HALLELUJAH!! HE HAS RISEN!!!

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday.  We woke to birds singing and a cloudless sunny day.  As I was walking down the hall headed to the parking garage, I passed a couple coming from their flat and I said good morning.  His reply was, "He Has Risen"!  I smiled and said, "Yes, he has!"  I walked with them down to the garage - they were also on their way to church.  As we were leaving them, he again said, "He Has Risen!" The four Lees drove an hour to attend a Pretoria Ward that met in the Stake Centre.  Our reason for choosing that ward was to finish the inventory of the Family History Centre's computers and printers.  As we settled in the chapel waiting for Sacrament meeting to begin, a sister came in and sat in front of us.  She turned to introduce herself and we visited for about 5 minutes.  I then asked her if they had a family history consultant in the ward.  She said that she thought so but didn't know who it was yet but that she (meaning the sister we were talking to) was the Stake Family History Consultant.  We told her that we were family history missionaries from the Area office and we wanted to check the computers in the family history centre to make sure they were in good working order, etc.  She told us that she had the keys to the centre and she would meet us in the foyer after church.  Okay, what are the odds that just the person we needed to find happened to sit in front of us in the chapel?  We spoke to the bishop and he told us that the ward consultant was there also and he would introduce her to us after the meeting.

Sacrament meeting was wonderful.  They had a "Primary Choir" that sang.  One of the young girls in Primary sang a solo called "He Sent His Son" and then again did the descant (I think that is the word) while the other children sang "Fairest Lord Jesus".  She was probably ten and she sang with confidence and clarity and a truly lovely voice.  I was so happy we were able to hear her sing.  I spoke to her mother afterward to tell her how wonderful her daughter's singing was.  She was holding one baby girl in her arms while the baby twin sister was in the stroller.  The daughter who sang skipped away with a brother.  A lovely family!

After Sacrament meeting, we met both consultants in the foyer and made our way to the family history centre.  Because of so much theft, all rooms that hold anything of value are behind a locked door and a locked security gate.  The computers in the family history centre are locked by cables and kept in individual locked cabinets.  We were pleased to see that only two of the four cabinet locks were broken.   Truly, these metal cabinets don't take much to break them open.  Anyway, they had four computers, a microfilm reader, a microfiche reader and a printer.  It was a nicely appointed FHC.  So far, the nicest one we have seen.  We took down the necessary inventory numbers and then for the next two hours we sat and trained these two lovely ladies.  I worked with the ward consultant and Allan worked with the stake consultant.  We had some trouble with the printer but, other than that, we spent a very productive two hours.  When we were closing everything down I asked the stake consultant if she felt our time with them had been worthwhile.  She said that she had been praying for help with her calling and with the Family Tree program in Family Search.  She told me that prayers are answered because there we were to help her. This particular ward is one that Brent and Charlene are responsible for and they set up a meeting to come again in two weeks to teach. This is what we do on Sundays - we visit and train where we are needed.  None of the family history missionaries are assigned a home ward.  We travel to all the stakes and wards and branches where we feel we will make the biggest difference.

We drove home and prepared for our Easter Dinner with some other couples.  We met at 3:00 pm for a potluck - we really had a feast!  Foods that were brought: ham, BBQ ribs, breakfast casserole, fruit salads, pork wraps, cinnamon rolls, orange rolls, chocolate cookies and bread pudding.  We gathered together after the meal and watched the Easter video the church released and also the video of the Hallelujah Chorus being sung by the largest virtual choir ever.  It started with the Tabernacle Choir and then pictures appeared from all over the world of people singing along with the choir.  Donnie Osmond was one of the faces and others looked familiar - it was AMAZING!

After we went back to our flat, we read scriptures and then settled in for the remainder of the evening.  Allan to his computer and genealogy - me to work on the blog.

HALLELUJAH!!  HE HAS RISEN!!!

Here is a picture of the group - our hosts were the couple on the back row on the right.  

Backrow L-R; Elder and Sister Beckstrand, Elder and Sister Coleman, Elder and Sister Powell

Middle Row L-R: Elder and Sister Blake, Elder and Sister Gatten

Front Row L-R: The Lees (Cindy, Allan, Brent and Charlene)

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

On Mondays we usually attend a morning devotional at the Area offices and then go about our "P" day (P for preparation) activities.  This particular Monday, the Area offices were closed so we all took the opportunity to drive to Hartbeespoort Recreational Area.  We rode the tram to the top of a mountain, had lunch when we returned to the bottom and then 7 couples traveled over to do a zipline. It was a beautiful clear day with perfect weather!  We had a blast!!!

Part of the group before heading up the hill on the tram.

Beautiful, clean, modern facility.

At the top!

Hard work, but someone has to do it ;)

Lunch with the group!  

Those of you in Santa Clara, look closely at the couple on the right on the end.  

That is Paul and Ginny Graf.  Our former stake president! There were about 18 of us that day.

