about Johan and Leslie who were so excited to commit to baptism. Well, Tuesday night was when we were going to do it. I fasted Monday & Tuesday for them. We went to the appointment and when I asked them they said no. I almost started crying! They saw this and felt bad. So, that was bad news, but the good new is, that by the time we left they had committed to really find out this week if they should be baptized. The thing is, they flat out said that they know what we teach them is true and they know the Book of Mormon is true and they said they feel the Spirit when we are there, but they are afraid to join the church because they are afraid of losing their friends and Johan doesn't want to give up coffee. Anyhow, I still know that they'll be baptized. It may just take some time. They are getting married on the 4th of May. We are going to the wedding. I think that will be cool because then we can meet all their friends and teach all of them, they'll be baptized and then Johan and Leslie will have no problems! :) But we actually are teaching one of their friends and she is going to be baptized. She's not quite sure of that yet, but I am! :) Positive thinking, hey?
I got your fax this week. Thanks for the info! You know, you guys can fax me anytime there. It just goes to the mission office. I am there several times a week, so I can pick it up whenever. So, if you ever want to fax me feel free. Does it cost a lot to fax here? It costs me 5 rands to fax you which really isn't much. It's just about a little more than a dollar.
I was very surprised to hear about Wendy. The last I knew she wasn't even planning on going on a mission. I am excited for her. Which mission in Scotland is she going to, or is there only one? My friend Julie Ure is in Scotland on mission right now.
A new missionary came in a couple of weeks ago, Elder Guber. He is the younger brother of my EFY roommate the last year I went. It is amazing how small this world is!
I got a letter this week from Ryan Anderson. He seems to be doing really well. I can't believe he goes home in less than 5 months! That has flown by.
I also got a letter from the Bishopric, it was really cool. I kind of rolled my eyes at first when I saw that it was a form letter, but then I read it and really enjoyed it.
Things are finally cooling down a bit here. I've felt like I needed to put on a jersey a couple of times this week (oh, I mean a sweater) It feels quite nice but it will never get close to the cold it gets there during the winter.
I was going to write a letter today to Kim and Brian, but I didn't know where they are now, Kansas, maybe? So, I'll wait until I hear more details. I don't know if they do move to Kansas do you think there is some significance? You know, Missouri and all? That's just really interesting.
Hey Mike, 1 1/2 months ago you promised to write. What's up with that? I still haven't heard from you! Have you gotten Claudia's letter yet? She is so cool!
Well, I had better go! Hey, by the time you get this letter we will have probably already talked for Mother's Day!
Well, take care! I love you all tons! I hope all is well there, know that I am doing great here and I am loving my mission!
Love you!
Michelle :)
Hello! This week flew by. It feels like I just wrote to you yesterday! Can you believe that on the 27th (5 days) I'll be out for 4 months!?! I don't know, maybe you can believe it, but on this side it amazes me.
Things are well here! I guess kind of a lot happened this week. I think in my last letter I told you about Johan and Leslie who were so excited to commit to baptism. Well, Tuesday night was when we were going to do it. I fasted Monday & Tuesday for them. We went to the appointment and when I asked them they said no. I almost started crying! They saw this and felt bad. So, that was bad news, but the good new is, that by the time we left they had committed to really find out this week if they should be baptized. The thing is, they flat out said that they know what we teach them is true and they know the Book of Mormon is true and they said they feel the Spirit when we are there, but they are afraid to join the church because they are afraid of losing their friends and Johan doesn't want to give up coffee. Anyhow, I still know that they'll be baptized. It may just take some time. They are getting married on the 4th of May. We are going to the wedding. I think that will be cool because then we can meet all their friends and teach all of them, they'll be baptized and then Johan and Leslie will have no problems! :) But we actually are teaching one of their friends and she is going to be baptized. She's not quite sure of that yet, but I am! :) Positive thinking, hey?
I got your fax this week. Thanks for the info! You know, you guys can fax me anytime there. It just goes to the mission office. I am there several times a week, so I can pick it up whenever. So, if you ever want to fax me feel free. Does it cost a lot to fax here? It costs me 5 rands to fax you which really isn't much. It's just about a little more than a dollar.
I was very surprised to hear about Wendy. The last I knew she wasn't even planning on going on a mission. I am excited for her. Which mission in Scotland is she going to, or is there only one? My friend Julie Ure is in Scotland on mission right now.
