Monday, January 9, 2012
jan. 9 photos
that last one was not dinner at Tendai and Juliet's, it was new years dinner. THIS one is dinner at their house, as well as a picture of the train for my brother, Aren =P
Jan. 9 2012 conversion story
Hello Family and Friends!
It has come to my attention that a few (or many) of you didn't receive my email last week due to overly large file sizes. My apologies, and you can always find them on the blog (my family is just putting my letters/pictures up on there). This last week has been less eventful that the 2 preceding weeks, but has still been a good one.
In my branch, I have been talking to people for a while and so now my comp and I are going to be starting the branch choir this Thursday! I am so excited because I feel that most of the members of this branch don't have a vision of the gospel, or a real familial relationship with the other members in the area. I hope that the choir will help to bring them together so that they can grow strong in the gospel together. It helps us so much as we have friends to grow with as we learn things like the people here are learning.
My Grandpa has requested to hear some conversion stories, So I will give the ones of the two most recently baptized converts. They are a married couple named Tendai and Juliet. One day, my comp and were just going from one appointment to another, and a guy, Tendai, called us over. He had seen the Elders that work in the adjacent town and was wondering what it was that we did. We explained to him that we were missionaries, and asked if he wanted us to teach him. He said yes, and so we proceeded to do so. After we had seen him about 2-3 times, we had seen his wife a few times but she had refused to join us on the account that she didn't speak english well. She did, however, ask us for a Shona copy of the Book of Mormon. When we returned for the fourth lesson, Tendai was gone, but Juliet was there, and we had a member with us. She agreed to have a lesson, so we taught her and found out that she actually is more fluent both in reading and speaking english than most people we have taught, she is just very shy. Long story short, Tendai quit drinking and they both started progressing really well. They came to church for the first time 2 weeks ago, and loved it. Just this last saturday, I had the opportunity to baptize them both. It was a great experience and so nice to see the change come upon them, even in their relationship. Now, a woman who lives with them is preparing to be baptized on the 21st of this month and is so excited.
This week, we finally got some of our investigators to church who have been having lots of issues, and it was a life changing experience for them. We have one whose brother was baptized a few weeks ago who is now going to start changing his life as well. Another, Romeo, has a very bad drinking problem, but his desire to change and learn is so strong, that he has even told us about how he is feeling the spirit so strongly, even when he is wasted! He is really starting to change and this sunday he hadn't been drinking at all. He is making very long strides and will definitely be a different man within the month.
For the most part, that is my week, although yesterday as we left church I brought my umbrella. Which item promptly got destroyed by the barrage of wind and rain en route to our area (it was pretty xhing aka crappy) and so I got DRENCHED! i put most of my things in my comps backpack and mine got pretty wet, though the inside didn't get too bad. . . but my clothes were just soaking wet.
One thing that is funny are the rumors that go around about the church here in Mutare. There are a variety of stories I have heard ranging from Blood in the baptismal font, Satanism, Snakes that come out of the walls when we pray, etc etc.
Questions (answers in bold)
Aunt Michelle
Do you have all updated and computers and electrics that we have here?
In some areas, the computer I use to email is new, but it is at a business specifically for computer/internet use.
Do they do spicy food there?
they don't like it at all =/
What are their favorite spices to use when cooking?
salt and more salt, and sometimes they add salt on their salt =P
Do they drive on the left side of the road?
yes
So is your work permit, what do you as an elder need to stay there, and is being a missonary considered work?
TEP or temporary employment permit, and yes it considered work
So do they have a different saying for when they meet someone is it just hi or is it perhaps different like in hawaii they say Aloha.
depending on the time of day or whatever else, there are one-jilion-and-three different ways to greet someone. The ones I use the most are "Makadini" meaning how are you, and Zedi-se meaning "What's up?" there is also good morning and good afternoon Mamuka-se and Masweira-se respectively. There are also a wide range of was to respond, most of which are exactly the same. Bo-bo meaning good good, Aribo, meaning it is good, Zedi-bo, meaning good, Indino-Faray, meaning I'm fine, and a variety of others.
