Yay I Am Alive

i feel older. yes i am now 19 yay i survived my 18th year on this plannet. this week there isnt too mutch to talk about other than it has been too hot. we tracted and tracted but not too mutch success. i met up with a previous missionary named thandi. he served in the same area that i am in now and mooved here. yea pretty cool. yea sorry for the short email i will try to make it up with photos how is that? the first one is a really cool bug i saw. the second one is more for the ladies i now have a shoe collection. the third one is a guy herding cows down the center of the road yes they do that and they mix concreat in the middle of the road too. the fourth one is of the baptism from last week i was stiff. then there is a halarious photo of a poster in a members house. and yes the next one i ate and loved it it is my new favorite desert oreo and custard. then there is a photo of my previous companion. another modeling one my new watch because my old one broke and a member felt sorry for me. and finally a fruit called leechee. now dont get me wrong this thing is small however you cant eat too many of them. the reason is they are strong. they pack a punch the way you eat them is you peal the outter skin then suck the flesh out then spit the pit. tasty. well that is all for this week i love and miss all of you take care of eachother and remember to brush your teeth,

Elder Whiting,

What is up my fellow children of God?

life is good here in south africa nothing too new to report other than the following. it was my birthday last sunday!!! we had a baptism that. whent smoothly her name was njabulo. i also discovered that there was another  baptism in my old area an entire family that i was teaching. got baptized all 7 of them!!!  

other breaking news i am going through yet another transfer i am reciving drum roll dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd. elder Blamoh from libera. i havent met him yet so we will learn more about him next week. 

today is my celebratory day or in other words the day i can celebrate my birthday and somehow the YSA figured out that i aged so they decided to throw a party to celebrate my mortality. that is the way they said it. we are going ice scating later today. that should be fun. i will attempt to send pictures later today but i dont know how well that is going to go.

love you all and may the force be ever in your favor

Elder Whiting,

Life is Good

so there has been a lot of things going on recently but not all of it is relivant

i got off of my crutches entirely so yay i can walk again

my caring mother bought me another camera so we will see if i can attach some photos of mua and other stuff i will try to explain what they are as well
so another thing i have been doing the light the world stuff and basically the main responce that we get from people is i respect you for doing this especially in this heat. they would then say that they probably wouldent do it themselves so they are glad that we are doing it

we got attacked by monkeys the other day they where throwing the rubbish everywhere. that was a nuicence.

 the first one is me of cource because there is nothing more importaint

then there is a little girl she is the daughter of one of my investigators.

Elder Whiting,

hi guys and gals

i dont know what to say since i dont have long internet cafes are expensive over here. but here is the week in a nutshel i was told that i mignt have torn the cartalage in my anlke and that things are going to be rough for the next few weeks. i think that i am fine i can actually kinda hobble around with a crutch to ballance. my companion laughs at me when i do

since it is a popular demand i will write about thanksgiving. we sadly do not celebrate it over here in south africa however i baked a turky for the heck of it you know for the spirit of it. we whent on a hike, or as i would say a hobble. but it was nice.

things are going pretty well we have a potential baptism coming up on the 10th my birthday. yay!

i havent been hurt any more since the last incident and hope that it stays that way well i have about 30 seconds left so i love you guys in an agape kinda a way take care of one another and remember to #Light the world if you dont know what that means ask my family

Elder Whiting,

catch up

so far so well ok... i have had some blessings in disquise wander into my field of vision. i managed to sevierly sprain my ankle possible tearing of muscles and tendons so i havbe been limping/ hobbling around on crutches for like a week. but hey a plus i have massive arms now.. haha. i think that i can beat anyone in the mission to an arm wrestling challenge. no not really some of the africans are pretty muscular. on top of that i have had to hobble away from some dogs the little african children thought that it was really funny. i am glad that it made someones day.

i am gratefull for the support that everyone gives me it keeps me going. in the words of Cortés i am going to "burn the boats" i know that i have sufficent support behind me to keep me going and i am gratefull thanks to all who are sharing the load i love you all.

