2. Elder O went down this hole with the elders.
3. Couples at Fish River Sun
4. Elders & EO on PD
5.Our PA Elders with Elder O fireballs
6. Washing machine in bathroom door (fun,fun)
7. Kitchen (so they tell me)
8. Table and Living room
Dear Family, Friends & Love Ones,
Well it is that time again for our letter, so I will get this done before we get too far behind. I think this letter will please Sister O because I think this letter will be short. I am finally about over a bad spider bite I got several weeks ago. It looked like a small tennis ball inside my leg, it was really red and hurt to walk on it I had constant chills. Sister O finally made me go to the doctor on a Saturday about 1:30pm (afternoon) He gave me 2 shots and three different medication to take and it is finally about healed over. Probably about another week and it will be gone.
Two week ago we went with the 2 Elders to see the dam where we get our water supply here in PA. It is unbelievable how low it is. We get rains to keep it green and beautiful but not enough for run off into the dam. We went down inside a structure to see where the pumping etc takes place and it was quite an experience. I don't think Sister O could have made it and definitely not with her clostrophobia. After that we had to hurry home for splits with the Zone Leaders that were coming. We had lunch on Tuesday that week because the Zone Leaders were here and we then all went to the Ocean Basket which is a nice restaurant right on the Kowie River. On Wednesday in the morning I took Sister O to "Fish River Sun" which is about 20 minutes away. It is probably the BEST breakfast that you can get "Anywhere" The senior couples always go their as a group when we have a leaving and they will be going home. It is on a beautiful Golf course on the ocean.
Everything seems to be going good in Port Alfred and we are learning to do our new challenges and responsibilities. On Sunday May 2nd, Pres Probst was here and I was officially made Branch President in PA. Sister O and I get to be the janitors also. I guess that comes with the calling. Sister O and I spent a lot of time last week driving around the townships trying to locate where our members live. Most of the street signs are gone and a lot of the roads are just dirt trails. With the help of Sister Tunye we have found a lot of them and have been able to visit a number of the people. We have also gone out a few nights with the Elders meeting people and a number of teaching appointment and we really enjoy this. Sister O especially relates well with the people and they seem to really love her. I extended a calling to one Sister to be the Young Womens Pres. And she excitedly accepted the call. Her name is Mirriam Siambwezele. She and her husband Mike are very good members. I have also submitted a couple of names to our Mission President to be interviewed to be called as my counselor in the Branch Presidency. They are very good and strong members. One is Canny Nobebe and the other is Charles Ruziwa. Pres. Mason will be here on Sunday to interview them. Pres. Mason is the 1st counselor in the Mission Presidency. We are trying to have local people serve to help them learn priesthood responsibility and I think they will do great.
Well Sunday was Mothers Day and Sister O and I purchased some beautiful roses and chocolate bars for the Mothers in the branch. I spoke first and then Sister Mason and then Pres. Mason. I thought the program was wonderful and we all honored mothers. After church I set apart our new YW president. I know she will do a great job in her calling.
We still really miss George and the people there but we are really loving the people and the work and challenges here in Port Alfred. Elizabeth Danjean really wanted me to be able to come back to George and baptize and confirm her, but we were not able to do so. Also Elizabeth, the cousin of our SA son George Chancy wants me to come to Knysna to baptize and confirm her next week end BUT of course we won't be able to do that either BUT we are very excited for them and Love them so much. Knowing that they have accepted the gospel in their lives brings us happiness and is a great reward for us.
Pres. Mason did approve the 2 young men that I submitted to him and was really impressed with their spiritual strength and knows that they will serve well in there callings. The problem is that we will not be able to sustain them for about a month as this has to be done by one in the Mission Presidency.
Well it is again time to close. We will ask each of our Grandchildren to send us an e-mail and tell us what is going on in there lives. We love hearing form you and what is going on in your lives and what you are doing. But thank you Tara we loved you and your e-mails. They mean so much to us, Keep up the good work. We Love each of you so much! We would love to get at least one e-mail a month from all of you to know how you are and what is happening in your lives. We love you and want to hear from all of you. All of you be good and live the gospel principles you know to be true. Yes we also love and miss our Children & Spouses. We want to hear from you also & friends. Can you tell we are home sick Ha!
We Love you and will be in touch soon
Elder & Sister O'dell
Mom & Dad (Woody & Linda)
Grandma & Papa Woody (Papa &Grandpa)
