Larato Creche Christmas

Wayne Grobler, a returned missionary and son of the former Stake President, got the senior missionaries involved in a service project with the Lerato Creche.   The Creche is a pre-school, day car, church and even an orphanage for a few children here in Bloemfontein.

Welkom Thanksgiving

Elder Edington and I work most closely with the Welkom Elders so when we found out that they were not going to have the opportunity to come to the Bloemfontein Thanksgiving or to have one of their own we decided to take Thanksgiving dinner to them.  This was the second of two Thanksgiving dinners we helped with and neither one on Thanksgiving day.  That day was a day of work for us as well as the missionaries so we did not eat a Thanksgiving meal that day.

The Lord, or at least the missionaries where teaching me the importance of being patient.  The Elders were an hour and 20 min late.  One set of Elders had a good excuse though.  The key for their door broke in the lock so they were locked in their flat for a long time.  They actually broke out through a high kitchen window and were able to eventually get the lock fixed.  We are still not sure what kept the other Elders.

The American Elders loved having Thanksgiving with most of the trimmings but most of the black Elders had never eaten turkey before.  (From the people we talked to it seems that most Africans do not eat turkey and think we are a bit crazy for eating it) All but Elder Chathyoka were willing to try the turkey.  He is the Elder in the middle picture with Elder Edington.     

Bloemfontein Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the missionaries  in Bloemfontein today Monday November 24, 2014.  We celebrated it today because it is p-day and the missionaries can have zone actvities on Mondays.  Thanksgiving is not a holiday here in South Africa so if we had Thanksgiving on Thursday the missionaries would have only 1 hour to celebrate. Elder and Sister Carlile and Elder and Sister Huls and Elder Edington and I made Thanksgiving dinner with as many of the trimmings as we could find. We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade rolls, candied sweet potatoes, pomegranate jello salad, cranberries and lemon, pumpkin and pecan pie. We had a wonderful time.

                                           
                                    

Hippo Hunting at Night

We got to go out twice looking for hippos.  The first time we did not see any hippos because we went to the wrong area of town but the second night we were successful.  The night time pictures we took did not work out at all so we used some that Elder Polman gave us.   Hippos spend most of the day in the water and come out at night to eat the lawns and other vegetation around St Lucia.  These big fellow are often found roaming the streets around 9:00 at night.  It was quite a thrill to see these massive short legged beasts.  Can you imagine coming out of your house at night and coming face to face with a hippo.  I though javelina were a nuisance. 

Hippo Boat Ride

On Saturday November 8th, 2014 we went on "The Hippo Boat Ride."  Near the boat dock, artisan had their wares to show.  There were carved animals, hats, beaded bracelets, necklaces and lots more fun things. The Christmas balls that are pictured in the middle row of pictures are carved on the outside of what they called Monkey Fruit.  The monkey fruit had a pale green seedy middle which is removed before carving.  The outside is relatively soft and appears to be quite easy to carve, although getting the design just right, I am sure, was a bit tricky.  The monkey fruits looked a lot like a gourd that we would find back home.  There were 5 or six men carving different designs on the monkey fruit.  It was interesting to watch and listen to them as they talked.

Saint Lucia Wetland Drive

One the second day of our retreat, Friday November 7, 2014 we went on a Saint Lucia Wetland drive and got to go to the Indian Ocean.  We road in a truck just like the ones we used for the game drive so we were able to see everything there was to see, which was a lot.

This was a fun day.  There was a cloud cover again this day which kept the day a bit cool but it brought out the animals in full force.  we saw animals almost continually as we drove around the wetlands.  It was beautiful and a very interesting to see so many different animals and so much water.    To an Arizona desert rat just to see so much water was a fascinating treat.

iMfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Drive

This sign is located just outside the gates to go in to the game park.. This part use to be two separate parks but are now combined into one massive game park.  Putting the two game parks together has created a much larger area for the animals and a much greater experience for those who go on the game drive.

