Our very first Sunday in Zimbabwe, we drove an hour and a half to the Chegutu Branch where they needed me to play the piano. The chorister was "Sister Rachael", a spunky, "take charge" young single adult.
When Rachael was 15 her mother died, leaving Rachael and an older sister. Rachael's father decided to remarry and moved away, so Rachael and her older sister were now completely alone. To survive, they rented out their small house, all except for one room where the two sisters stayed. Rachael coped by getting very active in the Church. Besides being the chorister, she is the seminary teacher, and does anything else they need.
Rachael has a lovely singing voice and her goal is to sing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She has heard that they practice every Thursday evening, so every Thursday she practices singing so she can try out for the Choir some day. 🎶 This is such a good example of the determination that we see in many of the people here.
Rachael recently received her mission call. She will leave in December for the Mission Training Center in Ghana, and then on to Sierra Leone for her mission.
We have already talked about Gibson, our guide in the Bush. There is more to his story.
The movie Freetown was about six elders who miraculously got out of Liberia during a Civil War in the 1990's. Gibson was serving in Liberia in 2012, still part of the Sierra Leone Mission, when there was another uprising, a clash between students and the government. When the government soldiers started shooting anyone who looked like a student, Gibson and his companion were saved by a UN soldier with his own big gun and a large truck that drove the missionaries to safety. The UN soldier turned out to be a member of the Church, a returned missionary himself.
Gibson's father had multiple wives (without divorcing any of them), Gibson's mom being the 4th. His father did not do much to support the family, and when Gibson was 16, his father died. The first wife, somehow convinced a judge that all of his (the father's) possessions belonged to her, and so when Gibson was 17, a truck came to collect everything that was in their house. After that, Gibson, his 8 year old sister, and his mom slept on the floor and basically had nothing. Gibson took over the role of breadwinner and did whatever he could to earn money. He started with cleaning toilets and the boss was so impressed with his industry that he hired him to do other things. Later, he was offered money to go to school, and when he came back with the extra money and a receipt for the school costs, the owner of the company was amazed. He said that no one had ever returned money before. Gibson continued to be blessed because of his honesty, his hard work, and his service. Even though the economy here is terrible and most people are unemployed, he continues to be able to find work to support his family.
One of the Branch Presidents (and a part-time seminary teacher), President Rogers Makosa, is an excellent example of a good man who was blessed for just living his religion and following the programs of the Church.
Next to Rachel is Ruth, a young single adult, and also a seminary teacher. Her identical twin is the institute teacher. When we arrived at the branch on the day of the activity, we found Ruth in a hat and apron, almost finished with cleaning the church, all by herself. She does it every week, "because it needs to be done", she says. She is shy, quiet, sweet, and very unselfish-- completely unconcerned that no one helps her clean. Oh, and she is also the Family History Coordinator.
We have already talked about Gibson, our guide in the Bush. There is more to his story.
Gibson's father had multiple wives (without divorcing any of them), Gibson's mom being the 4th. His father did not do much to support the family, and when Gibson was 16, his father died. The first wife, somehow convinced a judge that all of his (the father's) possessions belonged to her, and so when Gibson was 17, a truck came to collect everything that was in their house. After that, Gibson, his 8 year old sister, and his mom slept on the floor and basically had nothing. Gibson took over the role of breadwinner and did whatever he could to earn money. He started with cleaning toilets and the boss was so impressed with his industry that he hired him to do other things. Later, he was offered money to go to school, and when he came back with the extra money and a receipt for the school costs, the owner of the company was amazed. He said that no one had ever returned money before. Gibson continued to be blessed because of his honesty, his hard work, and his service. Even though the economy here is terrible and most people are unemployed, he continues to be able to find work to support his family.
One of the Branch Presidents (and a part-time seminary teacher), President Rogers Makosa, is an excellent example of a good man who was blessed for just living his religion and following the programs of the Church.
