New Years Letter from SA 2010

January 8th 2010

Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones.

Well the holidays are over and we survived. They were great because we got to talk to all of our families.  That's what makes  Holidays so special.

On Saturday after Christmas, Sister O & I had Gary & John O over for a braai with the Elder Cane and Cooney. We had been wanting to do this for some time. Just as we set down to eat we received a call from Sonja Sister asking me to come and come right now they need us to come and help them sort something out. It sounded like we really needed to come right over. Sister O and Sonja (Branch RSP) are really good friends.  When we got there Sonja was having a serious depression, she was having a very hard time coping with all that had been going on with her ex husband.  So sister O talk her into coming home with us for the night so she could take care of her. Sister O stayed by her and talked to her for a long while.  Then neither of them went to church they stayed home and tried to help her get things sorted out.  She is fine now and doing well.  Hard times sometime really get to us.

Also on Saturday night  I was ask to talk in church plus I had my SS class to teach as well. I Believe my talk turned out very good, and I was happy  with it . About ½ the people there said how much they enjoy my talk. We had a lot of members missing because of the Holidays, but we had a lot of visitors there to take there place. They have a month Holiday here for Christmas time.

For Sunday dinner we had a braai, mostly what was left over from Christmas. Sister O had been so busy with Christmas and Sonja she didn't have much time and she needed some rest.

Well on Monday P-Day the Elders and I played golf at a small course near Knysna. It was a par 55 and I shot a 60 and I was very happy with that. Missionary work is slow right now as so many people are out of town on holiday.  We visited with Gary and john O on Tuesday and things are looking good that they will be married and baptized.  On Wednesday we spent a few more hours with them and they said they were going to be married and baptized. This is so thrilling to us to have them commit to having the gospel in there lives. They have wanted baptism but there smoking problem was hard to get through.

Sister O is sort of having a crisis at this time. The water problem is so bad that our landlord suggested doing our laundry at a laundry-mat and to save our bath and shower water to flush toilets with and to try and cut down on using so much water for baths.  This is really hard for sister O as she likes to go swimming when she takes a bath.

Well today is Thursday New Years Eve. We are going to pick up the Knysna Elders and go to Tsitsikamma to visit George and begin teaching his cousin Elizabeth. It is 233K to there from our home. We usually meet at Plettenberg Baai. But we didn't want him to hiking on New Years Eve as it is not safe with so many drunk drivers.  We taught from the Ensign on the talk by Elder Holland on the Book of Mormon. Elizabeth is a very intelligent person and a sweet lady and she really wants to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She has a one and ½ month old baby boy and wants us to come to Knysna on Sunday to give her son a name and a blessing and I said I would.  So that means that I will have to get a substitute for our Sunday School Class.





We had all the Elders for New Years Eve. Then Knysna Elders came over to do a Baptismal interview with Gary & John O as the plans are that they will be married and baptized on Saturday.  About 9pm on  New Years Eve I went with the Elders to the Church and we watched he latest Harry Potter movie titled  "Half Blood Prince" It was over at 12 midnight. It seemed so strange that it is already 2010 time flies so fast.

Well today is Saturday January 2, 2010 and we survived the new year ( Boy was that hard) and it will be and exciting day.  Sister O and I are taking Gary and John O and Sonja for the Wedding at noon at the Knysna Chapel. It was a beautiful wedding. Pres. Atkinson and they both looked so nice. I think we are as excited as they are. We then went back to George for the baptismal service, but first we took them to the Botanical Gardens for a lot of wedding pictures. They look so happy together.

I gave a talk on baptism and being confirmed and receiving the Holy Ghost. Then we went to the river for the Baptisms. I baptized Gary and Elder Cooney baptized John O.  This was so exciting as we have been working with them a long time. John O told us that this was the Happiest Day of her Life. That was so great to her she really did look happy and excited and we were so happy for them. That evening Sister O and I took them and Sonja out to dinner for a wedding president.  Today is Sunday and the day of their confirmation. I really hated to miss this as they wanted me to confirm them, but I had already committed to give a blessing to Elizabeth's baby son in Knysna. We also heard that John O bore her testimony and that she did a beautiful job and almost every one was in tears. After the blessing of Elizabeth's son we gave her a lesson on the restoration.  She seems very excited and interested in learning about the gospel.  I'm sure she will embrace the gospel as did George and be very strong in the gospel.  There missionary experiences can be so wonderful and we again encourage more of you senior couples to think about going on a mission and enjoy these wonderful blessings.

