Monday OCT 22nd

we were supposed to move in to our new boarding... but we didn't. so we kinda didn't do much. I regret that. hahaha

Tuesday OCT 23rd

Today was great. we tried to teach Mpho but her dad wasn't home so we rescheduled. we taught Landwe the first half of the restoration. Rebecca and Jane and so forth. good day. I'm tired. When we visited Landiwe she owns a tuck shop so people usually come and buy stuff during lessons. but this time a huge group of kids came to the front door and asked to see the white guy... so a group of about 15 kids came in and said hi:) they were cute! hahahaha

Wednesday OCT 24th

MOVING DAY. we finally got a new boarding in Virginia so now we don't have to drive 30 minutes to the area each day. we Don't have all our stuff yet so were gonna sleep in Riebeekstad one more night and then move the rest over tomorrow.

we were able to have an appointment with the Senoge family. Brother Pitso used to be a branch president and his son has served a mission, the others about to matriculate, and the youngest is 12, his name is chief. Chief hasn't been baptized yet. yes his dad is branch president and his son hasn't been baptized yet. Pitso doesn't push people to get baptized so his son never asked. Chief hasn't enjoyed missionaries in the passed and never wanted to take the discussions. However, on Sunday we stopped by to say goodbye to Brother Chaka, and Chief was playing Grand theft Auto. I was shocked. so I taught him all the Cheat codes I know and He lit up and was the happiest I've ever seen him. so happy that he had no problem when we asked if we could teach him! so today we did and it was great! He understood really well. He knew all the principles so when we put them all in order it all clicked for him! No he's excited to get baptized!

Thursday OCT 25th TWO YEARS A MISSIONARY

1st Thandeka the JW- she is very frustrating. When went to visit her today we brought Taphelo and she refused to let us go over the Restoration until we told her that Gods name is Jehovah. which it's not. So we asked "who created the Heavens and the Earth?" 

"Jehovah." she responded

we said yes then we read Hebrews 1:2 which says that The Son created it by the power of the father.

so we told her Jesus Christ is Jehovah the God of the old testament and she was very set on that not being true. so we read just a few verses down, Hebrews 1:8, and we asked why god refers to the Son as God. But the entire time she just kept making us mad telling us why we cant pray before we share a lesson so we read a verse in Luke 21:36 that says we should pray ALWAYS. she wasn't buying it. 

turns out she's not a Jehovah's witness but I think she's been taking their discussions and have been teaching her Loads of false doctrine. 

2nd Brother Mhlahlo- he's good. we asked if he could give sister Landiwe a ride to church we taught her on Tuesday and she said she wants to come for my final sunday on mission.

3rd Skhambani- YES.

4th Rebecca and Jane- they are doing great we taught them about the Word of Wisdom and they were happy. all good all good. they invited us on saturday for some traditional food so they can say goodbye:)

5th Boi.- the crazy culuh-d. she lives in welkom but heard that I'm leaving and requested to sign my journal. so we dropped it off and took a few pictures!

6th- dropped off Thapelo 

Friday OCT 26th TWO YEARS IN AFRICA

well I had to go pic up my journal from Boibelo before she left and then I went and looked at sotho blankets and we found the cheapest place to buy sotho blankets!!! I was excited so I bought one or two or four or six and you'll see them when I get home:)

we taught Landiwe today and finished the plan of salvation and she wants to come to church. I hope she can!

then we picked up thando senoge for a lesson, in which we got bunked. shame.

Saturday OCT 27th BORROWED TIME

today was very hot. and it was hard to stay motivated in the heat when everyone bunks you. eish. We worked hard and we followed up on a man we tracted in to named Stan. He's super cool! And we also taught Chief Senoge. He's excited about his baptism and wants to serve a mission! I told him to send me pictures and keep me updated on life! He's cool!

we also got our transfer news just now. I will be going home!!! Woop woop! and elder Zimunhu is going to get elder Jeri. He's so excited because they're from the same stake in Zimbabwe and Elder Jeri only has 6 weeks left so Zimunhu will stay for 12 weeks here!

Sunday OCT 28th FINAL SUNDAY

today was awesome!! some people signed my journal after church and we took tons of pictures!! it was awesome! and it was the primary presentation and it was adorable!!

I love this Branch and I'm really excited to hear when it becomes a ward and when Virginia becomes it's own branch as well:) 

Monday Oct 29th

plan to go to a game park and say goodbye to people.

and party it up!

Tuesday OCT 30th

pack up and hopefully go see leo!

Wednesday OCT 31st

Final interview with President Thompson

Final dinner at the mission home with the homies

Thursday NOV 1st

Im not sure about the morning but my plain leaves at 5:00.

Friday NOV 2nd

flying. I will be home at 12:00 Pacific time! WOOP WOOP!!

then I'll give ya'll your gifts and what not... Lunch at Taco Bell?

6:00 - meeting with stake president

7:00 - Banks Playoff game

Saturday NOV 3rd

racquetball or something in the morning! not sure what the plan is from there? 

Elder Merritt Signing off one last time! 

I love you:)

MORE PICTURES SOON!

Getting close to coming home!

Well... bad news.. we locked the keys in the boarding so were emailing while we wait for the locksmith.... he said he'd be here at 1.... now its 4... and he stopped picking up his phone... shame.

but \I love you all and \'ll email you next week.... and then only one more after that! :)

SO CLOSE!

Monday 8th - Sunday 14th

Well last week all of my stuff was deleted so that was a shame.. but either way I'll give you a quick summary.

General conference was AMAZING and Holland had too much Swag with those glasses. We've still been doing a lot of finding and teaching but where we work there's a High school and all the kids are in awe at the fact that a White kid is walking around the Township. they keep Yelling LEHOA, which means "White man". the other day I swear all of the community was chanting in sync "LE-HOO-AHH LE-HOO-AH LE-HOO-AH" as we were walking in to an appointment. Even when we were in the house teaching we could all still hear everyone yelling! I couldn't stop laughing! Sotho's are crazy!

However, last week we bought a Skhambani in the same area and while we were walking to the car the high schoolers all came back. It was a huge group of girls, so right away I was uncomfortable. but it gets WORSE. there was a gay kid in the midst of them and he stepped forward and started blowing kisses and sayin all this sotho stuff that I don't understand. Elder Zimunhu was laughing but I wanted to run. we stayed calm and continued to eat our skhambani's and ignored them... I thought they'd lose interest if I gave them zero recognition but they DIDN'T. This pack of girls and their gay captain followed me all the way to the car. 15 minutes of that awkwardness floated around us both. worst experience of my life.

