Table Mountain is the 8th wonder of the world!

Dear Family,

Thanks for the nice e-mail. We live in an apartment complex in a place called Diep River. Its like 20 minutes from the mission home. and yeah in the future I could go to Namibia. I'm glad to hear that grandma got my letter. I havent gotten her letter, or that package yet. I will probably soon! Sorry, I dont remember sending you a video, my bad? You never answered me about if aunt Julie got my post card I sent a long time ago.... I havent had any flea bites so far.

I just say right now that I have to write this letter quick quick today because, yes, Table Mountain is calling my name! We gonna hike it today! It is kinda cloudy though, so hopefully it'll pass so I can get some good pictures from the top! I've decided that Table Mountain is the 8th wonder of the world!

As you can see from the pictures, we went to Cape Point last Monday! WOW! It was the funnest P-day that I've had on mission! serious! Oh my gosh. my P-days in East London were lame compared to the ones here! We went over to Fish Hoek and drove with those elders along the beautiful coast, over to a place called Simon's Town where the penguines were! It was sweet to see them! Then we made our way to Cape Point! It is a national park, so it cost R80 to go there, but it was SO worth it! Man, I wish I could type a accurate disctiption of what it was like there! I was speechless! So Cape Point isnt the most southern tip in Africa, but it is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and lots of shipwrecks occur. Its the Cape of Good Hope. Man, I wish I coulda stayed there forever! It was soo sweet! It was wayyy windy where we were, up at like a lighthouse. There were also SO many darn tourists. I guess in a way I'm a tourist, but heck I live in Cape Town, I'm a resident haha. That was like a once and a life time experience that I'll remember for a longg time.

The point!!

The week of missionary work was nice. we had a day where we only taught 1 lesson, and had lots of dropped appointments and stuff, so we both were a little down. I feel like the Lord was humbling us and seeing how we would react and respond. because the next day, we taught 5 powerful spirit filled lessons! Elder Giles and I work together well. We teach in unity and have fun while we work! I feel lost when we're driving around because I am so used to East London and Mdantsane streets...but I'm going to start driving this week so hopefully that'll help me learn the area. One thing that I've noticed about Cape Town is that there's a lot of sand, especially in the townships! Another thing about Cape Town is that the weather is very unpredictable. You can experience 4 seasons in a day. Its fine for me though, cuz I'm not walking! ha! Another thing is that heres lots of people here that have like their top front 4 teeth missing...weird! haha

There is an awesome family in this area. The Scheepers! They LOVE the missionaries. They arent dirt poor, but live in a humble home, but fed us 3 meals last week! They want us to come over more often! haha. The meals arent very big, but still, they sacrifice so much for us. I felt bad, so I offered to clean ALL the dishes (yeah, no dish washers) it took like 30 minutes. haha. I love that family.

Church yesterday was nice. We had 5 investigators there. Yeah my talk went well! I wasnt very nervous, and it went exactly as planned. It was only like 5 minutes, but everyone said I did a good job. The gospel principles teacher is freakin hilarious! We were talking about the spirit world, and he said many people die to know where we go when we die, or something like that. I was just dying laughing in the back of the class the whole time. He just has soo much energy when he teaches.

Elder Speed got food posining really bad, so we had to drive the 20 minutes on Friday morning to come to the rescue. He was too sick to go to the chapel for district meeting, so I decided to just have it in their boarding! It went really well! Elder Giles and I found some frozen chicken that expired back in March, and we were hungry, and I gave Elder Giles a hard time about eating it, but it was frozen, so we ate it! We didn't get sick, yet!

The scriptures for the week are:

D&C 112:12-13
12 And pray for thy brethren of the Twelve. Admonish them sharply for my name’s sake, and let them be admonished for all their sins, and be ye faithful before me unto my bname.
13 And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.

D&C 100: 5-6
5 Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men;
6 For it shall be agiven you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say.

Alright, gotta go! Table Mountain, here I come! Hopefully I'll have some sweet pictures to send home next week!

Love you guys!
Elder Haws



How cute!



Check that out



Cape Point National Park



The district with a beautiful backdrop



Oh Elder Giles how I love you!!

There was much rejoicing!! ...but I am very very sad.

HELLO FROM CAPE TOWN!!!!!




My view of Table Mountain every day..the backside

 Daddy, what the heck?! Oh well. but yeah, I am currently sitting at a NEW computer shop emailing you from beautiful, wonderful, amazing Cape Town. Wait a second, I just turned around and looked outside and saw Table Mountain, Yeah, no big deal! haha Its true that we can clearly see table mountain, but its just the back side of it, but hey its still Table Mountain!

