3ish Weeks in Afrika 8/10/10

3ish weeks in Afrika‏
8/10/10

So who wants to hear my first incredible mission story?!?!?! well you're going to have to wait because I have some other things to talk about first. So one South Africa is seriously lacking in a few major areas of my food pyramid. One, hot sauce it is like 100 rand for the tiniest bottle, two tortilla chips are non existent, and three powerade mix. This is honestly all I want for Christmas haha ooh and perhaps some tortillas. I never really noticed how much the southwest rubbed off on me. anywho the mission work is awesome like I seriously love it. Our days are almost always full of appointments, trainings, or tracting which is just awesome. Its really funny because I think that everyone out here has a funny accent so I laugh when people talk but then they all are like your accent is crazy where are you from and then I say Utah and they are like "What the heck are you doing here?" Spreading the Gospel and Messin Stuff up. that is what I'm doing. haha just kidding just a lot of hard work and prayers. So I can finally pronounce all of the Zulu alphabet and am learning a bit of conversation now but it is still so crazy. Afrikaans is like second nature to me I can basically read it perfect and it is seriously so similar to German. Keate would be proud I actually taught an Afrikaans speaking family in German so that was sweet the Van Der Westheiyzens are seriously awesome.

Oh sorry this letter is on tuesday. Yesterday was national womens day and everything was closed so today is kind of a half p day. Holidays are seriously so random out here like all of a sudden like two days before they are like oh by the way... Monday is such and such day. I kinda wish America did that but then again nothing would ever get done haha. So we are finding new people and this one guy Nigel was interested so we drove for like an hour to get to this address and guess what? it was an adult shop so we were like DANGER ZONE um we can't come in lets teach you on the street. He works there but is really receptive and looking for a new job so hopefully that works out. But he honestly needs this to survive so hopefully everything works out....

Ok I can't hold it in any longer. AWESOME missionary story. So tuesday was my first time driving and honestly it was nothin motorcycle was the perfect preparation for the cars out here. Except roundabouts are still scary as heck. anyway so we were driving in Boksburg when we started to hear a funny noise and instantly I thought. Fan belt or timing belt. I was totally right... thanks dad... and we were like in the straight up ghetto with no lights on so it was a little sketchy but honestly Elder Nelson and I are pretty flippin gnarly I don't think anyone really wants to mess with us. In fact... other random story we passed this gang of like 10 14 year olds and they were like hey this is our turf and I was just thinking like bring it and then they saw me and they were like never mind haha... Awesome. So anyway are car the fabulous chevy aveo was making a terrible noise and we needed to get home so we took it super slow and got home. The next morning we took it to the dealership and they were like yeah its your timing belt and I was like sweet I rock. totally called that. and then they were like yeah... you can't drive this. So that sucked. So without bikes, or car, and 5 appointments totally spread acrossed our area we began to walk. Here begins Operation Dirtbag as we named it.

So we got back to the flat and carbo loaded 2 plates of rice half a loaf of bread and two chicken breasts later and we were ready to roll. We assumed it would be about 20 kilometers and little did we know how wrong we were. So we walked to Actonville and Wattville which are about 10k's away and taught a 20 minute lesson to Lithewe a recent convert we then had to try to walk all the way to Crystal park which turns out is like 25 kilometers away so we walked. and walked. and walked. and walked. and about 7 k's away they called and cancelled. so we were already late for two appointments and just decided to cancel them. Then all that was left were the Mikhe's. We promised to A be on time and B cook them an american dinner for our next lesson so we were like. boom lets do it. So we walked all the way back to our flat in lakeside and got everything so far about 32 k's on the day. We were so tired, chafed, and blistered and elder Nelson was seriously bummin. He was like we're gonna go walk in the dark and get killed. So I was like. Alright elder Robinson... Lets pray and start tellin jokes, crazy stories and anything to lighten the mood. so I did. I told the story of the gayest night of my life. TPing thomas' house 4 nights in a row, and honestly anything. And you know what we made it there in no time, safely, and on time.

