Recently the Bishop’s oldest son returned from his mission to South Africa, and he offered to come over and give a family home evening lesson to the kids about it. He was originally going to come during ski vacation, but as we were all so ill, we rescheduled for a couple of weeks later.
Christoph did a great job making a mission seem special, spiritual, hard, but also fun. Which is exactly what it is. He showed several pictures of some of the areas he had served in, including ones of their living conditions. That was eye opening for the kids. Here in Switzerland they aren’t confronted with poverty on that level ever. Which I am grateful for, don’t get me wrong. But I think they need extra help realizing just how good they have it. Things like this help a lot.
There were also funny stories, like how people always thought he was from Swaziland, which is a small country on the border of South Africa, instead of from Switzerland. And finally he just got tired of trying to explain and said Yes! 🙂
We ended the night with some traditional South African music and dancing.
He had a bag full of traditional instruments, made from string and dried bean pods, or something like that. Anyway, you wrap them around your arms or legs and shake them while you dance.
The kids got totally into it. The music was very lively and the singers harmonized so beautifully. It was a great way to expose the kids to a completely different culture.
Even Chris and I joined in, but since we were behind the camera, there is no photographic evidence. 🙂 Christoph even brought dessert. A mission favorite that he learned to love from his American companions; cookies ‘n cream ice cream. Completely homemade, of course. It was delicious, and the kids were thrilled to learn he was leaving the giant bowl so they could enjoy the leftovers later. 
Thank you, Christoph!
What a fun idea guys!