Elder Whiting,

aka Manqoba,

weekly

i dont know what to say... i miss all of you i guess. this last week has been pretty hard. for many reasons, but i guess what you need to know is, i am ok and am pressing forward with all of my might. so here is the weekly update i guess. this week i was transfered to a new area the i work in two areas because one of them is too dangerous for elders to stay at so we stay elsewhere and go there from time to time. the safer one the town that i am staying in is called ilovu. it is a big town about an hour south of durban. the other area that i work in is called umlazi which is a massive township township meaning a porer area. full of what are called locust houses or houses provided by the government. the standard of living in townships is low and people are struggling but that is when they are more easily turned to the lord. the townships are where we find most of our sucess. now umlazi is massive so it is devided into sections so if you want to look up the area we work in it is umlazi w and umlazi bb. i havent been robbed since i last emailed so i guess that that is a plus but i havent quite adjusted to the new area concidering i was kinda just thrown into it. but i will get back to you next week concening wither i have gotten used to it but as for now. i love and miss you all. salagahle  which means "stay well"

Elder Whiting,

i don't know what happened

here we go part 2 i guess...

other than gettinig to meat elder hamilton i got transfered to yet another area. i know it is in the middle of the transfer but things happened so i had to be shifted. i am now with an elder from zimbabwe. his name is elder sibanda. he is pretty cool i just met him last night so i dont know too mutch about him but more to come next week about that. i got robbed. yes you read that right the first time i got robbed. someone snuck into our boarding and stole my camera. so if you are wondering why i am not sending pictures this week when i promised them last week. that is why. well that is all for now if you guys want me to include more if you have any questions that you want answered just shoot me an email. peace out

Elder Whiting

what is up my family from multiple other mothers?

hey so there is a lot that has happened i will try to remember everything but i dont know how well i will remember. first off i got to meet one of the quarem of the seventy. Elder Hamilton. he came for our zone confrence to kinda see how we as elders are doing in south africa. me and him got to talk in kinda an interview. and he apparently liked one of the things i said. the classic "by faith you can move a mountian. but dont be surprised if you are handed a shovel.." in fact he even quoted me during our stake confrence and said he would quote me during his next general confrence talk. something to look forward to something to keep you awake... 

my family and friends I have returned

sorry for the while of not writing anything. that is my fault. i havent been the best at keeping track of time latly. but i will try to catch you up on everything that has happened the past few days. i got transfered. thats right i am no longer in durban i am about an hour and a half up the coast in stanger which is still in kzn but i am even closer to the coast. i am in what they call sugar coast. the reason for this is because this is one of the largest sugar producing areas in south africa. it dosent matter what way you look you see sugar cane fields. it is pretty funny the little kids wait at the speed bumps for the big sugar cane trucks to come by and when they slow down to get over the speed bumps the kids swarm the truck usially getting a cane or two before the truck drives off. it is pretty great. i have a new companion from mesa arizona. his name is elder harper. he is pretty chill and is getting ready to end his mission. he plays guitar and can sing. the other two elders in our area are elder kamara from gana, west africa. he is pretty cool dont know mutch about him though. and elder nu'usa, he is from utah played football at the same school as was in the movie high school musical. and got to meat some of the cast from the movie. lets see what else is there. oh yea we didnt even have a phone for the first week or so so that was great trying to set appointments. and we do not have a car so we are stuck in a radious arround the boarding. so yea i am like a little pioneer child. i walk and walk and walk and walk.

don't have long

things are good here in south africa still raining😢 but other than that all good. we have been teaching a lot of people and i had schwarma today i thought that it was pretty good. i have been thinking about the next challenge i am thinking about challenging yall to do something that you either havent done for a while or is new just go and try to find something that you are tallented at. just do it!!!

All is Well

things are all good here in south africa not too much has happened other than some pretty weird foods namely a food called mealy worms kinda like meal worms fried in butter tasted pretty good though. we had a person walk in off the street just looking in trying to figure out what we are about and he seems interested. we started teaching him and he apparently had been taught before he recognized the pamphlets but said he didn't know where the church was. he just happened to waltz in and find it. the lord works in mysterious ways. 

