"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU TOO BUDDY" Elder Chalke and random pedestrian.

I loved skyping with you guys on Christmas. All the internet cafe's were closed on Christmas so our mission president allowed us to email at a later date. 

This comes from an activity we were doing this past Monday as we were driving.  In Africa it is common to have windows down while driving all year round.  So when driving we were getting bored,  we decided to talk to the pedestrians on the street.  Some people were very happy, whilst others were confused.  Some were just drunk.  Any who STORIES!

Story Number 1: YOU WAIT!  Wait until we hear the cat.- Elder Dlokova

This Monday one of the Elders in our district was seeing if he could get us a Christmas Lunch.  Once he sent the SMS to a part member family he got really nervous and fidgety.  No one really knew what was going on with him because all he said was for us to wait until we hear the cat.  Then we would know what to do.  After about ten minutes of waiting, we heard the cat...AND GOT LUNCH!! It was awesome, a traditional Xhosa meal of Chicken, vegetables and rice.  Then played a game called thirty seconds which is like charades but with talking.  It was awesome. 

Story Number 2: My hands need some WD40.

Some of you may know but during high school  my language credit was american sign language.  Which I truly loved.  Incredible class and language.  Well one of the Less active members in our ward is deaf.  This week we went to visit him and since the languages are sort of similar I got to use my sign language.  I realized I am really our of practice.  But it was awesome to see the teachings we gave put into sign language and the spirit come into the home so that everyone could understand.  Incredible time.  And the father who is deaf even asked us to sing for his family.  It really threw us off guard but we sang anyways. Very fun, not good singing, but fun.

Well I hope you all have had a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.  

Elder Tucker

P.S.  We are emailing today because all the internet shops were closed Monday.

During the conversation with Elder Tucker on Christmas he said that "he works with less actives and referrals." He said "there is 675 members recorded, but around 90 people come to church". Elder Tucker said "there is alot of work to be done!"

We like meat, PIGGY, piggypiggypiggypiggy-Crazy Old Lady

This comes from...you know what... nah.  I will let you make up a story on how I got this quote. But on to stories that I will tell you.

Story Number 1:  CHIEFS FOR LIFE!

Now this week was a very slow week.  So as we were going from home to home we saw a man that we see every now and then.  He is always wearing a Kaizer Chiefs robe and a crazy hat to show his dedication to the team. I wanted his picture so bad.  Luckily we saw him.  So we pulled over and asked for his picture.  He was very willing which was awesome.  Unfortunately he did not want to learn about the Gospel though.  So the picture is included.

Story Number 2: Transfers

As we have come to the close of another glorious transfer in the South Africa Cape Town Mission, we got transfer news.  So Elder W and I will no longer be companions.  He is going to Queenstown.  And my new companion is a new missionary so in mission ( and IsiXhosa) terms, unyana wam.  I am grateful the Lord has given me the opportunity to train someone and for sure we will have much fun (maniacal laugh).  Any who it will be a joy to see what is in store for the next  transfer.

Love you all.  have a lovely week.

Elder Tucker

"They will come again, and I will again eat chicken, and suka Elders"

This quote comes from My companion about a less active doing what he calls a "technical dodge".  In this case the dodge included us getting free KFC so it was one of my favorite dodges. The less active was canceling the appt. but they had chicken. As a joke I said "Oh Thank you!" He said "no actually here, and gave us each a piece of chicken".  Suka means "go away". But on to stories for the week

Story Number 1: If you are doing a painting service, bring professionals.

This week we got the opportunity to paint for someone.  And we have to people in our ward that have one of the coolest jobs ever.  The make and develop colors for paint.  So they know how to apply them and what not, so we asked them to help us.  Man these guys paint well but the coolest part was them teaching us about paint.  Its actually quite interesting.  There is a lot that goes into paint, I won't really bore you with much details but just know that there are people whose literal job is to make colors and name them.  

Story Number 2: Visiting the bush

In Xhosa culture in order to become a man you go to the bush. You are there for about three weeks.  Well one of our fellow shippers was there, so we decided to pay him a visit.  It was interesting because nothing really happens there.  But it was an interesting perspective to the culture because I had never seen or been there before.  What I will tell you though, it does not teach you anything for life.  The real bush as we call it among the Elders is a mission, which actually teaches you life skills and what not.  So in short, if you get the opportunity.  Serve a mission! 