Let me respond to your letter, Then I'll tell you all about my epic week! I didnt get my package quite yet, but I'll get it quicker than ever before cuz I'm right near the mission home and mission office where all the post goes! yeah, No I'm not writing your talk daddy haha and yeah we have to be back by 9 pm, but sometimes we dont take an hour for dinner, so we get back by 8 pm and just count that as our dinner time. Theother day we had a lesson at 8:30 so techininally we didnt get any dinner time! and heck, who needs it when you're doing the Lord's work! Okay, enough with that, let me tell you how my week was!

So I kinda knew I was being transfered, and the call came Tuesday morning. Elder Larrabee, the assistant to the president, phoned me and said I was going to Cape Town! At first, I didnt believe him, but he said it was true! FINALLY!! There was much rejoicing!! So that morning I had to start packing cuz the next day I was getting on a plane. So that day we said our goodbyes and still had like 2 good lessons. I am very very sad. Khayakazi and her brother, the 2 people I baptized and loved soo much, were at school till very late, so I was not able to see them on my final day :( I was, and still am sad. like we baked muffins for them, and like I was going to give Khanisani a tie and stuff, and it never worked out. They just sent an SMS (text) and really apologized and said bye. Oh well. maybe I'll see them again, you never know. Other than that, I was able to visit all the people I wanted to say goodbye to. Then, it was time for me to get on a plane! Elder and Sister Fowers who are the senior couple from San Diego who I was telling you about, picked me up late for my plane! My flight was set for 12, and they came at 11. We made it pleanty of time though. It was sad to say goodbye to Elder Wolfgramm, but I'm sure I'll see him again sometime soon. anyway, when the plane took off, it was a weird feeling. no more east london. I spent 13 months of insipred service there. Lots of great people and memories in that city and Mdantsane that I'll remember the rest of my life!

A view of the southern tip of Africa from the plane

The flight was about 2 hours, and it was beautiful to see Africa out of the window of the plane. Anyway, we landed and went stright to the mission home! Hadnt been there for a year! There were SO many elders there! Lots of food :) it was nice to see lots of my friends who I hadnt seen in a long time. There I saw my new companion...ELDER GILES!! He is epic, to say the least. He is in Elder Wolfgramm's transfer, so he just finished being trained, so has been out about 4 months now. He's from Tooele, Utah! He is a farm boy! Literally, he's a pig farmer! I love it! He like country music and played football and wrestled in high school. but good heck, he is powerful for being so new to mission! We teach in unity and get along great! Sometimes, we just talk at night when we sould be sleeping haha. but this morning, we went on a run, and it was pathetic! haha I thought he was kidding. We ran about 300 yards and he was dieing! haha we got some work to do.

So the place in Cape Town where im serving is called Meadowridge! Cape Town has 2 zones, so theres lots of elders here cuzs it covers a big area. Yes, im in a CAR!!! No more walking for me. about 11 months of walking is good enough for me haha. Our area is massive, and very diverse. We have shacks, town, middle class houses, The richest of the richest in all of cape town! Those houses I saw yesterday were HUGE. but the ward is very good. I'll be honest, I've already been fed more than I have my entire time in Mdantsane! hahaha. the ward loves the missionaries. The only thing im going to have to get used to is not speaking Xhosa to every black person I see. There are SO many different types of people here. We're teaching lots of people from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and they speak french! So thats cool. but our area has lots of colored people. They look mexican, but they're mixed. they speak Afrikkans and have a distnict accent. Look it up on youtube! Its sweet. The ward and area has lots of white people. So there's just a little of everything here. Elders say that in Cape Town if theres one place to serve, its Meadowridge!

Ummm, I'm the district leader. but the ward only has 2 elders, so the other elders are working in a place called Fish Hoek!! Yeah, supposed to be like the most beautiful place in all of \Cape Town! Right on the coast! I'll go there on exchanges, so I'll send pictures. The elders there are Elder Speed from Australia and Elder Mofammare from Lesetho. They both are sweet. Elder Mofammare is in my transfer, and Elder Speed has been out about 9 months. The only "bad" thing about all of Cape Town is FLEAS!! All the boardings have 'em. so far, I haven't had any problems with them, but I know they'll come. We have spray that keeps them away, but I'm sure they'll bite me haha.

Yeah, so general conference was amazing! powerful huh?! I loved all of the talks, and loved the prophets talk and all of the apostles, but the one by Ian S. Ardern and J. Devn Cornish were some of my favorites! applied to me as a missionary! Booyahh, the music was outsanding! wow.