President Makosa was a police officer in Harare (not the kind that pulls you over and extorts money, --more like a constable, but still poorly paid). When they have important parades in Zimbabwe they always begin it with a prayer service. A few years ago, an important parade was ready to begin. One of the country's Vice Presidents, VP Mnangagwa, was touring the parade. It was time to start the parade devotional but the Chaplain who normally conducted the service was not available. VP Mnangagwa did not want to start without the devotional and prayer and asked if there was someone else who could do it. President Makosa was able to step in. He conducted the service, and using his scriptures, gave a thought, then offered a prayer. The VP was quite impressed with the young police officer and wanted to know more about him. When the VP learned Rogers Makosa was a policeman and not a chaplain, the VP told him to "go see the person over chaplains", and "he will give you a station." When the commander over the chaplains asked him about qualifications, President Makosa explained that he'd graduated from four years of seminary, four years of institute, and had served a full-time mission for two years (and he had two diplomas and a ministerial certificate to prove it!) . The commander was so impressed that he gave President Makosa an important post as a chaplain, assigned to a big unit in Harare. (This story came through President Banda because President Makosa is very humble and doesn't talk about it.)
Rachael Mkandla, the quiet, unassuming lady on the left, is one of our seminary teachers. We visited her home on our first seminary class visit. She is the one who walked with her class for over an hour to come to our doctrinal mastery activity. About 5 years ago, Rachael was in the hospital, close to death (which is a common outcome for people who have to go to the hospital here, but I digress). With death approaching, she realized her life wasn't in order. She told God she would like some time to make things right, and that if He would grant that, she would do whatever He asked of her. She told God that He could take her later if He chose to, but she fervently prayed for a little more time. She survived the hospital and the issues that put her there (although her health is still not great) and was called to teach seminary. She felt completely overwhelmed and incapable, but obediently accepted because of her promise. I think because she is so humble, the Lord can use her as an instrument. She has a LOT of students, and they are doing great!
Next to Rachel is Ruth, a young single adult, and also a seminary teacher. Her identical twin is the institute teacher. When we arrived at the branch on the day of the activity, we found Ruth in a hat and apron, almost finished with cleaning the church, all by herself. She does it every week, "because it needs to be done", she says. She is shy, quiet, sweet, and very unselfish-- completely unconcerned that no one helps her clean. Oh, and she is also the Family History Coordinator.
Keeping with the seminary and institute category, meet Tawanda Jokonyia, an excellent seminary teacher. After our visit to Tawanda's early morning seminary class, we gave him a ride into downtown Harare where he works selling plastic bags. Prior to his early morning assignment, Tawanda would try to arrive in town by 6:00 AM to start selling and return home at night around 9:00 PM. A long day's work to earn a meager living. But he has a plan! He has almost reached his goal of $150 so he can buy a frozen dessert machine, adding on another $50 or $60 for the chemicals and flavorings (and this is after months of work). This will bring in more money (than selling plastic bags) and then hopefully he can go to school.
His determination also showed up in his mission. He had to wait a year for his mission call and another long wait for his visa. While waiting for the visa, he served for two transfers (12 weeks) in the Harare mission and then he served for 2 years in the Capetown, South Aftica mission. He is a wonderful, insightful teacher with broad gospel knowledge. We have never heard him complain.
This is Sister Muronge, an Institute teacher. Not one of our teachers, but she attends at the Stake Center where we have our office so we visit with her frequently. She has two children, both living and going to school in America. (We don't know what happened to her husband; we just know he's been gone for some years). A very talented woman, she holds an important position in her company, which (like most of the companies that are left in Zimbabwe) is currently struggling financially. She has been working for two years without a salary. She continues to go to work every day, hoping that soon things are going to turn around.
We wondered how she was surviving, but we found out another chapter of her story. Her mother died when she was very young, and her father died when she was 18. As the oldest of 9 children, she took over the role of mother. She worked and supported each one of her siblings. They all, with her help, graduated from college and have become successful. So, they are now in a position that they can help her if needed.
She is delightful! She takes piano lessons from Elder Selcho and she knows how to ride a motorcycle. She loves to tell us stories about visiting America. Her most dramatic adventure in America was having to drive through a Wyoming winter white-out blizzard! That's a terrifying experience for an African! Her favorite stories, she will proudly tell you, are about all the temples that she has visited (mostly when she was in America, and if we remember right it is 24 or 25). She LOVES going to the temple!
