South Africa Cape Town Mission Web site click below

Monday, December 26, 2011

Was awesome to hear from you guys last night!!

HEY!

Man, the living room hasn't changed a bit. I'm missing my place on the couch. The chair looks nice, but I'll be honest, its not what I expected. It looks pretty comfy according to daddy. I got lots of sports and movie's to catch up on and to watch from that place!

Chrsitmas in Cape Town
Well, it was awesome to hear from you guys last night!! I really really enjoyed it! Sorry my voice sounded weird (not my fault) and that the connection wasnt the greatest ever. At least it didnt take like 30 minutes to work like it did last Christmas! haha I was wondering though...how much does it cost to call me?! I'm just curious.
I basically told you all about my week on the phone, but I did go on exchanges with Elder Perry. He's from Whales, and is a sweet missionary. then the next day I travelled to Fish Hoek and went on exchanges with Elder Park. I think that is the reason I'm sick. You always stay up late on exchanges, so I think my body just couldnt handle it and decided to get sick. I'm feeling a little bit better. I was thinking that this kind of was a good time to be feeling a little under the weather because you're not expected to teach like 5 lessons every day. Its a time to strengthen members and just to go about doing good...and thats exactly what we did.

I'm probably more excited to send you that package than you are to receive it! Its gonna be good. I shoulda sent one sooner. If there is anything else you think of that you want, let me know! I for sure bring lots of stuff home when I finish my mission! (an entire suitcase full)

The 2 scriptures are Hebrews 6:10

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

and D&C 31:3-5

3 Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.
4 You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned.
5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

I think that is about all for today. Thanks for always being such a great family to me, your love, support, encouragement & prayers is what keeps me going each and everyday. Each day that passes is a day closer to when we'll meet again! These last 8 months or so will for sure go by quick quick!

LOVE you guys!
Elder Haws

Elder Perry and I
 
Cooking up a storm!
 
Look at all those cookies we made


The Galis family...cooked a feast for us on Christmas!

It looked cool in person...like the clouds coming down off the mountain

He was making Billtong...or beef jerkey as we call it

A classic Elder Giles look

Looking towards the south pole. soo pretty!

Elder Park and I with False Bay in the background
 

Monday, December 19, 2011

I'll be waiting!! :) :)

Hey family

Thanks for the email. wrapping paper turned over, smart daddy! Shame to hear about the Aggies! dang. and I dont know a single kid in that picture you sent me! haha

My week was pretty good. I went on exchanges with Elder Speed. That was fun. He is a powerful missionary.  One night the AP's called us and said that we were having someone join us for a day. He lives close to East London, and got called to the Uganda mission. He lived in a branch, so the only person who could set him apart as a missionary was our mission president, President Wood! So he flew in in the morning, got set apart, and then we fetched him and took him out with us for a day. He is such a greenie haha he didnt even have a nametag. We had some decent lessons with him. He fellowshipped a lot with the missionaries in his area, so he'll be a good missionary and start his mission on the run. He slept over at some other elders boarding, and the next day he flew off to Jo-burg and into the MTC. Man, if I was him and had that long on mission, I'd slit my wrists and do push-ups in salt water! haha jk jk. (thats a missionary joke)

This week also was the ward Christmas party! It was just a braai. (BBQ) lots of members were there, and I ate a lot of meat! The next day was our Zone Conference/Christmas activity! It was in Bellville, which is like 20-30 minutes away. and since I'm a district leader, I had to go to the pre-meeting, and I didnt wanna be late, so we left like wayy early and there was no traffic and it was wayy easy to get to, so we just got to hang out and chat with other missionaries. The conference was nice! we talked a lot about heavenly father and how sometimes we tend to focus solely on jesus christ, rather than our loving heavenly father. After that we all shared our testimonies, which was cool. then we watched a movie called 17 Miracles. You must watch it!! It was super good. Its about the Willie and Martin handcart companies. I really enyoyed it...maybe cuz it was different than the same 3 movies I watch with investigators and members haha.

We all ate dinner and had like a cool gift exchange thing. I finally got to see the one and only Elder McDonald! YES! He came down from Namibia. Hes a zone leader now. we chatted a lot! We also sang as a zone. We sounded good. Anyway, zone conference was awesome!