That's all for this week folks

Elder Tucker

Busy with the food, but no gain-Brother Sayo

Hello friends,

This quote comes from a brother in our ward.  We were teaching a lesson to him and he kept looking at his arms.  To picture this guy think of a really tall, really skinny guy.  A toothpick.  After five minutes of looking at his arms and us just wondering what is gonna come out of his mouth.  That is what he said.  It nearly  put me on the floor.  Now on to the good stuff.

Story Number 1: OHHHHH! YOU JUST GOT BURNED!

This week we had exchanges on Saturday.  It was super fun because the other Elders in my district are cycling elders, so I got ride a bike all day.  (For Lane,  The bike company is called Giant, 29 size frame, didn't get wheel size.  Same gear stuff we had on the bikes at the resort, 3 in front, 8 in back, not sure what else you want to know). Any who is was super fun.  From about 12 to 5 we were riding bikes through the hills of Mdantsane NU14.  Which in that time every lesson we had dropped so we were in the sun.  I got crazy sunburned.  So these past few days  haven't been the most fun.  Also the shocks and seat aren't that nice so it hurts to sit.  I enjoyed every second of i though.  Except the bumpy parts.  I can still feel them.

Story Number 2: Viper's Tree

Lately I have been having a desire to cut down a really big tree only using an ax.  If your asking why, its because I can......I think.  Any ways, back to the story, I was telling this to a Less Active we are working with.  His stage name is Viper.  Well this came up in context because when we saw him we were near this really big tree.  After I told him my desire he asked, "How old do you think this tree is?"  I replied," Probably about twenty or twenty-one."  The tree is twenty three and was planted when he was a baby, so he literally grew up with the tree.  I thought that was pretty cool.  

It made me think that just like this young man had a constant in his life, so do we.  That constant is God.  He created us and sent us here to earth to live, although we don't always notice or appreciate Him, He is always there. We can learn a lot from trees.

Those have been a couple of my adventures.  Hope you all get some good ones this week.

Elder Tucker

If you don't know what your doing.Might as well do it quickly. Jay Bear

This quote comes from a bear we found in our attic the other day.  It is a Duck Dynasty B

ear so it has a lot of strange random comments.  This was one of the boarding's favorites.  Picture of bear included.  On to story time!

Story number 1: Always remember rule #6

This week we were invited to attend the YSA Face to Face with Elder Oaks and Elder Ballard.  I have to say, I always looked at the Apostles as these always serious super spiritual people.  Those guys are funny.  Not only that but there were some very good questions and topics they discussed, like less active family members, testimonies.  There was actually a lot discussed but needless to say it was very very awesome.  Highly encourage watching it if you get the chance.

Story Number 2:  Mama's Baptism

One thing I have come to love on my mission is part member families.  Why?  Because they give people first hand experience to seeing the power of the restored gospel in someones life.  Which then leads to them accepting the gospel sometimes.  In this sense it did.  It was a wonderful baptism this Saturday.  We had a lot of wonderful people there and the baptism and everything just went super smoothly.  Like it was supposed to happen. The Lord works miracles for those that choose to follow Him.

No Thanksgiving here it is summer. I don't even remember what we cooked. 

That's all I have for this week.  Love you all. Elder Tucker

"It's a long walk home. That's ok I have long feet."Scott & Becky

A lot of you may know where this quote comes from.  If you don't  i would ask an older sibling or a parent or someone about a little movie called The Phone Call. Why this is my subject is because one of the members of my district had it on his flash drive. I had never seen it before but had heard so much about it.  It was incredible. So if you are bored and want something to watch look for The Phone Call.  

On to story time

Story Number 1: I know you always love to hear about our investigators. We have a baptism coming up this weekend! A very lovely and prepared woman. Both Elder W. and I are very excited for it. She has been around the church for a very long time. A cool story is her daughter was in my first area. When my companion and I met her she told me that the missionaries should go teach and convert her family. To which I sent a referral to the missionaries. Now I get to be a part of that conversion. God is incredible isn't he! 

Story Number 2:  Area Conference

This Sunday we had an area conference for the South East Africa area.  Which is basically the bottom half of Africa.  It was really cool we were able to hear from a couple members of the seventy and as well Elder Neil L Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  Its amazing what technology can do these days.  But one of the coolest things was to hear about the growth of the Church in Africa. How African people are working to build up the kingdom of the Lord.  Great talks, personally my favorite was Tad R. Callister's talk about principle to over coming challenges we face.  It was super powerful.

Well that was my week.  I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Elder Tucker

I conquered the door! Elder W.