On friday we had interviews with President Wood! i love that man! we talked about a lots of things, but then towards the end, we talked about sports! haha serious! He loves the Celtics, and also told me the details about the USU vs BYU game a few weeks back! He is such a cool guy.

We had to drive about 45 minutes to the training/place where the interviews were going to be held, and that drive was right along the coast! it was breathtalking!

Hey, gotta go! today we're going to Fish Hoek and going to a place called Cape Point! I AM SO EXCITED!! I'll for sure take some pictures. Elder Giles said theres penguines there! But guess what we might do next p-day.....yeah, CLIMB the one and only TABLE MOUNTAIN!!! That would be funnnnn. This week I think I'm going to have to do an baptisimal interview, and then this Sunday I was asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting, so that'll be nice.

Well, I am SO happy to be here in cape town!! I think you could tell from the email. We got lots of appointments this week, I cant wait! gotta teach and testify to the multitudes!

Taddy, you're birthday is coming up soon! Any big plans?!

The scriptures this week D&C 29:6 and 1 Nephi 1:15

Take care! I'll just be over here working hard and having fun this week!!!

LOVE YOU,

-Elder Haws

Yeah, that literally is a sea of shacks

Elder Giles and Me

The new district

the last time at the Nyandoro's

these boys are gonna get baptized soon!

I'm going on a plane!

Greetings Family!

What an epic email! Thank you! Dang it daddy, you told me my transfer news!!!! haha I dont know if I should thank you, or what! haha I'm not going to tell anyone, cuz I'm not supposed to know. Its not a bad thing that you told me. We used to get our transfer news before our emails, but it's changed so now we'll either get it tonight or for sure tomorrow morning! Yay, I'm going on a plane! I was anticipating leaving this place. Like lining up goodbyes and stuff. and heck, why not! I've been over on this side for long enough. (We got a letter from the mission President asking for some information to process Dusty's visa for a transfer to Namibia)

Thanks for sending me a package! I cant wait to get it. but you guys are making me feel guilty! I neeed to send you guys a package, but you guys just keep sending me them! If I never get around to it, I will promise to come home with a suitcase of stuff for YOU!

Dont kill missionaries! haha and gooood, go Chargers! kobe = loser.  That made me smile about your squash daddy! haha! and glad to hear about your new job and your cool experiences.

To answer your question about doctors...I've never been, cuz the Lord has blessed me with such amazing health and I've tried to take care of myself, but basically what happens is that you call the mission mom (sister Wood) and explain the situation and she will give you directions...like an authorization code for our insurance, cuz us elders are insured by like the best company in the world or something like that. I think we just pay a small co-payment (remember those mommy! all the times you took me for my darn foot or shots/things before my mission! haha) and thats about it. Thats about it for the doctor. The times I have felt a little under the weather, I just used the things my awesome super mommy gave me before I left. I even shared with Elder Nilsson and Wolfgramm when they were feeling a little blue.

Daddy, I use that scripture every time I teach people about the plan of salvation. Thanks for sharing that with me! Such a blessing to have that knowledge from the Book of Mormon! Thats why we need to share it with everyone! right?!

Alma 40:11-12

11  Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

This week was just alright. We had 2 really tough days. Not much teaching cuz of dropped appointments! We had them all lined up, SMS (texted) them to remind them, and then they either arent home, or are just too busy and dont want to see us. it wasnt very fun. To add on top of that, it was like 28 degrees!! Yeah it sounds weird, but they use Celsius here, so that is almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I think to convert it, you just double it, and add 30.

As you saw from the picture, we had a flat tyre. I felt lazy just standing there, but Elder Nilsson and Oyiembo got down and dirty and changed it pretty fast. Another thing, it popped in like the perfect spot...like it was in the ideal location. Not on the main busy road to mdantsane, but not in the middle of the township. Just another tender mercy from the Lord. Happens all the time!

A highlight of the week I'd say would have to be sacrament meeting. Khayakazi, who I baptized on 28 August had to give a talk! On the Atonement! ...and guess what, she did a fantastic job! I was soo proud of her. She pretty much wrote the entire thing herself, and was nervous, but got up there and just did an absolutely outstanding job. I smiled at her when the bishop announced who was speaking that day, and she looked at me during the talk, and then after she finished and sat down, we made eye contact and both had big smiles on our faces! That is a special girl, and her brother! I might be very sad tomorrow when I have to say goodbye to them :( aww.  We were teasing her brother, because guess what, I'm sure his time to give a talk is soon! Ronald, the guy I baptized in June, has to give a talk in 2 weeks! haha He'll do great.

