Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Feb. 27, 2012
Why hello there everyone. It appears as if I got few emails this week, but I have plenty to talk about!
This week was mostly normal, we have an investigator, Lazerus, who finally came to church, and witnessed a baptism. He is really progressing well! Everytime we see him, my companion says "Lazerus, come forth!". It is pretty funny. This week, we had zone conference, and that was fun. Also, there are some stories which, regrettable, will need to wait until I get home from mission.
At conference, we got to see a picture and short bio of the new mission president, who is coming in July.
Today, (P-day) we went for our Zone Activity to a member's Banana Plantation. I will have a lot of pictures put up of that, but it was sick. I even found some banana trees which are 'Williams bananas'. ALso, we quickly (minutely) crossed the border of Zim and Mozambique, and I have a picture of myself, Elder Mkhonza, and the branch president's wife (not my branch) on the other side of the border (It looks the same as Zim). But I threw a rock from one country into another, so that was cool.
Each harvest of the bananas as it is (no new trees) will yield 640ish tons of bananas. Ridiculous, eh? Well, After our fun adventure having a barbeque on a damn wall (oops wrong spelling) it was a dam wall, we went back home to email.
I was with the Zone leaders and the District leader. While heading to their house in Dangamvura to get the zone report, we were pulled over by the police (they literally will just pull people over for no reason to give them a 'ticket' so that they will get bribed and make a little mulah). Things got crazy and Elder Jeffries (elderly couple) had to come over and sort things out. We ended up having to pay $20, and the ticket itself (the copies they have at least) will never go anywhere but the fireplace. It was pretty funny, and I can talk more about things like this back home, but for now: it was pretty funny.
We have been having some fun in the house for the most part, and the transfer is winding to an end. Tomorrow we will be getting transfer calls, so I will be finding out what the plans are then.
I have been having a lot of fun reading in the book of Alma recently, and can't wait to finish the BoM for the first time on mission soon.
on to questions!
Mackenzie
How is it going with they crazy comp of yours?
He is doing pretty well. He has one transfer left on mission, and the homesickness is starting to set in. He is a hard working and is for sure crazy. I hope I get to stay with him to 'kill' him on mission, but we'll see =P
Has anything crazy funny happened with your comps?
Well, yesterday I totally destroyed my comp at darts, and that was funny.
He is from Las vegas, but he was given a Shona name: Tapiwa Shoko (we are given the word). It sounds similair to Tapiwa tsoko which means we are given the monkey =P (shoko vs tsoko) so we always make fun of him for thatDo you guys play tricks on each other?
He is like the biggest prankster. 2nd week of the transfer we had a prank war, and in the end I would say I won, as I had the last prank, and theirs didn't end up working. In the end, it was down to me and Elder Shields, and the other 2 guys in the house joined his team (because he has experience with stuff and just doesn't really stop whether he has lost or not). One day, they stole my towel while I was in the shower, so I left the shower on, and grabbed a small hand towel next to the door they hadn't noticed, and got back in before they could do anything. When I came out again, they threw water/mazoe/mrs dash on me and then I proceeded to turn right back around to the shower. My comp then threw a late bowl of flour on me (only got my leg area from behind). I went in, and had another nice relaxing, hot, long shower and got clean. When I came out a third time, they threw the rest of the flower on me (still didn't get a good shot), so again I turned tail and continued a nice comfortable shower. As soon as I was done, I went out and made sure they were finished; I immediately went into the other bathroom and turned on ALL the hot water. (In the house we have a geyser, which stores water, and then heats it). By the time Elder Toomer went to take a shower, needless to say there was ZERO hot water left (without precision, even with both hot and cold your shower is either freezing our steaming hot). He goes in and we hear a loud YELP! followed by him rushing out in his towel: "The hot water isn't working! I turn the tap and nothing even comes out!". Nobody but me had any hot water that day, and I got a very nice and relaxing shower. They also had to clean up afterwards! I feel like I really got the last laugh =P
Are most of the missionaries you know out there from America?
In the mission, it is about 50/50 that are from America. There are a lot of missionaries from Africa, and even some from Europe.
I love you all, Srai Zhakanaka! (stay well)
~Elder Williams
--
Remember: Pray always, and look to the Lord. Write often, and live life to it's fullest.
