April 7, 2014

Chirhomo Family at a Rest Stop on the way to the temple

Some of my seminary students at the temple

The Johannesburg temple at night when we arrived

The Sebetola family was sealed for Time and Eternity

On the way to the temple, the nicest bus around

Most of us in front of the temple

Dearest Family and Friends,

Again much has happened since we last wrote to you.  Our much awaited temple trip has come and gone.  We chartered a bus and took 51 people 5 1/2 hours to Johannesburg to go to the temple.  For most it was their first time to the temple, for many it was their first time to Johannesburg, and for all of us it was memories for life.  We saved and planned for several months for this trip, but even with all our efforts it would not have been possible if we hadn't of received help from America.  The members have been asking us if we can plan one more trip before going home. (Little do they know that there just isn't enough time.)  The district president said that our visit to the temple has not only blessed our branch but it has blessed the whole district.  A sweet temple worker commented that this is the largest group they've ever had  come from a branch area.  She then said that they all know about Tzaneen now.  Yes, we are just a little group a long ways away from Johannesburg, but we did it.  In addition to the spiritual highlights that are many, I love hearing the group in Motupa (part of our Tzaneen branch) talk about their other firsts.  Such as, Sister Tinny took her first bath in a real bathtub.  Most were thrilled about the showers.  They also couldn't believe that there were no keys, just cards to open the doors.  And yes it's summer and wow the temple housing has air conditioning.  I forget that we do not have a single home in Motupa with running water or bathroom facilities.  I'm sure it was better than Disneyland.  One of our sweet little families who were sealed in the temple had the opportunity to also have their patriarchal blessing while we were there.   Ed tried to coordinate as much as possible in those few days. While talking to them, the patriarch and his wife were touched with their story of how far the sister walks each day to get water.  They mentioned the families situation to the area office and we just got a phone call this morning asking for details because the church would like to see about providing a well for their area.  The miracles keep coming and I am even emotional as I type.    So grateful we did not have to go home early.  However, when the time comes we will be ready and it is getting close.  We have one more reason to hurry and that is that Ryan and Ashley have a new baby boy, Kai Jensen Smith.  Can't wait to see all our sweet little ones and of course all of you.      

We send you our love,   

Ed and Jolene, (mom and dad, grandma and grandpa and happily Elder and Sister Smith)

February 9, 2014

Our 1st meeting in our new Motupa building

Baptism in Tzaneen

JUST A REMINDER!

Motupa Barbeque on Saturday

COOKING PAP AT THE BARBEQUE

Face Painting at our Barbeque in Motupa

Cleaning the Tzaneen Building

Breakfast after cleaning-They love American Pancakes

Hello Everyone, 

This is our happy New Year letter as we have not written since before Christmas.  We promise that we have been busy though and we have much to share.  First of all, we will be staying on our mission until the end which is June 10th.  We had a bit of a scare in that the last time I wrote Ed was not feeling well.  He had vertigo and it continued until the mission President asked that we go to Johannesburg for tests.  The results were that he had continual low blood pressure and 2 blocked Carotid Arteries.  The blood pressure is under control, the vertigo is under control and the arteries can wait until we get home.  Shortly after the tests President Omer suggested that we prepare to go home early.  Dr. Hoffman agreed, but they both said that we could make the final decision.  After fasting and praying we felt good about the decision to stay. The others supported it but Dr. Hoffman said "we are forcing him to pray for us everyday." We need prayers and are good with that. Some of our friends will remember that there was a change in our mission call due to medical concerns and perhaps this is why.  We have felt the Lord's hand in everything that we do.  With that in mind you will know why we continue to feel so blessed and protected.  Almost 2 weeks ago we were in the village of Motupa.  I was teaching seminary.  The few students who were there shared that the others were not because they were preparing/avoiding a riot.  We soon heard the noises of possible danger.  It was getting dark.  We left as soon as possible but had to see that the few kids with us were home safe.  As we ourselves finally were on our way the locals had started to put up road blocks with tires and tree branches.  We drove through them quickly even though a few of them tried to detain our car.  We knew not to stop.  Yes, I was frightened and when we returned to Tzaneen the young Elders were at our flat and the first thing they said was, "Are you Okay Sister Smith." I briefly explained what happened and shared that I was scared to death but knew that we were being watched over.  Later we learned that there were 3 deaths that night and that foreigners were targeted. The tires and brush that were used for road blocks were burned along with bits of their only main road. Throughout the week there were a total of 7 deaths and 15 police officers were hospitalized.  President Omer asked us to not go back until he gave us approval.  Such a dilemma when we had our big Group party for our new building on Saturday.  He said we could go if we promised to leave before dark.  We did.  However, African parties are never short and never end on time.  We arrived at 2:00 with the salads, dessert, and paper goods.  Actually everything except the meat which they promised to take care of.  I knew we were in trouble when our 10 chickens for the barbeque were still walking around.  Hours later we got a bit of pap and some chicken before we had to leave.  I felt bad leaving the others to clean up.  They never even asked why.  The beauty of our day was that we had 60 people out for our little group party and 50 out to church the next day.  That's a record.  We have already out grown our "new" building that you see in the picture.  The church is growing in Africa.  I actually have a cute story to tell you about the baptism picture you see up above.  That's in Tzaneen in our nice building where most of the Africans who attend are from the village of Nkowankowa.  Ed was asked to baptize the two ladies.  They were both afraid of water and especially going under water.  The one sister struggled to the point that both she and Ed toppled over in the water, and when she finally went all the way under the rest of us clapped.  The testimony meeting afterwards showed that the spirit was there in abundance in spite of our extra excitement.  We love serving, we love the people, and are grateful to be able to stay and continue the Lord's work.

