Email #90
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
Yeah it was a good week, we had good lessons and saw a lot of people. We had about 25 lessons, the most we have had since I have been here. We hopefully will put someone on date soon. The family that is related to the counselors wife in the bishipric, but I am hoping that they do the assignments that we gave to them this week. It is just weird because this coming week is transfers and to leave would be hard especially the Mphoreng family. Sharon's mom and brothers have now come to church four week in a row, so that is so cool and even yesterday it was freezing cold and they still walked to church. We gave the father a Zulu Book of Mormon, so hopefully when we meet on Sunday he read and we can get somewhere with him. There is a sis serving there from this ward where I am her name is Sis Ngwenya. I am hoping I can find her when I get home and show her pics and stuff and talk to her, it would be really cool. Its so crazy that school is starting in a few weeks its so weird it feels like you were just telling me that it was getting out. Time is just flying by its so crazy! So the girl in the pics is Sharon the one that schools in Pretoria and she is giving us referrals and stuff from her friends and for the missionaries in Pretoria as well. But anyways I am doing good just anxious about transfers as always, but I am just hoping for the best.
Excerpts from Dad's email:
My week was really good and had a lot of good lessons and saw a ton more people. I don't have much to report on just that we saw all the people we had planned for and more so that was really good. We are hoping to find some more people on Thursday because the APs are coming on blitz with us so hoping we can find some more people. Well the week was freezing cold haha and Sunday morning was the coldest I have experienced since I have been here, but it was really nice because the less actives we have been working with still walked to church so that was huge. We have a guy called Gavin from free state that is new and we made an apt. with him for this Saturday so we will see how it goes. He has come to church a few times, but leaving before priesthood. We have never been able to get his contacts, but 2 weeks ago we managed to wait until we got him so hope it goes well with him.
Love,
Elder Bryner
Showing posts with label Kwa Guqa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kwa Guqa. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
100 Day Left
Email #89
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
It's so crazy how much time that I have left and it doesn't feel like a 100 days. Yeah I see the light at the end of the tunnel haha. Yeah I hope it goes by slow, but it won't because I know not to keep track so it will fly. But I hope I stay (in this area), really it will help me and moving places just hurts me and makes me want to come home even more. That is just the sweetest thing that she (Jaela) misses me that much, I never knew that she did that much. It was hard for me as well and her being my only sister it was even harder, but I'm happy that she has made it this far. The week was good, we had good lessons and got to see most of our people. We still haven't seen Mimie this week, but hopefully this week we can see her. She just hasn't been home and it might be hard this week, because school is starting today. But other than that, it was a same week. I'm going to try and send some pics home today, so this one has to be short. But I love you and send greetings to Kerry and Trish. Have a good week mom and I love you!!
Excerpts from Dad's email:
This week was good and it flew by like nothing and each week just keeps getting faster. Yeah our MP is so cool I really like him and it sounds like he doesn't like you to have short areas, so its nice so I might have a higher chance of staying here. It's so crazy that I have 3 (mission presidents) and its really nice that they are all from Utah. It will make things easier for reunions and stuff. College sounds unreal and it freaks me out, but I excited as well to go. It will be nice to meet a bunch of people and there are some people here that want to come to the states to study so I might meet up with them. Yeah I'm going to try this week to send pics so the email will be short but I'm doing really good and enjoying it still. The week was a bit normal like any other week and we haven't seen anyone new, but the bishop has some proposals to start a branch in a nearby area and the other missionaries will have to work there. We will have to take their side of Kwaguqa if that happens, but it still has to go to the seventies to get approved. The stake pres is meeting with our MP this week to discuss things, so I think they will be talking about us going to work in that part of the area, it's called Ackerville. Things are going well haha. My comp is ready to go home, we go home the same time. But I am doing good and love it and don't want to leave, but I hope your doing good. I hope you have a good week and I love you!!!
Love,
Elder Bryner
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
It's so crazy how much time that I have left and it doesn't feel like a 100 days. Yeah I see the light at the end of the tunnel haha. Yeah I hope it goes by slow, but it won't because I know not to keep track so it will fly. But I hope I stay (in this area), really it will help me and moving places just hurts me and makes me want to come home even more. That is just the sweetest thing that she (Jaela) misses me that much, I never knew that she did that much. It was hard for me as well and her being my only sister it was even harder, but I'm happy that she has made it this far. The week was good, we had good lessons and got to see most of our people. We still haven't seen Mimie this week, but hopefully this week we can see her. She just hasn't been home and it might be hard this week, because school is starting today. But other than that, it was a same week. I'm going to try and send some pics home today, so this one has to be short. But I love you and send greetings to Kerry and Trish. Have a good week mom and I love you!!
