Never start a project you can't finish

This week was a CRAZY week. But what do you expect? I am in Zimbabwe!

On Wednesday we had more exchanges with another set of sisters. I was with a sister named Sister Obert! She actually is from here in Zimbabwe, and she actually wasn't called to serve in this mission. She doesn't even have here mission call yet. They allowed her to serve a mini mission here in the Zimbabwe Harare Mission for 6 weeks. She is so stinking cute, and is so enthusiastic about missionary work! I love being around brand new or in this case a pre-missionary. When she taught, she taught with so much love and happiness for the gospel! It was good to feel that kind of spirit again.The exchange went so well, too. We had a lot of our appointments fall through, but we were able to keep ourselves busy! 

This time of year is harvest season for maize. What they do is they cut down the stalks of corn, and pluck the ears of corn. They dry the maize, take it off the cob, and grind the kernels to make the meal for sadza. We helped a mama take the kernels off the cob, and it was so much fun! 

During that time of service, we got a call from the elders who are in charge of all the houses. They told us we need to leave our area immediately, and pack our bags. I guess something happened with the lease and the landlord. She was demanding more money, and the church didn't want to pay for something ridiculous, they really didn't owe her more money. So, we needed to be out of the house by that night! I was so sad that our exchanges were cut short, but we had a good day. Currently, we are staying with another set of sisters here in Harare until they get us a new house. They said that it should be this week. The four man house is SUPER fun and the other sisters are awesome! 

I wanted to tell you guys about some new people we found this week! Last Sunday a girl came with a family who are members. Her name is Ennie, and she just recently lost her mom. She came to church with them before, but it had been a while since she came again. When we went to go visit her, we asked her what she expects from us missionaries, and she said," I want to be baptized." We asked her if she knew the Book of Mormon, and she said," Yes, I already read it, and I know it is true." Talk about GOLDEN PERSON TO TEACH! She is so ready and prepared for the gospel. I am so excited to see how she just progresses and grows in the gospel! 

We also found a girl named Audrey. She approached us, and asked us what we do as missionaries because she had seen us around before. We explained and then set an appointment to meet with her. We taught her the Restoration and she understood really well. We even asked her when we could meet with us again, and she told us the next day. She loves us to visit her and teach her about the gospel. The only sad thing is that her mom won't let her come to church... so we are going to have to talk to her mom. She is super powerful, though and we will just pray for her mom to allow her to come to church! 

Goliath is doing well, we finished teaching him all of the lessons. He keeps the commitments so well and loves coming to church. The only thing with him now is his wife. They are separated at the moment, and he really wants to get back together with her. One odd thing about Zimbabwe is that if you upset your wife, and she moves out, you have to pay her money for her to come and be with you again. He has visited her several times, and she doesn't seem interested, she just said," You need to pay me." So... he is going to visit her one last time, and lay it all out for her. The sad thing is that he wants the gospel for his family. If they were to get back together, they would also have to get legally married. Once she gives him the answer, we will take action, and do whatever we can to help him, because he is so ready! 

Yesterday we also had a baptism! I forgot to tell you about Agnes, but she was previously taught by the other sisters. We just had to finish teaching her a couple of the commandments, and then she would be ready for baptism. Agnes is 14 years old, and can't speak any English! Every time we had to go and visit her, we brought someone to translate. Her mom is a member, but isn't active right now. Agnes always came to church by herself, and she even bore her testimony before she was a member! She was so happy to be baptized, and we were happy for her. She will be a great example to her family, and the youth in our ward are so awesome! They already have fellowshipped her so well. 

One last FUNNY story of the week! There was this drunk baba who we always run into. More than just being drunk, I am not sure if everything is right in his noggin... haha! He came and sat in one of our lessons and just kept interrupting and saying nonsense. We kindly asked him to leave, and so he finally did on the 5th time. As we were leaving that area, he stuck his hand out like he wanted a ride. We aren't allowed to give anyone rides, so it is always super awkward! We drove to another farm, and sure enough he had walked there! He started to give us fire, and just started rambling about how we didn't give him a ride. He then said," There can only be one person in the both of your hearts, there can't be room for both Jesus and Satan. Since you didn't give me a ride, guess who is in your heart? SATAN." Then he just died laughing and so did my companion and I. He thought it was so funny to call us Satan. Ah, these drunk dudes in Zimbabwe aren't serious. 

