The Young Single Adults   

In the Kagiso (pronounced "Ka heso") 2nd Ward we were asked by the Bishop to work with the Young Single Adults (YSA)(ages 18-30).  They are such an amazing group.  Most of them live on one meal a day, either lunch or dinner.  Their families have very little money and they face such challenges of trying to get a good education.  We think it is difficult to figure out how to afford college in the US, but it is 50 times harder over here to be able to get into a good college or university and then to be able to afford it as well.

Very few of the families can afford a car, so most of these young adults walk to Church about 3-5 miles and then the same distance back home.  Sometimes they ride in the Kombies which are Toyota minivans which will usually pack about 16 people into them.  Just going anywhere is  a major logistical challenge for most of these young people.  They are so amazing because they will walk to the Church on Saturday for Institute classes.  Then again on Sunday for Church, and on Monday night for YSA family home evening.  They never complain about how hard life is but are so positive and grateful for what they do have.  They are incredibly bright and have great insights into the scriptures and about what things are really important in life.  

Even though they have very little, they always try to dress nice for Sunday and they truly love the Lord and try to help each other. As we have gotten to know them, we realize what great potential they have if they can just find ways to get a good education and a good job.  It is great to see how the Church's Perpetual Education Fund can help them get that critical education, and then they pay back the low interest loan so someone else can then use that money to go to school.

Here we are after Church with Lilly who is the only active member of her family and Gift who is the only member in his family, and the Bishop's niece (kneeling on the ground).  Many of the young people have only one or no parents living .  They really have to be self motivated and dedicated.  They are inspiring to us.

Another young single adult couple that are getting quite serious about each other.