Last night the stake had like a choral evening, with lots of singing. it was nice. Theres this lady who helped us sing, and she is like a pro. The final song was "O Holy Night" and she hit the high note! Wow! Powerful. there were lots of people there. When we were driving home, we got to see downtown Cape Town and Table Mountain at night! it was cool.

This morning our geyser (hot water heater) broke! We went over to some other elders boarding to shower..cuz I wasnt about to take a bath like the Africans....put some warm water in a bucket, stand there, and wash. no thanks! hopefully it'll get sorted out soon.

Alright, now the info you've been dying to hear...the phone call home! So we'll call from the chapel here in Meadowridge. The phone is like "locked" I guess, so I cant call you. so you'll call me! I do have the mission cell phone if things dont work out. so dont worry. that number is xxxxxxx. Dont call that if you dont have to. Call this number xxxxx that is the number of the chapel. Elder Giles is gonna call first at round about 8:30pm (Cape Town time) so just phone me up at like 9:30pm!! I'll be waiting!! :) :)

I've realized that missionaries are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! haha

President Monson said ?
"Let the christmas star shine brightly
upon your home this year.

gather your family nightly,
and feel the spirit near"

The scriptures are D&C 113:8, D&C 10:45, D&C 104:18

Well, I am very excited to talk to you guys! It's been too long!! I cannot wait!!! :) :)

TALK to you soon!
LOVE,
Elder Haws

Dusty was online while I was posting, it was late... so I sent him an email... here is his response...

dang daddy, go to bed! run up the stairs a bunch of times, or go outside and run around the culdesac!! haha that just gets the blood pumping, rather than calm you down! haha   and dont count sheep, talk to the shepard hahahahahaha


Elder Grow! I missed him! and the other guy has the same name as my current companion..Elder Giles
 
My fellow transfer mates at zone conference

the "greenie" we were with just for a day

Looking out over Cape Town from Bellville


Monday, December 12, 2011

There is such a sweet spirit about kids.

Heyyy

The house decoration looks okay. It took me a second to figure out what in the heck it was haha looks like a flag from a country in Europe.... but its a present, right?! and dad, please dont tell me you used printer paper for the white lines hahaha! you crack me up :) and heck yeah, you better run that ragnar run next year...im expecting you to! I'll run one with ya when I get back...how does that sound?! I wasn't disappointed with the christmas package at all...it was filled with lots and lots of love from my great family...what more do I need?! we'll pass on the Skype this year...and any picture will be fine for the Christmas card. Be creative, and just make sure I look decent, okay?! yeah, I get my hair cut every once and a while..and okayy, now we're talkin with this package. I'll keep my eyes open and see what I can do. Heres the thing...if I send it home by boat, it takes like 3 months to get there.... but if thats what you want.

We didnt do the mall thing. theres a guy in the ward that is like gonna assist us, so it'll start up in January.

Mommy, of course I'm flossing. not every single night though. and Elder Giles never brushes his teeth before he goes to bed. He is lazy.gimme a dental fact that'll convince him to brush haha and thanks for the REAL recipe

"South Africa, A World in One Country!"

As for the week here in Cape Town, it was nice. We practiced singing for our upcoming zone conference, that was fun. We helped this awesome guy in our ward move to this nice house! That was fun. We also got invited to the Relief Society activity! We helped set up, which they really appreciated. there was about 30+ sisters there. They all made like decorative Christmas hats to wear, and yeah, Elder Giles and I were the judges! haha it was fun.... and of course, there were so many fancy decorations, food afterwards! haha it was a fun morning to spend with the loving sisters in the Meadowridge ward. At church it was the Primary program. I could tell the primary president was stressed, but it turned out amazing. There is such a sweet spirit about kids. I enjoyed it a lot. and plus we had 5 investigators there, so that was a bonus.

There was a sad part of the week. that sweet lady we always visit in the hospital who has cancer told us the doctors told her that she's only got about 3 weeks to 3 months left here in her mortal probation on the earth. She's not doing too well, but I sure do hope and pray that whatever happens will be okay. I love that lady. I really do. I'm not taking my health for granted any more.

Our car was making all kinds of squeaking noises! So we took it in this morning, and of course, when the guy got in to listen to the noise...it sounded normal with no noise! haha! but eventually it squeaked and he said we needed new break pads, so we got that all sorted out. We were near the mission office and popped in to say hi and decided to do some service for the 2 senior couples that work in the mission office. We washed both of their cars, which they were very appreciative, and we washed the AP's car. We watered President Wood's tree he planted. Shame its dying haha. he's up in Namibia right now. We did that all this morning, on our p-day! haha.