So then the lesson began I had recently been praying to get the flow of lessons a little better and to teach better and guess what. Elder Nelson got a phone call and left me to teach. I was trippin out. anyway we were planning on teaching Ether 12 and that morning I had studied it. And The spirit took over and I rocked it like Mathius, Shyleen, Fortunate... the lady I confirmed, Tinashe, and Abigayl were all feeling it so hard core I felt it so hard core it was just awesome. Fortunate was the only member the others are all non members. Just as I wrapped up. Elder Nelson came back with the Wittwers who were there to give us a ride home. HALLELIJAH prayers are answered. I love the Wittwers seriously so much they are the bomb... anyway so the best part after the awesome lesson and the fact that we didn't have to walk home... We commited all 4 of them... Mathius, Tinashe, Shyleen, and Abigayl to be baptized in September!!!!!! and They all came to church!!!! so long story short... We walked 36 k's or almost 21 miles got bailed on, taught a 20 minute lesson, then rocked another lesson and got BAPTISMAL commitment baby! So freaking awesome I got home and seriously ate pillow after praying it up and woke up with the stiffest legs ever but it was just awesome. Like I felt like renting my coat just like in the scriptures but I decided to wait until they get baptized haha.

As the week went on we got some bikes and were able to get around more. Taught some awesome lessons and grew as a companionship which always rocks. and I've seriously rode like 100 miles this week to so my quads are looking pretty ripped to say the least haha. And we should have our car back tomorrow.

Also the Wittwers let us borrow their car a ton too for long appointments. Ah they are the best I'm totally making them steak dinner in like a week when this is all done. So pretty much The gospel rocks, missionary work rocks, my legs and butt hurt so bad, but everything is incredible. Paul and Alvira are still totally awesome and KJ and Ronald are my Umfanis I love it hear and love more and more people I teach everyday. this work is the shiz seriously.

A scripture for the week for all of you is Alma 18 it talks about the Spirit, Chopping off arms, dudes passing out, and is just incredible.(18 Now when the king had heard these words, he marveled again, for he beheld that Ammon could adiscern his thoughts; but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto him: Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who bknows all things?
19 Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not.
20 And the king said: How knowest thou the thoughts of my heart? Thou mayest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these things; and also tell me by what power ye slew and smote off the arms of my brethren that scattered my flocks—
21 And now, aif thou wilt tell me concerning these things, whatsoever thou desirest I will give unto thee; and if it were needed, I would guard thee with my armies; but I know that thou art more powerful than all they; nevertheless, whatsoever thou desirest of me I will grant it unto thee.)

I still have crazy dreams and talk in my sleep a lot. the best one as of late was waking up and thinking I was in a laundramat meeting my new companion who had no legs... totally awesome. anyway awesome week

We're starting some new training and stuff and its awesome to always be able to learn more and not settle for Plateauing gotta keep working hard and digging deep. I also got to see my boy elder williams. turns out he is in Benoni to and we're going to play soccer 3 times a week in the mornings just awesome. I also got to see Elder Alder, "the crawfish" or Elder Crawford, and some other MTC buds except I still didn't get to see Elder Yugawa which was a bit of a bummer but everything is still awesome.

Can't wait to keep working and all the crazy to come... I love hearing about back home and dear elder letters are free out here so that's nice. I love you all, keep it real, pray for Africa, Pray for missionaries, and pray for yourselves God will hook you up...

Sala Kahle mi Umfanis and however you say sisters. Nkosi loves you.

Elder Raging Lion Robinson... Boom Shaka Laka.