We wondered how she was surviving, but we found out another chapter of her story. Her mother died when she was very young, and her father died when she was 18. As the oldest of 9 children, she took over the role of mother. She worked and supported each one of her siblings. They all, with her help, graduated from college and have become successful. So, they are now in a position that they can help her if needed.
She is delightful! She takes piano lessons from Elder Selcho and she knows how to ride a motorcycle. She loves to tell us stories about visiting America. Her most dramatic adventure in America was having to drive through a Wyoming winter white-out blizzard! That's a terrifying experience for an African! Her favorite stories, she will proudly tell you, are about all the temples that she has visited (mostly when she was in America, and if we remember right it is 24 or 25). She LOVES going to the temple!
This is Shinga, a YSA and an aspiring chef. We had to go speak at a Youth Retreat for the Mbare 1st Ward in the Harare South Stake. At lunchtime, they brought us HUGE plates of food -- the staples: rice, potatoes, sadza (yes they eat these all together on the same plate), but also a good salad, and "stew"--the kind that goes with sadza. The Stew was really good and I went in to the kitchen of mostly older women, and asked who made the stew. The main cook, the one directing all the older women, was Shinga. And, she made the stew. I asked her where she learned to cook. She said: her grandmother, her mother, Google, and Food Network! 😁
These are a few of the youth and leaders at the Retreat. The requirements for the youth to attend the retreat were: have a personal interview with the Bishop, be working on Personal Progress for the girls, and Duty to God for the boys, be attending seminary regularly.
We did an activity with the youth where we put up about 35 different statements from prophets and apostles, and asked each youth to pick one that meant something to them personally -- and then a number of them spoke about why the statement was important to them. On the front row is a young man standing with a statement taped to his shirt.
He picked "Believe in yourself, and then live so as to reach your possibilities." by President Monson. He said he was going to wear it so he could always remember it and asked us to tape it on him.
A couple of other things to note:
Africa is in bloom right now! There are Jacaranda trees blooming everywhere and the ground is carpeted with lavender petals, like snow on the ground.
Africa is in bloom right now! There are Jacaranda trees blooming everywhere and the ground is carpeted with lavender petals, like snow on the ground.
These trees are huge. We love the twisty branches! This one is right in front of the little market where we buy food. But just picture these trees everywhere, mixed in with green and a few other blossoms. It really is a beautiful country!
This one is a little blurry, but I was standing on the median as the cars whizzed by me. This area, Milton Road is famous for the canopy of Jacarandas. It's gorgeous to drive through when the blossoms are full. But the trees canopy all over the countryside.
When the Jacarandas start losing their leaves, these orange trees start to bloom. While they are not as prolific as their lavender counterparts, they are still bright and gorgeous!
They are just starting to show up. We haven't figured out what they are called yet.
I think I might love this tree almost as much as the Jacaranda. This tree, called Frangipani, looks dead for much of the year, without even a single leaf. We would pass by this tree every day on the way to work and I would wonder why they weren't cutting the tree down. Then all of a sudden these blossoms start coming and they are like gorgeous little bouquets!
These blossoms, like bouquets, are about eight inches across, all over the tree. And the tree goes from looking dead to simply stunning! We didn't know the magic that was hiding inside this tree. I think there might be an object lesson here.
We have mentioned I think that I have been teaching piano here. I thought I would introduce you to my current students:
Eve - 8, on the left, and Elsie - 6, on the right. They are the daughters of the stake president of the Harare Stake. They are bright and very fun. Elsie, actually is the better pianist. They both attend a private girls school in Harare. They are the exception here. Most don't have the privileges that these girls do.
These are my "piano guys" in the Kadoma Branch, our two-hour-each-way trip on Sundays. The mission president has assigned us to this branch for support.
From the left: Innocence, 17; Allister, 18; Paddington, 17; Clemence, 16; Killian, 14. I love these boys!!! The Branch President wanted me to teach a large group but we capped it at 5. We have only one keyboard, so I made them each paper keyboards to practice on at home, and at the church when it is not their turn. They are taking their lessons very seriously!