Excerpts from Dad's email:
This week was good and it flew by like nothing and each week just keeps getting faster. Yeah our MP is so cool I really like him and it sounds like he doesn't like you to have short areas, so its nice so I might have a higher chance of staying here. It's so crazy that I have 3 (mission presidents) and its really nice that they are all from Utah. It will make things easier for reunions and stuff. College sounds unreal and it freaks me out, but I excited as well to go. It will be nice to meet a bunch of people and there are some people here that want to come to the states to study so I might meet up with them. Yeah I'm going to try this week to send pics so the email will be short but I'm doing really good and enjoying it still. The week was a bit normal like any other week and we haven't seen anyone new, but the bishop has some proposals to start a branch in a nearby area and the other missionaries will have to work there. We will have to take their side of Kwaguqa if that happens, but it still has to go to the seventies to get approved. The stake pres is meeting with our MP this week to discuss things, so I think they will be talking about us going to work in that part of the area, it's called Ackerville. Things are going well haha. My comp is ready to go home, we go home the same time. But I am doing good and love it and don't want to leave, but I hope your doing good. I hope you have a good week and I love you!!!
Love,
Elder Bryner
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Monday, July 13, 2015
Interview with new mission president, transition going great
Email #88
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
Yeah things were good this week, interview was really nice and as of now the release date is the same and everything. (Are we) Being moved to another place, I'm not sure what will happen. My comp told the MP that I wanted to finish here, so we'll see if he takes that into consideration. He didn't really give me much to work with as far as what will happen. He really seems to work with inspiration as he is supposed to. I got about 3 months left, so whatever happens it's for the best. The investigators, we didn't see this week well Mimie. We found another guy that came to church a few times in the past and came to church along with another person that were seeing. Prince and Gavin are their names, that we usually try and see. A less active came to church and brought her boyfriend with her that isn't a member. He's not in our area, but its still cool. We had a guy come to church that got invited by a less active in our area, so hopefully we can see him next week his name is Sean. Yeah the transition is good, it actually isn't too much of a transition, because we didn't go to bots or anything. The MP, I like him so that's good. There is a ton on my plate right now, but the members are so supportive and love us especially sister Mphoreng and sister Sharon. It's a ton of pressure to finish strong, but I know the rewards of doing so. What comes to your mind is usually what I need to hear, because I'm far from being perfect and have countless things I could do better at, but one step at a time. Thanks for encouraging me, I love you mommy!!!
Excerpts from Dad's email:
The week was really good, the interview was really nice! He really likes sports, so we related with that a lot and talked a ton about sports and high school. He reminds me a lot of Pres Omer. He is really humble and when you ask him a question, he takes a minute to think about the answer. For now he isn't sure how transfers will go as far as movement, but my companion told him that I really want to finish my mission in this area, I love it here so we'll see what happens. I think they like it then they can go into another mission if they are younger on mission, they get a possibility. The investigators were gone this week, so we didn't see them. That's so cool you talked to him (next door neighbor) I actually thought about him the other day and yeah that'd be cool to talk to him when I get home. I will definitely ask (him to come to my homecoming) and I'm used to rejection haha, so hope he will consider it. The weather is up and down here, sometimes its really cold and sometimes its average. It will definitely get colder here in a couple weeks. Hope things are good with the house and other things you got going on there. Hope the whole family is well!! I love you paps!
Love,
Elder Bryner
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
Yeah things were good this week, interview was really nice and as of now the release date is the same and everything. (Are we) Being moved to another place, I'm not sure what will happen. My comp told the MP that I wanted to finish here, so we'll see if he takes that into consideration. He didn't really give me much to work with as far as what will happen. He really seems to work with inspiration as he is supposed to. I got about 3 months left, so whatever happens it's for the best. The investigators, we didn't see this week well Mimie. We found another guy that came to church a few times in the past and came to church along with another person that were seeing. Prince and Gavin are their names, that we usually try and see. A less active came to church and brought her boyfriend with her that isn't a member. He's not in our area, but its still cool. We had a guy come to church that got invited by a less active in our area, so hopefully we can see him next week his name is Sean. Yeah the transition is good, it actually isn't too much of a transition, because we didn't go to bots or anything. The MP, I like him so that's good. There is a ton on my plate right now, but the members are so supportive and love us especially sister Mphoreng and sister Sharon. It's a ton of pressure to finish strong, but I know the rewards of doing so. What comes to your mind is usually what I need to hear, because I'm far from being perfect and have countless things I could do better at, but one step at a time. Thanks for encouraging me, I love you mommy!!!