Monday October 15th

well... today sucked. we got locked out of the boarding because I went to the car. I assumed Zim would grab the Keys and he thought I grabbed them so he locked us out. Shame.

so when we wanted to leave the Complex we didn't have the clicker... so we talked to the neighbours and they let us out... then the senior couples suggested we get a locksmith. so we went in to town and found a guy who knew a guy. we called the guy he knew and he said he'd be to our place at 1:00 15 minutes from the time we called him). so we hurried home and started to wait for him. luckily elder Nu'usa let me borrow his football so that kept Zim and I busy for a while... 1:00 went by.. then 1:30, 2:00, 2:30... so I called him again. He said to give him just 30 minutes and he'd be there. 3:00 went by, 3:30, 3:45, so I called him a thousand more times and he didn't answer. so we drove to an email shop and googled a better locksmith than this guy. we called the other locksmith and they were to our house in just 20 minutes!!! he was cool, opened right up and we were good to go!

but by then our day was basically finished...

Tuesday October 16th

today was nice, we had a few appointments. then we needed to drive Elder Macapella and Walker to Bethlehem because we have zone conference tomorrow and interviews with President tonight.

when we arrived at their boarding, we saw Elder Macapella standing there on the inside of the electric gate ith his hands in his pockets. so we yelled "open up". then he shrugged his arms and said "my companion has the gate key"

"Then go get him!!"

"He went to the store.." he responded, ".. to get medicine"

Powerful. elder Zimunhu slapped is forehead. that pretty much sums up their entire time being together this transfer... poor guys.

but we waited for walker to get back, I gave Macapella a muffin and took a few deep breaths. but it was all good.

we had a two hour car ride of listening to elder Macapella and Zimunhu talk about racism and I learned that elder Zimunhu does not like it when people have different opinions than him... plus he's super racist. Luckily I stayed out of it.

When we got to Bethlehem I mostly hung out wit Nu'usa and hyer. they are both amazing and we're good friends! then My interviews with President were pretty funny! haha he's a cool guy!

Wednesday (Final Zone Conference) October 17th

well Zone conference was really good! I was the last speaker and I gave a lesson about Adversity. Yo. It was a tough topic to speak about, just because it was super emotional. I didn't prepare too much.. My otes read "Bear testimony, James 3, don't cry"

but I cried so much. I'm not gonna Lie, it was the best talk I have personally given. that's not saying too much, I'm not too good at public speaking but still! I was happy. and sister Thompson gave me some really good complements:) she was crying too, which made me cry even more! dang it!

After Zone conference we played a quick game of football then I drove the PJ missionaries Home! so I stopped by and said goodbye to President Moeta and Lesego's family! I would've said by to more but time was short!

then we drove alllll the way home. It was just Zim, me and Ntaka. tomorrows our exchange with the AP's.

we almost died when a semi tried to pass another semi in front of us, but I've played Grand theft auto and Avoided it. all is well in Zion.

Thursday - Exchanges with Ntaka - October 18th

well well well. today was a typical day of teaching frustrating Jw's and pastors that want to bash. we found a HUGE marijuana plant in someone front yard and Ntaka ad I did the 2 liter Ice Cream challenge... we also both failed.

good day.

Saturday October 20th

well today was actually pretty good until a guy named Cosmo ticked me off! haha

we helped clean the chapel, then got distracted with a soccer ball that we found, then we went to a elder quorum activity/Braai it was dope. tons of meat.

that's where I met Cosmo, he used to be a powerful active member but now he says he doesn't believe in God. That's about when he starter talking nonsense and when I wanted to leave. but I'm happy he came

Sunday October 21st

well today Brother Beldin asked me to say goodbye to the Branch because Next week I won't be able to because it's the Primary Presentation. So I did:)

also, Tsepho (Babe's) Chaka is going to be out of town this week so I had to say Goodbye to him after church, we took some pictures and he Signed my journal. also he gave me a Super Nice Sweater That I saw him wearing a few weeks ago and complimented him on!!! He's super cool! I'm gonna miss his place!

One more week.

His Last Month

Monday

well In our District we are going to have Senior Sisters. Sister Mcaty and Dent. Currently they're being transferred from Lesotho to here, Welkom. They came by and brought us some stuff.Elder Zimunhu and I are living in their boarding right now while we wait for our boarding to be ready for us in Virginia. They only came for the day so they could sign some papers at the new place and then they drove back to Lesotho. we'll move in October 15th so that'll be nice.

Tuesday October 2nd

we tracted ALLL day and now I'm just exhausted. Then we picked up Brother Chaka and we went and visited Rebecca and Jane. turns out neither of them have been baptized and they've been coming to church for nearly a year! so we started with the restoration. they new a lot so it was easy to explain to them and they had good questions.

I also found out that Brother Chaka's name is Tsepho BABES Chaka. And he prefers to be called Babes. which makes me uncomfortable so I said I'd call him Tsepho, but he insisted otherwise.

Wednesday OCT 3rd

well today was nice! we worked with Tsepho Chaka. we taught a lot of those people that we met yesterday and then he introduced us to a bunch of people that he knows! a of them are very interested! and I think a handful of them might be Abel to come to church in Welkom! until our meeting place is ready!

Speaking of the meeting place we had one of the teachers at the Melloding Daycare center approach us and tell us that we can meet there whenever we want. More specifically, having church on Sundays. so now we have a location we just have to wait for the go ahead and President Thompson needs to talk with the area presidency about that I think? but hey, we've done our part so I'm Happy!

Thursday October 4th

well today was just another day in Paradise. Updated the Area book, did some finding, followed up on some people that we saw on tuesday and Picked up Brother Babes again and we visited Rebecca and Jane in the Evening. They taught US about the Plan of Salvation and then we explained more about temples:)

Then we dropped off babes and went to the President Gwiba's house, he's the branch President. He wasn't home so we waited for him for nearly an hour, and when he did show up we told him about where we're at in Virginia and it was like talking to a wall. then he just said "keep doing what youre doing" and then we left.

