Feb 2013 Pictures - Fruit stands and kids playing

Feb. 2013

 Hi everyone, Remember when I talked about the lord wanting us to start a school because people have failed high School or they got bad grades and it doesn't matter if you are

50 years old here and getting a job they still look at your High School grades.Well, We started the school. We started off the school with a big braai ( barbecue ) Elder Van Sickle barbecued for three hours straight. I felt sorry

for him. He was so tired by the time he was done. Six of the young elders helped us serve the meal. We invited

all the teachers, students, parents of the students or if it was a uncle or grandma or aunt that they were staying with we invited them also. We invited both ward bishoprics. We planned on 63 people if everyone came. As it

turned out. We had 83 people there. Alot of people came when they saw us cooking the food that was at other meetings at the church and some people off the street

that were hungry. But that's okay we planned on this happening so we had  alot of food. We had all six teachers get up and tell about themselves. Then Elder Van Sickle

gave a motivational talk on succeeding in the classes they were taking. Making Goals. Then we took pictures of everyone. Of course some people jumped into the pictures that

weren't in the classes but South Africans love to have there pictures taken. Then we made schedules for all the students. and started class the following week.

Once the school was started we have had a steady stream of members and non members who wanted to be a part of furthering there Matric So they can get into College

and University. So many blessings from this school we never dreamed of but the lord knew it would happen.We have ordered a lot of books but in November and as of today

we still do not have all of our books. Heavenly Father and the Savior has lead us in so many directions to get books and to get the school up and running. As we started

the school with no books. The teachers jumped right in like they have been teaching for years without books and doing a great job. The bishops and the ward leadership have been at the center of all of this.They went out and recruited teachers all over Kwanobuhle. These teachers that volunteer are teachers at the high schools and grade schools.

They teach during the day and at the night they serve the lord by volunteering to teach at his church for free. There is one young kid that is not a teacher that teaches accounting and tutors math. He is brilliant. A few kids have dropped out. But as they have dropped out others have come forward to take there place of learning.A lot of things have blessed the life's of the members and it is amazing how the lord knew what would happen putting school in Kwanobuhle. A lot of less actives have been fellow shipped and there

are a lot of nonmembers being taught the gospel. This has been a hub of activity for both wards. We have even had one of the nonmember teachers attend church.

The teachers have commented about the quality of the students and there great desire to learn. The lord has helped us so much. We both are not teachers and it has required

alot of things we knew nothing about. We originally started out at the high schools  trying to get them to respond to the needs of the students.It was apparent they were

having there own struggles. The lord wanted the school at his church.The Education department has been a great support. They are literally rooting for the kids and

the work of the lord. It all boils down to Education, Education, Education without it the Saints in South Africa can not get out of poverty. It has everything to do with

living the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They can achieve anything in this life with Heavenly Fathers help. We love the gospel. We know the Book of Mormon

is true. The Bible and Book of Mormon both testify of Jesus Christ. We miss you all. We hope to see you at Rob and Shoni's Wedding and Reception. Love Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma. Elder and Sister Van Sickle

Grandpa and Grandma. Elder and Sister Van Sickle