A new missionary came in a couple of weeks ago, Elder Guber. He is the younger brother of my EFY roommate the last year I went. It is amazing how small this world is!
I got a letter this week from Ryan Anderson. He seems to be doing really well. I can't believe he goes home in less than 5 months! That has flown by.
I also got a letter from the Bishopric, it was really cool. I kind of rolled my eyes at first when I saw that it was a form letter, but then I read it and really enjoyed it.
Things are finally cooling down a bit here. I've felt like I needed to put on a jersey a couple of times this week (oh, I mean a sweater) It feels quite nice but it will never get close to the cold it gets there during the winter.
I was going to write a letter today to Kim and Brian, but I didn't know where they are now, Kansas, maybe? So, I'll wait until I hear more details. I don't know if they do move to Kansas do you think there is some significance? You know, Missouri and all? That's just really interesting.
Hey Mike, 1 1/2 months ago you promised to write. What's up with that? I still haven't heard from you! Have you gotten Claudia's letter yet? She is so cool!
Well, I had better go! Hey, by the time you get this letter we will have probably already talked for Mother's Day!
Well, take care! I love you all tons! I hope all is well there, know that I am doing great here and I am loving my mission!
Love you!
Michelle :)
Durban North (04/14/96)
Sawbona!
Kunjane! Hey look at me! I'm learning Zulu! This is one of my new goals. It is a very difficult language. I'm going to buy some good books and there are always people who are willing to help me. I have a couple of families who teach me a new word each time we meet with them. I hope to be able to speak a good amount by the time I come home. Now writing it is a completely different story! It is written completely different than it is spoken!
I got my package this week! THANKS! The Reeses were the best, but the tape was even better. The tape didn't sound like you though, but it was still great to hear from everyone! I'm in the process of making another one for you, it will probably take a while though because I am just taking it very slow.
Mom, I think you are over reacting about Sis. Merkley. I'm sorry, I shouldn't write things about my companions. I live with them 24-7 so I see the bad as well as the good, but sometimes I just feel the need to vent the bad. And then that's all you hear and by the time you read about it, it is no longer even a concern. I guess I've just had a hard time adjusting to having a companion or something. Well, anyhow, Sis Merklay didn't invite Satan into our companionship. She just prayed that Father in Heaven would defer the trials away from our investigators. It's not like we had a sayonce (or however that is spelled! :))
I know I just said that I was not going to write about my companions, but Sis. Tolman is SO funny! She can be quite clumsy. It makes me laugh so hard! We have l unchwith members every Sunday. There is one family the Bricknell's and they feed missionaries every week and the deal is that we don't help cook or set up, but we do the dishes. We were there 3 weeks ago and Sis. Tolman dropped some ice cream bowls and broke them. She was really embarrassed and then yesterday we were there again doing the dishes and there were 3 glasses sitting on a counter. She swung her arm around for some reason and swiped all of them onto the floor. Broke them all! I was laughing so hard! She felt so bad. The family is never going to let her live that one down!
We've had some really cool teaching experiences this week. I 'm not going to go into any great detail here because I told you all about it on the tape I'm making. But the greatest family is going to commit to baptism this week (I pray!) They are so rad! They've been investigating for 1 1/2 years. You'll maybe get to meet them, they are talking about visiting Utah in a while. They are RAD!
I don't think I have been as excited about missionary work as I have been this week. We are just teaching some great people.
Well, I've got to end here just now, but I want you all to know how much I love you! I am so grateful for your love and encouragement. I'm grateful for a family that have influenced me in such great ways. The more I meet new people and live with companions the more grateful I am for the way that i have been raised. Even down to knowing how to cook and clean (yes, my companions are amazed at how much I know about cooking!! Imagine that!) They are also amazed at how clean I am. I guess I'm just a totally different person when I am living on my own! :)
Thanks for everything! I love you! - and Mom, don't worry, you don't need to send me packages. I realize it is expensive.
Sister Zenger (Zenga - how everyone here pronounces it)
Kunjane! Hey look at me! I'm learning Zulu! This is one of my new goals. It is a very difficult language. I'm going to buy some good books and there are always people who are willing to help me. I have a couple of families who teach me a new word each time we meet with them. I hope to be able to speak a good amount by the time I come home. Now writing it is a completely different story! It is written completely different than it is spoken!
I got my package this week! THANKS! The Reeses were the best, but the tape was even better. The tape didn't sound like you though, but it was still great to hear from everyone! I'm in the process of making another one for you, it will probably take a while though because I am just taking it very slow.
