Friday, February 24, 2012
The Chipolopolo's WIN - the Country is VERY EXCITED!!!
It's been an exciting few weeks for the country. The Chipolopolo's won the Africa Cup for Soccer. They were the underdogs all the way and that made the excitement rise even more. The final game was really an exciting one with no scores happening for either team until into overtime and then (about 1:30 in the morning here) the Chipolopolo's won (Chipolopolo means the Bullets). The City was very excited - lots of fireworks, horn honking and everyone taking the day off work to drive around in the backs of trucks singing, yelling, and just being excited. They had a parade of sorts when the team arrived at the airport and about 400 - 500,000 people lined the road to the airport (apparently all the way). The mission president had to go out to pick up our mission psychiatrist and wife who were sent to visit all of us - hmmm - he lives about 20 minutes away - it took him over 4 hours to get back with them. It was BUSY!
We have just spend 4 days up in the Copperbelt area - about 4-5 hours north of Lusaka (where we live). The roads need us to take our camera and a measuring tape (which we will do next week when we go back) to show how deep the potholes are - and how they are all over the road so swerving is not always an option. They have a saying in Zambia - if someone drives straight down the road - he/she is probably drunk. We had some great visits there last weekend and feel it would be good to keep it going while we are on a roll. The people are such great spirits - they just emulate Christ in everything they do. They struggle to survive but would give you anything they have - they are trying to be doers not just hearers. They are awesome - a great example to us continually. It's great to feel of their love for their Savior - and hear how deep their understanding is.
We have been the lead taxi driving team for our bosses - Khumbalani and Makasi - they have been here doing interviews for the position here (ours). We think they have had some good interviews and some prospects are promising so time will tell. They have been great teachers, examples, and leaders for S & I for many years and we learn much each time we visit with them. We appreciate that the church is in such good hands and that they are also humble men of God. It helps us to refocus our work to try to do what is expected in a more uplifting and spiritual way. What a Great Learning Curve. We are very blessed to be here. Some things here seem to take a long time to happen (even our Sunday meetings - think about going to church at 11 a.m. and actually starting (when you feel that there are enough people there) - maybe 11:30 or 11:40 - depends - but ending on time - so that talk you prepared - you may never have to give. We find we are here to learn patience. Hope we do sometime.
We know the Gospel is True. We love being here and feeling of the growth and spirit of Zambia. It is a choice spot to be and we are learning much. We hope we can also impart some knowledge and be of service to these great people. We appreciate all of you at home and want you to be the best you can be - we know that we are truly being blessed many times over while we are here - we hope that you also, are being blessed for us being here.
We love you all. Thanks for your notes and prayers.
Elder and Sister Shields, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Burton and Patricia
We have just spend 4 days up in the Copperbelt area - about 4-5 hours north of Lusaka (where we live). The roads need us to take our camera and a measuring tape (which we will do next week when we go back) to show how deep the potholes are - and how they are all over the road so swerving is not always an option. They have a saying in Zambia - if someone drives straight down the road - he/she is probably drunk. We had some great visits there last weekend and feel it would be good to keep it going while we are on a roll. The people are such great spirits - they just emulate Christ in everything they do. They struggle to survive but would give you anything they have - they are trying to be doers not just hearers. They are awesome - a great example to us continually. It's great to feel of their love for their Savior - and hear how deep their understanding is.
We have been the lead taxi driving team for our bosses - Khumbalani and Makasi - they have been here doing interviews for the position here (ours). We think they have had some good interviews and some prospects are promising so time will tell. They have been great teachers, examples, and leaders for S & I for many years and we learn much each time we visit with them. We appreciate that the church is in such good hands and that they are also humble men of God. It helps us to refocus our work to try to do what is expected in a more uplifting and spiritual way. What a Great Learning Curve. We are very blessed to be here. Some things here seem to take a long time to happen (even our Sunday meetings - think about going to church at 11 a.m. and actually starting (when you feel that there are enough people there) - maybe 11:30 or 11:40 - depends - but ending on time - so that talk you prepared - you may never have to give. We find we are here to learn patience. Hope we do sometime.
We know the Gospel is True. We love being here and feeling of the growth and spirit of Zambia. It is a choice spot to be and we are learning much. We hope we can also impart some knowledge and be of service to these great people. We appreciate all of you at home and want you to be the best you can be - we know that we are truly being blessed many times over while we are here - we hope that you also, are being blessed for us being here.
