Well last week went about like we planned so we were rather busy all the time. Justus got his dental work done but Onesmus still has a little more to accomplish but we will not bring them back to town until they have their birth certificates so we can have them finalize their passport applications at that time. The couple we were expecting to teach in Kyambeke didn't show but another gentleman did so we taught the lesson on the restoration as planned. The 2nd councilor had us stop off and visit some non-members who are in rather desperate straights as we were coming up the hill Thursday. Not sure what we can do for them beyond encouraging the members near them to help out. In one situation there are 5 children and their father living with a grandma who can't walk so just crawls around or is carried. A wheelchair is of little use on those narrow mountain trails. The village sub-chief is trying to get the kids in a better situation which will kind of leave the grandma stranded. In the other hut was a young man who has been blind from birth and pretty much just spends his day sitting on the side of the hill. He has made a 1 string guitar out of a stick, plastic jug, and a strand of wire. It was rather ingenious and he did a good job of strumming it and singing some kind of tribal chant. Edward called early Saturday and Jane was not doing well at all so I made another trip back into the slums. I got a local member to go with me to keep and eye on the vehicle while I went and carried Jane the 100 yds. or so to the vehicle. It took almost an hour of driving to get in and out. She is back in the hospital now which is just not a good situation but I know they (the hospital) are doing the best they can given the circumstances. Health funding appears to be non-existent so if you need x-rays or lab work it must be paid for before it happens even if you are admitted to the hospital and I already mentioned how they are fed while there in my last update.
We did have a good time with the people at Kilili yesterday as it was Stephen's last Sunday before entering the MTC this week. After the normal 3 hour block they invited everyone back and had the branch presidency, a young lady, Stephen and his parents all say a few words then had the traditional bottle of pop with a chipati. We will bring Stephen back with us Tuesday. He has a plethora of shots he will need to get Wednesday and then be set apart by President Taylor. We will turn him over to the assistants in the evening and they will get him to the airport Thursday morning as we will be headed back up-country. He will spend 3 weeks at the MTC in Johannesburg then on to his mission in Durban.
Today is going to be a little busy again as we try to get everything ready for another week. Have to get the truck in for a little work as these roads continue to rattle a few things loose each week. Also need to spend some time getting some branch membership rosters corrected in preparation for making a recommendation for a new branch. We finally got some video support equipment for the branches but only one set as the facilities folks are uneasy about the ability of each of the branches to secure their own set but I need to get some repair work done on the generator then I will just leave it with each branch for a week at a time. Edward called and wants to meet with me so that means there will probably be something that we need to pick up for Jane. We are trying to support the branches with a joint youth activity during the school break in August but the time is drawing near and plans are still very iffy. We are trying to force them to take charge so that they can continue on if we are not replaced with another couple in 11 months. We are on the hook for FHE this evening but it looks like everyone is going to take the Demars out to dinner as they complete their mission on Thursday so that should be rather painless. The President did say he had received word that there are two more couples coming which will help in the next 3 months but he could use more.
Well I must sign off and get going hope this finds all well with friends and family on the other side of the world. Wished we could have made the Bushman Reunion but we should be ther for the next one. We trust a good time was had by all and that all are safely back home.
Elder & Sister Bishop
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