We sew a movie for FHE at Sonja's last night with Gary and John O It was called "Mr. Bones" part one.  I hope all of you can find a copy of this and watch it. You can see the real Africa if you can survive all the laughing.  It is so funny.

Well it is time to close and to tell you how much we love and miss all of you. Sister O and  I are so lucky too have such wonderful families. You are all so Great and we are so proud of all of  you and we really do love and miss you.

                                                                                          Elder & Sister O'Dell
                                                                                      Mom, Dad Linda & Woody
                                                                          Grandpa Papa Grandpa Woody Linda Grandma

Christmas Letter from SA

Elder Cooney opening his gift in his grandmother's robe.

Elder O in his Africa shirt

Sister O in her Africa Dress

Sister O Opening her Gifts

Elder O in his new pointed toe shoes

Sister O in the trunk of the car; she can't stand to say good by to the Elders on Transfer Day!

All the Elders going to zone conference

All the Elders around the tree on Christmas Day

                                                                                       December 26, 2009 

Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,

Well it was the night before Christmas and now it is the morning after Christmas and we hope everyone  had a GREAT Christmas and survived. We are a little behind in writing so we can't get into as much detail as usual. Our Branch Conference on Dec. 12 & 13 was Great. We had a really large and enjoyable SS class.

On Monday, P-Day Elder Caine & Cooney had to work as they took an afternoon off last week to watch some rugby. There were teams here from all over the world and it was fun to watch. I took Elder Mathipa & Moyo golfing. It was Elder Moyos first time and he really did good.  I was happy as I was only 3 over and for an old man, I will settle for that.

We had a number of lessons and visits during the week and all seemed to go good and especially Gerard & Desiree. They left on Wed. to go to there farm and then to France for the Holidays. They gave presents to all of us and we thought that was so nice. We left at 7am on Friday to go to Zone Conference in PE. We stopped in Tsitsikamma to see George and to try and teach his Aunt. It was rainy and foggy and they were not there. We couldn't even see the bridge because of the fog. We the went to Storms River Mouth to see a large suspension bridge. It was about a 1k walk to get there and Sister O didn't go because she had no walking shoes. When we got there,  there were actually 3 swinging bridges.  It was really neat and see and walk over.

At Zone Conference we had lots of good pizza for dinner. Then we all watched a really good movie called  The Christmas Shoes. Then the Elders did a talent show it was very good and entertaining and we all enjoyed it and most of the Elders did something. On Saturday we had a Great conference from 8am until 3:30pm. They had a lunch of chicken and salads etc. We got home at 9:30pm. Well that night I got really sick (and I mean really sick) with food poisoning. I was up all night. I went to church as I needed to take care of my SS class but they sent me home after Church.

For Sunday Dinner we had a braai of Hamburgers and Corn on the Cob. I had the Elders do the cooking. We found out that about ½ of the people at Zone Conference got food poisoning. Pres. Probst got really sick with it as well. Well this coming week we don't have a lot of Missionary work planned. On P-Day (Monday) we went to a place called Jubilee Creek. Sonja our RR President has wanted to take us there for quite a long time.  It was close to Knysna there was a water-fall she wanted to take us to. It was about a ½ hour hike. Well the area is dry and short on water. They water fall was only a trickle. It was more like a garden hoes running. We will have to go when there is more water. There was a deep pool where a lot of people were swimming and jumping in. Where we parked the cars, there was a large grassy area with tables etc. The creek was running with more water there. We had a nice picnic when we got back there.

On the way home, Sister O and I stopped at an area called Buffel's Baai. It was beautiful we want to go back again when we can take pictures because it is so beautiful. That night we had FHE at the Pangel's house with Gary and John O Leen The Elders were there also. Sister O stopped and got some sweets for refreshments. Sister O essentially did everything.  She did most of the Christmas Story, helped the children sing and then led us all in some carols.  Then it was time to go home again, and I was really glad as I was getting sick again.


On Tuesday we went shopping for Christmas Dinner etc. We got a lot of toys and etc for stocking and things to wrap for the Elders.