This upcoming week is going to be busy. Tomorrow is exchanges. Thursday is the ward party at church, and then all day Friday is our zone Christmas activity! Its going to take up the whole day! They are even flying the elders from Namibia down, and it'll be all of us elders here in Cape Town. Its going to be freakin fun! I cant wait.

This week I clicked 15 months! Wow. 9 to go.  The scripture is D&C 124:45-46

45 And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.
46 But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them.

I'll try and find out some details about our phone call and let you know next Monday!
My time on the computer is up.

LOVE you!
-Elder Haws

Monday, December 5, 2011

Christmas is getting closer. What a great time of the year. I'm excited!

Heyy family,

Thanksgiving Dinner
I got your small Christmas package! thanks! I kinda opened it and checked it out, but I now have it under my bed and wont open it till Christmas! My temple recommend is good for 2 years, and remember I got it stolen, along with my license, from 24 Hour Fitness! It expires August next year. Thats exciting that Ryan Parker is coming home soon! Wow!

This week was pretty good. last Monday we played some basketball! It was freakin' fun. I'll be honest, most of the other elders were pretty un-athletic, and had no clue what basketball is haha but we still had a good time. I can still get the rim, easily. It felt good to sprint down the court, even though we were only supposed to play half court haha! It wasnt competitive at all. After that we got fed a freakin' nice dinner at FHE.

BONK
Another thing worth mentioning in this email is when I BONKED my head! aww man! So basically in our boarding my bed is slightly under a counter top. Its just the way the room is organized and situated. anyway, I'm not sure what in the world I was dreaming about, but in the middle of the night, I hit it pretty hard. It obviously woke me up, but I didnt realized exactly what happened until like 5 seconds later I put my hand to my head and felt and saw the blood. I got up and like washed it off in the bathroom, but I kinda had a headache after that. It finally stopped bleeding and eventually I made it back to sleep. All this while Elder Giles was sleeping like a little angel. I wanted my mommy to take care of me :) haha the next few days were embarrassing. I would just tell everyone that Elder Giles and I got into a fight or that I like wrestled a lion haha. Its healing up nicely and isnt very noticeable.

I witnessed and was a part of a miracle this week. I mean, you see tender mercies and small miracles all throughout the day, every day, but this one just stood out. The Scheepers family love us missionaries, and we love them! Brother Scheepers is like a builder and like handyman and can do it all. Thats how he makes his living. He has had some back problems in the past, and earlier last week he tweeked it again. He was worried cuz its how he supports his family and he needed to have a healthy back. Anyway, that day that he jacked up his back we werent even planning on visiting him, but we were supposed to do service for some people near his house. They ended up not being home, so we just popped in to the Scheeper home cuz there's always something to so there. it turns out they were planning to paint this room, and were SO happy that we showed up to give them a hand. but brother Scheepers also thought it appropriate to ask for a blessing. We administered to him, and yuppp, he was fully healed. He said the rest of the day it was feeling better, and that the next day when he woke up, he was completely healed. amazing huh?! Theres power in the preisthood, I promise you! that was cool. He even shared that experience in his testimony on Sunday in church.

In church our recent convert, Teacher from Zim, bore his testimony! It was totally unexpected. He is a boss! haha he did such a great job, and bore it from his heart. I was proud. He wants to come fellowshipping with us, and wants to serve a mission.

I guess the elders quorum in the ward is going to be singing at the ward Christmas party or whatever, so we had to practice. Man, thank goodness I was never in choir. That was torture haha. nahh, it wasnt that bad, just not something I really enjoy doing. Singing is fine, I'll do that, but all the techincal parts is what I'm not the biggest fan of. I guess the Lord is trying to teach me something cuz our zone is singing for the zone Christmas activity, so we have to practice this week...niceeee.

Elder Giles and I are struggling to find people to teach. knocking doors is very ineffective, the former investigators dont want much to do with us (thats why they're formers) and the members arent giving any referrals, so we're kinda in a pickle! We're been thinking of how to find solid father led families that are going to build the kingdom of God here on earth, and we came up with the idea of going to them. so where are the families all together...at the mall! haha so we've come up with the idea of like standing outside of the mall and having like a poster or something and just talk to as many people as we can. What do you guys think of that?! haha. we'll see....