Senior Missionary Couples Conference

On Saturday November 8th, 2014 we went on "The Hippo Boat Ride."  Near the boat dock, artisan had their wares to show.  There were carved animals, hats, beaded bracelets, necklaces and lots more fun things. The Christmas balls that are pictured in the middle row of pictures are carved on the outside of what they called Monkey Fruit.  The monkey fruit had a pale green seedy middle which is removed before carving.  The outside is relatively soft and appears to be quite easy to carve, although getting the design just right, I am sure, was a bit tricky.  The monkey fruits looked a lot like a gourd that we would find back home.  There were 5 or six men carving different designs on the monkey fruit.  It was interesting to watch and listen to them as they talked.

Nalidi Hlanyane

Sometimes I get the opportunity to have some fun working with one of the youth in our home.  I had a young lady by the name of Naledi Hlanyane ask me if I would show her how to make cinnamon rolls.  She came on Monday September 22, 2014.  This is a picture of her in the back of our car as we traveled to and from her house.  She lives in Blomanda about 30 min. from our house.

October 21 DDM in Welkom

We have been going to DDMs in Welkom two or three times a month now since March.  We love these young men for who they are and who they are becoming.  We see them come and we see them go and when they go a little piece of our heart goes with them.  It has been a privilege for us to serve with all the missionaries that we have had the opportunity to serve with.  We have a fantastic group right now.  (If asked we would say that about all our groups)  They are working hard and many wonderful things are happening in the Welkom Area.

Picture taken October 21, 2014
From left to right they are  Elder Ochanda, Elder Matlala ,Elder LeFrance, Elder Kelsey, Elder Benlap , Elder Keizer, Elder Ochaya, Elder Sibeko, Elder Matambala, and Elder Chathyoka is in the front.

 

DDMs and Missionaries Feb - August

One of the fun parts of our job is to work with wonderful missionaries in DDM. (District Development Meetings)  This is when we actually go to the district planning meeting and get to work side by side with these wonderful, young,  full time missionaries.  During these meeting the district or group of missionaries plans what needs to happen to improve missionary work, discuss some of the people they are teaching and how to help them and have lessons from preach my gospel.   It is  quite an experience to watch these young men in action.

Picture taken March 11, 2014

This is the first group of Elders we started DDM's with. From left to right they are:
Elder Khutledi,  Elder Mudzurawona, Elder Farmer, Elder Ndivo, Elder Holman and Elder Hansen

Tri Zone Conference October 16, 2014

 You will not find finer missionaries than these serving in the Durban South Africa Mission in these three zones.  They are wonderful young men serving from the USA and several countries here in Africa.  Their righteous efforts are bringing many people to the gospel.  It is exciting to be apart of this missionary force

This is the Bloemfontein Zone
They serve in Bloemfontein, Blomanda, Rocklands,
Kimberly, Botshabello and Thaba Nchu

 

South Africa Heritage Day

On Wednesday September 24 the Saints in South Africa celebrated a South African Holiday called Heritage Day.  President Nyatshoba asked us what we were going to do for Heritage day.  We told him clean our office and do paper work.  We really did not know what Heritage day was and so we did not think much of it.  We received a phone call from our institute teacher in Thaba Nchu telling us he needed 6 more Pearl of Great Price Books, so we told him we would bring them over that day.  Without thinking any more about it we cleaned the office then headed to Thaba Nchu.  When we got to the church we were in for a big surprise.  The sisters in the ward were having a celebration of Heritage Day.  They were dressed in traditional clothing and were eating traditional food.  We ended up celebrating Heritage Day after all.

Scripture Mastery Conference

On Saturday September 20th, 2014 we were all privilege to attend a Scripture Self-Mastery Event which was organized by Lindiwe Chibase, the beautiful girl in the red, black and white skirt in the middle of the front row.

Elder Edington and I (top left) had the topic of "Searching the Scriptures Using a Magnifying Glass". Next to us are Elder and Sister Huls, Brother and Sister Beldon, Sister and President Zackrison and Sister and Elder Carlilie.  We were all presenters with various topics about making scripture study a life long experience.   Those in front are some of the youth that came to experience the Conference.