What Is Up My Friends?

things are still good here in south africa i get to see the gospel changing peoples lifes for the better every day and when someone accepts what we are talking to them about it warms up my days. i mean that in a good way. it is normally pretty hot here. but for the past 2 weeks solid there hasent been a day that has gone by without it raining. i am  sick of it. i have blisters on my feet from my shoes being wet it is painfull but i keep going. things arent as bad as they could be. i look for the better in the day. the thing is here is a quote that i have been living by for the last week. it is a quote from Lena Horne it is not the load that breaks you down it is the way that you carry it. and i am choosing to not try to carry it alone i have all of you to help me your prayers and your wishes and hopes are literally making my load easier i miss all of you and i loce to here from you guys. take care of one another.

come on you guys i didnt get any reports on what you did. what i did is i cleared an area for a garden for an elderly lady using a cane knife and brute force. my hands are blistered but at the end of the day i felt pretty good seeing what i had done. next week i expect to here some responeces from you same challenge find someone that you can do something for and tell me what the service was and how it made you feel.

What Is Up My Family?

things are still going great here in south africa sorry there havent been any pictures recently but the internet cafe that we email at says that there is no downloading or uploading of any kind permited it is kinda dumb. i wish it didnt have to be this way. but... sory mother. look for pictures in sister thompsons blog. anyway what happened this week.. we got jumped by a monkey who proceded to take the bananas out of our groceries and i feel like if he could have carried more he would have taken it all. we had several members feed us  that was good. and no mom i havent ridden an elephant yet although i might have an idea on that one... i have heard from most of you although i would like to here from everyone. here is a topic for you if you need help look for someone in need and write me back on what you did to help them and how it changed your life. i will include my experience in the next email as well. you guys are the light of my week you are what keeps me mooving forward so i cant wait to here about how it whent.

i recently discovered that my zulu name was incomplete so as a correction my full zulu name is tlatla manqoba. tlatla is pronunced the way it looks. manqoba is pronounced man- *click. literally like take your tounge and suck it to the roof of your mouth and pull downwards. that is the click that you are looking for just try to not let it hit the bottom of your mouth otherwise things get sloppy keep it crisp as they keep correcting me down here. but anyway oba is said the way it looks as well. so all in all it is tla-tla man-*click-oba and what it translates to is lucky conqurer. because i am the lords lucky conqurer.

What is Up America?

what is up my family things are great here in south africa not too mutch more to tell than what is already been said sorry about that but i will tell you if something comes up

What is Up America

things are still great over here in south africa i got a new zulu name tlatla mening lucky and havent had many other foods. dont have mutch time although thought that i might try to send something i love it here and have had a lot of good expirences. those of you who have access to the ensine. look for the artical about how god cares about my buisness i think it is in the october issue yes we get it early. but there is an artical in there about a woman named sister zuma. from kwazulu-natal she is a sister in my ward and is a verry friendly person with an incredible story that is in the ensine if you dont have access to the ensine ask my brother james or my mother.anyway take care you guys remember i am watching you from south africa. sincerly tlatla

What's Up!

things are still great here in South Africa. things have been interesting yesterday i went to a braai not to be mistaken with a barbecue, and on Friday i went on an exchange with the zone leaders in imanzantoti that was great great people right next to the ocean. i am used to driving from the right side of the car now. as for foods nothing too interesting so far although i was told that for dinner we might be having smiley witch is pig head i wish they named it something else but they named it that because it smiles at you as you eat it. then there is walki talkies which seem just bizarre although when i got there i found out it is chicken head and feet get it walki talki? anyway pictures might be delayed i will try to get them out today but i dont know if it is going to be possible. i am so excited for the eclipse!! i dont think we will really see it down here but i hear that it is crowded down there. well you younger ones back in lander good luck with school. i am grateful that i dont have to worry about that for the next two years. things are great food is good and i cant wait for tomorrow. next Sunday i am excited we have at least 2 more baptisms lined out should be good. 

