The Work is Hard but so Rewarding

Dear All, 

The last two weeks have included a wide variety of activities for us.  We have done lots of driving for participation in a marriage, interviews, baptisms, sending off Elders, welcoming Elders, responding to missionaries's car crash, closing an area and emptying and cleaning the boarding, visiting people in the hospital, car and boarding inspections, and delivering supplies.  All this, along with our normal visits to the homes of branch members and those investigating the church.  Our days are quite full and the work is hard at times, but we really are enjoying the whole experience.  As we continually state, associating with the wonderful people here is the best part of all and it makes any amount of sacrifice or effort which may be required well worth it. 

Two weeks ago we visited the home of a couple who live in the most humble of circumstances.  They were being interviewed for baptism and were planning to be married just prior to that special event.  Their home consisted of two very small rooms in which they and their two children live.  It is made of just scraps of wood.  There were no windows and about a 10 watt light bulb hanging in the doorway between the two rooms. We were so impressed with the kindness, sincerity and intelligence of these people.  It turns out that the man has a regular job but is not only supporting his own family but also 14 members of their extended family who live elsewhere.  We attended their marriage and baptisms this past Saturday and it was so wonderful.  These people have embraced the gospel with all their hearts and the increase in faith, hope and happiness they now have is very apparent.  They are true believers and will certainly receive an increase in the Lord's choicest blessings as they go forward.

We must tell you about the hospital we visited.  Actually, it is impossible to describe what it was like.  It is way overcrowded, understaffed, and downright dirty.  And, if you want to eat while there, someone will need to bring food in for you.  Out of all the contrast we have seen between living in the US and in Africa, this is certainly one of the greatest.  It really makes many of the complaints aired by us Americans seem petty.  

The Lord's church is on the Earth once again and it is the one and only source of true and eternal happiness.  We know that Missionary service is the Lord's way of taking this message to His children.  We highly recommend serving a mission to all who might qualify.

Much Love,

Elder and Sister Watson    

The top photo is Sister Shelia who was just baptized.  She is a wonderful woman, and now church member.  We were able to teach her a couple of lessons before turning the job over to these very capable Elders (Ivins and Hawkins).  

 It's 6:00 AM in the Port Elizabeth Airport.  Most of the ones with ties are heading off to new assignments.  The mission is so large that nearly all transfers are done by air.  We will miss those leaving, but will welcome new ones later in the day.  

These are the Young Single Adults of the Motherwell Branch.  They are a fun group and most contribute much to running the branch.  The one seated in the yellow shirt is the YSA leader and often leads the music, and does so with contagious enthusiasm.  She starts clicking hers fingers to the beat if she thinks the song is dragging.  

We take a break on occasion to enjoy this beautiful place.  This was from the balcony of our B&B in Knysna.  The photo certainly doesn't do it or her justice.