We had 2 senior coupes by in the evening the Harms & Forsgren's. They wanted us to go and spend some time with them the next day.  We met them and had a nice breakfast. We then went to Oudtshoorn to the Cango Caves and then to and Ostrich farm. I got  nice bruise on my lip as the guide had 4 men hold a food in our mouths and the Ostrich would peck it off. Well she pecked it off really good, I guess I got a harder kiss then normal.  It was time for dinner when we got home. After dinner we went to Victoria Baai and set on some rocks and visited and enjoyed the gorgeous view. We enjoyed the gorgeous view for about an hour.

On Thursday we took some sweets and cookies (that sister O cooked) to some families that we have bee working with and it was a lot of fun. Christmas is very different here.  It is summer time, none of the homes we have been to decorate there homes, no trees up, no presents etc. They all talk about Christmas but you don't see much evidence of it.  They mall is so crowded with shoppers so I guess some of them at least give gifts.

Christmas eve was very special for Sister O and I as the Elders took us out to a nice restaurant and stake dinner and they payed for it. They picked us up, opened the doors for us and everything.  We thought that was wonderful on there part.  On Christmas AM Sister O family called us at 3am our time and we got to talk to everyone. That was fun and great. We called my family at 4:15am. It is so wonderful to talk and hear from family. I wished we had talked to the grandchildren but we didn't. All the Elders came over on Christmas Morning and went through their stockings we opened gifts and so forth. We drew names for a small gift of each other. Sister O and I fixed a nice breakfast of cantaloupe, cinnamon rolls, bacon and eggs and french toast.  We all ate too much.  We then did the dishes and the Elders and I went to play Golf.  After Golf we came home and had a Braai of stake, lamb chops, bor wors and sister O had potato salad, green salad and Vega's, fruit salad and all kind of sweets for desert. It turned out to be a wonderful day.  It made it so special that we had a wonderful prayer together offered by Sister O. I love her so much! Then the Elders made their calls to home which took several hours. We let the American Elders use the Vonage phone to call home. They all left about 10pm to go home.

I tried to call Connie and her family but didn't reach them. Then I called my Sister Norma and Russ, and my Brother Wayne was there so that saved me a call. Sister O Called her best Friend Pam, her brother Jack but couldn't reach her sister Bonnie. All in all it turned out to be a wonderful Christmas. As good as it could have been with out being with family. We thank you for all the wonderful gifts you sent, we love them all and our beautiful day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL ! Talk with you next week We hope you miss us as we miss you!!

Love Elder & Sister O'Dell
Mom & Dad Linda & Woody
Grandpa,  Papa, Grandpa Woody & Grandma

Merry Christmas From South Africa

December 15, 2009

Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,


Merry Christmas from SA . Yes we are still here in case some of you wanted to know, our e-mail is  just in cause some of you would like to say hello or you are always welcome to call.
We get so lonesome for each of you and don't hear from you very often.  We know everyone is busy and especially at this time of the year.

Well last Monday (P-Day) it was heavily overcast in the morning, then started to sprinkle and then by noon until after dark we had a very heavy rain which was so needed. They are still predicting that we will be out of water in George by February. We need so much more even though it is still so beautiful and green here.

Sister O & I had to get up at 5:30 on(P-day) to take Elizabeth to town at a government office to get some paper work turned in. She is trying to get some disability income because of her bad back. Even thought we got her there by 7am there was still several hundred ahead of her in the waiting line-and it is first come first served. That meant a long wait.

Right after lunch we picked up Elizabeth and took her home to Pacltsdorp. Then we went with the Elders to Mossel Baai. They wanted to see some caves but didn't know exactly where they were and couldn't find them so. Sister O and I came back home instead of waiting there as Sister O needed to go with Sister Sonja our RS Pres. to get a lot of groceries etc for our Branch Christmas party on Saturday and it was also our Branch Conference on Saturday afternoon & Sunday with Pres. And Sister Probst being here. We ended up going to a large museum which surprisingly I think we all enjoyed. After this they wanted to see a Big lighthouse when we got to the lighthouse we also saw a sign about the caves there. It was raining so hard that sister O and I waited in the car. They hurried up the hill but still returned as thought they had jumped into a swimming pool.  Sister O & I were really glad we stayed in the car. It was too late to go to the caves as we needed to get back and do some missionary work.