This quote comes from my comp. To explain this I will use the phrase, "knock knock".  So in Xhosa when someone uses this phrase we say, "Qonqo"  As I have explained before the Q is a click.  Now he wont click due to his culture, so when I asked if anyone was home his response was, " I konkoed"  in his accent he conquered.  Moral of the story Conquer everything even the little things.  ON TO CONQUERING STORY TIME!

Story number 1: I HATE BIKE RACKS.  

Hate is a very strong word,  Lets tone that down a bit.  I DISLIKE BIKE RACKS VERY MUCH!  

Well right now the other elders have received their bicycles but due to lack of lockable storage in the area we had to transport them to our flat.  It was about eight fifteen when we made this decision.  We got the bike rack on after some observation of how it worked.  Then went to put a bike on.  IT fell and damaged our car.  This went on for about thirty minutes, until we finally figured it out.  I am very not looking forward to taking them back but hey, gotta do what ya gotta do.

Story number 2: Tata

This week we were in a day where we had quite a few dropped appointments.  We decided to visit a member that has the sacrament brought to him.  MAN! That was one of the most powerful testimonies of the gospel I have ever heard.  Right when we got there he talked of his conversion and his family and the Book of Mormon, everything.  It was so amazing to see the joy in this mans face as he talked about something he loved with all of his heart.  He may be sick and not able to go anywhere but he is so happy just from the gospel.  It reminds me of a scripture 

2 Nephi 2: 25. For, for this end was the law given: wherefore the law hath became dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.  Well we have all that joy, all we need to do is acknowledge it.

We have people ask all the time why do I need your church if I have mine? It is hard to explain until they have tried it. We will keep the efforts going. 

Until next week,

Elder Tucker

"Rocka bye Babies" Elder Davies

Good morning everyone 

This quote comes from one of the funniest men ever to walk upon this earth.  Secondary to my father.  Now to imagine this man think of the epitome of an old Utah man without the beard.  That is Elder Davies, full of stories which he will tell for ages if you let him.  I will tell the story in story time.  So lets go there now.

Story number 1: Zone conference

So this week we had zone conference where we got the privilege of being trained by Elder Koch of the Seventy.  Very amazing man and training! In between the training we had lunch.  All of you must know after food comes tiredness and sleep. Whilst we were getting ready to go back to the training Elder Davies was going to the companionship's  and singing lullabies to them.  It was hilarious.  That man is so funny.

Story number 2: Make sure your oven works before making a cake

This week I told some of our recent converts that i would make a cake for them.  So I tried but our oven did not work well.  I went to put in the cake and found that only the top part of the oven worked so my cake was charcoal on the top and not quite done on bottom.  I was super sad but I had already made the icing.  So I cut off the burned part of the cake and put on icing.  Was not a bad cake taste wise but the look was terrible.  So moral of the story make sure you can do what you need to make the cake before you do so.  I think you all should be able to find some way of putting that into a life story.

In mission news we have a part member family baptism coming up this month. I am exited about that one. Not much else happening there in terms of investigators but reactivation is going well. We have a Melchizedek priesthood holder coming back so that will be nice.  

Have a lovely week everyone

Elder Tucker

"Wow is she pretty, fetch, dang it-ZL

This quote is from my zone leader who in his term was experiencing "Jungle cancer".  Very funny guy.  He is amazing.  Any ways... I hope your ready for stories because its story time.

Story number 1: What is he microwaving? *BOOM*

So one of the joys as a missionary is you make a lot of really quick food to cook when  you need to.  My companion cooked some boiled eggs in the morning that he wanted to heat them up.  He had never put eggs in the microwave before.  When he was doing this I had no idea he was doing so;  as I was walking out to the car I saw him standing next to the microwave waiting for food.  He doesn't usually use the microwave, so I ask myself?  Next thing I know there is a huge explosion! He jumped nearly to the ceiling and egg was all over the microwave.  Me and another Elder were dying on the floor for about a good ten minutes while my comp was cleaning.

Story Number 2: Elders, are you hungry?

There is a member in out ward that like two months ago promised "The Elders pizza!".  This happened on Saturday.  Previously this day and the previous day we had had so many drops that me an my comp were dead and sick of driving.  God just wanted to send us a reminder we were doing a good job by this guy buying us pizza.  It wasn't the most amazing pizza.  But it tasted so much better because it was free and from a member! 

Until next week,  love you all !  Elder Tucker

Since neither of you are very forth coming with actual information regarding your missions I am going to give you guys a questionnaire. From your big brother.

