tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50048050831618832562024-03-13T21:28:01.989-06:00Shields in ZambiaElder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-16810691894201322582013-04-19T13:25:00.001-06:002013-06-24T12:54:00.073-06:00April 19, 2013<br />
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Since the last entry, a few things have occurred, many seemingly routine at the time. The Blantyre 2nd Branch Seminary class organized a tripto a nearby Game Preserve Park, most trees and mountains, with a few monkeys and baboons, plus reported hyenas (rarely seen). There were 24 students plus 4 adults, being a great turnout. It seems that our vehicle was needed to transport 5 persons, so it went to take people out there and then again to pick them up. In the middle of the night, on March 27, the burglar alarm went off twice, with no explanation or real problems. This happens from time to time, but certainly makes one lose sleep for awhile, just wondering. Sometimes, the security company calls, to see if there is a problem, other times, nothing happens.<br />
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On Sunday,March 24, we had the privilege of watching Jared Shields, be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood via skype. It was not a perfect rendition, but we got the essential parts. Congratulations to a fine new, young priesthood holder. Potentially, only 6 years away from a Mission call. <br />
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We had the Greens, auditors from the Area Office arrive on March 27, a Wednesday, staying until Saturday March 30. We would drive them from their hotel to the various audit locations (at Branches), as well as pick them up at the airport and take them back. It is about a 15 minute drive, unless the President happens to be coming or going on the same flight. There are currently only two flights a week that we know about, both coming and going from Johannesburg, Wednesday and Saturday. Otherwise, the airport is rather quiet.<br />
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On March 30, the Mission President, his wife, the Pretes, the Lookharts and the Assistants to the President all arrived in the afternoon, in preparation for Zone Conference the following Tuesday. It was Lookharts one and only visit to Malawi. We took them to the Ndirande Branch for Church on Sunday, March 31 and that Branch was happy to have 2 sets of visitors. It was Easter Sunday, but the talks were not related to the day.<br />
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On Monday April 1, it was Preparation Day, so everyone, but the Mission President and wife, got in a four car convoy and traveled to the Majete Game Park, about 70 Kilometers from Blantyre. It is an inspiring drive down a steep escarpment, but there were heavy clouds, so the visit was not as good as on 2 other trips. At the Park we divided into two groups of two cars each, and each drove in opposite directions, to see the animals. When you have multiple cars, the 2nd to 4th cars often miss the animals, so it worked well. As before we enjoyed a lunch there and hurried back to the City, in time for the missionaries to do emailing and grocery shopping.<br />
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Tuesday, April 2, was Zone Conference, held at the chapel. Sister Shields was the main cook, with Christopher Sitolo helping out. Elder Shields got to take the Assistants to the President, shopping for a car battery during the Conference and transported food and related items back and forth from the house to the Chapel.<br />
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We were able to watch most of General Conference "live" this time, only subject to an 8 hour time difference. Most of the time the Internet co-operated. We hope that many of you were likewise able to see some or all. We receive DVDs of conference, to be played in the branches by the end of April. They rarely see more than one or two sessions. All members receive a copy of the Liahona (foreign version of the Ensign, within a month or so. The Liahona is similar to the Ensign, but with a local content section.<br />
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Much of the time is repairing plumbing related problems. Most of the time it is with the help of a local contractor member. We have to drive all tradesman, to and from, as they do not have vehicles. Often we supply the tools. We spent parts of many days, being present while "burglar bars" were being installed on one of the missionary apartments. This is in addition to the security alarm systems. The missionaries generally feel much safer, even when there are false alarms to contend with.<br />
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Other regular activities included taking a sister missionary to the hospital for stitches to her arm from a fall in the shower, landing her arm on the sharp end of a squeegy handle. It was a very long an deep cut. We made two subsequent trips to the hospital, to have it checked and remove the stitches. We pick up mail from a private mail box, deliver contents of same, attend various missionary meetings, drive the Elders mainly to and from various places, to grocery shopping, and anytime it is after dark when a meeting concludes. In this country, all proselyting, etc, ceases at dark, because there is no public transportation after dark, and it is considered to be unsafe.<br />
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We have done "driver training" for two new Sisters from the States. They have drivers licenses, but have never driven "standards" and never driven on the "left" side of the road. They are now driving on their own, leaving us shuddering at the potential consequences of mishaps. <br />
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Some pictures follow that demonstrate things happening at our house.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This "dirt" known as fertilizer. It is the duty of the tenant to fertilize the lawn and flower beds</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few loads of sand, delivered to repair part of the driveway and build a base for the water tank (yet to be built)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The load of bricks, to be mixed with the sand and maybe cement for the water tank tower (10 - 15 feet high?)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are poisonous mushrooms (in the yard), so our full time gardener (guard) removed them all</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are bundles of charcoal, being taken to town to sell, pretty heavy and awkward.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-73368897071629917352013-03-22T14:06:00.002-06:002013-06-24T12:55:13.218-06:00It seems like just yesterday that we posted but AGAIN, it has been a month. We have been so busy it has gone by very quickly. Since we last wrote we got word that we were going to be "whitewashed" in the mission. That means a total turnover in an area, or both companions, so that it is a fresh start. Indeed, that is really what happened. We started by losing one elder - Elder Majafe who was called into the mission office as he is very skilled in Computers. We miss his skills here in our office, but life goes forward.<br />
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Toyota Malawi finally got in the parts we needed for the trucks to be fixed. The parts were ordered on December 12 and got here about the 19 of February. Everything comes from South Africa as far as parts go so you find that even when they say they have everything - they usually don't because they don't set them aside and if anyone shows up with the cash it's sold and you wait again, even though you already paid for it.<br />
Adjusting to their way of doing business is just part of every day life. We also deal with Isuzu and have found them to be more agreeable but no more efficient. They are just nicer about it.<br />
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We celebrated Elder Shields "71" birthday twice - once with the missionaries on Monday night when they were here for dinner - and again the next night at DDM (Sister Patterson made him another cake). Lucky Man - they were both chocolate - his favorite.<br />
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Starting March 5th we watched the change take place - we sent 4 missionaries to Lilongwe that day - two of them continued on to Lusaka the next day and one of them went on the next day to the Copperbelt. Going the other direction - 4 left Copperbelt by bus on Tuesday, Lusaka to Lilongwe on Wednesday, Lilongwe to Blantyre on Thursday. We met and greeted 8 missionaries that day. Their bus from Lusaka Zambia to Lilongwe Malawi had broken down making it a 17 hour ride. Very hard on the Baby Sharks (Greenies).<br />
Adjustments all round - no one knows where they live, what area is theirs, or where their area is. They don't know their companions yet either. It kept us busy at Immigration work.<br />
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We have been attending Blantyre 2nd Branch lately as they are struggling with leadership. These good people are not used (yust) to what it means to accept callings and follow through. They really need the RMs to help with the stability of the different callings.<br />
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We have had two young men receive their mission calls in the last 2 weeks. They are both very excited - one is going to Zimbabwe and the other to Kenya. They are needing help to get the things they need to be ready to go to the MTC. It's quite rewarding to work with and watch their progress.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven Sikumbiri receiving his call to Zimbabwe Mission</td></tr>
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Kade Lever, a young man from South Jordan,Utah, has been doing his Eagle Scout project and sent us 3 large boxes of White shirts, ties, some pants, belts, even shoes. The people here are so grateful for that. They really appreciate getting a shirt, etc. when they are baptized and feeling like they belong. It's been great to be involved in this. The sea of white shirts in Sacrament Meetings on Sundays has mostly come from these efforts. We will be forever grateful to Kade for his efforts in behalf of the Great People of Malawi.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Men of Blantyre 2nd Branch in their white shirts</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Adult Sunday School Class of Great People with Great White Shirts</td></tr>
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Elder Shields now spends much of his days as Mr. Fix It. We are grateful for basic knowledge that helps us be able to do these things. Sr. Shields spends much time doing books. We both help out the missionaries and sister missionaries all that we can. Next week we'll have another uplift - Zone Conference. President and Sister Padovich are coming and bringing President and Sister Lookhart. They will have the Lilongwe Conference first then continue to Blantyre with President and Sister Prete as well. We will also have Elder and Sister Green here next week doing audits and President Kaluba. Should be a busy week. Great for company, help and uplift. We're looking forward to it. Keep the Faith!<br />
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<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-63747159915294789592013-02-15T10:45:00.002-07:002013-06-24T12:55:38.721-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was just looking at the name of our blog and thinking that it could be confusing for some friends who are not aware that we moved in October to Blantyre, Malawi from Lusaka, Zambia. We are still part of the Zambia Lusaka Mission so the name will stay the same.<br />
It has been a busy few weeks here in Malawi with Rain like we have not experienced before (ever). It is still very warm and pleasant but very humid and a lot of 100% humidity to the tune of 4-6 inches per hour for 10 and 12 hours at a time. It washes out the roads, the pavement gets to be full of big deep holes, the valleys flood, and the people are very happy because the maize grows taller all the while. They are happy without much in the way of temporal things - they depend on their spiritual knowledge to carry them through to the next harvest and enough maize to keep them alive to the next one after that. In some ways life is much simpler here than in North America.<br />