Friday October 5th, 2018

We taught Sister Emily again today (we found her tracting). she's the person that approached us while we were walking to our car and insisted that we pay her a visit. so Wednesday we did and this time we gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon and she Loved it:) then we got bunked by Andile so we went tracting and visited brother Mhlahlo. We tried working in town which is weird. I don't like ringing buzzers at peoples gates, but we did it and we found a few people that let us teach them Including a lady named Mpho who kept trying to bash with us by saying things that we believe in... Like she'd raise her voice and say "God and Jesus Christ are TWO people, but with the same ONE purpose". which was terrifying but then we had to keep saying good job that is true... which was very awkward.

we also got Skambhani's in town and while we were paying this guy came up to us and started preaching to us about how were all sinners because of Adam. and all this false nonsense stuff, but he was doing it trying to call us to repentance or something? but either way we kept saying "no thats not true.. we are punished for OUR sins not the sins of our Parents..." and all that fun stuff.

Saturday Oct 6th, 2018

We taught Emily, did a lot of finding, got sunburnt, then we got bunked.

At the ended the day we visited Brother Sediti. He's super cool. When I first met him I thought he was pretty bogus and gonna be one of those members that just says he goes to church but never does.. He wore a marijuana "one Love" Bob Marley tshirt and couldn't sit down for more than five minutes. He was Hilarious though!!! I like him a lot, turns out He's a High Councilman! then he shared with us some Deep Doctrine about the gathering of Israel! He's a smart guy!

  

Sunday Oct 7th, 2018

Today was nice. It was my last Fast Sunday on Mission. We're going to Watch General Conference next week because we Can't watch it live.

23rd Month in S. Africa

I'm Sorry, it's been a while and the computer We use in Virginia is kinda sketchy. I'd rather not risk losing all my pictures from my mission on my last 5 weeks or so. So.... until I find A better computer, you might just have to wait till I get home... We'll see how it  goes... I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Monday Sept 10th

well today was good. we were supposed to start transfer planning and moving missionaries but president Thompson said he's calling two new assistants. so we bought them bus tickets and are going to start tomorrow. But we played Monopoly with the entire district and I WON, the railroads helped me out for once!

 

Tuesday Sept 11th

Well I the two new assistants are Elder Ntaka and Elder Guymon! they're both Amazing! Today we started moving missionaries around and deciding their new areas, so far it's been great. President Thompson gave me Partially my news. He said that in the passed he had a missionary finish as an Assistant but it didn't go too well. Mostly because it's really stressful and it's not the same as regular missionary work. And personally I don't want to finish as an Assistant. I want to do REAL missionary work. so He called me in to his office and sat me down. we prayed then he asked how I'm doing, I said "Great." then he asked if I wanted to finish in the office, I said no. then he asked if I wanted to go back to Kwamashu or Phuthaditjhaba.. that was probably the hardest question of my life. I paused and thought for a while.. then I explained about Max, whos giving his fairwell talk next week. I told him that I easily could have requested to go home a transfer early and see him for a week before he left but something told me not to do that.. so I told him that I don't want my final transfer to be Vacation where I can sit back with My friends in K-smash and relax, personally I wouldn't do anything if I went back to either areas. He smiled and Said that he knew I would say that.. (I dont know how he thought I'd say that) then he explained about Virginia. Virginia is like the Banks of the mission. It's a small town famous for mining. 

A few months ago When I was serving in Rocklands I was working with The stake president, President Nyatshoba, and he was working on a plan to split the stake and we helped him a little bit. one of the plans he had was to create a New District. the District will include Welkom, Kroonstad and Phahameng.. and Virginia. However, Virginia has NOTHING. Virginia is about 30 minutes outside of Welkom (in Afrikaans the W is pronounced like a V). Virginia has only a handful of members, maybe 5? So President Thompson invited me to go and OPEN the area. so I'll stay another two weeks and then finish my mission Establishing th church in a small town with Elder Zimunhu.

Wednesday Sept 12th

Finalized our Transfer plans and started Logistics (How missionaries will get to their new areas with a companion and all their bags, Remember, NO CARS) this time its my turn. I want to go home.

Speaking of Going Home Elder Allen has been struggling and is going to go Home today, HONORABLY Because he's sick. but still sad. so we had lunch at Roco Mama's with President and took him to the air port.

 

Thursday Sept 13th

 Continued on Logistics, and had a few appointments.

Also, Siyabonga Passed his Baptismal interview and so did his son. so that was cool.

President also made a few small changes to the transfer board so i have to take a few steps back from Logistics and then continue..

Friday Sept 14th

continued with Logistics and had a few appointments.

the Mara Family are going o be baptized on Sunday so we visited them, they are so darn cool! Ismael and kethia are super super excited. and Lamine went out and got a job last weeks so he can start paying tithing, I think I already told you that, still cool though.

We also met with Susans and brother Shozi and we brought the stake president with us. Susan is the one that needs to be married and then she can be baptized, so we brought president Mhlongo, stake president of Durban, with us so he can help with their "Traditional Marriage problem". the thing is, They paid Lebola and all that fun stuff, but they never signed the paper telling South Africa that "YES" we are Married now. so convincing Baba that he needs to do that is hard. A few months ago President Thompson, Simayile, and Fullmer tired and failed. The thing is, last time they came in to HIS house, sat in his room with HIS children and HIS wife of 5 years and Said 'You are not married". Traditionally they should have been thrown out of the house. Imagine if someone said that to you. because traditionally they are 100% married. but they had one more step to do and they missed it. Soooo... yeah... it was complex and I mostly sat there and listened.

Saturday Sept 15th

Today I was glued to a computer trying to keep a positive attitude. I finished logistics late late tonight and I need to sleep. 

Sunday Sept 16th

well everything went well, The Mara family was baptized. They all bore their testimonies and the Spirit was felt.

Monday Sept 17th

we cheated. Elder Ntaka and I went and picked up elder Lahue because the Riese family in Amanzimtoti told heard that Iwas leaving Durban so they Baked TONS of MACARONI AND CHEESE. which is my favorite meal that they cooked when I served their 2 years ago!

Tuesday Sept 18th

Started moving missionaries around and also, the new missionaries came in. Honestly, we have a very.... UNIQUE? group of missionaries. Elder Wilson was cool and so is Elder Chen. Elder Chen is a Chinese Australian with A masters degree in Bio-Medicine or something crazy like that. he's extremely smart. the rest had their own unique qualities that made me happy I wasn't training. That was kinda mean but you weren't there.