We love you all. Thanks for your notes and prayers.
Elder and Sister Shields, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Burton and Patricia
Friday, February 3, 2012
Since our last entry, we have made a trip to the Copperbelt region, mostly to Luanshya and Ndola. One of the Elders being transferred there, needed a ride (O'Neill), so he provided company for us. He was excited to be going there. We stayed in a house rented by the Mission, with another couple (the Lookharts-Office and renovation people). It is a little bit too rustic for us, but one can manage. We spent a lot of time sorting old Seminary and Institute materials and related materials (taking an inventory). Some is still usable, but a lot is not.
We did not have time nor access to deliver the out dated materials to the Branches, as they some times are happy to get it. The drive to the Copperbelt, is tedious and take 5 - 6 hours. Our main contact there spent most of the time doing other things, so we did not get as much done as we would have liked. One road back, is so full of deep and large potholes, that serious damage can occur if one is not extremely careful. A new Toyota Hilux 4 door truck went zooming by us and just as he pulled in front of us we noticed that something was dragging on the road from under his truck causing sparks to fly everywhere. A second later his left rear tire went off into the ditch, there was nothing we could do for him, so we slowly kept on going down the road. We see many of these car issues every week (it is never just a flat tire), it is usually a whole axle, or more.
We have spent the rest of the month, up to today, continuing to put in place classes, teachers, and materials. In addition, we had a visit from our supervisor President Makasi. He came to town and spent parts of two days training and holding meetings (which we arranged for him). We had him come to a seminary class one afternoon and he spoke at an Inservice meeting, a Branch leaders meeting and a Fireside for the youth. It was a busy day. He was a missionary here, 15 years ago and really enjoys coming back to visit people he helped bring into the Church.
Our latest news is that the Church wants to hire a full time Director/Coordinator for Zambia, which probably moves us to the country of Malawi, some time in the next few months (if they are successful in hiring someone). We can go wherever we are needed, but we have become quite settled here. The move should be to a new flat with a new truck.
Life never rests as we were contacted a few days ago about taking "Auditor" training. We had the Howells from South Africa, for parts of three days this week, trying to teach us about that future assignment. This assignment could continue in Malawi. Malawi does not have the Perpetual Education Loan program yet, so that might be one less job. We are getting close to finished with the current round of PEF renewals. Tomorrow, we start a new "Planning for Success" class though so there could be more students in a couple of months.
All in all, it has been a fast month - when you are busier, it goes quicker - right? We keep learning as we go so that is a great concept. It beats just getting older but not any wiser. We appreciate each of you at home and your efforts in keeping your families organized and on the right track. We have just read the Children's Friend (February Issue), and the New Era. What powerful magazines. They are not only good for the children but so good for us all. The messages are profound and TRUE. Enjoy them and think of the messages they are asking us to consider. We have planning meetings (with each other) almost every day here. It helps us focus on what is important over what we may want to do. I wish you could all be here in a month to help me throw a BIG birthday party for Dad, Burton, Grandpa. It is a big one - I think we'll have to make other arrangements and celebrate his 70th when he is 71. He thinks that's better anyway. Take care of yourselves. We love each and every one of you.
There are the most beautiful trees here - they all seem to have not just blossoms but big flowers of all colors on them - they are beautiful. We're going to attach a couple of flowers, and flowering trees. Also a picture of Aggie's Seminary class with President Makasi sitting near the back.
We did not have time nor access to deliver the out dated materials to the Branches, as they some times are happy to get it. The drive to the Copperbelt, is tedious and take 5 - 6 hours. Our main contact there spent most of the time doing other things, so we did not get as much done as we would have liked. One road back, is so full of deep and large potholes, that serious damage can occur if one is not extremely careful. A new Toyota Hilux 4 door truck went zooming by us and just as he pulled in front of us we noticed that something was dragging on the road from under his truck causing sparks to fly everywhere. A second later his left rear tire went off into the ditch, there was nothing we could do for him, so we slowly kept on going down the road. We see many of these car issues every week (it is never just a flat tire), it is usually a whole axle, or more.
We have spent the rest of the month, up to today, continuing to put in place classes, teachers, and materials. In addition, we had a visit from our supervisor President Makasi. He came to town and spent parts of two days training and holding meetings (which we arranged for him). We had him come to a seminary class one afternoon and he spoke at an Inservice meeting, a Branch leaders meeting and a Fireside for the youth. It was a busy day. He was a missionary here, 15 years ago and really enjoys coming back to visit people he helped bring into the Church.