Grandma
So how are you doing with all the rain there.
love it
Are you getting webbed feet yet?
it felt like I was last night! =P
Does everything feel damp and mildewy?
not really. When it isn't rainy it is very hot.
Is it hard to get your clothes dry after they are washed?
no, we have a fan and drying racks
--
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.
It has come to my attention that a few (or many) of you didn't receive my email last week due to overly large file sizes. My apologies, and you can always find them on the blog (my family is just putting my letters/pictures up on there). This last week has been less eventful that the 2 preceding weeks, but has still been a good one.
In my branch, I have been talking to people for a while and so now my comp and I are going to be starting the branch choir this Thursday! I am so excited because I feel that most of the members of this branch don't have a vision of the gospel, or a real familial relationship with the other members in the area. I hope that the choir will help to bring them together so that they can grow strong in the gospel together. It helps us so much as we have friends to grow with as we learn things like the people here are learning.
My Grandpa has requested to hear some conversion stories, So I will give the ones of the two most recently baptized converts. They are a married couple named Tendai and Juliet. One day, my comp and were just going from one appointment to another, and a guy, Tendai, called us over. He had seen the Elders that work in the adjacent town and was wondering what it was that we did. We explained to him that we were missionaries, and asked if he wanted us to teach him. He said yes, and so we proceeded to do so. After we had seen him about 2-3 times, we had seen his wife a few times but she had refused to join us on the account that she didn't speak english well. She did, however, ask us for a Shona copy of the Book of Mormon. When we returned for the fourth lesson, Tendai was gone, but Juliet was there, and we had a member with us. She agreed to have a lesson, so we taught her and found out that she actually is more fluent both in reading and speaking english than most people we have taught, she is just very shy. Long story short, Tendai quit drinking and they both started progressing really well. They came to church for the first time 2 weeks ago, and loved it. Just this last saturday, I had the opportunity to baptize them both. It was a great experience and so nice to see the change come upon them, even in their relationship. Now, a woman who lives with them is preparing to be baptized on the 21st of this month and is so excited.
This week, we finally got some of our investigators to church who have been having lots of issues, and it was a life changing experience for them. We have one whose brother was baptized a few weeks ago who is now going to start changing his life as well. Another, Romeo, has a very bad drinking problem, but his desire to change and learn is so strong, that he has even told us about how he is feeling the spirit so strongly, even when he is wasted! He is really starting to change and this sunday he hadn't been drinking at all. He is making very long strides and will definitely be a different man within the month.
For the most part, that is my week, although yesterday as we left church I brought my umbrella. Which item promptly got destroyed by the barrage of wind and rain en route to our area (it was pretty xhing aka crappy) and so I got DRENCHED! i put most of my things in my comps backpack and mine got pretty wet, though the inside didn't get too bad. . . but my clothes were just soaking wet.
One thing that is funny are the rumors that go around about the church here in Mutare. There are a variety of stories I have heard ranging from Blood in the baptismal font, Satanism, Snakes that come out of the walls when we pray, etc etc.
Questions (answers in bold)
Aunt Michelle
Do you have all updated and computers and electrics that we have here?
In some areas, the computer I use to email is new, but it is at a business specifically for computer/internet use.
Do they do spicy food there?
they don't like it at all =/
What are their favorite spices to use when cooking?
salt and more salt, and sometimes they add salt on their salt =P
Do they drive on the left side of the road?
yes
So is your work permit, what do you as an elder need to stay there, and is being a missonary considered work?
TEP or temporary employment permit, and yes it considered work
So do they have a different saying for when they meet someone is it just hi or is it perhaps different like in hawaii they say Aloha.
depending on the time of day or whatever else, there are one-jilion-and-three different ways to greet someone. The ones I use the most are "Makadini" meaning how are you, and Zedi-se meaning "What's up?" there is also good morning and good afternoon Mamuka-se and Masweira-se respectively. There are also a wide range of was to respond, most of which are exactly the same. Bo-bo meaning good good, Aribo, meaning it is good, Zedi-bo, meaning good, Indino-Faray, meaning I'm fine, and a variety of others.