Well, I'm not gonna lie, I'm tired. I can feel the wear and tear of spending an entire year in the service of the Lord, giving my very best and 110% each and every day. It can take a toll on my frail 20 year old body haha. I kinda think back on the year and all the walking days in mdantsane and training Elder Wolfgramm and being a district leader, and having not really any days off to kick back and relax, man! I guess thats what mission is all about though, right?! Every elder goes through it and experiences it. and look at me, sitting in a car all day haha I guess I can be a whimp sometimes. I'm still working hard and dont have any regrets, so thats good, and I plan to keep it that way. I have this quote by Elder Hollond. he talks about not settling for being just a mediocre missionary. He goes on to say how they wanna have a ambulance and a stretcher there in the airport when I finish my 2 years of inspired service. I can promise you I wont have anything left after these 2 years, I'm trying to accomplish all that the Lord has called me here to do. I cant stop, and I wont stop, ever! haha.

Here are 2 scriptures that I came across and kinda liked when I read them during the week.

3 Nephi 7:18
And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were  not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.

D&C 58:64
For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature, with signs following them that believe.

Christmas is getting closer. What a great time of the year. I'm excited!

Well family, I love you. I miss you. I hope I'm making you proud here in South Africa as a full time missionary. lots of people know the name of "Haws" over this side. What a great name!
Love,
Elder D.Haws

The baptisms in my last ward!!

Yummy


Monday, November 28, 2011

I'm thankful for the gospel...

Oh hello family!

Nice email and pics! Man, sounds like you guys had the time of your life this week! I wish I was there, nahh, being a missionary in Cape Town is too much fun! How about next year we'll have a massive feast all together. Deal. Way to go Aggies! Thats what I'm talking about! Oh mommy, you and those snowmobiles haha you guys see that daughter of yours wayyy more than you saw me haha I'm glad. Thanks mommy for the chocolate chip cookie stuff! dang, this is gonna be harder than I thought. I thought I'd just have to buy some flour and some eggs and maybe some butter and call it good. haha. Too bad theres no Fahrenheit here haha. I think Elder Giles and I are gonna have to do a practice run before we make lots and lots for the members here in the Meadowridge ward. Thanks again mommy!
A sweet view of Hout Bay

As for my week, it was awesome! A total turn around from the last week! Our stats were high and we did lots of good work. As you can obviously tell from the pictures, we saw some nice places last p-day! Chapmans Peak! It was very nice. I guess at certain times in the year, you can see lots of whales there, but we only saw some otters or whatever. it was a nice relaxing p-day.

Last week was transfer week, and Elder Giles and I are staying together another transfer! Nice! The only bummer about that was that on the day every one like comes and goes, transfer day, we just had a normal day. We didn't go to the mission home or like the airport. At the mission home on transfer day it is nice to see lots of other missionaries and President and Sister Wood, but we didnt go. Oh well. Theres always, with out fail, lots and lots of food at the mission home! I heard there were lots of pancakes and cookies there. shame man. Actually that morning Elder Giles and I went to work and did a solid 2 hours of service! We didn't have and interruptions in the work, so that was nice.

Thursday was Thanksgiving here in Cape Town! Last year the senior couple in East London invited us over for some food, but this year, we were on our own. We cooked lots of food, and had our feast. It was nothing compared to what I've had in the past, or what I'm going to have next year, but it was still good. then, as tradition, We threw the pig skin around haha lucky we had a football in our boarding. That was nice. but overall, Thanksgiving was very nice. Elder Giles missed his family, I tried to make it a fun day for him. I also reflected over the many many things that im grateful for in my life. I'd have to say the top one might just have to be my amazing mom, dad, and sister!! Of course other sweet family and friends. I'm thankful for the gospel, my good health, and the chance I have to serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength all day every day for 2 years.

We got a new member of my district...Elder Park! He's in my transfer, from New Mexico. that last time I saw him was in the MTC and in the mission home on the first day on mission. He hasn't changed a bit! haha He's Elder Speeds new companion. Thats a powerful companionship. Our district meeting went very well and look forward to this upcoming transfer! Its gonna be sweet.