Doubt is the seed of failure. ~Taggart Williams
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. ~God (D+C 6:36)
This week was mostly normal, we have an investigator, Lazerus, who finally came to church, and witnessed a baptism. He is really progressing well! Everytime we see him, my companion says "Lazerus, come forth!". It is pretty funny. This week, we had zone conference, and that was fun. Also, there are some stories which, regrettable, will need to wait until I get home from mission.
At conference, we got to see a picture and short bio of the new mission president, who is coming in July.
Today, (P-day) we went for our Zone Activity to a member's Banana Plantation. I will have a lot of pictures put up of that, but it was sick. I even found some banana trees which are 'Williams bananas'. ALso, we quickly (minutely) crossed the border of Zim and Mozambique, and I have a picture of myself, Elder Mkhonza, and the branch president's wife (not my branch) on the other side of the border (It looks the same as Zim). But I threw a rock from one country into another, so that was cool.
Each harvest of the bananas as it is (no new trees) will yield 640ish tons of bananas. Ridiculous, eh? Well, After our fun adventure having a barbeque on a damn wall (oops wrong spelling) it was a dam wall, we went back home to email.
I was with the Zone leaders and the District leader. While heading to their house in Dangamvura to get the zone report, we were pulled over by the police (they literally will just pull people over for no reason to give them a 'ticket' so that they will get bribed and make a little mulah). Things got crazy and Elder Jeffries (elderly couple) had to come over and sort things out. We ended up having to pay $20, and the ticket itself (the copies they have at least) will never go anywhere but the fireplace. It was pretty funny, and I can talk more about things like this back home, but for now: it was pretty funny.
We have been having some fun in the house for the most part, and the transfer is winding to an end. Tomorrow we will be getting transfer calls, so I will be finding out what the plans are then.
I have been having a lot of fun reading in the book of Alma recently, and can't wait to finish the BoM for the first time on mission soon.
on to questions!
Mackenzie
How is it going with they crazy comp of yours?
He is doing pretty well. He has one transfer left on mission, and the homesickness is starting to set in. He is a hard working and is for sure crazy. I hope I get to stay with him to 'kill' him on mission, but we'll see =P
Has anything crazy funny happened with your comps?
Well, yesterday I totally destroyed my comp at darts, and that was funny.
He is from Las vegas, but he was given a Shona name: Tapiwa Shoko (we are given the word). It sounds similair to Tapiwa tsoko which means we are given the monkey =P (shoko vs tsoko) so we always make fun of him for thatDo you guys play tricks on each other?
He is like the biggest prankster. 2nd week of the transfer we had a prank war, and in the end I would say I won, as I had the last prank, and theirs didn't end up working. In the end, it was down to me and Elder Shields, and the other 2 guys in the house joined his team (because he has experience with stuff and just doesn't really stop whether he has lost or not). One day, they stole my towel while I was in the shower, so I left the shower on, and grabbed a small hand towel next to the door they hadn't noticed, and got back in before they could do anything. When I came out again, they threw water/mazoe/mrs dash on me and then I proceeded to turn right back around to the shower. My comp then threw a late bowl of flour on me (only got my leg area from behind). I went in, and had another nice relaxing, hot, long shower and got clean. When I came out a third time, they threw the rest of the flower on me (still didn't get a good shot), so again I turned tail and continued a nice comfortable shower. As soon as I was done, I went out and made sure they were finished; I immediately went into the other bathroom and turned on ALL the hot water. (In the house we have a geyser, which stores water, and then heats it). By the time Elder Toomer went to take a shower, needless to say there was ZERO hot water left (without precision, even with both hot and cold your shower is either freezing our steaming hot). He goes in and we hear a loud YELP! followed by him rushing out in his towel: "The hot water isn't working! I turn the tap and nothing even comes out!". Nobody but me had any hot water that day, and I got a very nice and relaxing shower. They also had to clean up afterwards! I feel like I really got the last laugh =P
Are most of the missionaries you know out there from America?
In the mission, it is about 50/50 that are from America. There are a lot of missionaries from Africa, and even some from Europe.
I love you all, Srai Zhakanaka! (stay well)
~Elder Williams
--
Remember: Pray always, and look to the Lord. Write often, and live life to it's fullest.