Life is Good

whats up you guys things are going fabulous here in south Africa i haven't been robbed or stabbed yet so all good so far. yesterday we had a baptism for 5 people it went well although the water heater stopped working so it was cold!!! the person i baptized was simongele and as soon as she came up out of the water she went stiff as a board and walked out she said it was good other than how cold it was. my companion is great he seems to know what he is doing he has 2 transfers after this one... one transfer = 6 weeks so he is in the home stretch. he is getting the jitters. we had a new food the other day called JEQE (sorry for the caps it was the only way it would go in without spell check not liking it)  for some of you who know brother Hart you can ask him how to pronounce it it is essentially steamed bread it is really soft and goes really well with stew. might send recipe later. i also had semp witch is essentially a corn stew with beans it was really good although only after you add salt. things are good people are great. i love and miss all of you and cant wait to here back from you take care. talk to you later.

The one the only,

Elder Ethan Alfred Whiting

South Africa Mission

Berea 1

My Area

these maps show us where exactly i am serving if they send in the correct order that is

Missionary Info

things are still great here in berea i love it here the people are nice there are some great cuizines and the power only goes out about 1 a week. i am the chef in the house and if any of you have some simple meal recipie ideas i would love to have them. not mutch along the lines of pictures this week buisy as can be it is great to here about all that is going n back home. well the power guys are here saying that they are going to cut the power. so that is all the time that i have for now... see you guys next week. and if any of you know anyone else who wants this let me know

Missionary Stories 3

this is the 3rd and final part of the email here is one more picture of my area and then a picture of the painting and name of the painter. anyway things are great here and i cant wait to here back from you guys i love all of you to one degree or another. and i hope that things are OK over in the united states. oh and one more thing mother? can you send me the picture of me on the sailboat from scout camp the one where i am standing leaning up against the cable dad will know which one i am talking about. any way i love you all once again stay safe and i will do the same. till next week i bid you all farewell.

Missionary Stories 2

the next is my other teacher he was great. then a picture of the progress on the temple here in Durban. we are not allowed to proselyte in that area due to the fact that they are all really rich huge gates outside and we probably wouldn't get in even if we tried. now the elder couple in our area cracked a really funny joke. so what color are the temples in the united states. at which point we all responded white. and he turned around and said well this is Africa. its black meaning it was currently in the process of the concrete getting sealed with tar so yes it is black. the next picture is another one but this temple was built strangely they did most of the landscaping before so you can see the line of palm trees leading up to the temple. the next one is for Tim Dan and family so mom can you make sure that they get this? you guys will never guess who i ran into!!! elder dehile i think that that is correct spelling however he says that he grew up with you guys and he said to say hello from him that is the fourth picture here. then second to last is a picture of the area that i am working i work the townships of durban so the poor side and it is great just like in the scriptures how the poor are humbled and desire to recive the true gospel these people are really taking it seriously.

MTC Teacher

The progress on the Durban Temple

Elder Dehile from Idaho Falls

Townships of Durban

Missionary Stories

things are great in south Africa the people are really friendly and the work is great. i ran into a few creatures including hawdedaw's monkeys these weird mo hock birds and my companion. just kidding he is great he enjoys everything outdoors just like me oh and dad  he also does triathlons. i haven't been jumped or robbed although there was one guy that came up to us and said that we should be careful. there is a very pretty picture that i would like to have if you can find it mom it is the one with the fisherman in the background it will be at the end of the next email. so mom you remember how i said that the taxi drivers in la where crazy. that was a lie here the mission calls them maniacs behind the wheel. they are absolutely nuts and as for laws they dont care. the elder with the glasses sitting on his bed is the elder that is in the band the next is a a picture of my first companion. mom wanted a picture of name tags so here it is these 8 where in the first transfer they are paired up with their companions..then the temple in Johannesburg. and one of my two teachers.

My first companion

Email from Mission President's Wife

We are so excited to have your son join us in Durban! President Thompson and I picked up all 14 missionaries yesterday. Given the large number, we brought four cars to fit everyone (including the mission van). 

This group of missionaries have been the most impressive we have received in the year we have been serving. Thank you for raising such a faithful young man!

We have a missionary blog where I have posted photos of our meeting and first day together.  You can see photos of your missionary at:

www.ldssouthafricadurban.blogspot.com

Feel free to share the blog with family and friends. We welcome comments on the blog as well.

