Transfer Week
Another six weeks has flown by and again it is time for transfers. I have no idea what is going to happen to me, it would be nice to see all of these great people get baptized but who knows what's going to happen. We will find out transfer news either tonight or tomorrow morning.
We had a pretty successful week, it was one of those weeks filled with teaching appointments all day every day. We were busy every day from 10 a.m to 9pm, talk about being exhausted at the end of the day. It has been cool to see all of our investigators who are planned for the 25th of September to keep commitments and progress towards their baptism date. Each new investigator we pick up we try and get them to understand our purpose and help them learn a little bit about our message, many times that can be tiring as well because you are exerting a different type of energy in missionary work. It's not necessarily physical labor as much as it is spiritual labor, you have to be in tune all the time with the spirit and that takes a completely different type of energy. That is one thing I am trying to master, and it takes a lot of practice. The better your spiritual work ethic is the more effective you will be as a missionary, some people can push their bodies to the limit with physical labor but it entirely different with more spiritual work. That is something I have been thinking and studying a little about this past week, I hope it makes some sense to you all.
Mom and Dad congratulations on the good news, I bet you are diligently looking at all the different houses in that area huh mom? Dad what does Pitney Bowes do again? I am glad that you are both happy with your soon to be move to Peachtree city, and anywhere you are is home so it doesn't really bother me at all. It's a good thing you have a relocation package as well, that will probably make things much easier for you. Keep me updated with all that is going on and with the house that you decide to buy.
Archibald's thank you for your letter this week! Addison sounds like you really enjoy the Violin, playing instruments and reading music will help you with your school work as well especially in math! Blake congrats on your tackle in your scrimmage, free safety was my favorite position to play in football because nobody can block you and you get lots of running room to make big hits :) And Brynli have a great time in pre-school and make lots of new friends!
Ariel thank you for those pictures, Ava really is a cute little girl and it seems like she has grown a bit as well. I really look forward to meeting her and letting her know who her favorite uncle is ha! I think those schools are all good, If any more come to mind I will let you know
Mom I have not yet received the package but I suspect that I will get it today, for P-day I think we are going to just hang around and probably eat lunch with the district.
Love you all,
Elder Nielsen
Showing posts with label Fish Hoek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fish Hoek. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Week 50: August 22, 2011
HellO!
The week was actually quite hectic, the day before helping hands we had zone training in Somerset West so the we were all over the place this week. Although we had a lot of times where we were out of the area we still rocked it up in the area and made some really good progress with some investigators and we are continually finding new people to teach, mostly Father led Families too. The people we meet with usually have a really strong desire to learn more and have a good faith in Jesus Christ. I found a lot of Joy introducing the Book of Mormon with some investigators this week as well, usually people are really shocked to learn that there is an additional book of scripture from a different part of the world. The investigators that I have seen throughout my mission who actually read from it find out the truth of our message and then they have the opportunity to pray about it and ask God specifically, and through the holy ghost they receive the answer that it is true. As preach my gospel teaches "nobody can learn spiritual truths without prayer" and if I might add, before the prayer must be some action taken such as reading or a certain experience.
I have also loved cross studying the words of the savior to his followers in Jerusalem in the Bible and his words to the Nephites in the Book of Mormon after his resurrection and ascension. It is interesting how the two compound on one another and both testify of the things that he taught, I sometimes wish I had a split quad so that I don't have to flip back and forth. I guess that is the upside to having the stick of Judah In one hand and the stick of Ephraim in the other (Ezk 37). It's cool to fulfill some ancient prophesies haha
Well today we were planning on going up table mountain which would be my second time but I think the weather has changed our minds about the idea, maybe next week. It would be cool to go up again and have a camera to take some pictures of the view and preserve some memories. Because of the weather though we will probably just play soccer again, you all know how much I love soccer :) hah oh well it's a bit of needed exercise.
I continue to pray that all of you will have a good week and enjoy the rest of your summer. I look forward to hearing from you next week.
Love,
Elder Nielsen
Oh Ariel what schools do you plan on sending an application for?
Labels:
Elder Mofammere,
Fish Hoek,
Investigators,
Somerset West,
zone training
Monday, August 15, 2011
Week 49: August 15, 2011
Still doing great
This picture is quite typical in the Township, these Momma's are about to cook up some pork! Mm YumYesterday I finally baked that birthday cake you sent me Mother, today I will share it with the district and it looks Delicious! Today for P-day we plan on playing some soccer again so maybe I can get some good exercise.
It was a good week, we really made good progress with some key investigators. We have scheduled two males in their thirties, one of which will complete a family and the other will be baptized with his wife on the 25th of Sept. I think I mentioned that last week or something to that effect so I will just share the experience we had with both of them.