There are huge numbers of children here - they come out of the bush everywhere when you are driving down the road in the country. They are on their way to school - some have uniforms, others are lucky to be dressed - the other day we were going to Majete Animal Reserve with the Pretes and we noticed that MOST were barefoot. They must have very tough feet. We have noticed at church though, that shoes are not a comfortable item, even for the ones who can afford them - they take them off as soon as they arrive and don't put them back on until they are leaving to go home. They prefer the bare feet. The women also prefer to sit on the floor instead of a chair - some do not have a chair at home so the floor is their comfort zone. Many do not have electricity in their homes, they cook using a form of charcoal outside and they go to the well to get water (some near and some go far), which they then carry on their head back to their home. They can balance and carry heavy loads on their heads, their baby on their back (tied in a Chitenge - piece of cloth), sometimes another older one on the side or front, and keep their arms open for anything else they find (like sticks to build a fire with).<br />
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We had the Pretes here for a few days. They brought Elder
Naglis (from Olds, Alberta) and his companion Elder Monyo to Blantyre,
they having come from Lusaka in Zambia. We took a full day with the
Pretes and went back to Majete Game Preserve. We drove on "off road"
type trails for nearly six hours, seeing quite few of the animals and
the swollen river. While we were gone, a Mango dropped from a tree in
our yard, onto the Pretes vehicle, breaking the front windshield. 3
inches further away would have missed. That will be an expensive
replacement.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The avocado tree above one of the parking spaces with hundreds of avocados </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzwBi5DfRIScLZm9Sojp3fc3b1RdhJjHnojLCORyjP5kKBme0wZIZLgpRNEeVpkr62gyIvQBgwrsoxkA_DX7DljLFABfp8Yl-gCVppt8ASeTyLBFDsxQFxJlJTPL1_LyhtnFGRkOwJC0/s1600/P1120470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzwBi5DfRIScLZm9Sojp3fc3b1RdhJjHnojLCORyjP5kKBme0wZIZLgpRNEeVpkr62gyIvQBgwrsoxkA_DX7DljLFABfp8Yl-gCVppt8ASeTyLBFDsxQFxJlJTPL1_LyhtnFGRkOwJC0/s320/P1120470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The avocado that BROKE the windshields on Pretes Truck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNlterROGglMmu4l89vmdNtDlljvalx3YnxleA-Z1eLLLQQyX1i_n6msZLP9IKw-v6ekR3dvnd2-blkAzr43mpF0VUTg_Uk5ykGm_-zu7U054inJeY6RTa3MWkGar3WnQi0HvJmy4P-Q/s1600/P1120480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNlterROGglMmu4l89vmdNtDlljvalx3YnxleA-Z1eLLLQQyX1i_n6msZLP9IKw-v6ekR3dvnd2-blkAzr43mpF0VUTg_Uk5ykGm_-zu7U054inJeY6RTa3MWkGar3WnQi0HvJmy4P-Q/s320/P1120480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Damage done by the Falling Avocado - Wow - cost of 125,000MK </td></tr>
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We have attached a few random pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-ZkXvX8OSkinOLdsRBcFaIsJ2HT7qRxYsxvf5j_6-KVlHLV01qi8K5UrneGIRqqEM-0hRTYST0jduFI_yVAJG_zJGnQGP1FA9C16zDg4LjfWXuzeecSMOOHL6UBHdmtuU4b8SSJo_6s/s1600/P1120400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-ZkXvX8OSkinOLdsRBcFaIsJ2HT7qRxYsxvf5j_6-KVlHLV01qi8K5UrneGIRqqEM-0hRTYST0jduFI_yVAJG_zJGnQGP1FA9C16zDg4LjfWXuzeecSMOOHL6UBHdmtuU4b8SSJo_6s/s320/P1120400.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Control Dam on the Shire River at the Edge of the Majete Game Reserve</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP_y-ONJPY0cWsQpPFGFMIJTfxwStjrC_HzWCzbWYTYJqAKnFUk-cQ7scn3NEwoMuMXGJf3DHNrA9dOKSOlGmbwh3eePAYn62d8N11GNNOJX9RRQtJP8LWkAklKNgX7sFWJXkeHlFEzA/s1600/P1120431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP_y-ONJPY0cWsQpPFGFMIJTfxwStjrC_HzWCzbWYTYJqAKnFUk-cQ7scn3NEwoMuMXGJf3DHNrA9dOKSOlGmbwh3eePAYn62d8N11GNNOJX9RRQtJP8LWkAklKNgX7sFWJXkeHlFEzA/s320/P1120431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Hippo enjoying the Shire River at flood time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wua8pKSK-Q0omKvMSy9KhTWmhbjcVupLxAaknfOFUvqKuH71y3J2GGBFfm2prFVIFKP9aS-R3UwPoJ-0CTP7bVtcNOgKLUZXpuCBUM4RUc5kpgtrmtE4QPaP2R_iyjGp4ayaWL2ooa8/s1600/P1120443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wua8pKSK-Q0omKvMSy9KhTWmhbjcVupLxAaknfOFUvqKuH71y3J2GGBFfm2prFVIFKP9aS-R3UwPoJ-0CTP7bVtcNOgKLUZXpuCBUM4RUc5kpgtrmtE4QPaP2R_iyjGp4ayaWL2ooa8/s320/P1120443.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Buffalo inland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXokumbxH7aLvz6FTGc-f3L9PCdVgCmSIX_EWE_ChX_E6RxOh5rlqRutruwzbVQZqHhCF-e2E7R0be_zkCsiXn3fwCfkS1OlIbCsb97Dq01GgulFIpcNbREkoG-9VRYkWGwbQJqU0qd0/s1600/P1120416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXokumbxH7aLvz6FTGc-f3L9PCdVgCmSIX_EWE_ChX_E6RxOh5rlqRutruwzbVQZqHhCF-e2E7R0be_zkCsiXn3fwCfkS1OlIbCsb97Dq01GgulFIpcNbREkoG-9VRYkWGwbQJqU0qd0/s320/P1120416.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Buck, partially hidden in the brush</td></tr>
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Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-14402095673722186052013-01-23T12:23:00.000-07:002013-01-23T12:23:13.036-07:00Our last entry was about Zone Conference time and since it is that time again, we thought about our blog. Actually, we had a minute and were looking at what the Heningers Mission Romania was up to, and the Kelpetesackley2 were up to, and decided it was time for an update from Blantyre, Malawi.<br />
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Each week is a unique adventure here. There are always a few kinks to work out and a few things to learn. Sometimes we are the learners and sometimes we actually get to be the teachers. But always, it is definitely an adventure. The missionaries here have been busy teaching and finding much success in their areas. The branches love to have the "Missionary Couple" come to visit - they treat us like Royalty and each want us All the Time. Makes you feel good even if you don't quite believe it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLHJ7IX43DPYg3gWODdwmwkGLXfBr_v9kXXvAPqnZWqse1YFPgj5mWXPYEo6ecUXz2xZ_EHFgGbdI_7MvoXzUF-uNqLaTYNmFh66O6cYF3QE0DKPETBlDTDHPvN9urob2EfVMrTNRN3U/s1600/P1120262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLHJ7IX43DPYg3gWODdwmwkGLXfBr_v9kXXvAPqnZWqse1YFPgj5mWXPYEo6ecUXz2xZ_EHFgGbdI_7MvoXzUF-uNqLaTYNmFh66O6cYF3QE0DKPETBlDTDHPvN9urob2EfVMrTNRN3U/s320/P1120262.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maize (corn) growing on a mountain side January 21, 2013 </td></tr>
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The corn is growing quite well to the north. We were in Liwonde last Sunday for meetings and took the 2+ hour drive with the District President and the Branch President that is over the group. They sustained a new Group Leader and gave him 2 counselors. Two weeks earlier when we were there, there were 26 at church, this week (in their new building), there were about 85 or so. They were packed with people and had a small group that want to be taught the missionary lessons. They are very enthusiastic about what they are learning. We also took some of the men (after church) to the hospital to give a lady a blessing. President Chinyumba made great use of every minute and we think everyone felt the day was fulfilling. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD8MxNOsZLLa4aOlm5rVWN0wQG5lYLyRXv_Rrpel_-mvvqSTyZyaEPNTYvAt9ykHRo9fFkNdGkxzDO_27jKGHANufj1pPEYo-XiPmloeE0sFHSSZmRGq-opcjppX3yeV2GRoE9I7KdmY/s1600/P1120236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD8MxNOsZLLa4aOlm5rVWN0wQG5lYLyRXv_Rrpel_-mvvqSTyZyaEPNTYvAt9ykHRo9fFkNdGkxzDO_27jKGHANufj1pPEYo-XiPmloeE0sFHSSZmRGq-opcjppX3yeV2GRoE9I7KdmY/s320/P1120236.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water balloon toss in our front yard</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We also had a "lockdown" this week - no one was allowed out on the street as the country was having a protest over the prices all jumping (for Maize and all items) to where they cannot afford it. No one knew whether it was going to be calm or not. Instead, we had everyone over and they played football in the front yard, had a water balloon toss, played monopoly, and some watched a movie - How Rare a Possession. They enjoyed the day. We made them pancakes for breakfast and they made their own sandwiches for lunch. It was good to see that they were all fine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutAjkTk9YowP00hNv0cCuju4XXXrEpSFbUzsWQhyhndXAxDKPG-DNSCFc6waliKjH7AyjVnW0aUwfmToZSmd0CYGxQiwNV13aRKmn5fpko0D8UlBhruVOnegSGee7sbr__vWS3f8uY8s/s1600/Hippos+Shire+River,+Majete+Game+ParkParkP1120301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutAjkTk9YowP00hNv0cCuju4XXXrEpSFbUzsWQhyhndXAxDKPG-DNSCFc6waliKjH7AyjVnW0aUwfmToZSmd0CYGxQiwNV13aRKmn5fpko0D8UlBhruVOnegSGee7sbr__vWS3f8uY8s/s320/Hippos+Shire+River,+Majete+Game+ParkParkP1120301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hippos are almost invisible in the muddy river at Majete Game Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH566FtvzoeK5DlZrVIaYn5F-SP5YsdiKaB2EnIUubL_V5-nGinW-a9KxLHXNqoxPCXet3wHAcggR4Ses0X1KPmLGC0vZMUcZOmh1T1bcihjWjHkaawTMl0ob3COtTm8qYfW2zZs3QQUM/s1600/Little+TreeP1120311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH566FtvzoeK5DlZrVIaYn5F-SP5YsdiKaB2EnIUubL_V5-nGinW-a9KxLHXNqoxPCXet3wHAcggR4Ses0X1KPmLGC0vZMUcZOmh1T1bcihjWjHkaawTMl0ob3COtTm8qYfW2zZs3QQUM/s320/Little+TreeP1120311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This a kind of tree that appears in different places, some are bigger.</td></tr>
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Monday this week, we had a Zone Activity and went to Majete Game Park. They claim to have the Big 5, and probably do, but we only saw one of them (water buffalo). We did see zebras, kudus, impalas, warthogs, and a few other animals whose names escape me. The Elders and Sisters had a great time - we had lunch there and then came back for the rest of their PDay. All went well. They are a great group - get along very well. We love them all. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hPQ72FK6Jgt0JWp0GPTeREVS9KzxxPgeZ8InPeRDuXFHXAWfOk9jTTDB_XWFg9-UWGpI5Q3ehQ-grXcQkmYV8H1D_Ch5Piz71XcMdUqWrx3s5fwUjmUA77RSip7nG1xreeLzmbYMLwM/s1600/P1120284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hPQ72FK6Jgt0JWp0GPTeREVS9KzxxPgeZ8InPeRDuXFHXAWfOk9jTTDB_XWFg9-UWGpI5Q3ehQ-grXcQkmYV8H1D_Ch5Piz71XcMdUqWrx3s5fwUjmUA77RSip7nG1xreeLzmbYMLwM/s320/P1120284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are pronounced Canadian "Zebra", not Zeebra</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnZphgDSyqkMD-dD6T8XECqEiCobdNtaJhl5ezurzhY45PKq3zLvIwQbRqdqXlxGIzXPRevPl_f3xVQpA2jkEOQ8m0RusJWaGUMBORbKWgLWHck5XiJpJsu9LjC3wpsuMPhYsnipfdzk/s1600/P1120290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnZphgDSyqkMD-dD6T8XECqEiCobdNtaJhl5ezurzhY45PKq3zLvIwQbRqdqXlxGIzXPRevPl_f3xVQpA2jkEOQ8m0RusJWaGUMBORbKWgLWHck5XiJpJsu9LjC3wpsuMPhYsnipfdzk/s320/P1120290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They like the mud. (water buffalo)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFidgU_KAPqqRWqqUlHlpG1U8vZdnaRhR6_tCLaW_ZBwHC-v_SvwKunC7H6mbSQK91DxIEZxSone54dUyqkXjFnTGF8bWdFV7fdteTonSictxL13xJDwEY8KMmR_TIEGWL-bLCClfD5w/s1600/P1120260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFidgU_KAPqqRWqqUlHlpG1U8vZdnaRhR6_tCLaW_ZBwHC-v_SvwKunC7H6mbSQK91DxIEZxSone54dUyqkXjFnTGF8bWdFV7fdteTonSictxL13xJDwEY8KMmR_TIEGWL-bLCClfD5w/s320/P1120260.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillside or country homes on the way to Majete Game Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIfU0zpmiCGBl6Q4VcNdMOk7GWNI0XxWMpUmddTXTO6NkV37IHaydrL4JyUpdhH1C5Mxz-eGCI3lBN-MpuyQBWdhZsZ2_aDkmTjoqeUZBqtSV0D6kDSZdGFckRdpKs1py_vkirgfaYwE/s1600/P1120268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIfU0zpmiCGBl6Q4VcNdMOk7GWNI0XxWMpUmddTXTO6NkV37IHaydrL4JyUpdhH1C5Mxz-eGCI3lBN-MpuyQBWdhZsZ2_aDkmTjoqeUZBqtSV0D6kDSZdGFckRdpKs1py_vkirgfaYwE/s320/P1120268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view towards the Shire River and the valley where Majete Game Park is located</td></tr>
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We are involved in helping the young men from the area get ready for their missions (if they want to go). There is no way that they can afford to get all the things they need on their own and the mission has decided to help them with some of the items. The Passport is a big item and the mission is going to help them get that. They still want them to do some of the preparations to make sure they are going for the right reasons. It is making it so we get to visit a little more with some of these people and get to know them better. We enjoy that.<br />
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Elder Perkins (our District Leader) leads DDM each Tuesday night and does a fantastic job at presenting chapter study out of Preach My Gospel. Missions really make the leadership potential of each individual come out. They have so much potential - all of them. Amazing. We only wish that we could keep up with them. <br />
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Another week and we will be close to 18 months "this side", as the locals would say. The first of the increased number of missionaries, is about to commence arriving, although our mission is too small to take very many. Until the next time, take care.Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-15331450655624359972013-01-01T07:52:00.002-07:002013-01-01T07:52:51.741-07:00<br />