1. How long have you been out?
2. What city are you in? 
3. Who is your companion? 
1. Where is he from? 
2. How long has he been out?
3. Common interests? 
4. How are you getting along?
4. Tell me about one member in your branch?
5. Tell me about one investigator?
6. Tell me the weirdest thing you have eaten thus far?

1. 11 months, nearly a year!

2. We stay in East London in the flats near Cambridge police department. 

My Area is Mdantsane 2nd ward. 

3. Companion Elder W. from Uganda. He's been out 7 months.  Common interest is soccer.  He is a Mad Ute fan! In regards of getting along.  We get along decently well, with some warm discussions.  

4.A member in our branch:  There is a guy named The M.  Stage name but everyone knows him as that.  He is really cool and owns a restaurant.  I want to try it.

5.  There is an investigator named L. who we can not see right now because of exams.  Its the end of school here so...but he is super cool and comes to church every week and all the activities during the week.  Calls me Mdala Ndaka ( Elder Bed). 

6. The weirdest thing I have eaten is either Amaqina ihagu (pigs feet) or Ox tongue.  Both were decent but the feet were very fatty and rubbery.  Did not expect that at all.  Ox tongue was super soft.  The worst thing I have had was umpokoqo,  Which is ground maize made in to pap, served with amasi ( sour milk)  doesn't taste to good.

Good to hear about the fam and great work on the pumpkin.  Very well done.

Love Elder Tucker      This is a basketball stretch according to the Elders from Madagascar. 

"Want to do some service"? Mdantsane Fourth Ward Elders

This quote comes from the Mdantsane fourth ward elders who asked for some help with service.  It was truly an adventure.  The service itself was at 9:30 in the morning but we also had about fifteen other things we were doing that morning.  We went to serve, because we that is what we are called to do.  We helped to move a wardrobe up a huge hill into a shack.  NOT EASY but fun.  Any who story time.

Story Number 1:  Elders.  Your getting roomates!! Same size area 

Some of you may know that the Madagascar mission has closed down due to some cases of the Bubonic Plague were reported in Madagascar.  Most of the missionaries were sent to Johannesburg til they were re-assigned.  Some have been reassigned to the Cape town mission.  We got a couple of them!  Coincidentally both from South Africa.  One of them speaks Malagasi, the other  speaks Xhosa. Cool stuff.  Its has been interesting being in a four man boarding again.  It feels like something is always happening.  But it will be fun, especially since I am the only driving Elder. WOOT WOOT.  My car!  HAHAHAH! Any who we now have some help in Mdantsane 2! 

Story Number two:  Boredom + Stuff = Snowboarder (pic included)​​

There came a time this week where my companion and I got super bored because we were waiting for the Senior couples to come and do some inspecting.  This is what I did. I then pretended to both ski and snowboard through the pow pow.  IT was lovely.  Enjoy the soon coming snow my friends.

That's what I have for this week.  Shop shop Majeta

Elder Tucker​

Two. Dairy. Cows. My companion

I will explain that in a story.  Because my comp.  is very funny when it comes to livestock.  So without further ado.  STORIES!

Story number 1: Cows

Now a little bit of backstory is that my companion knew a lot of missionaries in Uganda.  Some of those missionaries said "they would go back to get wives".  My comp did not like the idea of coming to Mzantsi to get a wife.  His reasoning is that the money he would use to get to South Africa would be enough to buy, not one, but two dairy cows.  Now that is just the trip here, so he could also get a nice bull with the money for the way back and have many cows.  But long story short he doesn't want to come back to SA for a wife,because of cows.

Story number 2: Part Member Families

One of the ladies we are teaching is the mother of two members.  She is so powerful. The last time we were at this house she told us first thing, " You will see me at church on sunday."  We were super happy.  AND SHE WAS THERE!  Then we followed up on her reading of the Book of Mormon, and she read with intense understanding.  Part member families are awesome.

Anywho that is the weekly letter of Elder Tucker.

So long and have a wonderful night...or morning.  Whatever it is, it should be good.

                                                                                             

Momma-To answer all your  questions simply more mormons, or at least god oriented people. Makes easier lives in the world for everyone.

OUR CAR IS DONE!

This quote comes from my companion.  This week we have been having an issue with our car which is not new to me or the Cheveos.  The bad thing about this issue is no one has any idea what is going on or why it stops running.  So we took the car in.  Unfortunately we have to use the car to get to our area which is about twenty five minutes away.  So we were waiting for the zone leaders the whole day. When we finally got to get to the area and got dropped off to walk.  We got a call.  We had to wait till the next day to get the car.  Walking was super nice.  STORIES!

