Stepping Forward...Reaching Out

  

Dadio, 

      I enjoyed most the opportunity to see you and talk with you. Really it’s indescribable, but I think you feel the same, so I guess we are on the same page.

       I liked what you said about Mom. She is amazing. Good thing we have her or we ought just to move back to the planet with the apes. (Editor’s note: see comment at the bottom of this letter for details of Dad’s letter about Mom)

      But as you told me of Mom, I remembered something that happened just 10 minutes before I got on the computer. I in no way say this to brag, but I’m sure you will like it.

      We were walking through the mall. I spotted an elderly Zulu lady in a wheelchair pulling out of a store. She had a fresh bandage wrapped on her freshly amputated leg. Very tough. Her back was towards me and I just walked up, grabbed her chair and started pushing without missing a footstep. I looked down and smiled and she looked up with a look of surprise then joy. I don’t know what brought her more joy, the fact that a young white boy was pushing her, or that he was a missionary. We walked about 5 minutes until we reached her destination. She told us her husband was a member of the Church, and seemed to be very proud. She actually lives in our ward boundaries, so the President Assistants, who work the other half, will go visit her. It’s nice the opportunities the Lord places before us, that allow us to serve our brothers and sisters.

      I love you Dad. Thank you for raising me to be who I am today, and to follow your example.

SonShine

Editor’s Note:

      Landon’s story about the Zulu Lady in the wheelchair was prompted by his dad’s weekly letter which talked about a few experiences that Dad observed about his mom.  Dad’s letter is included here to give continuity to Landon’s comments.  Being the editor, and the mom that some of this writing refers to, I reluctantly allow this week's post but simply do so because inspiration tells me to do so.  Otherwise, pride would stop me in my tracks.  I've also included a video at the end of the email that would have been placed at the beginning; if only I could have figured out how to have the above clip be its starting photo.  Still learning the tricks of the trade.  The video below was also brought to mind through inspiration so I would encourage all to watch it.  It emphasizes the Lord's council to us ..... "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (Matthew 25:40)  Therefore, as we step into a New Year and a world of uncertainty my hope is that we may all gain courage to reach out.  

       "All change begins with a single step.  Whether it be a step forward or one step back...it is up to you. 
 But, by reaching out you are certain to be moved in the right direction."

Dear SonShine,

      It was just tremendous to see you on Christmas day – the best gift I ever had. I could not be more proud or pleased with you.  Thank you for the joy you have brought into my life.

      I have a couple stories for you that you probably haven’t heard. Both happened fairly recently.

 Story 1) 

 A few months ago Mom and I went to the movie – I can’t remember which one.  But as we were leaving, we both noticed a girl with a backpack, sitting slumped over (as if in deep despair) on the concrete in front of the Foothill Ranch theaters.  It was about 10:30 at night.  We stopped and watched her from about 50 feet away. She didn’t seem to have anywhere to go and didn’t seem to be waiting for anyone.  She was dressed very ‘Goth,’ with black clothes and stark makeup (kind of scary looking).  After a few moments, Mom walked over to her as I waited from afar.  When she arrived at the girl’s side, she knelt down and began talking to her.  A few minutes passed and I could tell that the girl was crying.  Mom gave her several hugs as they were talking and I could tell that she also dried her own eyes a few times. Ten or 15 minutes elapsed and then Mom reached in her wallet and pulled out $20 to give to her.  When she came back to me, her eyes were full of tears as she told me this poor girl’s story – early 20s, has a young child who she is not allowed to see because of her drug use, currently homeless and living on the street.  Mom considered inviting her to our home to stay the night but decided against it since there were too many unknowns, if she would become violent or if other problems might arise.  The point is that Mom had compassion and made an effort to get involved and help another one of God’s children who needed help.  An added note to this story is:  When we came across this young girl she had just lost it.  She told your mom that moments earlier an elderly couple walked by her and as they passed the women glared at her with a very condescending look of disgust.  This girl explained that at that moment the weight of her world came crashing down on her.  “Couldn’t they see me?  I mean really see that I am homeless and hurting?  Why do people hate so much?”  And then she just sobbed uncontrollably.

