Obedience Brings Blessings, Exacting Obedience Brings Miracles

Hello everyone! Well this week was pretty awesome I must say! I think I say
that every week but awesome things happen every week! So actually a lot of
really good things happened this week and I don't have a lot of time to
write about everything so I am kind of going to focus on a few of the main
highlights. So welcome to the SADM Top 10 at 10am:

Number 10: Just kidding theres not ten.

Anyways so on Monday we had a zone activity at the Mission Home again. We
went and played some games in the house because it was raining way too
much. We played a game called Quiddler which is just like 5 Crowns but with
making words instead of runs. It was really fun and I absolutely destroyed
the other guys! By like hundreds of points! Thank you mother and giving me
your vocabulary genes! haha. We had a nice Braai and then watched the
Saratov Approach again. Nice day though.

Wednesday was interviews with the Mission President. Basically I spent the
day being the taxi for all the elders during the day. Finally around 5pmish
it was my turn. It was probably one of my favorite interviews I have had
with Pres Z my entire mission. We were talking about how I have enjoyed the
first half of my mission and what I want to accomplish in my second half.
He was asking about what was my next step and all these things. I told him
though that I wasn't worried about leadership and other things but the
thing I wanted to be sure of is that in every area that I serve in, I want
to make a real difference in the lives of the members and the people I
meet. I don't care about the other things but I want to know that I did
everything I could to really help everyone become converted to the gospel
of Jesus Christ. Of course the next question was, Well thats really good
Elder Peterson, but how are you going to do that? Insert epic stupor of
thought hahaha. I thought for a minute and told him kind of the obvious
things, I will work hard, try my hardest to be effective every hour of the
day, talk to everyone, things like that. We said yes that is all good and
what you need to do but there is something else. He then started to explain
about obedience. He said that he knew i was a very good missionary. I was
obedient, others had told him I was very good and he has never heard
anything bad. He said he knows I will have a successful, fantastic mission
if I stay where I am now but then he said something awesome. He started
explaining and basically telling me that if I were to increase my level of
obedience that the blessings of heaven would basically fall upon me and I
would have an even more incredible mission. I kind of didn't know what to
say. Here he had just told me that I was obedient and doing great and my
mission is going to be awesome. Then he is saying, if you find ways to be
even better your mission will be greater beyond anything you can imagine!
For some reason it hit me so hard! Then Bro Carter just sent around an
email this week that talks about obeying the commandments and obeying the
Thou shalts as well as the Thou shalt not's. So maybe I need to really look
at my mission and study the white handbook and really find where I can
improve and get these extra blessings from Heaven! It was really such an
awesome interview and it really set the tone for me and makes me want to
have my last year be 10X better than my first! There is a lot of work to be
done and it looks like I am in a position to do a lot of it!

We also talked a lot about the idea of me transferring from Toti town into
the Illovo township. I really really love this area and love the members
here so much. I want to stay but I have been in Toti for 6 months now and
the odds are I will be transferred in December. Illovo has just split off
into its own unit under Toti Ward and they want to make it into a branch
before the end of December. The missionaries there are good guys, bless
their hearts, but they are getting a little finished. haha. Illovo is in a
position to boom!! and I want to help it happen. So I have been emailing
President for weeks begging to go there and he has been ignoring my pleas
haha. I finally go to ask him in person and he just started shaking his
head. But I explained why and his mood changed. I have worked with both
members and the leadership in both. They all trust me and I am ready to
work. The area is set up like PJ and if I work there it would be so fun and
there could be lots of success happening. President actually agreed with
me!! But just to put the  nail in the coffin I have been talking to the
couples incharge of splitting wards and they are all onboard and making
plans to get me there. The Durban Stake President has been informed and
wants me there haha. All the members in Toti are calling and want me there.
Basically its kind of awesome. So hopefully I get to stay!

Thursday we did some more service at Bro Stephen's house. John Louie (JL)
the returned missionary invited a non member friend to help and we are now
working on him. I think he might have emailed you a pick mom I don't know.
But he is a super cool guy and should progress well. On Saturday we went
with JL, the friend whose name is Arnu, and Storm to the Bafana Bafana vs.
Sudan soccer game in Durban! We got permission to go and it was awesome!!
The 5 of us seriously lost our minds! We had those weird trumpet things
called Vuvuzelas and just went all out! We were trying to get on camera but
it didn't happen. We zoomed in on a part and we could tell it was us but no
one else would be able to see us unfortunately... It was fun though and
Arnu was happy to see us again! SA won by the way 2-1 and are qualified for
the AFCON Cup next year! This is the first time since 2008 so ya we were
there for this part of SA History!! But my lips hurt so bad from blowing
those things non stop for 2 hours! The drunk guys behind us actually asked
us to calm down we were so into the game hahaha. Oh good times.

Sunday we were able to have 2 baptisms!! Tokoso and Gogo Phungula were both
baptized! It was awesome because Storm was able to baptize Tokoso. He was
the one that gave us the referral way back when I first came to Toti and
has been helping us teach until now. It was awesome to see and Tokoso bore
a power testimony after! He was so excited and has been asking every week
since we meet him when he was going to be baptized haha. Such a good kid
and we are very excited for him. Gogo is a funny story. So she is the
mother to one of the members in the ward. She has another son who is a
bishop in a different ward in the stake. Basically everyone in her family
is a member but her. Well Gogo is 78 years old. She was a sangoma, which is
a traditional healer or witch doctor basically. Like her grandson was
telling us that she use to use serious drugs and get high and start to do
some funky things. Well the family has been working with her and praying
and fasting for years that she would join the church. They got her to stop
all the black magic things a while back and then it was a battle with a
drug called snuff. Finally after another long while she started to give
that up and come to church. She has been attending church for years. Like
so long that all the members here thought she was already a member. We have
been teaching her lately and she wanted to be baptized by the right
authority. She seriously used the word authority the first time we meet
her. Power. We taught her and she knew everything and my companion even
retaught in Zulu to make sure she really understood and she was absolutely
perfect. Well she was baptized by her grandson and it was perfect. We were
worried about her going backwards under the water and coming up but they
only had to do it once and it was perfect! It was funny, after they were
done they were in the bathrooms changing and I was out in the hall waiting.
When she came out she saw me, gave a huge smile and started to give a
little dance walking down the hall haha. A 78 year old Gogo that can barely
walk, doesn't speak much english, starts dancing and grooving down the
hall. I laughed so hard! She said she was so so happy and she could feel
she was clean. She bore the strongest testimony. It was in Zulu so I had
Alfred translate for me but it sounded so powerful. She was just the most
excited lady I have ever seen. After the service we were invited up to the
house for the family get together and had lunch with everyone. She just
introduced us to everyone as her missionaries. It was such a good
experience.

After church on sunday we had like 5 food appointments. It was outrageous.
But the best was in the evening we went to the Riese/Russell home for JL's
homecoming party. He was just telling stories and we had a good time. But
the cool thing, There was a camera crew here from SLC that was filming for
a new teaching ciriculum that is being introduced soon. Durban stake was
chosen to be the guinea pigs. The Riese family was asked to be in the film
so they have been working with the crew for a few days. Well they all came
over just to say goodbye and we got to meet them. It was cool because they
were some of the guys that had filmed the district, Legacy, Meet the
Mormons, Like all the church movies! We talked and they showed pics of them
being with like the characters and a bunch of famous people like Mitt
Romney and all the musicians and star sports players that are all mormon.
It was way cool! I took a pic with the guy and he said he would email it to
you mom. He also knows the apartment where Marissa lives. He is from PG.
Pretty cool though. Everyone was laughing though because one of the crew
was a Native American and they all wanted a picture with a Lamanite
hahahaha. The only time they will have one in their house haha. It was
pretty funny.

Its been a great week though! Seems like a lot of random things but lots of
good random things! We are just staying busy and doing all we can to get
some good people to teach! Just 15 more baptisms in Toti and I would be
happy ;) Its been a spirit filled week and I am looking forward to this one
coming! I hope it goes great for all of you as well! I love you all!

Elder Peterson

In a State of Lemuelism

Hi everyone!

So ya basically you probably know what scary thing I have been thinking
about lately... But I don't want to talk about it too much cause I don't
know how I feel about it honestly. Good and bad but we will focus on that
later. Let me tell you about this week!