After she save her talk, Brother Mayta had to give a talk. Guess who wrote his entire talk...yeah, Elder Haws! Serious. The guy is soo incredibly humble and loving, but the topic was on the Atonement, and he had no clue what it was. yeah, this is the same family that I wrote talks for the wife and then one of their boys! man! haha. They are such a great family, and bishop's goal is to have them go to the temple next year, but its just that they're still somewhat new in the church, and struggle big time with English, so I just had to help them out. We went over to their house to help him out with his talk, and he got a pad of paper and pen and set it in front of me and then sat down. I was like ohhh man. I started it then, but decided to just take it home and finish it when I had more time. I did just that, and stayed up till 11pm writing it! haha  I think it turned out very nice, and I even threw my name in it! When he said it in his talk, he was smiling, and so was I! haha. He did great, and I just basically love that family. They fed us a small meal during the week to thank us for helping them out, but then invited us over after church to "celebrate" Tata's talk being over. In the Xhosa culture, the just dish up the food for us, and then leave while you eat. They very rarley eat with you. With most all the meals that I've had on mission, they are at an incredible sacrifice on the behalf of the members. It makes you feel a little bit guilty when you're eating. but yesterday, we got fed at 4pm from someone in the ward, as usual, and we stuffed our faces! This lady is well off, and always cooks a lot of food for us missionaries. After eating that delicious meal, we got dropped of at the Mayta's home, and yeah, just ate that lovely meal that I just explained. Elder Wolfgramm and I were both pretty stuffed, to say the least. Its not very often that missionaries get back to back DA's. We dont even get any DA's during the week, and then to get one within 30 minutes of one another was pretty cool haha

Well, with te news about Namibia that you told me, and just being in one place for so long, some goodbyes are coming up! Those are not very fun. Cuz its true what all missionaries say, you truly start to love and care about those you are teaching, and then when it is time to say goodbye, it can be hard. Oh well, its just part of life as a missionary in God's army! and Namibia is supposed to be like unbelievably hottt, and its just going into summer...niceeeee. bring it.

I dry cleaned my suit this week. Only cost R76 soo a little over 10 bucks. Now it smells nice, and just feels better on me.

This week we watched the Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration movie twice! Both times it was amazing! All I can say is Praise To The Man!  I counted all the temples that i either have been in or seen in my life, and I think it added up to be 14! wow, I'm too blessed. and just think all the ones I'm going to go to as soon as I get back...look out!

Heres a fun fact...Elder Oyiembo is from the tribe of Judah and Elder Wolfgramm is from Manasseh. cool huh?! You dont see that very often

Question, did Aunt Julie ever get that post card I sent her a longg time ago?! Let me know please. cuz if not, I'm sending another one because she is such a great aunt and I love her so much.

The 2 scriptures are Alma 37:44 and D&C 17:6

I would encourage you to get a copy of this months Liahona! It is amazing. Its a special edition on the Book of Mormon! sooo sweet! I haven't even had time to read the entire thing yet, but the part that I have read is really good. so read it!

Well, thats all for today from here in beautiful East London, South Africa! I love you guys very much and think about you very often. Never forget that!

Talk to you next week, I guess from Namibia!

LOVE,

Elder Haws

The FHE we recently had!

I absolutly LOVE that mamma!

At a braai (bbq) for this girls birthday

So next week we'll get our transfer news!

Hi family,

A sick license plate I got

Aw man, its sad to hear that uncle Kirk passed away. I told my mission president last week about what was going on, and he wrote back (which NEVER happens) and said "The plan of salvation is our greatest comfort when loved ones teeter between mortality and the spirit world. The Holy Ghost will comfort your father and family as you continue to be obedient and diligent and pray for that blessing. President Wood" pretty cool that he responded to me. I dont really know what else to say. I'm just glad I got to say goodbye to him before I left.  I know the Lord is taking care of my family and that he'll provide for your needs. I'm not worrying at all about you 2 old people, and Kelly. You're in good hands. Daddy, don't forget to hit up that ab machine at 24 hour fitness ;) hahaha

Thats exciting to hear that Durban is gonna get a temple, and also the DRC. yahoo! I know temples will dot this beautiful land. We get to watch conference on the 15 &16 of this month, I think. I might not be here in East London by then ;) haha I've been procrastinating the package to you, sorry, my fault. Yes I have money for food and in the next package some vitamins and CD's would be much appreciated, some picutres of the SD, Logan, and other temples! Missionaries like spiritual stuff too! Any cool gadgets or other cool things. I dont know! I'm gonna love the package no matter whats in it! Mommy, I havent seen a dryer here in SA. I dont need anything special for halloween. Yeah grandma Strang is a pretty faithful writer! Her letters are nice, but I'd rather get them from cute girls! hahaha jk jk. Its nice to hear whats going on in her life. sooo exciting and action packed! haha and of course Kelly sends me wonderful emails each and every week! They're awesome and I love her and them very very much.