Excerpts from Dad's email:
The week was really good, the interview was really nice! He really likes sports, so we related with that a lot and talked a ton about sports and high school. He reminds me a lot of Pres Omer. He is really humble and when you ask him a question, he takes a minute to think about the answer. For now he isn't sure how transfers will go as far as movement, but my companion told him that I really want to finish my mission in this area, I love it here so we'll see what happens. I think they like it then they can go into another mission if they are younger on mission, they get a possibility. The investigators were gone this week, so we didn't see them. That's so cool you talked to him (next door neighbor) I actually thought about him the other day and yeah that'd be cool to talk to him when I get home. I will definitely ask (him to come to my homecoming) and I'm used to rejection haha, so hope he will consider it. The weather is up and down here, sometimes its really cold and sometimes its average. It will definitely get colder here in a couple weeks. Hope things are good with the house and other things you got going on there. Hope the whole family is well!! I love you paps!
Love,
Elder Bryner
Monday, July 6, 2015
Settling in with the new mission and mission president
Email #87
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
Unfortunately the computers are being really stupid, I barely just got it to work because the browser needed updated to open the emails and I now only have 30 min left. I will try and be quick, but I think I will be only to email you so can you let the others know for me please. So the changes are going well, trying to adjust. The interview (with President Dunn) was just really quick. I guess and he just said that I was a good missionary and it was a hard decision to put you here in the Bots mission, but he didn't say much because we will see each other again back in the states. There weren't any missionaries from Utah there, so I get to see them again. Not much is different just that we have to work out how to get supplies and electricity and everything and as for now we won't go to the mission home as far as I know. Not sure how transfers will go and we have interviews with the new pres this Wednesday. Yeah I'm not sure how anything will work as far as transfers and where I will go or anything right now. I just gotta go with the flow and accept whatever comes so I figured better to just get over it and man up and accept how it is and keep going forward. Other than all that, I am doing really good just trying to finish strong and make sure I come home a changed person haha! I hope your doing well too. Our week was really good we found 2 new investigators, one is really interested. She's about 18 or so and her name is Mimie. She is the sister to the counselors wife in the bishopric, so hope things will keep going well with them. As far as flights and stuff it could be is Joburg or in Pretoria somewhere or bots at this point. It just depends when the mission headquarters travel people make the flights and they could have made the flights already. I'm not sure, but all will be well haha. I will make it home! I hope you have a good week!
Love,
Elder Bryner
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
Unfortunately the computers are being really stupid, I barely just got it to work because the browser needed updated to open the emails and I now only have 30 min left. I will try and be quick, but I think I will be only to email you so can you let the others know for me please. So the changes are going well, trying to adjust. The interview (with President Dunn) was just really quick. I guess and he just said that I was a good missionary and it was a hard decision to put you here in the Bots mission, but he didn't say much because we will see each other again back in the states. There weren't any missionaries from Utah there, so I get to see them again. Not much is different just that we have to work out how to get supplies and electricity and everything and as for now we won't go to the mission home as far as I know. Not sure how transfers will go and we have interviews with the new pres this Wednesday. Yeah I'm not sure how anything will work as far as transfers and where I will go or anything right now. I just gotta go with the flow and accept whatever comes so I figured better to just get over it and man up and accept how it is and keep going forward. Other than all that, I am doing really good just trying to finish strong and make sure I come home a changed person haha! I hope your doing well too. Our week was really good we found 2 new investigators, one is really interested. She's about 18 or so and her name is Mimie. She is the sister to the counselors wife in the bishopric, so hope things will keep going well with them. As far as flights and stuff it could be is Joburg or in Pretoria somewhere or bots at this point. It just depends when the mission headquarters travel people make the flights and they could have made the flights already. I'm not sure, but all will be well haha. I will make it home! I hope you have a good week!