Story Number 1: Hey, will you help us?

Lately there has been this dude we have seen all the time.  We have tried setting an appointment with him but wont accept one.  Although we see him nearly everywhere.  But last night he and his friend were carrying a generator that was freaking heavy.  And they saw us and asked for help.  My companion doesn't trust people that ask for our help.  So we wait just a second then if there is no warning from the spirit I will help.  So me and our fellow shipper were helping them move this thing.  Just softening his heart to accept the gospel.  But that thing is hard to carry down hill.  No fun.

We have been working on increasing our service in this area. We are also going to visit more members and our less actives.  

Story Number 2: Baptism Interviews

As district leader one of your responsibilities is to interview those who are to be baptized in your district.  These interviews were my first ones ever actually conducting the interview.  I can honestly say I was far more nervous than those getting the interview.  But none the less they went very well.  The ladies I interviewed were so very prepared and incredible.  It was awesome to see the joy they had from being able to accept the enabling power of the Atonement of Christ in their life.  Absolutely amazing experiences.

We loved conference especially Elder Tad Callister's and  Elder Anderson's talk. Check them out. 

Until next week,  Stay Qaba Qaba (Means Stay Fresh, Fresh-a local saying)

Elder Nkosiyabo(Means king-he assured me he is not acting like a king)

Good morning everyone

This week has been a very interesting week because my time in Motherwell came to an end. Now I am in Mdantsane.  Fun fact Mdantsane is the second largest township in the whole of Mzantsi Afrika.  And it is very very hilly but nice. 

My new companion is an Elder from Uganda .His English is very good. He does not speak Xhosa that mainly comes from me and the fellowshipper.  He has been out for six months. 

 

Story time

Story number 1: Eish man!  Slow down!

This was from my companion.  On our first day together we were driving home to our boarding from the area.  About a twenty minute drive.  I had absolutely no idea what exit to take or where to go but my comp did, but he didn't know the name of the exit or the number just what it looks like.  AND I DIDN'T KNOW THAT.  It was about nine o clock so it was dark.  All he would say was you get to the lights and turn right.  THERE IS NO LIGHTS ON A FREEWAY.  So I missed our exit, TWICE!  But we made it home!  Now I know where to go.

Story Number 2:  General Conference

This week was general conference so it was very nice to hear from our prophets and apostles.  It really helps to feel home because you know as you watch your family and friends are doing the same exact thing.  One of the blessing of here though is they have a super nice chapel.  A chapel with a podium and everything!  It was absolutely amazing to be there for Conference.  Don't take your chapel for granted because they are truly blessings.

Any who that's all folks.  Have a good week. Elder Jeron

Smashing spiders with the Prophet-Yours truly

Last night as we were getting home, Elder Smith was unlocking the door and I saw something move.  It was a huge spider about the size of my palm.  It was creepy and cool, more creepy though.  Well we didn't want it to enter our house because we have a huge hole in the door. So we got an old Liahona from the car and smashed the demon.  Once it was smashed though both of us like ran down the steps in case it was pissed off.  Luckily we killed it so it couldn't be angry.  Gordon B. Hinckley is good at killing spiders.  Stories.

Story number ichi: Priesthood blessings

As missionaries we give a lot of blessings because we are always around.  This week I got very sick on Saturday which murdered our proselyting.  But before we did anything I asked for a blessing from my companion and our fellow shipper. It has been a very long time since I have received a blessing of healing but it was very nice.  Even though I wasn't healed instantly to go and work. I was feeling much better still a lot of rest but I know it definitely sped up the healing process.  The Priesthood is real my friends.

Story number ni:  Elder, did you organize the deck?

On Thursday when we got home I went to get my washing out of the machine.  Now our deck is not messy but it wasn't as organized as it was when I went out there.  First I thought when we had boarding inspections earlier he might have quickly done that. Elder S. had not.  Then I noticed a ladder coming up from the area behind the our flat.  No one was there or knew nothing about the ladder.  To be safe we put the ladder on the deck.  Nothing was stolen or broken into but someone climbed up to our deck just to organize it.  The tootsies are getting weird now. 

Until next time.  Have a wonderful week

Elder Tucker   

Dad, 

The self reliance stuff is awesome. The Stake president of Port Elizabeth loves that curriculum. We got to hear about the classes last week in Elder's quorum. Interesting guy. Works as a paramedic.  