As for my week, it was very nice and busy. I went on 2 exchanges. The first was with Elder Nilsson. He is very obedient, but we stayed up till like midnight talking about all kinds of stuff. He has been in contact with President Wood about some things, but he said I helped him out more than the things that President Wood was doing! ha! I felt proud of myself, but more just happy that I could help out a member of my district. He cooked me some nice food, and in the morning we went on a run! woooow, I am out of shape! It felt good to run, I miss it! We both were sore the next day. It was nice to teach and learn from him and just get to know the guy. He's amazing.

I also went on exchanges with Elder Andianantenaina from Madagascar! They all have lonnnggg names. he is our zone leader, so he was just seeing how myself and my district and my area was doing, and he reports back to president Wood. Both him and the other zone leader, who Elder Wolfgramm went with for the day, came to my district meeting! I made sure I was prepared and that it was going to be a good district meeting, and it was! I was happy that things went as planned. After the meeting, they had like a post DM review and they said I did a really good job. It was a nice confidence boost and it made me feel good. Elder Andianantenaina is a powerful missionary! It was super nice to teach with someone who knows what he's talking about and has mastered the teaching skills. We taught 3 powerful lessons, and had a blast together!

We got some nice stats this week. Its not all about the stats, but I was proud of myself and Elder Wolfgamm and it shows how hard we actually are working. this week is looking pretty busy busy, so weeks like that normally just breeze by. Its starting to heat up here in South Africa, so we've had some long hot days, but then out of nowhere, yesterday, it rained the entire afternoon! My feet and pretty much whole body was soaked! I had a rain coat, but it was no match for mother nature! But like D&C 139 says....when you work in the rain, your wife gets hotter! I could use some wife points! haha

This week the entire mission switched phone providers. We went from MTN to VodaCom. it was a little hectic, but im just glad our phones work

I was doing Elder Nilsson's wash and I found these!!

I surprised Elder Nilsson and washed all of his clothes, then folded and ironed them for him. He was very grateful and happy. I washed Oyiembos.and this morning Elder Wolfgramm and I cleaned out the fridge! Man, why did I wait till like my last week to do it! haha oh well, at least now it's clean.

I was looking at the crest (shows where and who all the elders in the mission are serving with) and I am one of only a few elders in my transfer that are district leaders. only 6 out of the 21 in our transfer are DL's. I feel like other missionaries could do a better job than me, little 'ole Elder Haws, but I just do my best.

Scriptures are D&C 82:8-9 and Alma 57:21
How in the heck is the pool doing?! and my pad squad?! and Westview football?!

The rugby world cup is going on, and USA got murdered/destroyed/wiped out/thrashed by Australia 60-5 haha South Africa won it last time, and are gonna win it again!

This is the last full week of the transfer...so next week we'll get our transfer news! No worries, I've already received revelation that I'm going to cape town or Namibia! haha jk jk, we'll see though!

Onward, ever onward!!
-Elder Haws

Dumb and dummer "throw salt over your shoulder" and "pretty bird"

Elders from my transfer at zone conference

I LOVE this picture! look at Elder Oyiembo

Ohhh noooo, we gonna crash

Its nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

Hello Family,

Family visit Kirk in Wisconsin.

That is sad news. I hope things are going well. Everyone looks wayyy good in the pictures! I will no doubt keep him in my prayers and my fast. You better tell him hi for me and that I'm thinking a lot about him and the entire Haws family and that they will be in my many many many missionary prayers. "The only way to take the sting out of death, is to take love out of life."

That must have been exciting and cool to be in Packer country! ... and I guess its a good thing that they won! haha

As for my week, it was pretty good. nothing too out of the ordinary to report on. the weather is heating up a little bit, so that is nice. and also on the 30th of this month will mark 1 entire year in East London. niceeee.

I went on exchanges with Elder Oyiembo. We had a blast, as usual. He's such a stud! It was nice to drive around all day, while Elder Wolfgramm suffers! haha jk.

