South African National Flower - Protea

We bought this bouquet of Protea at the Irene outdoor market Saturday. They are a pretty flower which are supposed to be long lasting. The market wasn't as interesting as we had thought it would be with mostly white sellers and buyers. 

Our First Interview in Africa

Today, Thanksgiving day, we are most thankful for a wonderful couple we met from the DRC(Democratic Republic of Congo) and interviewed this morning. They speak French and Luanda(the sister only spoke it), so one of their son's translated. They have deep testimonies of our Savior. They have 8 wonderful, children who are also strong in the faith. They had come to Johannesburg to be sealed (married for time and eternity) to each other and their children. We could feel the Spirit so strongly even when we couldn't understand all their words.

They are so beautiful!

 

Thanksgiving

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving at the area office with all the other missionaries. I took just a few photos so you can't see the yummy turkey, dressing, potatoes, green bean casserole, and desserts. Everyone helped. We ate at 11:30 so the temple missionaries could be there and the rest of us could work in the afternoon.

 

 

Arrival Johannesburg South Africa!

We arrived Wednesday evening after cancellation of our scheduled Monday November 14th flight. We spent the night or what was left of it in a hotel going to bed at 3:45 am. We were at back of the plane so we were also at the back of the line for re-scheduling our flight. We actually got an earlier flight by being first in line for standby seats. There is a photo of Jo'burg as we arrived. The other photos are of our flat in Dukes Court. It has recently been updated with new flooring and furniture. It's quite large with 1 bedroom, nice bath (but awkward with no electric sockets and the only mirror is placed high on the wall!), an office, big living and dining rooms and a nice kitchen. We also have both a washer & dryer but no dishwasher. The oven is big (or normal US size). We've been busy learning our responsibilities but I'll write more about that another time.     

Atlanta Airport

We finally got to bed at 3:45 am this morning. Lots of challenges starting with a 3 hour wait to get Re-booked and hotel. Since we were at the back of the plane we were among the last to be helped.  Since we still had to check out by 11am, we took a shuttle to the airport and arrived before noon. We had time to see some of the beautiful things at the airport. We also met some wonderful people while waiting both last night and today. It's amazing how our Heavenly Father helps you through others and often it is just they say a kindly word or talk with you.

We are at the gate hoping we will get on tonight's flight as standbys. I know people here and in South Africa are praying we make it tonight.

Even in challenging times I know my Savior loves me!

     

Flight Cancelled

We are standing in line for hotel and meal vouchers since our flight was cancelled. First plane some vehicle hit one of the engines so we de-planed. Then it took so long to refuel that the pilots were illegal so hopefully we'll get there a day late. At least we are safe and have met some wonderful fellow passengers! 

Photo of the 2nd boarding gate! It's nearly midnight in Atlanta.

Us with World Map

It's traditional to have your photo taken in front of the huge map so we had to include it. We are pointing at Johannesburg, South Africa. It is fun to walk by the map and see both senior missionaries and young elders and sisters getting their photos taken. 

More MTC

We completed our MTC on Friday and spent the weekend at Dave's sisters. I wanted to post photos of our wonderful MTC teachers. The photo with the group is with our district with our afternoon teacher, Sister Vance. Others in our district are Elder & Sister Douglas, Elder & Sister Howe and Elder & Sister Tolman, all dedicated missionaries who want to share their feelings about Jesus Christ. The photo with us and Sister Anderson, our morning teacher is also included. She was a missionary in South Africa so was able to tell us about it. We loved our teachers! 

 

Mission Training Center

We spent last weekend with our son's family (Sam& Melissa) in Provo, Utah before entering the MTC on Monday. It has been a busy week as we learn to teach about our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. All the lessons are Christ centered and make me love Him more. I am so grateful for his example and sacrifice for me.   Here are some photos of some of the inspiring painting of Jesus Christ here. It really helps us to "think of Christ, talk of Christ " while here.