Story 2) 

Last night Mom called from the Spectrum to see if I wanted to go to the movie – (there is a new version of Les Miserables with Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Ann Hathaway). I said sure and then her attention was diverted to an incident that was unfolding about 8 feet in front of her.  She described what was happening – a young mother was furious with her 4-year-old child, yelling at him, wailing on him, physically and forcibly restraining him and threatening to turn him into the security guards.  This scenario started with the loud and startling pop of balloons as this out of controlled mother stomped on the child’s balloon animal until it was no longer an inflated treasure.  Mom was afraid this young mother was going to become more physically abusive with her child so she cautiously stood back and watched them both trying to figure out when the best time to step in would be.  There were also a few others standing off in a distance not really knowing what to do.  Mom said she had to hang up so that she could focus on the situation so I drove to the Spectrum and she filled me in on what happened after I arrived.  Other people who were there had turned their back and walked away.  However, your mother approached the young mother, picked up the sobbing boy, held him and consoled the mother and child.  She spoke in a gentle voice as she empathized with the young mom, telling her that there were days when she was raising her 2 boys (you and Jordan), around that same age, that she came to her wit’s end.  Mom shared her feelings and told the other lady about a book (The Power of Positive Parenting by: Glenn L. Lathan) that had impacted her life at the time, putting her on a different path.  She emphasized how important it was at that time as a young mom for her to find a better way, and it changed the future for her entire family.  She then offered to help this troubled mom take the same steps.  Your mom gave her phone number and offered to get her help when and if she wanted it. 

      You are very fortunate to have such a wonderful, caring, loving mother who emulates Paul’s sermon on Charity – the pure love of Christ.  I could sense that you have inherited that quality from her.  I was so pleased that you sang Christmas Carols in the apartments just days after you were transferred to a new area that close to Christmas.  Other missionaries might have felt sorry for themselves that they received a transfer so close to Christmas and might have magnified their home-sickness. Instead, you focused on others and magnified your calling as a representative of Christ.

      So we saw Les Miz yesterday. Are you familiar with the book or the Broadway production?  It has the most beautiful song – “Bring Him Home” – it is sung by a man, a plea to God to keep another young man safe from harm.  It’s much like the prayers I offer for you on a daily basis.  It is a magnificent movie. One of the songs near the movie’s end has these lyrics: “To love another person is to see the face of God.” And really – isn’t that what it’s all about.

Stay safe my son.

Love,

    -Dadio

For further inspiration on charity, watch the video titled 'The Coat: A Story of Charity' at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/video/2011-12-001-the-coat

Christmas In South Africa

Editor’s Note:

       This entry is a combination of the Christmas morning phone call via Skype and an email from the prior day.  The first attempts to reach Landon, in the wee hours Christmas morning, took around an hour and a half (complications due to the international codes and having two different numbers).  But, when we finally got through he wasn’t yet at the senior couple's apartment to make the call from their computer.  That first contact was very brief ending with, “I’m in a lesson right now, could you call back in about an hour and a half or so?”  I love the fact that on Christmas evening he is still hard at work doing those things he was sent there to do.  So, around 8:00 am our time (Landon’s evening time), we got to see him for the first time in almost a year.  Here he is, on the other side of the world, yet it was as if he was sitting in the same room right in front of us.  Today I am grateful for technology along with the other obvious gifts in our lives.

      His email yesterday informed us where he now is serving.  We’ll let him tell you.

      I sadly left Thaba Nchu.  In fact, I left the Free State all together.  Where did I go?  None other than Kwazulu Natal Province…homeland of the Zulu.  Zulu land is just north of here, maybe an hour away.  I MADE IT TO DURBAN!!!  I’m serving in Pinetown, a city suburb just north west of Durban. It is starkly different here.  First, it is so unbelievably hot!  The humidity is like 99% (I don’t know if that is an exaggeration, but it is humid).  Now, surprisingly, I like it.  I never thought I would like such an environment!  But I do :) 

You are adjusting well to the heat?

      Kind of!  It’s soooo, so hot…..Hot and Humid!  Yesterday we went to the chapel to play soccer.  I only played for about 15 minutes and I had to go in and drink 2 liters of water to just function.  For the next hour and a half I was sweating uncontrollably, just profusely.

So, it doesn’t feel like Christmas?

      No, not at all.  I can’t even imagine that this area’s wintertime is going to get cool enough to feel like winter, even a California winter.

Have you seen the ocean yet?

      Where we are we cannot see the ocean, so that is good.  I know the direction it is in, just behind one of these buildings and just beyond the hill.  I can’t smell it.  It’s all-good!

      As much as Landon loves the ocean he didn’t even skip a beat when asked about coming back to Africa after his mission.  He simply stated his desire to be there again for the dedication of the temple in Durban that would most likely take place in a couple of years.  That statement came after talk of the ocean, and his brother showing him the surfboards he has acquired since Landon has been gone. 