Before I even begin I want everyone to know that I absolutely love my
companion Elder Merile! When you say Merile though its not how it looks.
When you get to the 'r' you have to make like a throaty H sound. Its hard
to explain and even to say so a lot of times I call him Elder Merls,
exactly how it looks. He is seriously the coolest guy in the world! You
could not ask for a better companion! I was telling dad, he has that
perfect combination of play hard, work harder! The best honestly.

Monday, P-day normal stuff, then had a family home evening with the Riese
family and watched the halloween party dance movies. I am still trying to
upload them but it takes a looooooong time! Some day you will see them all.

Tuesday wasn't very exciting cause we were getting some help from members
trying to target less actives that we could work on and going through
seeing who each auxiliary wanted us to focus on. The mission really wants
us to work closely with the wards and see what the bishops want help with
and being tools for them, not seperate things happening in one area. Good
advice buy yo less actives are hard! Funny story coming up soon about them.
We did some easy contacting around the town but nothing too exciting. We
finished at Sis Sue for dinner and played a ravishing game of Barbie Uno. I
got beat by a 94 year old Gogo... Self esteem destroyed haha!

Wednesday was kind of awesome. We were in a suburb called St Winnifreds
that is a totally rich part of town. We were looking for members there
cause there are some big families somewhere. We decided we might as well
knock some doors on our way. Obviously no one really let us in but we
talked to a lot of people and just had a fun time. We went to Innocents
house in the evening  and talked to him and his wife. He is still in the
same position waiting for some good news about a job. We read the BoM with
him and he still loves it and wants to be baptized. We talked to the mom
for a bit and she is looking seriously ready to pop! She has been pregnant
for I swear 2 years. But she is still just happy to see us and Innocent is
still teaching her when we leave. She speaks french though and a newly
returned missionary named John Louie served in a French speaking area of
the Caribbean so he is going to come help us teach her too.

Thursday was probably the best day of the week. We found a newly moved in
member that didn't know where the church was so we talked and told her and
everything and sure enough she made it on Sunday! We had Sis Duplessis
translate Innocents CV so that he can look for more jobs. We went to a park
that is in the middle of town kind of close to the beach so lots of people
move around there. We usually contact there so we went and started talking
to people. There was a guy painting so we went and started talking to him
about his paintings and soon started sharing about the Book of Mormon. We
started reading from it and letting him read it and soon we were teaching
him and a few other people that were selling random things. We asked if we
could return tomorrow with BoM's for everyone and they agreed! (skip to
tomorrow if you want to learn more quickly) We left and headed to Tokoso.
We talked and finished up all the commandments with him and just reviewed
everything we have been talking about. He is preparing to be baptized this
coming week so we have been talking a lot of things. It seems like he has
been waiting for so long and finally he is able to do it. He is such a
great kid and its awesome to see him ready to accept the gospel. His mom
and family even said they want to attend to see it. Hopefully they will
feel the spirit and want themselves to be baptized!     This is now where
the funny less active story comes in. We found a family called the Gumede
family that hasn't come for quite a while. We had visited briefly and were
returning for an appointment. As we pulled up we saw the gate was open and
the non member baba was outside. We parked out on the grass and said a
prayer. As we got out of the car and grabbed our bags, my companion says,
"hey this guy just closed the gate on us!" I turn and sure enough he had
locked us out! We walk over and start talking to him from outside and he
tells us that mom is sleeping and we should leave. We didn't want to fight
it out so we said alright and walked to the car. Well as soon as we get to
the car, the gate starts opening right back up. Eish haha. We just laughed.
Some people these days.

So friday now. So we went back to the park, with a billion BoM's. Probably
looked crazy walking around with them all but whatever. Sure enough they
were all there waiting for us and a new family was with them waiting as
well! We passed them out and they were so eager to get into it. We circled
up and started to read from the Introduction together. As we read they
would ask questions and someone else in the group would answer for us haha
it was awesome! We talked and explained and the spirit was there so strong!
They all said they wanted to read more and find out more about it. We
committed them to read from 2 Nephi 31 and they were reading before we had
even crossed the road! It was powerful! One of the best lessons in this
area for sure. They all wanted us to come back and share more so hopefully
we have some really good investigators here now! Saturday we had a game so
Friday we practice with the ward. We went and played and had a lot of youth
come and some investigators. Had a good time.

Saturday we played the game against Kwa Mashu. It ended up being a draw
4-4. But I want to make it known I played the first half and the score at
half time was 2-0 for us. I didn't pay second half and you see what
happened. Now I'm not saying anything but lets just think about that ;) It
was really fun though. Some good fellowshipping moments with investigators
so it was good. Soccer has been one of our best teaching opportunities.
After we got a call from Innocent that his wife was in the hospital! She
had finally popped! I knew it was gonna happen! We rushed to go find him
and went and visited her. And they have a lovely new son to join their
family! That makes 3 kids for him now. He was so so excited and it was fun
to see him that way. Work has been taking its toll on him so it was good to
see some joy in his eyes. He asked me to offer a prayer for the child and
we had a lovely moment in the labor ward of the hospital. It reminded me of
the day that E was born! Seems like yesterday!

Yesterday was crazy. The ward split this week so the other elders area
called Illovo split and is meeting that side now. So we were crazy trying
to help them get that side running and getting to our meeting and getting
investigators worked out and eish it was fun! But it turned out wonderful!
We had an attendance of 61 in Toti and Illovo had 65! Huge numbers for this
area! That side is growing to grow so fast I am telling you now. I would
love to get transferred there! I am going to tell President in interviews
on Wednesday. I have emailed him many times about it haha. After church we
had John Louie come with us and teach. It was really fun. We meet lots of
less actives and gave some gentle fire. Taught a few lessons and just had a
nice time. We went a little over board and didn't get done until past 9 so
that wasn't good. We fetched the other guys and got home about a quarter to
10... In and safe is 9 haha. But my favorite quote that I heard today,
comes from Sis Khetiwae. We were talking about Laman and Lemuel and how
they were disobedient and she says and I quote, "I was in a state of
Lemuelism before I learned about the gospel." We all laughed pretty good
but its so true! We are all in a state of Lemuelism before we choose for
ourselves to follow the gospel.

Its been a nice week! It might not sound like it but trust me it was! It
seriously flew by so fast! Me and Elder Merile are just kicking butt and
teaching people like no ones business.

But to the question about how I feel about reaching the " Hump Day"... I
really don't know what to say. I am so so happy I have actually made it
this far! I honestly didn't know if I would make it to this point. It
seemed like it would never come when I first got out here but now that I am
here, I realize just how fast time flies. Every older missionary says once
you hit the year, you might as well start packing cause it will be over
before you know it. I don't know if I like that or not. I am starting to
figure mission out, figuring out my way of teaching people and learning so
much. I can tell I have grown a lot in the gospel and even as me. I have
learned more about myself in the last year than in the 18 years leading up
to it! It really is such an awesome thing. I kind of can't explain it. And
I kind of don't want to admit that I am getting old on mission. Doesn't
seem right. But its a good thing. I am glad time is going by fast, it means
I am enjoying my mission and lots of good things are happening around me.
Obviously I miss you all so much and can't wait to be home and join back in
with the shenanigans but I still have a ways to go :) Mission is really fun
and I am really enjoying it! I just want to make the most of it while I
still have the time to be here! :) I am sure this is what every missionary
says because it really is such a weird thing haha.

Maybe next week I will have a few other thoughts since I will officially be
on the downhill side of things ;) I love you all so much and am so thankful
for the support you have given me each and every week for this last year.
It really helps so much knowing you are there cheering me on and your
prayers help so so much! and trust me, I have needed them!

One year down, one year to go! :)

Decisions Determine Destiny!!

What a week this has been! Been full of really fun good things and some not so good things but all in all its been a nice time! 

So last Monday we went to the Umlazi boarding and we played a huge soccer game between us in the Umlazi zone and the Hillcrest zone from Durban. I would say it was fun because we were building unity and team work whatever, it was really fun because we DESTROYED them! It was like 6-0 haha. And it was awesome cause Elder Makande was on the other team and he is a striker and I am a defender so anytime he got the ball I just shut him down like a true champion! There was one time he had a wide open shot at the goal and he was just about to take it and I came flying in with my slide tackling skills and perfect deflection, saved the goal. (feel free to applaud) Everyone was like 'OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH' haha it was sick as punch. So much fun! Then we went and had a zone braai. Super fun again. It started raining on our fire so we picked it up and tried to put it in the garage then realized how stupid that was so we set it up under the patio sort of. Elder Clayton from Moab bought chicken feet and I got to try one. Disgusting. No meat, just ligaments and bones and really long nasty toe nails. Not recommended. 