Mom, I think you are over reacting about Sis. Merkley. I'm sorry, I shouldn't write things about my companions. I live with them 24-7 so I see the bad as well as the good, but sometimes I just feel the need to vent the bad. And then that's all you hear and by the time you read about it, it is no longer even a concern. I guess I've just had a hard time adjusting to having a companion or something. Well, anyhow, Sis Merklay didn't invite Satan into our companionship. She just prayed that Father in Heaven would defer the trials away from our investigators. It's not like we had a sayonce (or however that is spelled! :))
I know I just said that I was not going to write about my companions, but Sis. Tolman is SO funny! She can be quite clumsy. It makes me laugh so hard! We have l unchwith members every Sunday. There is one family the Bricknell's and they feed missionaries every week and the deal is that we don't help cook or set up, but we do the dishes. We were there 3 weeks ago and Sis. Tolman dropped some ice cream bowls and broke them. She was really embarrassed and then yesterday we were there again doing the dishes and there were 3 glasses sitting on a counter. She swung her arm around for some reason and swiped all of them onto the floor. Broke them all! I was laughing so hard! She felt so bad. The family is never going to let her live that one down!
We've had some really cool teaching experiences this week. I 'm not going to go into any great detail here because I told you all about it on the tape I'm making. But the greatest family is going to commit to baptism this week (I pray!) They are so rad! They've been investigating for 1 1/2 years. You'll maybe get to meet them, they are talking about visiting Utah in a while. They are RAD!
I don't think I have been as excited about missionary work as I have been this week. We are just teaching some great people.
Well, I've got to end here just now, but I want you all to know how much I love you! I am so grateful for your love and encouragement. I'm grateful for a family that have influenced me in such great ways. The more I meet new people and live with companions the more grateful I am for the way that i have been raised. Even down to knowing how to cook and clean (yes, my companions are amazed at how much I know about cooking!! Imagine that!) They are also amazed at how clean I am. I guess I'm just a totally different person when I am living on my own! :)
Thanks for everything! I love you! - and Mom, don't worry, you don't need to send me packages. I realize it is expensive.
Sister Zenger (Zenga - how everyone here pronounces it)
Monday, June 13, 2011
Durban North (04/8/96)
Family-
Hello! I keep wanting to write some to you in Zulu, but I don't know how to write it, I only know how to speak some words. I'm going to buy a book in the next couple of weeks that will help me learn more and learn how everything is spelled.
Well, things are going pretty good here. The teaching has been really slow this week because of Easter, everyone is on holiday. We haven't been able to see too many people. Hopefully things will pick up a bit this week.
Funny story: we were at a family home evening with a bunch of the members here and my companion decides to tell a story. She's telling about Sister Pickett (Monica, my old roomate from Jackson Hole) and how one night at about 11pm she remembered that she needed to go out to the car. She was in her night gown, but decided to go out anyhow, like she was. She went and she was bending over getting something out of the boot (trunk) of the car, when another car pulled up behind her. But the funny thing is that Sis. Tolman says "she was standing there with her fanny showing" Well, fanny has a completely different meaning here (it's another part of the female anatomy) The ward members all turned about 6 shades of red and trying to explain to the children that she meant butt. Sis. Tolman didn't even realize. I even told her not to use that word. She just smiled and went on with her story. It was really funny when 2 days later I realized that she didn't even know what it meant and explained it to her, she about died. She was having a ditz moment. She is really funny!
Hey Mike! Claudia is going to write to you! She is SO RAD! You need to write back. She is cool.
Oh, I guess it might be good to talk about Mother's Day. I hope you'd get this before then. But if you'd like to call me you can! :) The best time to call would probably be, well, I don't know what time you get out of church, so maybe we should just say 7pm your time on Mother's Day. That would be 4 am here, but Monday is P-day so I'll be fine with sleep and stuff. But if you call then, I'll be awake waiting. The # here is 031844600. I don't know the country code or anything, but I guess you can figure it out. If there is a problem with this time (or if you don't even want to talk to me! :)) just fax me and tell me what is better. Dad should have the office's fax # from when I faxed him this week.
Sorry, I didn't wait until Easter to open my card. I haven't gotten anything else in 4 weeks so when I got that, I waited a few days and then gave in and opened it. The post is just really messed up right now, more than usual. No one is getting post.
