In memory of Shauna

It has been two years ago today that Shauna moved on to the next step in her progression.  How grateful we are that she was willing and ready to accept her Heavenly Father's will and leave this earthly life.  I know that she has been busy doing bigger and greater things, serving, loving and sharing her beautiful smile.

Shauna did love fine things, fine food, fine cheese, fine cooking utensils, you name it - we have all been the beneficiary of some of her great adventures experimenting with finding all of the above.

All our grandchildren have benefited from Auntie Shauna's love of books.  Are you all remembering to read 20 minutes a day?

This week, in Shauna's memory, I found some childrens books that I have purchased to donate to the non-school in Lesotho.  Thanks to a generous donation from Ed, LeAnne and family and Marlene, I had a nice sum of money that I could purchase approximately 90 books.  These are books for readers  grades 1 - 3, in English.  The school requested books in English so the children could practice learning to read and speak English.

Monday morning I was hoping for a P-day to get some things done at home, but alas an early morning phone call sent us hurrying to Bethlehem to take the Elders brand new car into the panel beaters (body shop) to get quotes on some repairs.  Unfortunately the Elders were in an accident on the way home from church on Sunday.  Fortunately no one was hurt.  Unfortunately the elders will now be walking for the next two months until the car can be repaired.  Also unfortunate that it will be the hottest two months of the year.  Needless to say the mission President was not impressed.  Fortunately it was not the Elders fault.

Tuesday morning I was able to spend some time baking, cleaning and doing laundry.  The zone leaders came through on their way to New Castle to zone meetings with the President and so we got a sizeable lunch packed for them and after checking out the ding in their door from their accident on Saturday (gratefully not serious) we sent them on their way.

Wednesday morning we had to head up to Leribe to take money to the Leribe elders to get their fridge fixed.  It had quit the day before and had to be taken in for repairs.  They of course did not have money to fix it, so the "bank of Wayne" went on the road.  We also found out the the Elders allotment for phone, power etc. was supposed to have come through the week before, but for some reason none of the Lesotho elders had received their allotments.  No one had minutes left on their phone, or power left in their flats.  So, Wayne loaded up his pockets and we spent the day running from Elders to Elders distributing an advance so they could purchase phone time and buy more electricity for their flats.  Once I got home, I had to start baking rolls and preparing lunch for the ZTM meeting in Bethlehem the next day. 

While in Bethlehem I found a wonderful source for books in English.  I was so excited.  I also got a lead on three stores in Bloemfontein where I could purchase more books.  Luckily we were headed to Bloemfontein on Friday as Wayne had district meetings there on Saturday.

While Wayne went to his meetings on Saturday Sister Shumway and I went shopping to find more books.  It was my first time driving in Bloemfontein!  Pretty scarry.  But with Sister Shumway navigating and giving directions I did just fine.  We got home safe and sound after accomplishing our task.
Here are just a few of the approximately 90 books I have purchased.

It was so fun to pick these out - I could just feel Shauna saying "yes, this book".

Or she would say "put that one back."

Or "that is a great choice." Thanks Marlene, Ed, LeAnne & family!

Wayne thoroughly enjoyed his district meetings on Saturday.  Only three of the district council were there and only some of the Branch Presidents.  It is such a hardship for them to get there as the distances are so great.  But just to show you how dedicated some of them are I will tell you about the Branch President from Phuda.  He had to take a taxi from Phuda to Ficksburg - a two hour drive - where he then caught a ride with Brother Terry Johns.  Terry Johns then drove himself and President Thusi to Bloemfontein for the meetings.  By the time they got back to Ficksburg on Saturday evening (3 hour drive) it was too late to catch a taxi back to Phuda.  The people at the Taxi stand told them the Taxi's would start running at 5:00 AM on Sunday morning.  So, Brother Terry John's took President Thusi back to the taxi stand by 5 AM to catch the taxi - but alas, no taxi's.  Brother John's then drove President Thusi all the way back to Phuda because President Thusi had to be to church by 9:00 AM to conduct Sacrament meetings.  Brother Johns then drove back to Bethlehem for 9:00 AM church there.  The saints are very willing to sacrifice to get the work done here.  These are great men.

We enjoyed our time in Bloemfontein with the Shumways.  Wyatt's came over for dinner Friday night and we had a great visit.  This is one of the great blessings of a mission - you have the opportunity to meet and work with other great missionaries.

Shumways live in a great area on the outskirts of Bloemfontein.  It is a housing development surrounded by a game preserve.  They have quite a bit of wildlife, including giraffes.  We got up early to try to see them as they come to the watering hole for a drink.  However, we were too late.  But we did see these beauties.  Rod - I bet this makes you want to get here with your gun.  Right?

these ones come with the target painted on the backside.

See Rod - hes just waiting for you!

This one might be a little harder to hit - no target.  But a great rack.

We got home late Saturday evening and were up and on the road by 7 AM on Sunday morning for church in Bethlehem.  This was only our 2nd time to attend church there.  They have a great Branch President, but their branch struggles.  They have a lot of members on their records, but many inactives.  They have a nice building in Bethlehem.  I hope we can help strengthen their branch.

We are looking forward to Conference this weekend.  Remember we have to wait for two weeks to get conference here in South Africa.  We get it sent on discs and then watch it later - due to time differences.  Well, it is late and morning comes early.  We love you all and are proud of each of you.  We were glad to be able to wish Spencer "happy birthday" this morning - your Sunday evening.  Keep the calls, facetime, e-mails coming - we need to hear from you.

Love
Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Elder and Sister Holt