Love,
Elder Bryner
Monday, June 29, 2015
Transferred to a new mission: Botswana/Namibia Mission
Email #86
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
It's a big change, but don't worry about anything like all is staying the same and the likely hood of me going to Botswana is slim unless they do a 90 day or 60 day visa and it happened yesterday so it was dropped on us too. We were together in Pretoria because they were splitting the stakes, so now all of Pretoria and Limpopo is part of that mission. They sent all of our names that were in these zones to the first presidency and they prayed about each of us. So its from the Lord that this was suppose to happen. This is a new beginning for me and to do the best I can for the last bit. Transfer dates are on the same schedule as the old mission and for now I'll be staying where I'm at with Elder McClellan. I'm not sure for how long, but it's just like it was before you never know what going to happen. they won't extend by all means, so it's fine with that. I'll probably be leaving from a different airport than I originally was. You know as much as I do, why this happened and while they were changing the stakes they also changed the mission boundaries. It's just something we have to go along with because God knows what He is doing. He drops the ball on us at times and we either have to catch it and run with it or drop it and move no where. I decided to act and not react to this whole thing I believe its for a purpose, but the purpose I do not know. We just have a new boundary and mission president and the rest just concerns us with how we get supplies and other stuff. I will be okay, it's all in the Lords hands and we just have to trust him. I know its hard for you to understand and it is for me too, but I know that this is the way that He wants it done so we must follow. I'll keep you updated when I know more about what's happening, but as for now everything with moving anywhere stays the same.
Love,
Elder Bryner
Excerpts from Mom's email:
I didn't get sick and I'm still good. We just have to go with it and follow him. The fact I'm in a new mission now hasn't fully processed, but it will be nice I'm not sure what will happen because things are still not set except the boundary change. I will be in that mission officially on wednesday the 1st. Just be patient and trust in the Lord. I know its hard and is for me to, but I've learned its easier just to trust him rather than to question why things are the way the are.
Excerpts from Dad's email:
The week was good and we had a really good week we feel, but not many lessons but this week will be good. We taught a mother and son that is a sister to the 2 counselor in the bishopric. So that will be good for some fellowship hopefully. We only saw her once and were seeing her again on wednesday, so we'll see how far it goes. I love you paps and all will be well my trust in the Lord and his doings has increased and I have just learned to just go with it and to follow what He has set. I hope you have a good week and theres no need to worry about me I will be good! after all the Lord is very near to me!
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
It's a big change, but don't worry about anything like all is staying the same and the likely hood of me going to Botswana is slim unless they do a 90 day or 60 day visa and it happened yesterday so it was dropped on us too. We were together in Pretoria because they were splitting the stakes, so now all of Pretoria and Limpopo is part of that mission. They sent all of our names that were in these zones to the first presidency and they prayed about each of us. So its from the Lord that this was suppose to happen. This is a new beginning for me and to do the best I can for the last bit. Transfer dates are on the same schedule as the old mission and for now I'll be staying where I'm at with Elder McClellan. I'm not sure for how long, but it's just like it was before you never know what going to happen. they won't extend by all means, so it's fine with that. I'll probably be leaving from a different airport than I originally was. You know as much as I do, why this happened and while they were changing the stakes they also changed the mission boundaries. It's just something we have to go along with because God knows what He is doing. He drops the ball on us at times and we either have to catch it and run with it or drop it and move no where. I decided to act and not react to this whole thing I believe its for a purpose, but the purpose I do not know. We just have a new boundary and mission president and the rest just concerns us with how we get supplies and other stuff. I will be okay, it's all in the Lords hands and we just have to trust him. I know its hard for you to understand and it is for me too, but I know that this is the way that He wants it done so we must follow. I'll keep you updated when I know more about what's happening, but as for now everything with moving anywhere stays the same.
Love,
Elder Bryner
Excerpts from Mom's email:
I didn't get sick and I'm still good. We just have to go with it and follow him. The fact I'm in a new mission now hasn't fully processed, but it will be nice I'm not sure what will happen because things are still not set except the boundary change. I will be in that mission officially on wednesday the 1st. Just be patient and trust in the Lord. I know its hard and is for me to, but I've learned its easier just to trust him rather than to question why things are the way the are.
Excerpts from Dad's email:
The week was good and we had a really good week we feel, but not many lessons but this week will be good. We taught a mother and son that is a sister to the 2 counselor in the bishopric. So that will be good for some fellowship hopefully. We only saw her once and were seeing her again on wednesday, so we'll see how far it goes. I love you paps and all will be well my trust in the Lord and his doings has increased and I have just learned to just go with it and to follow what He has set. I hope you have a good week and theres no need to worry about me I will be good! after all the Lord is very near to me!
