A Job Half Done

Dear All,

That's right, today marks nine months of missionary service for us. We have had a marvelous experience thus far but feel like there is much to be done and not enough time to do it. The good thing is that we have learned much more about what is expected of us and, hopefully, have become better able to accomplish it. We look forward to what the future will bring to us as two of the Lord's weak but willing missionaries.  

This past week we were thrilled to visit with the Orme family, Kelley, Denise, Spencer and Natalie, who were passing through Port Elizabeth on vacation. It was the first time we have seen anyone from home and it was a real treat. They are special friends and we love them. A bonus was that they were couriers of special treats from home (as Kelley often is to missionaries).

They brought us corn tortillas, chocolate chips, and Crisco. None of these items are available here, at least not of the quality of which we are accustomed. Thanks Ormes!!     

Almost every companionship in the mission was affected by transfers this past week and we said a sad goodbye to nearly half of those missionaries with whom we serve in our slice of heaven. The good news is that those who arrived are just as awesome as those who left. As before, it will be a pleasure becoming acquainted with each one and benefiting from their positive influence. We now serve with Elders from South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Taiwan, England, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Mexico, and America. Even with the vast differences in their cultures, education, economic status, and family support, they are fully united in one eternally important cause. They love the work and are fully united in it, they love each other, and they love the Lord. They even have a little love left over for the two of us, and that is one of the great joys of our service. 

Motherwell Branch is still meeting in the tent...and it's getting cold! We'll keep you posted.

We greatly miss friends and family at home, but we're healthy and happy while doing our small part to bring salvation and eternal life to our brothers and sisters of South Africa. 

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

The picture above is from our last time with President and Sister Merrill. We will miss them greatly!!

We love the Ormes and it was such a pleasure spending some time with them.    

 This is the Philander family. Mom, dad and the two oldest were just baptized. Sister Philander said that she was going through a particularly difficult time in her life and she felt that there must be something better.  She said when she saw these two young men walking down the street in their white shirts and dark pants she knew immediately that they held the answer to her questions. She accepted the gospel right away but Brother Philander took a little while longer.  He had a very strong addiction to cigarettes and reported  to us later that he fasted for three days in order to overcome it. They are beautiful and amazing people! Looking at them it is difficult to believe that they live in a small "shack" with no electricity or running water. We wish everyone could meet this family and benefit from their strong faith and love.

This wasn't meant to be a work of art, but it is. Love the Dutch door on it, which provides good light when your reading. 😉

Inspired Leadership

          Dear All, 

Big changes are coming for the South Africa Cape Town Mission. July first marks the change of presidents in many missions throughout the world, including ours. President Steven Jay Merrill and his wife will be returning home after three years of faithful and inspired leadership. We have always had great respect for those who are called to lead missions, but that respect has been heightened greatly as we have had a closer view of all that the calling entails. It is a tremendously demanding, 24/7, job. No question that the Lord knows which of his children are capable of fulfilling this tremendous task, and He then gives them the seemingly super powers to do the job. We so appreciate having the opportunity to observe the Merrills in action and benefit directly from their wise counsel. They will be greatly missed by all in the SACTM!

Our new mission president will be Thabo Kula James Lebethoa. He is 41 years old (same age as our youngest child) and from the largest township in South Africa, Soweto, where he has been serving as a stake president. He joined the church as a young adult and will have the distinction of being the first black mission president in South Africa (there are three missions). He and his wife have four children, so life in the mission home will be a bit different than in the past. We are very excited to meet the Lebethoas, enjoy our association with them, and benefit from their inspired leadership.

As mentioned before, one of the great things about serving as a senior couple is enjoying the association with other senior couples. Our mission is very large, taking about 20 hours if you were to drive from one end to the other. The closest couple to us, the Petersons, is about 1 1/2 hours away. Therefore, it is a special treat when we can spend time with one another. Such was the case several days ago when Elder and Sister Andrews came from Cape Town to spend four days with us. He is the financial secretary for the mission and she handles all travel arrangements for transfers and arriving and departing missionaries, along with several other responsibilities. We had a great time together and enjoyed becoming better acquainted. Highlights of their visit included: Hiking to the draw bridge at Storms River Mouth (Google it), walking with the Cheetahs at Tenikwa Wildlife Centre, Visiting Monkeyland, attending an awesome party with members of Motherwell Branch, attending Sacrament meeting and singing hymns with our Motherwell brothers and sisters, and enjoying a great burger and chocolate shake at RocoMomas. So, you can see it's not all work and no play, especially for senior missionaries. 😊   

We testify that missionary work is the Lord's work and we are richly rewarded for being involved in it. When performing missionary work we are fulfilling the Lord's direction to "feed my sheep" and, by so doing, we demonstrate our love for Him in a very real way.

All our love,
Elder and Sister Watson

Picture Above:   At Storms River Mouth (where the river flows into the Indian Ocean) with Elder and Sister Andrews.

We had the pleasure of being with President and Sister Merrill for her birthday recently.
(Nobody complains about the food in South Africa!)

Coming to South Africa Cape Town Mission on 1 July 2017, President and Sister Lebethoa and family. Can't wait to meet them!

Party at the church (tent) with Elder and Sister Andrews, and with Sister Vena, our beloved Relief Society President.