Grandma
So how are you doing with all the rain there.
love it
Are you getting webbed feet yet?
it felt like I was last night! =P
Does everything feel damp and mildewy?
not really. When it isn't rainy it is very hot.
Is it hard to get your clothes dry after they are washed?
no, we have a fan and drying racks
If we started to quote a scripture from the Bible, she could finish it for us. She had requested a copy of the Book of Mormon and
we showed her a little video about it and gave her the first lesson. She seemed interested, but when we called back she said that she KNEW that we don't need any prophets or any new scripture because the Bible tells us everything we need to know. Do you meet people with that mind set?
yes. There are hundreds of people here who will even just randomly start their own church or declare themselves to be a prophet.G-Pa said he would like to hear the details of some of the
I love you all, but almost none of you are emailing me, so I sit bored in the email shop after an hour while my comp and everyone else email their friends and family. . . Yes, I may be trying to guilt trip you into writing me =P There are many of you who I KNOW have nothing better to do. . .
anyways, Tonana Monday! (See you monday!)
and Majita to all those who write (thanks)
~Elder Williamsyes. There are hundreds of people here who will even just randomly start their own church or declare themselves to be a prophet.G-Pa said he would like to hear the details of some of the
conversion stories of those you are baptizing. Those are always
so inspiring.
will do
will do
I love you all, but almost none of you are emailing me, so I sit bored in the email shop after an hour while my comp and everyone else email their friends and family. . . Yes, I may be trying to guilt trip you into writing me =P There are many of you who I KNOW have nothing better to do. . .
anyways, Tonana Monday! (See you monday!)
and Majita to all those who write (thanks)
--
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, January 8, 2012
Merry Christmas and Happy New year
Hello Family and Friends!
Merry Christmas and happy new year!
This last week was great, but I was not able to email on the Monday after Christmas so this weeks email would have been longer, however, only family emailed me so this will be a mostly normal email.
So, for Christmas, all of the missionaries in Zimbabwe went to Harare and stayed at or near the mission home and we had a nice 3 day celebration / half vacation. On Friday we went to either a Children's hospital or an Orphanage and helped out, brought toys, played with the kids, etc. It was great. Some pictures are included (there are a lot as I just got a good new camera, so my dad is going to upload the ones I send onto the blog). Saturday we went to a lake and played soccer/rugby/ had a barbeque (called a braai here). On sunday we had a lot of plays from the different zones (our zone tied for 1st place, even though we spent 2 days in prep and everyone else did 3 weeks. We just have lots of Chemistry in our zone! good, fun stuff =P). The food was great and fun. I also got what was probably a parasite from the water (I forgot to bring my filtered water bottle to Harare as the water in Mutare is some of the best in Zim), but courtesy of an essential oil mix, I got rid of it after about an hour or two and am fine now.
Upon arriving home from Harare (5 hour bus ride) I received a call from my mission president telling me that my temporary employment permit (TEP) had some problems and so I would have to leave the country for 2 days to renew my temporary visa. So, within 24 hours, I was on my way back to Harare to head to Zambia with one of the AP's (assistants to the president). On the way, my suitcase was in the back of the truck and it started raining (when it rains, it RAINS). We didn't notice that my suitcase was out there for about 10 minutes, and it isn't waterproof. We got it in, but it was pretty wet. I said a prayer that the important things inside, both letters from different missionaries and also some baptismal records, would not be damaged and would still be fine. When we got to the Transit house, I unpack the top part of my suitcase. The letters and records were perfectly dry, no water damage. My blanket still had a nice big wet spot right exactly underneath where all the letters were. =P Cool stuff eh? Don't forget the power of prayer!
After this, we headed to Zambia. The trip was long, but pretty fun (7 hour drive, with 2 hours to get through the border); pictures included. Zambia was fun, and I made Sadza for my first time (I eat it all the time, but this was the first time when I actually helped make it). The houses in Zambia for missionaries are NICE. I mean, holy cow!