Tuesday was a pretty normal day. But it was so awesome. We were going to our last appointment and it was about 6:30-7ish. We had to walk into the township. As we were leaving the town and into the township there was a guy in a wheelchair trying to push himself up the hill. People were just walking by like nothing was happening and I couldn't believe it! So of course I ran over and started pushing him. I started talking to him with the little Zulu I know and learned his name is Mongeni Mkhize. Well Mongeni has no legs. He works as a car guard trying to make enough money to support his family staying in the township. Every day he wakes up early early early and pushes himself some outlandish distance. (It takes me about an hour to walk from his house to the church, and he works about a 20 min walk past the church.) So he gets there, has to work for a few hours, then starts home early to get home before it is too dark because it isn't safe. Now from his work to home is entirely up hill. Like steep steep uphill. It was a serious exercise to push him up it. But I talked to him and we eventually got about half way home. We needed to go the other way but I wanted to get him home. Luckily right as we got to the junction another young guy came over and said he would take him from there. I looked down at him and he just had the biggest smile on his face. I couldn't really tell him that much. We couldn't communicate very good, but I knew at that moment we were both feeling the exact same thing. Little acts of service are seriously my favorite thing. If my mission was filled with absolutely nothing else but doing little things for people and making them smile, I would be the happiest returned missionary ever. Awesome!

Wednesday we were finally able to resume work on Innocents garden. We got more land cleared and got it all cleaned up and ready for planting. We will probably be doing that sometime this week. 

Thursday we spent the day with Bro Rob the Elder's Quorum President. He came with us into Kwamakhuta to visit the families and set up home teaching. We visited a ton of people! The only problem we encountered is that there is no Melchizedek priesthood... We have priests and all but no men. So the missionaries are going to do splits and teach with the priests which will be fun. We also are now asked to focus in Khutha and find men. Total change from what was happening before. Thats alright though we will do what we need to to help the church grow here. And teaching will be easier haha just getting them to come to church will be the true test. 

Friday was interesting. So the other companionship has been kind of fighting/not talking at all for the week. They have been on splits all week with members and things are nonsense. So today I was on exchanges with Mastara in Illovo. We had a good day and taught a number of lessons. We took a member with us named Sandile. He is a recent convert and hilarious! We just walk down the road singing, "Dont worry, Be Happy" and everyone was just smiling at us and we got contacts galore! Pretty fun honestly. 

Saturday we were finally able to watch Conference! Now that its been weeks since it happened haha. It was super good though! Priesthood session was fantastic as ever! Always my favorite session. And mom, I am sure no one heard the small munching of Peanut butter M&M's haha. Thank you for the package! Loved the notebook! My favorite talk was probably Elder Quentin L Cook about choices. My favorite line, "Decisions Determine Destiny!" That is such a powerful statement! I liked the whole idea of the conference with how there are things of the world that aren't necessarily bad but do they really help us on our eternal objective or reaching exaltation. And the importance of a strong faith in Christ even with making our decisions. He also said something along the lines of, "A divine faith in Christ is the dividing factor between the Celestial and Terrestrial kingdoms." Faith is really the most important principle even if it is the very first principle of the gospel. It was awesome how they all talked about following the prophets council and obtaining our own faith and personal revelation on the things we hear. Conference rocked my world! We also received the transfer news tonight. Me and Chapps knew we were staying so dropped the other two home and went out for some ice cream. We came back and they told us the news and we almost dropped the cones. Chapman is leaving already. He is serving in Mpumalanga now so eish. Ngandu is also leaving to Kwa Mashu. Not so down about that haha. My new companion is going to be Elder Merile. If you remember he was in my district while I was in Botshabelo. He is a good guy and works really really hard so that will be awesome. Elder Mastara is staying as well again and his new companion is........ Elder Kakaire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my heck you have no idea how excited I am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I get to be with that crazy Ugandan again hahahah yes!!!!!!!!!! So pumped I love that kid so freakin much! Oh wonderful day its going to be awesome!

So sunday we watched more conference. I think I enjoyed the Cantonese message the most! Not just cause it was in an awesome language but that was awesome, but I loved the parable and idea of everyone working together. So so important in the work of the lord that we are united in all we do. Such a good talk. We spent the rest of the day visiting families and saying byes. We finished at the Riese family and that was baaaaad. We had finished dessert and we needed to leave. We were saying goodbye and Ngandu just left without saying bye to anyone. Sis Riese said excuse me and asked him why he doesn't greet them or say thank you or anything and it went downhill quick! Thankfully we got out of there with no blood spilt. But the Riese's had a son serving in the West Indies mission. He just came home Friday so we got to meet him and talk to him. He is really cool and still really in mission mode haha. He wants to come with us and teach so that will be fun. Only thing was, made me miss my mom.... One year and it will be some other missionary looking at me thinking the same thing. The circle of life I guess. 

Mostly it was kind of an upside down week but a good week. Things are looking good for some new investigators. Some friends of the members that have been making appearances and thinking about the gospel. Hopefully it will give us some people to work with cause as of now, Merile is showing up to not a very big teaching pool or puddle. But I am feeling good and ready for another transfer in Toti! Just loving the people and loving life! I hope everyone has a great week! I love you all!

Elder Peterson

Plans for Tonga

Alright well another week bites the dust! Seriously it was a pretty quick
week. The days dragged on like never before but as a whole it flew by!
Probably cause every day it just rained like crazy so it all just blurs
together into one massive day of wet. So ya you can probably already guess
how my week went. Was not fantastic really at all. Would have preferred
being at Jordan's homecoming and the funeral. Sounds like it was a really
good service and everyone had a good time.

Well as for me and South Africa this week, I can't remember if I told you
but our new car got stolen. Again. By missionaries. But they didn't even
tell us why they needed it?? Just took it and told us to walk so with all
the rain this week we have been pretty stranded. Running for cover and
trying to stay somewhat dry. When it rains here, it rains. Its awesome if
you are inside but when you are outside in it you feel like you are
drowning! Looots of rain this week. So the work has been kind of hindered
because of that. We were still able to get some good new contacts and meet
with some of our investigators. Unfortunately its looking like a lot of
seeds that won't grow for a few months.. On the good side though, Tokoso
has made a re-appearance! He has been to church 2 weeks in a row, he has
gone to the youth activities, he is preparing to be baptized, the members
are asking him all the time if he is preparing so he seems really
determined to do it. So we think on the 9 November he will be baptized.
Pretty awesome to have him back.

We did a lot of work with Less actives lately. Figured we can reactivate
some people if we can't get new members. We have been moving with a few
members to show us some houses and have had a really good time and a lot of
them came to church! We had 9 come! So that was awesome yesterday! Its also
been so funny to walk around with them. We went with 2 of the young men and
1 of their friends around KwaMakhuta (the township) yesterday and they
showed us a lot of members. We were walking and talking and we are going
down a long street. At the end of the street there is a small tuck shop
with a lot of guys outside. Well as we get closer they all start yelling
Hey Mulungu!! Mulungu! Come here Mulungu! Picture Mulungu!? Picture! Well
the 3 guys we are with just start laughing. Some drunk guy comes out and
meets us and asks me if I will take a picture with him. Obviously I agree
and about 15 camera phones come out and we took a small photo shoot haha.
They were all laughing and probably saying some crazy things but I didn't
care I was just laughing and having a good time. I wanted to use my camera
and take a pic with him but I was too afraid they would steal it haha. We
kept going and about 2 blocks away we meet some guy on the road and he asks
me if I have any Wunga I'm not using. The 3 guys just bust up again and I
have no idea what a Wunga is. I say no and we start walking again and they
start explaining that Wunga is a serious drug here. Kind of like cocaine is
what I am thinking. So ya people think I use cocaine I guess..? Oh how I
have missed my townships haha. Such a weird experience to be there. I can't
tell if I am excited or just scared to death when we are there.

The only reason we are going there now is because the Elder's Quorum
president wants to set up a better/new home teaching list so he needs to
know who lives there and who can visit who. But its kind of fun. Haven't
been in one for so long haha.