We had the BEST testimony meeting (to date) last night with these wonderful new missionaries! All fourteen shared their feelings, and the spirit was strong.

They also received their first assignment last night, and this morning most have met their new companions. Elder Whiting has been assigned to the Berea area, not far from the mission office! It's growing and a great area to serve! 

The people here are prepared to hear the gospel, and those who are already members are extremely faithful and committed! Some walk 13 kilometers to church every Sunday! They are extremely articulate when they bear testimony - it is such an honor and blessing to be among these faithful people of South Africa.

If you should ever have any concerns or questions, feel free to email me.

Best wishes,

Sister Thompson

Special Note from the South Africa MTC President's Wife

Brother and Sister Whiting,

Just a quick note to let you know how grateful we are for your son these past weeks at the MTC.   Even though he is quiet, he is obedient and humble.  He has played the piano for us at devotional.  More importantly, he is very loving and has a very strong Spirit about him and the Lord loves him and so do we.  A fine young man like your son doesn’t happen by accident.  It is obvious that you are wonderful parents and you have sent out “one of the very best.” 

In fact, the only thing wrong with him is that he will be leaving next week!  Then we will be like you and missing him very muchJ.

Warmly,

Sister and President Ashton SAMTC

MTC

the mtc has been great my companion racado is from zim  (zimbabwe) and my current companion elder ratchicopa is from petoria. the food is great the lessons are still slow cant wait to actually get out of the compound. everyone calls it that because of the walls that are around us. they include everything that a prison compound has from a security guard to that classic slinky barbed wire to spikes on top of bars. we arent allowed outside of it other than when we are in the van on the way to the temple at which point we are in yet another walled compound. yes there is barbed wire around the sides and back the front is a spiked fence and the sides and back are electric. i am used to the food and the climate here is like the fall back home occasional rain and cool. I Have been blessed with many expierences. some of the teachers are crazy but you get used to them. my companion tells me that i have lost my american accent and now my accent is more south african. my missionary training center president just peaked in and said to say hi to everyone from him. Micah i am so happy that i get something that you didnt in the mtc. i am able to talk to the presidant at any point that i want did you get that? once again if you know anyone that might want this email share my contact and i will try to include them in the list or tell my mom and they can be a part of hers. i hope that all of you see the blessings. count them. and know that you are loved. i wont be able to contact you for the next 10 to 14 days because i will be on a plane on the next preperation day. love you guys and see you then.

Elder Whiting

ppiiccttuurreess

ii  hhaavvee  jjuusstt  bbeeeenn  iinnffoorrmmeedd  tthhaatt  ii  sshhoouullddeenntt  sseenndd  ppiiccttuurreess  rriigghhtt  nnooww  dduuee  ttoo  tteecchhnniiccoollooggyy  bbeeiinngg  iinn  tthhee  ddaarrkk  aaggeess  hhoowweevveerr  aannddyy  ii  ffoouunndd  aannootthheerr  bbaannddyy  tthhaatt  iiss  aallssoo  aa  ttrroommbboonnee  ppllaayyeerr  tthhiinnggss  aarree  ggooiinngg  ggrreeaatt  hheerree  ii  mmiissss  aallll  ooff  yyoouu  aanndd  iiff  aannyyoonnee  ddoosseenntt  ggeett  tthhiiss  tthhaatt  wwaannttss  iitt  jjuusstt  tteellll  tthheemm  hhooww  ttoo  ccoonnttaacctt  mmee  aanndd  ii  wwiillll  aadddd  tthheemm  ttoo  tthhee  lliisstt  wweellll  uunnttiillll  nneexxtt  wweeeekk  ii  ssiigghhnn  ooffff

Translation:

"I have just been informed that I shouldn't send pictures right now due to technology being in the dark ages.  However, Andy I found another Andy that is also a trombone player.  Things are going great here.  I miss all of you and if anyone doesn't get this that wants it just tell them how to contact me and I will add them to the list.  Well, until next week I sign off."

Farewell

Many people came to bid me farewell!