I got back safe and sound, and wound down with church where 2/3 of attendants left after sacrament meeting (including all of our investigators) because the branch which now meets before us carried over 15 MINUTES into our time for gospel principles class. Needless to say, we were kinda pissed (not a missionary approved word for everyday use. But, this word is: KABUTO APPROVED!!!!1!--reference, anyone? NTAS if you are wondering).
Lastly in news, I am having my scriptures split and covered as follows. I am excited!
Split so that the references (TG, BD, Index, JSM/JST) are all in one, and the rest (OT,NT,BoM,D+C,PogP) are all in one. The skins being used (real ones, mind you) are:
Spine---> Black Mamba
Africa Symbol---> Python
All Else---> Black Crocodile belly
I am also getting my hymn book covered in something cool (can't remember what) and a scripture case made out of Water Buffalo.
(for my family, and I guess anyone else who wants this done on something, just let me know, and I will tell you how much you need to send me. Although keep in mind that due to shipping costs being $15 per kg, it could be expensiveish.)
I will send pictures when mine are finished, though I have seen finished product, and it looks awesome and is nice and durable.
Onto questions!
answers in bold
GMA
Did you get working batteries for your CD player. I hope so. Good music just makes life better.
Not yet, but I will once I am not so busy
Do they ask you to sing in church?
No. But I am trying to get a branch choir started
I love you all, and wish you all the best!
~Elder Taggart 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.
Merry Christmas and happy new year!
This last week was great, but I was not able to email on the Monday after Christmas so this weeks email would have been longer, however, only family emailed me so this will be a mostly normal email.
So, for Christmas, all of the missionaries in Zimbabwe went to Harare and stayed at or near the mission home and we had a nice 3 day celebration / half vacation. On Friday we went to either a Children's hospital or an Orphanage and helped out, brought toys, played with the kids, etc. It was great. Some pictures are included (there are a lot as I just got a good new camera, so my dad is going to upload the ones I send onto the blog). Saturday we went to a lake and played soccer/rugby/ had a barbeque (called a braai here). On sunday we had a lot of plays from the different zones (our zone tied for 1st place, even though we spent 2 days in prep and everyone else did 3 weeks. We just have lots of Chemistry in our zone! good, fun stuff =P). The food was great and fun. I also got what was probably a parasite from the water (I forgot to bring my filtered water bottle to Harare as the water in Mutare is some of the best in Zim), but courtesy of an essential oil mix, I got rid of it after about an hour or two and am fine now.
Upon arriving home from Harare (5 hour bus ride) I received a call from my mission president telling me that my temporary employment permit (TEP) had some problems and so I would have to leave the country for 2 days to renew my temporary visa. So, within 24 hours, I was on my way back to Harare to head to Zambia with one of the AP's (assistants to the president). On the way, my suitcase was in the back of the truck and it started raining (when it rains, it RAINS). We didn't notice that my suitcase was out there for about 10 minutes, and it isn't waterproof. We got it in, but it was pretty wet. I said a prayer that the important things inside, both letters from different missionaries and also some baptismal records, would not be damaged and would still be fine. When we got to the Transit house, I unpack the top part of my suitcase. The letters and records were perfectly dry, no water damage. My blanket still had a nice big wet spot right exactly underneath where all the letters were. =P Cool stuff eh? Don't forget the power of prayer!
After this, we headed to Zambia. The trip was long, but pretty fun (7 hour drive, with 2 hours to get through the border); pictures included. Zambia was fun, and I made Sadza for my first time (I eat it all the time, but this was the first time when I actually helped make it). The houses in Zambia for missionaries are NICE. I mean, holy cow!
I got back safe and sound, and wound down with church where 2/3 of attendants left after sacrament meeting (including all of our investigators) because the branch which now meets before us carried over 15 MINUTES into our time for gospel principles class. Needless to say, we were kinda pissed (not a missionary approved word for everyday use. But, this word is: KABUTO APPROVED!!!!1!--reference, anyone? NTAS if you are wondering).
Lastly in news, I am having my scriptures split and covered as follows. I am excited!
