2. All the Elders we have served with at Zone Conference
3. Senior Couples LaPrays, Robinsons & O'Dells at Fish River Sun great breakfast
4. Elder Repetsi eating his second "T" Bone stake
5. Elder Marler telling me thanks for the food
September 15, 2010
Dear Family Friends & Loved Ones,
Well here it is past time to write again. (we have a TV now) Not a lot has really gone on except for Sister O's health problems. She has not felt good for probably 3 weeks or longer. I took her to the doctor because of a really deep bad cough. He gave her some medication but it didn't help much and she ran out. We needed to go to East London to a training conference for 2 days and she was still very sick. We went to the doctor and got more medication but she still didn't improve. She began getting very weak, shaky & pale and couldn't hardly stand up. She also had dry heaves for about 2 days. We went back to the doctor and when he found out her stools were black he said she had a bleeding ulcer and called and got an appointment in the St George hospital in PE for an endoscope. He said she had a really bad bleeding ulcer and immediately put her in the hospital. Her blood count and pressure was extremely low. They started an IV drip and a couple pints of blood & medication. He said there was a possible need for surgery if it wouldn't stop bleeding. It is now Saturday noon and she is much better. They are going to let her eat something small & bland so they can check for blood again. If not we may get to go home tomorrow or Monday ( She went into the Hospital on Wednesday and has been there since) She has been really sick and it is so good to see her feeling better. We have some senior couple friends in PE that I have been staying with, Elder & Sister La Pray. They are such nice people and they are on their second mission here in SA. (Same town same flat only 1 year between missions) They ask to come back here again. The Robinsons also live in PE but are out of town on assignment.
When we went to East London we went for a 2 day training conference. They are still using the Preach My Gospel Manuel but are starting a new approach somewhat. They are doing more of what they call & teach the "Doctrine of Christ" In this they are committing the people to be baptism and asking them to read the Book of Mormon on the first lesson or at least the first two lessons and it has really been successful so far. In Cap town the 1st month the baptisms went from an average of 33 to 73. Our Elders are also finding more success and it is really exciting to see what is happening. We have to go back next week ( Thursday) for a Zone Conference and more training. When we go to East London we stay with another Senior Couple by the name of Jones who are also from Arizona. It is amazing how well the new approach is working. We really enjoy the workshops and training and the meetings and the conferences that we go to. It sure builds your testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel.
We had a good rain yesterday, It was really needed. Elder La Pray and I were going to play a round of golf and his wife was going to stay with Sister O in the hospital. Today is really a beautiful day. Today is 9/11 and we all remember that day 9 years ago very well.
One of the couples that we baptized in George called us a few days ago and told us that they were going to the Temple in Jo Burg to be sealed in November. That is so exciting for us to here. We love them so much and became so close to them when we were in George. Your meet so many wonderful people while you are serving Heavenly Father. We have also met so many senior couples that have become such good and close friends. You have so many choice experience when you serve. We wouldn't trade them for anything. I'm sure we will have still more while we are here.
In our branch conference the theme is "Getting Together in Holy Places" While being here with Sister O and I have had time to prepare my talk. I'm going to talk on temple ordinance and particularly temple marriage and being sealed together as one. We would love go to the Temple with our friends in George , "BUT" I don't think Pres. Probst will let us. They have as well as others called to check on Sister O while in the hospital. We know that they are all praying for her. I know that through these prayers and a blessing I gave her that she will be fine.
Well I guess it is time to tell everyone how much we miss and love you all. You all mean so much to us and are so precious to us both. We love our work but are still anxious to be home and see you again. We have only 7 months and one week to go. It will probably only be 7 months when Sister O feels like typing this letter.
Love you so much always!
President & Sister O'Dell
Dad & Linda
Grandpa Woody & Grandma
Linda & Woody
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