We have been teaching a man named Steven Jacobs for the past couple of months or so, he is a guy who really commits to something when he feels the reasons are correct and he won't back out of a decision once he has made it. That kind of commitment in an investigator is great and missionaries love it, the only challenge with that is we really have to be on top of our game to get him to commit and live the principles we are teaching him. Yesterday we taught him and his wife the Word of Wisdom, which is the Lord's law of health giving guidance for all members of his church and investigators to stay away from certain harmful substances. Brother Steven has never had a problem with cigarettes, Drug abuse, or Alcohol, but he does enjoy his coffee or tea in the mornings. We taught him the principles or the Word of Wisdom and especially how our bodies are temples of God and that we should not be Dependent upon substances and let them govern our lives. He understood the things we taught him but we could tell that he was going to have a hard time giving up his coffee in the morning, we then expressed how much love heavenly father has for him and how through his help he would be able to give up coffee and tea. With some tears forming in his eyes he accepted the commitment to follow the Word of Wisdom. With almost every principle that we teach brother Stephen there is some apprehension but we always know that when he commits, he commits for real. As a missionary there are countless experience when I have noticed the hand of the Lord helping investigators submit their will to his, It is great to see positive changes in peoples lives and seeing them progress towards their eternal potential. I love being an instrument of the Lord as a missionary, it's the best.
Mom I think you are a little bit excited about the possibility of moving to Georgia, I'm sure I will hear from you next week and get a full update of all the things you have been up to. I know you don't necessarily look forward to another move but I guess you have got to go where the green is. Were you able to find my ACT scores for applications?
Mom I think you are a little bit excited about the possibility of moving to Georgia, I'm sure I will hear from you next week and get a full update of all the things you have been up to. I know you don't necessarily look forward to another move but I guess you have got to go where the green is. Were you able to find my ACT scores for applications?
Dad congratulations on being the final candidate for the Pitney Bowes job, sounds like there is quite a good chance of employment for you there and that is really exciting. I had a good laugh last week as you would love to hit golf balls on your Lunch Break Ha, didn't you even do that in Seattle anyways?
To everyone else good luck with all you do this week I always keep you in my prayers morning and night.
Love,
Elder Nielsen
Elder Nielsen
Labels:
baptisms,
Elder Mofammere,
Fish Hoek,
food,
teachings
Monday, August 8, 2011
Week 48: August 8, 2011
Hey family
The pictures I have attached are of an area located in the township named 'the wetlands'. basically it was a bunch of land that nobody was open so people just put up some shacks to live in. The first week I was here the wetlands were completely destroyed by fire, so all of these shacks have recently been built, that was a fun service opportunity.
The work here continues to go well, we unfortunately had to postpone a couple of our baptism dates from Aug 21 to sometime in September, probably around the 25th or so. If I am able to stay one more transfer here in Fish Hoek I will be able to see those people through, but who knows. The transfer ends on the 31st and with transfers you never know what is going to happen. Time will tell.
We continue to find Father led Families and progress them towards baptism, it's getting a bit difficult to remember all of the people we are teaching because there are just soo many! It has been amazing how we have been able to find so many people to teach. We had a cool experience with one of our investigators this week, we were inspired to teach her about Forgiveness of sin through repentance. She asked us a few questions about the actual process of repentance and when she understood a little bit more she burst into tears. It was a pretty spiritual and emotional lesson, we definitely felt the spirit and could tell that our message was going to help her in her life.
Today for P-day we don't have much planned, we are probably just going to hang out with the other members of our district and maybe play a little soccer. It will be fun and we will be able to relax a little bit today so that will be nice.
Good to hear about all of your weeks and I hope you all have good ones this upcoming week.
The pictures I have attached are of an area located in the township named 'the wetlands'. basically it was a bunch of land that nobody was open so people just put up some shacks to live in. The first week I was here the wetlands were completely destroyed by fire, so all of these shacks have recently been built, that was a fun service opportunity.
The work here continues to go well, we unfortunately had to postpone a couple of our baptism dates from Aug 21 to sometime in September, probably around the 25th or so. If I am able to stay one more transfer here in Fish Hoek I will be able to see those people through, but who knows. The transfer ends on the 31st and with transfers you never know what is going to happen. Time will tell.
We continue to find Father led Families and progress them towards baptism, it's getting a bit difficult to remember all of the people we are teaching because there are just soo many! It has been amazing how we have been able to find so many people to teach. We had a cool experience with one of our investigators this week, we were inspired to teach her about Forgiveness of sin through repentance. She asked us a few questions about the actual process of repentance and when she understood a little bit more she burst into tears. It was a pretty spiritual and emotional lesson, we definitely felt the spirit and could tell that our message was going to help her in her life.