Well, not too much else is happening here. Hey! I've decided that you need to be rich so that by the time I am ready to come home you can afford to come over and get me! I would love for you to be able to see South Africa. It would only be $3000 per plane ticket or hey, Erik could work a deal with his little travel agent thing. I think you need to work on it! :) No, but I would love to have you see this area! :)
Well, I had better go! I love you all very much! I think of you often. I hope all is well at home. I'd love more pictures of Kaity-Shel! :) I'd also like to see the family picture we took before I left. Can you like make a color copy of it or something? I don't have a family picture to show people.
Take care!
Love,
Michelle
Hello! I keep wanting to write some to you in Zulu, but I don't know how to write it, I only know how to speak some words. I'm going to buy a book in the next couple of weeks that will help me learn more and learn how everything is spelled.
Well, things are going pretty good here. The teaching has been really slow this week because of Easter, everyone is on holiday. We haven't been able to see too many people. Hopefully things will pick up a bit this week.
Funny story: we were at a family home evening with a bunch of the members here and my companion decides to tell a story. She's telling about Sister Pickett (Monica, my old roomate from Jackson Hole) and how one night at about 11pm she remembered that she needed to go out to the car. She was in her night gown, but decided to go out anyhow, like she was. She went and she was bending over getting something out of the boot (trunk) of the car, when another car pulled up behind her. But the funny thing is that Sis. Tolman says "she was standing there with her fanny showing" Well, fanny has a completely different meaning here (it's another part of the female anatomy) The ward members all turned about 6 shades of red and trying to explain to the children that she meant butt. Sis. Tolman didn't even realize. I even told her not to use that word. She just smiled and went on with her story. It was really funny when 2 days later I realized that she didn't even know what it meant and explained it to her, she about died. She was having a ditz moment. She is really funny!
Hey Mike! Claudia is going to write to you! She is SO RAD! You need to write back. She is cool.
Oh, I guess it might be good to talk about Mother's Day. I hope you'd get this before then. But if you'd like to call me you can! :) The best time to call would probably be, well, I don't know what time you get out of church, so maybe we should just say 7pm your time on Mother's Day. That would be 4 am here, but Monday is P-day so I'll be fine with sleep and stuff. But if you call then, I'll be awake waiting. The # here is 031844600. I don't know the country code or anything, but I guess you can figure it out. If there is a problem with this time (or if you don't even want to talk to me! :)) just fax me and tell me what is better. Dad should have the office's fax # from when I faxed him this week.
Sorry, I didn't wait until Easter to open my card. I haven't gotten anything else in 4 weeks so when I got that, I waited a few days and then gave in and opened it. The post is just really messed up right now, more than usual. No one is getting post.
Well, not too much else is happening here. Hey! I've decided that you need to be rich so that by the time I am ready to come home you can afford to come over and get me! I would love for you to be able to see South Africa. It would only be $3000 per plane ticket or hey, Erik could work a deal with his little travel agent thing. I think you need to work on it! :) No, but I would love to have you see this area! :)
Well, I had better go! I love you all very much! I think of you often. I hope all is well at home. I'd love more pictures of Kaity-Shel! :) I'd also like to see the family picture we took before I left. Can you like make a color copy of it or something? I don't have a family picture to show people.
Take care!
Love,
Michelle
Durban North (not sure of the date)
Family -
Hello! How have you all been this week? Things have been good here. There really hasn't been anything too exciting happening around here. I haven't gotten a letter from you all for about 2 1/2 weeks, so I'm not too up to date on what's going on there.
I got a wedding announcement from Kristy Wilde Beck this week. It was cool to hear from her.
Wow, there really isn't much to write about. Things are going alright between Sister Tolman and I. We are learning to understand each other and get to know each other better. She likes to complain a lot and it was getting us both down, so we talked about it and came up with a little game to overcome this. Every time either one of us complains or has a negative thought or thinks about home, we have to pick up a stone. We keep these stones in a little bag. We carry these with us and the only way to get rid of our stones is to do some act of service or some kind deed for either each other or someone else. This has really helped in the last couple of days and I hope it will continue to help. Sister Tolman has been so much happier since we have started this.