And so now to the fun stuff with my companion. So things are still
spiraling out of control here... Every member comes up to me and says he
did something or said something. And the thing is, nothing dumb is ever
said when I am there, but as soon as we are at church and he is not right
next to me, something gets said. I don't understand! Then when I ask him
about it I get a different story and I don't know what the truth is.
Basically I will have to put a leash on him and never let him leave my
side. Like how do you offend people at church???
Yesterday, 2 random missionaries came to church, no one knows why. Well half
way through sacrament meeting they and Ngandu get up and walk out. A huge
group of people get up and follow and they all go outside and start taking
pictures. Bishop approached me and gave me fire! I was sitting in the front
with a recent convert and so I didn't see anything happen. Then other
members came and gave me fire and I am just sitting here going uhhhh
because I have no idea what happened! But I guess a bunch of people are
calling the Mission President. I loved the guy to death but he has been making some
stupid stupid choices and it is ruining the area and making me look bad.
Transfer news is this Saturday and he will leave and I will have to spend
the next transfer trying to rebuild the relationships that were torn down.
Awesome. Only good thing is the members here seriously love me and I love
these members more than any other area. I will stay here for 9 months if I
have to!

Now that I am done venting, things are awesome. Me and Elder Chapman are
best friends. We are making plans so that I can go stay with him in Tonga
some time. See, even if I didn't get called to serve in Tonga, I still
found a way to get to Tonga through my mission! We talk a lot and make
awesome plates of nachos haha. He is struggling with his companion too so
we try and help each other out and keep us afloat. Been a good time. Well I
don't have much else to report. More of a story week than anything else.
But I am sure with going back into the township I will have lots of good
stories for you! I love you all very much and hope you have a loverly week!

Elder Peterson

How Great is This Gospel

Well this has been a different week. Seems like whenever good things happen, bad things happen. I am very sad that Grandpa has passed on. I will miss him so much and I wish I could have said goodbye to him. But I am so happy he is finally happy again. What a blessing that is for him and for all of us. I am sure he is just loving every second there. The Plan of Salvation is true and I know that without a doubt. I know God loves each and every one of us and has a plan that will allow all of us to see each other again and be with those that we love. How great is this gospel. 

Maybe thats why my week needed to be so great this week. The work seriously went fantastic this week. We meet so many great people and had awesomely awesome lessons! We worked a lot this week with members and had more members present than ever before in this area. Mini came with us a lot and helped out a lot with some new investigators. Only downside is now that they trust him, he is moving to Johannesburg! :( He is probably leaving today or tomorrow and doesn't know when he will come back. Not awesome. But he is looking forward to starting his mission papers there and going to the temple so hopefully he can get that all done. But things have been really good. The area is growing slowly and we are getting more referrals from the members so that helps. 

On the downside again though, the companionship is not as good anymore... He has been asking for an emergency transfer all week. Its not because we fight, we get along really well, but he hates how hard the area is and wants to leave. Then now its awkward cause I know he doesn't want to be here and Im just stuck sitting here like what the heck? So I don't know. He doesn't like the members and says some really not smart things to them, then they come to me and tell me they don't like him and I can't say anything. Obviously the work is hard and we don't just teach 24 hours a day like a township and that bugs him so he hates Toti and tells me all the time. He wants to go to the more humble people and I just think, isn't that where all missionaries want to go?? Doesn't make sense. So thats weird and  its been a slippery slope that I don't think will end well. I think I will be staying here again and he will be leaving. Glad I will get to stay with the cool people I have meet here but eish 6 months in one area I think can kill a man! Thats a looooong time but we will see what happens. Still have a few weeks before the decision is made. 

But things are going swell here. Don't have a lot of time to email you a lot of things but mostly things are going good. I hope everyone has a good week and everything runs smoothly. Tell the entire family I love them so much! And tell Jordan to email me! I love you all!

Elder Peterson

The Lord Will Do His Own Work in His Own Time

Sawibona!

Well its been another good week here in South Africa! The Sun finally made an appearance yesterday and everyone is recovering from being swept away in the floods so I would say its a great day! Ok, thats a little over dramatic but ya its been just rainy and windy and normal tropical weather here this week. But today its very sunny (so far) and looks like a beautiful day! 

This week has been pretty nice. We have kind of decided that we need to do a lot of finding here. We were doing our weekly planning and realized theres not that many people to plan for. Most everyone is kind of falling away and we are dropping them for now. When you make phone calls and show up and no one is there, it gets pretty annoying. So this week has been finding finding finding! We seriously have contacted for multiple hours each and every day. We usually have somewhere around 3 or 4 appointments each day but the rest of the time its just standing on corners passing out materials and trying to talk to the world! Sadly its been a very normal week and I don't have much to share but there was something I thought was very cool. 

So kind of all week we have been struggling getting contacts. We talk to hundreds of people but only maybe 1 person will give us a number or accept us to come again. Its not been very successful and I was starting to really get down. Seemed like no matter how hard I tried I couldn't find a single person. Well yesterday we got to church early so we could greet everyone that came and be there when investigators showed up. It starts getting to 8:55 (church starts at 9) and no one has come. I was pretty disheartened and we went in and sat down. But surely just as the meeting starts, 2 members come walking in each with a friend they brought for the first time. And a few mins after that, Ntombi (who is Tokoso's aunt and one of our investigators) comes in with her son! Never ever have I been so excited to see someone new faces come in to the chapel! As soon as we could we went up to them and talked and scheduled appointments and they wanted to learn more about the church. At this point it seemed like an answer to our prayers. New investigators, at church, with member friends! Well just when I thought this was cool enough, Sis Tish (who is the librarian) comes out into the foyer after sacrament with a big box of old books and magazines that were for whoever wanted them. I knew that Gran (whom we take the sacrament to every week) would love some new reading material. I grabbed a few ensigns and started flipping through them. I love reading the 'Latter Day Saint Voices' and started reading them. Well the first one I read was in one from like 2002. I started reading and it was about how the Lord will do his own work in his own time. I found out this week how true that really is. There are people here whom the Lord has prepared to receive this gospel. Its just our job to find those people and lead them to the truth. And sometimes they even find us. It was a blah week, but this experience on Sunday, this made it awesome! 

Other than that the highlights of the week have been:

On Tuesday we went to Innocent's house and we helped clear the jungle and make a garden. I attached pics in dropbox. It was seriously a thick bush but I got to use the machete and hack through it like a real african. It was pretty legit. But we got rained out so we have to finish the rest sometime this week. 

Wednesday we had ZTM and talked more about finding. Seems we aren't the only area in the mission having the same problem. But it was a nice meeting and we learned a lot. I also received the Halloween Package! Thank you mother! Elder Ngandu thought the Ghost Poop Tic Tacs were hilarious haha. 

Saturday we went to the Riese/Russell family and watched the South Africa vs. New Zealand rugby game! SA won by the way! It was super fun! They made a bunch of hot dogs and we were going to have a competition until we remembered Elder Chapman is from Tonga... He ate like 15 in the time I ate 3. And I was finished after! haha. But Elder Farmer and Elder Neilson from Durban came as well so it was fun to talk with everyone. 

But thats about been my week this time. Not too much really happened but its been a good normal week. This week we have zone conference on Wednesday which should be good. But other than that its going to be more finding! Yay!! I hope everyone has a great week and I look forward to hearing from you soon! I love you all

Walking, Walking, Walking….

Well hi again everybody! I kind of can't believe this week is already over. Honestly it was a super short week and I feel like I must have slept through half of it. Weird. But this week has been very interesting. I can't say it was a 'bad'week, but it was not a nice week. 

