Dec. 12, 2023: Happy 38th Anniversary to my best eternal companion! We also hit the "Hump" mark; one full year as full-time missionaries! We went into the MTC today last year. Wow, time flies when you're having fun! Sister Kitchen told us, "A mission should not only be endured but enjoyed!" We are certainly enjoying Zimbabwe! Bruce says, "It's a mission on steroids here in Africa!" He still makes me laugh even after 38 years. We are loving every minute of it except missing the grandkids. Thank goodness for video chats!
We are leaving for the Garden Route of South Africa on Dec. 14th. We'll travel from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, South Africa. We've heard this is a beautiful drive and not to miss it while staying in Africa. I've booked Airbnb's along the route then we'll stay two days in Cape Town; then it's off to America to see our children and grandchildren. We've been here 9 months and we've had remarkable adventures and spiritual experiences beyond anything we could've imagined. We are so grateful to be serving the Lord at this time.
Saying goodbye to all the workers is always hard. We know most of them go home to virtually nothing for Christmas, but we're happy they can spend time with their families. None of our Shona friends put up Christmas trees or have Christmas nativities or decorations. We enjoyed having Persuade and Richwell over for a spaghetti dinner with our new senior couple, Grant and Wendy Stucki. I also wrote a lot of Christmas cards and we handed them out with giant candy bars. It was amazing to see the gratitude in our Shona friend's eyes and expressions of thankfulness for such a small gesture. We wish we could do more for them. There does seem to be a small amount of jealousy if you do something for one person they all expect it. We've been careful to give out money in private to meet some of the needs. Tinashe texted us he only has $60.00 left for the 4-week break without pay which was his Christmas bonus for the year. He's trying to feed 3 children and a wife until work starts up again on Jan 15th. We wish we could help more. We continue to pray for our workers and new converts.
Pickleball at 34 North. We finally met the famous "CC" or Cecile Lundgren from Norway. She's one of the 3 Zim. Nephites and we already love her too. Sister Jarvis's family also came to pick her up from her mission in Texas. We had this fun group to play pickleball in the mornings. We say goodbye to Elder Ricks, one of our favorite A.P.s going home to Arizona.
On December 15, 2023: We were heartbroken to hear our dear friends, David and Agness Solani's little daughter, Joanna "Kinashe" died today in a car accident. David was driving and not injured but the car hit the little girl's side and killed her instantly. We've tried to call Agness many times but our phones won't go through. Taona Nkala, our project manager and counselor in the Stake Presidency, went over with Susan the Relief Society President and Pres. Machakahiri, our stake president. The family is completely devastated and David feels guilty. I loved little Joanna. I can't imagine the pain and heartache both Agness and David and her brother, Jess are feeling right now. We can only pray the healing power of the Atonement will comfort them with hope for the next life.
.JPG)
Little Joanna just celebrated her 4th birthday the day before she died. She was full of life and energy. She loved to wear my jewelry and missionary tag. I told her she was a "future missionary"; perhaps she is now in the Spirit world.
No comments:
Post a Comment