Today for P-day we don't have much planned, we are probably just going to hang out with the other members of our district and maybe play a little soccer. It will be fun and we will be able to relax a little bit today so that will be nice.
Good to hear about all of your weeks and I hope you all have good ones this upcoming week.
Love,
Elder Nielsen
Elder Nielsen
Monday, August 1, 2011
Week 47: August 1, 2011
Great week
The first picture I have attached is at one of our members homes in Masiphumelele, they just live in a tiny tin shack, they are just really happy humble people. The second picture I took with a guy also in the township who had a Seattle T-shirt on, so I just had to take a picture with him.
I say it was a good week because we are continuing to fill up our teaching pool with Father-led families and people who are really seeking for the gospel. One of them is named Fazo, he also lives in a shack with his wife and young daughter, we met him street contacting and had a great first lesson with him and his wife. After teaching them a little bit about the Gospel of Jesus Christ we committed them to be baptized and they both said yes. Although they did not come to church this sunday we are optimistic with them and their potential, we shall see what comes of the appointment we have scheduled with them this week. With most people in the township most people will actually let us teach them in their homes, but they all don't necessarily have a very high commitment level. To make a longer story a little shorter, missionaries here really need the gift of discernment to decide who really will progress towards baptism and focus on them rather than spending time with someone who won't. You really get to learn how to prioritize every single little thing throughout your day, I think it is a really cool eternal principle.
Mom that house In Ga is pretty cool, and thank you so very much for sending out another package and mulah! :) I really don't miss any particular sweets or foods all that much, I am just enjoying the South African cuisine. Almost everyday this week I had rice with veggies and a boiled chicken Breast (boneless or course), it is kind of annoying how hard it is to find boneless meat here. The only store that I have found any at is called Pick 'n' Pay which is usually the store we shop at now. Colin congratulations on graduating from that course, you look really excited in that picture you posted, thank you for your continuing updates.
Adam and Emily thank you for the letter this week, Adam looks like you had a fun fishing trip! and Isaac is growing soo fast, wow. Addison what is the difference between playing the violin and fiddling? Hope you all have a wonderful week and enjoy the heat while it is still there
Love,
Elder Nielsen
Elder Nielsen
Monday, July 25, 2011
Week 46: July 25, 2011
Staying another one
The picture is yesterday's baptism of Busisiwe, probably one of the smartest investigators I have been able to teach while on mission. We had a cool experience this week with a man named Davidson. So what we usually do for finding is talk to all the people we see walking in Masiphumelele (the township in Fish Hoek, where most of our proselyting is done) and there are always a Lot of people moving around that place so there is no shortage. We met this man named Davidson and set up an appointment with him. When the day came that we were supposed to meet with him we were actually surprised he held true with the appointment (usually between the time we met the person and the scheduled appointment the people will just forget about the appointment so it was surprising to us). We could tell right away that He was sincere, and also his friend named George who was also present, and at one point in the lesson he used these words to describe his feelings about Jesus Christ and his Gospel "I just want to know the Truth". I had a little water coming up to my eyes when he said this and was overwhelmed with the spirit of missionary work. He accepted a baptism commitment, we are super excited about the area and the potential for growth.
Yeah we had a great time this week, we picked up some new investigators to really keep us busy throughout the next couple of weeks. Missionary work can correlate to the old power washing business, you have to continue putting fliers out, because not every flier will bite. The Flier in this example is of course talking to people about the gospel and inviting them to learn more about the Restoration of all things. If you don't do so, well you won't have much work to do Ha. The days are going by faster and faster, we are just busy all the day long.
The district did have some changes with transfers, Elder Fozard from England is still here and his companion is a little new out on mission from Twilla?, Utah. They are actually in a threesome with Elder Houston also from Utah, He is with them because he still hasn't gotten his Visa to go up to Namibia. This Transfer will almost mark a year for me in Cape Town, which I think is pretty unheard of throughout the Mission. I really like it here and really wouldn't mind if the Lord found another area around here that I could serve in Ha.
It was great to hear from you Brian, don't think you are weird for liking school that just means you are successful because you love the thing you decide to do for a living. That's pretty cool.
Hey Mom and Dad cascade Lake looks great! and man it looks really hot there. The last couple of days here it has been really windy which is really the only thing that will make you cold. If there was no wind the temperature would actually be pretty warm. And Uncle Kirt, kayaking is always something I have always wanted to get into a little bit more, is it a long and slim kayak for super speed or is it like a River Rapid Rocker thick and shorter? I am sure you will have your fun with that thing this summer.