Mom, Don't worry about me getting sick. I am good now. We have a mission nurse.Fixing the hole. We are safe.

elephants

"You don't need the six pack when you've got the nose"-Axe Commercial

Hello Friends

So the quote is something that we heard this week.  Now in my family, we have decent size noses.  But to people the people here and the other missionaries.  I HAVE GOT THE NOSE. (still working on the six pack).  STORIES

Story number 1:  Primary Presentation

Man this week in Motherwell it was the primary program.  Anyone who knows me, knows I love little kids. This was awesome to me.  First off,  Christ told us that his spirit is with the little ones.  That is so very true, whilst listening to these kids talks/ songs the spirit was so strong, just Incredible! Also the kids were so funny.  One of my favorite actions was by a child we call S.  All he did was sway and smile, so awesome.  So when you next have a primary program in your ward, appreciate it.  Those kids and teachers work hard.

Story number 2:  Playing with Elephants

My zone leaders birthday was the other day. In order to celebrate he wanted to ride Elephants.  So we did.  We had enough people to get a really good deal on it.  We all went and we had fun! These are the pictures. The elephant I rode, his name is Duma.  Which means the sound of thunder, or something like that.  Reason being is he makes a unique sound when he is eating. The guy I am with is named Chris, he had been riding/guiding elephants for six years.  Duma is twenty eight years old and is THE ALPHA MALE.  And not only did we ride them but we got to hug them and pet them, and feed them.  Elephants are cool.  So that's what most of the pictures are.  It was a powerful experience.  Now to my brothers, I have an elephant  friend. I AM THE REAL TARZAN. 

The rest of the pictures are of a mask i got that was super cool.  Got that for skiing.  We call it Bandana bandana (long a)  after the National soccer team here.  Bafana Bafana. 

Until next week my friends.  Sho

Elder Tucker​

"Ukkh,man" "duhhh"-The Motherwell YSA

Dear Family and Friends: Moja

These are the responses to sarcastic comments or the response to the sayings of the great Captain Obvious.  It almost seems like many of the people here are like Sheldon Cooper.  They understand sarcasm but have a hard time distinguishing it.  Elder Smith and I get a lot of these remarks.  

STORY TIME!

Story number 1: Be a dog.

This week we had the opportunity to  go on exchanges.  I got to go to another area and we went to set up an appointment.  This Gentleman was contacted semi recently, but he wouldn't let us set an appointment.  However he did tell us that we were supposed to be dogs not cats.  Personally I want to stay as a human. He never agreed to a time.  It was interesting. But  I guess I am supposed to be a dog now so, "ruff".

Story Number 2:  Elder Tucker!  No, wait yes, but wrong one.

So after visiting some people they wanted to see some pictures of my family and I had my USB with me so we plugged it in to their computer and I was narrating the pictures a bit just explaining who was who and what was happening and what not.  Then they saw some pictures of Teron and this little five year old was like, "Hey that's Elder Tucker."  And then everyone was like no that is not.  Then it hit everyone.  He was right it was Elder Tucker, but the wrong one.  It was funny.  Still didn't believe it was not me.  I love having a twin, even when people haven't met him, and when we have the same name.  I can still confuse them, on who is who.

Does it feel like it has almost  been a year to you because man things are going so quickly. It is beautiful here in Port Elizabeth. Our Momma V. who feeds us every other day got to go to the temple in Johannesburg.  It is a14 hr. bus ride! Be thankful for temples that are close. We would like to have a temple in East London someday. We are working to make that happen.  

That is it for my week.  Bonsair friends and family.

Elder Tucker.  

"Hey,Mzo" "What? "Says hey to the black man and not the mlungus. That's racist." "Yes! I did it, I corrupted you."

To explain a little bit more about this, as white people in a township everyone loves to say hey or hello to us but will always disregard the fellow shipper.  So he always calls the person racist.  This time the tables turned and this was my response.  He was a little bit shocked but mostly so very proud.  Now on to stories.

Story Number 1:  "I cannot guarantee this works."- Asian man

So as most of you know, I wear a watch.  Have for the past four years, and I hate not knowing the time.  My watch band has been broken for the past few months but is now fixed thanks to some ingenuity and creativity on part of yours truly.  Back to the story I was going crazy not knowing the time, so I asked our fellow shipper "where I can get a watch and he took us to this store".  I found a pretty nice watch that was perfect for my needs.  I asked, "how much it was?  The shop keeper said "50 rand"( round about four dollars).  I was satisfied, but then he had the audacity to tell me, "I cannot guarantee this works".  In response I put the money back in my pocket and said " well then I cannot guarantee that I will buy this watch."  We left the shop and went to another place to get watch where watches work.  I respect the man's honesty but disrespect his sales pitch.

