October 2-4

We were excited to take Cydnee and her kids to church on Sunday. We had been showing them around parts of South Africa and having a great time. But now we can let them see a little bit of what we have been doing and introduce them to some of our friends.

We decided to go to Osizweni first so that Taylor could give the Branch President the baptismal clothes she had brought with her.  President Zulu was very touched by the gift. He told Taylor to stand up at the beginning of the meeting while he told everyone about the baptismal clothes. It was a great experience for her. After church, several people told her how grateful they were for her offering. I told her that she not only provided something the branch needed but that she also set an example to the people of the branch who are still learning how to live the gospel. We passed out Book of Mormon coloring books and candy to the kids in Primary.

Taylor with President Zulu

Taylor with some of the Primary kids. They are standing in front of the baptismal font

We then drove to Madadeni to attend Sacrament Meeting in the Madadeni 1 Branch. We were asked to share our testimonies in the meeting. Cydnee, Taylor and Reagan also gave their testimonies. After church, we passed out CTR rings and candy to the Primary children. We had to say good bye to our friends today. It was very hard. We have learned so much and our testimonies have grown, and we have come to love so many wonderful people. We have felt their love for us and it has changed our lives. It is difficult to know that we will never see them again. “…for ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but  fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God.” Eph 2:19

We went to visit Sister Nkosi at her home to say good bye. We also went to Phumlani and Lihle’s home to visit them and to give Lihle a temple dress that our daughter-in-law sent over. We also went out to visit the Danisa family. A lot of tears were shed.

Cydnee and Sister Zikalala

After our visits we went home and just rested. We are tired from our travels and from such an emotional day.

Monday we got up and did some packing and cleaning and also some shopping for our Family Home Evening dinner. 

   

In the evening the missionaries, Brother and Sister Brown and Newcastle Young Single Adults came by for one last Family Home Evening and a braai. We had a good time. We love feeding people. But it was also time to say good bye to the missionaries and all our young friends. All these good-byes are very hard.

On Tuesday we finished packing and cleaning. The Browns came by and we gave them the house keys and some last minute advice. Then we were on our way to Johannesburg.

We went to the temple and took some pictures.

 We had lunch at Mike’s Restaurant.

Then we went to the airport. The GPS took us on a crazy route so we got to see some interesting neighborhoods on our way. When we got to the airport we had some difficulty finding our way around and also between all Cyd’s luggage and our luggage we were kind of struggling. Finally a nice young man offered to help us. He showed us how to get to the right level of the airport and helped us push our luggage carts. We were worried because we knew he was expecting a tip and we didn’t have any cash on us. As we were moving through the airport suddenly some security guards came and grabbed our kindly guide and took him away. Evidently he had no right to be working in the airport. We felt so sorry for him.  However, we were able to find our way after that and we no longer had to worry about a tip.  

We waited with Cydnee and her kids until they boarded their flight then went to catch our own flight. It took us 8 hours to fly to Qutar. We didn’t have to wait too long for our flight to Dallas. One more flight to Salt Lake City, (30 hours total) and we were finally home. 

As we came along the airport corridor we heard chanting. “Nana, Papa, Nana, Papa”  In a few minutes we were surrounded by all our family exchanging hugs and kisses. It is so great to be home.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission in South Africa. We loved our mission and we loved the people of South Africa. What a privilege it was to serve along side so many wonderful missionaries and church members.

It was very hard sometimes, a little scary other times and absolutely wonderful and amazing most times. We would not trade this experience for anything.

We want everyone to know that we have a testimony of Jesus Christ. We know that he loves us and we have felt his help and comfort many times on our mission. We know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it has the ability to change lives. We have seen it happen. God bless the people of South Africa.

Now to the next adventure!