Our latest news is that the Church wants to hire a full time Director/Coordinator for Zambia, which probably moves us to the country of Malawi, some time in the next few months (if they are successful in hiring someone). We can go wherever we are needed, but we have become quite settled here. The move should be to a new flat with a new truck.
Life never rests as we were contacted a few days ago about taking "Auditor" training. We had the Howells from South Africa, for parts of three days this week, trying to teach us about that future assignment. This assignment could continue in Malawi. Malawi does not have the Perpetual Education Loan program yet, so that might be one less job. We are getting close to finished with the current round of PEF renewals. Tomorrow, we start a new "Planning for Success" class though so there could be more students in a couple of months.
All in all, it has been a fast month - when you are busier, it goes quicker - right? We keep learning as we go so that is a great concept. It beats just getting older but not any wiser. We appreciate each of you at home and your efforts in keeping your families organized and on the right track. We have just read the Children's Friend (February Issue), and the New Era. What powerful magazines. They are not only good for the children but so good for us all. The messages are profound and TRUE. Enjoy them and think of the messages they are asking us to consider. We have planning meetings (with each other) almost every day here. It helps us focus on what is important over what we may want to do. I wish you could all be here in a month to help me throw a BIG birthday party for Dad, Burton, Grandpa. It is a big one - I think we'll have to make other arrangements and celebrate his 70th when he is 71. He thinks that's better anyway. Take care of yourselves. We love each and every one of you.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Sun just continues to Shine! Wow! We are enjoying it - and the fact that it is only about 28 - 30 degrees now so it is more livable - much more humid as well. Seminary and Institute are starting this week with 22 teachers that we know of - we're not sure how many exactly in the Copperbelt. They are really trying hard to take the classes to the people because history has shown how hard it is to get the people to the classes. We hope this works for them - they are so excited about studying the Old Testament this year. Many of them grew up with the Bible.
Elder and Sister Carl Cook of the First Quorum of 70 visited the Mission, starting here January2 and spending part of the week in Malawi. We had dinner with them and a good visit the first day and attended some of the leadership training meetings the next day. We know why he was called, what a powerful, spiritual man and woman. They truly love the Lord and are great at expressing it, and at teaching and instructing. The missionaries came from the Copperbelt and they had a great time buying things in the Distribution Store after the meeting (they don't have one up there). A Great Day! A Great Week.
We were invited to dinner with the Public Affairs couple (the Louthans) - we enjoyed a great stew and a great visit. We both have initials behind our names so the mission doesn't get to put us to work for them as much. We both do try to get involved in things as they come up - us at the Dist. centre and Sr. Louthan is starting to teach a few piano students at the church (that will be so good).
We also had 4 of the missionaries over on Sunday night - they prepared us dinner (Elder Mosika is from Kenya - and he was the major cook). He started from scratch and fixed chapati's for us all. It took a couple of hours to get it ready before we could eat - we were all quite hungry and the missionaries had had a great time eating the home made cookies until the other was ready. We were all filled to the brim and it was really GREAT.
Sunday at church at the main building (Lusaka Bldg.) we took a picture of the big truck that the orphanage brings to church. They have to rotate who is allowed to come as they can fit less than half at a time in the back. They are such good kids - and so cute. Hmmm, maybe we could bring one or two home. There was a lady, her daughter, and her mother here a few weeks ago, trying to adopt 4 of them (4 are from one family and their parents are deceased (AIDS). Her husband sent her to see what she could do. We haven't heard what the government has said about that yet. We are not supposed to let these things enter our minds but you can't not think about it when you see them -
We have also been very busy with the PEF student renewals and the first time students. Their schools don't like to issue their invoices any too early - so then we are scrambling because they do want the money quickly. Just more of life's challenges. We also spent two full days this week at the Distribution Center - Sr. Teke has ordered in way more stock than the center has room for and we are trying to logically find the items a home. It is a big challenge - not easy to overcome as she says she has two more orders outstanding still.