Wednesday Sept 19th

I drove ALL OVER THE WORLD and BACK. from Durban bus station to Kwamashu, to Durban again, then to Kwamashu, then down the scarreist road ever to Molweni, to Hillcrest back to Pinetown, and then to Durban to Pinetown, etc. You probably have no idea how far any of those places are from each other, but it was transfer day so ALL of the Logistics I was doing last week went through and THEY WORKED!!!!!! Nothing completely terrib;e happened! I'm SHOCKED!

I even Had time to go to vic street with the departing missionaries.

Thursday Sept 20th

well at 4:00am We picked up missionaries at the bus station and last night I dint get to bed till 1:00am because we had to move some missionaries around to make sure they made the correct bus. But Today was the day that I said goodbye to Elder Fullmer, Lowe Harbertson, Harris, Hauck, Russell, and Phillips. it was pretty sad. they're all AMAZING Missionaries and when they stepped on the plain guess what... my group and I are officially the OLDEST missionaries in SADM. before they left I asked elder Lowe for some of his hair gel cause I'm out. next thing you know all the departing missionaries started giving me tons of free stuff! IT WAS AWESOME!!! It's nice to have friends that'll help you out.

later today we started MLC. it went well and president said some nice things but to be honest... I NEED SLEEP.

Friday Sept 21st

All day MLC.. Im not AP, or a Zone Leader so the only reason I'm here is because President wanted me to present some stuff and give a lesson. after that I went and slept in the back room. You know the picture of me at MLC looking super tired, that's cause I WAS Super tired. So after my part was done, I slept.

Saturday Sept 22nd

I'll admit... I didn't wake up on time today... and I showed Guymon and Ntaka around Durban, introduced them to Members and had some great lessons. I also stopped at Vic street and bought some more stuff for you guys. cause youre awesome. but the coolest thing happened today. 

We visited Siyabonga and his son, Amkelo. tomorrow they're going to be baptized by brother Bafo. but Last night Siyabonga had a dream In his dream I swear it was a Lehi dream and the coolest one in the world. talk about spiritual testimony builder....

He dreamed of his aunt who died a few years ago. He said he was wearing a suit and he was standing with a bunch of Priesthood holders and member of the church. He said he was having the time of his life partying it up with his two sons and his wife. then he saw his aunt but she was on the other side of a fence style thingy. she looked like she had been crying but She was happy now. the she called out to him from the other side of the fence and said, "It's my turn, I'm coming."

Yo While Siyabonga told the story I was crying and he was about to cry it was Crazy cool to hear him tell about how excited he is for the Durban temple and to bear testimony about how true the church is. I love this church.

Sunday Sept 23rd

Yep. all is well in Zion. Even though this ward looks like neopolitin Ice Cream. It' one of the happiest wards I ve been to that people love each other and are united in the right things. saying goodbye was really hard wit lots of tears. and the members wrote some really sweet things in my journal. I Love Durban.

Monday Sept 24th

well... It was heritage day... and I spent the day on a bus to Bethlehem. there was a lot of very pretty girls on that bus. and I was alone. it was nice. I think I passed the lords test.

then I arrived in Bethlehem and the Van Heerdens were supposed to pick me up... they were no where to be found... only for like an hour though.. Then they showed up and were like "OH NO howlong have you been waiting?" To calm them down I Lied and said "oh dont worry only like 5-10 minutes the bus just left now now" 

then we went and ate dinner at the Van DerLeeks. Brother Van DerLeek is the HUGE guy in Bethlehem, I skyped at his house for christmas last year. we ate a lot of aMaguenya and mince and also Jam. it was nice. then all 7 of us packed in to his Volkswagon bug. Elder Vanderleek weighs about 400 pounds (Literally) and we had a Samoan named Elder Nu'usa so it was a sight to see.

Tuesday Sept 25th

I drove with Elder Zimunhu to Welkom today. You heard me. We DROVE to Welkom today. when youre Friends with the CEO of DELL. Kip G Thompson, you get things done. he gave us permission to drive a car for my last transfer to help us learn the area and also, the boarding not ready for us. but hey, I GET A CAR!!! when we showed up to the boarding I felt like I walked in to the celestial kingdom it was so nice. for the next two weeks while we wait for our new boarding to be approved and signed for, we are staying in the senior sisters boarding while they stay in Lesotho. either way, we have a dryer and tons of closet space!! 

we picked up Welkom missionaries and helped find our feet in the new area!

we couldn't spend too much time in Virginia but we drove there today. Let me tell you something. I felt the spirit so strong when we entered. this area is going to explode soon. We have a ward directory so we went to the first member on the list, brother Tshepo Chaka. when we got to his house we met his family (not members but want to come to church) and gave hi grandmother a blessing because she was sick.

then we met brother Mhlahlo whos apparently the branch clerk. He's Awesome.

then we just got home and unpacked.

We talked with the Welkom Elders. Elder B. Walker and Makapella. they said we have a few YSA from Virginia that are excited to work with us. and that all of the Branch esspecially the ones in Virginia have been fasting and praying to recieve missionaries. 

Wednesday Sept 26th

well today was great. so right now all the people that stay in virginia are going to Church in welkom. the welkom missionaries have been.. Lets just say.. "Less than stellar". Welkom is excited to see missionaries that  leave the boarding and work. so when we stopped by to vthe chapel we met brother belton, who invited us over for dinner. he's a super nice gy with a big ol' beard. 

turns out we also have two sisters that have been attending church for a few years that havent been baptized. (Rebecca and Kate). 

We also called a family that we saw on the member record, The Hosiasshons. the father is said to be the most stubborn man in the world. His wife and family are all members but he isnt. He's been coming to church for years as well. Elder Maughan, who's in my group, served in Welkom early 2017. I was talking to him at MLC and he said that Brother Hosiasshon is... well... stubborn. Either way, they invited us over for dinner tomorrow. I'm excited to meet him.

Thursday Sept 27th

well turns out he's jewish and not interested in the gospel right now... we'll see how it goes! hahaha

Saturday Sept 29th

well this morning there was a Heritage talent show kinda thing at chuch so I got to meet some people! They seem really nice and they gave us some goooooddd food!:)

but so far we've been able to Identify 5 families and interested people so if we get a building/a meeting area/ classroom we would have roughly 12 people at church! I called president Nyathchoba and he asked how many would be Priesthood holders and there'd be 6.. then he said THATS A BRANCH. but not a very impressive branch. We've also been able to find 8 places that we need to talk to that have potential classrooms where we could do a cottage meeting on sundays. I'm Excited.  