Doubt is the seed of failure. ~Taggart Williams
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. ~God (D+C 6:36)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Feb. 20, 2012 Brother Justice
Why hello there everyone, I hope that your week has been nice, because I know that mine was pretty good! This last week, my companion and I took our Branch president and his wife to go see an investigator. Brother Justice Jerera has a strong testimony and knows that the church is true, and his oldest son is also progressing well and talks with friends about the church. The problem arises in Justice's wife. Since we started teaching Prince (the son) she has always given us a cold shoulder, even taking it to absurd rudeness (in ignoring our existence and such) at times. Justice wanted his wife to be on board with the church before he got baptized, and Prince wanted to wait for his dad to get baptized before he would. When we stopped by to see Justice with President Chikafa, we talked about how important baptism is, and how the best way he can help his family to accept the Gospel (most specifically his wife) was to be baptized himself. By setting the example he would be able to bring the spirit more strongly into his home, and to show his wife the blessings the Gospel brings. He agreed and we set him up for baptism the next week: scheduled an interview, and such. This saturday (Feb 18) he was baptized and on the 19th, he was confirmed. His younger son came to church and instantly made friends and is getting involved in the youth programs in the area. Justice was so happy and had the Spirit around him so strongly.
Sunday night we followed up with him and had a short lesson about temples. He loved it. Over the last few weeks, his wife has been seeming more open to us. I think her seeing the branch president and his wife come for a lesson helped her to see that the church isn't just 2 marungus walking around teaching people. It is about families. She didn't join us for the lesson, but she talk to us for a little with a smile on (a real one). This week we are going to try and have dinner with the family, where we will make the food (including the sadza, because I am becoming actually quite good =P). We feel that this will really help her to be open and even to start having the lessons.
Justice already has home teaching assignments and is very happy about it all. He is like a super sponge. So willing to soak everything up, and so ready to share the good he finds with everyone around him. He is probably the first person who has asked us to pray for him and the things he needs who is not only willing to pray for himself, but has been and continually does before he even asked us (that was about 2 months ago). He is such a great guy, and his family will be such a strong addition to the church!
So, that is my schpeal about missionary work this week. As I said before, I am getting really good at making sadza, and will have to make it for all of you once I get home. We have Zone conference coming up this weekend, and that means a few things: FOOD! TALKS! TRAINING! SINGING! PUPPIES! and FUN!
ok, so I lied about the puppies, but other than that it is all going to be there =P
So there is good news and there is bad news. The bad news is that there are no questions this week, and so I can't answer questions. (no questions = no answers)
the good news actually isn't, it is bad news as well. I forgot my camera at the house today so you won't get to see the videos of me getting my butt trashed in wrestling last night or the pictures from this week. Yes, I suck at wrestling, I know (that is usually how it goes down when you know none of the rules or stipulations of a game) so don't make fun of me. I will send those next week. =P
In case any of you don't know, I am allowed to email friends and family, so feel free to shoot me an email and tell me what is up in life. If you send me a letter, I will respond. I won't promise that it will be super duper long, nor that it will be sent the week I get your letter, but I will do my best to respond in good time; my amount of free time varies from day to day, and sometimes there are just more pressing matters, but I always love receiving mail.
I love you all tons, and think of you often.
Srai Zhakanaka!
~Elder Williams
--
Remember: Pray always, and look to the Lord. Write often, and live life to it's fullest.
Doubt is the seed of failure. ~Taggart Williams
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. ~God (D+C 6:36)
NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
Sunday night we followed up with him and had a short lesson about temples. He loved it. Over the last few weeks, his wife has been seeming more open to us. I think her seeing the branch president and his wife come for a lesson helped her to see that the church isn't just 2 marungus walking around teaching people. It is about families. She didn't join us for the lesson, but she talk to us for a little with a smile on (a real one). This week we are going to try and have dinner with the family, where we will make the food (including the sadza, because I am becoming actually quite good =P). We feel that this will really help her to be open and even to start having the lessons.
Justice already has home teaching assignments and is very happy about it all. He is like a super sponge. So willing to soak everything up, and so ready to share the good he finds with everyone around him. He is probably the first person who has asked us to pray for him and the things he needs who is not only willing to pray for himself, but has been and continually does before he even asked us (that was about 2 months ago). He is such a great guy, and his family will be such a strong addition to the church!
