July 13, 2012

 Today may be the worst day we have spent here in South Africa.  We received an SMS (text) from Sister Tunye this morning saying her daughter had been attacked and later we learned she had died from her injuries.  We assumed it was her daughter at home, however, we found out shortly after from Sister Cockbain, the RS President, it was her daughter in Zimbabwe.  The world here is so different. In the states it seems like death comes only occasionally, but here people must face it often, much like I think it may have been in the early days of the United States.

The Elders held another branch get together tonight.  This time it was on a “Family Home Evening” format to show the branch families how to conduct one.  We sometimes take it for granted that members know how to hold a FHE, but here they have not been shown what one is. They have been taught that they should hold one but most have little idea how to.

One complete family showed up and a fair number of other families had at least one member there.  We had hoped for a better attendance and especially more complete families, but we will take what we’re given.  The Zone Leaders were here also and added a great spirit to the evening. (Elders Giles and Naylor) The evening turned out good and everybody enjoyed it.