Sunday Sept 30th

Today was strange.... we Went to church in Welkom and it was good. we had about 40 people at church and yo.. some of the girls in this branch are very... uhh.. friendly. I was backed in a corner a few times and Zimunhu kept saving me. And the rest of the branch is super nice and friendly too! they let us bare our testimonies and I really enjoyed that. I shared the example of how I went to Pinetown and how Elder Sala and I were given the duty of informing the ward that they would no longer have missionaries, and that Welkom is going to have FOUR now. so they should treat this as a sacred opportunity. I literally heard people saying "Amen." in the chapel, so that was new.

After that the speakers were interesting.. Ive never heard a sacramental talk about how we are going to be Gods one day.. so I can check that one off my bucket list. It still didn't beat Andile's Legendary talk in Phuthaditjhaba about the Law of chastity. that one was amazing. hahahaha

I also learned today to not let Elder ZImunhu talk about politics.... he can go for hourrrssss.... and He did. We visited a member today, the Moshoeshoe family and they kept talking and talking and talking... I may or may not have fallen asleep mentally.

Less than 50 days to finish the work

Well its currently sunday night September 2nd and I havent written in my journal in two weeks.... I regret this... this entry is probably gonna be boring but the sooner I get it done the sooner I can go to bed.

Monday Aug 20th, 2018

Went to Amanzimtoti, shopped at Macro, bought Bus tickets, helped do some stuff at the office.

Tuesday Aug 21st, 2018

well Siyabonga and Lilly were supposed to meet with president Mogaqa but a bunch of stuff got in the way, and Siyabonga is out of town for work... all good though!

we taught Talent, she's not as promising, she keeps telling us she's  going to china but I guess we'll see what happens with that. She Worships a false prophet in Malawi sooo... she didnt enjoy it when she heard that this is the only true church. She doesnt understand something so She's just missing something. once we find out what, she should be fine! but she doesnt want to listen, cant change that.

The Mara family and the Chabatas are both amazing! I love them to death! haha they both came to church and we taught the Mara family About the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we taught about The holy ghost Kethia stopped us in French and asked "so se le vwe, te ma showa?" Then they translated it and she asked "why didnt we get baptized when we first met you?" in a way of saying I WANT THIS!!! It was awesome!

and we taught the Chabata's about The book of Mormon! but we were able to go into depth with them whcich was nice!

Wednesday Aug 22nd, 2018

Good day.

Thursday Aug 23rd, 2018

I went on Exchnges with Elder Morales (Guatamala) and Elder Silva (Brazil). theyre both Young missionaries that speak spanish/Portugues. So they called me Elder Gringo all day. that was new.. memorable things from the exchange: I saw the biggest spider in the world!!! I think just about everyone bunked us. Walking in their area is really hard. It took us an Hour just to get to the township where they work. We met a family whos sons are named Mosiah and Ammon. there was a cliff that looked out over all of Inanda Dam, that's where all the traditional ladies and snagomas go and kill Albinos and Make Muthi... fun stuff. Great exchange!

Friday Aug 24th, 2018

We met with Our ward mission Leader, He's dope! he brought us a bunch of Meat pies and Chocolate cookie thingies! it was awesome!

then we spent the rest of the day in Caot Manor!

Saturday Aug 25th, 2018

We played soccer this morning in Preparation for our game against Pinetown! Lameen Mara came and so did Christian! it was awesome! theyre both super good!

later we went and taught Brother Lameen and he was so happy! he got to bond with all the men in the ward and loves soccer, but Christian was supposed to come with us but he said his legs were "Too F*d up." I guess we forgot to teach him about Language.

We taught the Chabatas The Plan of Slavation and the best thing happened Brother Knowledge and Sister Thandi Chabata GAVE US A RIDE HOME!!! it was great! I didn't have to walk! They're supper excited to continue learning about the gospel but theres a few things that they're not used to and they dont like that kind of stuff.. but theyre Willing. and Because they're willing, they're progressing! so thats awesome!

Sunday Aug 26th, 2018

GREAT DAY! pretty darn fun and we played some fun games at the Zuma family home Evening:)

Tuesday Aug 28th, 2018

we picked the Amanzimtoti elder for a doctors appointment which lasted a lot longer than I was expecting. After that we took elder Bir and Elder Russell to an Indian place (elder Bir is indian) and then I took elder Bir to an Appointment, Siyabonga and Lilly! we taught them about Lesson 3, The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

then President Thompson called us and told us to go to the Hospital to visit a member. the member had a harshy voice and I thought he smoked A LOT. but it turns out on his mission 8 years ago he got stabbed in the neck and now e talks like that. but We bought him some McDonalds.

Continued to teach the Maras and Chabatas.

Tuesday calls.

Wednesday Aug 29th, 2018

elder Da Silva told our District that we would have DDM at 9:30... elder Simayile told him"no were doing it at 9:00" so we changed it and everyone was there at 9:00... but Simayile didn't show up till 9:45... we work ticked.

I taught about teaching simply. same as MLC. pretty fun:)

we taught sister Susan at the hospital and she's excited about the gospel. She asks DEEP DOCTRINE QUESTIONS! Last time's question was "what matter is our spirit made out of?" so I get slightly intimidated when we teach her. This time she brought a friend for us to teach so that was fun:) the only reason Susan hasn't been baptized is because she's not married all the way yet. Her husband is super traditional and there's a few things that they're missing! We invited her and her fiance to come to Siyabonga and Lillie's Wedding next week Wednesday because they're just Signing the papers!:)

Thursday Aug 30th, 2018 - Exchanges in Richards Bay

I worked with Elder Allen and Elder Leishmen. I've worked with both of them before and I like them! haha Elder Allen Is hilarious! working in town was mostly ringing gate buzzers while getting barked at by dogs and Afrikaaners!

But I met some great people, some taxi driver payed for the taxi that we took which was nice:)

Saturday Sept 1st, 2018

SOCCER GAME.we played Pinetown and we won 4-2. Lameen came and so did Christian. they did great! Siyabonga came too but he showed up late.. still cool though! 

taught the Mara family about The Word of Wisdom. only one concern: Lameen drinks hot water with sugar and milk... he thought that was tea... so he was worried he has to stop. I told him it's not against any commandments, just kinda weird. then he died laughing!