From the left: Innocence, 17; Allister, 18; Paddington, 17; Clemence, 16; Killian, 14. I love these boys!!! The Branch President wanted me to teach a large group but we capped it at 5. We have only one keyboard, so I made them each paper keyboards to practice on at home, and at the church when it is not their turn. They are taking their lessons very seriously!
Fourteen year old Shmily Banda (our CES Coordinator's daughter) is the last student. She is eager to learn and has already mastered most of what I have given her. I mentioned in a previous post that she is an honor student at her school and a national junior champion in ping pong. (Yes, that is becoming a sport in Zimbabwe!)
I think I will end this blog post showing the delight of Elder Theurer when he managed to discover "American food" in Zimbabwe [or their best imitation]:
{No advertising intended . . .}
Only one "GEM" this blog post . . . .
This is long but powerful! (from Chad Webb in our S&I 2017 training):
"A significant element of faith is to learn to align our lives with the Lord's will. An experience from a young mother of three illustrates this:
This young mother was struggling with feeling that her prayers went unanswered, which caused her caused her to want to better understand prayer and why she wasn’t being blessed with relief. She learned from the Bible Dictionary that “we pray in Christ’s name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ. … We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ’s name at all; they in no way represent His mind but spring out of the selfishness of man’s heart.”
As always, we send our love and gratitude for friends, family, and prayers of support!
Elder and Sister Theurer
This is long but powerful! (from Chad Webb in our S&I 2017 training):
"A significant element of faith is to learn to align our lives with the Lord's will. An experience from a young mother of three illustrates this:
This young mother was struggling with feeling that her prayers went unanswered, which caused her caused her to want to better understand prayer and why she wasn’t being blessed with relief. She learned from the Bible Dictionary that “we pray in Christ’s name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ. … We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ’s name at all; they in no way represent His mind but spring out of the selfishness of man’s heart.”
So she decided to make a list of the things for which she had been
praying. By making this list, she realized that her prayers primarily
consisted of asking Heavenly Father for what she
wanted, which was for Him to change her circumstances. She then decided
to make another list, writing down those things that she was certain
Heavenly Father wanted for her. Of course the two lists were not
entirely incompatible—He loves us and wants us to be happy. But this
little exercise teaches an important truth. While she wanted to change
her circumstances, He wanted to change her.
So, she decided to adjust her approach to prayer in order to better align her will with Heavenly Father’s.
She wrote:
“I
came up with a little formula to help me in my prayers. It is simply
this—whenever you ask for something you want and you’re not totally sure
if it’s something God wants for you, tack on the phrase ‘but if not’
and then add something you’re sure God would want for you.
“For example: ‘[Heavenly Father], please help
me get some sleep tonight, but if not, help me to have enough energy to
be pleasant and hardworking anyway.’
‘[Heavenly
Father], please bless that I will be included in my group of friends,
but if not, even if I feel excluded, help me to be kind and generous.’”
She continued:
“I’ve tried this out for about a year now, and I can say my rate of prayer success has skyrocketed. …
“I
feel like I’m finally fulfilling the real purpose of prayer, which is
not to negotiate my desires, but to align myself with God. …
“An
unexpected benefit has been that I don’t fear hard situations or not
getting what I want nearly as much as I used to because I’ve seen and
felt God answer my prayers—both my desires and my ‘but if nots.’”
As always, we send our love and gratitude for friends, family, and prayers of support!
Elder and Sister Theurer
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ReplyDeleteSo great! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteSis Theurer: Thanks soooo much for sharing these stories - all were heart-warming and inspirational. You and Elder Theurer are most certainly blessing the lives of those you teach and befriend in Zimbabwe. I miss seeing your smiling face and getting to talk with you and Brian. I wish I could see you both, "BUT, IF NOT" now, hopefully later. I love you guys. Jim Dooley
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I loved all of it
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I love this! Almost as impressive as the stories is the work you're doing and the influence you're having on those humble people. They will remember you throughout eternity - and you'll come home with new eyes. Keep up the good work Elder and Sister Theurer!
ReplyDeleteI love this blog and miss you a TON!!Love you too!!❤❤❤❤
ReplyDelete