Week 29 - Dec 14th - 20th, 2014

Sunday, December 14th to Saturday, December 20th

This was quite a different time comparatively.  The week before Christmas at home would be full with family, shopping, and other activities.  The week here in South Africa was full of mission office work for both Melanie and I.  Many routine housing, utility, and phone issues to address and to train.

Additionally this week Melanie had to make a couple of trips to see her new dentist Dr. Raheema Suliman to deal with some aching pain which has also turned into a root canal to be finished next week along with maybe some additional repair work.  She's been brave enough to handle it and the dentist is a good one who has been used by the Area Presidency over some years now so we have some confidence in her.

We've enjoyed some fun video calls back home as usual which have been so good for our spirits, especially the one to see the new grandson Henrik Odin Hansen, Cody and Tiffani's newborn son.

This happy Dad Cody bought the knit viking hat for his newborn son Henrik who wears it peacefully at this stage of his life.  Just watch out in a couple of years!

We also enjoyed a visit and a lunch meal with Elder Ben and Sister Jill Jones.  We are coordinating the activities and schedule for the upcoming February visit by their two Curtis and Alleson and our two Wendy and Annie.

This first six months here in South Africa has sped by so quickly!  It is still amazing to us each and every day when we wake up and find ourselves here together on a mission.  We couldn't be happier and wouldn't trade this experience for anything.  We are truly blessed and pray that our service is acceptable to the Lord as we try our best.