This week our boss President Tasara Makasi phoned to say that they feel they are ready to Hire a Full Time S & I Coordinator for Zambia and Malawi. They wanted us to post the position in all the buildings so we did. It will close January 31, 2012 with the job to start March 1, 2012 (if anyone qualifies for the job). This is what we are now doing is being the coordinators for Zambia - so that MIGHT leave us open to other opportunities - we'll just have to wait and see what happens. President Makasi asked if we'd be willing to go to Malawi -
We think of home often and pray for each of you in your daily lives and activities. We know our grandchildren are growing up so fast and once in a while, feel maybe we are missing some important things. We also know this is where our Heavenly Father wants us to be at this time and we are happy we are healthy enough to be able to answer the call. We hope we are setting a good example for each of you, that you will have a desire (way down the road) to serve missions of your own. We love each of you, you are great family and we appreciate all you do for us. Thanks for your example to us. Keep us in your prayers, the Gospel is True.
Love, the Parents, Grandparents, Sibling, Elder and Sister Shields (you get the message)
Elder and Sister Carl Cook of the First Quorum of 70 visited the Mission, starting here January2 and spending part of the week in Malawi. We had dinner with them and a good visit the first day and attended some of the leadership training meetings the next day. We know why he was called, what a powerful, spiritual man and woman. They truly love the Lord and are great at expressing it, and at teaching and instructing. The missionaries came from the Copperbelt and they had a great time buying things in the Distribution Store after the meeting (they don't have one up there). A Great Day! A Great Week.
We were invited to dinner with the Public Affairs couple (the Louthans) - we enjoyed a great stew and a great visit. We both have initials behind our names so the mission doesn't get to put us to work for them as much. We both do try to get involved in things as they come up - us at the Dist. centre and Sr. Louthan is starting to teach a few piano students at the church (that will be so good).
We also had 4 of the missionaries over on Sunday night - they prepared us dinner (Elder Mosika is from Kenya - and he was the major cook). He started from scratch and fixed chapati's for us all. It took a couple of hours to get it ready before we could eat - we were all quite hungry and the missionaries had had a great time eating the home made cookies until the other was ready. We were all filled to the brim and it was really GREAT.
Sunday at church at the main building (Lusaka Bldg.) we took a picture of the big truck that the orphanage brings to church. They have to rotate who is allowed to come as they can fit less than half at a time in the back. They are such good kids - and so cute. Hmmm, maybe we could bring one or two home. There was a lady, her daughter, and her mother here a few weeks ago, trying to adopt 4 of them (4 are from one family and their parents are deceased (AIDS). Her husband sent her to see what she could do. We haven't heard what the government has said about that yet. We are not supposed to let these things enter our minds but you can't not think about it when you see them -
We have also been very busy with the PEF student renewals and the first time students. Their schools don't like to issue their invoices any too early - so then we are scrambling because they do want the money quickly. Just more of life's challenges. We also spent two full days this week at the Distribution Center - Sr. Teke has ordered in way more stock than the center has room for and we are trying to logically find the items a home. It is a big challenge - not easy to overcome as she says she has two more orders outstanding still.
This week our boss President Tasara Makasi phoned to say that they feel they are ready to Hire a Full Time S & I Coordinator for Zambia and Malawi. They wanted us to post the position in all the buildings so we did. It will close January 31, 2012 with the job to start March 1, 2012 (if anyone qualifies for the job). This is what we are now doing is being the coordinators for Zambia - so that MIGHT leave us open to other opportunities - we'll just have to wait and see what happens. President Makasi asked if we'd be willing to go to Malawi -
We think of home often and pray for each of you in your daily lives and activities. We know our grandchildren are growing up so fast and once in a while, feel maybe we are missing some important things. We also know this is where our Heavenly Father wants us to be at this time and we are happy we are healthy enough to be able to answer the call. We hope we are setting a good example for each of you, that you will have a desire (way down the road) to serve missions of your own. We love each of you, you are great family and we appreciate all you do for us. Thanks for your example to us. Keep us in your prayers, the Gospel is True.
Love, the Parents, Grandparents, Sibling, Elder and Sister Shields (you get the message)
Monday, January 2, 2012
How Time Flies!!! January 2, 2012
Christmas has come and gone, so has New Years. The weather remains mostly hot, although today it is cooler. For a rainy season, we have not seen that much, although it did rain New Years Eve, but not enough to stop the fireworks. from going on. China still provides the fireworks. At the end of the New Years Eve Dance, the District President provided fireworks (with a little arm twisting for a financial contribution from Elder Shields and the Mission President). The young people and many adults were well entertained (by the fireworks in the Church yard) for more than 30 minutes. Because it had rained hard earlier and during the actual ignition of the fireworks, there was little danger of a fire.
