Letters 04/30/2012

April 30, 2012


The days have been getting faster as I continue to focus on the work. I haven't been as homesick as everyone told me I would be. I feel that I have hit the ground running, and this has helped me to stay focused thus far. We are struggling with several investigators not keeping commitments, but I have a feeling that a few of them will ponder deeply about such things this coming week. We had to chastise a few of them and  lead them to humble themselves. Our ward has over 600 members, but only around 100 are active. Most of our time is spent trying to reactivate these other 600, as well as establish more priesthood holders so that we can split the ward and build another chapel. The problem with most of them is the distance to the church. Most people do not have cars, and walking sucks. If they were committed, they would walk anyway, but I will not be the judge of that. The people are great, even if they don't care to hear our message...especially the drunks walking the streets after dark (there are tiny bars everywhere.) I'm beginning to pick up a few words here and there, but President Omer told me not to worry about learning more than simple greetings, responses, and statements. Most people in Daveyton speak Zulu and a few speak sutu, but they all speak English!  I have had to simplify my language exponentially, and I have to explain over and over again when I forget. 
     I have started somewhat of a workout routine, but I think I need to do more. I also need to start eating more than PB&J and oatmeal. They only gave me a portion of my allotment because I only spent half of the month infield, so I'm broke till tomorrow. My cupboards are bare, save the a fore mentioned meals. Elder Xaba and I are beginning to gel, but unfortunately everyone in our flat has been sick except for me. I have had to do most of the work and talking because of this, but things are getting easier and easier each day. I came here wanting to hit the ground running, and I believe that I have done just that. The old ladies, or Gogos, that are members still call me greenie anyway. 
    As I mentioned last week, the people are very poor. The houses and shacks are not insulated, and being that it is  winter (though it feels like spring to me,) the people have problems keeping warm. They burn wood and coal when they have it, but when they don't, they burn tires. Once the sun starts to go down, so does the capacity to breathe. Luckily we have the car every day except Sunday, so most of this can be filtered for a short period of time.
    On Sunday, we went to the YSA Branch where the Brigham Young University Young Embassadors came to visit. It was nice speaking with and being around Americans again. The work still goes forth, and I'm making lemonade out of the meager and often dainty lemons I'm given. All is well in South Africa...for now.

--Much Love,
Elder Jared William Davidson