Holidays in South Africa

Dear All,

It's Christmas Eve and we just returned from Sacrament Meeting in the Motherwell Branch. President Zitshu asked us to help plan a special program for today and we were happy to do so. The chapel (school classroom) was nearly full and a joyful and happy spirit was felt by all. The only significant difference in celebrating Christmas here is that it is done at about the hottest time of the year, and we were certainly feeling the heat in our little chapel. Anyway, there were many branch members who participated in the program and each one did a wonderful job. The Spirit of Christmas, and the many positive things associated with it, are alive and well here with the Saints of South Africa. 

On January 2nd we will welcome Elder and Sister Beal to Port Elizabeth. They have been called to serve as CES specialists and give support to the Seminary, Institute and YSA programs in Port Elizabeth Stake and George District, the same areas where we serve. We found a home about five minutes away from ours and have been busy getting it furnished and fully equipped for them. It will be wonderful to associate with the Beals on a regular basis. (Hope they feel the same about us. 😉) A large percentage of the converts in South Africa are YSA, or Seminary age, so they will do an important and much needed work here. FYI, the majority of the Seminary and Institute classes are taught in homes whenever and wherever it is determined to work best. Those teachers are wonderful but we trust they will welcome the instruction and encouragement Elder and Sister Beal will offer.     

One of the best days of our mission was this past Monday when two young women, who we have come to love, opened their Mission Calls. One, Deneo Vena, was called to serve in the Sierra Lione Freetown Mission. If you put the enthusiasm of ten young missionaries into one, it may come close to that which Deneo has. She has only been a member of the church for about 15 months but her love of the gospel, and people, will enable her to be a very successful and beloved missionary. The other young woman is Princess Hem, who was called to serve on the Maryland Baltimore Mission. While Deneo has a personality as big as all outdoors, Princess is more reserved but has a depth of faith and knowledge which will surely set her apart from others. We love both of these girls so much and have found great joy in our association with them. We look forward to seeing all the great things they will accomplish as missionaries, and beyond.       

While we have enjoyed the holidays here in South Africa very much, our thoughts often turn to our family and friends at home. Please know how much we love and miss each one of you. 

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson Dear All,

Picture Above:

Thanksgiving Day, a time to give thanks for a little break from the work! 😉

A monthly routine is MLC (Mission Leadership Council). These four Zone Leaders, Elders Faingataa, Jackman, Makwakwa, and Clark join us in our home, along with all other mission leaders on Skype, for about a four hour meeting to discuss a variety of topics. We greatly enjoy our time with these wonderful missionaries.   

Enjoying our Motherwell Branch Christmas party with Niky Cwele, one of the most enthusiastic and fun people you will ever meet. 

Summertime in South Africa...and just caught these cute little friends hanging out together.