Well on Tuesday it turned out to be self improvement day or beautification day. Sister O got her hair cut and her nails done. That always makes her feel good just as a good game of golf makes me feel. She got her hair cut short and it is really "Cute."  The best I think since we have met. I couldn't let her out do me so I went home and buzzed my hair off (that is my personalized hair style). It was still heavily overcast and we were hoping for more rain but it turned out a zero. We also had a great visit with  Gerard and Desired. He is really changing as we teach him as he seems so happy when we come. They promised to be to church for our Branch conference.  Also on Tuesday Sister O and I had to do inspections on the Elders flats etc. Overall they were pretty good, but we had a few things for them to correct.  We always find something wrong :)

Our African son George came over on Wednesday all dressed in a suit and tie. He really wants to be able to move over in our area so that he can be close to the church. He wants to go on a mission so  bad and he wants to be closer so that he can grow more in the church. He wants his family and girlfriend in Malawi to receive the lessons so we are working ON that. We let  him go with 2 of our Elders to make missionary visits and he really seemed to enjoy that. He stayed overnight with us. On Thursday we had missionary transfers which is always a hectic time between running back and forth between the airport and bus terminal.

We lost Elder Maseko and Mwenda and got Elder Moyo and Bradshaw. Elder Bradshaw will be in Knysa with Elder Botes. Then sister O bought lunch and said "Elder Cooney is the greatest! Just the greatest! :) " I needed help with the computer and Elder Cooney came by and finished my sentence.! Ha!!  and pizza for all the Elders before they parted ways and went back to work. We then went to visit Sonja & her son Urich who will be leaving for about 3 weeks to stay with his father for the Holiday.

After our district meeting on Friday morning, 4 of the Elders and I went to some Rugby games at George stadium. Their were teams from all over the world. America won it's first game but was beaten very bad in the 2nd game. I think it was about 50 to 0.

Saturday was a busy, very busy day and especially for Sister O who is having to do so much cooking for our Branch Christmas party. At the Christmas dinner  I set by a lady that is not a member but a good friend of Sister Sonja's our RS Pres. I talked to her quite a bit and she wanted a Book of Mormon which I gave her. She also wants Sister O and I to tech her the lessons after the Holidays.  This was so exciting for us.  She was easy to visit with and seemed very nice. We hope this will happen.  We also had a very good program with the dinner. The theme for our Conference was "Be Ready" it makes one wonder if any of us are ready and our lives are ready and prepared for the second coming of Christ when he will rain here on earth.  It really makes one ponder if we are keeping all of God's Commandments and not just the ones we want to or the ones that are easy for us. Remember loved ones, that narrow is the gate and straight is the path that leads to eternal life. Hopefully we could answer,  that we are ready and our lives are in order if our Savior comes today. I hope we don't wait until we think that it will be more convenient. I hope each of us will live our lives that we may always be Temple worthy. If so, then we are closer to being ready. We love and miss each of you so much.  We want to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas. We know it will be hard without us " Joke Joke"  But we really know it will be hard for us with our you LOVE ALWAYS!

                                                                          Love to all you!



PS.
Our African son George is not very strong financially but is a GIANT spiritually. We are asking if any of you feel like you can afford a little each month?  We would really like to set up a mission fund that will pay for his mission after we are home. Actually he will be able to go on his mission before we leave to come home. We know at this times it will be hard, but it will not only bless your lives but it will be such a blessing for him and his family.  Let us know  what you think and how you feel about this suggestion. We would really love to see this happen. Thanks for what you are do for us already and being the BEST Family Ever. 


Merry Christmas to Everyone !

We Love you
Mom & Dad
Grandpa, Grandma,
Papa, Grandpa Woody, Linda
AND Elder & Sister O'Dell

Letter From SA December 8

December 7, 2009


Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones

Boy how time flies, It is already time to write again. Well here it is Dec.1st 2009. It sure seems like the time is going by fast. We know that everyone is starting and thinking about Christmas. It really makes us sad and lonesome knowing that we won't see our families at this special and wonderful time of year. We love and miss you so! It was cold and windy today and we hope it stays cool a lot longer as we have only a floor fan for our cooling system. We have only had a few warm days so far.

