Things to Love about South Africa

Dear All,

After hearing our accents, people often ask us where we are from. We say "California", and we do so with some pride as it is seen by many as a highly desirable place to live. However, we have often told people that South Africa is also a wonderful place to live, and that they can find as much happiness here as they can anywhere else in the world. And, we sincerely mean that.  That happiness is primarily centered on the people of South Africa. Life, and the happiness we find, is primarily based upon the relationships we enjoy. We can honestly say that the people of SA are amazing and are among the best people we know. Here are just a few reasons we feel as we do:

• They openly and boldly speak of their faith in Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
• They give the best hugs!
• They warmly welcome you into their homes, even when they may be busy with something else.
• They take care of one another, especially family members in need.
• They love and respect missionaries, and others who are serving the Lord.
• They are happy and laugh a lot.
• They love and respect old people. (This hits close to home for yours truly.)
• They give the best hugs! (worth mentioning twice) 

The Motherwell Branch continues to meet in a school, with a classroom for a chapel which is overcrowded and often very warm. The less than ideal circumstances were further exacerbated yesterday when another church began holding services three classrooms away. We enjoyed seeing them there before church, but it seems like at least half of their service is made up of loud signing, which carries into our chapel. The only choice was to close the door to lessen the disturbance but, since we rely on the ventilation from the open door, it became very warm and uncomfortable. We can only express our frustration and pray that our beloved Motherwell Branch members will have a new place to meet and worship before too long. They certainly deserve it!

We want to repeat what we have said earlier; our most precious gifts are our Faith, Family and Friends. The reason we repeat it is because our appreciation for all three have been substantially increased during our time as full-time missionaries. As we have witnessed the light of the gospel eluminate the countenances and lives of those who have embraced it, our own faith has been immeasurably increased. As we have been away from the family who we already loved with all our hearts, our love and appreciation for each one has grown immensely. While we have gained a heightened appreciation for our dear friends of home, we have obtained additional wonderful and close friends who we will always remember, and whose company we will surely enjoy in the eternities. 

All our love<

Elder and Sister Watson

Pictured Above: After more than one year, we are elated that Elder Ivins returned to our area. We were new missionaries who labored in the Motherwell Branch. He is an outstanding young man, missionary, and dear friend forever.

 Elder Ivins and Elder Chaparadza provided service to those in need. Elder Chap also learned the difference between water-based and oil-based paints. 😉

We visited the beautiful old city of Grahamstown last Saturday. One of the reasons we love the place are the donkeys! They are everywhere, including many pulling carts such as this one. 

 Here's Ahlu Vena, grandson of our dear friend, Mpumie Vena. He has a sweet spirit and is going to be an awesome missionary in a few years!  He gives the best hugs and pats your back while hugging you.  It is the BEST!