Lindi and Lindiwe

We first met these beautiful young ladies when we went to the Kroonstad Group.  I did not realize there where two young ladies at first but soon I identified with Lindi and Lindiwe because they are twins just like my sister and I.  They were so kind and very loving from the very moment we met.  I have loved them for their kindness and friendship to two, somewhat shell shocked, white, Senior missionaries from America.  We have both come to love them as daughters.

Captive Audience of Students

Because of Elder Chapman and Elder Matambala . . . .  .

Laying Down on the Job

It looks a bit strange but it beats staying home and doing nothing.  I have to either lie down or stand up and standing in a car is not an option.  It has actually worked out pretty well.  Sometimes it get uncomfortable but we have long distances that must be traveled in order to visit with the people and Elder Edington is not going to go alone as long as I can figure out a way to go with him,

Pinched Nerve Not Knee Problems

I went to the doctor to find out what I needed to do for my knee only to find out that it was not my knee that is giving me problems, it is a pinched nerve in my back.   Thank goodness for a loving husband that supports me for better or worse, in sickness or in health.

Braids, braids and more braids!

Tamra Ellen Edington Tilton this blog is especially for you, but the rest of you can look if you want.


I am constantly amazed at the braided hair of these beautiful women in South Africa.  I have been told there is no way I can have mine done because it is too short but mostly because it is too fine.  The hair pieces that are used for these amazing creations would slide right off of my hair.  Oh well.  I can still enjoy looking at and be amazed by the wonderful designs.  This sister is from Phutaditjhaba.

Elder Hamiltons Mission Tour

We have been so privileged over the last two days to spend time with Elder and Sister Hamilton of the 2nd quorum of the 70's.  They are on a mission tour of South Africa.  On Tuesday July 22 they held a Young Single Adult (YSA) fireside for the young adults of the stake.  He allowed the YSAs to ask him any question they wanted to about anything they wanted to know.

A Visit From Brother McMillan

This is the Blomanda Seminary class.  The teacher is Sister Zolashi Nophali.  We were having some issues with attendance but after some home visits we were pleased to have a good sized class in attendance on Friday.  It is surprising what a warm invitation can do to help encourage the students to come.  This class is full of wonderful young saints that will be the leader here in South Africa in a very short time.

Aaron's Giraffes

These pictures are for our grandson Aaron Edington.  Every time we talk over Skype he asks if we have seen any giraffes yet.  We had seen them but had never been able to get very good pictures of them.

Blessed by CES Training in Durban

This is one view of the Hillcrest Chapel

After spending part of the weekend in Bethlehem we got up early on Monday morning, ate breakfast at the Bed and Break and headed off to Durban. After a 4+ hour trip we went to the Mission office to get mail and supplies for the missionaries and to see Elder Berry.  He was the Zone leader in Bloemfontein and is now assistant to the President and stations in Durban. He is a remarkable missionary and very dear to our hearts.

Bethlehen Bed and Breakfast

We have had the privilege of staying at the Cambridge House in Bethlehem.  It is a Bed and Breakfast which is the most common accommodations found in South Africa. You never really know how good or bad a Bed and Breakfast is going to be until you get there.  They are usually older homes that have been remodeled and rooms added to create accommodations for others.  Some B&B have only a few rooms and some have several rooms.  The amount you pay does not always guarantee that is will be better than another.  This B&B is both very reasonable and quite nice.  We have enjoyed both times we have stayed there and the cost is R550 which is equivalent to about $55.00.

Off to Durban We Go

We left Bloemfontein on Saturday June 28, headed for Durban by way of Bethlehem.  Durban is a drive of just over 7 hours if you drive straight through without any stops, which is not reasonable for old folks like us.  We were headed to seminary and institute training with the Area Authority, Tasara Makasi and Brother Gary Human.

A Whole New Meaning For The Work Carnivore

While we were in Johannesburg with the Davies they took us out for and eating extravaganza.   Just walking into the Carnivore Restaurant was an exciting experience.

Squid Heads! You Have Got To Be Kidding Me!