I discovered that Elder Wolfgramm gets very nervous and scared during first lessons with people. I'm sure I was the same way too, back when I was still new on mission. We role play in our companion studies and I feel like that is really helping him out a lot. We stop frequently and talk about what he can say or how he can improve. Not to boast, but I know how to teach the restoration and the doctrine of Christ...but probable should be able to cuz I've been out over a year and am a district leader trainer senior companion.

Mommy, one thing that Elder Wolfgramm does is that he grinds his teeth at night! Not good, right?!

2 of the days when we were in the area, we were only able to teach 1 lesson, each of the days. not good! haha but we still worked hard, even if we didn't get to do much actual teaching

A highlight of the week was when we got our washing machine!! There was much rejoicing!! haha it is SOOOOO nice to have "clean" clothes. There is such a huge difference! its such a luxury. I guess the old saying is true..you don't know what you got till its gone.

A neat part of the week happened on Saturday. The other elders had 2 people ready to be baptized (the 2 I interviewed) and every thing was planned out. The ward mission leader takes care of like the program and everything. but, Friday night we got an text from him saying that he wouldn't be able to make it, so it was up to us to run the baptism. and me, being the district leader, had to conduct the baptism! haha. I wasn't nervous, it actually was kinda fun! It was a cool experience.

Yesterday was Elder Wolfgramm's 20th birthday! Last Monday when we were buying food, I secretly bought pancake mix and a chocolate bar for him, so yesterday morning he got up, and while he was in the shower, I made his bed and put a happy birthday paper on his bed along with the chocolate, and then I made him some delicious pancakes straight from the celestial kingdom! haha It reminded me of when you, mommy, always made pancakes for Kelly and daddy, and NEVER for me, you're first born child and only son! haha jk. He was very very happy and surprised and grateful for what I did for him. I'm just glad he had some food to eat cuz he cant really control himself too well when it comes to food and normally eats all of it in the beginning of the week so when the weekend rolls around, he's out! haha I share with him, but heck, I kinda sometimes have the same problem too!

Some members of the ward left today to go to the temple! I am SO jealous! lucky little punks.

The scriptures for the week are Isaiah 52:7 and Mosiah 4:27
I read this somewhere "Its nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice" :)

Elder Nilson shared something with me from a book he read. He said that there are 5 ways to love: gifts, service, words of affirmation, quality time, and physical touch. There are many different languages of love. To show people more often that you love them! You can never be too loving!

Hope you travel safe and that things with Kirk go well. He'll be okay, he's tough as nails!

LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!

-Elder Haws

A helping hand

After doing some service...

South African sunset

The wonderful loving Sister Mtana and us

I've discovered a hidden talent..

and it came to pass that Elder Haws said to his family...

How'z it?! Man, what a powerful week here in South Africa. Thats cool President Wood sent you an letter. Yeah most elders get to train and be district leaders, but I am one of only a few that are currently doing it right now. More than half of my transfer are serving as just senior companions or even some are still junior companions. Not many have trained are only a handful are district leaders right now. I'll just serve where and be whatever the Lord and President Wood want me to be/do.

Mommy I dont know what paper work projects you're talking about...but the small amount of administrative work that I do is normally done during the evening. and yes, dont worry my mommy, I'm nice and warm all of the time. Check you out, maybe working at a grocery store?! which one?! haha

Our boarding is in the background

Zone Conference was absolutely amazing! We live soo close to the chapel that it was being held at, so we just walked, and as we were walking, President Wood and Renlund and their wives in their car pulled up along side us and asked where the chapel was (it was right in front of us) Elder Wolfgramm jokingly pointed the opposite direction! haha it was funny. Then I got to say HI to all of the other missionaries and then it was time for the pre-meeting with President Renlund and Wood with all the district leaders, zone leaders, and AP's. Walking into that room was like walking into the Holy of Holies! haha We all sat down and one by one introduced ourself and said where we were from. Elder Renlund said some words then asked that we one by one share one thing that was going well in our district or zone. Then after we had all done that, we all were asked to mention one thing that our district or zone could improve on! I was kinda scared, but it was exciting. after that meeting, we took that picture that I sent you and went into the chapel for the conference. It was amazing, Elder Renlund has an incredible memory, especially with our names. he said mine like 5 times! haha