Basically it all boils down to one thing. Our mode of transportation. So ok, Wednesday night we were at Sis Khetiwae's house. Well she lives kind of far from town, right on the edge of the township. It was late-ish around like 6:45 and it was dark and a little stormy. We had just finished a lovely lesson and were headed out the door. We needed to leave there and bike clear to the other side of town, back towards our boarding to meet with our last appointment. We grabbed our bikes (no they didn't get stolen, I know what you were thinking) and took off down the road. Well we were maybe a block away and I was a little in front of my companion. As I turned to start down the hill I heard him yell something. I stopped and turned back right in time to see that………………….his bike had a flat tire! Oh my goodness! (Hope I didn't worry anyone that time ;)) But ya his tube was totally done for and we had a long way to go and it was night and there's nowhere to get quick bike repairs done. So we started pushing towards the nearest gas station which is on the other side of town still. After a while we made it and tried to pump it up and hope it would last till we got to the appointment. We rode about 10 feet and it was dead again. So Elder Ngandu hopped on my bike and rode it while I picked up his bike and ran along side him. Now if riding a bike is an exercise, try being the bike! We must have gone 5 kilos! Halfway there, the pedals started falling off and I was dropping parts all along the road. It was a hectic evening. But then we took the bikes to Durban to get fixed and he said we wouldn't get them until Monday. Awesome. Now we have been walking all week and that absolutely slaughtered our lessons. We ended the week with the lowest stats of my entire mission so far and I feel so awful. Like I know we couldn't really do anything about it but its just not a good feeling. But the AP's found out and they called us and informed us that they had found an extra car and now we will be driving again today! Yay!! Means we will get to our good appointments on time but Elder Peterson will have to be doing some legit exercise in the mornings now! I still think we will try and spend a lot more time walking and maybe biking but it will be nice to get back on track with everything. Toti is just a big area to try and handle without one. 

But ya because of that our week was pretty finished. It was pretty normal and we meet the usual people but there was one thing that was really cool. So on Thursday we had to take the other Elders car into Durban to drop off the bikes. On our way back we decided we should stop by the mall where Innocent works and see if we could see him at work and find out how he is doing. So we made a quick detour and got over there. We asked around the car guards until one told us where he was. He was in the back on one of the sections that is less busy. We pulled up and he was so happy to see us! We started talking and he explained how his work works. The parking lots are divided into sections and the car guards rotate sections each day. Today he was on this section that he knew was the least busy. He said he wanted to call us and tell us to come and visit him at work because we would be able to talk but he didn't have any money to buy airtime. Me and my companion just kind of looked at each other really surprised then Innocent said, God really does allow miracles to happen. It was the best experience of my week! The Lord really will have his work go forward and make the ways for it to happen. We finally got to meet up and talk about everything. He still wants to be baptized but his new boss won't let anyone miss Sundays now... gotta see how that will work. His family is doing good but we could tell life has been rough for them lately so we went into the grocery store and bought him some lunch and a few extra treats to take home for his family. He was absolutely beaming when we left! I don't think I will ever forget that smile or this instance. 

We were able to meet with most everyone. We meet Mongezi again and had an awesome awesome lesson! We had dropped him and I had kind of forgotten about him but my companion really wanted to see him so we went over and it was the best lesson! Him and a friend were there and we talked all about the Restoration. We kept asking them if they would follow Christ's church and kept asking as we explained the entire lesson. At the end they both just said they wanted to meet again. It was a perfect lesson and I hope it continues! I can see them in the church now! They seemed so prepared to hear about the gospel. 

We saw Lucky and he sort of had a small step back. He is really good friends with a kid that goes to a very energetic church. And we saw him yesterday and he wanted to know why we don't speak in tongues... I know we have to but I really hate when it comes to the proving other churches wrong and tearing down some of the principles... I try and focus on the proving our church right aspect but sometimes there's no other way. But we tried to explain and we read from Corinthians and he seemed to understand. But he was going to go and share it with the friend and the friends parents (who are the pastors) and then let us know. I feel like we are in an epic tug of war with this other church for this kid. Its been interesting but I think he sees the truth in our message. Gonna see what happens. 

The Mhlanga house is still coming along nicely! All the walls are done and the roof is finished. Now its just putting on plaster everywhere and doing the tiling and putting in windows and everything else before Wednesday... the daughter that is paying for it all is going back to the army and it all has to be done before she leaves. But they have been working hard so hopefully it works! The family in the gospel is still at a stand still but should progress soon. 

Everyone else is either still the same or we didn't get to meet with them much. A lot of people were saying the whole come back tomorrow every day for a week... Some were gone to work outta town and some we just haven't been able to make it to. Its been a week but it really cruised by so fast! It'll be nice to be able to see everyone this week and get back on track. Hopefully we will find some more people as well. Should be a good week though! Gonna watch a rugby game for Family Home Evening on Saturday! I hope everyone has a good week! I love you all so much!

Elder Peterson

Rollin' in Style #adrenalinejunkie

Oh my goodness. This week has been a legit roller coaster. I want you all to know that there is nothing more thrilling than riding bicycles downhill, in the dark, with no lights, on a twisty road, with cars flying by, in the middle of Africa. #adrenalinejunkie.

So ya this week our car was stolen. It was Thursday about midday. We were at the church and a big white van pulled up. 4 guys came out and demanded the car. We had no choice but to give it to them and watch them pull away in it. They at least let us keep our bags and things which was really nice but we no longer have a vehicle... It was an emotional day to say the least.

But ya those 4 guys were the missionaries from the Kwa Mashu area in Durban ;) I guess there is a shortage of vehicles and theres 8 missionares there that walk 3 hours into their area. So the AP's said they need a car and we are about the only area around that could lose a car and still somewhat manage. So yep ours in now gone and we were given a sick pair of bikes. So we have been biking around a lot the last couple of days. Luckily the Toti 2 elders have a car and can drop us off and pick us up. Otherwise its a 10K bike ride from the boarding to the area. Really though its a blessing in disguise. I am going to lose so much weight and I will have rock hard thighs. No one will touch me in soccer by the end of the transfer. So far I haven't been too sore or tired from it. Other than my backside hurts from sitting on the seat all day. But by the end of the transfer (yes we will be on bikes for a full 6 weeks) I will probably be so drained!

This week has been pretty good though. The bikes make it a lot harder to see as many people as we use to see and our stats for last week about cut in half which about made me sick. Its funny though cause the numbers have gone down but I feel much more like a missionary. We talk to everyone, just hello as we cruise by and it just feels so much better! Its also like the lessons we have are 10 times better. They seem more natural. They are almost more informal and they work better. You feel like having a conversation and not just shooting out information like a computer. Its a great feeling. We had a lesson with Lucky who is Khetiwae's son. We were driving by and we saw him and we stopped and sat down in the shade under some ladies porch and we just started talking and by the end of it we had taught the entire Lesson 3! It was probably my favorite lesson of the week!

This week was kind of hectic with the transfer and things but let me tell you whats been going on:

Monday we just hung out and cruised around while Elder Nzioka said goodbye to everyone. Very normal boring day but nice to relax.

Tuesday we had to go into Durban to drop off missionaries and pick them up. Nzioka left to Dundee and Oluoch from Margate went to Kwa Mashu. We then picked up Elder Chapman who replaced Nzioka. He is a tongan guy who is probably 6' 5" and weighs close to 300. He is a beast! He has a scholarship to play football at BYU as a nose guard so he is basically ginormous! His companion Elder Mastara is like 5' 7" maybe 100 soaking wet. They look awesome together haha! He is super cool though and we get along really really well. He thinks its awesome I wanted to serve in Tonga and says he will cook dog for me one day haha. Elder Rasmussen's new companion is named Elder Ncube (Click on the C) who is brand new straight from the MTC! We got to pick him up and take him home. It was funny though because there is another missionary who is going to be trained by a different Elder Peterson so when I showed up at the Mission Home this kid attacked me and was so excited until I explained his companion was on the other side of the mission and he needed to take a 10 hour bus ride to get there... But I appointed myself as GodFather over the kid!

Wednesday we did service at the Deaf School all morning. It was nice and we got to play more soccer with the kids. I got invited to a B-Day party so that was cool. We went and helped the Mhlanga family more. The house has the foundation, floor, and walls done now. They are hauling! Lots of service today mostly.

Thursday was the day of sadness when we lost the car... We took a lovely walk from the church to the middle of the township about an hour away to meet Tokoso. Had a nice chat with him and then took a long walk back through the township at night to get to the chapel. Long distance but really not that scary. People are very scared but its not that bad I feel like. I will never take any of you there but still.

