Gary, John O'lene and twin sisters
October 30, 2009
Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,
Well last P-Day (Oct) 19th the elders wanted to hit some golf balls as they had never played any golf and wanted to try it. it was really windy but they did quite well. There was a short golf course next door (6 par 3's & 3 par 4's) and they wanted to play it so we did. It was only R35 for 9 holes and R45 for 18 holes. We only had time to play 9 holes. I think they are already golf addicts. They said that it was the most fun they have ever had and they talked about it all week.
Tuesday night we had a great lesson with Gerard & Desiree (the couple with the farm.) Gerard showed us some plans that he had for a vacation next year to America for 3 weeks, mostly in the Northwest. They had Utah (SLC) on their plans and we talked to them about going to Temple Square. Then Desiree stated that it would be nice and that they might be members by then and it would mean more if they were. That made us feel great. They are such wonderful people.
We also had a strong lesson at Gary & John O' lene's (a girl) They want to be baptized but they would have to get married first as they are living together. The problem is he is 50 and she is 22. We are not sure if this would work out. Another problem is that Gary's family doesn't like her and Her family doesn't like Gary, so there are some major obstacles to over come.
Sister O and I spent a lot of time with John O' lene on Wednesday, taking her around and putting in applications for a job. Then Sister O and John O' lene had lunch together so they could just talk. Sister O is so good at that, ha! Then Sister O had to go to RS meeting and I came home and started preparing two talks for church. I'm not assigned yet but they want me to be prepared in case someone doesn't show up or if the have time left over. It took me most of the rest of the week in my free time to do this.
One talk is on commandments and keeping them and the second talk is on “Temples: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need.” I'm pleased with them.
On Thursday we went to Tsitsikamma to meet with our Africa son George. We picked up the Knysna elders to go also. The lesson was on the “Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Sister O and I gave most of the lesson and it is such a joy to do this. We also met George's Aunt from the country of Malawi. That is where George is from. The lesson next week will be on the priesthood as George will soon be receiving the priesthood. When we got home we had a FHE on Thursday at Sonja Classens home. It was her sons' 13th birthday. We took him a chocolate cake. Sister O got some candles and after we sang happy birthday, he tried to blow them out. They were trick candles that wouldn't blow out. We had a lot of fun with this. We were going to watch the movie “Facing the Giants” but it wouldn't work. So we watched "Flywheel" instead. It is not nearly as good. Her son's name is Urich, he would really like to be baptized but his father won't let him. He and Sonja are divorced.
Friday was district meeting and it was an hour late getting started as all the elders had to complete a questionare for Elder Hinckley of the 70's. He will be here and speak to us at zone conference in a few weeks. We are really looking forward to this. It should be a special treat for all. We had several visits to make on Friday night.
On Saturday we had 3 baptisms. We had them at the river. I love having them there. It is such a lovely setting and it seems to add so much to the spirit of everything. Sister O made over 100 cookies and of course there were none left over. She could have made 500 cookies and they would have been all gone. They can't seem to get enough of sweets and cookies or any food that is give to them.
Friday PM we had a going home braai at Pres Goodger's Lodge for Elder Nyoka. It was great and we all had a good time. For meat we had steak, pork chops & chicken plus all the trimmings. His lodge is in Great Braake River which is about 25 to 30 min drive.
Sunday we went to Knysna so that I could confirm George and bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was raining off and on so we were worried about him getting a ride to church but he made it and was even a little early. We had to leave early before the last speaker at church to get back to George and we wanted to be back for the last hour as the senior couple (Millers) were presenting their PEF program which is “Perpetual Education Fund.” There are so many people that need some education and jobs and this helps them a lot and it is a wonderful opportunity for many of the people. Pres. Hinckley started the program several years back under the inspiration of our Heavenly Father.
Sunday evening Sister O and I had a farewell braai for Elder Nyoka who is going home. We were hoping that Elder Lusk could make it also, but was unable to. Elder Nyoka said he wanted try Ostrich meat and not many of the 8 of us had had Ostrich meat. I believe I was the only one who had. We had Ostrich, Lamb chops, Pork ribs & Wors. It was great and the Ostrich was really good. We also had baked potatoes, vegies, salad, rolls, and carmelized chocolate cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. I'm sure I'm not losing any weight. It rained most of Sunday and Sunday night and sometimes quite hard.
Well it's time to close again. In closing I thought I would mention D&C 131: 1-4 especially the youth
of our families. It tells us about the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and the importance of a temple marriage. We want all of you, Sister O's family and mine to know that we both LOVE you with all our hearts and the love and joy you bring into our lives. We are so happy that almost all of you have entered into this covenant of marriage. We hope the rest of you will bless not only your lives but ours as well and that as we enter into this holy covenant that we will honor this great blessing that is ours and that we can be an eternal family. We would ask and pray that this will be an eternal goal for all of us. We love you all so much.
Love to all
Elder & Sister O'Dell
Mom & Dad (Grandpa & Grandma)
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