Hey Mom and Dad cascade Lake looks great! and man it looks really hot there. The last couple of days here it has been really windy which is really the only thing that will make you cold. If there was no wind the temperature would actually be pretty warm. And Uncle Kirt, kayaking is always something I have always wanted to get into a little bit more, is it a long and slim kayak for super speed or is it like a River Rapid Rocker thick and shorter? I am sure you will have your fun with that thing this summer.
Oh and that picture that I sent last week was from the nice part of the township.
Anyways, until next week.
Love,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, July 18, 2011
Week 45: July 18, 2011
The picture attached is titled 'Marbles In The Street'. The rules to the game are pretty interesting, the picture was taken in the local township Masiphumelele.
Yes I received the birthday package you sent me, thank you so much. I really like the pillow case and I finally have some music, I am really happy about that! Also It's really great to have all of those encouraging messages on the pillow case from the Family.
This week was pretty good, yesterday we had a total of 10 investigators at sacrament meeting. The best part about it is that there are 2 father led families and 1 Part member family in the hopper for baptism. It will really be superb if there could be more families from the location in the branch, I have really been able to realize how important family's are. Without them there really is no personal progression for the eternities. Next Sunday we have a baptism set, I am just waiting for the phone call to see If I will still be here for it or not. This area has really been fruitful, so far it has been my most successful area that I have served in. I really love it here, most Elders actually say that Fish Hoek is and always will be their favorite area, if they had the pleasure to serve here.
I have a new favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon, Alma 26 love it, it directly applies to missionary work. I really love the two hours we have as missionaries to study each day.
Mom and Dad sounds like you are having to put your faith to the test, when do you have to be out of the rental? I am already confused enough when people ask me where I am from, I either say Idaho or Washington. You might as well move back to Peachtree city so I can have three options ha. That would be pretty interesting, I know you will make the best decision, just petition to the Lord and he will show you the way you must go. Golf carts anyone?
I love you all and enjoy getting updates of your lives, thank you so much.
Elder Nielsen
Yes I received the birthday package you sent me, thank you so much. I really like the pillow case and I finally have some music, I am really happy about that! Also It's really great to have all of those encouraging messages on the pillow case from the Family.
This week was pretty good, yesterday we had a total of 10 investigators at sacrament meeting. The best part about it is that there are 2 father led families and 1 Part member family in the hopper for baptism. It will really be superb if there could be more families from the location in the branch, I have really been able to realize how important family's are. Without them there really is no personal progression for the eternities. Next Sunday we have a baptism set, I am just waiting for the phone call to see If I will still be here for it or not. This area has really been fruitful, so far it has been my most successful area that I have served in. I really love it here, most Elders actually say that Fish Hoek is and always will be their favorite area, if they had the pleasure to serve here.
I have a new favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon, Alma 26 love it, it directly applies to missionary work. I really love the two hours we have as missionaries to study each day.
Mom and Dad sounds like you are having to put your faith to the test, when do you have to be out of the rental? I am already confused enough when people ask me where I am from, I either say Idaho or Washington. You might as well move back to Peachtree city so I can have three options ha. That would be pretty interesting, I know you will make the best decision, just petition to the Lord and he will show you the way you must go. Golf carts anyone?
I love you all and enjoy getting updates of your lives, thank you so much.
Elder Nielsen
Monday, July 4, 2011
Week 43: July 4, 2011
It would be cool to light off some fireworks for P-day but instead we are going to Cape Point, supposedly where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. I am not thoroughly convinced of that but maybe by the end of the day I will be.
Sister Smartt's Email was incredible thanks for allowing me to read it, what great experiences those are. And using 2 Nephi 29 on a stiff investigator that Awesome!
I have attached two pictures to this e-mail, the first is a road that runs along the Atlantic ocean in our area its called misty cliffs. The second picture is what I call 'camel', I thought I would have to at least send you guys a picture of some animals unique to Africa. Can you believe that I am in Africa?

Sister Smartt's Email was incredible thanks for allowing me to read it, what great experiences those are. And using 2 Nephi 29 on a stiff investigator that Awesome!
I have attached two pictures to this e-mail, the first is a road that runs along the Atlantic ocean in our area its called misty cliffs. The second picture is what I call 'camel', I thought I would have to at least send you guys a picture of some animals unique to Africa. Can you believe that I am in Africa?
It is really great to be out here serving the Lord, it truly is. There is probably no greater feeling a person can have when they know they are doing what they are supposed to, missionary work is satisfying in and indescribable way.
Sounds like everyone is going to have a hectic week, I wish you all good luck in all that you do and I will be keeping you in my prayers.