Money conversion as of 8/15/10

1.00 ZAR = 0.136611 USD
South Africa Rand United States Dollars
1 ZAR = 0.136611 USD 1 USD = 7.32003 ZAR


Small bottle hot sauce 100 rand or $13.66

Safe Arrival in the Mission!‏

Dear Brother and Sister Robinson,
I am pleased to inform you that your son, Elder Kenyon Robinson, has arrived in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission and he is doing wonderfully. We are delighted to have him serving with us in the Mission. Elder Robinson will serve initially in the Benoni Area of the Benoni Zone. His companion and trainer is Elder David Nelson from California.
Uplifting and supportive letters from home are important to missionaries. We encourage you to write or e-mail your son weekly. His mailing address throughout his mission will be kenyon.robinson@myldsmail.net . In fact email communications are preferred.
For Letters and Documents sent through pouch (no checks or photographs)
Elder Kenyon Robinson
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
P. O. Box 30150
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-01550
For Packages and Letters sent through Postal Service
Elder Kenyon Robinson
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
Private Bag X4
Ansfrere 1711, South Africa
Packages should be labeled “Missionary Supplies” and be valued less than R300 in order to avoid high custom charges. Missionaries may also receive mail by fax to the Mission Office. We put faxes into the post (mail) delivered to missionaries. The least expensive parcel maybe the US Postal Box which has a flat rate. For secure items please use Fedex or DHL and the physical address: 3 Phillips Avenue, Discovery 1709, South Africa.
We appreciate your support of your missionary and thank you for sharing him with the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. Attached you will find a picture that we took soon after his arrival.
Sincerely,
David E Poulsen, President
South Africa Johannesburg Mission