Church services on Christmas Day were abbreviated to one hour. We still covered parts of three Branches and went to the Mission Home for dinner with the senior couples. One couple were away up North (in the Copper Belt) and one new couple, just arrived to do Public Affairs in our Mission and elsewhere, so there were 8 people present. We had been planning to have a New Years Eve dance for the YSA (Young Single Adults), but did not really get the final "go ahead" until December 26 in the afternoon (when we finally had verification of a budget). We had the Youth find a DJ (actually a member) and he turned our to be good. There were three of them with all the usual equipment. If we can get a picture to work, we will post one showing the hall, all set up.
The Mission was instructed not to do anything costly for the missionaries, so they were all invited to the Mission Home Christmas Eve for games and food. Many came dressed in African attire. Christmas day, the missionaries all came back for food and a movie "The Ultimate Gift". We took 4 Elders home afterwards to their flat, located in a very bad road area, which combined with the weight of the 4, caused us to hit bottom a few times, and traversing very deep pools of water in the roadway (normal when it rains).
Sister Shields talked the DJ into finding the music for a Chicken Dance, which was actually well enjoyed, not something they had heard or done before. She even found a rubber chicken as a prize. We had to gather up all the refreshments and get them served to a bunch of very hungry people, who probably had not eaten much for a while. We had at least 100 come, which to us was a great success. We had the usual "wall flowers" and people who really just came to visit and not dance. Our two young MCs, who had never done anything like that before did a great job.
On New Years day, after getting home the night before, well past "missionary curfew" we hit bottom at the Bauleni Group meeting, when only one member showed up. It was raining heavily and they are so poor, they do not have umbrellas. It was another dinner at the Mission Home for Senior couples, that concluded New Years Day. The fireworks went on all night and are still going on today.
We have been working on Perpetual Education Funding, but it slowed down over the Christmas break. They will realize shortly that they have more documents to provide, to get their loans to pay tuition in January, so we expect to be busier.
Christmas has come and gone, so has New Years. The weather remains mostly hot, although today it is cooler. For a rainy season, we have not seen that much, although it did rain New Years Eve, but not enough to stop the fireworks. from going on. China still provides the fireworks. At the end of the New Years Eve Dance, the District President provided fireworks (with a little arm twisting for a financial contribution from Elder Shields and the Mission President). The young people and many adults were well entertained (by the fireworks in the Church yard) for more than 30 minutes. Because it had rained hard earlier and during the actual ignition of the fireworks, there was little danger of a fire.
Church services on Christmas Day were abbreviated to one hour. We still covered parts of three Branches and went to the Mission Home for dinner with the senior couples. One couple were away up North (in the Copper Belt) and one new couple, just arrived to do Public Affairs in our Mission and elsewhere, so there were 8 people present. We had been planning to have a New Years Eve dance for the YSA (Young Single Adults), but did not really get the final "go ahead" until December 26 in the afternoon (when we finally had verification of a budget). We had the Youth find a DJ (actually a member) and he turned our to be good. There were three of them with all the usual equipment. If we can get a picture to work, we will post one showing the hall, all set up.
The Mission was instructed not to do anything costly for the missionaries, so they were all invited to the Mission Home Christmas Eve for games and food. Many came dressed in African attire. Christmas day, the missionaries all came back for food and a movie "The Ultimate Gift". We took 4 Elders home afterwards to their flat, located in a very bad road area, which combined with the weight of the 4, caused us to hit bottom a few times, and traversing very deep pools of water in the roadway (normal when it rains).
Sister Shields talked the DJ into finding the music for a Chicken Dance, which was actually well enjoyed, not something they had heard or done before. She even found a rubber chicken as a prize. We had to gather up all the refreshments and get them served to a bunch of very hungry people, who probably had not eaten much for a while. We had at least 100 come, which to us was a great success. We had the usual "wall flowers" and people who really just came to visit and not dance. Our two young MCs, who had never done anything like that before did a great job.
On New Years day, after getting home the night before, well past "missionary curfew" we hit bottom at the Bauleni Group meeting, when only one member showed up. It was raining heavily and they are so poor, they do not have umbrellas. It was another dinner at the Mission Home for Senior couples, that concluded New Years Day. The fireworks went on all night and are still going on today.
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