Split so that the references (TG, BD, Index, JSM/JST) are all in one, and the rest (OT,NT,BoM,D+C,PogP) are all in one. The skins being used (real ones, mind you) are:
Spine---> Black Mamba
Africa Symbol---> Python
All Else---> Black Crocodile belly
I am also getting my hymn book covered in something cool (can't remember what) and a scripture case made out of Water Buffalo.
(for my family, and I guess anyone else who wants this done on something, just let me know, and I will tell you how much you need to send me. Although keep in mind that due to shipping costs being $15 per kg, it could be expensiveish.)
I will send pictures when mine are finished, though I have seen finished product, and it looks awesome and is nice and durable.
Onto questions!
answers in bold
GMA
Did you get working batteries for your CD player. I hope so. Good music just makes life better.
Not yet, but I will once I am not so busy
Do they ask you to sing in church?
No. But I am trying to get a branch choir started
Do they have a piano there or a keyboard?
yes, they do.
Do you get called on to pray and speak and lead the music and give lessons in the Branch?
not usually for most, but my comp and I teach the Gospel Principles / investigator class
Are the people there very educated?
The education system here is actually really good, so if they go/went to school, they are fairly well educated.Kenzie
yes, they do.
Do you get called on to pray and speak and lead the music and give lessons in the Branch?
not usually for most, but my comp and I teach the Gospel Principles / investigator class
Are the people there very educated?
The education system here is actually really good, so if they go/went to school, they are fairly well educated.Kenzie
Do you have any funny stories for me?
One of the AP's has a just about exact same interest as me in music. Everything From Disturbed to Weird Al =P
One of the AP's has a just about exact same interest as me in music. Everything From Disturbed to Weird Al =P
What are all the kids/teenagers like there?
Teens are about as varied as the ones back home. Some are really good, some bad, and others in between. Most little kids just hang around and kick around their soccer balls (lots of tightly rolled together grocery bags) and just play together. My comp and I will usually jump in a game of soccer as we pass by for a few seconds.
Teens are about as varied as the ones back home. Some are really good, some bad, and others in between. Most little kids just hang around and kick around their soccer balls (lots of tightly rolled together grocery bags) and just play together. My comp and I will usually jump in a game of soccer as we pass by for a few seconds.
Do the people have any weird traditions?
Not any that I know of yet, I'll let you know though
Not any that I know of yet, I'll let you know though
Do they have a lot of cows/ farm animals?
yes. Picture included (cows)
yes. Picture included (cows)
Have you met anyone that is a shaman or something similar to one?
The Matzi Babas are the closest. One person we are teaching is ex Matzi Baba, and when we pray, before we taught him, he would just sit there and shake his hands up and down.
The Matzi Babas are the closest. One person we are teaching is ex Matzi Baba, and when we pray, before we taught him, he would just sit there and shake his hands up and down.
I love you all, and wish you all the best!
~Elder Taggart 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, December 28, 2011
Christmas time at the mission Presidents home.
this is an excerpt from Elder Bradshaw, He is also in the Harare mission and they all got together and did some work at an orphanage. Written to his Mother...
(For any other Zimbabwe Mom's I added a small part of Ryan's letter from his morning. I thought he did a good job explaining a little of what their Christmas in Harare was like.)
"Harare has been crazy sweet. Lots of people have been asking me about the logistics of getting 96 missionaries, 16 couples, and presidents family to Harare. Let me just say that only in the best mission on earth could this happen. Only with obedient missionaries and a mission president that trust his missionaries could this happen. The Church has a headquarters in Harare which is a chapel, mission offices, and a mission transfer house (plus the site of the future Zimbabwe Temple according to Pres. Hinckley and other apostles). About 50 missionaries slept at the transfer house and the floor of the chapel. I gave up my bed in the transfer house in favor of the hard floor of the chapel because president came and slept in the chapel with us. He kept us up all night telling stories and scaring us all with transfer predictions. The other missionaries slept in the various other missionary houses in Harare.