We send you our love,   

Ed and Jolene, (mom and dad, grandma and grandpa and happily Elder and Sister Smith)

Christmas Eve 2013

The cast for the First Christmas Program

Dinner at our Home

Our Adventure at Entabenis

My favorite animals together

ROAD BLOCK!!

Night sentinals - they're for real and hungry

 

December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas everyone and Happy birthday to Pam and Jeromy,

It's hard to believe that last year at this time we had just arrived in Tzaneen.  We remember the mixed emotions as we wondered about what the future would have in store for us.  We have survived and have grown more than we could have imagined and already have many wonderful memories. Last week as the primary children presented birthday cards and sang Happy Birthday to me I thought how much they have all become a part of our lives.  We have felt safe and loved here.  Our bubble was burst just a bit when the Lenyenye Elders shared with us that they saw a stoning last night.  It was of a taxi cab driver and they don't know what happened because we are told over and over again that we must quickly leave the villages anytime violence breaks out.  Since today is Christmas Eve they have asked us to stay close to home and not go out into the villages as they tend to get a little excited on holidays.  We are being obedient.  This past week we did go away for a night to a place called Entabenis.  It's another Animal Reserve and we went with our friends the Heyens.  Another incredible experience.  Last Saturday we had our Branch Christmas party.  The primary children acted out the First Christmas and parents were excited.  The part of Joseph was played by a little investigator.  Both he and his mom will be baptized in January.  One of the angels was played by another investigator whose grandfather was just baptized and she told me afterwards how excited she is to turn 12 so that she can go into Young Womens.  Ed and I were thrilled at the number of investigators that joined us for the Christmas program.  That means that they not only got to see the darling Primary children, but they were able to watch the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. We loved it all.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and know that we miss you all,

Ed and Jolene, mom and dad, grandma and grandpa and happily Elder and Sister Smith

November 25, 2013

God's Window - but not a clear day.

A LITTLE FRIEND

They tear up the store just like in the cartoons. 

P-DAY WALK AT CHEERIO GARDENS

Feeding the chiefs at our meeting.

Primary on the porch of Matome's home - only 3 sleeping!

TOO HOT INSIDE SO GOSPEL DOCTRINE ON THE LAWN

Dearest Family and Friends,

We like to walk in the mornings, but summer is approaching and that's the rainy season here.  Since we left our floaties at home we decided to skip this morning.  Last week we planned a meeting with 9 of the chiefs out in Motupa and a few of their council members.   Because the church is growing, the opposition is growing also.  When we arrived in this area the people would wave at the "old white couple" as we drove by.  Now we get stares along with the young Elders who were actually summoned into court 2 weeks ago with an attempted restraining order.  Anyway we asked the District President to speak at our meeting because he is from the area and is a well respected educator.  The meeting went well.  We started with only 2 guests and were afraid that even the chiefs did not want anything to do with us, but as the morning moved on they showed up slowly and we ended up with 24 guests.  The spirit was strong.  We shared our basic beliefs and showed a video titled, "An Introduction to the Church in Africa." They all clapped at the end when one chief said, "You will be welcome in my village."  At the end of the meeting another chief approached Ed and in his broken English said, "You will teach my family, YES."  Gladly Ed thought. He got all the information and sent the Elders over a few days later.  While the Elders were there we  got a phone call asking what time our Thanksgiving dinner would be because they will be going back for a second visit this Thursday, Thanksgiving Day (for us).  We assured the elders that their meeting came first and we could eat anytime. 

Speaking of Thanksgiving, the Smith family has one more bit of news to be thankful for.  Ryan and Ashley are expecting number 5 and after 4 darling girls they are thrilled to be expecting a boy.  As for all of you, HAPPY THANKSGIVING.     

We love you,

Ed and Jolene, mom and dad, grandma and grandpa and happily Elder and Sister Smith