We had another visit with Gerard & Desiree. They feel everything is true and they love everything about the Gospel, but she has been hurt so many times and has been taken advantage of so often, that she wants to be absolutely positive. We know that it is true but really one can only know this by faith which is the first principal of the gospel.

Wednesday  was a beautiful day and the morning  was spent doing book work etc. and Sister O typing our last letter. We visited Gary and John O Lene and Ben and Hester. We tried to visit Brother Micheal's but he was gone. On Thursday we made it a P-Day. Another Senior Couple from PE wanted us to meet them in Plettenberg Baai. There names are the Millers and Sister Millers sister was visiting. She is from Utah, and has been in Cairo, Egypt for the last 5 weeks visiting her son who had a new baby so she was babysitting.  She will be in SA for a week and thinks SA is really beautiful and especially compared to Cairo. We had lunch together and then toured Plettenberg Baai Game Reserve. It was fun and we saw a lot of wild life. I got some really good video footage of some Hippo's, but then I accidentally erased it. Just call me stupid, never mind I already did! Ha! Ha!
Sister O really likes to go for rides, so we took about a 2 hour drive in some back country before we met them.  We always enjoy just a little time to our selves. :)

Friday was District Meeting, we told the Elders that we couldn't go as we had to many things to do. First we picked up the post at the airport and took it to the Elders. Then we had to straighten up a confused mixup about some medications at a pharmacy and a Dr. office with wrong names and etc. We did finally get it cleared up and set it up so that it wouldn't happen again.  Then we picked up John O and I dropped  her and Sister O off at the mall to have lunch together and talk about her marriage plans. She is still not sure what she wants and spent more time walking the mall. While they were doing this I took the post to the Knysna Elders in Sedgefield. After picking them up we had to shop for a  YW & YM Braai and party for Saturday and also we needed to do some heavy grocery shopping for us.

On Saturday we had a large Braai for the YM & YW in Sister Sonja yard. We had lamb chops & bor wors (their favorite. ) Sister O made a large Potato Salad with Rolls, Chips & Dips and punch. They played some games and had a good time. We then had to get dressed as we had 3 baptisms on Saturday  afternoon. We had the baptisms at the river. It is such a beautiful setting for this after this we then came home so I could study my SS lesson some. Then that evening there was a BIG event in downtown George of turning on the Christmas Lights. There was a man singing (Great Voice) Then a Big talk from the Mayor, and then a count down for turning on the Christmas lights at 8pm. There were many sidewalk venders selling food and other things.  It was so crowded you could hardly move  or walk. It went until 1am but Sister O and I came home about 9:30. For us we had seen enough.



We had a good fast and testimony meeting on Sunday. I ordained Thandiwe Bongo, she was Baptized on Saturday. I think we had a great SS Class, it was really a large class and there was lots of questions etc. which we like because people learn more when they ask questions. We left home at 7:45 and didn't get home until 2:15. As we were taking Gary & JohnO home it sounded like they were planning on getting married soon.

Sunday dinner will be the last dinner before transfers so Sister O wanted something special, so we had T-Bone stakes, Lamb chops, Backed Potato, Fruit Salad, Green Salad, Corn, Rolls, Ice cream bars and muffins. It was REALLY Good. We need to have more transfers if we are going to eat like we did last night. After Dinner we let the Elders decorate our Christmas Tree. It is one that was stored in our garage. It actually looks really good. It is good " BUT NOT LIKE BEING HOME WITH FAMILY)

Family & Friends, Please enjoy your families and love each other. You are all so special to us and we can't express the GREAT love we have for you. Please realize the Blessings you have. We all have so many. We need to put Jesus Christ at the top of our Christmas Celebrations as he is what Christmas is all about.  We Love you all.

                                                                        Merry Christmas From
                                                                  Elder & Sister O'Dell Mom & Dad
                                                                          Linda & Woody
                                                                  Grandma, Papa Woody Grandpa& Papa

Letter From SA

Pictures:

1. One of the Elders Playing Golf

2. The Branch at a Saturday Party

Zone Conference

November 23, 2009



Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,

We are sorry we are late in writing this time. It seems you get so busy at times that it is hard to make time to write. Please know that we love you and miss all of you so much, most of all at this time of the year, we wish we could see you but we are really enjoying our mission here in SA and know we are doing what we should – serving our Father in Heaven.