And I was on exchanges with Elder Walkcer from England. he's cool:) We enjoyed walking everywhere, except our Bike was stolen from our Bakkie... so that sucks... Someone jimmied the canopy open, even though we locked it. Ushame.

Sunday Sept 2nd, 2018

Today was super strange.

Testimony meeting made me happy that not EVERYONE Came to church. A white lady stood up to bare her testimony and it started with "My son, whos in America right now, just had his first child..." I was happy for her and following well, but then she say that his baby Mamma had it for him because He's gay and how the church doesnt support him being gay.. it was super awkward. Bishops face was Priceless. then she told us how theyre now going to a new church that has a Gay Pastor where they baby can be Baptized. it was weird. and Not a testimony. But then sacrament meeting got worse when A drunk guy showed up and bore his testimony. it was crazy he was yelling in the mic and calling some people out, and when he started doing that The 1st councilor whispered in his ear to respectively stop talking and to sit down. Then the drunk guy finished up and as he walked back to his seat he continued to bear his testimony by saying "They took My shoe, they stole my shoes, I dont have shoes" then everyone looked down at his feet as he walked through the chapel and we realized he's in a dirty suit with an un-tucked shirt but is wearing one flip flop. "BUT I STILL CAME TO CHURCH." and when he said that, I realized he bore more testimony than the lady thats proud of her Gay son.

Susan came, siyabonga came, The Mara family (Plus Lameen brought a friend), and Khaya! I was happy! 

And we finished the day at the Zuma family. I love those guys! Fiona needed a blessing for exams and I taught about missionary work! we played a dice game where you have to roll a 6 and when you do you start writing 1,2,3,4... 100. and when you get to 100 you win. every time someone else rolls a 6 you take the pen. super fun!

Monday September 4th, 2018

Well today w  as great! except for Mpumelanga. the Missionaries there were robbed... That's my son, Elder Bennett. Poor Guy got robbed at a taxi rank at 11:30 in the morning!!! what the heck! there was people EVERYWHERE! The took his camera, Cards, Drivers License, Money, scriptures, His USBs, pretty much everything thats of value.. even the keys to his boarding! now, because they took his keys we Drove up to them and made copies for them. then I took Bennett to McDonald's and got him a Milkshake.. he was disappointed but I think it helped him out.

Tuesday September 4th, 2018

Well we had Zone Conference And I was just happy that I didn't have to stress about giving a talk or a lesson or anything. Just listen and take notes! it was nice!

Wednesday September 5th, 2018

Zulu's had their wedding!!!!!!!!!!! it was so great! a few people showed up and it was really sweet! theyre both super excited! and So am I!:) Siyabonga and his son should now be baptized on the 23rd of September:)

Friday September 7th, 2018

Regular working day..

The Mara family passed their baptismal interviews! it was cool they're excited to get baptized next sunday! :) I'll try and get pictures with them soon so you can all see them!

Saturday September 8th, 2018

we planned exchanges with Madadeni (5 hour drive) but we felt prompted not to go... so we didn't.. turns out the road we would have driven on had 10 car accidents in ONE DAY! President Thompson said it was raining like crazy... so we moved our P-day to today because on Monday we are going to be doing transfer stuff with President Thompson. so we went to a bafana bafana Game (South Africa's National team) at Moses Mabhida. they tied 0-0 which was disappointing... but on the bright side I got my pictures from elder Da Silva from the sharks game last Month!

it was nice! haha

Sunday

We walked to the Zumas for FHE as usual and it was a lot of fun... then we taxified home! (South Africa's Cheep Uber) 

church was great! a lot of people came 

A return date for my missionary and a lovely update

Drum roll please..... My boy will come home on November 2nd at noon. I am beyond happy! I was also so touched by his words this week. To know that he LOVES his mission and sees miracles and tender mercies each day, is all I wanted. My heart is so full of appreciation to those that have touched his life, love for him and those who have cared for him, and joy after reading the update for this week. It is exactly what I hoped for him!

Mitchell Thomas Merritt
to me, Josh, mary, Max, Megan, Ariel, Cody

Well, I forgot to write in my journal all week so I'll give you a brief overview of what happened....

miracles, Miracles, miracles. 

Monday- we met went to a sharks game (pictures next week). we met a man named Garet on our way to buy tickets... i thought he said Merritt, so i told him that was my name too... then he said DONT LIE TO ME! and I was like Why would i lie about that? He said "your names Garet too?" I was confused but intimidated and scared to say that I misheard him so I embraced the lie... I know it's wrong, but you didnt see the guy! he was older slightyly out of shape Afrikaans man wearing a full sweatshirt jumpsuit, like Will Farrell in Kicking and screaming... but due to my confused lie he gave us SIX FREE TICKETS because his friends never showed up! so tat was a miracle*

Tuesday- MLC. everything went well! I taught a lesson about teaching Simply so in doing so, I taught simply. it was fun and we played a game! then sister Thompson called me and asked if she could do the same game in Bloemfontein for Zone conference. it went really well.

Wednesday- Busy Busy Busy!!! Bunk Bunk Bunk...

we were with Elder Leichty and yo..... well... he's home now... eish.. 

Thursday-Elder sala and I did weekly planning, which was much needed. we set goals and analyzed where we are. to be honest. i am very excited to be here right now. We want to have 11 baptisms before i go home. which is high, but do-able. I am excited.

We met brother Siyabonga again today:) brother Robert has helped us out a lot along with Sister Naomi. Brother Robert referred us to Siyabonga, he is getting married on Wednesday so that he can get baptized on Sept 9th wit his son. They are so excited. sister Lilly is his Future wife and she's a member already!

Sister Naomi referred us to two families, the Chabata family (sister Faith, Thandi, and brother Knowledge all 35+yrs old and from Zimbabwe) she also referred us to the Mara Family (Lamine and his wife Kethia, and Ishmael they are from the Congo). they are planned to be baptized on the same day as Brother Siyabonga. and the chabata's 2 weeks later. I am so EXCITED pray that they continue to feast and read the book of Mormon!!!

the best part of my week though- I was so excited to see ALL of them come to church WITH THEIR KIDS TOO:) it was heart warming to see the excitement in their eyes! It's hard to explain but to see the spirit touch someone for the first time. it's unlike anything else. this church is true. Sunday was amazing. sister Susan came with her husband and kids, The Mara family, the Chabata Family, Siyabonga had work and he informed us earlier but his wife still came:) Im so happy to be serving in Berea and I hope the area continues to grow.