Love,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, June 27, 2011
Week 42: June 27, 2011
Hello Family and Friends,
I finally have attached some pictures for you all. The first is a picture of Fish Hoek from a hill top nearby, and the second is from yesterday's baptism. Sister Fridah was baptized by brother Dallyn Mclean a priest from the branch. We are having a whole bunch of success here in Fish Hoek. The missionary work is just booming, we are dead tired at the ending of each day.
I finally have attached some pictures for you all. The first is a picture of Fish Hoek from a hill top nearby, and the second is from yesterday's baptism. Sister Fridah was baptized by brother Dallyn Mclean a priest from the branch. We are having a whole bunch of success here in Fish Hoek. The missionary work is just booming, we are dead tired at the ending of each day.
This week President and Sister Probst leave for home and President and Sister Wood Arrive to replace them. On Friday we will have a Meet the President Zone meeting and will be able to have an interview with President and receive instruction from our Zone Leaders. Just this last week in our last meeting with President Probst, he told us of some of the changes that are happening in the missionary department. I won't go into all that great of detail but to keep it short missionary work is getting much more technologically advanced. It is a very exciting time to be out in the mission field, maybe not as comparable to the time PMG came out but still it is cool to see how much more effective we can be as missionaries doing the Lord's work.
Colin, it sounds like you have got a steep mountain to climb with doing what sounds like a crash course in aviation, I know you will do great because you love flying and when we do what we like we always succeed.
Ariel and Brian, I am sure you are loving waking up every couple of hours in the evenings, I continually pray that you will have a safe move and be able to adjust well into your new environment, take Luck!
To all my buds who are soon departing for their missions, especially Phil, good luck and cherish the time you have in the MTC.
Love you all,
Elder Nielsen
Labels:
baptisms,
Bro and Sis Probst,
Elder Mofammere,
Fish Hoek
Monday, June 20, 2011
Week 41: June 20, 2011
Wow How cool, just three days before my birthday. There is now a whole crew of family members with June Birthdays.
Congratulations Ariel and Brian how awesome, baby Ava looks super cute can't wait to meet her.
Not much new information from my side, this next week I will start sending attached to my E-mail the picture of the week, yes so you all will be able to get a glimpse into my week and really see some people that I see every day.
Sorry this E-mail is so short, once again Ariel and Brian congratulations that is so cool. And for mom and dad you are now Grand parents :) hah the day finally came!
Love you all,
Elder Nielsen
Congratulations Ariel and Brian how awesome, baby Ava looks super cute can't wait to meet her.
Not much new information from my side, this next week I will start sending attached to my E-mail the picture of the week, yes so you all will be able to get a glimpse into my week and really see some people that I see every day.
Sorry this E-mail is so short, once again Ariel and Brian congratulations that is so cool. And for mom and dad you are now Grand parents :) hah the day finally came!
Love you all,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, June 13, 2011
Week 40: June 13, 2011
Mom Happy Birthday and also Colin Happy Birthday, I'm sure you both had great days!
I think this was just one of those weeks that seem to drag on forever, Showing a new companion around the area makes for a one man show. Especially when you have confirmations the first Sunday of a transfer things just get complicated and it seems like a million people are asking you Questions either about the area or a Baptismal record. Whew but as always hard work pays off, the records are done and my companion is starting to learn the area.
To answer you Ariel, no I don't eat many things with ketchup but I have had a companion who liked to eat rice with ketchup, actually the companion I have now does the same. Needless to say we cook separately, Saturday I had some Mashed Taters with some curried vegetables underneath and some shredded chicken. I eat pretty well most of the time.
The Fish Hoek chapel yesterday had 103 people crammed into it, 10 of which were investigators. It's always nice to see people you teach come to church, it shows us that they are actually serious and throughout the coming week we enjoy following up on them. Apparently the Fish Hoek branch a couple of months ago would average about 60-70 people each Sunday. There have been a number of families that have moved in and increased the number drastically, it's really exciting to see such great attendance and to see a branch almost look like a ward, at least in the small chapel we have here.
For my B-day on Thursday our district is planning on going to a pizza joint called Panorotti's and on Thursdays they do all you can eat pizza, so I am pretty pumped for that. My last birthday doesn't really seem like a year ago, but as I think of all the things that have came to pass since that time it makes sense.
For Colin I really don't have anything specific, maybe some socks I think my socks have a per-ma-stench going on. Ha no matter what I do with em. thanks man, continue to work hard and make the big bucks. That's smart of you to get ahead of the game for your aviation course.
Thank you all so much for writing me an e-mail, it means so much to have some things to read! Have a super-fabulous week!