Wanna know all the way people pronounce my name here? Keeshaw, kooshaw, kersher, kreshaw. It's hilarious! Who knew Kershaw was so hard to say? 

Sister Sariah told me something that the sister she was on exchanges with told her. They were reading in the missionary handbook, and under the portion where it talks about service, it says," Never start a project that you can't finish." This sister said that she takes that in regards to her mission. This is something that she started, so she needs to finish. That stuck with me this week. I started this "project" and I have to finish it. No matter how much I miss home, or no matter how difficult some days can be, I have to finish. My parents taught me that I can do hard things, and I know that I can do them with His help.  

Sadly, this is my last week with Sister Sariah and her last week here in Zimbabwe. We are going to enjoy every minute together, doing the best thing in the whole world, sharing the gospel! I love Zimbabwe more and more each week, which I didn't even think was possible because I love it so much, already! The country, people, and the gospel are so beautiful here. I love you so much! I always keep you in my prayers. 

Love, 

Sister Kershaw 

I went to a movie theater!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter Sunday. 

This week was such a great week! I got to go on exchanges again, but this time I went to an area called Ruwa. I was with a sister named Sister Amajo. She was so sweet! We worked hard and were able to learn from one another as well. She told me that it was one of the best days she had in a long time. That made me really happy. 

This week we also had another Zone Conference. My companion and I also did a super fun presentation! We were assigned to talk about missionary conduct and so we had an elder dress up how a missionary SHOULDN'T dress. He did a good job, and it was fun for the other missionaries! President Makasi also talked to us about the Book of Mormon. That is a very common theme in the missionary work in Zimbabwe. They are stressing to use it often! He did some role plays on how we should read with them and help them understand. It is some things that we want to apply in the area, for sure! 

We also had a really fun activity at the movies, as well! For the Easter weekend, some of the couple missionaries rented and arranged to play The Testament at a movie theater in Harare! We got the word out really well, and even set up a table at the front of the movie theater to have people just come off the streets. The turn out was great! Lot's of people just heard a free movie about Jesus, and walked in! It was so awesome, and is why I love Zimbabwe so much! 

We met some really cool guys last week named Wilson and Justin. They work at a farm in Enterprise, and we contacted them when they were sitting outside their house. They only attended a Christian church because that was all they saw was around, but they mentioned that they were willing to visit other churches. We taught them a lesson and invited them to church. Fast forward to a week later... They texted us Sunday morning (yesterday) and told us that something came up with work, and they were super sad that they couldn't come to church. BUT they begged us to come see them on Sunday night because they were really, really interested. The lesson went great, and I will keep you updated on their progress because I feel they are so prepared for the gospel! My companion and I have prayed so hard that we find the elect in Enterprise.

I love you all so much! I can't believe how fast time is going by. I am already 7 months on mission!!!  I am loving Zimbabwe and my mission, but I miss Idaho. Mainly because of the people in it  

Have a fantastic week, and be the reason that someone smiles one of the days this week. This world is too gloomy, sometimes! Let your light shine! 

Love, Sister Kershaw

Over two mountains and through a river... to go to our appointment

This week we scheduled an appointment at a place that we had never been to before. the place was called Proton. 
And when we were directed to where it was, the person pointed to a mountain. So on my companion and I went over a river first, and then we started hiking up the mountain. This man started walking up behind us, and so we started talking to him. His name is Blessing. He had actually met with missionaries before, but hadn't wanted to continue because he didn't understand. At first he wouldn't let us talk, and just kept asking really off topic (religion related) questions. The more we helped answer his questions and allow him to feel the spirit, he listened super well. We never were able to find the person we actually wanted to see, but I know that Heavenly Father put Blessing literally in our path, so that we would meet him. We have a return appointment to go see him, too. Sister Sariah and I have been praying to find the elect in Enterprise, and the Lord is answering our prayers. 

