A GREAT MONTH IN SOUTH AFRICA

The work in SA and other countries that we visit are going at a rapid pace forward. We feel privileged to witness this growth, even though we are only a small part of it. It's the small parts that the Lord is hoping for in the future to fill the many openings in the Senior Couple pool. Do you want to be a part of it? I know I sound like a poster for recruiting into the Army, you know the one "Uncle Sam wants you". But there are so many areas that missionaries are needed here in Africa alone. There will be an Auditors position open in only 7 months, that is to replace us. If you only knew how blessed we feel to be able to do this work for the Lord and what blessings you derive from this service you would all be lined up to volunteer.



This past month was very busy and oft times tiring but the Lord buoys us up as we move forward. I would like to tell you of some of the places that have topped our "to do" list. The first was a Day Care center Jan visited with Sister Parmley and other Sister Missionaries. It is a place that is supported by the Church, donating food mattresses, hygiene kits, blankets etc. The Church has been a supporter of this Center and many others in Africa. Sister Parmleys philanthropic group of women friends donated the play center that you will see in the yard.


This Center is mainly for little one's who are Aids Orphans, most of them are infected with the Aids Virus themselves and being raised by older siblings who are also still children. The Center was opened so that the older siblings could continue to go to school and the younger would be cared for while they are in school. Look at the faces, I see them when in my quiet moments I remember how beautiful they are and how helpless. The Center feeds them and cleans them of lice and other ailments that are Aids related. The Anti-Viral drugs are administered as well. They are given loving care by the workers and are really happy normal little kids as you can see from the pictures.



PHARMACY

There is an alternative "medicine doctor" on the premises who makes drugs from the barks and leaves from plants and trees. As you can see from the pictures it isn't what we would call a "drug store", but who are we to say they don't work.


SEWING ROOM

The sewing room has all donated equipment that teaches sewing and the clothes they make are mainly school uniforms. Here in Africa the children cannot go to school without a uniform so these are provided for the older siblings of these little ones and others in the village. It is also a skill that the women can use to make their own clothes and perhaps have a little business on the side for their own families income.



THE MATTRESSES

These are donated by our Church for the little tykes to take a nap on, the children are lined up like cord wood snuggling up to each other for comfort and warmth. The Church has also provided blankets to keep them warm in the Winter. These little ones can come to the Center even when they are ill, especially they are not shunned from the Aids related complications that has affected their fragile immune systems. It is a blessing for the community.

THE PLAY AREA
As I said the benevolent women of Sister Parmley's group have provided this Jungle Gym set, the children love it and find so much pleasure climbing on it like any other group of children. The group of Sister Parmley also provide much support to other orphanages around the Area of SA.




THE CLEAN-UP

The people who run this Center are always willing to take suggestions from our Humanitarian Couple here which are Elder and Sister Rix, they do a great job and have helped this Center in so many ways. As you can see from the picture of black mold on the ceilings, this was in most of the rooms. The Rix's told them how to clean it and then which paint they should use on the ceilings to clear up the problem, the next time the Rix's and Sister Parmley came the job was done and the problem was solved. They are teachable!

Another Visit to the Rhino Lion Park

It's close and a nice to take visitors who are only here for a short time and want to have the wild animal experience.



THIS IS A VIDEO. GIVE IT TIME TO LOAD.











A True Story: This pack of dogs surrounded our car. We thought it was great to see them so close! Some of them seemed to be scratching themselves on the front of the car. Then we heard a ripping sound. At the front of the car two of the Wild Dogs had torn off our license plate with the plastic holder and were having a tug of war with it. I manoeuvred the car towards them and they dropped the plate. I was then able to pull the car along side the plate, crack the door ajar just a bit reach down and grab the plate and bring it into the car. It was all slobbery!! Ooooh!!

Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

For those of you who might have forgotten your history and geography, here is a quick update. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo are separated by the Congo River. Their capital cities Kinshasa and Brazzaville respectively sit across the Congo River from each other. Both countries are French speaking. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was settled by Belgium and was originally known as the Belgian Congo. The Republic of the Congo was settled by France and was originally known as the French Congo.

On this trip we visited both Congos. We flew into Kinshasa on a Friday and performed a Forensic Audit. On Saturday morning we took a boat across the Congo River and did a Finance Training in the Brazzaville Stake. On Sunday morning we took the boat back to Kinshasa and performed another Forensic Audit. We flew out of Kinshasa on Monday. It was a fast hectic trip but we managed to take a few photos whilst we were in Brazzaville.

On both sides of the river the Congo governments are very paranoid about taking pictures. So you can't just go down to take pictures by the river or at the border crossings. For that reason our pictures were taken mid-river, at the chapel and while driving. Neither country has a tourist business. There really is nothing worth going to see!! With that introduction here are some pictures of the Congo River and Brazzaville.



The city of Kinshasa in the background.



A view of the city of Brazzaville from the middle of the river. Note especially the latest in equipment for propping open the windows.



Training in Brazzaville.



Mother's little friend at the Chapel in Brazzaville. She followed mother all around the gardens whilst she was taking pictures.



This is an outdoor baptismal font behind us. A couple of things to note, they don't have to worry about freezing temperatures nor do they have to worry about heating the water. A nice arrangement with Mother Nature!!



The streets of Brazzaville near the chapel.



A welcoming little outdoor cafe.



Street scene.



A statue of the founder of Brazzaville at sunset.



Me with a smile and the Congo River and the city of Kinshasa in the distance.



Inside the museum dedicated to the City founder. (A nice story that you should read some time. I'm sure it's on the Internet somewhere.)

Kenya - The Animals

The snow capped peek on the right is Mount Kilimanjaro.

Chyulu Hills, Kenya - The Way of Life

I think the pictures will speak for themselves. This is the "real" Africa.

Chyulu Hills, Kenya - The Church & People

This area is a five hour drive from Nairobi on the worst roads that I have ever been on! It is about half-way between Nairobi and the seaport city Mombasa.



Can you believe that they have three large beautiful chapels like this in the middle of the bush?





See we do work and have meetings!!



And well - yes! - Sometimes we do just sit under a tree after Church!!