President and Sister Zackrison are responsible for introducing us to calamari.  We went out to dinner with the other missionary couples in our area and President and Sister Zackrison.  We went to a restaurant that is just down the road from us.  It is actually The Emoya  Game Lodge and the restaurant is called the Spookhuijs in Afrikaans which means Spook House in English.  It is full of antiques, statues, wall hangings, all kinds of things from the past.  The placemats on the table were actually old stereo records.  No joke!  Real records like when we were kids.  It is a fun place to go and the food is quite good.  Well President Zackrison order some appetizers that included fried mushrooms and calamari.  I am not sure what all else.  We tried the calamari and thought is was pretty good.

An Adventure in Eating Pap

We knew when we were called on a mission to South Africa we might have the opportunity to eat some foods that were different from what we are used to in Pomerene Arizona and sure enough we have been exposed to things we probably would never have been exposed to back home.

The first food that was a different experience was pap, pronounced like pop, like in soda pop.  We first had it in this form at a church function in Welkom.  I actually liked it a lot.  The homemake salsa they served us was really good.

According to
Wikipedia pap is:

Pap, also known as mieliepap in South Africa, is a traditional porridge / polenta made from mielie-meal and a staple food of the Bantu inhabitants of Southern Africa

According to Rainbow cooking:

Pap – a porridge made from maize (corn) meal – is the staple food of southern Africa.

Monkey Business

On the first Sunday of June, 2014 we had the opportunity to go to Johannesburg to visit with our friend, Elder and Sister Davies. On Monday they took us to enjoy the monkey adventure.   This picture was taken at the entrance to the park before we went through the double doors that help keep the monkeys on the compound.

Phahameng Primary

Elder Edington and I had the opportunity to go to Phahameng Branch today. (June 8)  We got to speak in church about the importance of seminary and institute.  After sacrament meeting, Elder Edington suggested that I go to primary and he would go to the youth classes.  Off I went to the classroom where primary was to be held.  There was no adult there so before I knew it, I was in charge of primary.  We had the opportunity to teach 12 beautiful children.  They are shown in the video above.  We sang several primary songs and Elder Edington came in and helped me teach the children about Joseph Smith.  We used the pictures on our i-pads that we had taken when we visited Janie and Mike on their mission.  We showed them the birthplace of Joseph Smith, the Sacred Grove, the Hill Comorah and the building where the Book of Mormon was published.  We had a great time with some very sweet children.  They must have a fantastic teacher because they are remarkable singers.  They even know the second and third verses to the songs they sang.  They led themselves and had no piano.  It was unbelievable.

An Adventure in Cooking

We have discovered that Africa is a new world in many ways and cooking and foods are by no means any less of an adventure.  The first time we went shopping we were hesitant to buy much of anything.  We found lots of food but most of it did not sound like what we were used to so we had to get help from our friends to know what to buy.   I still find the grocery store an adventure but I have decided to try something new every few trips to the store.

If you want all purpose flour you had to buy cake flour.  There is also bread flour that is a bit courser but has bran in it.  It is the closest thing I have found to whole wheat flour.

Kimberly, the teachers and the big hole.

These two ladies are our teachers in Kimberly ward.  They are very dedicated and wonderful Teachers.  On Friday May 23, 2014 we had the privilege of meeting with these sister to go over seminary and institute records for the year and get ready to close the first term and open the second term.  It was a delightful late afternoon that we got to spend with them.

Margaret Tihabisang teaches seminary.  She is a professional teacher by trade.  On Friday afternoon she shares her talents and testimony with a large group of students who love the gospel and love seminary.   Most of her students come to the chapel early (One comes shortly after noon some days) and wait for her to get there from school.  Many of them have not had much to eat and they wait for their teacher until 5:00 for class.  These kids are amazing.  Sister Tihabisang often brings a bit to eat to curb the growling stomachs.

Game Drive Day Two

Our morning started out before day break.  We all met in the lodge for some hot cocoa then loaded up in our trucks for our second game drive.  The first thing we saw was a herd of wildebeest which did not really surprise us.  They are everywhere.