Another Mama that we are teaching is named Matilda. She has come to church several times, and even was able to watch General Conference with us! Yesterday, she didn't come to church and afterwards we went to check on her to make sure that she was okay. When we asked her how her Sunday was, she said," Not good. I didn't come to church. I really should've." I don't know exactly her reason for not coming, but I know that she knows how important church is, and she feels it as well. I will keep you updated on her progress, but she is planning on being baptized in the beginning of May. 

On Wednesday, I went on my first exchanges as a sister training leader. Every transfer, we go on exchanges. With the exchanges, we switch companions with a set of sisters, and bring them to our area. The sister that was going to be my companion, goes home in three weeks, too. So, I was really nervous to go with her, just because she has a lot more experience than I do. I was also just nervous to be going on exchanges in the first place. 

When I expressed that to President Makasi, he told me that first, I could do it. And second, to pray to have spiritual experiences while I took the sisters on exchanges. I prayed SO hard the week leading up, and the exchange was so good. Sister Cluff is so sweet, and we worked together really well. Even though in the area we had fall throughs, we kept busy, and had lessons to teach. Heavenly Father answered my prayers. 

 

 On Sunday afternoon, we also kinda went on an adventure. We were looking for where some people that we had previously contacted. They said they lived at a mine on a mountain. We drove for a really long time, but decided to turn back because we were not finding any mines. The scenery was beautiful, though! We blasted lion king, and drove down the road. It was like we were on a safari AND we even saw monkeys in the trees. So ya, that was pretty awesome. I forget that I am in Africa, sometimes. I love it and this is the best experience of my whole life! 

We also had another incident this week... our bumper fell off our car. Okay, not the whole bumper... but a part of the bumper underneath the car came off. The missionaries previous had broken it, and the elders even told us they were going to take it in to get fixed. They were just a bit too late! hahaha The elders who are in charge of our cars and the maintenance for them had to come rescue us! There is never a dull moment being in Zimbabwe on a mission. 

To close, I just want to bear testimony of our Savior. Easter is Sunday, and we have the opportunity to focus on him a little extra. I know that he lives. He died and on the third day rose again, because he loves us with an infinite love. His light shines and can reach the darkest of places if we allow him to. The atonement of Jesus Christ is so real. I have felt it in my life, and especially felt it on mission. He knows us individually and perfectly. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

I love you!!! 

Sister Kershaw

Hello Family and Friends! How are you? I love all of you very much, and think about you often! 

The highlight of my week was definitely General Conference.  I got to watch Saturday and Sunday morning sessions live... except they were at 6:00 at night! It was so cool to hear them say, " We welcome those who are viewing this through satellite in stake centers and meeting houses across the world." He was talking about little us in Enterprise, Zimbabwe! 

 Wow, there we so many inspired talks that we heard from our leaders. The themes that I got were: 

1. gaining a testimony of the gospel 

2. MISSIONARY WORK (YAYA!!!) 

3. prepare for the second coming of the Savior

4. The Lord is hastening his work

My favorite talk was by Sharon Eubank. She talked about how much the Savior loves us. I loved the story that she shared about Zacchaeus and how Jesus called him down from his tree. She then said, " Jesus sees us in our trees." I know that our Savior sees us and knows us perfectly. He knows when we struggle, he knows when we are sad, and he knows how to help us. He calls us down from our trees, and can teach us if we are willing. He sees us for as we truly are and loves us even when we are weak. There is no hope lost because of our Savior. If you are struggling, turn to him. He heals wounds that can't be healed by anyone else. 

 On Tuesday we had a mission leadership conference with all of the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders in the mission. We just discussed how the mission is doing, how we can improve, and how we can use the Book of Mormon more in our teaching. President Makasi bore a powerful testimony of how the Book of Mormon changes lives. It made me reflect on the times I had read the Book of Mormon and also received a witness of it's truth. Because of the testimony that I gained, I just want to share it with everyone! I want to see how the Book of Mormon can truly change people's lives. My companion and I have set goals and made plans for how we can use it more in our contacting and finding. 