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Our travels have not been as far in the last 5 weeks or so. We have been to a half way point in the direction of the capital city of Lilongwe (Ntcheu -pronounced Nachao) to deliver a new missionary arriving from the MTC in South Africa. We never did get an answer as to why he came here, when there are flights direct to Lilongwe. The Mission President and Sister Padovich came to visit in early December, along with the Pretes from Lilongwe. Their visit lasted over parts of 5 days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHLr1AIucP9FHpBMS8HXpGPtTrHJayZ9ufMPB8NGHq6bCQQNedHFIHyHNdTfFgvhoUeslYJT1rPcS98OpnTcl5-ZYB1DWsxuyYFekc5MonzV7WQhI4jOJjFADloC_ZzhOzN-fXU5Eo5U/s1600/P1120059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHLr1AIucP9FHpBMS8HXpGPtTrHJayZ9ufMPB8NGHq6bCQQNedHFIHyHNdTfFgvhoUeslYJT1rPcS98OpnTcl5-ZYB1DWsxuyYFekc5MonzV7WQhI4jOJjFADloC_ZzhOzN-fXU5Eo5U/s320/P1120059.JPG" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Elder Wandera at the Airport</td></tr>
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While our visitors were here, we took a drive through the tea plantations, just outside of the city and on to Mulanje Mountain, which rises above 10,000 feet and mostly is a vertical shaped rock. We had a very nice lunch at a lodge a few hundred feet up the mountain. The tea plantations were being harvested, by individual workers with "shear" like clippers attached to bags. There are huge fields of the tea plantations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malawi Tea Plantation workers near Blantyre.</td></tr>
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We also traveled to the area of Liwonde one Sunday to visit the small group that meets there. Most of the members come from villages and one family walks 2 hours each way to get there. The Church has rented a house to meet in instead of the school, which has no water, no electricity and is shared by some "rock music" church groups going on at the same time. It is two hour plus drive each way (riding) for us too. Many police checks along the way - they like and use a lot of Radar. We've been o.k. so far.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Years Eve in Blantyre, Malawi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhKFJhQaCQBJkJovZxJoHebOMVve18DvH0E6gvnodLkRZKQJ8FDtEmjBhsxqzBdAsLsBl1emDwkuiUmG1KE87GXURDQIbxpROP4Y582NpEDs9DeArlPpll6F1aeAXy8rCGUWcaiZllxw/s1600/P1120095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhKFJhQaCQBJkJovZxJoHebOMVve18DvH0E6gvnodLkRZKQJ8FDtEmjBhsxqzBdAsLsBl1emDwkuiUmG1KE87GXURDQIbxpROP4Y582NpEDs9DeArlPpll6F1aeAXy8rCGUWcaiZllxw/s200/P1120095.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve at Shields flat with missionaries</td></tr>
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Christmas and New Years have come and gone. Our major function seems to have been providing a place for the missionaries to gather, play games and eat. There are 2 sister and 8 elders. Great Missionaries! one and all. (If you are wondering why they are dressed casually - it is PDay).<br />
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Happy New Year to all of our family and friends who sometimes follow our blog. We love you all. May you be guided and protected in all you do in 2013. May you know from whence your blessings come and always acknowledge them.Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-53197251077957954592012-11-29T09:03:00.000-07:002013-06-24T12:56:19.909-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some animal pictures from our visit to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) and Botswana<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of more than 200 elephants we saw in an hour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9PIyahWH-roDf71L3yWGtsfHeTxLg0i6QXNhQauaV9S_AJVFpZkssIdo-pi_jCt1Hn_Gmq6K5_gqneuVxxgR75pEjHeU1mPkICfQPZ68jHP8gXvCfMNJ-5I2Fu0VDPTKyJgTu6SZ968/s1600/P1110485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9PIyahWH-roDf71L3yWGtsfHeTxLg0i6QXNhQauaV9S_AJVFpZkssIdo-pi_jCt1Hn_Gmq6K5_gqneuVxxgR75pEjHeU1mPkICfQPZ68jHP8gXvCfMNJ-5I2Fu0VDPTKyJgTu6SZ968/s320/P1110485.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Lookhart and I checking out the Zebras</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsfXM5dLis1W7H59-x8WJXECZdQMCW1UtZOdlPKnx60G2AllqMrFgh2mQ2Lf0NNYeeL6gXzzQki8y1CHATB5uwuPVt-E08KdCmca8BwR8BSnnPmXJKgnlToeqcNzeQxT3Iu_2O5rNBjw/s1600/P1110501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsfXM5dLis1W7H59-x8WJXECZdQMCW1UtZOdlPKnx60G2AllqMrFgh2mQ2Lf0NNYeeL6gXzzQki8y1CHATB5uwuPVt-E08KdCmca8BwR8BSnnPmXJKgnlToeqcNzeQxT3Iu_2O5rNBjw/s320/P1110501.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many giraffes on hotel grounds</td></tr>
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On October 8, 2012, we officially left Lusaka, Zambia, being driven by the Mission Office Couple, the Lookharts to the Zambia, Malawi border, where we were met by Elder Prete, who with his wife, lives in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. They are from Cardston, former owners of the Cardston Bookstore. There is a lot of country with very few people between Lusaka and the border, but after the border it is almost continuous people, living mostly in villages along the road, with some in small towns.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFklQqM7AFYxQPjdkkFmG614Mnh33UriIX7EfWCd0etGj1k0-W3M63HfXqGfXU0_bzrfUZSxFMD79Fp1RwDH8vb-3Y7VPZ-h2gJi2c5SHaMvhBDq6_jbW7XZGx9ehATTPIoPCw1fZ2as/s1600/P1110643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFklQqM7AFYxQPjdkkFmG614Mnh33UriIX7EfWCd0etGj1k0-W3M63HfXqGfXU0_bzrfUZSxFMD79Fp1RwDH8vb-3Y7VPZ-h2gJi2c5SHaMvhBDq6_jbW7XZGx9ehATTPIoPCw1fZ2as/s320/P1110643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole countryside is filled with villages like these</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The plan was for us to live in Lilongwe and the Pretes would move to Blantyre, where they would take over from the Bullocks (from Airdrie, Alberta). Because of some security issues, we moved to Blantyre on October 16, and the Pretes remained in Lilongwe. They are doing great things there and the missionaries have been successful. We have begun to handle the "Office" things for the 10 missionaries that are here. That includes paying rent, utilities, cell phone time, medical issues, bus transportation, automobile fuel, and book supplies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVzD9uoEdQiuoiPMeY7tGSOPtO004EZWyLjtgcLcV4_p2aAjjgkCo2O664CEAby56YOrkwHiuPYdlIR19PkKO9BKb9rv3K9LqedmiDinwkrQQP0dHqP9_1BRzmzrvX59D9G5muw2DhN8/s1600/P1110679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVzD9uoEdQiuoiPMeY7tGSOPtO004EZWyLjtgcLcV4_p2aAjjgkCo2O664CEAby56YOrkwHiuPYdlIR19PkKO9BKb9rv3K9LqedmiDinwkrQQP0dHqP9_1BRzmzrvX59D9G5muw2DhN8/s320/P1110679.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our front yard at #1, Kufa Road, Blantyre</td></tr>
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We live in an older home, that has air conditioning, a modern kitchen, washer and dryer. The house has 2 garages (used for storage) and three bedrooms (one is an office), and two full baths. It is large enough when all the missionaries come over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGchzZUQgJ_8i9TO0UpbtQFoFJ71pXyZibkpYfDGN0Y2YFVXwUWs5amkE-BIh-jcnJ_YvCYAkmBIbpoBb0ZlpeZph7_2u2lT_qBeQWdKzviSMWxERA3f07Hpl0-FthjJs7V_ffcr0izyY/s1600/P1110682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGchzZUQgJ_8i9TO0UpbtQFoFJ71pXyZibkpYfDGN0Y2YFVXwUWs5amkE-BIh-jcnJ_YvCYAkmBIbpoBb0ZlpeZph7_2u2lT_qBeQWdKzviSMWxERA3f07Hpl0-FthjJs7V_ffcr0izyY/s320/P1110682.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dining room table, can handle 12</td></tr>
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Malawi is a small country in size, by comparison with Zambia, but has just as many people, making it very crowded. There are lots of mountains and Lake Malawi is the worlds 8th largest lake. The country has very little to export, so suffers from currency issues. The local currency have been severely devalued earlier this year and it looks like it will get worse. There is a serious issue with fuel supplies, and without personal storage, one can sit for hours in a line waiting, if the station has any.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdn_Hl-wA_wsI16HT24LMoWBv3Ac7WqNFfRXn83ImpCDMtuPhzop8QxwSEwKGG26jV-cEH0eNPbqSgHD0V21doW4rmcHYQUjiv5nNFnRX-5m5QPuiJ0VpwUw3urC1s21kYMlS4C2bs70/s1600/Blantyre+Chapel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdn_Hl-wA_wsI16HT24LMoWBv3Ac7WqNFfRXn83ImpCDMtuPhzop8QxwSEwKGG26jV-cEH0eNPbqSgHD0V21doW4rmcHYQUjiv5nNFnRX-5m5QPuiJ0VpwUw3urC1s21kYMlS4C2bs70/s320/Blantyre+Chapel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The local chapel, about 8 years old. Apostle Nelson dedicated the country of Malawi here November 2011</td></tr>
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There are four branches of the Church in Blantyre, two meeting in a modern style chapel and two meeting in renovated houses. In Lilongwe, there are at least 2 branches and soon to be more. Lilongwe is the capital city and was built from nothing a few years ago and is very flat. Blantyre is an older, former commercial center, and is located between several mountains.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7laHZ2eRwDyjxftqrV_dTvgjG9xKG2a3WbRISXLGoyP2hnAwdLmmCglSkiDUHOH9x2-O1mDxtEp1RU0kPKcuoYlUhniDrKg5oZ7gl2corA0Yhfx-jOr3Qo_QGQ5JF2fbSXKjhZGxJvEQ/s1600/P1110792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7laHZ2eRwDyjxftqrV_dTvgjG9xKG2a3WbRISXLGoyP2hnAwdLmmCglSkiDUHOH9x2-O1mDxtEp1RU0kPKcuoYlUhniDrKg5oZ7gl2corA0Yhfx-jOr3Qo_QGQ5JF2fbSXKjhZGxJvEQ/s320/P1110792.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the members at the Liwonde/Sitima Group - 2 hours from Blantyre</td></tr>
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There is one group of members that are about two hours out in the country (Liwonde/Sitima), so we will visit there occasionally. No members have cars, so they walk or rely on public transportation. Food is mainly maize (a corn like porridge mixture) eaten three times a day, when they can afford it. We are able to buy many things that we are familiar with, though supplies are inconsistent. The price is just outrageous, but we do it anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcVG5alvcuQvq3xn0P_me2FFtYS6sjk8qkc_4SOJweihUsKUzqmuR4NxQ27u5FTfdnhJfgP6huKyrbcTUqoQV1L81X7Ewjn1KtSyZ6BSoJsHlLNXs3ftzWgaoer0ctETTe6B2aFMep-w/s1600/P1110790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcVG5alvcuQvq3xn0P_me2FFtYS6sjk8qkc_4SOJweihUsKUzqmuR4NxQ27u5FTfdnhJfgP6huKyrbcTUqoQV1L81X7Ewjn1KtSyZ6BSoJsHlLNXs3ftzWgaoer0ctETTe6B2aFMep-w/s320/P1110790.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a common scene every where in the countryside. Usually the ladies carry one on their head. The water comes from drilled wells (bore holes is the local terminology).</td></tr>
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Life in Blantyre is much quieter than life in Zambia. The traffic that is heavy and busy during the days - from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. but after dusk there are NO buses or traffic or people for that matter. All missionary teaching is done during the day and the people struggle with English - Chichewe is the Malawian language - they also use it at church. We try to get them to stick with English but many of the ladies (in particular) do not understand English so they have a hard time staying active or understanding callings.<br />
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<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-14255597621280372232012-11-29T08:05:00.001-07:002012-11-29T08:05:19.562-07:00Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-55445007979180456292012-10-07T13:34:00.000-06:002012-10-07T13:34:19.988-06:00It's time for an update again. Time truly is going too quickly - there is much to be done and we just feel the days getting away from us. <br />
T<i>oday is a very special day - It is October 6th, 2012. We are so excited that we came back from a trip to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) to find the internet has decided to give us a break (it's working) and we were able to watch the Saturday a.m. session of conference with very little problems. It was such a spiritual session we felt really blessed to be able to watch the church leaders, and feel of their spirits in uplifting our lives with their inspired messages. Wow. We hope each of you were able to watch as well. Conference is held for our benefit - not for their practice in speaking. We felt the spirit of the Holy Ghost in each talk that was given and were very excited to hear of the two more temples, and of the age changes in missionaries. Wow, again. What a change that will be. </i><br />