Nambidi Private Game Reserve (Game Drive #1)

Sorry it took me so long to post these.  It has been a very rewarding but busy week.  I will tell about that in a different post.

At this game reserve there is what is called the big five.  These animals are called the big five not because they are the biggest but because they are the most dangerous for man to hunt on foot.  The big five include the elephant, the lion, the cape buffalo, the leopard and the rhino.  We saw three of the five on our first game drive.  That is very unusual.

After 6 hours of driving through fog, road construction,
and some beautiful countrysides filled with fields of dry
corn, sunflower plants, and open grasslands with cattle grazing
we finally came to this sign  at the beginning of our real adventure.

Happy! Sad Day

This is Elder and Sister Cluster.  They have been serving as Employment specialists in the Durban mission.  They extended their mission and ended up here in Bloemfontein for the last part of their mission.  They were living in our apartment up until we got here.  They moved into an apartment next to Elder and Sister Carlile.  On Wednesday, April 23 we drove them to the airport.  They were traveling to Cape Town for a few days and then on home from there.  They should be home by now.  They have been wonderful friends to us and helped us get settled.

Scripture Study

During scripture study today Elder Edington came across these scripture that held a whole new meaning for us as we serve here in South Africa.  Notice the part that says, "O ye who have given your names".  It seemed to us that it was directly speaking of those who fill out paperwork and submit their names to serve a mission.  The scripture goes on to lay out what is expected of missionaries young and old as well as listing the blessings that will be given to those who are faithful.  

D&C 75: 2-5 

2.  Hearken, O ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard. 

3.  Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might— 

4.  Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you. 

5.  And thus, if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves , and crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life.

D&C 64:33 

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

I hope we can remember this on the not so wonderful days that happen on occasion in any mission or in life in general for that matter.  Sometimes we wonder if what we are doing really makes a difference.  According to this scripture it truly does.

1 Nephi 19:6

Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred.  And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself.

"President Monson stated that, The Redeemer chose imperfect men to teach the way to perfection.  He did so then, He does so now,”  April 2004 conference

Cheetah Experience

On Friday April 25, 2014 Elder Edington and I had the opportunity to play with some cheetahs.  The first three pictures are of three cheetahs that were not taken away from there mothers in time for them to bond with humans so no one is allowed in with them.  They will eventually be released into the wild when they know how to hunt and protect themselves.

Navel Hill

Life has been a bit busier than usual with a zone conference, teaching an extra seminary class and teacher training this past week so a welcome momentary relief came on preparation day when we got to go to Navel Hill.  We had been to navel hill one time before for a very short adventure. On that adventure we had the wonderful opportunity to give a young man named James a pass-a-long card and give his information to the missionaries.  He saw our name tags and asked us for information.  I found out later that we were the second set of missionaries to go to navel hill that day so he was already pumped up, but that is okay.  He just got two doses of Mormonism in a short couple hour period.

On our first adventure we saw five zebras in one group and 2 more zebra in another group.  Our hope on this trip was to see and get pictures of the giraffes for Aaron but it did not happen.

These animals seem tame but they
are not.  I would not try to pet them.

Elder Edington did not want me to get out of the car but I wanted the grandkids to see that the zebra where not very far away from us.  They are wild but are used to people coming around them.  

Late Night Adventure

On Thursday, March 27 we returned home to our apartment around 9:00 only to find the front, inside door was locked.  We always lock the metal bar gate but Elder Edington hates to lock the wooden door, so we were both surprised when he tried to open it, and he could not.  He looked at me and I told him I had not locked it.  He had the key so no problem, right.  He turned the key in the lock and nothing happened.  He tried and tried again and again with no success.  We did not know where the manager lived so we walked to the front gate house.  The man there told us to go to the medical facility because they have a second set of keys.  

We went to the medical facility but everywhere we went was locked up so we rang the bell and waited to be let in.  The black nurses there were very nice and walked back to our "flat" with us but guess what!  Their key did not work either.  Surprise! Surprise  Not!  We tried everything we could think off short of ramming down the door.  