Even though it wasn’t a laptop Landon was Skyping from they managed to pick up the computer and show us the view from the front windows.  It was very lush, green and quite different from where he had previously served.  He pointed out the jungle, river, soccer fields (no basketball courts – this is Africa) and that “just straight ahead at the top of where you see the freeway is our chapel.”  We got to see sunset (just as our sun is rising). 

Does it rain a lot there?

      Yes.  Also, this area is nothing close to a township anymore.  BIG houses, BIG gates, and BIG dogs!  Makes the work a lot tougher.  It’s more of a white area, and very wealthy.  There are blacks mingled in as well, but still very wealthy.  Our area we cover is a big area compared to other places (it was just divided in half yet it is still a big area to cover).  I can’t imagine serving this area without a car.

I noticed from some of the photos they drive on the opposite side of the street.  I’m sure Landon is used to it by now because this was not his first driving area.

      This is the awesome part of our mission:  We have our proselyting area but we are free to go anywhere.  We basically can do whatever we want (obviously within mission rules) and wherever we want on our P-Days, which are Mondays.  It seems to be just an African thing.   I think we’ll go to Madagascar soon!….. “Just Joking!”  ;-)

      My new companion is Elder Komakech from Uganda.  He is an outstanding companion.  He came to the mission the same time as Elder Zingoni, so he is three months out.

He served in this same area prior to your arrival?

   Yah, this was his first area; the area he was trained in so he knows the ropes.

We got to talk with Landon’s companion for a brief bit and learned that he was the first of his family to join the church a few years ago.  He appeared to be fun and energetic.  It sounds as if Landon is thrilled to be serving with him.

   Also, I was given the calling to be District Leader here.  I gladly accepted.  But here is the funny part:  In our district there is my companion, the Zone Leaders of our zone, and the Assistants to the President and myself.  I call it the High Priest district.

Landon stated, “It’s weird” being a leader of the leaders leading him.  When he made the statement his accent was very strong and he followed up with a “Yes, I do!” referring to the ‘weird’ accent.  He even remarked that the people he talks to don’t believe he’s from California because he sounds so much like them.  Typical to his style of fitting in wherever he goes.

How is your back holding out? 

      It’s been Good!  I’ve had three flair-ups since I’ve been out.  One time in the MTC (Mission Training Center) and two other times while out in the field.   The time in the MTC was pretty bad however, the flare-up that happened before the 10K running race was the worst.   I play soccer every Monday and I run pretty hard.  I really seem to be doing as well as everyone else.  I’m fine.

Landon showed us the new currency and was very proud to show Nelson Mandela’s picture on the back.   The colorful bills reminded us of the beautiful tender printed in Canada, something the boys have been familiar with for years.

Earlier that day Landon and a few other missionaries were taken out for lunch by one of the members.  So the conversation steered towards food, of course.  We asked about how the food is different and his response was:

“Tripe, I like it a lot!”  Jordan didn’t know that tripe actually is cow’s stomach.  That pretty much grossed him out.  Definitely not the typical Christmas meal Landon is used to .

      Christmas is seemingly more commercialized here than it is in the States. 

Some people don’t have anything to do, anyone to be with or anywhere to go on Christmas.  It’s so sad because it’s just another day for them.  Yesterday evening we had no appointments, and with it being Christmas Eve a bunch of us decided to go caroling at the flats (a large apartment complex).   Some of the Afrikaners saw us and just slammed the door in our face.  Others would listen to us sing and then slowly shut the door.  However, a few opened their doors and invited us in and visited with us for a time.  One guy even expressed a “thank you guys, I was having a rusty day and you just made my evening.”  It was very nice.  One of the best ways I’ve spent Christmas Eve, just lifting the spirits of people who otherwise would not have the spirit of Christmas at this time.

      It’s strange not being home for Christmas, but I do not feel any homesickness.  Sometimes a longing for the beach, but really I am content where I am and with what I am doing.

Our time with Landon came to an end right at the 45-minute tick of the clock.  He was our Angel this Christmas morning as we said our good-byes and he cheerfully declared, “You’d be proud of me….I didn’t cry this time!”  Right on my son!  Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.  Once again, thank you for reminding us what prosperity really should be about. 

This Week Was OUTSTANDING!

Hey Yah MOM!!!