<i>We are leaving on Monday morning to move to Malawi for the next year of our mission. We will be based in Lilongwe (where the Pretes were serving), and they have moved to Blantyre. We don't feel that we can replace either of these great couples, but will do our best to be of service to the members and the missionaries in that area. We love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we know it to be true. When we get to that point, we know that it is for our growth that we are placed in challenging areas to be of service to the people there, to help them strengthen their testimonies. We will do our best.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to David Livingston Safari Lodge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeUq1YdY4ffKq3qCiH11AhMvYEpAHfn632R2IvukxwSZSSfx1MU1Cvf7av0N2An16zhNjxmeRiql5_-EQABBgmFg20r5ap_pgUx9M1fM4rqbTh1ofovnoB_Yr9v84om0DOEz8qT6wo2w/s1600/P1110445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeUq1YdY4ffKq3qCiH11AhMvYEpAHfn632R2IvukxwSZSSfx1MU1Cvf7av0N2An16zhNjxmeRiql5_-EQABBgmFg20r5ap_pgUx9M1fM4rqbTh1ofovnoB_Yr9v84om0DOEz8qT6wo2w/s320/P1110445.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Shields - in front of Swimming pool then Zambezi River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeWicyvSjKgurxE7jMm1W3bhpeIxdvTLEsH5SO8m1TDJno0m4xQbPxoZKqtudW425AASp6CjEHYZeu-K35y17FBpdt8E8nax7dSGLLO89pZNKtou5V6r-ViaPqDYxcCGo_kgD6UmXvLc/s1600/P1110450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeWicyvSjKgurxE7jMm1W3bhpeIxdvTLEsH5SO8m1TDJno0m4xQbPxoZKqtudW425AASp6CjEHYZeu-K35y17FBpdt8E8nax7dSGLLO89pZNKtou5V6r-ViaPqDYxcCGo_kgD6UmXvLc/s320/P1110450.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfy Bed</td></tr>
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<i>We loved going to Victoria Falls the last three days with another senior couple, the Lookharts. We stayed at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge - it was great. We went to Chobe (in Botswana) on a Safari and were not disappointed. We will update with some pictures. Also, we were able to visit the falls again. The water level is quite low at this time of year so it makes them easier to see. About March/April, they are so high that all you see is mist -</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0lVjf3OJWT3rAHdu5JyAs00MWZyJyBkrQt3H4VkIoLEkv8wAm71Px4jaudaSPywtYnBfzwHLcdbWNgoQKMxC8YEfU84PenIDBqmfDqP12L5r8X5rPYj1g60oyv40RUBTUaIDrqh3ajU/s1600/P1110472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0lVjf3OJWT3rAHdu5JyAs00MWZyJyBkrQt3H4VkIoLEkv8wAm71Px4jaudaSPywtYnBfzwHLcdbWNgoQKMxC8YEfU84PenIDBqmfDqP12L5r8X5rPYj1g60oyv40RUBTUaIDrqh3ajU/s320/P1110472.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very Low Water at Victoria Falls - </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisywJFUqcOkUpMX1mZaJGVdemn8yqO6e-Eyj-adX0CCRaFc6fsNmG-XNs2nAnOGR8_ASjwsoWFT4VFffXc-AJyPjrzU85iQ4eJgSj8kygckuYNpalmW_H_zNvQ9hnT_cJcnvrDDx4PTVk/s1600/P1110465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisywJFUqcOkUpMX1mZaJGVdemn8yqO6e-Eyj-adX0CCRaFc6fsNmG-XNs2nAnOGR8_ASjwsoWFT4VFffXc-AJyPjrzU85iQ4eJgSj8kygckuYNpalmW_H_zNvQ9hnT_cJcnvrDDx4PTVk/s320/P1110465.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Shields putting water on head - a hot 40 degrees</td></tr>
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<i>We had the Prete's here with us for about a week (a couples conference) and learned more about what we might expect in Lilongwe, Malawi. They have been there since December 2011 and have done such a wonderful work that the branch has grown from 17 active members to over 150 each week. No one really has much background in the church and everything and every program is a learning experience for all involved. We hope to be able to be of some service and help there.</i><br />
<i>We, also get to have the Missionaries (12 of them) over for their DDM each Tuesday evening, and feed them, be with them, and listen to them. That will be a great time for us.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7UBtiHHrw3ow309IKUTcpZOb4fyEm0DVWZdZRw36nwlT-fLHSC6-QpOTUJFlJz44GKw_uMXxt4U60Eci1doZE93J7pAeVmpoo2UFR0jsMq_HRHFZQg_ZaoSHBrJcbN4uAphJZ1Oqj08/s1600/P1110256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7UBtiHHrw3ow309IKUTcpZOb4fyEm0DVWZdZRw36nwlT-fLHSC6-QpOTUJFlJz44GKw_uMXxt4U60Eci1doZE93J7pAeVmpoo2UFR0jsMq_HRHFZQg_ZaoSHBrJcbN4uAphJZ1Oqj08/s320/P1110256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couples Conference - Pretes on Left back</td></tr>
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<i> <span id="goog_1082548865"></span><span id="goog_1082548866"></span> </i><br />
<i>We find that everything we are able to do here for anyone brings blessings for our family at home. They recognize Heavenly Father more in their lives and we are grateful that they are being blessed while we are away. </i><br />
<br />
<i>We are grateful for grandchildren who are being raised in the Gospel and are being taught true principles that will guide them throughout their lives if they but listen. We thank each of our children for being such great examples and such great parents by spending the time and effort required to set the tone for your homes. We pray that you will each recognize the hand of the Lord in your lives, that you will follow the messages our Prophet, President Monson, and his councillors are inspired to give during this particular conference.</i><br />
<br />
<i>We feel of your faith and prayers in our behalf. We are grateful for them. Keep the Faith! </i><br />
<i>Choose the Right! Know that we love each of you lots - but Heavenly Father loves each of you even more than we do. We are excited that for some the mission just moved up a year. Prepare now. CTR.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Elder and Sister Shields</i><br />
<br />
<i></i><br />
<i>p.s. We will send ANIMALS \(WILD) as soon as we get moved - Elder packed the cameras away while the internet was off. We will get back to you.</i>
<i><br /></i>Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-74597520029932551682012-08-26T13:15:00.005-06:002012-08-26T13:15:59.816-06:00June 1, 2012 we were replaced as the S & I Coordinators for Zambia by a local Young Branch President (26 years) who was hired by the church. He is a great young man and will be successful in this position we feel. However, it is now August 26, 2012 and we are still trying to get him off the ground (so to speak). It has taken these last 3 months to get office space, car, working funds, phone, furniture, computer and printer, etc. to get him a place to work from.<br />
Tomorrow, we will go to the New Office of S & I. This should be a great day. We have been busy teaching his classes while he had to do 2 trips to Malawi, 1 to Zimbabwe, and 1 to Jo'berg. The travel should now subside a bit and things should settle down. He is also in University full time (5 evenings a week, and so is his wife). He is also busy with his church calling. We should all try the balancing act he is doing - it has got to be very stressful for now, but it should settle down by Christmas (this semester will be done anyway). We were able to go to Harare, Zimbabwe for 3 days too, and enjoyed that very much. <br />
We are really enjoying teaching the Preparing for Temple Marriage classes. The students really vary in each area of the city. We are only doing 2 classes now as we wanted to open up our Fridays to get the gathering center idea underway.<br />
We have been formulating some ideas that we think might work here and hopefully will try to implement some of them in the next couple of weeks. We are to be working under the District Presidency - we will try to meet with him soon, and ask his help in setting up an Institute of Religion Advisory Committee (IRAC) to work with. We were able to talk to the Stonehockers about some of the ideas they were able to use and that worked well for them. Our setup is quite different from theirs but the ideas may still be helpful.<br />
Our marriage classes seem to pick up 1-3 new students each week. It is growing simply by word of mouth. We are very blessed to be meeting the cream of the crop as far as young adults go. They are amazingly versatile and wonderful people. In our Wednesday class at the Lusaka Chapel, we started with 6 people. Last week we were at 16. Libala Chapel on Thursdays started at about 12 people, we do fluctuate there but last week we had 16. Matero had grown from 4 to 9 students so we were happy with the turnout but felt we needed to have the Friday and Saturday for activities with all the Young Adults.<br />
These classes have been very good for us - we have learned much and love spending time there feeling of their special spirits. They are like sponges in the learning area - they just absorb it and can regurgitate it back the next week with no problem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrkPUEwgmhH4xk4jOv72xQE_Jt1sIPfNPXayjnTPYYoYF5UUAFVJG-kjzHwplego4xdmqNVCs0NmX-vSUXywE56x9jpMy4dlHb1CLxR4hBEUtDmiuV40trcWewko8S2V21R4zwoiM5KY/s1600/P1100914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrkPUEwgmhH4xk4jOv72xQE_Jt1sIPfNPXayjnTPYYoYF5UUAFVJG-kjzHwplego4xdmqNVCs0NmX-vSUXywE56x9jpMy4dlHb1CLxR4hBEUtDmiuV40trcWewko8S2V21R4zwoiM5KY/s320/P1100914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#8 at it's finest Home Sweet Home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhFrIkAjHjNazyNPTmMthH63-TCui-FX61cNH3CnQYxqW6DIZjhLCOPyrVH4raQ-VrysVMmZ90YjCuAH3Q0snzBHi9aLbaLF4yQmTVxzUbTpTaV07daxelTGbIEmB1VhPNzJjnz39IV4/s1600/P1100901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhFrIkAjHjNazyNPTmMthH63-TCui-FX61cNH3CnQYxqW6DIZjhLCOPyrVH4raQ-VrysVMmZ90YjCuAH3Q0snzBHi9aLbaLF4yQmTVxzUbTpTaV07daxelTGbIEmB1VhPNzJjnz39IV4/s320/P1100901.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The Backyard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRyL-9M7jyOjSiGqbzPYD4seeNdTct8ql6e0XqXGfgnTIn0cBw1isoe_LvyVYJh1AHQomkKDX-0LRogZtSvnNUZak5ZoH44HGOgBsSLyY5mrNy1oJXe0Bd3Dzz3Vjs9fuRSbkidafjew/s1600/P1100904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRyL-9M7jyOjSiGqbzPYD4seeNdTct8ql6e0XqXGfgnTIn0cBw1isoe_LvyVYJh1AHQomkKDX-0LRogZtSvnNUZak5ZoH44HGOgBsSLyY5mrNy1oJXe0Bd3Dzz3Vjs9fuRSbkidafjew/s320/P1100904.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Backyard facing the other way!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vIOkIITPCOKt9xkgQi0mXThrknue4tX_JrDcCbUaKuYuWpIlsZ3Rv9RtKrqC_IOce8Lk70nvLYHkl0D2N7cQDxpDhYsaE1Qc0Glia9FN9BD86RaGh1r1xf22E0836_mzMEU2QntqbMI/s1600/P1100925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vIOkIITPCOKt9xkgQi0mXThrknue4tX_JrDcCbUaKuYuWpIlsZ3Rv9RtKrqC_IOce8Lk70nvLYHkl0D2N7cQDxpDhYsaE1Qc0Glia9FN9BD86RaGh1r1xf22E0836_mzMEU2QntqbMI/s320/P1100925.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spare Guest Room - even had guests this week - fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4UDKuXOfh1EgnEdNc7zwBIjoUhpelbM7nFs18OCuCV1osaINXsSQhrc5ClKuknK_YlADzXskai7lizm5llWs0E7rlCANOktqmHR1jXAk8w6di5hEbQTn2cCB83GZNEvL4TNKppqBPYc/s1600/P1100907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4UDKuXOfh1EgnEdNc7zwBIjoUhpelbM7nFs18OCuCV1osaINXsSQhrc5ClKuknK_YlADzXskai7lizm5llWs0E7rlCANOktqmHR1jXAk8w6di5hEbQTn2cCB83GZNEvL4TNKppqBPYc/s320/P1100907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen - look carefully - cupboards way above my head - special for Giraffes I think</td></tr>
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We were blessed to move this month. Our Landlord wanted to renovate the flat we were in. Missionaries had been living there for over 15 years so it was time. You should all be so lucky to come to Zambia on your missions, it's great. We are now in a new Italian Villa style condo. We have 3 bedrooms, our bed is a King, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, laundry, garage, living room, etc. Oh, yes, and our own private pool in the backyard that a man comes and cleans a couple of days a week, so it is ready for anyone. We will add updates as things keep coming - draperies, It is starting to get warmer - today back to 30, so soon the Air conditioner will be back on - however, last night Elder Shields said he was cold and wanted more blankets. I'd say we've adjusted and our blood has thinned. In another month it should be up to the 40+ degrees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlUikJG1fmM6QiAiCGTgMHt9ZqOfQXKtqLasYSZ7Q2bUKBGTs-RbNzOkNmQpqSGmOmneGKY1aoPB_hNMCfzNvx9fiAtiVnXx2gNbP4LgBrCrtV7BXQVYrPGEJB3mgpFbFvdwpfBFSAcA/s1600/P1110001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlUikJG1fmM6QiAiCGTgMHt9ZqOfQXKtqLasYSZ7Q2bUKBGTs-RbNzOkNmQpqSGmOmneGKY1aoPB_hNMCfzNvx9fiAtiVnXx2gNbP4LgBrCrtV7BXQVYrPGEJB3mgpFbFvdwpfBFSAcA/s320/P1110001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelo's finest moment - YW Presidency</td></tr>