Monday, June 22, 2015
Birthday party
Email #85
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Dad's email:
The birthday party was a ton of fun, they made us such nice food and the cakes were so cool. I sent some pics of them. Well it wasn't a lot of people, but there were some who came over some neighbors and ate with us and just chatted and took pics. It was really fun just to get to know the family and see what they're are like. They are all members, but a little less active and they came to church yesterday. The father isn't a member, but he was asking when we are coming back so I think we are going to start teaching him soon. I am staying for another transfer, no I'm really happy about that and no they didn't close either of them yet, but they will soon. I told mom all about the week the other elders all got sick haha! I still haven't yet which is good, so pray I don't. I'm hoping this week goes a little better with teaching, because this past week wasn't too good because they were all sick. Hunter emailed me so it was cool to hear from him. But I'm doing really good and am feeling good about everything. I know the future is great and has a lot for me to do. I'm glad that you had a great fathers day. I love you paps, hope your week will go better this week!
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Dad's email:
The birthday party was a ton of fun, they made us such nice food and the cakes were so cool. I sent some pics of them. Well it wasn't a lot of people, but there were some who came over some neighbors and ate with us and just chatted and took pics. It was really fun just to get to know the family and see what they're are like. They are all members, but a little less active and they came to church yesterday. The father isn't a member, but he was asking when we are coming back so I think we are going to start teaching him soon. I am staying for another transfer, no I'm really happy about that and no they didn't close either of them yet, but they will soon. I told mom all about the week the other elders all got sick haha! I still haven't yet which is good, so pray I don't. I'm hoping this week goes a little better with teaching, because this past week wasn't too good because they were all sick. Hunter emailed me so it was cool to hear from him. But I'm doing really good and am feeling good about everything. I know the future is great and has a lot for me to do. I'm glad that you had a great fathers day. I love you paps, hope your week will go better this week!
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Monday, June 15, 2015
20th Birthday!!!
Email #84
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
Hey mom, yeah it was a really good week and the temple was really nice got the answers I've been looking for. Sis Shaw said she knew you, so that wasn't a shock haha. Seems like you know almost everyone that I run into. I got some scripture cases for you guys, they are really cool. We knew about the video they told us about it and to just have something on mind you want to tell your dad. Yeah I really liked the scarf and they fed all of us, so that was really nice of them. She got me some other stuff like hot chocolate and some other biscuit type things. That party for me is this coming Saturday, so I'm looking forward to that. Well my birthday was really nice the Mphoreng family called me in the morning and sang happy birthday. Well mom I hope that you have a good week and that I love you.
Excerpts from Dad's email:
My birthday was awesome and had a lot of fun and went to a few people houses and they fed us. I have met some really nice people here and I love them so much they are just like my second family. I feel at home here, it feels like I never left home. The father's day video was actually planned and they told us just to think of something that you want to tell your father for father's day. We just happened to be lucky enough to be going to the temple at that time so they chose us missionaries to do it. There is a family that the daughter who goes to university in Pretoria and she is the only one who goes to church usually her family. They are throwing me a party this Saturday because the mom's birthday is also this month on the 30. They wanted to do it in the middle for both of us. I'm doing good and loving this place, it keeps getting better everyday growing closer to these people. I definitely want to come back really soon and see them. The time has gone by so fast and doesn't seem slow at all. Trying my best to keep going. It's getting down to the reserve tanks haha, but just that i love this place is helping a lot. I will probably be here one more transfer and then leave somewhere else, but it's not what I want to do. I think it might happen. I took some pics on my birthday and tomorrow I'll take more. It's just kinda hard to send, them but next week I'll send some. Were still teaching Thabo and he has a wife and two kids. We are going to start teaching one of his friends soon hopefully, it's just that he works a lot. Were still trying to get referrals from members and we'll get some soon hopefully. Yeah the guitar is really fun, I actually bought a guitar it was like 50$ for early birthday present. A couple of elders in my district know how to play and they taught me the basic notes. I got a simplified hymn book that has guitar notes and I basically teaching myself at the moment with new songs and just playing around with it. I am trying to make a song, but yeah I will teach you when I get home. I actually wanted to get one when I got home so that I could keep playing. Everything is great still and hope to be with my comp another transfer or to even be with him till we both go home which is the same time. It could happen because there are so many going home and not equivalent coming out. They will have to close areas, so one of the Kwa-guqa might get closed because there are two. All is well and I will do my best to keep pressing forward and I hope that you have a great fathers day paps!! I love you!!!