Love,
Elder Nielsen
I think this was just one of those weeks that seem to drag on forever, Showing a new companion around the area makes for a one man show. Especially when you have confirmations the first Sunday of a transfer things just get complicated and it seems like a million people are asking you Questions either about the area or a Baptismal record. Whew but as always hard work pays off, the records are done and my companion is starting to learn the area.
To answer you Ariel, no I don't eat many things with ketchup but I have had a companion who liked to eat rice with ketchup, actually the companion I have now does the same. Needless to say we cook separately, Saturday I had some Mashed Taters with some curried vegetables underneath and some shredded chicken. I eat pretty well most of the time.
The Fish Hoek chapel yesterday had 103 people crammed into it, 10 of which were investigators. It's always nice to see people you teach come to church, it shows us that they are actually serious and throughout the coming week we enjoy following up on them. Apparently the Fish Hoek branch a couple of months ago would average about 60-70 people each Sunday. There have been a number of families that have moved in and increased the number drastically, it's really exciting to see such great attendance and to see a branch almost look like a ward, at least in the small chapel we have here.
For my B-day on Thursday our district is planning on going to a pizza joint called Panorotti's and on Thursdays they do all you can eat pizza, so I am pretty pumped for that. My last birthday doesn't really seem like a year ago, but as I think of all the things that have came to pass since that time it makes sense.
For Colin I really don't have anything specific, maybe some socks I think my socks have a per-ma-stench going on. Ha no matter what I do with em. thanks man, continue to work hard and make the big bucks. That's smart of you to get ahead of the game for your aviation course.
Thank you all so much for writing me an e-mail, it means so much to have some things to read! Have a super-fabulous week!
Love,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, June 6, 2011
Week 39: June 6, 2011
Transfer day this Wednesday, and I will be staying here in Fish Hoek and Elder Senyange is going to Mowbray. My new companion is Elder Mofammere from Lesotho, it's sad to see Senyange go out but he had been here for a long time so his time had run out. This place is just on fire with plenty of people to teach and prepare for Baptism so we have just been working super hard. I have come to find out that the words of Elder Holland are true, that the greatest secret of missionary work is 'work'.
I think it would be good to give you all my diet of current, usually in the morning I will have an apple covered in peanut butter and some oats with some Brown sugar. We have recently simplified things in the afternoon, we usually cook up a huge lunch probably consisting of Pap (maize meal) and some assorted veggies in a tomato like sauce. We eat as much as we can at lunch and have the leftovers for dinner. We really don't have much variety in our meals but we don't really care because we aren't here to eat.
I think it would be good to give you all my diet of current, usually in the morning I will have an apple covered in peanut butter and some oats with some Brown sugar. We have recently simplified things in the afternoon, we usually cook up a huge lunch probably consisting of Pap (maize meal) and some assorted veggies in a tomato like sauce. We eat as much as we can at lunch and have the leftovers for dinner. We really don't have much variety in our meals but we don't really care because we aren't here to eat.
Something interesting happened I think last week, as we were coming out of an appointment we saw an old bakkie (truck) back into our car and then drive off. My immediate reaction was unbelief and I just stood in shock until finally found my senses and jumped the fence of our investigators home and chased the Bakkie down a couple of stop streets later. As it turns out the driver was not insured which isn't illegal here. Anyways there is a little minutiae from my week.
Mom I am pretty sure I received my birthday package, was it the one with the sweaters, sweets and chow mein? and good luck with that job! I will for sure keep you in my prayers always. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, continue to work hard and pray harder.
Ariel you are getting a pretty big bump there, sounds like everything is working out perfectly timing wise funny thing how in our lives events line up in an almost perfect sequence of events.
Mom I am pretty sure I received my birthday package, was it the one with the sweaters, sweets and chow mein? and good luck with that job! I will for sure keep you in my prayers always. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, continue to work hard and pray harder.
Ariel you are getting a pretty big bump there, sounds like everything is working out perfectly timing wise funny thing how in our lives events line up in an almost perfect sequence of events.
Love you all,
Labels:
Elder Mofammere,
Elder Senyange,
Fish Hoek,
food
Monday, May 23, 2011
Week 37: May 23, 2011
How's it? Excuse the African way of saying Hello,
Thank you all for your letters and continuing support. This week was pretty good, yesterday we baptized two people from Masiphumelele the nearby township one named Susan Mushataganda and Ncebakazi. The program was great and the spirit was so strong as the talks were given as as the actual baptism took place. That makes seven baptisms so far on my mission, but that doesn't matter at all.