My favorite lesson of the week was with the Chabata Family- Our objective was to follow up on their book of Mormon reading, we gave them one the appointment previous. so when we met with them we asked "Did you read the book of Mormon?" and Faith shrugs a little bit and says " well.... I... Eish... its not the bible and..." Elder sala interrupts "whats bothering you?" 

"I have no idea who any of these people are???? Who's "Nepie" is it part of the bible? what is this book all about? I tired to read it.. but.. ugh" 

Then we started to explain. I think it was my favorite lesson explaining the book of Mormon by the end Sister Faith said, as she held the book of Mormon to her chest, "I need this. I need to read this. Thank you." Why was it succesful lesson? because they all asked Importnat Questions, not to disprove or to bash but to gain a stronger understanding. Why did they come with questions like that? Because their hearts were in the right spot. That is when I saw the spirit touch someones heart for what may have been the first time in their life... and that is my favorite part of mission.

the church is so true. Im so happy I came on mission... Also, you should read "Saints, the standard of truth" it's a book that the church wrote about church history! It's super good!

Also, one of our investigators, Brook was arrested for Attempted Murder because he was caught Stabbing someone (thats a big one)... so he's in jail right now. My question, Wheres the Proof? Lol. We went to visit him and....Eish, I dont want to go to jail. While we were there we met some nice people.  I sat next to Brother Ndlovu, turns out he's a member! I told him to prove it and he laughed then he proved it when he showed me a picture he drew of Joseph smith! i was impressed. But still....

Life in Durban

Monday 7-30-18

Well well well. Another P-day gone. we did a little bit of shopping and then we Started TRANSFERS!!!!!! We picked our Zone Leaders and our trainers for the upcoming transfer.

After Transfer Planning we Walked with Mandy to YSA where we got to visit and play games and share a lesson with the YSA. That was fun:)

Tuesday 7-31-18

We continued our Transfer planning. It looks Like a lot of people are going to move again, that's a shame. After Transfer Planning President took us to lunch at a classy Chinese place! it was delicious!!!! it had one of those spinning lazy Susan style things in the middle of the table with all the different kinds of food. I was Happy.

After Lunch we taught a Girl named Talent, all she wanted to do was Bible Bash so that wasn’t too fun. Then we got Bunked by Sicilia. So, we followed up on a bunch of people in Flamingo Complex and walked all the way to Christian... who also bunked us. But it was dark, so we just went to the office and did our Tuesday calls.

Wednesday 8-1-18

Today we did a lot more Transfer stuff. But President Thompson came up with the Idea of University Missionaries that work only on campus's. They’ll teach classrooms and Lead Discussions. Mostly in Bloemfontein, Durban, and PJ. But it sounds interesting.

We made good progress! then we Had DDM with Berea 2 and they did Transfer Predictions! That was funny to see! hahaha

We worked the rest of the day in our area, not much success, but were trying.

The we went back to the office and started Logistics.

Logistics is going to SUCK without a car. this is going to be stressful.

Thursday 8-2-18

We started the day, again, at the office. We finalized Transfers and It went Really well. A lot of changes were made by President, but I think it'll be a good transfer! He introduced University Missionaries (Elder Fullmer and Simayile). Their area will be the University campus! Our goal with them will be to teach classes and clubs and stuff. They'll serve at University of Free state in Bloemfontein and University of KZN in Durban. I was excited to have a desk and a dresser and a closet. But I guess I can do 3 more months with my bunk bed and cardboard boxes. shame.

Elder Sala and I are going to be the Only two AP's though... so that'll be cool. I’m excited to be comps with Elder Sala He's Awesome!

Him and I went and taught sister Emma and her son. Her son went to the Hospital because he touched the blade of a table saw. I don't know why he did that? But he said he regretted it as soon as he did it. poor guy. hahaha

Either way it's an awesome family! they should be baptized before I go! I'm excited to watch them progress!

Friday 8-3-18

Elder Simayile and I went tracting for like 4 hours this morning and he's done with this area. Frustrating. But we met some.... Interesting people. 2 Shembe's, A Muslim, 2 people from the Congo, and a few people studying. and Only one of them new about "Mormons" she said we were Amish.... so that was fun.

Also, I woke up this morning and I sound Like I'm addicted to cigarettes. My voice Sucks. but my throat doesn't hurt.... so thats kinda niceR... 

We also taught Sicilia, and the Mara Family (From the Congo) I love that family! they're very simple and sincere. They're excited to get baptized! We read Chapter one of the Book of Mormon in French! that was awesome!!! We usually teach and have Ishmael their Handicapped Nephew translate. It's kinda cool seeing their delayed response. for example, "Jesus Christ Loves us all, and he taught his gospel to Everyone." 

Ishmael *Repeats everything in French

Kate Mara *Gets excited, smiles, and responds in French*

Ishmael "She's wondered about that for a long time, how did he teach all people?"

Its just fun teaching this way. Very simple:)

After that appointment we went to teach the Youth... They bunked so we played soccer.

Saturday

WE FINISHED LOGISTICS AND THE NEW SCHEDULE AND ALL THAT STUFF. *Sigh of Relief*

I'm tired.

I downloaded the McDonald's App on our smart phone and I won a free spicy Cajun. so, I'm happy!

I worked with Sala again today! I love this guy, very easy going and happy to be here!

We made friends with a gang

I was called "Umlungumuhle" at McDonald's (Beautiful White Man) 

We taught David, Joey, Jackson, and Collette and Rose. all good lessons and I'm Happy.

We’re going to do our phone call's now... gotta go.

*moments Later*

Everyone’s happy with their news... not much to report.

Sunday

Today was Awesome!!!! I got fed THREE TIMES!!!! First the brays made us a picnic but because President told us to go to Pine town and speak to the members there and explain why they don't have Missionaries we could go to the picnic. Luckily, they gave it to us to go! Then Elder Simayile and I went and taught a Full Family from Zimbabwe, all over 30 years old and all four accepted to be baptized! that was dope! Then we drove to kwadebeka and a family that Elder Simayile knew from Queenstown made us dinner. Their son has the Coolest name ever!! He's 1 year old and his name is NEPHI KHETHOKUHLE *something* but his middle name translates to CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

then we had FHE At the Zuma’s and they gave us dinner too:) It was awesome!!!

they only problem was the Mara family and Susan didn't come to church.  However, a stranger came in to church with a book of Mormon and a Jehovah’s Witnesses bible. he said he was taught by missionaries in the past, but they stopped visiting him... then HE BORE HIS TESTIMONY IN SACRAMENT MEETING ABOUT HOW MUCH HE ENJOYS THE BOOK OF MORMON. It was crazy!!! 