I was very lucky to get to have a special video from James for father's day. I want give a special thank you to ASEA (Africa Southeast Area) Public Affairs for putting this video together.
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
Hey mom, yeah it was a really good week and the temple was really nice got the answers I've been looking for. Sis Shaw said she knew you, so that wasn't a shock haha. Seems like you know almost everyone that I run into. I got some scripture cases for you guys, they are really cool. We knew about the video they told us about it and to just have something on mind you want to tell your dad. Yeah I really liked the scarf and they fed all of us, so that was really nice of them. She got me some other stuff like hot chocolate and some other biscuit type things. That party for me is this coming Saturday, so I'm looking forward to that. Well my birthday was really nice the Mphoreng family called me in the morning and sang happy birthday. Well mom I hope that you have a good week and that I love you.
Excerpts from Dad's email:
My birthday was awesome and had a lot of fun and went to a few people houses and they fed us. I have met some really nice people here and I love them so much they are just like my second family. I feel at home here, it feels like I never left home. The father's day video was actually planned and they told us just to think of something that you want to tell your father for father's day. We just happened to be lucky enough to be going to the temple at that time so they chose us missionaries to do it. There is a family that the daughter who goes to university in Pretoria and she is the only one who goes to church usually her family. They are throwing me a party this Saturday because the mom's birthday is also this month on the 30. They wanted to do it in the middle for both of us. I'm doing good and loving this place, it keeps getting better everyday growing closer to these people. I definitely want to come back really soon and see them. The time has gone by so fast and doesn't seem slow at all. Trying my best to keep going. It's getting down to the reserve tanks haha, but just that i love this place is helping a lot. I will probably be here one more transfer and then leave somewhere else, but it's not what I want to do. I think it might happen. I took some pics on my birthday and tomorrow I'll take more. It's just kinda hard to send, them but next week I'll send some. Were still teaching Thabo and he has a wife and two kids. We are going to start teaching one of his friends soon hopefully, it's just that he works a lot. Were still trying to get referrals from members and we'll get some soon hopefully. Yeah the guitar is really fun, I actually bought a guitar it was like 50$ for early birthday present. A couple of elders in my district know how to play and they taught me the basic notes. I got a simplified hymn book that has guitar notes and I basically teaching myself at the moment with new songs and just playing around with it. I am trying to make a song, but yeah I will teach you when I get home. I actually wanted to get one when I got home so that I could keep playing. Everything is great still and hope to be with my comp another transfer or to even be with him till we both go home which is the same time. It could happen because there are so many going home and not equivalent coming out. They will have to close areas, so one of the Kwa-guqa might get closed because there are two. All is well and I will do my best to keep pressing forward and I hope that you have a great fathers day paps!! I love you!!!
I was very lucky to get to have a special video from James for father's day. I want give a special thank you to ASEA (Africa Southeast Area) Public Affairs for putting this video together.
| Video 1, James' Father's Day video |
| Video 1, James' Father's Day video |
Monday, June 8, 2015
Staying busy, teaching a lot. Learning how to play the guitar
Email #83
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Dad's email:
Things are going well, we had another good week. We didn't meet that lady because we painted the Mphorengs house in one of their rooms. What sucks is I forgot to bring my camera, so didn't get any pics. The BOM's, they give a box of about 50 and we use them as we need them and order as we need them. We can order Zulu and most of any of the languages that are spoken here, they even have Portuguese. (You said you play the organ) The organ haha, no I don't memorize the music, the piano has a selection of hymns and you can choose which one and then you can hit play verse and play intro stuff like that. It's not so impressive, haha but just to push a button so I've been doing it for them for about 4 weeks now. I am learning how to play the guitar and a few more songs on the piano too. So that is nice its going pretty good. I can play any song on the guitar as long as I have the notes. I can read piano music okay, just the right hand, but I'm just being taught a song by someone and just memorizing it. So those less actives we had at church, one is a mom to a good friend of mine and she hasn't been to church in a year or so. She is the lady that is throwing me a party for my birthday. She and two other less actives came to church yesterday so that was so cool. They were two guys lucky and happy they are my age and we have been working with them and we working with the friend of mine and she is a great help. She talks to them and tries to help us bring the less actives back. We taught about 23 lessons this past week and that was pretty good. We have been trying to work with the less actives especially those around our age. (When you guys teach a lesson, do you take turns?) We switch during the lessons and we try and teach just a few points in each lesson, so that they can slowly learn and make sure they know the stuff. Our teaching pool is getting bigger slowly, but surely. Still working with Thabo, he is the guy that owns the water filtration place. He has been around members his whole life basically, so someday he will accept. Today for p-day we'll probably go to a place called Middleburg and do something there, it is just 20 kilometers away from here. Were just going to check it out and see whats there. I've been to the game park where that American woman was killed and they specifically tell you to keep windows up. I don't know why she didn't listen and when we went that's what we did and we didn't get eaten.
