Busy Week 04/11/11

Hello All,

I got the package first of all and I loved it thank you all so much!  Mom, the only thing else you could send is that other shirt that is a thin grey hoodie with blue thick stripes on the front.  But, I loved all the stuff in there! And the Cd's are GREAT Janelly thank you!

My companion is okay I just have no patients, but hes cool I need to not be so serious all the time.  He's just a spoiled English guy.  But I can deal with it.

First of all I wanna talk about Peter.  I feel so bad for him I hope he is doing okay!  Its NOT easy and I DO NOT blame him one bit even if others do!  Everyone is different and I think another mission would be good for him or whatever he thinks!  Just tell him your proud of him he gave what he could and he still has a desire to serve.  No one will know what this experience is like for others because every one handles it so differently. Other missionaries just are fine and others really struggle!  Just encourage him to keep his testimony strong and I know he will be an amazing missionary.

Judd, I cant imagine what you have been through,  I'm so freaked out and to be honest I wish I wouldn't have known about Kim!  I'm way worried about her and I hope shes okay!  Please don't tell me about stuff like that unless some one dies then I expect a phone call!  I know I told you I could handle it but I can't and I just need to be focused.  Now I'm just 10000000% more worried about Calee and Kim!  I'm not mad you told me just future reference I don't want to know.  There's nothing I can do and I can't focus on two things.  Kim, I love you and Judd and your family have been in my prayers day and night and will be for a while now!

(With all this freaking news this Internet cafe needs a tissue box at the computers, I'm a hot mess.)

With Kelsee getting married as far as I'm concerned that's just one big headache I don't have to have.  I mean its a little harder then I thought but I'm okay.   Congrats Riley and Kelsee!  Just no babies though then I'll be mad.

This week has just been crazy with ups and downs!  Miracles do happen we had a white woman in church on Sunday!  We have just been praying and praying for her to come!  Her name is Zontie and she is very nice but talks ALOT!!!

We also went teaching with President and Sister Probst.  We took them to everyone, she rocks, they called her a GOLDEN investigator!  She is great!  We just have to work with some issues before she is baptized, but the lesson went amazing and the spirit was so strong.  It was one of my favorite lessons so far.

Okay with those tape recorders......dad take my card and GO BUY A NEW RECORDER!!!  One side of it was so bad I couldn't even here anything.  I'm still very grateful for the tape but please!  Or give Katee the jacked up one. hahaha

I can't believe Calee's little belly its soooo cool!  I wanna poke it!  Well I'm sure there will be a baby soon?  Hopefully!  I'm excited for Kim and Judd and I want  pictures sooner or later plz!

We get to watch conference this weekend, I am sooo stoked.  It will be awesome, I'm a little bitter you have already seen it, but that's okay.  I know it will be great.

Well,  Its been a weird week I'm just so thankful for all that I have and how blessed I am.  This is hard but worth it and I know that its true!  Its hard to except for some people but its eternal life and happiness.  I'm so thankful for our savior and repentance, we would all be lost with out him!  I met a nice lady who let us in!  We asked her what she would say if the savior was at her door.  She said with a tear in her eye "thank you" it was a great experience.  She then gave me a jar of mayo and sent us on our way.  They like mayo.  Well I hope every one has a great week!  Thanks for all the love and support from everyone.  Love you all.

Elder Balmforth

Cold in Africa 04/04/11

Hello Family!
  Guess what I'm emailing you from a nice cold AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!  This week winter/heaven has begun they said this is how cold it gets but......its not that cold hahah.  The older elders are wearing long sleeved shirts, sweaters, and there jackets!!!!!!!!  I am wearing a short sleeved shirt and I wish I could take more off!  I love my life!!