Story Number 2:  Memorization

This transfer one of our zone goals is to memorize the entirety of The Living Christ.  And it is really not to easy to do because we are doing three paragraphs a week, but the wording is very peculiar.  Even though it is a bit difficult,  it has truly been a wonderful blessing, because as we have been reading and memorizing it everyday.  I have found my testimony of Christ to be far stronger.  Also it has made teaching so much easier because it is like the How to Begin Teaching point says,  "Our Message is centered on Jesus Christ" which has made it easier to see how everything we share and teach points us to Jesus Christ.  Its powerful baba.  If you have not read through or it has been a long while since you have.  I remind you of President Nelson's talk.(At least I think it was President Nelson) Please read it.( Anyone know what talk he is referring to? I will ask in my weekly email.)

On that note, Have a lovely week everyone.

Elder Tucker

This is one of  my favorite little guys. I am not sure where he learned to make faces in pictures, but he does a pretty decent job. Small but feisty.  

"What's in your mouth?" *pfft* wrapper is on the ground. "Nothing".

This week our fellow shipper had another run in with low blood sugar.  It was not to fun, but the fellow shipper was so funny.  It took everything I had to keep professionalistic. ( I know that's not a real word, but if my mom can do it, so can I.)  We had a little packet of screws left in our car from another fellow shipper and apparently he thought it was food.  So he almost ate it but he did get part of the wrapper and title is what he said.  Man it was so funny, sounded like a three year old.  Ah that guy is awesome though.  His blood sugar returned to "beautiful" levels before we reached the hospital !

Story number 1: Stake Conf.

This week we had stake conference with everyone in Port Elizabeth area.  Hopefully we can help the Stake to be able to split soon.  Back to the conference we had a lot of powerful talks given, one of my favorites was from Elder P. one of the seventy.  Elder P. talked about a lot of things but mostly testimonies.  He shared something about the prophet and apostles.  He said "they are not perfect people, but their testimonies of Jesus Christ are perfect".  So if you want to be like the prophet just make sure your testimony of Christ is perfect and rock solid.

Story number 2:  "You don't speak normal english. - A six year old

Saturdays are really hard days here for missionary work.  The white handbook lied.  Anyways this Saturday we had one lesson at twelve and then all of our appointments dropped up until six.  So we decided to try and contact some of our previously dropped appointments in the week.  We went to a house and there was a lot of kids outside that all had a lot of questions. I was kind of bored so I started talking with an Irish accent.  This was the kid's response to my accent.  So sorry if you are Irish you don't speak normally. Good kid though, very very talkative.

Until next week folks.

Elder Jeron 

"We got some Sandies with Balolo.Pelolo"-Bro. G

This week we helped with "Mormon Helping Hands". This was the description of the food. Now to truly make you understand why I loved this statement.  I want you to picture "Andre the Giant",  but black, with a shaved head.  That is what this guy looks like. (If you don't know who "Andre the Giant is" go watch "Princess Bride". He is the Really BIG guy.  Then in your head say this a little bit like Teron would say "Faabulouss" but  a little bit less diva- ish and more relaxed. That is how it sounded and it was AWESOME!.

Story Number 1:  My wife has a question for you. 

So lately we haven't had to many older investigators for church so we just stay in gospel doctrine.  This Sunday was not too different  so we stayed in Gospel Doctrine, which is good because no one really goes into deep doctrine. We had an investigator who is the mother a family we are also teaching.  We had an appointment with them later that night, but unfortunately she runs a hair salon.  Hair salons here are always running because people change hair here every week and a half. (If you get that reference. You deserve a high five.  So just TAP the monitor and that will count.)  Back to the story though, we were visiting their neighbor later that night and her husband saw us. He came and told us that she had a question about the Lesson earlier. The lesson  was on baptisms for deceased ancestors.  We then had a wonderful lesson teaching her about how she can help her ancestors come to know the gospel and accept it.  Great stuff.