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Dad's email:
Things are going well, we had another good week. We didn't meet that lady because we painted the Mphorengs house in one of their rooms. What sucks is I forgot to bring my camera, so didn't get any pics. The BOM's, they give a box of about 50 and we use them as we need them and order as we need them. We can order Zulu and most of any of the languages that are spoken here, they even have Portuguese. (You said you play the organ) The organ haha, no I don't memorize the music, the piano has a selection of hymns and you can choose which one and then you can hit play verse and play intro stuff like that. It's not so impressive, haha but just to push a button so I've been doing it for them for about 4 weeks now. I am learning how to play the guitar and a few more songs on the piano too. So that is nice its going pretty good. I can play any song on the guitar as long as I have the notes. I can read piano music okay, just the right hand, but I'm just being taught a song by someone and just memorizing it. So those less actives we had at church, one is a mom to a good friend of mine and she hasn't been to church in a year or so. She is the lady that is throwing me a party for my birthday. She and two other less actives came to church yesterday so that was so cool. They were two guys lucky and happy they are my age and we have been working with them and we working with the friend of mine and she is a great help. She talks to them and tries to help us bring the less actives back. We taught about 23 lessons this past week and that was pretty good. We have been trying to work with the less actives especially those around our age. (When you guys teach a lesson, do you take turns?) We switch during the lessons and we try and teach just a few points in each lesson, so that they can slowly learn and make sure they know the stuff. Our teaching pool is getting bigger slowly, but surely. Still working with Thabo, he is the guy that owns the water filtration place. He has been around members his whole life basically, so someday he will accept. Today for p-day we'll probably go to a place called Middleburg and do something there, it is just 20 kilometers away from here. Were just going to check it out and see whats there. I've been to the game park where that American woman was killed and they specifically tell you to keep windows up. I don't know why she didn't listen and when we went that's what we did and we didn't get eaten.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Getting involved with youth
Email #82
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Dad's email:
The week was really good our best week this transfer. We had that lady we found and we called her she was coming from Jo'burg, so this weekend we will see her she said she's not busy. We have a potential that has been give BOM and is friends to someone we are teaching. But were gonna try to be involved with the youth. Yesterday I taught the youth Sunday school, so that was fun. Want to go to mutual and ysa see if we can get involved some how. We just need to be better at locking unplanned finding! (What are you doing for exercise) We work out in the morning as well as walking, so its all good I hope to be in good shape when I get home! We had a less active come to church since forever so that was something cool as well.
Love,
Elder Bryner
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Dad's email:
The week was really good our best week this transfer. We had that lady we found and we called her she was coming from Jo'burg, so this weekend we will see her she said she's not busy. We have a potential that has been give BOM and is friends to someone we are teaching. But were gonna try to be involved with the youth. Yesterday I taught the youth Sunday school, so that was fun. Want to go to mutual and ysa see if we can get involved some how. We just need to be better at locking unplanned finding! (What are you doing for exercise) We work out in the morning as well as walking, so its all good I hope to be in good shape when I get home! We had a less active come to church since forever so that was something cool as well.
