Swaziland

After shopping we went to an amazing place for lunch with the Wilson, a very posh place in a stunning setting and the food was just wonderful!

Swaziland

From Richard's Bay we drove up into Swaziland, a beautiful little country. We stayed 2 nights here with another missionary couple, the Wilsons, such choice people, so wonderful to spend some time with them.

We gave presentations in Manzini and Mbabane, again so great to meet the saints here and feel of their love of the gospel. We had some free time during one day here to do a bit of sightseeing but more especially to do some shopping! These are candles, all made in the shape of animals, never seen anything quite like this!

Richard's Bay

From Durban we headed north up the coast to Richard's Bay where it was hot hot hot! Midday temperatures in the mid 90s! We spent Monday, our Pday here and we were certainly glad to have a nice pool all to ourselves to cool off in and relax by.

We also visited the local country club for a walk, fantastic golf course there but oh, so very, very hot!

Durban and Umlazi

In Durban and Umlazi, again we had excellent presentations. Picture below shows the security measures that need to be taken to protect the Family History computers that we install. Not only is there a security gate and strongroom-type door but the ceilings too have to be strengthened as otherwise, thieves will break through the ceiling to get into the room!

From Umlazi we travelled down the coast to spend the night with another of Stan's cousins, Derek and his wife Babs. We only had one evening there but it was great to spend some time with them.

Hillcrest

From the Drakensbergs, we headed down to Pietermaritzburg and then to Hillcrest, Durban and Umlazi giving our presentations in each locations, busy 4 days but great attendances and wonderful people. In Hillcrest we stayed with Gareth and Lyris Hill for 3 nights, such a lovely couple, so very kind of them to take such good care of us. They have built their own house in a beautiful valley, an amazing location.

While in Hillcrest we had lunch with Coral and John, Stan's cousin and husband, so good to be able to spend time with them.

More pics from our trip

Training trip to Natal and Swaziland

In February we travelled through Natal and Swaziland giving training to members in the newFamilySearch programmes and generally trying to motivate and encourage members in this important work. A truly wonderful but exhausting trip, travelling over 2500 km, giving 8 presentations in 10 days. As with everything we do though, the best part is meeting such wonderful people, especially the saints in the townships who are so grateful for any help we can give them and are so eager to learn. Our first stop was Newcastle where we stayed in a B&B as the missionary couple we had planned to stay with had to go to Durban for a conference. Walking nearby we saw this amazing aloe, you can see the size of it, just huge!

We then had a day free and had a wonderful time in the Drakensburg mountains, just so beautiful and we so enjoyed being out in the fresh country air. This is the view from our B&B there.

14 km hike!

As part of our trip in the Drakensburgs we walked 14km! This was advertised as a gorge walk and we expected it to be along the river with a little up and down but it was a lot of up and down! Very strenuous but worth it with the beautiful scenery.

Drakensburg mountains

During our training trip in Natal and Swaziland, we had a day off to relax as we passed through the Drakensburg area, a mountainous region, just absolutely stunning scenery here, the pics don't do it justice!

Time just flying by!

Just cannot believe it's been over 2 months since I last updated this! Not much time tonight either but just wanted to say hello! We have done a lot of travelling and training locally since last post and tomorrow morning, Friday March 26th, we leave for Botswana. But here's some photos to be going on with! THis one is of us with some other seniors. We had just visisted the Mandela Museum in Soweto and were eating lunch at a local cafe there! Great food, really cheap!

Who writes the blogs and update emails??

Hi everyone

We have so appreciated getting emails from many of you telling us you are reading our blog! Just so that everyone is aware, it was CHRIS that had the gallbladder op! When I'm (Chris)writing the emails and the blog, I (Chris) forget to say who is doing what etc.! It's Chris who writes the email updates and blogs but I (Chris) will try to make it a bit clearer in the future. But Stan has enjoyed all your commiserations and sympathy, he will keep them in mind for any future operation!

We are enjoying the lovely summer here, with blue skies and sunshine and frequent electric storms. Can't say we've missed the very cold weather you're all experiencing in the UK, Europe and the US at the moment. I googled 'Johannesburg Skyline' to find a pic showing blue skies over Joburg and the first image that came up was the one I've attached! Hope you all recognise Angel Moroni on the temple spire! The white house to the side is the White House I referred to earlier and the other buildings are the church offices!

Can't believe that we're already over halfway through January! Take care everyone, stay warm!