What a Great Month!
It seems we have been remiss at writing in this spot this month - however, most of you got a couple of updates during the month of what has been happening here in Lusaka, and around the country (this side). ("This side" and "the other side" are very common phrases here that people use when someone does not stay close to them - they stay "on the other side" or " yup, on this side". It takes a while to know what they are saying - and where they mean. We are getting on with our Nyinja learning, a little - because we will need to speak Chewa in Malawi. In Nyinja, we are able to say Muillo Buonge - hello, how are you - with the answer being bweeno - or fine. We have also learned thank you"" - zikomo or thank you very much"" - zikomo kwambili. A couple of great phrases to try to remember.
We have been busy this month and have reaped many many blessings for trying to do the Lord's will. If any of you are having challenges - this is the solution!!! As we are shown daily here, if we do our part, the Lord picks up the rest and the benefits and the outcome are truly wonderful miracles.
Old Testament is the Book of Study in Seminary and Institute this year and at first I thought (oh, no, this is not a book I've studied a lot - Elder either, he said. We have been doing most of our daily study from there and can truly say that we are learning and growing with the students.
We have had the opportunity to do many firsts this month - go to Jo'burg, dress the unembalmed, go to the hospital here (to take an Elder from next door), go to the Dentist (Elder), try individual in service lessons, help the young man who MAY take our place here (we're praying he gets the job), be addressed by our Area Presidency, be addressed by Elder Kelly Hawes (over S & I) via Skype, fixed dinner for a single mom with 14 children the elders wanted to take dinner to (it was her birthday), had 2 couples over for dinner and a visit (dishes are a challenge - and I don't want to buy more as we can't take them with us).
We are truly watched over and blessed Each and Every Day. Through prayer we have been reminded that we speak to the Savior, and through reading our scriptures, He speaks to us. What a power that can be to us.
Johannesburg is just a regular looking up to date city - we felt like we'd gone back to civilization. Lusaka is more "Original - as it has been for generations, in our minds. And we are not complaining about Lusaka, it is a beautiful City with beautiful people. We have learned to love and respect Many of them. We will miss them in changing countries.
We have another busy weekend coming up - starting Today actually. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are our busiest days. The others are preparation time, do errand time, housecleaning, laundry, you know, the usual things that just don't go away. This weekend we are going to do a party for Seminary in Chainama at 14:00 for about 20 or so. Then visit the Libala Branch's 9 a.m.Institute class and surprise them with Breakfast (could be up towards 30). I wish I had a rolling pin for the Cinnamon Buns (but taking it by air, on our move to Malawia, doesn't make me want to buy one here). We need to pick up our basketball, and our volleyball and net, etc. to take them to the Seminary party. We need to get prizes for the games, go to the Distribution Store for a bit, and if we get the chance, visit Matero's S & I and visit with the teacher (,Kasonde Ilunga), who getting married next weekend,and is our only teacher there. He is an awesome young man.
On Sunday we will visit a branch at 9 a.m. and then go to the Woodlands branch, at 11 AM, because we are going to have the Primary do a coloring activity for us to send back to Midnapore Ward Primary. Our primary children have sent us letters and pictures twice - we feel blessed. We thought we'd have the kids here do something to send back - with their picture. Hopefully this works. After that, we have been invited to a baptism of 3 young men - one 27, one 14, and I can't remember the age of the other, sorry. Most branches baptize 2-3 people every month or so. Most of them youth or young adults. Great people.
We took the Bauleni group some crayons and paper, etc. quite a few weeks ago and they had no idea what to do with them. I don't know what they do with their children here - but it is amazing - no food, no papers, books, anything, and they sit quietly through church every week. We haven't figured out the secret yet - maybe it is the Nshima they eat, but boy, they are good.
We know that as each of you live as you should, Blessings will be yours. We keep you all in our prayers and hope we are in yours. We look forward to hearing from you - we have received many letters from people in the ward (yes, mailed ones). It is Great - but emails are Great too.
We have less busy times, and then we think we must be being lazy.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Birthdays do go on even in Zambia. Elder Shields turned another year older last week. The BIG 70 - and he doesn't look a day older! We even found him a Chocolate Cake to eat - pricey - but hey, when that's your Birthday present, it's worth it. Oh, actually Elder got the privilege of checking out a Zambian Dentist - the tooth that had broken before and been put in by the orthodontist broke again and fell out. We took it with us and the Dentist put it back in - all went very well. She was trained in South Africa.