Love,
Elder Bryner
Monday, May 25, 2015
Getting cold, work still moving forward
Email #81
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
We are doing good and we go to the temple the 12 of June. I'm pretty sure, so excited for that haven't been for awhile. I keep warm its starting to get cold now, so well have the heaters out in a bit. I love my comp, he is way cool and funny and we get along pretty well. So I can't complain about that and he goes home the same time as me, because of visa. I am not sure if I mentioned that or not. The power still goes out almost once a day and its sucks when its out when we get home especially when we didn't get fed. But it's okay because most days we get fed so I am so grateful for that. As far as missionary work is going, it's good and were trying to get with the members still. They are taking their time, but its coming along. We wanted to plan to have a talent show, but the bishop said that they already have things planned. I don't see a problem if we are the ones putting it on for the ward, we are still trying to do what we came to do. We walk every other day and have the car every other day as well which makes it nice. We found a new lady just as we were walking, she asked what we do so we made app. Unfortunately we still haven't seen her because she has been busy with family and work. Hopefully this week we can get a hold of her. We try and see a ton of members just to love them and get good relationships. I hope to be with my new companion for another transfer and that will be sweet and if I'm here for another transfer. Then after that I only have 3 months left. That is just weird to think about!!!
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
We are doing good and we go to the temple the 12 of June. I'm pretty sure, so excited for that haven't been for awhile. I keep warm its starting to get cold now, so well have the heaters out in a bit. I love my comp, he is way cool and funny and we get along pretty well. So I can't complain about that and he goes home the same time as me, because of visa. I am not sure if I mentioned that or not. The power still goes out almost once a day and its sucks when its out when we get home especially when we didn't get fed. But it's okay because most days we get fed so I am so grateful for that. As far as missionary work is going, it's good and were trying to get with the members still. They are taking their time, but its coming along. We wanted to plan to have a talent show, but the bishop said that they already have things planned. I don't see a problem if we are the ones putting it on for the ward, we are still trying to do what we came to do. We walk every other day and have the car every other day as well which makes it nice. We found a new lady just as we were walking, she asked what we do so we made app. Unfortunately we still haven't seen her because she has been busy with family and work. Hopefully this week we can get a hold of her. We try and see a ton of members just to love them and get good relationships. I hope to be with my new companion for another transfer and that will be sweet and if I'm here for another transfer. Then after that I only have 3 months left. That is just weird to think about!!!
Monday, May 18, 2015
Transfers, new Companion Elder McClellan
Email #80
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
I don't have that much time this week, because we have a meeting to go to. Let me just say that my new comp is nice and much of a relief. He is name is Elder McClellan and he is from Washington state and goes home the same time as me. He also is going home early like many of the others so he suppose to go home in December. Visa I think is why he is going home early. So yeah he has been a member 4 years this past Friday so that is way cool. His family doesn't support him. he was actually kicked out of his house and now he lives with his friends family and they support him and basically they are his family. He is also my age and we get along really well so far. All is well, the other guys had a baptism this past Sunday so that is really nice to get another brother in the ward. It's starting to get cold here, more like last night was a really cold night. I think soon we will be bringing in the heaters haha! We cleaned our flat this past week as well and now it is actually smelling nice and a place that I would want to live haha. I am doing much better now with everything now the new comp is here. Those silver things in the tub are the filters that I was telling you about. yeah when I said that on Skype I mean it was really messy and gross not a place for living. I took pics of it, but it didn't do justice. Temple trip is this transfer, so that will be nice I'll let you know a specific day when it gets closer. I am doing much better now and hope to be here another transfer, so will pray for that. It was nice to talk to you as well and hope that you have a good week.
Area: Kwa Guqa
Companion: Elder McClellan
Excerpts from Mom's email:
I don't have that much time this week, because we have a meeting to go to. Let me just say that my new comp is nice and much of a relief. He is name is Elder McClellan and he is from Washington state and goes home the same time as me. He also is going home early like many of the others so he suppose to go home in December. Visa I think is why he is going home early. So yeah he has been a member 4 years this past Friday so that is way cool. His family doesn't support him. he was actually kicked out of his house and now he lives with his friends family and they support him and basically they are his family. He is also my age and we get along really well so far. All is well, the other guys had a baptism this past Sunday so that is really nice to get another brother in the ward. It's starting to get cold here, more like last night was a really cold night. I think soon we will be bringing in the heaters haha! We cleaned our flat this past week as well and now it is actually smelling nice and a place that I would want to live haha. I am doing much better now with everything now the new comp is here. Those silver things in the tub are the filters that I was telling you about. yeah when I said that on Skype I mean it was really messy and gross not a place for living. I took pics of it, but it didn't do justice. Temple trip is this transfer, so that will be nice I'll let you know a specific day when it gets closer. I am doing much better now and hope to be here another transfer, so will pray for that. It was nice to talk to you as well and hope that you have a good week.
Monday, May 11, 2015
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