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We were able to help a couple of weeks ago with the Helping Hands projects for the two branches in our area. What a Great Day that was. Everyone worked so hard and so willingly. They worked from about 9 a.m. to 1400. Then they had a bite of lunch and cleaned the chapel for Sunday. We were very proud of their efforts. The community came out to see and we hope, were impressed. It did get in the Newspaper the next day with some pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGq1qvZ7PGrTv1XlWA4Sr04LWdyKnsPoz3yBiDSV99hu3veimrfVMgZFOweSxfITh_ap4Lvf5_gUIBV9nVSIqubm8bpCorm6lidswe4ssN30SDTjF_zuNvmll2pWmh9cYezMIuVDOduM/s1600/P1110012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGq1qvZ7PGrTv1XlWA4Sr04LWdyKnsPoz3yBiDSV99hu3veimrfVMgZFOweSxfITh_ap4Lvf5_gUIBV9nVSIqubm8bpCorm6lidswe4ssN30SDTjF_zuNvmll2pWmh9cYezMIuVDOduM/s320/P1110012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 a.m. - a slow start</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxLgdDkqyw8ulLl9DdGCoeRRifQXFUFr2X1rd7dk7wqJzrzPctxg8nvyBTFUcMByuB7K58234bgklN5ystXWCvjOMkrsLPFZc4yDGhcQ07p3ZqlTnyoNE8VOmtlh0tZ5NNOo3khNqlas/s1600/P1110017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxLgdDkqyw8ulLl9DdGCoeRRifQXFUFr2X1rd7dk7wqJzrzPctxg8nvyBTFUcMByuB7K58234bgklN5ystXWCvjOMkrsLPFZc4yDGhcQ07p3ZqlTnyoNE8VOmtlh0tZ5NNOo3khNqlas/s320/P1110017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matero arriving - continuous growth of people</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Noon over 100 young women - Wow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1600 hours - departure time - back home </td></tr>
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This week we were blessed to have a visit from Elder Soares of the Area Presidency. He flew in on Wednesday, did a Fireside for the YSA (Young Single Adults), Zone Conference on Thursday, meetings with District Presidency on Thursday evening, and flew out Friday a.m.. Yesterday was the first District Young Women Camp (All Day Saturday). It was great. It started at 7:00 AM and finished at 16:00. The girls had never had camp before and by testimony time were loving every minute of it. Sister Lookhart, had worked very hard with the District YW presidency and She actually was what made it work - but we hope it was a learning curve for them (they'd never seen one before). The girls today at church were wondering when they could now have a 5 day camp. They loved it. We had about 100 girls show up. We helped the Lookharts for the day - it was very uplifting to be part of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkqfxL5Cd5YqOo8CkmACnpPYtun4ues2fbyQz9ghW9Yxgz_R2NdDgGJ7xwEXApMr4uAKimUbMg9453QyVrmLK8JjWu4V0CShBLReNPgJB-fGoxbzFQgpkhc3dMKzyZxIh3Qz1X2Mfzps/s1600/P1110097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkqfxL5Cd5YqOo8CkmACnpPYtun4ues2fbyQz9ghW9Yxgz_R2NdDgGJ7xwEXApMr4uAKimUbMg9453QyVrmLK8JjWu4V0CShBLReNPgJB-fGoxbzFQgpkhc3dMKzyZxIh3Qz1X2Mfzps/s320/P1110097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookharts and Sister Chua and Sister Mudzimba - day end </td></tr>
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<br />We are grateful that the Lord continues to make us aware of his Tender Mercies in our lives. We do feel we are blessed for our efforts. We feel guided and protected in all we do. We are so humbled to be allowed to be his servants. A mission is a Great Experience. It reminds us daily of how much we have been given and blessed. We appreciate knowing where we came from, why we are here, and where we may have the privilege of going if we can follow the example set for us by our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are all here to try to emulate him. We pray for each of you and know that as you follow His teachings, you too, can be instruments in His hands. We love each of you and keep you in our prayers.<br />
Keep the Faith.<br />
Elder and Sister ShieldsElder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-91551045307175417072012-07-24T12:31:00.002-06:002012-07-24T12:31:32.980-06:00Sorry that this posting is so long overdue - it must mean we Think we are very busy - and yes, we do think that we are - But, we don't want to be too busy to update each of you on our assignments and adventures. <br />
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Firstly, we just want you to know that we love the Gospel of Jesus Christ - we are grateful to be able to serve the Lord Anywhere - Because we have been given much, we too must give. We appreciate our challenges and our growth. We are learning much about the people and the culture here in Zambia. What an awesome people. We get to spend most of our time with the Young Single Adults (ages 18 - 30, 31, 32, 33) or there abouts - many don't have a birthdate or year that they know for sure when they were born so it can be a guess sometimes. We appreciate each of the young adults special spirits and their appreciation for all that they do have (not much). They just eat up the Gospel teachings - they can recite scripture by heart from any of the Scriptures - they are really amazing (much better than we are).<br />
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We have been working with President Kaluba for the last couple of months. Sometimes the physical part of the church is very slow - he came on board June 1, 2012 and still no car, no office, etc. He has been to Johannesburg for training, to Harare, Zimbabwe for training, to Blantyre, Malawi for training and is going Thursday a.m. to Lilongwe and Blantyre, Malawi for a little more training. Then he will have a week off from travel and need to go to the Copperbelt area. Busy times. He is the Branch President (since he was 23), and is in University Full Time, and works full time for S & I. Can you see why we are his helpers? Busy Times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Joseph Kaluba and Sipho Ndlovu </td></tr>
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We, also were in Harare, Zimbabwe for more training for 4 days. What a beautiful country and city. We really enjoyed the hospitality and the beauty of the country in that area. Victoria Falls is on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia - both like to claim it and there is a view on both sides. We will try to go back there again (I think) before we are finished our mission. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Hotel in Harare - in the dead of winter remember, July 2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Meeting House in Harare, Zimbabwe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harare Meeting House (Chapel) </td></tr>
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We are moving somewhere around the end of the month. We will be next door to another missionary couple (Lookharts from Boise). It is going to be quite the upgrade - moving into a 2 story 3 bath, 3 bedroom townhouse with our own swimming pool in the back yard. We didn't bring a suit. Anyone coming to visit - bring a suit. We get to have 3 bedrooms because our office is in our flat. It<br />
The mission furnishes it and all will be well. <br />
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This week we are teaching Lesson 5 (Temporal Preparedness) of the Preparing for Temple Marriage course. We have a class Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday nights. Each class is a very different dynamic of individuals. What fun! They are great participators, not inhibited at all, and love the topic, so all is well.<br />
Each class is an hour and a half - but goes very quickly. We are enjoying it, and we think they are too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy equipment set up for our class - Pres. Kaluba looking on - notice how the computer is on top of the projector - </td></tr>
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This month we also had a District Family Fun Day! (2nd Annual one). Each branch had a soccer team, volleyball and basketball team. Guys played soccer, girls played volleyball and basketball. It was really a great day. The Mission provided lunch - we think we fed about 600 (some not ours, but oh well).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPDX01AF22TAQPq35jBF-noHDJb-ZHs8FJKoaxruvv7LzL3Duph2y7ivSsfbtO8LqUe7JbHHQIGzkTsWqBKIv-eHFIRSQ2cXMd2mOTsFPaNTfUR2Ygmk6YldTBG-upTAJsorhYLnHMV0/s1600/P1100796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPDX01AF22TAQPq35jBF-noHDJb-ZHs8FJKoaxruvv7LzL3Duph2y7ivSsfbtO8LqUe7JbHHQIGzkTsWqBKIv-eHFIRSQ2cXMd2mOTsFPaNTfUR2Ygmk6YldTBG-upTAJsorhYLnHMV0/s320/P1100796.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pres. Chibbamulilo and Pres. Chishala (Libala and Woodlands Branch Presidents)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game 2 - Notice - some use shoes - some not!</td></tr>
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Well try to do this a little more often (so we can remember more of what has happened during the month). <br />
Grandchildren, please be good. Live an exempliary life. It is sooo important - do your best at school. You just never know when it will be your time to return home. There is a young couple in a branch here (he was here on a mission - went back home became an agronomist, married, has 2 little children, and came back here to work for 2 years for a fertilizer company. Her sister came over to visit (from California). They were missing the ocean so they decided to take 2 weeks and drive over to Mozambique to the Ocean with their family. The Sunday before they left Brother Sherry taught the SS class and talked about being prepared to meet our maker. Wednesday, they were in a very serious accident in Harare, Zimbabwe on their way to Mozambique - his neck is broken, his shoulder is broken. She has internal injuries, their little boy has many broken bones, the baby (girl) is fine, the driver (friend) is fine, the sister will be o.k. They airlifted him to Johannesburg to determine the extend and type of break and decide whether he will walk again (ever). We have all been praying for him since this happened. We are wanting a miracle for them and for him to be o.k.<br />
Live each day as if it may be your last, live it wisely. O.K., end of my rambling. We love each and every one of you and keep you always in our prayers. We know Heavenly Father loves all his children (no matter what). Emulate him in your lives. It'll be Soooo worth it.<br />
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Love, The Parents, Grandparents, Burton and Patricia, Elder and Sister Shields<br />
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<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-36940165418707709292012-06-20T02:49:00.002-06:002012-06-20T02:49:19.066-06:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0h-jgObNzRTit2LKslAi2aftGCNjQ3VChbKlqcfw9YQJ6TM1MtWAYJQkx_pFC-Hi0e2PnOjfr5xr88R4CaxYajrUEm4oNCg0O8wzul8wez45_E184zbz785P0UB_jRDhf5-F_Vtv4IQ/s1600/P1100752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0h-jgObNzRTit2LKslAi2aftGCNjQ3VChbKlqcfw9YQJ6TM1MtWAYJQkx_pFC-Hi0e2PnOjfr5xr88R4CaxYajrUEm4oNCg0O8wzul8wez45_E184zbz785P0UB_jRDhf5-F_Vtv4IQ/s320/P1100752.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Gardener found this - we think it is either a Giant \peacock Moth or a Luna Moth. They apparently live about 1 - 2 days.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbZQIRUrRk10aOtLhLm33grSIeuulej8gLkzi6o49a9Ntk9h5DzJO8a0G8aFNQT61wg8ap8fw9MKig326jYKaEaLZDUztosF_tyDo5AhbWA07-WBx2S_a_y70NNm5MfRVvHSBMgqeWE0/s1600/P1100751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbZQIRUrRk10aOtLhLm33grSIeuulej8gLkzi6o49a9Ntk9h5DzJO8a0G8aFNQT61wg8ap8fw9MKig326jYKaEaLZDUztosF_tyDo5AhbWA07-WBx2S_a_y70NNm5MfRVvHSBMgqeWE0/s320/P1100751.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, this unique moth - we have never seen one like it and neither has Filemon - he said God sent it to Him as a gift.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUR8wOcsmtNKXDMq5MIr-o1zRT0izpoJ5IsXuU3A0E7LZXYyib1E6psA799FDqQL6nbBBc9glTkQ1UCDqP3SKvEWpFtoCcR9wv24hUdQ3A3rYTbZ0JZlMAkHbc2evnfSDhmhY2ohfPiM/s1600/P1100736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUR8wOcsmtNKXDMq5MIr-o1zRT0izpoJ5IsXuU3A0E7LZXYyib1E6psA799FDqQL6nbBBc9glTkQ1UCDqP3SKvEWpFtoCcR9wv24hUdQ3A3rYTbZ0JZlMAkHbc2evnfSDhmhY2ohfPiM/s320/P1100736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Saturdays there are 6-7 piano students all at once - Sr. Louthan needed help. Robert Chansa is a great student. One student plays every week in sacrament meeting after 6 lessons.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEovRcX0A3YiB0zOpZAJbji8gAw7zTLIPyRTGB1BsxebMn3B7WoFEvVxtEkmQErgwKCK1_OhwQQlDpYxZMnmi7kt1o8K10n_exMgFPPln-QXpXeyhSb7w0feEKfm363snwG2FGy64aNaM/s1600/P1100581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEovRcX0A3YiB0zOpZAJbji8gAw7zTLIPyRTGB1BsxebMn3B7WoFEvVxtEkmQErgwKCK1_OhwQQlDpYxZMnmi7kt1o8K10n_exMgFPPln-QXpXeyhSb7w0feEKfm363snwG2FGy64aNaM/s320/P1100581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the new flat for the Harvey's - the couple from Langley BC. It will be very nice for them. June 2012. The Sisters went to the other half of the duplex. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths on each side. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmR9fOFx_oWiPiVVPRgYHOxghdH9s-_FectH4PZ8TCPZi0ArNzt_8IUTbOiSWyID0iaimsH3MbVSemVYWuZxhIE_odJ3uUKhw0t4JyOEV8UIdC_5aoZFBikanG8DDbsznv2xYIgpIJMg/s1600/P1100749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmR9fOFx_oWiPiVVPRgYHOxghdH9s-_FectH4PZ8TCPZi0ArNzt_8IUTbOiSWyID0iaimsH3MbVSemVYWuZxhIE_odJ3uUKhw0t4JyOEV8UIdC_5aoZFBikanG8DDbsznv2xYIgpIJMg/s320/P1100749.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Shields (update) walking to the car - companion in car taking picture. Doing Great.</td></tr>