Friday afternoon we went to a hospital in Harare. The mission is adopting the hospital this year to help them along. We spent the day giving out toys to children in the childrens wing, cleaning outside, and giving out hygine kits to mothers who gave birth that day. Elder Jensen and I helped a mama to her car after she had just given birth that morning. We found her careing all her own lugage out becuase there wasn't enough room in the hospital for her to stay any longer. I am glad that we got to go assist. I am even more glad that the United States has modern health care."
(For any other Zimbabwe Mom's I added a small part of Ryan's letter from his morning. I thought he did a good job explaining a little of what their Christmas in Harare was like.)
"Harare has been crazy sweet. Lots of people have been asking me about the logistics of getting 96 missionaries, 16 couples, and presidents family to Harare. Let me just say that only in the best mission on earth could this happen. Only with obedient missionaries and a mission president that trust his missionaries could this happen. The Church has a headquarters in Harare which is a chapel, mission offices, and a mission transfer house (plus the site of the future Zimbabwe Temple according to Pres. Hinckley and other apostles). About 50 missionaries slept at the transfer house and the floor of the chapel. I gave up my bed in the transfer house in favor of the hard floor of the chapel because president came and slept in the chapel with us. He kept us up all night telling stories and scaring us all with transfer predictions. The other missionaries slept in the various other missionary houses in Harare.
Friday afternoon we went to a hospital in Harare. The mission is adopting the hospital this year to help them along. We spent the day giving out toys to children in the childrens wing, cleaning outside, and giving out hygine kits to mothers who gave birth that day. Elder Jensen and I helped a mama to her car after she had just given birth that morning. We found her careing all her own lugage out becuase there wasn't enough room in the hospital for her to stay any longer. I am glad that we got to go assist. I am even more glad that the United States has modern health care."
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
letter Dec. 19 2011
Hello Family and friends!
It was great to hear form the ones of you that emailed me/ sent letters (the others of you who didn't know who you are. . . =P) but it is all good because I had plenty to read today. Now for the news.
This last week has been great. I am now making a list of the different things I have seen that are cool (animal wise) in my PMG. This week I saw 3 chameleons and 3 giant snails. (pictures to follow)
This week was not very scary like last week (no dangerous experiences). But if you want to know what things look like, check out satellite view on google maps of Mutare, Zimbabwe. The scenery here is quite beautiful, and reminds me of a game I have played (far cry) good game by the way. It is nice to know that home is such a green place (I do think of this place as home now, for the next 2 years at least)
We had a great baptism this week, and a great Christmas party afterwards (I won't need to eat the rest of the week now =P). 4 people were baptized, and 3 are already confirmed. Names are according to the attached picture(left to right) Wonder, Tinashe, Leonard, Advice (with me and my comp, Elder Hayes).
Leonard and Wonder are going to be powerful priesthood holders, and between the 4 of them, the will increase our average church attendance by 10%
I can't wait to teach them all the more in depth RC lessons. It has been great to see the changes in their lives so far. As some of them have stumbled on their way to baptism, crazily enough, it is their non-member friends who have been seeing the change in their lives who 'slap them upside the head' and say "what are you doing?"
As I said, I have seen 3 chameleons this week and 3 GIANT snails (one as long as my whole hand, wrist to fingertips).
now onto the questions which have been asked (answers in bold)
Questions:
GMA-
1 Have any of the members there had the opportunity to go to the Temple?
yes. Our old Branch pres. is sealed with his wife, and many other members have been. They occasionally do a temple trip (get a comby arranged to take them to the Jo-burg temple for a day or 2)
2 How far is it to the nearest Temple there?
in Johanessburg. about- 1100 km, so 14 hour drive
--
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.
It was great to hear form the ones of you that emailed me/ sent letters (the others of you who didn't know who you are. . . =P) but it is all good because I had plenty to read today. Now for the news.