So lets talk missionary work........this week we had Zone Conference on Tuesday and I had exchanges with Elder Dillon our DL on Friday.  Zone Conference was great!  I'm really going to miss the Probst's,  they are amazing teachers! The four hour drive wasn't to bad because I didn't have to drive the whole time!  Elder Cowey in my transfer is in my zone now and so it was cool to see him.  I also saw Elder Nzuki.
Exchanges were a blast we tracted alot and people are just mean sometimes.  We went up to this house and the door was open with two men and a woman inside so I said hello how are you (in Afrikaans) and they answered in Afrikaans "fine in you" I said I'\m good then in English I said well were missionaries from the church and he interrupted and said GOODBYE.....so I said,  well we just share a.......he said do you know what goodbye means, and elder Dillon said um yes?  And he said well get off my door step then haha rejection sucks!
Then we had an appointment with a man who seemed desperate to meet with us.  So we went and he kindly invited us in and we sat down and we asked if we could start with a prayer and he said "only if I can say it", so we said okay, even though that's usually a bad thing!  So he prayed exactly how we do and after he immediately began talking.......seriously for an hour we could NOT get a word in!  We try ed so hard!  So an hour later he said "so in conclusion I wanted to bring you here to tell you that your serving SATAN" .....ouch! So we try ed to use scriptures to fix his problems and we basically won but we didn't argue so we just left!  I was so annoyed that he knew the sacrifice missionaries make and he had the nerve to tell us we were wasting our time and we were serving SATAN, oh I could have  slapped his bald Afrikaner head to the floor!  So when we left Elder Dillon was fine but I was so annoyed!  He told me that he was always so offended when that happened to him but one of his companions told him that Christ was spit on, slapped in the face, mocked and much more.  So when that happens to us were only one step closer to the savior!  It really helped and honestly I felt closer to him.

We also tracted into a man who claims to be a white wizard.........don't ask all I know is I'm not going back it was creepy he looked like a serial killer!
We also tracted into a man the other day when we felt really impressed to knock at his door when we started talking about the love god has for us he just broke down and cryed!  He believes that god sent us for him and I also know without a doubt that that is true and that this gospel can truly help people so much!  When we went back he made us curry!  It was lekker!

So just a question do you fly a SA flag? I sure hope so!!
So with letters I am just putting all my letters in a package I'm sending home to save on stamps so my family will need to deliver them!  Sorry I'm so cheap!  Anyway,  I'm doing really well and I love it in George!  The transfer is already more then half over!  I cant believe how fast its going!!  On mothers day I can for sure 100% skype if I'm still in George but I'm sure I will be!  I'm excited for that!  When you send a new package will you send my white shirt with black sleeves.  I plan on taking some of Elder Dillon's nice shirts because he's going home in July!! hehe anyways.

Ive have had a great week, together the mission fasted for more senior couples and the spirit was very strong with us all day I'm so thankful for the power of fasting and prayer.  I know that our father in heaven knows and loves us individually and he does answer our prayers.  I've never prayed so much and so hard in my whole life and with out it I would be messed over!  Well I love you all and I'm so thankful for such amazing family and friends, being so far away I can see who my true family and friends are and I think I have the best! I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love Elder Balmforth

Elder Balmforth at the elephant park in Georg.

Elder Balmforth and his new companion Elder Fozard.

Good O'l George

Hello from George,
I am liking it here.  I miss Knysna like crazy and miss the humble township people so bad.  I really have no respect for white people here.  A less active lady yelled at me for going to war with Libya.  I almost flipped out at her, but my companion just touched my arm to keep me calm.  I mean, COME ON LADY, I didn't even know we were at war with Libya.   I haven't seen the darn news for nearly six months and last I checked I was not Obama, so back off.....but I kept my little missionary composure and said "oh that's too bad", but I did say at least we are not the #1 rape capital of the world.  Which was really uncalled for but it just slipped out.  They are all just so racist here.  White people in Knysna were NOT like this!  It is really hard to handle sometimes.  I was not raised that way and we are all Heavenly Father's children.

We are going to Port Elizabeth tomorrow for zone conference.  It should be good but I am not looking forward to the four and a half hour drive.  At least we can all drive.  I can't wait to drive through Knysna.

So my companion is cool.  It's a lot like having a little brother I'm sure.   I don't have a little brother but if I did he would be annoying and immature sometimes. He's a bit crazy but he is way nice and a great teacher.  He is a lot different from Elder Nzuki and Elder Leach but it's been a good experience.  Elder Fozard has been a huge help.  It's been like a roller coaster MTC way way down.  Elder Leach brought it way up and Elder Nzuki, Low as the earths core.  So with Elder Fozard I am on my way up, so he's been a blessing.  We do a lot of finding.  I feel like I'm in the states sometimes, but I bet people there would be a little more friendly.  Don't get me wrong one out of twenty white people are very friendly and invite us in for some cool drink.  I'm enjoying the experience.  I mean how many missionaries can be serving in a third world country and then get transferred only one hour away and be in a nice area with wealthy white people?  It has been great.