For mom, we stay in those apartment buildings just opposite of the sun valley mall, if that helps you at all on Google earth or whatever you used to check out Fishoek. The housing is nice, the only downside is that it has been a missionary boarding since the late nineties at least, so the cleanliness is not up to Hansen par ha-ha. But this morning we did some extensive cleaning and made some headway to getting it cleaner. we found some pretty cool novelty items left behind by other missionaries like a scrap tomato jar (basically just filled up with tomato juice and seeds) from Aug 2008, and no we didn't throw it out we just figured that since it had been around since then it wouldn't hurt to keep around a little longer. The area we are in is relatively safer than the whole of South Africa, in many ways Fishoek reminds me of Seattle because of the people who call it home, except with a SA twang which is awesome and I love it.
Other than the last mentioned, we have scheduled a baptism on June 5th so the work continues to progress and we are really excited about a couple of Investigators who we think have been prepared to receive this the Restored gospel. One is Nosphiwo who can has almost been reading The Book Of Mormon non-stop and is gaining more insights about Jesus Christ and his Gospel with every page she turns. Another is Busisiwe who is a good friend of a member and has been on a search for truth for a while now, and after reading the Restoration pamphlet told us that she too wanted us to teach her and baptize her.
In the MTC we were told that Africa was going to become like South America in terms of the strength of the church, except it would be quicker, and I can see that truly the land of Africa is making leaps and bounds in terms of growth. Many people are finding renewed strength and Faith in Jesus Christ by learning of the Restoration and in consequence the Book of Mormon the record of the 'other sheep' spoken of in John 10:16, who Christ visited after his resurrection. I'm really glad that I was called to serve here and I am really enjoying the time I have been given to do this great work.
Sabonyana,
Elder Nielsen
Thank you all for your letters and continuing support. This week was pretty good, yesterday we baptized two people from Masiphumelele the nearby township one named Susan Mushataganda and Ncebakazi. The program was great and the spirit was so strong as the talks were given as as the actual baptism took place. That makes seven baptisms so far on my mission, but that doesn't matter at all.
For mom, we stay in those apartment buildings just opposite of the sun valley mall, if that helps you at all on Google earth or whatever you used to check out Fishoek. The housing is nice, the only downside is that it has been a missionary boarding since the late nineties at least, so the cleanliness is not up to Hansen par ha-ha. But this morning we did some extensive cleaning and made some headway to getting it cleaner. we found some pretty cool novelty items left behind by other missionaries like a scrap tomato jar (basically just filled up with tomato juice and seeds) from Aug 2008, and no we didn't throw it out we just figured that since it had been around since then it wouldn't hurt to keep around a little longer. The area we are in is relatively safer than the whole of South Africa, in many ways Fishoek reminds me of Seattle because of the people who call it home, except with a SA twang which is awesome and I love it.
Other than the last mentioned, we have scheduled a baptism on June 5th so the work continues to progress and we are really excited about a couple of Investigators who we think have been prepared to receive this the Restored gospel. One is Nosphiwo who can has almost been reading The Book Of Mormon non-stop and is gaining more insights about Jesus Christ and his Gospel with every page she turns. Another is Busisiwe who is a good friend of a member and has been on a search for truth for a while now, and after reading the Restoration pamphlet told us that she too wanted us to teach her and baptize her.
In the MTC we were told that Africa was going to become like South America in terms of the strength of the church, except it would be quicker, and I can see that truly the land of Africa is making leaps and bounds in terms of growth. Many people are finding renewed strength and Faith in Jesus Christ by learning of the Restoration and in consequence the Book of Mormon the record of the 'other sheep' spoken of in John 10:16, who Christ visited after his resurrection. I'm really glad that I was called to serve here and I am really enjoying the time I have been given to do this great work.
Sabonyana,
Elder Nielsen
Monday, May 16, 2011
Week 36: May 16, 2011
Hello family and friends,
it is always good to hear from everyone, Colin and Mom thank you for your continuous letters to me. It is always nice to get caught up with you and your happenings in the past week. This week I had the opportunity of capturing the beauty of Fish Hoek and the many investigators that we have here. It seems like in this area there is a very small percentage of middle class, so either people are from the nice fancy houses on the mountains or beaches or they are from the townships.
Here in Fish Hoek there is a township named Masiphumelele which is where all of the shacks are at. The way these settlements start is first people get on a waiting list for a home provided by the government. so basically the government will build houses for people who don't have a home and provide electricity outhouses and spickets for them to get water. Basically these houses are cinder-block with a tin roof overhead sometimes they will have a proper roof but not always, and a cement floor. The people who don't live in these houses will build shacks around the homes and bum electricity from the nearest house. It is pretty interesting to be walking around a township and see the different way of life that is found there, it's actually very nice for missionary work because during the day people are not in their shacks but are out on the street so we get to talk to lots of people without much effort at all.