We had five investigators at church and they are all doing very well. All referrals, but one of them was a pastor for another church. So my companion and I were praying and trusting a lot in the Lord to help him soften his heart. The heart softening seemed to come during Priesthood. The teacher was talking about the Book of Mormon. Great things were said. Man we are teaching alot of Pastors. I am finding out how much some pastors really do not know about the gospel and basic doctrines of Christ's church.  It is very scary. 

Story Number 2:  For a driving Area we sure do a lot of walking.

This is what I told my companion as we walked the width of our area yesterday morning.  It was a very long walk.  Like two hours of just straight walking.  It was good though it helped a lot of people realize that not having bus fair to get to church is not an excuse to be less active.  It was very fun, except I shined my shoes before we did it and then they were not as shiny or nice looking for church.  Hey we did  help a soul come to repentance so that was really good. (he didn't finish the story-guess that will be mom's question for next week).

Mom-Ipads are a "no fly zone" if we want to share a Bible video we put it on a flash drive and hope the investigator has a flash port to share. We can refer them to the Bible video's the church has put online. 

The pictures attached are of one of my best friends. He is two. He wants to be a missionary and likes to wear our name tags. He also likes drawing and cars.

(Been working on getting the pictures for an hour.-Mom Will add them when I figure it out).

The Famous Mdala Myama (Elder B.)

This week when going to church we got to the courtyard of the school where we attend church and saw a white couple standing there.  Needless to say Elder Smoothies and I were very confused because. I presumed we had the title of mlungu in Motherwell.   We greeted them though thinking they might be guest speakers from the stake and were even more shocked to hear that they were not South Africans.  In fact they are from Alabama and he served here before, and just came back to visit.  Very nice people.  It was good to finally meet someone that you hear about a lot.  But Stories.

Story #1: Blessings of The Fall

This week we had a lesson which really brought into perspective how much The Fall of Adam and Eve helped us to fulfill the purpose of God.  Now when we teach the fall we always talk about how Adam and Eve were innocent. That when they were cast out they could feel sadness and misery but also love and happiness.  When we were teaching this man though he got so angry at us because he said "we were accepting sin".  But what he couldn't understand that we can only know good from bad if we have a chance to experience both.  Maybe sin is  not personally, but we can still see how bad leads to more bad without repentance and good leads to more good.  It was a very frustrating lesson for us to teach,  However it helped me to see that the Lord loves each and every single one of us with an incomprehensible love. The Lord wants us to be happy and I appreciate and know it.  That is why he lets us see/ hear or experience bad things.  Isn't our God amazing! But before I go to far on that I will end there, but if i can add one more thing is you have agency use it.  Don't let the gift be taken or misused.  Back to the story he never really understood, so we asked him to pray and read a few chapters in the Book of Mormon that can hopefully explain it better than we can.

Story #2:  Oh, there's dogs, naww man.  I don't do dogs I had a bad experience. 

So at one of our investigators houses there is an old dog but not like really old just an old dog.  Now when ever we leave the house the people always hold the dog.  This week we found out why.  The dog will let us enter the gate and go to the door, akongxaki.  When we leave though he doesn't like it.  This time we went and no one was home but the dog was.  Our fellow shipper does not like dogs so he was outside the fence. Elder S. and I when we found that no one was home made a b-line straight for the gate.  The dog was near the gate.  So Elder S. ran out and I followed shortly after and shortly after me came the dog.  Luckily Elder S. basically threw the gate closed as he was leaving and I was skinny enough to make it through.  The dog almost got his nose smashed though.  Scary moment though.  Dogs are weird. 

News on transfer:  I am staying and so is Elder S. 

Have a lovely wonderful week and beware of dogs

Elder Tucker

Dad,

Life here is awesome. It has been getting warmer latetly so the weather is getting sort of unpredictable but it is really nice. Sister Vena is doing well. Someone did throw a rock through her window because they thought no one was home. She is a very fiery lady so they wouldn't have stood a chance against her. We are her missionaries and we did go right over to make sure she was safe. Miss you lots, Jeron

Mom in answer to why some call me an Albino African:

When I came to Motherwell The missionaries before me spoke little to no Xhosa. I however knew enough to have a pretty lengthy conversation. So I would always use Xhosa when talking to people. Our fellowshipper said

"no you are not a mlungu(white man) you are an Albino African". Then when I was driving in my bucket hat and shades a drunkard said "look at that Albino driving there". That's really the Albino African story. Just like Teron's "your the blackest  white man I ever met". 

Sum up if Teron's ok. I don't want to be worried so I didn't read the notifications you have been sending from the mission home.( He loves his brother. A sum up was already in my letter luckily.)   Jer