Friday we got the bikes. The fun began! We had a lesson with Khetiwae and then after we needed to drive from there into the other area and meet at a members house for dinner. Well that place is clear on the other side of Toti and deep into that township. So off we went! This is when we were riding downhill at night through the windiest most awesome road ever! I really felt so awesome! We cruised clear down the road and at the bottom there is a one way bridge that we need to cross. I got about half way and I saw a car coming from the other side. He saw me and stopped and I made it through. Well my companion had slowed down a lot and was a little behind me. The guy didn't see him and started to pull into the bridge and about knocked him but he slipped by and we continued our journey. But now it was straight uphill to get to the township. 1st gear for like 30 mins of pumping and we are barely moving. haha it was an adventure! But then the other guys found us and gave us a ride the rest of the way. I guarantee we got half way there. Our goal is to make it the whole way at the end of the transfer.

Saturday we played soccer in the morning. Mini was there so he is not dying thankfully. We had some investigators come which was nice. Tokoso came like normal, and Lucky came too which was so so good! Then Mongezi came. He was an investigator way way back that we dropped and now is picking up again so that was cool. Had a beautiful morning and played some good games. Scored 2 goals. No big deal. After we went and helped Khetiwae check papers so she could get them all done and come to church. Its been too long since I have done math. 2nd grade math was kicking my butt. We also saw Vusi and family and had a great lesson on the Book of Mormon. They are such a perfect family! Just have to get them to church and I swear they will be sealed in the temple. I feel so good about them.

Sunday we had good meeting at church. 107 people showed! Pretty awesome. Lucky came to church for the first time which was a huge step and he really enjoyed. He was fellowshipped good so hopefully he will keep coming and progressing. We had a lot of meetings with people today but not many lessons. Seemed to be members needing us and people not showing. Bad day for lessons but it was a very nice day. Couldn't ask for better weather thats for sure! You can check the weather online and just be so jealous its ok ;)

Innocent has been working all week again. We have called and talked a few times but thats it... His baptism on the 28th isn't looking too good right now...

Roger is in Richards Bay so we haven't seen him either. He is going to move there permanently in a few months so that will be that.

Things are going good and everything is working out nicely. We are just trying to get used to the bike situation and scheduling things. Proving to be difficult. But things will start working out and we will be able to do lots of work here! I hope everything is going well back home and everyone has a fantastic week! I love you all!

Elder Peterson

Let the Heavens Rejoice!!!

Hello everyone!

Well its a beautiful Spring morning and the sun is out, its like 90% humidity, the temperature makes you want to die, and all is well :) Its the start of a new transfer and things should be awesome! I am staying here with Elder Ngandu in Amanzimtoti. Only Elder Nzioka is leaving from our boarding. He is going to Dundee and the Elder that is coming is named Elder Chapman. He is a ginormous Polynesian guy. His companion Elder Mastara is like a pencil. Cut in half. It should be way fun though! I did learn that Elder Makande is going to Kloof to be his dying area. He will finish his last 3 months there and then he will be going home. Crazy to think he is almost done. But Kloof is in Durban so hopefully I will see him again sometime soon. We also found out that all the elders were taken out of Lesotho for reasons unknown. Big problems and its no longer safe so now Lesotho and Swaziland are gone so we are stuck in South Africa!

The week was good though! On Monday we went to that huge reptile farm I was talking about. Its called Pure Venom and it was absolutely terrifying! It was just snaked and spiders, and lizards, and crocodiles, and chickens, and turtles, emus! Ehh it was all the things that I hate bundled together in one confined area. And I paid 80Rn to see it! But it was way fun! Saw lots of fun things including a huuuuuuuge anaconda that made me so nauseous. It was disgusting and fantastic. We had a good time then went to the Margate boarding to make food. Me and Elder Rasmussen made some pizzas and we all feasted! So mom, you sent me that recipe for pizzas, I taught Elder Kakaire to make them, He taught Rasmussen, and then Rasmussen was reminding me how. The circle of life in Africa im telling ya.

Tuesday we held DDM in their chapel and came home. I made Nzioka drive so I could sleep on the way home. I didn't sleep at all on their floor. I usually can sleep anywhere but not that night. Too many snakes and spiders crawling on me.... But we went into the area and saw Roger. We are still working hard on his smoking and trying to get him to quit. He is doing better but still has a ways to go. But he is great and he wants to follow it so he will eventually. We also went to the Mhlanga and the house was totally down and the foundation was being made. The work is going soooo fast without us haha. They will be finished in a matter of weeks I am telling you. Before I leave here, the house will be made.

Wednesday was interesting. We were going to go to the other area and help an investigator paint the house but she bunked. So we went to help a member make her road. I thought that meant we were going to clear a place for a driveway. Boy was I wrong. We had to clear probably 50 yards of weeds, level the land, and make it wide enough for cars to pass and go down to her house. All with 3 shovels, a rake, and a pick. I have blisters all over my hands. We were seriously finished after! FINISHED! But we had to come home and shower and head out. We meet up with Khetiwae and crew. They have an interesting situation there and its so hard to try and help it out. So Lucky is her son who is 18. He use to be quite the hood rat and causing problems. Then he got in an accident and he decided to change his life around. He quit everything and wants to do whats right. But Khetiwae doesn't want to deal with him anymore. She wants to buy him a small house, put a bed in there, and let him live on his own now. He is only in grade 9 though. So he can't work full time unless he drops out and thats not good. We tried to get some negotiations going and get to a conclusion but things are too rough between them. Very very hard but we want to get him learning and ready for baptism but its not going well...

Thursday was quite fun though. We had lots of open time for finding. But honestly, at the end of the transfer you are just so tired for some reason and tracting and contacting are the last things you want to do. But we went out for it. Just down from the chapel there is a set of robots (Stoplights for you who aren't quite into the African lingo yet ;)). Elder Ngandu took charge in contacting the people walking around and handing out pamphlets and taking details. I was on pass along card duty. When the cars stop at the lights. I would walk down the middle of them and hand them to the people in the cars. Honestly worked really really good! White people actually took things from us!!!!!!!!!!!! Let the heavens rejoice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it was cool because some of the cards have a picture of the Book of Mormon and if the person calls they can get a BoM. Well I would hand them out and a lot of people said, "Hey I love this book! I read it all the time!" or "Hey! I have friends who are mormons! You people are really nice!" It was nice to get some positive reactions for a change! But one guy who was a taxi driver. I went up and offered him one and he just stared at me. I told him it was for a free movie and he just stared at me. I said well maybe these people want some and offered a couple to give to the people in the taxi and he just stared at me. So I asked him, Where are you going right now? and he just stared at me. So I just said, Well looks like you are going no where, Have a good day! Some people just don't wanna talk I guess haha. We laughed pretty good about it. We went and had dinner at Sis Sue's house. She made us a sheep knuckle stew. It sounds really weird and gross but it was quite nice. Just tasted like a beef stew really. Then we finished up at Tokoso's house. That family hasn't been progressing very well lately so we kind of just gave them a little fire and said they will be at the appointments we set. We set for every Tuesday and Thursday so they better be there or we might bring out more fire! But I hate fire so it prob won't happen haha.

Friday we did our planning and just had a very normal day. Up and down to appointments and doing whatever. Mhlanga's house was progressing more, not necessarily them but whatever. Vusi got called to work late shifts this week so we haven't been able to catch him much. Just stopped by before going home to see how he is doing but thats it. His daughter is always home so we stop by and say hi during the day since she is there alone. She asks for pictures so I give her ensigns she can cut pictures out of. But not much excitment today.

Saturday was transfer day. And transfer day is like a holiday in the mission I swear. We started the day by playing Soccer with the ward. Had a good time and the cleats were rocking it. Then after that our Zone Leaders, mostly Baba Elder Makande organized a soccer match between the missionaries and a local team in Umlazi. Figured its a good way to get good relations with a lot of guys at the same time. So we went to Umlazi in deep deep township area and meet up on a field. Well we start kicking around and all the people show up to watch a bunch of Mulungus (White people) play soccer. A decent sized crowd was now there and we were getting nervous. The team named the Trouble Tigers is supposedly quite the good club. Then we heard they were coming around the corner to the field. At this point we are expecting like professional ballers coming around cause the people are excited the kids are running around and we all think we are going to get eaten by some kind of animals! Then we see them. In matching gold and black uniforms storming down the hill. I have never been so petrified in my life! 15 or so thirteen year old boys came charging at us. We didn't know what was happening. The game started and they gave us a serious hiding. Of course all the africans started and me! Here's little Utahn me running around trying to play a sport I've learned over the last 2 months against a bunch of 13 year old veterans! Eish but they ran up and down us and beat us 3-0. the people were laughing so hard and I was just thankful it wasn't my area we were playing in. We came off the field not knowing whether we should laugh or cry. Like yes a bunch of people are our friends now and we handed out lots of pamphlets, but our confidence has hit rock bottom. hahaha I really wish I could describe just how awful that game was. We didn't even play. Its like when senior year football and we played beaver at homecoming and got hammered 55-0. It was quite the experience but it was really quite fun. But my cleats got finished. The insides tore out and I know why they were only $10. Still gonna put tape on them and use them but ya China shop shoes aren't Messi approved. But I got some mail so I was very happy today! And transfer news was good so no problems! Nice day for sure.