Entrance to the zipline!

Getting in the gear.....

And, ready to go!

Not one of my better landings....but I was having fun!

Al got the landings down perfectly - he was having fun, too!

Yes, Virginia.....we do actually work!

Thought it would be nice to give you some pictures of where we spend most of our time.

The Parktown Family History Centre

Main room looking from the front desk to the back.

Microfilm storage

Main room showing front desk and books and the toy box for children.

This is a couple that I helped get their papers in order to be sealed in the temple.

They have been married a month and were from Madagascar.  They both spoke perfect English....found out he served his mission in England and was serving in the London South Mission when we were serving in the London Mission.  Truly a small world!

Allan helping a new bishop enter names in the computer.

Sister Tina Jackson, a volunteer who speaks French.  There are many days the patrons who come to the centre speak only French, Portuguese or Afrikaan or one of the many African dialects.  Our volunteers who speak these languages are invaluable to us.

Sister Coleman and the other Elder Lee helping a patron

Allan helped the sister on the left and I worked with the sister on the right.

When the sister I was working with found out she could do the temple work for her mother and grandmother she started weeping for joy.  She had me in tears and she kept saying thank you, thank you.  What a blessing and privilege it is to be here to serve these wonderful people.  

They are faithful members of the church and bring a wonderful spirit with them.

On Assignment Plus Pilanesburg

By assignment, on Sunday we drove to Rustenburg to visit the ward there.  It was about a 2 1/2 hour drive.  We spoke with the bishop and checked to make sure they had the proper equipment for the family history centre.  They do not have a family history consultant right now but will have one soon. When they call one we will go again to train.

After church we drove about an hour to Sun City.  This is the Las Vegas of South Africa.  They have nicked named it "Sin City".  We stayed at The Kingdom Resort Sunday night and then drove into the Pilanesburg Wildlife Reserve early the next morning.  The pictures tell the story.  Didn't get pictures of the lions but we saw them.  One thing I am in awe of here is the land - I never pictured Africa with beautiful hills and valleys and everything right now is very green. 

The first eight pictures of the elephant shows us watching this old bull elephant with a broken trunk decimate the tree he is standing by.  We watched him for quite a long time.  If he had come down the shallow embankment just below him he would have run into our car!  What fun to watch him and be so close.

A beautiful shot of a giraffe.  

Then there is the face "only a mother could love"!  What ugly fellows these warthogs are :)

There are at least 11 hippos right together in this pool of water.

Finally got to see rhinos.  These guys are still being heavily poached.

Baboon family

More blue wildebeest We also saw a red wildebeest but no pics!

Two zebras!

The baby was interested in some milk!

Anyone up for a "monkey ride"?  This little guy was loving it!!!

The work here is very satisfying!  We had a group in the centre today from Zimbabwe.  We got their paperwork in order for them to go to the Temple to have their ordinances done.  They will come back to the centre tomorrow and we will prepare more names to take to the temple.  The nice thing about this group is that they all spoke English!!

A Great Day!

Today we had a great day in the family history centre helping a few people.  But, tonight all of the Area missionaries went to a meeting in the area where they watch the children..  This meeting was for the temple presidency to thank all of the volunteers who serve in the temple, and especially those who watch the children who are waiting to be with their parents for the sealing session.  The temple president and matron spoke and the Area president spoke.  After a short meeting, we all went to the temple for an endowment session.  The room only held 22 and they brought in about three more so we could all fit. So we were all Area Office Missionaries in the session.  Afterward, we walked over to the "White House" where the Area presidency lives.  They had fruit and pastries for everyone.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

The Johannesburg Temple is very, very small.  They do have clothing rental and laundry, but no eating facilities.  It does not have a lot of ornamentation, but it is nice.  We drive right by the side of the temple every morning going to work.  The temple, "White House", Area offices, Family History Centre, patron housing and cafe, and distribution centre/bookstore are all right together.  I think it used to be a large estate.  It is in a beautiful setting.  There is a koi pond at the end of a pretty flowing spring.  There is a walking bridge over the water and the whole area is full of paths and benches and trees and flowers.  Not a bad place to work!!  Actually, we are enjoying it way too much to call it work.

Time in the Temple

Yesterday I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful couple from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  She spoke Swahili and French; he spoke Swahili, French and a wee bit of English. However, he could read and write English really well.  So, we managed to get along just fine.  They had come to Johannesburg to go to the temple for the very first time along with their three children.  I asked them if they had other members of their ward or stake there and they said no - it was just the five of them.  I told them I would meet them when they were finished and take some pictures.  After working with them for 1 1/2 hours to prepare the paperwork they needed to have their ordinances done in the temple, I felt I needed to attend their sealing.  So, after we closed the centre, I walked up to the temple and surprised them.  What a wonderful experience for me to be a part of their special day.  AND, when their beautiful children came into the sealing room all dressed in white, it was like looking at three angels.  Of course, the ordinances were performed in French but I understood what was happening.  There is truly nothing more beautiful than to watch an entire family kneel at the altar in the temple and have all of their hands touching across the altar as they are sealed together as a family for, not only in this life, but in the life to come.  Then they stood in front of the mirrors that reflect to infinity representing the eternities.  I felt so blessed to be able to witness this and share in their joy.

