Empangeni 3/11/96

Family -

Hi! I'm writing this in the car, so it may turn out quite messy. We are on our way to Durban. I've been transferred. I'm going to Durban North. I was shocked. I didn't think I'd be transferred so soon. I'm scared to not be training anymore. My new companion will be Sister Tolman. Durban North is supposed to be really nice.

Mom, I got your letter in response to my greenie joke. I'm sorry that it freaked you out so bad. I guess I need to be careful about what I write home about. Please don't write to Pres. It's not necessary. Everyone feels bad enough about it. I ready your letter to Sis. Merkley and she was sick to her stomach. She told Elder Baker about it and he wants to write to you. Anyway everyone did learn a lesson, so don't stress about it. I am fine.

We just had the coolest experience! Sis. Merkley and I were driving to Richard's Bay and alongside the road were 3 guys in their tribal attire, we flipped a U at the robot and went to ask them if we could take a picture of them, they said no, that it is part of their culture not to have pictures. They asked us where we were from, we said America, they asked us if we know about the Almighty. They then asked us what we know about the mark of the beast. We talked about it for a while and found out that they completely live off the land, they use nothing from civilization. They make their own clothes from weaving this grass fiber stuff. They eat only what they can gather from the bush. They do all of this because of the prophecies of the mark of the beast. They want to avoid ever having to be dependent on the government. So they are living in the bush to await Christ's coming. We tried to give them a Book of Mormon, but they don't even believe in using paper. They were so cool. The one Fireman (his name) was totally educated, he was also very well groomed and very handsome. It seriously was one of the neatest experiences I've had.

I'm sad to leave Empangeni! We are teaching some of the coolest people. I've become so attached. The hardest goodbye was this morning when we went to tell the kids at the creche (daycare) that we volunteer at, goodbye. They all were giving me all kinds of kisses and hugs. There is one little boy named Mkowie that I've just bonded with. I'll miss him too much!

I'm quite frustrated with the Zulu culture right now. It's normal for the men to beat their wives. It makes me sick. The women talk about it and they say, oh well, it's just life! How sad! The men here are very, well on the most part, just jerks!

Well, I think that Sis. Merkley want to write a note on this, then I'll end.

Sis. Zenger's mom,

I don't' know what to say that can make you realize how truly sorry I am about the greenie "joke". I feel nauseous when I think about it and I will never forgive myself, Your daughter is a wonderful missionary and I can't even express how sorry I am about what happened. I really didn't think it would be that realistic and frightening. I will ever play a greenie joke again. I'm sorry that I had to learn that lesson with your daughter. Please forgive me. (excuse my handwriting) :) Sister Merkley

Sister Merkley is RAD! I have a feeling she will be my best companion on mission. She is scared to meet you when we come home, she thinks you hate her. I shouldn't have read her your letter, she already felt bad enough.

Well, take care! Thanks for your letters and my shorts and teevas. I haven't gotten them yet, but maybe today! :) I love you all tons! The Gospel is wonderful! :)

Michelle :)
(Sister Zenger)


Sister Merkley and I on the last day of our companionship.