Wednesday and Thursday were busy days for the mission. Once a transfer we have our traditional "sister's dinner" where the SLT (Sister Leadership Trainers) come to the mission home, have a nice dinner and fireside, and sleep overnight. Usually, the senior sisters also come and someone arranges a small favor for the younger sisters. Bruce and I went and picked up catered food from "Pistachios" a wonderful little restaurant in the Sam Levy Village Market. We brought the food at 5:00 p.m. to the Judds and I had time to visit with Sister Judd. We also got a donation of pajamas for the younger sisters from Lolly and Reeve's Eyes4Zimbabwe and missionary containers. The sisters were thrilled with their pajama tops and leggings for their "slumber" party.
I didn't get the "wear gold" memo!
After a nice meal, we sat around the outdoor dinner table and talked about "how you know if he is the one?!" This is the question the senior sisters always get asked by the younger sisters. I mentioned if you have to ask, then it's not right. I knew without a doubt to marry Bruce and I'm sure I was guided by the Holy Spirit in our decision. We just knew it was right and we were in love. I think it's been this way with all our children too. It was fun to discuss everyone's opinions on the subject.
During the meeting, we had a beautiful musical number by Sister Jarvis and Rahanatriniana that brought the Spirit. Sisters Waltman and Makura lead the discussion on covenant keeping. It was interesting to hear of two African sisters, who only were able to go to the temple once before their missions. Now the MTC makes the temple an integral part of the new missionary's training. Isn't wonderful the prophet and apostles realize the need to bring the temple to the people now? There are 20 temples being built or announced in Africa this year. It's pretty exciting, especially for these devoted saints, who currently travel 12 hours by bus to the Johannesburg Temple. They can hardly wait for the Harare, Zimbabwe Temple to be completed.
Thursday, we played pickleball at 0530-0700. We were at the temple construction site from 0830-430 then rushed home for MLC.
We had pizza for 60 missionaries at MLC and I brought a large relish tray. We always love to hear the wisdom of our mission leaders, The Judds. The seniors got to play the part of investigators or friends wanting to hear more about the church. We did two sessions of different companions teaching us a principle of the gospel in 15 minutes. It's always so fun to play the part! I was taught by two sisters about the Plan of Salvation and 2 elders about temple covenants and forever families. They both did a great job. Next, the seniors take time to critique their teaching letting them know what went well and what they could improve on. It's a fun role-play for learning. An African Elder Chinhondo sang a beautiful solo, "Oh Shenandoah". It was quite a surprise and simply beautiful! All the young proselyting missionaries shared their favorite scripture and how it helped them complete their missionary purpose. I loved hearing most of them recite their scripture from memory. Our assistants to the president, Elder Ricks and Maganga, all shared a beautiful scripture about our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
We always end every missionary meeting with the mission song, "How Firm a Foundation". It brings tears to everyone's eyes to hear this mighty "army of God" bellow out this song while Pres. Judd goes around shoulder to shoulder with his elders. It's a sight to behold!
This week in Utah volunteers are packaging up donations for our mission and Eyes4Zimbabwe. My wonderful Cache Valley friends collected about 80 suits to donate to the missionaries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Debbie and Dale Hansen and Karla and John Davidson went to Salt Lake City and helped at the humanitarian center with all the bundles. I really appreciate their dedication and service to help these wonderful people of Africa. The suits and missionary attire are badly needed; most of the African missionaries have nothing and get a packed suitcase from Reeve and Lolly as they get their mission call. They have to donate 5 hours of service daily to obtain the donated gift. It's an added blessing to have so many donations coming from Utah.
SLC Humanitarian Center with Hansens and Davidsons volunteering to help Zimbabwe. 2023.11.05
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