We were invited to the Lookharts for Burton's birthday dinner - it was great! We enjoyed the evening. Friday we went for another drive to the Copperbelt - this time we were able to get the majority of the reports we'd been trying to get. The members in the Copperbelt really feel they need a missionary couple up there to help with their branches. Some are SOO new to the church and put into leadership positions that they need help learning what is expected of them. They really feel the mantel of their callings - and they take it to heart. They are wonderful people, but can get overwhelmed with things when they don't have phones, computers, addresses, transportation, or helpers in many instances. What they do have is a Love of their Savior - and they recognize Him in their lives. We did go out to Kawama Branch on Saturday afternoon (the road doesn't exist really), to see how it was coming along - they are building a Chapel for them - they meet in an old house - that is all that is available in their compound. They are very excited to have a better place to meet - We then went on Sunday morning to visit Ndola branch - it was Fast Day! There were no pauses during the meeting and the testimonies born were wonderful. We felt very uplifted when we left. We are very blessed to be here to associate with these wonderful people.
Today we took the car in for an oil change - they called to say something is broken underneath - and we aren't the least bit surprised - the roads leave much to be desired. Elder does worry a lot about the car and the roads - the ruts are SOOO deep that we are hitting bottom too often - even at 1 KPH - It's good that it'll be fixed for the new person. We hear we are getting a Toyota Hilux in Malawi in place of our little Corolla. Gas wise, we'll probably miss the Corolla. Malawi is much hillier? (is that a word) than Zambia.
We are busy working on reports of all kinds, to have them Done before we go to J'berg next week for 4 days. We do need the car back to go to some of the branches and pick up reports to be able to enter them. We are able to do that (we have transportation), they do not and transport is expensive for them. A Big Challenge.
We've had a big shakeup of missionaries - 7 or so came over from Malawi to Zambia - and about the same went the other direction. So, it's kind of like everyone is getting used to a new area - some are better at that than others. The Work goes on - it's so rewarding to be part of it, even if our part seems quite small. We are grateful that we chose to come to Zambia to do the Lord's Work. We see his hand in our lives each and every day in the things we do and the choices we make. We know he protects and helps us to know what he wants us to do.
O.K. I was going to add some pictures of all of the above but just discovered that the camera is still in the Lookharts truck (they brought us back from the dealership). It will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon so I won't publish this yet.
To Whoever Reads This: BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE!
We were invited to the Lookharts for Burton's birthday dinner - it was great! We enjoyed the evening. Friday we went for another drive to the Copperbelt - this time we were able to get the majority of the reports we'd been trying to get. The members in the Copperbelt really feel they need a missionary couple up there to help with their branches. Some are SOO new to the church and put into leadership positions that they need help learning what is expected of them. They really feel the mantel of their callings - and they take it to heart. They are wonderful people, but can get overwhelmed with things when they don't have phones, computers, addresses, transportation, or helpers in many instances. What they do have is a Love of their Savior - and they recognize Him in their lives. We did go out to Kawama Branch on Saturday afternoon (the road doesn't exist really), to see how it was coming along - they are building a Chapel for them - they meet in an old house - that is all that is available in their compound. They are very excited to have a better place to meet - We then went on Sunday morning to visit Ndola branch - it was Fast Day! There were no pauses during the meeting and the testimonies born were wonderful. We felt very uplifted when we left. We are very blessed to be here to associate with these wonderful people.
Today we took the car in for an oil change - they called to say something is broken underneath - and we aren't the least bit surprised - the roads leave much to be desired. Elder does worry a lot about the car and the roads - the ruts are SOOO deep that we are hitting bottom too often - even at 1 KPH - It's good that it'll be fixed for the new person. We hear we are getting a Toyota Hilux in Malawi in place of our little Corolla. Gas wise, we'll probably miss the Corolla. Malawi is much hillier? (is that a word) than Zambia.
We are busy working on reports of all kinds, to have them Done before we go to J'berg next week for 4 days. We do need the car back to go to some of the branches and pick up reports to be able to enter them. We are able to do that (we have transportation), they do not and transport is expensive for them. A Big Challenge.
We've had a big shakeup of missionaries - 7 or so came over from Malawi to Zambia - and about the same went the other direction. So, it's kind of like everyone is getting used to a new area - some are better at that than others. The Work goes on - it's so rewarding to be part of it, even if our part seems quite small. We are grateful that we chose to come to Zambia to do the Lord's Work. We see his hand in our lives each and every day in the things we do and the choices we make. We know he protects and helps us to know what he wants us to do.
O.K. I was going to add some pictures of all of the above but just discovered that the camera is still in the Lookharts truck (they brought us back from the dealership). It will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon so I won't publish this yet.
To Whoever Reads This: BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE!
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.
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