Baptisms are the Best!

Dear All,

What a marvelous week we had!  On Thanksgiving Day we enjoyed a wonderful meal and social time with three other senior couples in the beautiful coastal town of Port Alfred.  We had everything you could ask for in a Thanksgiving feast...except for a turkey!  One of the couples had bought a South African turkey last year and said it was not good, so we had chicken, and with enough cranberry sauce it was kind of like turkey.  Seriously, it was wonderful, but the best part of the day was being with the other missionaries and being able to tell (brag) about our families at home.  Needless to say, I was the best bragger there!

On Friday, we took a brief safari in a game preserve just outside Port Alfred (photos follow).  We then traveled to a small the small town of Bathurst, which is know for its pineapple production.  We drove home later on Friday and enjoyed once again the very beautiful and green countryside along the way.

This past Saturday and Sunday were undoubtedly the best days of our mission thus far as we participated in the baptism and confirmation of two wonderful women Nozikhombuzi Majeke and Lisakana Billy.  It is amazing how close we have become to them in such a short time.  We visited Nozi last evening and she bore a strong testimony of the gospel and about how her attitude about life had been changed to seeing it in a much more positive light.  She is typical of the many women here who are trying to raise a family alone and in an already difficult environment.  Nozi told us that the worries which have burdened her are now gone.  It's kind of funny that the only thing she now worries about is that her daughter stays firm in the faith, and it is her daughter who was responsible for bringing her in to it.  I must add...she also told us that after meeting with the missionaries for some time, her heart softened after meeting us (Sister Watson of course) and this caused her to finally feel the Spirit like never before.  All we can say about the convert, Lisa, it that she is amazing and will be an awesome missionary in about 7 years.

Just a quick report on Motherwell Branch...we had 100 people attend church yesterday!  That is up from an average of about 70-80.  Interesting that this past Wednesday evening we discussed a new Branch Mission Plan which included goals for 2017.  The goal we had for Sacrament meeting attendance was 100, so looks like we'll need to adjust that one!  The Spirit of the Lord is being felt by many here and we are so very grateful to be a part of this great work and to know these wonderful people and to love them.

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

 The Sisters, Lloyd (Australia), Halverson (Utah), Watson (California), and Stubbs (Utah)

 The elderly Elders, Watson, Lloyd, Halverson, and Stubbs

A beautiful golf course in Port Alfred, but different in some ways. 

This is Gammit, the friendliest Giraffe in Africa.  He must be one of the largest too.  Can't tell here but his belly was well above the top of our car and likely 22-24 feet when standing straight up

They told us it was mating season when they can get temperamental and might swing their heads at you.  They also said that this could kill a person...that's why I am standing on a hill and back a bit.  His size along was a big overwhelming. 

 On safari with our young and very friendly guide, Johann.  

A very special day for Nozikhombuzo and Lisakana, and us!

Motherwell Church...office and 3 classrooms.  That's a doormat for the sign.  We had 100 people in the chapel (one classroom) yesterday.  It was really crowed and hot, but wonderful.  Awesome to sing Christmas carols and Sacrament hymn with them...as they hold nothing back!

 Two darling Motherwell kids with their favorite toys.