I got grandmas package already! That was fast. I peeked in it, but everything is wrapped, so I put it under my bed, and thats where it'll stay until christmas. This week our ward mission leader put on the movie Loin King for us for a few minutes. Not sure why he did it, but it was kinda cool! We're supposed to be like little children, right?! haha I couldnt really remember what happened, so thats a nice date night movie when I get back home! haha

Heres some great news, I got in contact with good 'ole Elder Wolfgramm, and he said that they had 3 baptisms on saturday! AH! those 2 brothers I worked my tail off teaching, and this other girl we found and i started teaching. Elder Wolfgramm said they all asked him to baptize them..good for him! im gonna shoot him and email and demand some pictures! Hey, as long as they get baptized and stay active, thats all that I care about. Sure it woulda been nice to be there and witness it and congratulate them! They know I love them. also, Elder Wolfgramm said that every time Khayakazi (recent convert in Mdantsane that I baptized) sees a picture of me, she like cries a little bit! awwwww! I miss her and her brother!

As for the work here in Meadowridge, things are looking up. Got some new people to teach and follow up with. I remember the holiday season last year, it was kinda tough to find people home because most people leave and go places, or pretty much don't wanna see us! haha We'll still find things to do. Crazy to think that its December already! dang.

Elder Giles and I decided at the end of the day, think back and reflect on the day and identify the miracles that we had that day and the tender mercies to us missionaies. We look for His hand in this work, and see it time and time again. Its amazing.

2 scriptures are:

James 2:10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

D&C 53:7
And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen

Hope you guys have a wonderful week! I'm thinking about you guys! You think you miss me, but sorry to inform you that I miss you guys MORE! :)
Bye for this week, love ya!

ELDER HAWS

Our district


The Lord gives me strength!

Monday, November 21, 2011

I downed 11 slices.....

HeY family.

Cool picture daddy. I resent some pictures, I'm not sure if you got them last time. First off, to answer your question mommy, haha I'm not taking any medication or what what, so dont worry, your son is a healthy boy and not taking some deadly poison haha.  Yeah, I didnt say anything in that video cuz this random dude was right next to me. Now I remember that other video I forwarded to you of missionaries singing the mission song! That was at like a zone training, and I wasn't there. Thanks for Raleen's address, but she sent me a nice short email, and she gave it to me.

Right now, its almost noon and there was no time change from East London to here in Cape Town. My watch is still good. No, I had to leave the Christmas tree in East London, so I guess those elders are lucky, huh?!

I bet you guys are super excited to go up to Logan this week. Hope you travel safe and eat lots! I'm not sure what meal plans we have on Thursday.
Zone training
As for the week of missionary work, I'll be honest, it was rough. Last p-day at the waterfront wasnt very cool. It was still nice though...theres no place like Cape Town! We visited this family and had a nice meal and FHE with them. I was laughing soo hard that my abs hurt. But then, after that, the rest of the week was challenging. Elder Giles informed me that he needed to go to the doctor and get like and x-ray or something for his visa to possibly go to Namibia...so we had to do that. He only told me on Tuesday, so we kinda had to do it. You know how hospitals can be, so we sat there during our prostelyting time for like almost 2 hours, but we got it all sorted out, so that was good. The next day, we got stuck at this lady's house and she simply would not stop talking, so that was kinda frusturating. The next day the zone leaders informed us that we needed to give them a lift to Bellville to go fetch their car that was in the shop, so that took a chunk of our day to do that, then we got a freakin flat tyre, it rained, etc. Just one of those weeks! I guess you have week like these in order to appreciate and enjoy the good ones, right?! Maybe the Lord was trying our faith, patience and diligence, but we tried to handle it with cheer and an upbeat attitude.

The ward had a movie night, and the 2 people we invited didnt show up, and I guess that was okay because the movie didnt work! haha. Yeah, it was only the Emma Smith movie though.
We still had some bright spots! We had our boarding inspected and the senior couple was very impressed! Normally they bring us like some sweets or something, so this time I thought I'd turn the tables and bake those cookies you sent me mommy, so thats what I did! They were surprised. Which got me thinking, mommy, hook me up with YOUR world famous receipt of Connie Haws's chocolate chip cookies! I was thinking of making them for Christmas to give to the families in our ward. Thanks!