This last week has been great. I am now making a list of the different things I have seen that are cool (animal wise) in my PMG. This week I saw 3 chameleons and 3 giant snails. (pictures to follow)
This week was not very scary like last week (no dangerous experiences). But if you want to know what things look like, check out satellite view on google maps of Mutare, Zimbabwe. The scenery here is quite beautiful, and reminds me of a game I have played (far cry) good game by the way. It is nice to know that home is such a green place (I do think of this place as home now, for the next 2 years at least)
We had a great baptism this week, and a great Christmas party afterwards (I won't need to eat the rest of the week now =P). 4 people were baptized, and 3 are already confirmed. Names are according to the attached picture(left to right) Wonder, Tinashe, Leonard, Advice (with me and my comp, Elder Hayes).
Leonard and Wonder are going to be powerful priesthood holders, and between the 4 of them, the will increase our average church attendance by 10%
I can't wait to teach them all the more in depth RC lessons. It has been great to see the changes in their lives so far. As some of them have stumbled on their way to baptism, crazily enough, it is their non-member friends who have been seeing the change in their lives who 'slap them upside the head' and say "what are you doing?"
As I said, I have seen 3 chameleons this week and 3 GIANT snails (one as long as my whole hand, wrist to fingertips).
now onto the questions which have been asked (answers in bold)
Questions:
GMA-
1 Have any of the members there had the opportunity to go to the Temple?
yes. Our old Branch pres. is sealed with his wife, and many other members have been. They occasionally do a temple trip (get a comby arranged to take them to the Jo-burg temple for a day or 2)
2 How far is it to the nearest Temple there?
in Johanessburg. about- 1100 km, so 14 hour drive
3 Do they have such a thing as Santa Claus there?
I honestly don't know for sure, but I don't believe so
Nathan:
What other wild animals have you run into?
there are lizards everywhere, all small, mostly 2 breeds. A skink, most common. And something similar to a bearded dragon, almost as common (both are everywhere). In Mutare, there isn't much wildlife other than lizards and. . . you guessed it. ANTS freaking cow, people. These ants are big. Some are as long as half my pinky (so maybe close to an inch) and their pincers are big and strong. I let a tiny one (much less size than these) bite me and it actually drew a little blood and stung a bit. I have been told that the big ones hurt like a mother, and I have no doubt that if enough swarmed someone, they could eat them. They are also really hard to kill (for ants) and stink really badly when they die.
Have any moments where you're like "Nathan would have said that!!"
Not that pop out. Most people here don't talk like us =/. The missionaries I live with have come to call it an 'Elder Williams' whenever I (or someone else on accident) says something extremely literally or just opposite of how it's meant. (I do this without thinking, but am getting better at not doing it =P)
ex. do you know what blows me away? *a shotgun
ex 2. This is stupid. *no, that is a chairHave any moments where you're like "I've been there before"
not really
Do you wish that it snowed where you are?
No. the people would probably die of fright if they saw snow in their areas.
Does it rain quite a bit?
When it rains, it RAINS. like, jack loads of water. We don't know what a rain storm is in Utah =P
If it does how does it smell?
The rain is fairly dirty, and leaves dirt on my coat (Yes, I sadly brought a coat instead of just a rain jacket, I thought I brought the one that separates but I guess not. =/ It weighs like a gajillion pounds) It smells fairly bad, but not horrible. (but we live near Sakubva river, nicknamed "poop river" so it is understandable about the smell)
What's the biggest challenge you've had so far?
probably getting used to not believing hardly anything people tell you. We even have kids readily lie to us. It seems to be bred into them to tell people "what they want to hear" even from birth.
Did you know that mice will eat the brains out of dead mice?
no
Did you go "Wow, that's gross"
Did you think "wow, that's gross" when I told you a members cat ate the heads off of all of it's kittens right before I got to Zim? It's name is Foofie. =P
Seen any spiders?
Gladly, almost none. (Except in the baptismal font a few weeks ago)
Did you jump into your partners arms like scooby doo and shaggy?
If it wasn't in water, and my comp not next to me, I would have. But the spider did grab onto the broom I was using to pick it up. Scared the crap out of me. I thought it was going to crawl up the broom and eat me =P (it was about 1.5 inches in diameter, legs extended so decently sized)
Where are your companions from? I don't think you've said anything about that.
My Comp, Elder Hayes, is from Arizona (near Phoenix). E. Toomer, is from Utah, and Elder Sefatsa is from near Jo-burg South Africa.