      This is also meant for the rest of the family.  This week was OUTSTANDING!  So let me start here so I don’t forget these items: I couldn’t resist, I caved... I opened my Christmas package too.  It was awesome!  I love using the bag.  I have abandoned my backpack for it.  I already had the Doctrine and Covenants DVD's so I gave them to a member in the branch who really liked them.  Also I loved the Church History DVD's.  Sadly however, I messed them up... I tried to glue the DVD info on the front of each disc so I could leave the case and put them in my collection.  The glue cracked the discs... My bad!  I was pretty bummed but its OK cause I was able to watch at least some of them.  I guess some attributes (like breaking things) never leave us from childhood.  Ok, so you'll probably see the photos and think "what??"  Let me explain.

      So, this week we worked.  It was most likely my last week here (hence I haven’t given you a number to call me yet).  I’ll do it next Monday when I know where I am, so don’t hyperventilate.  So, I thought, “OK, its my last week here and it’s also my birthday this week, so what do I want to do?  Well, my biggest desire was to give the Lord my best work this week.  Just put my hand to the plow and dig in.  So, that’s what we did.  But, we still had a blast doing it.  It rained a lot Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  So on Friday (my birthday), when we got to the area, there were a lot of people fishing with hands and nets, catching really big catfish and other smaller fish.  I went and took a bunch of photos and some guys liked that the lahura (white guy) liked what they were doing, so they gave me some fish.  I cut them up, and ended up giving them away to members.

      One of the senior couples baked me a cake that morning and then a member baked me one in the afternoon.  It was fun, but nothing that happened this week compared to what happened on Sunday.  YEP, we had two more baptisms!

      OK, so there is a young man and a little girl.  The young man is Thapelo (17), and the little girl is Remo (9).  Both are from part member families.  Elder Fokuo and I Started teaching both of them some months back.  It was OUTSTANDING!  The service was amazing and we yielded a few referrals from it.  I had the humble honor to baptize the little girl, Remo.  The family asked that I do it.  Normally I refuse to baptize the individuals, and prefer that a member do it, because they will be a help and support to the new member throughout their membership, but with Remo I just felt that it would be OK.

      I think I was one of the happiest people at the baptism.  As we have been teaching Remo, I have really been opened to the fact that "children are an heritage of the Lord".  She is one of the sweetest, innocent little girls I know.  She understands the basic doctrines and principles of the gospel and does her level best to explain them and live them.  She lights up whenever we praise her for making correct choices.  She is so sweet.  She was also very ready to be baptized.  The water in the font was very cold, but she charged in there before me giving only a little squeal from the cold them waited with a big smile as I shivered and stepped in.  Mom, I didn’t know how to feel when I was in that font.  I was so happy, and I felt the spirit.  I felt and thought to myself "She is so pure, and will be even more pure and clean in a minute.  She is and will be more pure than I, and yet I have been entrusted to perform this sacred ordinance for her."  It was an unspeakable feeling to have that honor.  This is what it is all about.

      I’m so grateful for everything.  I really mean everything.  For my time in Thaba Nchu, for being in the Lords service, for the priesthood, for my family, to being born at this time in this dispensation... It is remarkable.  My week was the best.

I look forward to talking to you mom and everyone on Christmas morning.

 I love you.

Elder Landon Taylor Gold

All Things Are Possible!

Hi Yah Momma!

      Well I had a lot to tell you, but it all went to dad’s inbox.  But I want to thank you SOOOOOO much for the packages :)  I got them on Wednesday and so did Elder Zingoni.  Now, I opened the ones with the pants and ties and books (I guess for my birthday).  I already got the pants hemmed by one of the senior sister missionaries.  They fit great!!  But the other Box, the Christmas one, I’m trying to hold out till Christmas :). 

       So, Elder Zingoni got his and it was a huge success.  He hasn’t gotten anything from home, friends or family.  When he got the package from you I could see he was a little skeptical but that quickly faded.  He loves all the great things in there.  The DVD's were a great choice because his favorite thing to do is watch church videos while we are home.  He is always watching and re watching some that I gave to him, and now he has more.  Also, the oil vial was right on target as he lost his.  There are many other things, which he just loves.  I was so happy to see him happy.  Thank you momma :)

      I’ll explain the few pictures I sent you.  After the heavy rains the fish were coming out of the streams and lakes.  I bought a small catfish and ate it.  They were selling HUGE fish that I didn’t get.  I wish I could have caught it myself, but at least I got to eat it :)

      Well, it’s crazy to think I’ll be 20 in 4 days!!!!  Where has the time gone?  Don’t worry though; I will always be your baby.

      I am loving this service.  There is nowhere I would rather be.  I’m doing my very best in all ways mom.

I love you more than CHOCOLATE (and everything else)!

Your son,

Elder Gold

Editor’s Note:

      Below I have included a portion of Landon’s letter to his Dadio.  It gave me greater insight as to who Landon has become and the journey to get there.