Another "fillin/delicious" part of our week was when we went to this place called Panarottis...for ALL YOU CAN EAT pizza! wow, it was freakin nice. We met up with like 6 other elders, and just chowed! I downed 11 slices, but big bad Elder Giles took the crown and ate a whopping 16 slices! I was proud of my companion, even though he was feeling it the next morning while we were on a morning jog! haha. I think the record for missionaries is 21 slices. It was super gooood!

Another personal bright spot was when we went to the zone leaders boarding and worked out! Oh man, it was nice. They have like a ghetto place with like 2 weights, but it was better than nothing! We benched a little bit, and hit the biceps nice and hard! It felt SO good! What was even nicer was that my awesome family sent me my favorite protein bar and it was just the icing on the cake! I felt so unbelievably sore the next day, and as a matter of fact, I'm still sore, but it feels so good. Thats one thing that I really do miss, that gym.

Yesterday, it just happened that we got fed 3 times! Yeah, I'm full. The food was lekker! (nice)
So either tonight, or most likely tomorrow morning, we get our much anticipated transfer news! Oh man! It like 50-50 if Elder Giles stays or goes. I have no clue. I'll sure miss the guy if he leaves. He is such a good companion and missionary. I love him! We get along and work together well, but we'll see!

The 2 scriptures are 2 Cor 8:12
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

and D&C 24:12
And at all times, and in all places, he shall open his mouth and declare my gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And I will give unto him strength such as is not known among men.

 :)   Hope you all enjoy Thanksgiving! I heard from a South African that Thanksgiving wasn't started by the pilgrams...it was only taken up after the Civil War to try and more unite the country..or something like that! haha. I dont know, but I was impressed this oak who told us knew that! smart smart.
Cape Town laid out
Well, Cape Town is still treating me well. Yeah last week was tough, and our teaching pool is pretty shallow at the moment, but we got some new people to see this week and others to follow up on, so it'll be fun! In my personal study, im reading the old testament and the Book of Mormon. I'm in Helaman 12ish and Exodus 13ish. I love the scriptures! I look forward to studying each and every day with no distractions and to be taught by the spirit. Well, time for Elder Haws to log off. Know that I'm doing great and that I miss and love you all lots and lots!
LOVE,
Elder Dusty Haws


From the top, with Love

Monday, November 14, 2011

Yeahh, thats an eyeball and I ate it!!

HEY

How'z it?! Cool pictures. Daddy, I'm disappointed, I thought you were an Aggie fan?! haha thank goodness Kelly filled me in on the BIG news! HORRAY! goo Aggies. Like that picture of the Aggie tattoo haha. I hope you like the pictures and video that I sent! pretty awesome huh?! No Thanksgiving lined up yet. Shame about it getting dark so early. I know you don't like that daddy. In the winter here it got dark round about 6 pm, but now it stays light till round about 8 pm. I like it.

On top! SACTM
This week was nice! As you can see, we actually hiked one of the 7 wonders of the world! It was amazing. I was like a Springbok and had a good pace going, and smoked some of the others in our group of 12 elders that did the hike. I was one of the first to make it to the top! It took me about 1 hour. It was a pretty decent climb, but I think all my training and hiking and backpacking that I did in scouts helped me. The view from the top was breathtaking! Most all the people take the tram to the top, so the top was very crowded. It costs like R100 to take it. From the top you could see forever! But eventually we had to go down, and that was tough. I'll be honest with you, my legs were pretty much shacking. It took like 45 minutes, and my legs were dead after that. It felt soo nice to sit down and rest. I'm also thankful I'm not in a walking area at the moment cuz my legs were sore for a good 4 days after the hike! Serious. it was SO worth it though. I can check it off my list of things to do here in South Africa.

That was a highlight of the week, and so was going on exchanges with Elder Speed in his area of Fish Hoek! We stayed up late chatting about all kinds of things, and then had a nice day the next day, even though we were a little tired. He cooked me a divine meal for lunch! wow, it was Lekker! (nice) he is a powerful missionary who lives in Australia. He knows his stuff. I learned a lot from him and cant wait to go on another exchange probably next transfer with him.