On Thursday the 12 of Nov. we went to Gerard & Desiree's home at 2 pm he wanted us to watch a movie called " Taking Chance" It was such a good story and brings a few tears. It was about a soldier killed in service and the love & care that our government showed in bringing him home for burial.  Gerard was so impressed with this movie he wanted to share it with us, because it was an American Movie.  He feels like this is the way that Gods Church & families should function. Desiree had great refreshments afterwards. This is a great Family and we love them so much.

On Friday, I did the usual, go to the Airport and get the post and then we had District Meeting, and then to Sedgefield to take post to the Knysna Elders and have lunch with them. They always enjoy us doing that with them. (of course some one to buy & have lunch with) We had a few visits to do when we got back to George & then finally back home.

Saturday the elders played soccer with the young men in the branch for a few hours. We try to spend a few hours with each with the young women & young men.  Then we went to visit Clifton & Elizabeth, They are struggling with some problems right now. He is not divorced from his first wife and has a baby with Elizabeth and they both feel guilty. They are feeling better now and will be great members when they can be baptized and it will happen when it is corrected and is time. We will keep in touch with them and help them all we can. They want to be baptized  so bad and they will be in a few months we are sure of it.

Sister O has really been struggling with allergies lately. I gave her one of my allergy pills and it helped her but really "zonked" her out. I was on the phone, she came and laid down by me and was out before she got her head on her pillow and was gone for the night.  There was no waking her up at all.

We were suppose to start teaching our new class " Marriage & Family Relations"  on Sunday but Pres. Motsaluke canceled it for another week as he didn't have the class filled out yet like he wanted. We had a great Sunday dinner with the Elders, the Knysna Elders also came over and spent the night as they wanted to climb George Peak for P-Day. We had a nice braai of steak, lamb chops and wors and all the trimming that Sister O makes It was as always very good. Elder Masesko didn't want to climb the peak as he said it takes 4 to 5 days to recuperate and I noticed that with several elders the last time they climbed the peak. He wanted me to take him golfing. Well come Monday morning, none of the Elders wanted to climb the peak.  You can't guess what they wanted to do? OK you guessed it ! :) They all wanted to play golf. We played one of the short curses here. A par 60 course and we were able to play 18 holes. It only cost R45. That is only about $6.00 & I got lucky and shot a 68. Being a short course, it is good for your short game. After golf we finished off the left over sunday dinner then back to missionary work so we thought?

                                                                                -2-

But no -- Sister Sonja Classen our RS Pres. Had just gotten to Port Elizabeth (PE a 4 hour drive from George) and called us to let us know that her daughter Sonika was in labor and wanted us to help take her to the hospital. Elder Cooney & Elder Caine went also. Sonja turned around and and started on her way back to George. Sonika had the baby at 10:15 pm and Sonja got back from PE at 10:30. She almost made it but not quite. She called us before she got home and asked me to give her a blessings a Priesthood blessing which I did with the help of the Elders. We got home at about 11:15pm. We still had the dinner mess to clean up before we could go to bed.

On Tuesday I had our car serviced which needed it bad. It hasn't been serviced since we have been here. Then Elder Cooney & Caine came over and went over some role playing for Zone Conference in case they were called on. All were asked to be prepared for this plus a 5 min. talk in case we were called on to give.  We then had lunch of Sandwiches, cheese crisps and salad. The Elders always find a reason to be at our flat just before Lunch or Dinner.  We Love them and enjoy them being with us. Sister O also really loves to feed them as well.

Tuesday night we had our meeting & lesson with Desiree & Gerard. We had a bad set back with them.
One of the Elders who has just completed his mission, asked them to borrow a very large sum of money so he could go to BYU in Utah. This is something that should NEVER happen and I think that Desiree feels like he is trying to take advantage of her kindness. I think after we left she felt much better, She ask Sister O what she should do, if she should give him the money or not. Sister O told her NO and that it was not something the church would have the Elders do at all. I think after we left she felt better because of talking with Sister O about it. She has been taken advantage of by people of SA because of their kind hearts and she didn't need this from a missionary. People here beg so much and you have to be very careful. Gerard & Desiree are the most wonderful people. They are working at selling their farm home and home here in George. They want to move to America to get away from this begging environment. They know the Church is true and will be baptized either here or in America at some point we are sure of it  They are going on a 3 month vacation to tour the northwest part of america to try and decide. Sis. O & I went over to try and take them to lunch the next day but they couldn't go. We wanted to visit more with them and talk with them.