So, that is my schpeal about missionary work this week. As I said before, I am getting really good at making sadza, and will have to make it for all of you once I get home. We have Zone conference coming up this weekend, and that means a few things: FOOD! TALKS! TRAINING! SINGING! PUPPIES! and FUN!
ok, so I lied about the puppies, but other than that it is all going to be there =P
So there is good news and there is bad news. The bad news is that there are no questions this week, and so I can't answer questions. (no questions = no answers)
the good news actually isn't, it is bad news as well. I forgot my camera at the house today so you won't get to see the videos of me getting my butt trashed in wrestling last night or the pictures from this week. Yes, I suck at wrestling, I know (that is usually how it goes down when you know none of the rules or stipulations of a game) so don't make fun of me. I will send those next week. =P
In case any of you don't know, I am allowed to email friends and family, so feel free to shoot me an email and tell me what is up in life. If you send me a letter, I will respond. I won't promise that it will be super duper long, nor that it will be sent the week I get your letter, but I will do my best to respond in good time; my amount of free time varies from day to day, and sometimes there are just more pressing matters, but I always love receiving mail.
I love you all tons, and think of you often.
Srai Zhakanaka!
~Elder Williams
--
Remember: Pray always, and look to the Lord. Write often, and live life to it's fullest.
Doubt is the seed of failure. ~Taggart Williams
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. ~God (D+C 6:36)
NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Happy singles week! Feb. 13
On Feb 13, 2012, at 5:35 AM, "Taggart Williams" <taggart.williams@myldsmail.net> wrote:
Why hello everyone,
Happy singles awareness day! or for those of you who aren't single, happy Valentines day!
This pas week has been fairly average, but I did finally catch a minute lizard (less than an inch long) so that was cool. Also, we had a GINORMOUS thunder/rain storm on sunday. I literally thought there were explosions when the thunder woke me up. I tried recording it on my camera, but it didn't work well sadly. Suffice it to say, that we don't know what a thunder storm is back in the states... nothing beats the storms in africa, by Enya, or the actual storms in Africa. I mean, this thing was crazy awesome!
My comp and I have been trying to do new things to help the area, so with the new things, we have been dropping ALOT.
We have one investigator named Justice Jerera. His son and he have been investigating separately, and both have been wanting to be baptized. However, the mom doesn't really like us. For the longest time, she would give as an almost rude, cold shoulder even if we said just hello (masquera sei, or makadini if you were wondering). Justice and Prince have been wanting to wait to be baptized until the mom is on board, but this last week we went to see Justice with our Branch President and his wife, (the Chikafas) and talked to him about getting baptized to show the example for his family so that they can see how the gospel will bless the whole family. He agreed to be baptized this coming week, and so we are excited for him. His wife has also recently been being a little more open. She still won't meet with us, but she isn't cold as ice any more, but she may still be willing to sacrifice our love. . . =P
My comp's birthday is this week, so we will be eating out.
onto questions
Grma Twila
How is the Dr situation there? Do you have to go far to get medical help?
Don't know. I know the Mission president deals with things like that, but because of what I know due to my mom, and my plethora of oils I have here, I haven't been sick yet, and have helped others when they started to get sick. I don't think I ever will get sick either, although I would love some Cayenne heat ointment from my mom. . . *hint hint* *wink wink* cuz that would be sweet. But for the most part, Vick's vapor rub or my stash of oils (nick-named my meth lab by a comp =P) is my goto if anyone ever says they don't feel well.
Do they have witch doctors there?
I suppose that's what you could call the Matzi Babas, they are definitely wierd. Suffice it to say, when they heal people it isn't by God's power.
We had a little rain last night, but we would even welcome one of your monsoon downpours. When is your rainy season over?
For what real rainstorms are, see above. Our rainy season goes until around June I think.
Sorry for the shorter letter this week guys, but I got almost no emails this week, and the week here was pretty uneventful.
Love you all, and thank you to everyone who has sent me letters via mail. I am doing my best to answer them, so just be patient!
Stay well,
Srai Zhakanaka
~Elder Williams
--
Remember: Pray always, and look to the Lord. Write often, and live life to it's fullest.
Doubt is the seed of failure. ~Taggart Williams
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. ~God (D+C 6:36)
Monday, February 6, 2012
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