President Renlund and his wife

The conference itself was freakin awesome! Soo many great insights and revelation and just spirit packed stuff! I took lots of notes and learned a ton. Elder Renlund talked about his experience of speaking in general conference! Watch his talk! Oct 2009 Sun PM session! He said that the first presidency sent him a letter like 2 months before conference saying "we would be pleased if you spoke at conference" haha and like all the talks during conference, they are not assigned a topic. Elder Renlund explained how he just sat down and he knew exactly what he should put into this talk. he said how sometimes he would wake up in the middle of the night and know exactly what part of his talk he needed to change. Then, he had to submit his talk to the first presidency to have it approved. then, here's something he swore us to secrecy, but that they wear makeup!! yeah, its true. He said he went into a room and one of the other apostles were there and this lady put makeup on him! Like on his bald head so the light wouldnt reflect too much. He said he was nervous. and when the person speaking before him said a certain line in his talk, that was Elder Renland's que to so get in the on-deck circle! He said there are 4 places where his talk is shown. He could only see like the first 4 rows of people and the rest is just black darkness haha. He said how he hopes that he wont be asked to speak again haha

Anyways, that was probley the highlight of the week. but another bright spot was when I had to do 2 baptismal interviews!! True, one was only 9 years old, and the other one was only 11 years old, but still, an interview is an interview! It was a neat experience. It was cool to get to know them and see if they were ready to get baptized, and they sure were! One of them was wayy nervous, but I tried my best to make him feel comfortable, and he lightened up. they are both excited to bet baptized, and I'm happy for them!

This week, one of our recent converts, who is 12 years old was assigned to give a talk on repentance. This poor guy struggles big time with English and to be honest, doesnt even know what repentance is! haha. so we went over to his house and I wrote the entire talk for him! then, yesterday, he got up there and nailed it! he did a fantastic job! I was soo happy. The bishop was smiling the whole time. I even put our names into his talk! haha

While I was taking reports this week, Elder Nilsson said he was having a hard time and asked for some advice from me. I was kinda caught off guard. I quickly offered up a silent prayer asking for some inspiration and the Lord helped me, as He always does, and I was able to help Elder Nilsson! Just another one of the tender mercies of the Lord. I see 'em each and every day without fail.

This morning, before we came to email, we went to the new senior couple's boarding in East London. the last time I went to their NICE boarding it was for a thanksgiving dinner! yeah, I've been in East London too long! haha but they fed us an AMAZING brunch with the other elders from the zone! It truly was a taste from home...wanna know why?! The senior couple, Elder and Sister Fowers, and from Bonita!! They're from San Diego! They are freakin epic!! They are the best ever. They have been to the black mountain building before a few times and I mentioned like a few names from the ward and he said Brad Hatch sounded familiar from scouts! They like me a lot and even passed by and dropped off some chocolate chip cookies and said they would look into getting us a washing machine that worked! haha ahh I love them!

The weather here is slowly starting to heat up! Its getting hot. heres a fun fact for you, I've discovered a hidden talent..Im good at memorizing things! weird, I know, but I've come to realize that I'm sometimes good at it.

The weekly scriptures are Psalms 119:2 and D&C 64 :32-34

Hope you guys have a great week!  I think about you guys and pray for you each and every day, without fail! I miss you, but this time apart is just showing me how much I truly do love my great family!

LOVE,
Elder Dusty Haws



Walkin along the road



Yes, that is a cows head



Big transfer

 

Friday was my 1 year click day! You only get one of those on a mission!

Malolelei famili, (tongan)

How are ya?! Thanks for the email. To answer these questions, umm no haven't made those brownies this week yet, but we will. Yeahh tyre is spelled like that here. Yes, I still remember where I was and what I was doing on that September day 10 years ago. In church one of the speakers mentioned it just briefly, but other than that, it wasn't really a topic of discussion. Sorry about the power outage, shame. Of course we missionaries have the Ensign and Liahona! I read out of them every morning when I eat my bowl of cereal. I've very familiar with the talks and stuff.

GO AGGIES, and Blotz!

You're not going to believe this...we got a DVD PLAYER in our boarding! Good thing the rental store is near our boarding, we're all caught up on the newest movies that have come out! man! There are some good ones that I've missed! hahaha just kidding! I'm not kidding about having a portable DVD player now. The zone leaders gave us the list of rules and stuff about them. Its for training purposes only, and we cant take it from the boarding and stuff. We got the District 1 & 2 and we've watched a lot of it so far! Man, those people are from San Diego, and I love/hate when they show pictures of downtown SD or of the temple! ahhh! home! haha. It actually is really good to watch and learn from those missionaries. I've perfected my teaching skills and technique from watching them and look forward to learning even more.