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<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-61238846584479665032012-06-20T02:14:00.003-06:002012-06-20T02:14:52.751-06:00Wow, it looks like it's been a month since we posted anything in this spot. Sorry for the time lapse. We have been busy (mostly driving). We are experiencing Winter here now - it actually seems cold - does get down to about 10 a few nights and the days are a Cool 28 - 29 degrees varying with the amount of wind.<br />
(Joseph Kaluba) has officially started his employment as the S & I (CES) Coordinator for Zambia and Malawi as of June 1. He is in South Africa for training this week. Unfortunately, he sold his car the weekend the job started and does not have a car, an office, or place to work from, until at least July 1, and probably later. His home is very small and on the far edge of the city from us. We have tried to be helpful in trying to show him some of the things we do, but it requires a lot of driving to his place, bringing him here and then back to his place. He is only 27 years old, but a terrific young man, with a very supportive wife. He is also the President of his Branch and both he and his wife are full time students (for at least another year).<br />
Our challenge is to help, but let him takeover where he can. He will have different strengths and will handle things differently when he gets going. Our future assignment(s) seem to vary with the day, but it seems that at the moment we will be staying in Lusaka (but who knows for sure). Very little happens quickly when it comes to "procedures" which must be followed.<br />
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Part of the duties of this assignment is to teach classes, but we have never been able to figure out times and places that might work. However, Brother Kaluba was told to teach three classes ASAP, so he "organized" 3 classes (Preparation for Eternal Marriage) to be held in 3 locations at 17:30 (5:30 PM) on three consecutive nights and then realized that he will be unavailable more than half of the 8 weeks, so it appears that Sister Shields (and Elder Shields) now are going to be doing his job much of the time. The logistics of accessing the buildings, trying to advertise the classes, getting students (numbers unknown) etc. and preparing lessons remains the challenge.<br />
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We are scheduled to go to Harare, Zimbabwe with Joseph Kaluba, the second week of July, for further training and possibly finding out more about, what we might be doing in the next year.<br />
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We are grateful for the challenges that we face each day and for the accompanying growth. We appreciate being reminded each and every day of the blessings we are receiving by trying to be obedient. We are grateful for our loving Heavenly Father who watches over everything that we do and blesses us continually. We recognize that it is to Him that we owe our All, and through Him only can we receive Eternal Life. We are grateful for your love and support as we try to serve our Savior. Keep the Faith.Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-57713979116180775452012-05-20T12:29:00.000-06:002012-05-20T12:29:00.679-06:00Once again, days keep seeming to jump ahead. We are trying to get some things ready for District Conference this weekend to give to all of the branches here so there is work to be done. We should be ending the first term of Institute at the end of May and starting the new term the first week of June. Many will want to know their grades as certificates are in high demand. What a great bunch of young people we get to work with - and with their awesome leaders and teachers. They really put in 110% effort into their lessons and learning. They do have a problem with the clock but they are trying to improve in that area. We appreciate that they are willing to try to come within an hour of the start time. Some do think that when class starts at 9:00 a.m. that that is when they are to leave home to come - so they do arrive (mostly) before the class is done - but not long before. It is really a cultural thing that needs some work.<br />
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We had to go back to the grocery store today for a few things (ZMK625,000) when last week we spent over ZMK1,000,000. We must be eating really well, or we should have the missionaries over less. Hopefully this lasts a while now. Food here, we think, is higher than at home. We do appreciate that they have food that we will eat though so no complaints.<br />
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We have been working hard on some reports that S&I seem to need done - we aren't sure about doing someone else's budget for next year but they seem to think we should go ahead. Hopefully we are generous enough that they can live with it. We did hear through the grapevine that someone was offered and accepted the job (the full time S & I employee person). What we haven't heard is when and what does that mean for us. Patience.<br />
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Elder Shields has been wanting to email Khumbulani (our head in SA) to see what he knows - but I've been saying "if he knew anything he'd tell us". Even though it doesn't matter, it does constantly play on our thoughts. It is always on our minds that we can't plan too far ahead, or plan that meeting, or plan that trip. Just wait. Not something that we're really good at.<br />
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The missionaries in this mission are wonderful. I'm sure that they are in Every mission but we know these the best. They are very good at following the rules, studying, planning, and visiting lots of appointments each day. Be nice to the missionaries. They are doing the Lord's Work. We are fortunate to be able to associate with them daily.<br />
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Today we went for lunch with Chiku (Aggie). She had written her last exam for her bachelors degree in social work (she is also one of our best seminary teachers). She (with persuading from Elder Shields), is going to take me to find fabric and have a Chitenge made (African Dress). That should be interesting.<br />
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Today is Sunday May 20, 2012. We attended our District Conference - it was to start at 10:00 a.m. - and almost did. They did wait a few minutes because at 10 quite a few comvees(buses) with people arrived and it took a few minutes to seat about 80 of them. Conference was such a great meeting. We arrived about 8:30 a.m. and visited with many branch leaders, teachers and S & I students. It was great. The meeting was so spiritual that we were all in tears - and I mean All. Whether members or not, everyone felt the spirit there and were touched by it - President Cook of the Area Presidency and his wife were here for the two days and they have such a wonderful countenance and way about them that you can feel that they are truly emissaries of Christ. It is so strengthening for us to feel of their love and support. What a Great Day. We ran the Distribution Store yesterday by ourselves and that was an adventure. The computer and scanner would not work so everything was done by hand - BUT of course, we were not too sure of the prices of some items so we guessed - tomorrow we will have to pay our shortage and balance up. It's all in a day in the mission - just working for more blessings.<br />
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Enough of this talk, we want to send our love and our testimonies of this work to any and all who read this. We are so blessed to be able to be here, to know this is where Heavenly Father wants us to serve. We are grateful for all the blessings we receive and for His hand in our lives everyday. We love and appreciate each one at home and are grateful for your prayers on our behalf. Thank you so much. We pray for you too and know that you are being blessed. Keep the Faith.<br />
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<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-37688183175051659682012-05-13T11:28:00.000-06:002012-05-13T11:28:21.901-06:00We have been without internet for most of today. We have been waiting for PST accessability to do the 40 Yr. reports - Bro. Moyo said he'd send them but apparently we are just trading no internet so no reports. This type of day seems really long - not much is accomplished and we are reminded again why we are here in Zambia - to develop Patience.<br />
We looked back in our notes and it was January 5th that we got a call asking if we would be willing to go to Malawi to be the S & I representatives over there. We did say yes, however, here we are, still in Lusaka, Zambia. We call it Zambian Time. Again, just need a little more patience.<br />
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<br />On the positive, we think we are making progress here in Zambia with the S & I program. We are working very hard (especially Elder Shields), to think of ways to make it better. Communication is one of the big barriers here. We will be going Saturday a.m. to a baptism in one of our favorite branches - that branch is Lilanda. They are having 6 baptisms that morning and they don't have access to water for the font at this point so we're looking for divine intervention. It'll happen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the Font for the Baptisms of 6 young people in Lilanda Branch 12 May, 2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Branch Youth filling the font for Baptism of 6 young people May 12, 2012</td></tr>
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The lady who owns the house church is held in decided that the branch priesthood could use her well (really an old fashioned one) - a hole in the ground with a rope and a bucket - to fill all the garbage cans they could find to bring up water to fill the baptismal font for the baptisms. Saturday a.m. early the Young Men and Elders Quorum were there filling and hauling with an old wheel barrow to fill the font. They did manage to get enough water into it by noon and the baptism went ahead just a little later than scheduled. That in itself, though, is not at all unusual so it was all good and the baptismal candidates were very excited. We have some pictures and Elder Shields got to give a talk and welcome them into the church.<br />
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Today being mothers day was similar to being at home. Talks about mothers were given, and in the 2nd branch we attended (thanks to Elder and Sister Lookhart), Roses were passed out to all mothers. Two great meetings. We enjoyed the day. The elders are coming over shortly to make their calls to their Mothers. They are very excited to speak to them. It is fun to watch their enthusiasm. What a great bunch of YM and YW we are privileged to spend time with. They teach us as much as we teach them. It's great. Their testimonies are fantastic - and they are very powerful individuals and companionships. We are blessed to spend time with them. The Youth of Zambia are well versed in the Bible and they are able to find and quote many passages. They are a great asset to the church here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just an ordinary ride to wherever - could even be church.</td></tr>
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We are grateful to each one of you in our lives. We hope Mothers Day treated all well. We are grateful to each of the Mothers in our family who exemplify the Savior in their lives. We appreciate all that you do for your families and for your strength in the gospel. Thank you for your examples to us and for supporting us in our decision to serve. We love you. We are also grateful for all the friends and extended family who are so supportive and encouraging to us. The Faith of Others does Strengthen Ours. <br />