Sunday at church was the primary program here as well! From one side of the world to the other they still do the exact same things. It was a nice program though. An afrikaans couple had wandered into the church and I took charge to go and talk with them and make sure they had friends and everything. Things went perfect! People said hi and talked and talked. I sat by them during sacrament and they were during great. They took of the sacrament and all seemed well. The program went and and then probably 15 mins before the end of the service the lady leans over to the man and whispers some things in afrikaans then gets up and walks out. I thought she went to the restroom. A few seconds later he leans to me and says they need to go but they will be back next week. I was hopeful so I walked out with them to get their contacts. As we walked out he asks me, What is the name of this church again? and I told him. He said ok and then told me to go talk to his wife while he ran to the restroom. I went out and asked her how it was. She said "umm it was nice. Not exactly what I expected for a church but its alright." I then explained primary and the program and thats not how it usually is and everything. She didn't seem very satisfied though. I talked to them trying to keep whatever I could going and managed to take their number. They left and I went back in feeling a little down about it but nothing bad. After sacrament Jenny Reise called me over and asked me how it went. I explained what they said and everything. Then she who was sitting behind us and speaks afrikaans told me what she thinks had happened. Right before the lady got up, a child was up front bearing his testimony and said I know the Book of Mormon is true. And thats when she started looking around and talking to the husband. Eish... But we will call them and see what we can do and hopefully they will come back! After church we saw the usual's. Khetiwae and lucky are still not on good terms but he says he will come on Sunday no matter what. Saw Sis Thembisile who is Mini's grandma and she feeds us every sunday night. Well Mini has a serious problem and is going to the hospital probably right now today so thats not good. Not gonna go into details though. Then we finished up at the Riese family for some dessert and to help drown our sorrows in ice cream over the almost lost family. It was a nice day though. Things are going pretty good.

Roger finally got a job though! Only its in Richards Bay which is 2 hours away... So we see him today and then we will see what happens from there...
Innocent is so busy working we couldn't meet him but he should have his off day this week so we can see him and get ready for his baptism on the 28 Sept.

Things went pretty smooth this week and it was a good week. Just glad to get into a new transfer and get things moving forward! I have been so so tired for some reason but its like I got reenergized now? Its gotta be a weird mind thing/placebo effect. But I hope everyone has a fantastic week and I will talk to you all soon! I love you very much!

Elder Peterson

Tearing Down the House

Hello again! 

Well this has been quite the week! I don't know what it is about the last weeks of the transfer but you just start getting so tired and for some reason the work just dies! Its like everything goes against you for like a week and a half and then its fantastic again when the new transfer comes! I don't get it but I am looking forward to the new transfer next week! 

Its been a good week, nothing bad has happened, but its just not been as fantastic as the last couple of weeks. I don't know but let me share whats going on-

On Monday after emails we went back to the boarding and meet up with the Zone for our Zone Activity. We ended up playing a nice game of soccer and running around all over the place! Once we were all finished we went back to the house and started our Braai. We started some fires and cooked loads and loads of meat. Like the combined weight of all the meat would be like an entire cow. It was fantastic. We ate and sang and partied until the late hours of the night (which is 9 p.m. cause obviously we have to be in and safe). #LivingDangerous

Tuesday we had our normal DDM and then off to the area. We meet lots of people and had some nice lessons! We meet up with Roger and talked some more about the Word of Wisdom. He promised to live it and we are working on helping him do that. He is trying his best and wants to be baptized but he can't. We don't know exactly how to tell him either but we are working on it. Maybe using Presidents ways of just throwing in Chastity first is the way to go. We also meet with Vusi. Vusi is the younger guy we meet with President. We meet him and his girlfriend and daughter and had the best lesson I swear. Taught about the Plan of Salvation and they all just knew exactly what was going on. They answer questions and explain them perfectly and say the church is true. So awesome!

Wednesday we went to the Deaf school by the church and did some service. We went expecting like a small 1-2 hour weed, clean the leaves kind of job but nope! We got put in charge to watch over the kids while they cleaned up a race track, we had to set up computer networks and haul away old computers, we weeded and watered a garden, we played soccer and ping pong with them, and ate lunch with them. It was actually pretty awesome! The kids aren't all deaf. Its more of a school for deaf and slow learners. We talked to a lot and had a really good time! We saw Khetiwae and her daughter but the son has kind of left.... She hasn't seen him in a few days so no one knows.... We just hope he comes back and he's not back at the Church of Tongues! 

Thursday we meet with a less active as well today names Serenity. She is interesting. She comes to church sometimes but has no testimony of the Book of Mormon... She will read the Bible but not the BoM. Its kind of a weird situation but we went and talked a lot and built a good relationship. Now we have to build a strong testimony with her. We will see where it goes. We saw Vusi and family again and they were even better! We finished the Plan of Salvation and talked a little about the Restoration. They still love the lessons! We tried to go see Tokoso but him and his mom got in a fight and he isn't staying there at the moment. We lost him now too... Why do people just run away from home and no one knows where they are???? Frustrating but what can you do? 

Friday we did some service for Bro Stephen. We hauled a bunch of tile pavers around. Nothing exciting. We went home and weekly planned for a while then had some lunch. We went and tracted in a super rich part of town. That was a mistake. Didn't get to talk to a single person. A single person. Long day. We did get to play some soccer today though which was awesome! I bought a super cheap knock off pair of cleats from a China Shop and wore them. The members all thought it was awesome! Obviously it is awesome! And we played for a while. I always thought you have to have skill to play soccer, but nope, just have to wear cleats! Makes it so so so much easier! I felt unstoppable! We played a team of 13 year olds and beat them like 56-2! We must be professional ;) 

Saturday we saw Vusi again and taught the Restoration more. We explained all about the apostasy and how the same exact church was brought back. He said that it made perfect sense and it seems so true. Such a power lesson! We left him to read the Book of Mormon and we go back soon to see whats going on. We did some more service today. Helped Bro Stephen move a bunch of old furniture out of a storage locker into their house. We went for lunch and I made us some pancakes. Delicious pancakes. We went to the Mhlanga family and their house was missing. We showed up and the house is half gone! I was so confused! As we got closer I could see them knocking it down and shoveling it away. We went and helped! We started beating walls with picks and hammers and shoveled away the rubble. The house is made of like hard mud and concrete so we just broke it up. They want to make a bigger nicer house so we might be helping do that this week!

Sunday we had a packed house at church! 106 people! Usually its like 90ish. But we only had 1 investigator instead of like 8... What do you do? We went and had lunch with the Riese family then off to see Innocent. We watched the movie the Testaments with him to help show the relationship between the BoM and Bible stories and explain more to him. I also gave his kids that bubble wand you had sent me and they loved it! The bubbles started down the road and all the township kids were chasing them everywhere it was kind of funny. We saw Khetiwae and the son is still not home. We talked to her about Pioneers and watched a little of the Legacy to explain the early history of the church. She has been learning so much and doing great! She loves the church and loves the gospel so much! She will be an active member for life. We finished our day with a trip to Mini for dinner where we had steam bread and beans. The meal we get every sunday night. Starting to hate beans again haha. 

Its been a relatively boring week and not much has happened. Most of the investigators and doing ok but the work has slowed down way too much. We need something to change so we can get it back up to where it was a few weeks ago! But this week is looking to be pretty good so hopefully it will be! Its the transfer news on Saturday and although me and my companion will be staying, one of the other elders in the boarding will be leaving so someone knew will be here soon. That should be fun to have a change! But I hope everyone has a great week and enjoys whatever fantastic things you are planning! I love you all so much and am always thankful for your love and support. Now i am off to go to the largest snake, spider, and crocodile farm in Africa! All the things I hate and I am going to spend my P-Day there! haha Bye!