The father is the bishop of his ward and was absolutely delightful and couldn't stop smiling and saying this is the happiest day!  I could not get more than a hint of a smile out of the rest of the family, in front of the camera or otherwise.  Here they are:  the children are 11, 9 and 6.  

We have two couples being reassigned and one couple going home, so all of the sisters got together Monday for lunch.  The restaurant, which used to be a culinary school, is called "Olives and Plates". The food was served looking like a picture - in fact, a lot of people took pictures of their food.  I had spaghetti and meatballs and they even managed to make that look gourmetish!

We have now been in South Africa for three weeks!  I already have a deep love and respect for the people here.  I love helping them with their family history and getting names ready to take to the temple.  Elder Renland, one of the new apostles, used to be the Area President over Southeast Africa. He gave a video presentation that basically said, "Family history consultants and genealogists, etc. are now words that we do not use - we are temple workers".  That is so true - we are temple workers doing the preparatory work necessary for all to be able to receive those saving ordinances found only in the temples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Once in a Lifetime

Tuesday, 1 March, we had our first day working in the family history centre.  Tuesday is one of the busiest days at the centre.  Saturday morning is the next busiest and is the reason that we start work at 6:30 am on that day.  Our first day went really well considering that most of those who came were French speaking - some spoke a smattering of English - but most only spoke French!  The Area offices are full of returned missionaries from all over the world; so, we asked two French speaking sisters to join us for the morning.  We opened at 9:00 am and from then until 11:30 am we were busier than a one-armed paper hanger.  One group came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and there were some from Madagascar.  We have fourteen computers with fourteen + chairs and all the chairs were full and all computers were occupied.  The floor was also full with fourteen children! It was heavenly chaos for those two+ hours ;)  We counted 43 people there at one time.  The patrons come in groups and stay at the patron housing for those attending the temple.  They usually stay for four days so they can get as much temple work done as possible.  I sat with a young couple from the Congo who were being sealed, along with their five children.  Through an interpreter, I learned that this would be their only opportunity to be able to attend the temple.  The couple had four absolutely beautiful children with them (their first baby died shortly after birth).  They were so happy to be getting sealed as a family for all eternity.  I helped them prepare a family group sheet that they took with them to the temple and then I helped them prepare five more names of ancestors that they could do ordinances for.   When I get back home, I plan to take better advantage of having a temple 15 minutes away by car.  Most of us do not have a clue of the sacrifices made by so many people so they can have a once-in-a-lifetime trip to attend a temple.

Back to our first day.....the next couple I helped were from Madagascar and they were being married and sealed for time and all eternity.  They were so cute and could not stop smiling!  They both needed a family group sheet to take to the temple; so, I helped them with that.  I then tried to help the young man find his great grandfather.  Unfortunately, we did not have any success.  I asked him if he had other relatives he could ask for the information.  He said, "yes".  I suggested he "pick their brains" and get all the information he could get while they were still alive.  He looked at me with a blank stare until I realized that he had no idea what I meant by "pick their brains"!!!!  I explained and he smiled and said he would talk to them ;)  This couple had a lot of family with them for the big event and there were hugs and congratulations all around.  When they came in the following day they were still all smiles!
As the week went on, each day was quieter than the day before; then came Saturday!  A bus full of people came and were lined up at the door at 6:30 am.  We spent a busy morning making sure everyone was helped.  Once again, we are finding that this family history mission is very different from the others we have served.

The picture is a little blurry but here are the three couples serving in the family history centre.  The couple on the left is Al's brother Brent and, wife Charlene.  The couple on the right are the Coleman's (Russ and Linda).  An interesting coincidence - all three couples have served missions in Ukraine!!





For those of you who are interested, here are a few pictures of our flat.  There are 23 couples in the apartment building called "Dukes Court".  We are literally across the street from a nice mall with two grocery stores in it.  The drive to work is about 8-10 minutes.

The "sun room/music room.  I just got this really nice Yamaha piano moved into the flat!

Looking out our front door.  Very secure building and flats.  This gate locks twice.

Looking from the outside in.....

Living room.....

Our "wee" recliners.....

Looking from living room into the dining area.....

Looking from front door into flat.....

Our dining area.....

The kitchen!  The matching dryer is under the closest counter and the fridge and two pantries are across from the washer.

Another angle into the living room.....

The shower .....

Other side of bathroom!

Didn't get any pictures of the bedroom but it is very large and has a king-size bed and lots of storage.

As you can see, we are not suffering in our accomodations ;)  We are very happy here and are fortunate that it is so well stocked!  I have three (yes, three) artificial Christmas trees!!!!