<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-87643729506430708742012-05-02T13:02:00.001-06:002012-05-02T13:02:20.493-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is quite clear - we thought it was well put.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few friendly Crocodiles - a little crawly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You would not see them until it was too late - they blend so well. Green Mambas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI82egWdSjIE4EjtnQi20SKumDfMW1VFozCyy70oninJyjsQa3ZU2A4fAWDRAUFju_lgXc6m66P3L3qAIfvdpB2TosZ-iC6FwBh5L7_0HhF_f7PAOD5b2QSQxOiLgHcz2TL_GUlvBIYZ0/s1600/P1100504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI82egWdSjIE4EjtnQi20SKumDfMW1VFozCyy70oninJyjsQa3ZU2A4fAWDRAUFju_lgXc6m66P3L3qAIfvdpB2TosZ-iC6FwBh5L7_0HhF_f7PAOD5b2QSQxOiLgHcz2TL_GUlvBIYZ0/s320/P1100504.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just trying to get One Good Shot - of this Big Mama!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzyKEER6TGME2iW11p0W4XevJAmtuGESH6SeiLEvhuGQbc83rZwAtUTsILirRo7YJO67IrDiXx3JiasS57vaKOS32hoqe8vZv4Btost1_DyTu5CMmyXgqMUYNYDmtn7xgDY7CuSmYi60/s1600/P1100509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzyKEER6TGME2iW11p0W4XevJAmtuGESH6SeiLEvhuGQbc83rZwAtUTsILirRo7YJO67IrDiXx3JiasS57vaKOS32hoqe8vZv4Btost1_DyTu5CMmyXgqMUYNYDmtn7xgDY7CuSmYi60/s320/P1100509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All this years babies together (we think)<span id="goog_1361321588"></span><span id="goog_1361321589"></span></td></tr>
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<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-16687897332301036982012-05-02T13:02:00.000-06:002012-05-02T13:02:01.720-06:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Shields loves playgrounds! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Real Thing - Our First Crocodile Burger! Good! We Shared.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tires did look fun - takes the word playground back 20 years at home. Very Rustic!</td></tr>
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<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-46339378204266349382012-05-02T12:29:00.000-06:002012-05-02T12:29:25.020-06:00It's been an odd week or so. We have nearly all the reports for the Lusaka Area and are going to Kitwe this weekend to try to get all of theirs. That would be the first time since we got here that we were able to get them all in a fairly timely manner. Wow. Only 8 months. It would really be nice - But we won't hold our breath - this is Zambia.<br />
We decided to take a day and visit the local Kalimba Reptile Farm - filled with poisonous snakes and over one hundred (yes, 100 Crocodiles). We left about 9:30 a.m. - couldn't find any sensible directions on the internet as to how to get there - so we toured much of the land and got there about 12:30 p.m. - when we finally Asked many people where it was. It was worth the drive (they advertise about 20 km from Lusaka but no signs).<br />
We even got adventurous and had a Crocodile Burger for lunch - Elder Shields says if you put enough salt, pepper, ketchup, tomatoes, and onions on it - it's just fine. We split one just in case though. You would say it just tastes like Chicken. They have interesting snakes there too. They are poisonous and are often out in the village areas. We had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful sunny late fall day with a temperature of 25 degrees. Yes, it is really hard to take. <br />
We are going into winter soon and are looking at COLD (they tell us and their stores are filled with sweaters, winter coats, long pants, boots, etc.) for the freezing 18-20 degrees celsius that we'll be experiencing for winter. The problem is, we have been feeling cold too. It makes us wonder what it will be like when we get back to Canada. Got lots of time to think about that one. <br />
Today we went to the chapel to meet with one of our special Seminary Teachers - Aggie. It is her birthday today - she turned 27 -Cake Time - and a song - she is a returned missionary who has taught these same seminary kids for the last 3 years and they love her. They meet 3 days a week - because They have asked to - she works, is just finishing a degree in social work, teaches seminary 3 days a week, teaches the same kids in Sunday School, teaches Relief Society, leads the music, talks often, etc.<br />
They really work those who are willing. She loves the Gospel and is more than willing to help wherever she can. She is awesome.Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-76738791722697226032012-04-27T02:05:00.000-06:002012-04-27T02:05:10.319-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bananas Anyone! The top picture is how they REALLY grow - the bottom how you think they grow - and a mistake as well - only one picture should have been included but now I don't know how to eliminate one. Hmmm. We'll have to work on this.<br />
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These are the modern lawn mowers along the side of the road with very strong arms to MOW the short grass. They use a whipper with a sharp piece of metal on the end. It does keep lots of people busy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These grasshoppers have a very strong grip - there are a dozen or so on the car each morning and after a trip of 20 - 30 bumpy kilometers they are still very much attached with their little grippersElder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-7393780838547833642012-04-26T12:09:00.001-06:002012-04-26T12:09:05.250-06:00It has been another busy couple of weeks. We have been to the Copperbelt again and have had many opportunities for teaching, watching, and service of all kinds. We decided that we'd like to have the Elders in our area over for dinner so we had 6 of them come. It was so fun - they have such a great desire to do the Lord's will and to be good examples to us all, that it is hard to top the Elders. They really enjoy a balanced meal - something Nshima (ground maize/corn) doesn't provide and something their budgets don't allow much with the costs of food here being VERY high. <br />
The next day we drove to the Copperbelt. Sr. Padovich called (from Malawi, where she was) and asked if we could stop at the hospital in Ndola to see Elder Cook as he was having stomach problems. We checked with the Zone Leaders and went over to Luanshya and got them before we went to see Elder Cook. He got released the next day on condition that he come in each of the next 5 days and get a shot of antibiotics and take it easy for the week. A very hard thing for a good missionary to do. <br />
We were up there Fri afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning and accomplished much. The Branch that has been having some S & I issues, held an activity Saturday starting at 10 a.m. We were amazed that is was not what we thought an activity would be - each teacher bore their testimony, talked about how they loved Seminary and Institute, wanted the students to come, etc. It was great!<br />
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It was not over when we had to leave to go to Kitwe to meet with President Kabonso. The president was a little disappointed that the house he found was not suitable, but said he'd keep looking. We told the Lady whose lodge we stay in - Lowden Lodge - and her sister is involved in real estate and rentals so she said she'd call her - she did and now the Lookharts should be back tonight having taken care of that need. They rented 2 new flats. The Lord works continuously according to our faith and our works.<br />
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We visited Ndola branch on Sunday morning - partly so we could take Elder Cook back to the hospital for his first shot and make sure he was doing well. He seemed well when we left - it would be hard to be sick in a foreign country. Sure hope it doesn't happen to us. We are grateful for safety in travel on that 15 - 16 hours of driving, over 3 days - through the potholes - it is pretty scary at times.<br />
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South Africa have officially said that we need to see Temple Recommends to purchase temple clothing.<br />
Sister Akatekelelua (Teke) needed a little help in what to do with the policy change, how to let people know and who to let know A couple of people are working on their PEF applications and Elder Shields helped them with that while I worked in the store so it's all good.<br />
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We were sorry to hear about Uncle Frank (Anderson) this week but were grateful at the same time that he didn't have to linger in pain.<br />
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Hopefully the rest of you are doing well - We are grateful for your notes, skype, letters, and packages. We are grateful to Stacey for being the big bookkeeper at home - especially with it being tax season. THANKS to all of you for your efforts on our behalf. We were so grateful this conference to be able to see it all twice - to make up for last time when we couldn't get it. It was awesome - every session - even Priesthood. We do hope you were all able to listen to, and take heed, of the leaders of the church. <br />
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We have been invited again this weekend to do a branch in service meeting/lesson as they are calling new teachers. It is a challenge sometimes - because the teachers change - but the books, DVDs, etc. never come back - it's always we need more. It's a bit of a challenge to know how many you need for a year. The other little challenge is that they say class starts at 9:30 and actually if you are lucky it will start by 10 - 10:15, then the next one is to start at 10:40 and it may start by 11:15 - 11:30, and go for an hour to an hour and a half. What you think will be 2 - 2 1/2 hours ends up taking from 9 - 2 p.m easily - just like church. It's a cultural thing that needs worked on. It makes us a little frustrated as we value time (culturally), and it is why we are in Africa - to learn patience.<br />
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Keep Positive - Keep Safe. Know that Heavenly Father blesses those who live worthy and those who ask for his help. We Love Him and are grateful for the blessings he bestows on us. We know all we have comes from Him. Our love to each of you.<br />
<br />Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-54613788201695936582012-04-14T11:38:00.000-06:002012-04-14T11:38:43.584-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIacrdNvYFOshhB0he5iwII70hFIWYKfPJ6Wd0_3P1OMxEIyNHyw3yZCIuKXwudkSrehFKZefcKZQADX-VmLDCNLitVH8jn3MsxWMSRuGC6zfxDIWpgV5zGXOiNeFxN7W4rMDxEj1kT2w/s1600/P1100336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIacrdNvYFOshhB0he5iwII70hFIWYKfPJ6Wd0_3P1OMxEIyNHyw3yZCIuKXwudkSrehFKZefcKZQADX-VmLDCNLitVH8jn3MsxWMSRuGC6zfxDIWpgV5zGXOiNeFxN7W4rMDxEj1kT2w/s320/P1100336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Mom and Baby near the water - lots of others in area - Great Scenery<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9mqbKWxMEj5jtTV9R5wilejHPxyhQFOGQwli09xyIMWn4QbdiGAqWgoI8yCPqYW9G3icbCeJTXeESFrfFasZk3r0tfnmoVANaV37D8VCHf_69Sbx6IflWjjYnnUsQzvOkTB5anZ66vY/s1600/P1100351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9mqbKWxMEj5jtTV9R5wilejHPxyhQFOGQwli09xyIMWn4QbdiGAqWgoI8yCPqYW9G3icbCeJTXeESFrfFasZk3r0tfnmoVANaV37D8VCHf_69Sbx6IflWjjYnnUsQzvOkTB5anZ66vY/s320/P1100351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Impalas and Water Buck travel together<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jna-iChpa8a40K3qwcj-Q03PkTQj0nrzp_DnCRafROcRuR6lEdd3ONdmvteOK6qeZRsv_enlBOdu_Wfsb9hjBfPTKgUubTm57W4h5eRBZ5yo7CCDn1Wug7lFkccZP0PmDyngDjrQf2k/s1600/P1100360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jna-iChpa8a40K3qwcj-Q03PkTQj0nrzp_DnCRafROcRuR6lEdd3ONdmvteOK6qeZRsv_enlBOdu_Wfsb9hjBfPTKgUubTm57W4h5eRBZ5yo7CCDn1Wug7lFkccZP0PmDyngDjrQf2k/s320/P1100360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Water Buffalo and egret travel together - the birds like the bugs the buffalo stir up when feeding.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDO8RFPKo2jO92Ei_K1RWWxXiho2tBlgNyQG5dve8Gb0si4o-MFT37U9HBZE58Y8n70gbe073g1MPZbMUO7f6Klxiya_kywgstmZya8ZpRlT5dTX93hcoTripLgLmK0KlTcDi1RMfbmw/s1600/P1100372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDO8RFPKo2jO92Ei_K1RWWxXiho2tBlgNyQG5dve8Gb0si4o-MFT37U9HBZE58Y8n70gbe073g1MPZbMUO7f6Klxiya_kywgstmZya8ZpRlT5dTX93hcoTripLgLmK0KlTcDi1RMfbmw/s320/P1100372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Such a lovely 2 tonne beast - the Hippo - really can run quite fast (with grace)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawFpe58UNpQgdLiAT2a9QG0FaBq2pneVNVadhbkAgtE6DWIGOdNwDGJQccFBPflW7upC0CUW8S0zChCKejIYI4uqf_tmi1R3g7kvMTcID9y4BLcoHsK4OPRZNnUdzR3_cymVxfPXdra0/s1600/P1100258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawFpe58UNpQgdLiAT2a9QG0FaBq2pneVNVadhbkAgtE6DWIGOdNwDGJQccFBPflW7upC0CUW8S0zChCKejIYI4uqf_tmi1R3g7kvMTcID9y4BLcoHsK4OPRZNnUdzR3_cymVxfPXdra0/s320/P1100258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The hippos love the water and most that we saw were in the water - they were very playful - fun to watch.Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-2182026295739956442012-04-13T14:57:00.000-06:002012-04-13T14:57:23.047-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfHt1fPTh5R4aBeoObmXjfj5Y4cLx_Nrp2nV2umsJ_0sx0nCABKgryZhXFYgw2ri4hP8YB_DjUe1ke6ceIQXtvxDBXRh6l5FSqJn95cGeF8trUCtwc8SGx3IJ2usDWOamoYk3ssDAm8g/s1600/P1100241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfHt1fPTh5R4aBeoObmXjfj5Y4cLx_Nrp2nV2umsJ_0sx0nCABKgryZhXFYgw2ri4hP8YB_DjUe1ke6ceIQXtvxDBXRh6l5FSqJn95cGeF8trUCtwc8SGx3IJ2usDWOamoYk3ssDAm8g/s320/P1100241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The Pontoon boat across the Kafue River on the way to Kiambi Safari Lodge<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids1tpfy4Mw_P32AGT7mCyZzLPB2dQfLkDIFZlTaN4hi86xkiylp1DdPwWdP5cuKaWqmJCyibS7cCH6TIck4Me7P_IsRX-8-dEEWgkzbyw3jYZY7cwGaFxMNliK0mSDWCG-wNVlDEX3R8/s1600/P1100244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids1tpfy4Mw_P32AGT7mCyZzLPB2dQfLkDIFZlTaN4hi86xkiylp1DdPwWdP5cuKaWqmJCyibS7cCH6TIck4Me7P_IsRX-8-dEEWgkzbyw3jYZY7cwGaFxMNliK0mSDWCG-wNVlDEX3R8/s320/P1100244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The View off of our Deck -<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhZVfG1g80E-SgRAVR-xR_l1ClziTmBZCb0d52nB5GgovPh1iDvb5MGnJBJlNxZaku4RncEnLc6DCdKJuWCTycoorQLU_XUuUbrk8Ap2RojAUOKznEsdP8HsfUGsl7hV35ipNbO7SJfg/s1600/P1100245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhZVfG1g80E-SgRAVR-xR_l1ClziTmBZCb0d52nB5GgovPh1iDvb5MGnJBJlNxZaku4RncEnLc6DCdKJuWCTycoorQLU_XUuUbrk8Ap2RojAUOKznEsdP8HsfUGsl7hV35ipNbO7SJfg/s320/P1100245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Our Rustic Camping Tent - with thatched roof and all - we thought it was great<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6ATnJCS9NTTwerghVh0tnIVC_0Xbg3XXK8GIO42ZYQYVHD9I1VIpSxGA7KY-mN_r-tFrERCHWnF7lMQ6fJushqXEoOaXnTiqFB9WODvn2x_hcbN81JySSlPWXjy9ex2E_nwpV8vpmIc/s1600/P1100251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6ATnJCS9NTTwerghVh0tnIVC_0Xbg3XXK8GIO42ZYQYVHD9I1VIpSxGA7KY-mN_r-tFrERCHWnF7lMQ6fJushqXEoOaXnTiqFB9WODvn2x_hcbN81JySSlPWXjy9ex2E_nwpV8vpmIc/s320/P1100251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>These birds are called Bee Eaters - check out all the colors on them - beautiful birds - live in the dirt holesElder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-67069779056915350102012-04-13T14:30:00.000-06:002012-04-13T14:30:21.318-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lY9ICJbyGLSwp8wtYBZDQTN9TJmyXP_Lh_E9CCd0mCvDM2F8VjjKBd4LkurjIIlph7rTVrzCRFpYiU8ae1yqNOUHu_xBH6isUsMUip717h_YYteVLyL3DyCCfAZkR7co83W_OGUSd4g/s1600/P1100094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lY9ICJbyGLSwp8wtYBZDQTN9TJmyXP_Lh_E9CCd0mCvDM2F8VjjKBd4LkurjIIlph7rTVrzCRFpYiU8ae1yqNOUHu_xBH6isUsMUip717h_YYteVLyL3DyCCfAZkR7co83W_OGUSd4g/s320/P1100094.JPG" width="294" /></a></div> Kasonde and Esnart Ilunga Wedding Day March 31, 2012<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiP_GoqRqU74N7aq9Q6vDK_x9mQ5Pam3k1lV8Qv6nrPGNV6V29r-4WyCfYg1g-d7ytWlvxjKAo5dtDFytDsXh8QrJJ0I1aduC0n1gbm7SBO94U4V6BB1cqdiS1a0Aw7lP0fj0FAVnPDM/s1600/P1100148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiP_GoqRqU74N7aq9Q6vDK_x9mQ5Pam3k1lV8Qv6nrPGNV6V29r-4WyCfYg1g-d7ytWlvxjKAo5dtDFytDsXh8QrJJ0I1aduC0n1gbm7SBO94U4V6BB1cqdiS1a0Aw7lP0fj0FAVnPDM/s320/P1100148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Guests get to try their hand at dancing at the reception<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf1QOeZebW3wHAQU8GZa_fF2jG-x-d1h-Yfm9U-V0TL7Diqozh-vb471dFlDNaQcjEBHZ0773CPNXT_3YN8JAATBOv8wVegv-wVbW9OQyrLboIMjvUs5eeSu5T3GXlKzTZXnKOrvng50/s1600/P1100157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf1QOeZebW3wHAQU8GZa_fF2jG-x-d1h-Yfm9U-V0TL7Diqozh-vb471dFlDNaQcjEBHZ0773CPNXT_3YN8JAATBOv8wVegv-wVbW9OQyrLboIMjvUs5eeSu5T3GXlKzTZXnKOrvng50/s320/P1100157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Sr. Maureen Lumbuma, Sr. Berhane Kaluba, Sr. Patricia Shields at reception<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoOEUd5p1VhImiwCsYnNSYupIy7QIzfbmF2iUAbZwltehPm-wD8C_5r0KUOwMVBdd2JD4jwHaCc1Ply5DZ0utHcfCCSQHKR7ZWzOLiwzubwNlEhzr5VUMV0JRrh17U9HxBIxX9q4UHZM/s1600/P1100192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoOEUd5p1VhImiwCsYnNSYupIy7QIzfbmF2iUAbZwltehPm-wD8C_5r0KUOwMVBdd2JD4jwHaCc1Ply5DZ0utHcfCCSQHKR7ZWzOLiwzubwNlEhzr5VUMV0JRrh17U9HxBIxX9q4UHZM/s320/P1100192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> April 6, 2012 near Ndola, Copperbelt region - a 61 passenger bus crashed with a gas truck - result!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhIStgVCbXn_2wsD0Zsab807KjF28KhSERBIj3IzJ4DaLWrMH0D0B6SOsBLN2ooWDBRZ5jK94utw73myLG5Y-3sHMwCUQ7JF74sgwRx9z4TyHr9hREFjyLPuMPnN5RxJfes2OrGtL2RA/s1600/P1100193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhIStgVCbXn_2wsD0Zsab807KjF28KhSERBIj3IzJ4DaLWrMH0D0B6SOsBLN2ooWDBRZ5jK94utw73myLG5Y-3sHMwCUQ7JF74sgwRx9z4TyHr9hREFjyLPuMPnN5RxJfes2OrGtL2RA/s320/P1100193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is the Gas Truck - 3 inside cab died at scene - of the 61 on the bus above - only 2 died out of the 61. A Miracle.Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-62488926911563753192012-04-13T13:35:00.000-06:002012-04-13T13:35:32.638-06:00Dear Family and Friends,<br />
<br />
Time is flying by. We have been keeping trying to meet with all our teachers - we have been doing one on one in services (it seems to work quite well), and trying to visit the classes (both seminary and institute). We have been taking cinnamon rolls and Mazoe (an orange drink mix) to share with the classes we visit. They are always happy to see food (and sometimes even us). The teachers seem to always be prepared and happy to have extra voices in their classes - and yes, sometimes we do take over and do the teaching - or some segment of it which the teachers are thrilled about. We have very good teachers - most branches have done a great job of finding teachers who love the youth and are living worthy of being teachers of these elect youth and young adults. Example is just as important, or more so, than what you have to say. We have visited 3 institute and 2 seminary classes recently here in Lusaka and found that we have a problem in Luanshya (Copperbelt). We're working on it now and will go back up soon to see how it is being resolved. Everyone tries hard to get things back on track when they are pointed out to them. We love how they respond to suggestions to make things better. It makes you feel appreciated. Easter up there was great. We did find on this trip, though, that one branch has no Young Womens Manuals -?? None? We did take the Primary Sharing Time Booklet - we had Sr. Bullock send 5 from Malawi - she had extra - Zambia got None. Sometimes you do wonder if South Africa and Beyond remember that Zambia was made a mission last July. It will improve with time, we are sure. <br />
This week on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, Elder and Sister Lookhart picked us up and we took 3 days and drove about 4 hours (advertised as 2 - 2 1/2 hours) by truck to the Kiambi Safari Lodge to the south west near the Zimbabwe border to see what we could see. We were excited to see what they had in their region and to check out some of the Zambia scenery we hadn't taken time to see. What a Great Adventure. We were more than ecstatic when we finally arrived at the lodge - to find they did have running water and toilets in our huts - not outhouses. Imagine, we thought we were going camping, had accepted that as it would be o.k., to arrive and be shown our tents - yay, with outhouses In the tents. Very impressive. Our hut (tent), looked out over the Kafue River a short way downstream from where it meets the Zambezi River. It was very beautiful. We took a Sunset Cruise the afternoon we arrived and saw an elephant, lots of hippopotamuses, lots of cool birds (called Bee Eaters), and other kinds too. It was calm, about 27 degrees, and a beautiful sunset. On return, they set a formal dinner table, outside, just a little bit away from a fire (which is only lit to keep away a few mosquitos we think), and serve buffet style. The Food was very good, the service was great and we were more than happy to call it a day - as we had booked to go on a full day safari the next morning leaving at 9 a.m. We were told this was not the season to see much because the rainy season is not quite over, so we weren't sure what to expect. We however, were very pleasantly surprised the next a.m. to see many animals, birds, etc. We have taken a few pictures and will be adding them to this blog site. We found many herds of elephants - some families, some nursing babes, mostly quiet - not very loud. One of them acted like he was trying to hide from us by filling his trunk with sand and then blowing it over on his back as if to hide from us. It was fun! We did see them fill their trunks with water too, to drink and to spray themselves. We enjoyed watching them in Their Habitat instead of in the Zoo. We also ran into herds of Water Bucks (Deer), some running with the Impalas, some not, Water Buffalo (the locals say Not Water buffalo - just Buffalo, Elder says maybe 1,000 hippopotamuses or more, Eagles, Ospreys, Herons, Crocodiles - as soon as we headed the boat towards the shore that they were on they quickly went into the water to hide. We also saw many monkeys, baboons, goats, baby goats with their umbelical cords still attached (so new), and a variety of other things. Thursday was the Lookharts Anniversary (we were just tag alongs). It was a Great Trip. We enjoyed the trip and the opportunity to see more of Zambia (in case) we are actually sent off some time soon. If not, there are a few other sites we would like to see. The Mission President feels it is good for the couples to spend a few days (leave) every few months to keep their balance better. We like his thinking.<br />
We appreciate all your notes and letters. We appreciate your love and support while we are here. We are thankful for the opportunity to be here and to serve our Heavenly Father in any capacity. We know we are being blessed with health and strength while we are here and are grateful for our blessings. We pray for each of you, we love you, we are thankful to have been blessed to have you in our families, and our lives. May you continue to be blessed as you strive to live as He would have you live. <br />
<br />
Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Patricia and Burton, Elder and Sister ShieldsElder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-31656519599393206232012-03-27T02:48:00.000-06:002012-03-27T02:48:31.751-06:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewuHI9BH7-5UJL0r6VD-HpuZshKlR1KU2OzD8uk3MRhDrWIDn3y6ruwKo71cUrK1J5zFpSotf5s6QpLWlx_NPsXIEW7dLTTxv5Dl8EGdkXXOm48C7Di-G9IoSRimsiKNMufRMUQCSv-8/s1600/P1090974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewuHI9BH7-5UJL0r6VD-HpuZshKlR1KU2OzD8uk3MRhDrWIDn3y6ruwKo71cUrK1J5zFpSotf5s6QpLWlx_NPsXIEW7dLTTxv5Dl8EGdkXXOm48C7Di-G9IoSRimsiKNMufRMUQCSv-8/s200/P1090974.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Missing Rooster in the last Blog - he took off and did not return from my computer. Sorry!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Elder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004805083161883256.post-31879657105182327532012-03-27T02:26:00.000-06:002012-03-27T02:26:06.571-06:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Infamous Rooster - and the old story of you never hearing the train when you live near the tracks is not true with the Rooster - he has a 40 second delay and he goes all night every night.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBntcc4xvlRw8-MtAA42GAZ39AmqkxLyouN4v5RUyhEgcpJHmJBTWp-Bo8cwJc7esd5zbpWPS8NyWE0jaK68NX_qZSwMKBni0muUWNPvQOZ7J69bDoM4FzBjj77smW-GaXhTOLjnMDr1k/s1600/P1100032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBntcc4xvlRw8-MtAA42GAZ39AmqkxLyouN4v5RUyhEgcpJHmJBTWp-Bo8cwJc7esd5zbpWPS8NyWE0jaK68NX_qZSwMKBni0muUWNPvQOZ7J69bDoM4FzBjj77smW-GaXhTOLjnMDr1k/s320/P1100032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Woodlands Primary - they are a wonderful group of beautiful children and leaders too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33BIn3iAiEo2A64ZrD8cOjlUjQzBuwXFLBysikUmKjrPk-0ZGEcyAi65cVX2Jqh-gFfKkNDwk3LNmZVDSAuA0y3R0zqghArVpkQ7BnmcLpuTy1_dykLUwGn7uxxwRYXVMuOQn_N19M4I/s1600/P1090985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33BIn3iAiEo2A64ZrD8cOjlUjQzBuwXFLBysikUmKjrPk-0ZGEcyAi65cVX2Jqh-gFfKkNDwk3LNmZVDSAuA0y3R0zqghArVpkQ7BnmcLpuTy1_dykLUwGn7uxxwRYXVMuOQn_N19M4I/s320/P1090985.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johannesburg Temple - a Great Treat on the Visit </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKr6nw2pu3KLM3sWtJGD_1jbpgv7Bkzwhg7weCiw-wBiDIRHKXAznMtC8r7xiQGzp2RtAfZnfEUCgI7qyNRmwqdcqS2-QpPYxd62AkPQ2EHL2PPijsFLnmfsi_Ba4zmu0E7n1GCdzdFI/s1600/P1100073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKr6nw2pu3KLM3sWtJGD_1jbpgv7Bkzwhg7weCiw-wBiDIRHKXAznMtC8r7xiQGzp2RtAfZnfEUCgI7qyNRmwqdcqS2-QpPYxd62AkPQ2EHL2PPijsFLnmfsi_Ba4zmu0E7n1GCdzdFI/s320/P1100073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Chainama Branch Seminary Class - partially anyway, A Great Group of Young People, Missionaries and of course, Elder ShieldsElder and Sister Shieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062821848677284405noreply@blogger.com0