Vivian & David

June 1, 2008... here's our May news:

In Madadeni, I get to continue to teach Seminary; especially loving the lessons on The Tabernacle and its symbolism. We got to finish up some needed visits there. One Saturday I did a Visiting Teaching Workshop there. We are now more into Newcastle and have been helping get it cleaned up both physically and replacing supplies and materials with the updated curriculum. For a YW activity, I taught them how to sew and they sewn their own scripture bags upholstery scraps. I trained two new YW Counselors from our new Durban Mission Training DVD.

We had our first funeral in Newcastle. Although it was held in the chapel, I didn't understand most of it because it was in Zulu. One understanding I did receive though was the prompting to give out Plan of Salvation mission pamphlets to a selected five people at the graveside; which I did. This may be our new way of doing missionary work - going to funerals and handing out Plan of Salvation pamphlets; at least that's what I informed Pres. Mann. I handed out everyone that I had and the Elders did too. I gave away 3 Books of Mormon and get some appointments for the Elders.

In Durban, Elder Dibb had his mission presidency meeting on a Friday, and then the next day I had a meeting with Pres. Mann in my new assignment of trying to get some District YSA Conferences planned and scheduled. Then that night we all got to go to a Sharks play-off game of Rugby. There were lots of points scored and they won; so it was doubly exciting.

Then the highlights began the 19th with Gregory and Melinda's arrival to Newcastle South Africa. We had a full-fun week together. They got to meet all the Newcastle missionaries at our FHE-Dinner evening and got to witness some of the surprised Elders who were involved in the "transfer" calls.

Our next night we stayed overnight at the Hluhluwe Game Ranch Park. We lucked out and saw several animals: monkeys, white rhinos and a baby, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, tsessebe, cape buffalo, elephants with a mother and baby, wart hog, giraffes, and zebras. Most of which we saw on the Safari.

Then we headed to Durban. I had just been telling Greg and Mindy that we witness a lot of tender mercies. We were hopeful to get to see and meet Pres. Mann on the busy transfer day that happens every six weeks. However, did we not only get to see and visit with Pres. Mann, we got to have dinner with he and his family and the ten new missionaries that just arrived, and got to be included in their testimony meeting.

Next morning we attended the "Zulu Experience" cultural show at the Cultural Village, in Thousand Hills, where some dancing and some of the traditions of their culture was presented. We also saw lots of crocodiles, snakes, and a few turtles at the village center.

We then drove to Ladysmith and stayed overnight in a chalet. Then the next morning we got up early to go hiking because we wanted to see the Tugela Falls that are the second tallest falls in the world. The weather was perfect this day as it had been everyday. At the end of our trail, we saw and heard lots of baboons.

We made it to Seminary and my class got to see and meet them. Greg and Mindy got to meet a few of our loved saints in the Madadeni township.

Then as all good things have to come to an end -- they packed up the next day for their flight home. But we couldn’t let them leave South Africa without seeing some lions; so on their way to the airport, we stopped at the Lion's Den. It was interesting to watch one couple get in the den with some cubs.

Church was the next day and 5 mins. before Sacrament Meeting began, I was asked to give a 5 minute talk... I'm growing.

We had a fantastic Zone Conference about our prophet, Joseph Smith. As usual it was so inspiring, just like our mission president. The Assistants always love having breakfast here with the Elders.

We ended the week and the month of May with some good visits with Newcastle Branch members. Interesting enough, one inactive family that told us that they would come to church did not come, but her friend, another inactive member did come yesterday and it's a good thing too, because we didn't know where she even lived.

Good works. Good Times. Good Experiences.