We continue to prepare people for baptism here and are having a lot of success, the chapel on Sunday's is completely full and we are trying to figure out how to maneuver the chairs so we can fit more people in there. The members here are great and are really down to earth, and I am really enjoying the work.
Colin I can see you as the best venture scout adviser ever, man that is just what a teenage boy needs just someone who knows how to have fun outdoors and camping trips that turn into lasting memories for them, I am sure you will be able to magnify your calling with excellence. And Mom like I said on the phone I can really see you doing well in primary and helping those children learn and understand basic principles of the gospel.
Love you all,
Chase
it is always good to hear from everyone, Colin and Mom thank you for your continuous letters to me. It is always nice to get caught up with you and your happenings in the past week. This week I had the opportunity of capturing the beauty of Fish Hoek and the many investigators that we have here. It seems like in this area there is a very small percentage of middle class, so either people are from the nice fancy houses on the mountains or beaches or they are from the townships.
Here in Fish Hoek there is a township named Masiphumelele which is where all of the shacks are at. The way these settlements start is first people get on a waiting list for a home provided by the government. so basically the government will build houses for people who don't have a home and provide electricity outhouses and spickets for them to get water. Basically these houses are cinder-block with a tin roof overhead sometimes they will have a proper roof but not always, and a cement floor. The people who don't live in these houses will build shacks around the homes and bum electricity from the nearest house. It is pretty interesting to be walking around a township and see the different way of life that is found there, it's actually very nice for missionary work because during the day people are not in their shacks but are out on the street so we get to talk to lots of people without much effort at all.
We continue to prepare people for baptism here and are having a lot of success, the chapel on Sunday's is completely full and we are trying to figure out how to maneuver the chairs so we can fit more people in there. The members here are great and are really down to earth, and I am really enjoying the work.
Colin I can see you as the best venture scout adviser ever, man that is just what a teenage boy needs just someone who knows how to have fun outdoors and camping trips that turn into lasting memories for them, I am sure you will be able to magnify your calling with excellence. And Mom like I said on the phone I can really see you doing well in primary and helping those children learn and understand basic principles of the gospel.
Love you all,
Chase
Monday, May 2, 2011
Week 34: May 2, 2011
Yes my time in Bellville has come to a close and I am now serving in the Fish Hoek branch, It is really beautiful down here. It is the closest area to Cape Point, and with the move I am now in the Cape South Zone rather than Cape North. Many missionaries want to serve around Cape Town really bad so I am really lucky to have all this time down here.
This area is absolutely stunning, it makes me want to live next to the sea not Seattle close but actually right next to it. Not only is the physical area beautiful but the missionary work here is already booming, and my companion is Elder Senyange who is from Uganda and we are in the same transfer. He is awesome, just a hard worker and loves missionary work so we are going to have a lot of success and some fun as well. If you want to get an idea of what views I get to enjoy for the next 6 weeks at least just Google image "Chapmans peak".
I can't believe it is already May, look forward to the phone call on Sunday that will be nice. I plan on calling around 8 o'clock my time so you guys can do the math and hopefully you will be home from church by then. sorry I don't know what time it is for you guys because we don't use daylight savings and it is confusing my human mind.
Sounds like mom and dad might have to move? wow i just don't know what to tell people when they ask where I am from, for right now I will stick to Washington state, people here have a real complex and always think I am from DC. Oh well just pray for guidance and everything will work itself out just follow the spirit and the answer will be clear no matter how tough a decision it might be to decide to move again.
yes mom I did receive the package you sent, thank you so much for that it was awesome!
Sounds as though everybody else is doing well, continue to do so
Love you all, Elder Nielsen
This area is absolutely stunning, it makes me want to live next to the sea not Seattle close but actually right next to it. Not only is the physical area beautiful but the missionary work here is already booming, and my companion is Elder Senyange who is from Uganda and we are in the same transfer. He is awesome, just a hard worker and loves missionary work so we are going to have a lot of success and some fun as well. If you want to get an idea of what views I get to enjoy for the next 6 weeks at least just Google image "Chapmans peak".
I can't believe it is already May, look forward to the phone call on Sunday that will be nice. I plan on calling around 8 o'clock my time so you guys can do the math and hopefully you will be home from church by then. sorry I don't know what time it is for you guys because we don't use daylight savings and it is confusing my human mind.
Sounds like mom and dad might have to move? wow i just don't know what to tell people when they ask where I am from, for right now I will stick to Washington state, people here have a real complex and always think I am from DC. Oh well just pray for guidance and everything will work itself out just follow the spirit and the answer will be clear no matter how tough a decision it might be to decide to move again.
yes mom I did receive the package you sent, thank you so much for that it was awesome!
Sounds as though everybody else is doing well, continue to do so
Love you all, Elder Nielsen
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