Probably the best thing that happened this week occurred yesterday, the baptism of Teacher and Ian! they were found tracting, which is rare, and are from Zimbabwe. People from Zim are my favorite! Soo humble and loving and sweet. We planned everything out, and things went as planned. but when Teacher was getting baptised by that Darren guy, he almost baptised both of them! I guess Teacher didnt really bend his legs, so Darren struggled a little bit and slipped and almost went all the way under the water haha. It was done properly though. but I loved it the most when they both bore their testimonies after they changed. We practices the night before, and they were both nervous, but they nailed it! Simple, but from the heart! I was soo proud. also we gave them 4 white shirts, and 2 of our ties, so they looked sharp! Elder Giles and I was so happy, and so were they.

One thing that was disturbing this week was when we were driving we saw this black kid who had to only be about 9 years old, smoking. He looked like a thug and probably could beat me up haha.

We're looking for more people to teach, and found that tracting doesnt always work very well, so we've visited some of the members in the ward and asked for referrals. So that has been fun.

Also, this week I clicked 14 months! Can you believe it?! I cant.

Heres a funny thing that has happened quite a few times since I've been a missionary...People in the grocery store always ask me where to find something or other questions. Sometimes I give it my best guess, and other times I look at them and then they realize I'm a missionary, and just walk away haha.

Well, today we're going to the Waterfront. Should be nice. I've never been there, but I'm sure its nice.

The scripture is Helaman 6:37
And it came to pass that the Lamanites did hunt the band of robbers of Gadianton; and they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites.


I'm glad to hear that things are going well back home! I always look forward to hearing from you guys on Monday mornings. It starts out my week on a great note! The missionary work is here is going very well! Have a great week! I think about you often, and keep you in my prayers daily.

LOVE ya!
-Elder Haws

Our district on the top
 
Yeahh, thats an eyeball and I ate it

Smiley!

They call this place the Wetlands, its unreal
USU over BYU in Basketball!!!
Thats called False Bay

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Are you trying to plump me up?

Hi Family

Table Mountain
Man, Elder Giles is already done, and today for sure we are hiking Table Mountain and have to leave soon, so this email is going to have to be brief. I do have a request though, could I get the Raleen's address! fetch, I never got that wedding invite haha. To answer some of your questions... yeah its most likely the same DVD's, we stay in the yellowish Avendale flats in Diep River. Most every p-day we get to hang out with other elders, its only in some areas that elders only get to see their companion, but not here in Cape Town! The end of the transfer is like 23 Nov. Mommy, you really don't wanna know why the black people have their teeth taken out. It is very inapporpriate. But for the men it is just the "cool" thing to do. Yeah some people are just weird.

YESS I got that amazing package! It was actually opened and examined by customs...I dont know if they took anything out though. Daddy, I already had that Nearer CD, but the other one is sweet. I like new music. All those sweets are gonna make me fat! Are you trying to plump me up so that you can sacrifice me to the ancestors when I get back? haha. The Xhosa's sacrifice cows and sheep to the ancestors.

The FHE last Monday with the Scheeper family went great. We bought all the food and had a good 'ole time!

This week I went on 2 exchanges! the first one was with elder mofammere. He's from Lesotho. I went to his area, Fish Hoek. We had lots and lots of fun. But as I was walking out of a shack, I smashed my head on the short door of the shack, and kinda cut the top of my head haha darn shacks!

Exchanges with Elder Wilson, from England, were sweet as well! he goes home in Feb and pretty much told me his life story, it was awesome. He interviewed out 2 baptisimal dates and they both passed so this Sunday they'll get baptized! Elder Giles is excited, its his first baptisms on mission.

Elder Giles and I are just growning to be a great team. We joke and tease one another all the time. He is sweet! 

The 2 scriptures are...  look 'em up! dont be lazy

2 Nephi 32:5
For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.

D&C 68:31
Now, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them; and their children are also growing up in wickedness; they also eseek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of fgreediness.

Like I said, not a cloud in the sky today, and President approved us to hike Table Mountain, so next week I'll send some nice pictures home from that, and also from the baptism!

Sorry for the short email. next week's one will be better!

LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!
-Elder Haws

BIG Elder Wilson and me

FHE with the Scheeper family!

Exchanges with Elder Mofammere

Its called the Great Gatsby...only R39! I barley could finish half of it



Monday, October 31, 2011

No flea bites to complain about.

Hey Haws Family!