But My voice still sucks and it's been like 3 days!!!!? What the heck???

SOME PICS FROM THE BLOG

Also, there's a Mail strike so don't send any mail. its been going on for a couple Months now...

Monday August 6th, 2018

today is the first day of my 16th Transfer. which means I have exactly 12 more weeks of mission. That is terrifying!

elder Motlankhanyane arrived. He's being relocated to the Botswana Namibia mission because of his visa. so we picked him up from the bus station. well, actually Elder Fullmer and Sala Picked him up and brought him to the chapel. We walked Mandy to a YSA activity so she can get to know people better. The topic at YSA was missionary wok because Junior is leaving tomorrow. Mostly a bunch of return missionaries came and answered questions.

It was good but then everyone started talking about racism and I was the only white guy in the room so they singled me out a bit and asked my opinion and I could care less. They asked if I've ever felt racially targeted on my mission or treated differently because im white. and the answer is obviously yes but I don't really care! It's new and not a big deal. hahaha

afterwards, President Thompson gave us some money for Milkshakes! that was dope!

Tuesday August 7th, 2018

Well we woke up at 4:30 am to take mots to the air port and then we came back to pick up sala and simayile and brought them to the air port and we picked up the new missionaries with President Thompson. We picked up 3 new missionaries, Elder Dikane-South African, Elder DeSpain(went to school and wrestled with Elder Fullmer, they were all happy to see each other), and Elder Swift. Elder Swift is cool. He's a white guy that was born in Zimbabwe, moved to Zambia, then Australia where he was baptized in 2016, then moved to cape town and now hes on mission! He was Baptized around the same time that I put in my mission papers!!!

Then we were driving to the Airport but we got in a small car accident, some guy rear-ended.. not too bad, small dent in the bumper.. totaled the car, but it's all good nobody was hurt and we're all safe. Next time elder Fullmer wont try to do a U-Turn in the Highway...

We were set back for a while because of that but we still took the new missionaries tracting and I took Elder Swift to the Mara family and we read from the book of Mormon! it all went great!

then we had dinner at president Thompson's house!

Wednesday August 8th, 2018

well we drove missionaries around all morning because, well we have one of the only cars. I'm so tired. we woke up at 4:30 again. 

we were waiting for the departing Elder to get here at 11:30 but they were late and didn't have a phone. turns out their car broke down and had to get a tow truck.Either way byt the end of the day everyone made it to where they needed to be.

We also had dinner with the Missionaries that are going home. Elder Groesbeck, Elder harp, Elder Homer(Oregon,sherwood), Elder Thompson, and Elder Isooba. I think out of all these guys Im gonna miss Elder Isooba the most. He's so funny! He's from Uganda and he served in my District when I was in Kwamashu!

Thursday August 9th, 2018

It rained today. I missed the rain. Turns out my darn shoe broke and I have a hole in the bottom where it wore through... shame... it'll last me. but I had a shoe full of water for a bit.

Elder Sala is my new companion and he's awesome! We took Elder Harp to the airport. And we talked with Homer and Thompson for a while too but we had an appointment so we couldn't go drop them off too. all is well

Friday August 10th

Appointments today-

Christian; He's excited to get baptized on  Sunday and his family should come with. 

Our 28's gang members: set up a new appointment and they let me take a picture with a machete that they had. pretty cool.

Elder Simayile and Fullmer are both training this transfer and today is Elder fullmers last day. Fullmer is training Elder Swift and Simayile is Training Elder Dikane. Before we all split up we went to roco mama's. It's Elder Sala's Birthday tomorrow so Fullmer and I split sala's meal 50/50. He was super happy:)

Mandy; super happy and is trying to convert her roommate, Lungi. Mandy is also terrified due to the fact that some day she's going to have to speak in front of people at sacrament.

Elder sala Played some soccer with the youth at the chapel and I wrote my talk for MLC. then we went to the office to type up stuff, and I made a power point Jeopardy game for MLC.

Saturday - MIRACLES EVERYWHERE!

Well today was one for the books. 

We visited the Mara family and it went really well! we taught them the 1st half of the Plan of Salvation and they're really excited about it! I love that family!

KFC was doing a deal, 12 pieces of chicken for 100 Rand so we split it 50/50! While we were there I we were talking to the cashier and her name was Nannie or something, wither way she did not want to be there today. Then a Muslim guy walked up and I assumed he was the manager because he was wearing a blue KFC shirt. I wanted to try and cheer her up so I was going to tell him she's doing a great job and make her laugh or something, so I asked "are you the manager?" and he said no. So I was like "well then who are you and where'd you get the blue shirt?" He said that he's temporarily working there so I asked if I could have one and he said no... so I asked what he does and hes a FOOD TASTER! It's like the coolest job ever eating free food and getting paid for it! So I told him that! and we talked for a little bit because nobody else was in line. We talked about how to be qualified, what he does, when Elder Sala and I are doing and all that fun stuff! and at the end of the day we got free Ice Cream! It was awesome!!!

The we went to visit a member named Robert because he had a referral for us! this is by far the most CELESTIAL REFERRAL I have ever received. 

It's for a family. the wife is a member and the father and children are not. and the father said he wants to get baptized. Like right off the bat he was asking about it. Im so excited to teach Brother Siyabonga Zulu and his wife Lilly:))

Sunday

Well they all came! The Mara Family AND the Zulu family! Im just so darn happy for them! 

Then we went to lunch in Umhlanga at a members house the Gumede's. If you don't know umhlanga it's where the temple is being built... So it's super nice. We saw a Black Lamborghini on the way to their house. No joke.

They made us some of the best Steamed bread that I've ever had! I say steamed bread mostly because I don't know how to spell the other name that it has... haha

then Elder sala and I went to FHE at the Zuma's. Great day!

Well I have more pictures on my camera but here are some of the pictures  we took with our smart phone...why? BECAUSE WERE THE AP'S!!!