We went back to the medical facility and called the manage.   We told him our problem and he told us to go get the key from the medical office which we had already done.   Then to our surprise he told us that if we could not get in with the key then he would not be able to get in with the key either.   We kind of thought he might try to help us get in but he just said we should call a locksmith.  

Calling a locksmith turned out to be more of an ordeal that we ever imagined.  The sweet nurses were trying to help us but it was a bit like the blind leading the blind with a communication problem thrown in.  Communicating with the nurses was a bit tricky but we finally got connected to locksmith who we could hardly understand or who could hardly understand us. We finally figured out that he could come help us but that we must have 750 rands cash which is about $75.00.  We did not have that much cash on hand so we went back to the apartment a bit discouraged and not knowing what to do but perhaps find a motel to stay at.

On our way back I decided to check to see if the back metal bar gate on the back door just might be open.  I knew the back door was unlocked.  Sure enough when Elder Edington had dumped the trash and had left the back metal door open, which was a rare thing even for him.  Thank heaven for tender mercies.The only obstacle left was the five foot, padlocked metal gate  that lets us in the little patio area.  It might not look like much but it was late at night and we are old.

I wish I had had a camera.  It was quite a sight to see Elder Edington climb on that rickety plastic garbage can and up on the fence. Things got a little exciting when he got on top of the narrow metal gate and had to get his shoe situated on the inside on the little spikes to let himself down.  All I could think was broken bones, emergency medical vehicles and hospital stays, but he negotiated it with a minimal amount of pain and not too much injury to his pride.  You all would have been quite impressed that an old man could negotiate the fence and live to tell about it.  He went on in the house and found all the  necessary keys and rescued me from the dark back alley.  When we woke up the next morning the door was still jammed and could not be opened.  It took one day short of a week to finally get the doorknob replaced.  If it had been like the locks in the USA Elder Edington would have fixed it the first day, but the screws for the lock are located on the door where you can not get to them when the door is shut.   We called several locksmiths but communication, even when it happens in English, is not alway a successful endeavor.  It was the manager who finally got a locksmith here to help us.  

Leribe

Leribe is a small town in the country of Lesotho.  Lesotho is the country found in the eastern part of South Africa.  It would be kind of like the United States with the state of Kansas being a country instead of a state.  Yesterday,  March 29th, my birthday, we headed to Ficksburg where we stayed the night and then crossed the boarder into Lesotho this morning to visit with the church group there.  We visited with the seminaries and Institute teachers and many of the students.  They were so warm and welcoming.  They told us how they wanted us to come every week.  We are having a hard time because we are finding ourselves wanting to be at every ward or branch every week.  Of course that is impossible.  We can only do what we can do.

Elder Edington and I got the opportunity to say a few words in church.  He talked about seminary and institute and I mostly talked about the family.  They are always flabbergasted to find out that we have 6 children and 22 grandchildren.

This is the Primary President and her primary, minus one little three year old that got away.  The tallest boy in the middle invited me to come to primary so I did.  Dalen went with the youth to their class. It was a wonderful day.

Even in South Africa they know "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and "If your Happy".  I got it on Video but I do not know how to put it on the blog.  If I figure it out I will post it.

On the Way to Fitsburge

Do you think the mission president
will let us keep them?

On the way to Ficksburg, yesterday, we really enjoyed a leisurely drive.  We stopped to take pictures and to enjoy two different tourist attractions.  Here are some pictures.

This was the first attraction that we stopped at.
If I could take these things home with me I would.

 These are large enough for children to get into.  They are on springs so they bounce all around.  I think the grandkids would love that.  Maybe Grandpa could put some in the back yard. 
      These interesting creatures are made of stone and wire.

                         

 

Elder Edington (Grandpa) decided he liked these chicken because they did not require any feed and never left messes in the yard.  They are made of rusted metal.

                                   Wouldn't you love a playground

that looked like that.

I would like these at Alpine or in my back yard.  The thatched roofs would be very cooling in the summer.

                                             

What goes up

Must come down

                                                                                             

  This was Elder Edington's idea