Thanks for the nice e-mail. Cool pumpkin daddy! They dont really celebrate Halloween here at all. Just another normal day. Probably cuz its such a dangerous place, especially at night! Yeah I did go to the Waters of Mormon once. I came late for some reason, probably cuz of sports. No I havent gotten the package yet. Nahhh I dont need protein powder. Send me some cool churchy stuff or USU stuff instead. The New Zeland won the Rubgy World Cup. Elder Frost was happy I'm sure. Glad you got my post card! Dang, that was fast! Just another reason I love Cape Town, good postal service. mommy, I'll ask around about that teeth thing. Don't worry, I sometimes brush 3 times a day. Elder Giles often falls asleep (passes out) and doesnt brush. haha. I'd have to say the Scheeper family is my favourite so far. We're going there for FHE and we'll take some pictures. We're cooking for them cuz they always cook for us. We're gonna make spaghetti and meat sauce. and daddy, as for the conflict with the temple night and the rival WV vs MC game...."seek first the kingdom of God" but it is a rival game, so have fun at the game, but FOR SURE go to the temple either before then, or soon after. As long as you go, not necessarily when you go, right?! No flea bites to complain about.

As you saw from the pictures, we decided not to hike Table Mountain. Instead, we hiked Loins Head! Is that not beautiful or what?! We parked at a place called Signals Hill...where President Probst took us on our first day in Cape Town over a year ago! Hadn't been there in a long time. The hike wasn't too hard, just beautiful! The pictures tell it all. Man, soo pretty. I kept thinking how boring and mundane and dull East London was. haha Cape Town, I love you! We drove through downtown and there was lots of traffic. As for the hike, it was nice! Loins Head I guess is where President Kimball stood and dedicated this land for missionary service. Also, in the distance, you cant really see it, but there are 12 peaks, what people call the 12 apostles. Look it up. You cant really see 'em cuz of the clouds, but there're there. Anyways, it was another amazing p-day in Cape Town. We'll probably try and hike Table Mountain some other time. Another thing on our "to do" list is to take a tour of the World Cup stadium...

As for the week of missionary work, the real reason I'm in Cape Town, it was great! Nothing too out of the ordinary to report on. Elder Giles and I are practically brothers. I took him on a longg run one morning, and I don't know why, but I like needed to let some frustration out. Nothing bad happened, but I just think that fact of sitting in a car and in lessons all day every day was boring my body, so I just needed to get the blood pumping!! I showed no mercy to Elder Giles. I was wayyy far ahead of him, he was yelling to slow down, but I just kept going hahaha! It felt great. We had some powerful lessons, and got some solid new investigators to work with. they've come to church, we just need to get them a testimony and committed and have the spirit do the work. I'm excited to teach to their needs and answer their questions and resolve their concerns. We had a nice lesson about the atonement with lady who is in the repentance process. It was powerful.
We also helped a lady move, which was stressful for her. She really needed our help, and that's what we're there for.  The zone leaders joined me and my district for district meeting. It was nice! Everything went as planned and they said that I did a really good job. Afterward we got some delicious and cheap lunch (good combo) and got to spend time with the zone leaders in their nice boarding. This week I'm going on exchanges with them, so that should be a blast. Also im going to Fish Hoek for a day on exchanges. Its kinda fun being a district leader cuz I am the one who decides when we go on exchanges! haha

The weather here has been hectic. Some rain and clouds, and lots of in-between.

A weird thing happened at church. the gospel principles teacher for some reason had both his kids in the class with us, and his son (under a year old) would not stop crying! like it was distracting the lesson. So some of the black sisters in the class were holding him, but that didn't work. So never fear, Elder Haws is here! haha Even though techinically it was against mission rules, I took him outside and eventually made him stop crying! Magic! He was really moody, so I held him the entire lesson outside. I just hope the lesson was good for the investigators that were there.

The scriptures are:

D&C 59:21
And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

Mosiah 4:9-10
9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.

Thats all from here in Cape Town! Days and weeks just fly by and time is going by faster and faster! Its crazy.  Miss you all soo much! Your missionary son here in South Africa love you!

Talk to you next week!
-Elder Haws

The hike
 
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CAPE TOWN!

The view from the hike

Part of the hike...poor Elder Giles haha

A view of Devils Peak from the freeway

Bless this lady's heart. she has cancer, but she's in such good spirits

Look at that feast and the veggies

These are like the only Xhosa's in the ward

The crew who hiked Loin's Head! beautiful