Missionary work in Enterprise is different than it was in Zengeza... okay maybe the work isn't different, but the approach is. In Zengeza it was very high density and it was very easy to find people to teach. In Enterprise, the area is more rural, and is just a bunch of little farms in the hills. Most everyone has seen or heard from missionaries. My companion and I learned a really good lesson this week. We found that as we just served those in the farms; whether it was washing, cooking, or fetching water, we truly are doing missionary work. We may not baptize them, but when they see future missionaries, they will accept the message that they share because they will remember the missionaries who helped them with their house chores. We are working with members, and trying to find and teach part member families. We are finding a lot of success. Too often we view missionary work as just getting people to the font. Obviously that is the end goal, but more often than not, those results aren't instantaneous. Seeds need to be planted first. 

There is this powerful father that we are teaching named Joseph. He has been taught all the lessons by MANY previous missionaries before, but is just waiting to get baptized because of marriage issues. We were talking to him about the Book of Mormon and we asked him to continue to read and live by the words from the Book of Mormon. He misheard my companion and thought that she said," Will you leave the Book of Mormon (instead of live)." He quickly replied," No, I can't leave this book, I know that it is true."  It was funny, but it was so cute how he won't deny his testimony about the Book of Mormon. We are praying that all of the issues with marriage are sorted out, because he needs to be baptized ASAP! 

Fun little thing about my companion.... She knows Kylie Abbott!!  A conversation was brought up about missionaries that I knew who have served in California. Sister Sariah is from Long Beach California, and that is the same mission that Kylie served in. Sister Sariah worked with Kylie and her companion many times in missionary work. Who knew that Zimbabwe would bring Sister Sariah and I together, only to bring us back to Idaho :) 

Have an amazing week! Reflect back on General Conference and think of the personal revelation you have received and start to apply it. I love you so much. 

-Sister Kershaw  

It's just like I am back on the farm :)

I LOVE ENTERPRISE. There are farms, green hills, and the most beautiful people that you could ever meet. This week we didn't have much time in our area, and when we were in our area we weren't quite sure what to do because the previous sisters didn't give us very good notes... BUT we were able to work with the ward members a lot. 

There was a recent convert that we worked with, and he was so awesome! His name is Tafadzwa or he also likes to go by T-Flavor. My companion and I died laughing when he told us that hahaha! It explains his personality so well. He is 17 years old and is so converted to the gospel! When he worked with us yesterday, he just took us from house to house and asked if anyone would listen to us. I pray he serves a mission someday! 

On Tuesday, we were able to do service with our zone at the Presbyterian church for the victims of the cyclone in Mozambique. A lot of people donated clothes and shoes, and so we sorted them out into bags for women, men and children. I was so happy that we got to go, and help with it. 

Being a Sister Training Leader is super busy! haha When we got into our house last Monday, it was SO dirty. The next night we were supposed to house the new sisters who came in this transfer, and their companions. We compiled EIGHTEEN dirty blankets to take to the dry cleaner. We spent most of Tuesday getting our house in order, but I was glad that we did. It is fun though, I really enjoy serving around and being able to help the sisters in Harare. There are some really great ones! 

I LOVE MY NEW COMPANION. She is the best! I said last week, but she is from California and she has now 5 weeks left on mission. We are enjoying every second of being companions together. We are basically twins... She loves to sing, she danced in high school, and we have very similar personalities. She is so funny, too! She makes me laugh and just always lifts my spirits. I am so grateful that we get to be companions. 

 The church building in Enterprise is an actual CHAPEL. It is so nice to attend in a building, and not a tent. (Sorry Zengeza, I still love you and the tent chapel ) Our ward is amazing, and are so supportive in missionary work. They will be such a great help to us! 
We set goals to work with the ward council and the youth to help find those who are being prepared in Enterprise! 

One Baba (Father) that we found to teach is named Goliath. The previous sisters had been teaching him, and WOW he is powerful! We went to go teach him the Plan of Salvation, and when we asked if he had any questions, he said," No, but I want to add to what you said." He then would share that he knew what we taught was true and he would explain what he understood. We talked to him also about baptism, and he replied," Ya, I want to be baptized. I think next Saturday will work." hahaha We had to explain that we needed to finish all of the lessons, but he is very excited to be baptized the end of April. 

I love you all so much. Keep reading your scriptures, saying your prayers, and going to church. In this life, we can't afford to live without the gospel. It is everything and it makes us whole. 

Sending ALL my love from Zimbabwe,

Sister Kershaw