What's the spiciest food you've had there?
When I made Chicken curry the first time. Apparently, the people here like spicy food about as much as most of my family. It sucks. For sure, when I get married, my wife and all my kids will be cultured into LOVING spicy food, so I don't have to make food as mild as milk water when I cook for them =P. (plus, then I can make out with my wife after eating at subway, you know, where I have them load literally a pound or so of Jalapenos on my sandwich as well as spicy sauce etc. . .)
Th-Th-Th-Th-That's all Folks!
If you have any questions you would like answered, feel free to ask them, (otherwise they probably won't be addressed.)
~Elder Taggart Williams
I honestly don't know for sure, but I don't believe so
Nathan:
What other wild animals have you run into?
there are lizards everywhere, all small, mostly 2 breeds. A skink, most common. And something similar to a bearded dragon, almost as common (both are everywhere). In Mutare, there isn't much wildlife other than lizards and. . . you guessed it. ANTS freaking cow, people. These ants are big. Some are as long as half my pinky (so maybe close to an inch) and their pincers are big and strong. I let a tiny one (much less size than these) bite me and it actually drew a little blood and stung a bit. I have been told that the big ones hurt like a mother, and I have no doubt that if enough swarmed someone, they could eat them. They are also really hard to kill (for ants) and stink really badly when they die.
Have any moments where you're like "Nathan would have said that!!"
Not that pop out. Most people here don't talk like us =/. The missionaries I live with have come to call it an 'Elder Williams' whenever I (or someone else on accident) says something extremely literally or just opposite of how it's meant. (I do this without thinking, but am getting better at not doing it =P)
ex. do you know what blows me away? *a shotgun
ex 2. This is stupid. *no, that is a chairHave any moments where you're like "I've been there before"
not really
Do you wish that it snowed where you are?
No. the people would probably die of fright if they saw snow in their areas.
Does it rain quite a bit?
When it rains, it RAINS. like, jack loads of water. We don't know what a rain storm is in Utah =P
If it does how does it smell?
The rain is fairly dirty, and leaves dirt on my coat (Yes, I sadly brought a coat instead of just a rain jacket, I thought I brought the one that separates but I guess not. =/ It weighs like a gajillion pounds) It smells fairly bad, but not horrible. (but we live near Sakubva river, nicknamed "poop river" so it is understandable about the smell)
What's the biggest challenge you've had so far?
probably getting used to not believing hardly anything people tell you. We even have kids readily lie to us. It seems to be bred into them to tell people "what they want to hear" even from birth.
Did you know that mice will eat the brains out of dead mice?
no
Did you go "Wow, that's gross"
Did you think "wow, that's gross" when I told you a members cat ate the heads off of all of it's kittens right before I got to Zim? It's name is Foofie. =P
Seen any spiders?
Gladly, almost none. (Except in the baptismal font a few weeks ago)
Did you jump into your partners arms like scooby doo and shaggy?
If it wasn't in water, and my comp not next to me, I would have. But the spider did grab onto the broom I was using to pick it up. Scared the crap out of me. I thought it was going to crawl up the broom and eat me =P (it was about 1.5 inches in diameter, legs extended so decently sized)
Where are your companions from? I don't think you've said anything about that.
My Comp, Elder Hayes, is from Arizona (near Phoenix). E. Toomer, is from Utah, and Elder Sefatsa is from near Jo-burg South Africa.
What's the spiciest food you've had there?
When I made Chicken curry the first time. Apparently, the people here like spicy food about as much as most of my family. It sucks. For sure, when I get married, my wife and all my kids will be cultured into LOVING spicy food, so I don't have to make food as mild as milk water when I cook for them =P. (plus, then I can make out with my wife after eating at subway, you know, where I have them load literally a pound or so of Jalapenos on my sandwich as well as spicy sauce etc. . .)
Th-Th-Th-Th-That's all Folks!
If you have any questions you would like answered, feel free to ask them, (otherwise they probably won't be addressed.)
~Elder Taggart 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)
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