Love Elder Peterson

Teaching with President Z; majestic soccer move

Well another week down and what a week it has been! I feel like we have done so much and we have been so busy! Just lots of meetings and activities and the week just cruised by! (Not that its a bad thing!) 

On Monday after the normal routine we went back to the boarding and got together with the elders from Umlazi and we went and played soccer on a little soccer pitch down the road. It was super fun and we all had a blast! It was a decent field and I was wearing sandals so I figured I would take them off and just play bare foot. It wasn't bad at all. Only one sticker the whole game and things were fine. Well we went home and thats when the problems happened. I must have broken the arch of my foot or something cause I could not walk!! I ended up limping around for 3 days wanting to cry! But it is back to normal mostly and only hurts if I step weird. But it was a fun day! 

Tuesday we took off early and meet with a new investigator named Shadrack. He is definitely prepared for the Restored gospel. He is annoyed with all the religions and knows his isn't even true. We talked about Joseph Smith and the Restoration and he was taking notes like crazy! We got done and he was like thats all great but now he is dead so you are all as lost as the rest of us. Well let us tell you about a man named Thomas S Monson ;) Very good guy! We also got a call from Khetiwae and went to see her. Well someone during the night had tried to break into her home. They had kicked in the door and broken it. When they couldn't get in that way (and somehow no one woke up) he broke a window and used a long stick with a hook on the end to reach in and grab her purse. As he was pulling it across the ground and lifting it up to the window level, thats when Khetiwae had gotten the impression to wake up. She looked over and her bag was floating in mid air! She screamed, grabbed it and fought with the man and took it back. He fled. Crazy story but no one was hurt and nothing was taken. We got the door fixed and her windows replaced. We went to a member family for FHE and dinner and I meet my new best friend named Nokwanda. She is 5 and loves everything I love. Dancing randomly, singing primary songs, and playing guns. We had a lovely time haha.

Wednesday we helped Bro Stephen move a huge concrete picnic table thing from one side of his house, across the back yard, through a fence, and onto the patio by the pool. It was a bunch of pieces and each piece took multiple people to carry. It was seriously one of the worst things ever. But despite almost losing fingers and toes, (Dad, you weren't the lucky one this week I guess) we got it all put together and it looked really nice. We went to the area and meet with Innocent and family. They are all still fantastic and he has just been working hard. I also had a lovely time playing catch with his son. Kids love me. I think I will take over some bubbles some time and we will have a bubble party. We saw Khetiwae again and everything is fine. We sat down and her kids actually meet with us!! Well 2 of the 3 anyways but still! They participated and read and it was a great lesson! We read 3 Nephi 11 and the son wants to be baptized now. The Sis also wants to come to church again! Hopefully the family can join her! 

Thursday we spent the morning at the Deaf school that is across the street from the church. We are going to start doing service there so they invited to come over for their sports day. The school was having races and games and whatever so we went and watched and meet some of the teachers and parents. Got some good contacts and had some fun. We also had our interviews with President Zackrison today. It was kind of a normal interview and we just talked about how Toti has been improving and he is glad I am working hard in the town and not as much in the township. Said to keep working hard because the Lord is pleased with what I am doing. Pretty nice to hear that :) Well President also came teaching with us today too... That was definitely intimidating!! You don't want to mess up and you just get so worried! I was so nervous for some reason! But we went and it was actually pretty normal. We went into the first lesson and it was a lady named Elizabeth (Who happens to be Khetiwae's good friend) and Lucky (Who is Khetiwae's son). We were just chatting a little and President asked if she was married. Then talked about how he has been married 40 years and they were both shocked! Then he proceeded to teach the Law of Chastity from step one hahaha. And they were so excited about it! He was just telling them not to have sex and going the whole 9 yards! This was the first time meeting with her so we were kind of scared but she loved it! It worked perfectly some how! Guess we need to start tracting using the Law of Chastity haha! We meet another guy and President talked straight to his soul and the guy accepted the Restoration and Book of Mormon without hastle. I don't know how he does it...? We finished the day with seeing Roger. We planned on sharing the Word of Wisdom. Well we showed up and it was a little late for that. I think he was a little on the tipsy side and the lesson was sort of upside down... Roger also had given us a Bible DVD and he started talking about how he had bought a new video and we needed to watch it and he was going to give it to us and I thought President was going to smite us! Cause he never mentioned Bible or anything spiritual so President probably thought Transformers 4, Frozen, Fast and Furious whatever else. I just stared at the ground trying not to look him in the eye haha. But we got done and went home and talked about the day and he said he was really very impressed with us and he trusted our companionship and everything we were doing. He said the Lord would really bless us if we keep it up. Weight on my shoulders lifted!! Success!! 

Friday we meet the Mhlanga Family and their older daughter who has been in Sudan fighting the war just came home so they were all excited and just wanted to hold a huge feast so thats what we did! We ate and ate and ate and celebrated her coming home. Don't know her but I will celebrate sure! Wooooh! We saw Khetiwae and family and talked more about baptism and the restoration. Things are looking good there other than the sons best friend belongs to a... not so normal.... church. He is convinced he can speak in tongues and his parents are over taken by the spirit and people fall down and eish churches here are like nothing I have ever seen before. Like almost hilarious. But we will see what we can do. 

Saturday we played some epic soccer in the morning! The ward was practicing and some guys from a club wanted to play us. We did and obviously these guys are really good. Well there was one guy that was a striker and he was way high minded and I didn't like him. I was playing defense as a left back. Well this guy got the ball and was going to score and I couldn't let that happen. So I come running across from the side and just before he can get his shot off, I slide tackled him like a straight superstar! I flew across laying my body on the line! I hit the ball perfectly out of the way, hammered his ankle so he knew not to mess with me again and then stood up all in one fluent majestic movement. I felt absolutely invincible! Everyone was cheering and I looked like a total stud. Then the pain came. I looked down and I had some major road rash up my leg and on my arm and it hurt bad! haha. But I played it off and hobbled around for the rest of the game because obviously I can't show pain in front of all my brethren! But its pretty painful when my pants just rub it all day but it was totally worth it! Well we went home after and me and Elder Rasmussen (Serving in Margate, from Manti, here for exchanges) decided to get pizza. We ordered 3 for some reason and feasted! We ate and ate and ate and pounded them all! Nothing can make you feel emotionally so happy and physically so unhappy as eating 3 large pizzas. Worth it again. We then went to Durban for an Adult Fireside by Elder Cook. They were talking all about families and young couples getting married (President wanted missionaries to attend for this). There was a lot about culture stuff like lebola and paying families and whatever but they wanted people to understand how important it is to start families and be sealed in the temple to complete the Plan of our Heavenly Father. It was a really nice meeting. I am just glad I don't have to pay 11 cows to get married ;) (Don't get any ideas!!) 

Sunday we had 9 investigators and less actives at church! It was packed! Very nice service and everyone enjoyed. After we went on exchanges again and I went with Elder Mastara into Illovo which is the township. We went to a members house where they have a Cottage Meeting every week. Basically the members gather and sing, pray, and have a lesson. Like a mini church service. Well I was asked to speak. I talked about how all of us come from different cultures, whether it is from our forefathers or the culture of the world, and how we need to change and adopt the culture of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Focused on how it doesn't matter what the worlds culture is, it is wrong if it is not following the teachings of Christ. Talked about how we can change our culture by keeping the commandments as starters and then developing Christ Like attributes. It was kind of last minute but it worked really really well. A couple missionary always comes and they even said they were really impressed. It was a fun meeting and fun to meet in a semi formal way and teach. We visited around and meet with Bro Cosmos. He is a member that is very very poor. He builds for work and does jobs for poor members of the church for free. He is very humble and doesn't want to ask others for help though. We talked and he hasn't had money for 3 weeks. He hasn't eaten in days. We went on a rescue mission and gathered a bunch of food and took it to him so he could survive another week. Super sad to see but it is so common here. We finished up and came home. 

Now this morning I wrote a letter and we went and washed a ladies windows and she made us some cow intestine soup. She wanted us to eat there but we said we were in a rush and asked if we could take it to go. I will not be eating that. Now its off to the beach to play beach volleyball with the zone and to have a braai after! Should be a good day today! 

I hope everyone is doing good and has a great week! I love you all very much! 

Elder Peterson