Hey Mike, I've got someone I want to set you up with! Do you have a girl friend? Well, this girl's name is Claudia Snijder. She is a member of this ward. She is 17 and she is a model. She is very pretty, but she's not snobby at all. She is coming out to Utah after she graduates (matriculates). Matriculation is in December here, so it will be after December this year. Anyhow, I want you to write to her. I haven't talked to her about it yet, but I will and then let you know. Write to me and let me know what you think! :) (What can I say, playing cupid is just a part of my personality! :))
I'm getting a perm today. I was just going to let my hair go straight, but it's just getting too long and takes too long to blow it out straight. It will just be easier with the humidity. I'm just scared to go to someone else besides Angie!
I broke my retainer yesterday. I put it in my backpack during a dinner appointment yesterday and they got smushed. But it is still wearable. I'm going to fax home to you about it today.
Right now we are that the church for what they call Berea Ball. Some of the missionaries get together on P-day and play basketball and volleyball. Right now 3 of the Elders that are going home this month are talking about their flight plans. They are talking about how their first things to do are hit Taco Bell and 7-Eleven. It's just quite funny to listen to them. It's so strange to hear people talk about going home. It's so long off for me. It's weird, but I know that the time will fly. It's already flying past for me.
A little trivia for you about SA. They are always trying to create jobs for people. A new job I discovered today is that when the garbage trucks go around they have extra men walking the streets putting the garbage bags in organized piles so it's easier for the other 2 men to throw it into the truck. I was laughing.
One thing I hate about mission is the Elder attitude towards the Sisters. They are all pretty cool to me, but sometimes they rip pretty hard on my companion and they sometimes act like they only talk to us because they have to. It's pretty lame.
Anyhow, sorry to end on a negative note. I do love being a missionary. T's the best! I love you all!
Love,
Michelle :)
This was the perm that I got that day. I loved the perm, but soon realized that they completely burned my hair. A lot of it fell out and it eventually got all dried and brittle :(
Hello! How have you all been this week? Things have been good here. There really hasn't been anything too exciting happening around here. I haven't gotten a letter from you all for about 2 1/2 weeks, so I'm not too up to date on what's going on there.
I got a wedding announcement from Kristy Wilde Beck this week. It was cool to hear from her.
Wow, there really isn't much to write about. Things are going alright between Sister Tolman and I. We are learning to understand each other and get to know each other better. She likes to complain a lot and it was getting us both down, so we talked about it and came up with a little game to overcome this. Every time either one of us complains or has a negative thought or thinks about home, we have to pick up a stone. We keep these stones in a little bag. We carry these with us and the only way to get rid of our stones is to do some act of service or some kind deed for either each other or someone else. This has really helped in the last couple of days and I hope it will continue to help. Sister Tolman has been so much happier since we have started this.
Hey Mike, I've got someone I want to set you up with! Do you have a girl friend? Well, this girl's name is Claudia Snijder. She is a member of this ward. She is 17 and she is a model. She is very pretty, but she's not snobby at all. She is coming out to Utah after she graduates (matriculates). Matriculation is in December here, so it will be after December this year. Anyhow, I want you to write to her. I haven't talked to her about it yet, but I will and then let you know. Write to me and let me know what you think! :) (What can I say, playing cupid is just a part of my personality! :))
I'm getting a perm today. I was just going to let my hair go straight, but it's just getting too long and takes too long to blow it out straight. It will just be easier with the humidity. I'm just scared to go to someone else besides Angie!
I broke my retainer yesterday. I put it in my backpack during a dinner appointment yesterday and they got smushed. But it is still wearable. I'm going to fax home to you about it today.
Right now we are that the church for what they call Berea Ball. Some of the missionaries get together on P-day and play basketball and volleyball. Right now 3 of the Elders that are going home this month are talking about their flight plans. They are talking about how their first things to do are hit Taco Bell and 7-Eleven. It's just quite funny to listen to them. It's so strange to hear people talk about going home. It's so long off for me. It's weird, but I know that the time will fly. It's already flying past for me.
A little trivia for you about SA. They are always trying to create jobs for people. A new job I discovered today is that when the garbage trucks go around they have extra men walking the streets putting the garbage bags in organized piles so it's easier for the other 2 men to throw it into the truck. I was laughing.
One thing I hate about mission is the Elder attitude towards the Sisters. They are all pretty cool to me, but sometimes they rip pretty hard on my companion and they sometimes act like they only talk to us because they have to. It's pretty lame.
Anyhow, sorry to end on a negative note. I do love being a missionary. T's the best! I love you all!
Love,
Michelle :)
This was the perm that I got that day. I loved the perm, but soon realized that they completely burned my hair. A lot of it fell out and it eventually got all dried and brittle :(
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