This week I decided to make Elder Wolfgramm senior companion for a day! He was up for the challenge, and I think that he did a good job. I just kinda sat back and he did not most, but some of the talking. he needs to really buckle down and learn/improve cuz sometimes he gets stuck in lesson and isn't sure what to say, and still never uses the scriptures when he teaches. Shame he's never read the Book of Mormon cover to cover before. but he better do something cuz he wont be a greenie forever and just look over at me and have me save him haha but I did give him some advice about how he could get more/the most out of his studies and he took my advice to heart and ever since then his studies have been more meaningful and spiritual. As for my studies, I'm still chuggin' through the Book of Mormon again and today I finished reading Our Heritage...loved it! Such great faith and sacrifice from those early saints. it truly is inspiring. Now, I've decided I'm going to start reading the Old Testament, probably not the entire thing, but at least Genesis and some of Exodus, and then just go from there.

This week we did 3 days of hardcore service! Man, it took a tole on me. I was tried a lot during the week. I think the service had something to do with it, but also the responsibility and duty of being a district leader trainer senior companion can take its tole on a person. the fact that our appointments were dropping like flies, left and right probably didn't help out either. I look over when that happens to Elder Wolfgramm to get some counsel or suggestions about what we should do, and he just never has any good ideas (no offense) haha. and another thing I've noticed/realized...I'm always fetching hungry! like right now! I just plow through food during the week, and then by the end of the week, I'm outta food! haha dang. too much walking.

My second district meeting on Friday went pretty well! It started 25 minutes late, which wasn't good. those other elders left to pick us up at 10:20 when district meeting was supposed to start at 10:30 and it takes about 20 minutes to get to Mdantsane! I lovingly rebuked them and next week they're gonna be on-time! or else haha jk. I kinda had to cut some things out of district meeting because of time, but overall I think it went really well. I prepared well and thought it turned out nicely. Now I'm already thinking about what to teach in the next district meeting.

Sunday was stake conference! It was held in town, but we just watched it in the NU13 chapel with all of the wards in Mdantsane. Basically I knew 2/3 of the people that were there! Everyone in the 2nd ward obviously, but also everyone in the 1st ward where I served with Elder McDonald and Elder Barlow. It was SOO nice to see my friends and recent converts from the 1st ward! I saw mamma Pam, and Chris, who I baptized! They were happy to see me, and I was overjoyed to see them! I saw lots of other people too. I kinda felt like a rock-star / celebrity cuz everyone was coming up to me to say hi and stuff! I felt special.

One thing that I am really really looking forward to is ZONE CONFERENCE this week! President Wood and his wife will obviously be there, but so will President Dale G. Renlund and his wife, the President of the South East Africa Area! He's a general authority! He gave an awesome talk in October 2009 about the mighty change of the heart. dude, he's coming! and before the conference, he meets with the leadership in the mission in that area...and since im a district leader, I get to be in that pre-meeting with them! All the district leaders, zone leaders, assistants to the presidents, mission president and then President Renlund! I'm excited. Gonna get some revelation on that day!

1 YEAR on mission...all of my planners

Yes, Friday was my 1 year click day! You only get one of those on a mission! It's crazy to think that I've been in South Africa (more specifically East London) for an entire year now! I cant even fathom it. I did have a nice click day though. That night we went over to Bishop's house and had a delicious DA! Man, there was too much food! haha. I ate too much, but it kinda felt good cuz most nights we go to bed and we're still a little bit hungry haha. We loved hanging out with bishop and his wife and small kids.

I saw something crazy yesterday. We were walking by some shacks, when I looked over and beheld this kid, squatting down doing the #2 business haha for the world to see! TIA

I've taken some time to kinda reflect over and think about my year of service here in Africa. I peeked at some of the goals that I have set for myself at the beginning of my mission and saw how I was doing on them. I've learned/experienced more than I ever imagined so far, and am super anxious and excited to see what this next year has in store for me. I am proud to be able to say that I have no regrets so far and that I have done the very best that I could in each of my areas and left them better than they were when I got there. I hope I have changed some peoples life, not only here, but in the eternities. I've been blessed to have been able to harvest and baptize some amazing people and hopefully have left a legacy of love in each of my areas!

Scriptures are, as follows:

Alma 13:24
For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

and

D&C 80:4
Therefore, declare the things which ye have heard, and verily believe, and know to be true.

A talk, lesson, or an email doesn't need to be endless to be edifying! :)
Ofa lahi atu (I love you a lot in Tongan)

Elder Haws

Us with NU7 in the background

Us eating dinner watching "The District"

Hanging out by the beach

The new District!