45 hours of travel and one week in Suid Afrika 08/02/2010

45 hours of travel and one week in Suid Afrika!‏

kenyon.robinson@myldsmail.net

Mon 8/02/10 3:22 AM

So first things first... Toilets and water down sinks do go the opposite direction. I have tried this in many toilets, sinks, banyos or however you spell that, restrooms, or my new personal favorite... the lou. so the question on everyones mind... yes the fish and chips in London were delicious haha actually no the flight was awesome though I didn't get much sleep. The coolest thing was flying over the mediteranean in pitch black then seeing tunisia and tripoli jet out into the water and were shining so insanely bright it was seriously incredible. landing in Africa was awesome we were all so pumped and we all actually had planted two book of mormons or books of mormon whichever you prefer on the way over. Seriously so sweet. um so we got to the customs gate and they were like what are you doing and who is picking you up? so we were like missionary work and this guy that we've never met but yeah he wrote us a letter once. the customs lady was like... "what happens if he cuts off your head THEN WHAT?" so that was a little intimidating haha but I still have a head on my shoulders and all is well. Exchaning dollars to rands was fun there is an elephant on the 20 a lion on the 50 a buffalo on the 100 and a leopard on the 200 so that's rad. Some fun facts about Joburg. it is the #1 highest reported crime area in the world. I was told I will get robbed at least once on my mission, and that we should never fight back... dang it.... The birds are crazy here they look like an ibis but are really short and have like a demon sqwawk that sounds like something you'd here in a horror movie, they wake me up everymorning its super nice... haha they call them kadikatties. Um the trucks are called Bakkis and the hood is the bonnet and the trunk is the boot. Everyone calls us the Bafundi which means Preacher basically. also they call us mulungu totsi or the white bandits which makes me laugh super hard. I have been assigned to serve in the Benoni zone which incorporates actonville, Benoni, a little bit of Kempton park, and Boksburg. It is a really cool and diverse area. We have mansions, huts, tarp shacks, flats or apartments, houses, boarding houses, places the size of my room where 12 people sleep. honestly everything it is cool. The whites are all really nice and they all think I'm an afrikaaner because I look central european then they hear me speak and they are like what the deuce... There are a lot of zimbabweans that we teach and they are all super nice and I love the sweet power hand shakes they all give. I'll get to teaching and families in a bit.The zulu is coming along but I have a really hard time pronouncing c's the best way I can describe it is to suck on your front teeth with your tounge and to click with your bottom teeth. saying Elder Mchunu is ridiculous haha. Um my companions name is Elder Nelson and he's from san deigo he says he really misses his asians and he's a funny kid haha. We work really well together and get along well. We both randomly quote songs, movies, comedians, and just random stuff and its awesome. He's about 4 months from going home and is kinda trippin out but still really works hard and is an awesome example. So the food is awesome here and there is honestly a chicken restaraunt like every 50 yards so I'm basically in heaven. I haven't really ate anything to crazy but I wake up every morning to frosties= frosted flakes and a lunch of a peanut butter and badger free :D honey sandwich. I've honestly only had to cook dinner once the people really take care of you. As far as being nervous about anything I"m not. everyone is so nice I don't even worry about crime if we follow the rules we'll be fine. I am however still like so antsy about driving on the left side of the road it is still so sketchy all the time. Also my feet are always cold I don't know why but I've started double socking it and it works pretty well. I met the wittwers about 48 hours ago and we had an awesome long talk about st George, the morning side stake, Mexican food, people we knew. Elder Paul Warner and Sam Wittwer and its sweet the literally live just acrossed the street. I miss mexican food but we were lucky enough to have them cook for us and I got my hot sauce fix so that was nice.We are always busy here which makes me think I can handle just about anything back home I love reading and studying everymorning and then answering questions people have. The scriptures are seriously the shizz and help so much in teaching and everything we do. Also the power of prayer is ridiculous I can't even begin to talk about how much you see it help. So yesterday was my first sunday and honestly the craziest day ever. To start off I confirmed someone with the holy ghost and gave them a blessing. Her name is fortunate and she is from zimbabwe I don't know if I've ever been more afraid in my life but I just started speaking and the spirit took over. By the end I felt so pumped and she was crying and seriously just so incredible. Then the bishop callled me up and was like just take 10 minutes share your testimony and a little bit about yourself. Once again the Spirit guided, I made everyone laugh and everyone was like we already know we'll love you here. Then we got called to speak at a youth fireside about the atonement so once again some quick prayers were said and we rocked it thanks to the Spirit. So funny story my first night here I had a dream we were camping on the island at sand hollow and it was like me collin Leonard Bryant Martin and everyone then a kadikattie woke me up and I like tried to roll out of bed and I rolled into the wall and I was like where am I? I was like this is not my house. I felt super crazy but then I was like oh yeah mission haha. A cool scripture this week is 2nd Corintians 5:7 which talks about using our faith rather than sight. It helped us get a return appointment with a lady named Maybe. cool names here I've already met a simba and mufasa no joke :DOk so some people we are teaching are the Mikhes from zimbabwe and it is an entire family they are so awesome and we just taught them about bringing the scriptures to life, and keeping the commandments. This week we're gonna cook them an american breakfast and bring up baptism I've got a good feeling about it. Another group is KJ and Ronald who both just got baptized and live in Actonville they are 14 and 15 and so funny they are like " its a big american football player don't mess with him he'll rip your arms out" and appearantly they want biceps like mine... that was nice haha. But there testimonies are golden they both are like we need to be like Elder Robinson and Nelson and then like Nephi haha but seriously they are way rad and love passing the sacrament. One last family is Paul, Alvira, and Zion they are like my golden family. Zion is their new born baby and like everything to them Paul has just became active again and Alvira just got baptized. They are now preparing for the temple and its so incredible. Like the happiness and change in their life like they just burn with the spirit. We can go over there teach a lesson and just spend like 2 hours. Paul and I are like brothers we are so similar its ridiculous they are all so awesome. I've taught like 20 lessons now and feel pretty good about it I love like everyone we taught and I notice my prayers are like always for them and I only pray that I'll be able to get enough sleep for the next day. Once again I love it here it is incredible and I can't wait to see what happens next.To kind of close up, I miss you all a ton and its tough but honestly I have a family here too so it works out. I just gotta keep working, sing an awesome song and do some air kicks every now and again, and pray. Its tough here because people have so little. its tough for them to make it to church and pay tithing but they are so willing in fact Patricia walked 5 miles to get to church. so so so cool! I love you all and crazy as it is I"ve already been gone a month only 100 weeks to go haha. keep praying keep reading keep going to church. All the best, sala khale, Goed Nannd Peace... Elder Robinson

Last 5 Days at MTC 07/23/2010