We have a few good investigators, we have a husband and wife, Evone and Frikke, actually they are not married but they are open to the ideal.  They are very prepared.  The only trouble is that the branch is mainly blacks and when white people come to visit the church, they don't come back.  The blacks come from the other Elder's area.  I think once Evone and Frikki come they will handle it okay.  I hope.  Sadly those are really the only investigators we have.  We work a lot with white less actives.  They are less active because the Branch President is black...it is so sad.  I admit it's a little unorganized bit it won't get better with all these less actives.  I don't understand how some one can know about such an amazing truth, pray and receive that witness for themselves, be baptized and then go less active.  What!!!  This gospel is so sacred and so amazing.  It's THE ONLY WAY we can return to live with our Father in Heaven!  I know I probably offended some people so I am sorry, but with that said, I am so thankful for the spirit world and for the opportunity others will have to except Heavenly Father's plan.  I'm so thankful for the temples we are so blessed with and I will never take them for granted again.  I can't wait to go to the temple often.  Anyway, it's been a great week and I'm so thankful for this amazing opportunity to serve.  I love you all and I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Colton

Getting ready to leave Knysna.

Just another day in Paradise!! 03/21/11

Hello one and all!
So at the beginning of this week I was just a hot mess.  I wanted to know what would happen with transfers!!  I was sure that if anyone left it would for sure be Elder Nzuki,  but the APs called on Tuesday, and said that I would be leaving but not too far (which is not common) they said I would be going off to George which is a great area only about a 1 hour drive from Knysna.  So we said our goodbyes and that was hard but it was easier than leaving Paarl because I knew I needed it......BAD.  I loved the people of Knysna and I really miss them. I'll get to drive through when we go to Port Elizabeth for zone conferences, but I won't get to stop and visit anyone!  That's okay I'll see them when I visit at the end with mom and dad.  It' also nice for your travel plans mom and dad because George and Knysna are so close!  Sister Mason who lives in Knysna said we have to stay with them when we come! (there loaded) and her husband President Mason is 1st counselor in the mission presidency.
     Now I am in George.  I met Elder Nzukis new companion at the airport and he was way sick!  Poor guy. He's from America and he seems cool.  MY new Companion is Elder Fozard from Leeds England.  Its been a really great new transfer he is awesome and alot of fun!  The area is 100% white people! It's WAY different like a whole new world!  But its been a little hard because they are ALL VERY EXTREMELY racist and I HATE that.  It  is so uncomfortable!  They are  not like the Knysna whites they are nice but they are so racist and its corrupted Elder Fozard a little so now he's a little racist and that's hard!  He LOVES to go to this members house and they are a little corrupt and pretty blunt.  They said they probably won't like me because I'm not racist and too strict!  Oh well, I won't have to answer to that I'm actually proud that that's how they view me! hah   I already miss the township so bad, and black people!
     Our district is.........are you ready..........A FOUR MAN DISTRICT!!!!!! YES!!!!  We have DL Elder Dillion of Arizona and Elder Henrico of Tanzania! They have the township the area is still considered banisment (far far away) but at least there's four of us!
     So last week I did force Elder Nzuki on Monday to go see the elephants!  So you can see some of those pictures!  I'm still in another branch and one that struggles terribly but I like the challenge!  Missionary's here play a HUGE roll in the function and growth of a branch especially  because its under the mission and not a stake!
      So yes I still have a car but my guess is that I'll be here for three months then I'll go to a walking area!  The weather here is also very effected by global warming, it's cool one day and hot the next hopefully soon it will just be cold.  I'm done with the heat!  I think if I walk I will just look like an anorexic.  It is such a task to keep my weight above 130 and right now I'm failing, I'm like 128 ha but I feel great and I know that comment is going to freak dad out,  but don't worry I'm eating a lot and white missionaries love to eat out so I'm sure I'll gain lots of weight! I am pretty sure the baby will come this week and it KILLS ME to be here! So you can always call or email the mission office and one of the elders or couples will call me!

     Well its going grrreat hear!  Please just pray for these racist whites and pray that I won't be corrupted!  I know that this gospel is true and I love it!  I love going everyday relying on the promptings of the spirit.  I have a solid testimony that if we listen we can always be guided by it.  Our Father in Heaven loves each of us and is aware of our situation!  I love you family and friends and thank you all for your love and prayers!    Love Elder Balmforth

03/14/11

Hello again!