      Since I have been training Elder Zingoni I have abandoned almost all deep doctrinal studies and have left all other books except the scriptures and Preach My Gospel (I did this before you told me about Brother Jacobson’s mission president’s advice to his missionaries to send all literature/books home that could distract from the simple yet in depth study of the scriptures :p).  I have found more testimony and power and scriptural support and just plain sense and understanding of the gospel of Christ from studying the most basic doctrines and principles than I have studying the deepest doctrines that even I’m surprised I got into.

      I've also been learning through trial and error really how to address people’s concerns.  I've found that often the concern doesn’t need a head-on approach, or a mirrored line of defense, but rather thoughtful and prayerful answers, which often flank the original question, or bring light to the real problem area instead.

      Regardless, you’re awesome. I hope it all goes well. I had a most exciting week. As you and mom and probably others know, I’ve been struggling and facing mountainous trials it seems.  Well, without unneeded detail, my companion has stretched me more than I thought possible.  I can say that I was just trying to get through the remaining time together.  I'd given to much prayer and fasting and charity and unconditional love and patients, and almost every attribute I could find in the scriptures, only to have things get worse and worse.  I felt like Christ, being rejected and rebuked for offering unconditional love and charity to people.  Well let me share with you and the family what I sent to President Von Stetten today:

"Dear President,

The best way that I can describe this week is by sharing you part of my journal.

      "December 6, 2012. Today was the best day I have had with my companion thus far.  I believe in miracles.  I believe in prayer and fasting.  I know people can change.  In our studies he was a full participant.  During lunch he offered to make me lunch.  On our way to the area we talked and laughed for the first time.  In the area we taught with unity and power.  He testified of everything that I said, which was the second time that has ever happened.  On the way home we talked and laughed together.  During nightly planning he astonished me and participated, giving thoughtful, wholesome suggestions and comments.  For the very first time the both of us discussed the needs of investigators and came to conclusions by the spirit.  It was an outstanding day. I am the most happy I have been on my mission thus far... I have loved my companion from day one. But today, that love grew evermore."

      President, I have given most thanks to God for the remarkable turn around in [my companion].  He has continued in this new attitude and new person since that day.  I wish to thank you for your prayers and fasts.  I have thanked my Heavenly Father immensely so far, and wish to thank you as well for sending me to this area and sending [my companion] to me.  All the pain and heartache and praying and fasting and trials and tribulation were worth it, and I would endure them all again to preserve the change that has been had."

.......

      SO, that’s how it is. The past has been swallowed up in the hopes of glory.  I am just beyond happy.  I love my mission.  I loved it even during the trials.  What have I learned?  Well, aside from all the Christ like attributes and the refiner’s fire that molded me and shaped me, I have a testimony that people can change.  Quite honestly, I thought my companion never would, but the Lord showed me that all things are possible.

      Anyways, This letter to you Dad kind of turned into the whole family’s letter so share it with Mom.  Tell her that Ron can change.  You guys honestly have no Idea how little hope I had for change, but here it is to be had.  I now can see my companion’s true colours.

      I love you Dad, and I love the whole family.  I guess we will be talking soon over the phone.  Honestly I forgot, and keep forgetting until mom reminds me in her emails.

-SonShine

Dusty Shoes in Africa

Hi Momma & Dad!!

      It’s great to hear from you.  The pictures were awesome by the way.  I love seeing how everyone is.  It really is crazy to think the time has flown!  I've been gone for almost 10 months!  It seems like a few weeks.  Christmas is so very close too, isn’t it?  Well, the sad thing here is that there is not much of Christmas festivity or feeling.  A few stores have some decorations but that’s it.  Everyone is really focused on buying and spending and partying these holidays.  Where is the true spirit?!  Well, it’s up to us to bring it.

      So, good news!  Your packages made it, but I haven’t gotten them.  As of last Thursday there were two in the office, so as of today, I know not but, president will be playing Santa and bringing them here on Wednesday when he conducts interviews.

      It rained insanely the last 3 days, non-stop.  It also got cold, which really reminded me of December at home.  It’s not the same here, but it’s where I ought to be, and I’m very happy to be as such.  Well, I will make a list of things to talk about when you call Christmas day.  I’m sure I’ll have a lot to say.

      Your right about my journal entries, they are full.  I finished one journal weeks ago and am eating the other one up quickly.   

 

      I am still thriving.  Thank you for your prayers, they do help.  I continue to stand in need of those prayers, so thank you mom.

Your Son,

Elder Gold