Let Us All Press On

I'm not in a new area yet. I got my transfer news on Saturday (which was also my six months on the mission mark). The news is that I'm going to another township called Sharpville which is only about an hour away. I was a little bummed that I wasn't going to any of the beautiful country up North or down South but I got something else instead. It's a new challenge. You see they are white-washing the area. That means my new companion (Elder Jasi) and I will both be new to the area. Missionaries have been there but because of some other circumstances they have to transfer them both out at the same time. So that will be interesting to see how we cope. I'm sure we will do fine though. I'm also excited to be in a 2 man flat. That way I don't get distracted. I'll be able to concentrate more and study harder.

Yes, I do miss playing my guitars.. with a passion. Especially the electric... with some distortion.. oh yea haha. I told you that my trainer Elder Brown played the piano. That's why I started to lead. Then I got stuck doing that. It wasn't till this last Sunday that I didn't have to lead sacrament meeting.

There are some really poor areas. But the thing is- there is opportunity. I was just talking to a guy about it the other day(from Tsakane). He was telling me how there are so many programs to help people out from the government. They just dont take it.Plus they say there is a huge unemployment problem yet you'll see 10 guys standing around fixing a chip in the sidewalk. So to put it simply life is hard for them... its true. But for the most part it is usually because of the dead beat fathers. Like Sannah. I've told you about her so much. She has an awesome testimony but is just so poor. She works almost everyday and has so many problems with her family dying and things. It is sad. And what have I seen her husband do? Sit on the couch and watch tv. Every time we're there. I asked if he worked and Sannah said nope. But they still manage to get along somehow. It really hurts to see people in situations like that. You just wish you could just get them out somehow...they do have electricity and running water and all that... but its not always reliable. Then you have to remember that this country is like the America of Africa. It's the best. Everyone wants to come here. But they do their best and I am impressed by their will to push forward.. even when there isn't much hope. That's why its even more important for us to share the gospel with them. Give them some hope.

Anyways, so this Sunday was a busy one. First off I confirmed Thuli who was baptized last week. That was a great experience as usual. Then I was asked at first to give a departing testimony which actually became me taking the time of the third speaker who didnt show up. I just went through with them the sacrament prayers. I told them if there is anything I want to leave with them it is the need to stay true to those baptismal covenants. Then I related 2Ne 4 where Nephi pours his heart out. And lastly I read with them "let us all press on". I felt good about it and after I bore my testimony I felt even better. On Wednesday I'll leave this area. I'm gonna miss them very much. The people here are awesome. Right now we have some poeple that I just can't wait to see get baptized. It's so amazing to see people get baptized and how they change. It's great. But it's time to move on and I'm excited for the future.

Thanks for all the love and support. Keep it coming!

Love, elder robinson