It' s been a good week here in Knysna!  So really nothing huge or great happened this week!  Laticia is doing fine it's sadly but really a funny story!  I shouldn't laugh but she did, so whatever!  Also Luyanda (my recent convert)  moved to Cape Town this morning without Veronica (his wife also a RC) he got work there and its really hard to find work so he has no choice.  But maybe if I serve there I will see him!   Hopefully he will be back in Knysna when I visit there at the end of my mission. It was hard to say goodbye I hate good byes, but most of all I hate that I get so attached to people!  I am not in the right business because I just get so attached to people ha but I know its okay and I would rather have the experience and time with them than not at all!

I'm sooooo glad Peter is almost leaving I wish him the best.  He will do amazing he is such a people person! I'm glad you all got to see some of my friends, it sounds like some of them have changed and that's sad but I half expected it so oh well.  I've been thinking a lot lately about why the Lord expects so much out of 19 year ols! and I've realized its not that much when you see what so many others have gone through!  Sure its hard but I know it will be worth it and I'm enjoying the experience!  The George Elders asked if we wanted to go to the elephant park today where you can go ride them and see them but Elder Nzukie said on the phone "I've seen elephants....no thanks!"   HA, I HAVEN'T, I wanna go so bad but he pulled the senior companion card on me and I bet your having a hard time picturing that because my own father had a hard time pulling the senior companion card on me. I know I'm stubborn and do my own thing so I just said "your dumb" and shut my mouth hahahaha oh  whatever.

So I received the tape.......it was a little explicit but what else can I expect. Anyways which brother of Mariannes's passed away? Tell her she's in my prayers and I love her.  Brenna is SOOOOOO funny  just laughed so hard at her on the tape haha I love her she sound so grown up!  Mom, you mentioned that I feel sick all the time!  I don't!!  I feel great! Stop worrying!

The letters I received were some of the best so just some side note comments.

MER: don't feel bad I totally hit one of those cement things too and so I got out and some big thing fell off the front of the car and I just picked it up and said what the heck is this? Shrugged my shoulders and thought oh well!  Then I got back in the car and said to myself, the lord is gunna be TICKED haha just like Brenna!

LAURA:  I cannot believe how close your second companion experience is to mine!  I'm shocked seriously there almost identical!  But I think you had it worse!  You must have had to go through that to prepare me so sorry about that one ha!

Mom, I love yours and Grandma's, Oma's and Brooke's and Courteney's weekly letters but your poor handwriting in cursive looks just like grandma's and I think you should not write in cursive anymore haha it shows great effort though and I really appreciate it!

The weather this week has been okay Monday was hotter than hot and the rest of the week has been mostly cool! Thank heavens!!!!!  I think I'll probably stay here for one more transfer then I'll go to a walking area : sad but I think its my turn and it's his only opportunity because it will be cold so I'll do it!

Speaking of cars...........I got a freaking ticket!  I've never even been pulled over before!  But they have stupid traffic cameras here and they snap your darn picture if your speeding and send it to the office then you get a dreaded phone call!  But don't worry dad it doesn't effect your insurance I know that's what was running through your head!  It's not on my record or anything all this flippin government wants is your money!  It's hard to know how fast I'm going when it's Ks per hour not miles! Don't worry I've repented!

Transfer day is Tuesday and I have a feeling we will both be staying.  I don't know why I just have a feeling. Oh well.  So mom NO we don't all get together for transfers!  Do you know how much that would cost to FLY all the Elders to Cape Town then back to their area!  Every one just gets a phone call. If they call Tuesday night then he will leave.  If they call Wednesday I will leave and if they don't call at all we stay. That's basically it.

So we did service with sister Mason this week!  She is AWESOME.  She has her own non profit organization and she does lots of service!  So we went to a shelter for abused women and helped clear land for a playground. it was fun but hot.

Anyways I hope your all doing great I'm slowly working on letters and I appreciate all of them!  I'm so thankful for this opportunity to serve and I know that this gospel is true and I know who ever stays faithful to it will truly be blessed in there lives! I'm SO thankful for a living prophet who guides us where we need to go. And I'm so thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice I've learned so much by striving daily to follow his perfect example!  It's very hard to do but I have seen so many blessings by just trying.  I love you all and I'm so thankful for your love and support over these past can you believe it FIVE months! Love ya have a great week!
Colton