Sister O & I visited with Clifton and Elizabeth later and everything is fine with them and they are feeling good about most everything now. Elizabeth broke her back when she was younger and has some pins in her back that they think they are coming loose. (she will see about this next Monday)

We also had a good visit with Ben and Hester on Wed. afternoon. It is so hard to understand people at times. They know there was a great apostasy, they know the gospel was restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith, they know the Book of Mormon is true, they know the priesthood was restored, they know that baptism by immersion was shown and commanded to us BUT they think that they are just fine with being sprinkled by water when they were babies. They know all the Truths, BUT they don't seem to recognize that these truths apply to them. They always want us there. They like to have another older couple come to see them every Wed at 3pm This has been and on going thing for 31/2 years now.

On Thursday we left at 7AM for PE to Zone Conference.  We stopped at Tsitsikamma to visit George. We were really excited about Zone Conference because Elder Hinckley of the 70's was going to be there. It is always exciting to listen and be uplifted by the General Authorities. He is a lot like his father
Pres. Hinckley. I think Pres. Hinckley was such a Great & Wonderful Prophet. We returned home from Zone conference about 11:30pm. It was a very tiring day but also a very rewarding and enjoyable day!
                                                                        -3-

Sister O told George that in a year he will be able to go on a mission, he is very excited about this and really wants to go.  He has ask us to fined him a job in Knysna or George so he can be close to the church. He says that it is hard for him to grow in the gospel as long as he is so far away. This is true and we are going to see what we can do to help. I ask him re-read the Book of Mormon only this time don't just read it but study it with all the footnotes etc. so that he can really understand the gospel. He said he would. He has such a strong testimony of the Church and it really touches our hearts to see his growth.

Friday was airport and post day again, and back to take the Post to the Knysna Elders. Friday was a warm day. We have only had about 3 warm days so far so I got our A.C. out and ready to go, (it is called a floor fan) It is better then nothing but not much..

On Saturday we had 3 good visits. We visited Sister October with the Elders Maseko & Mathipa. She is about ready for baptism, but her husband is not there yet. She says he is stubborn. She wants to wait for him. It would be great to baptize them  together as a family, as we know how important families are in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We then visited Brother Micheal's with Elders Coony & Caine. He is being baptized in December. He is so excited about this and seems to have such a strong conviction and testimony of the gospel. We visited with him earlier and he told us that when we were their before, that he knew the gospel was true. So many people like to have older missionaries visit them and it seems to make such a difference in their conversion. I think they have such a great respect for older people and they sincerely listen to them.

So to all our older "Friends"  If you have the opportunity and can go on a mission, don't pass up this opportunity and blessings that can be yours and the people you teach. Sister O and I really feel blessed.

We then visited Clifton & Elizabeth as it was Clifton's Birthday. We took him a cake and sang Happy Birthday to him. Elder Cooney & Caine were there as were the Pangels from the Branch. Clifton said that this was the Happiest Birthday that he has ever had. Now that he has the True Church in his life and really good friends. He seemed happy.

Well it is past time to close. Again we love all of you so much. We have such wonderful families & Friends . We feel so blessed. Especially knowing that we can be and eternal family forever. It is our choice to make and our choice of how we live. I hope we all set our goals where they should be and work and strive to make these goals come true.


                                                                                    Love to all Always

                                                                                    Elder & Sister O'Dell
                                                                                    Dad,Woody,Linda,Mom
                                                                                    Grandma & Grandpa Woody

Weekly Family Letter - Nov. 10, 2009

Dad & George

Beautiful South Africa

November 10, 2009


Dear Family, Friends and Loved Ones,

Greetings from SA. We are a little late but sometimes it seems hard to find time to do everything. On Sunday November 1, we had no power from 6am to past 8:30pm. They do this about every to two months doing repairs. It really ruins Sister O's plans for her regular BIG Sunday dinners, so we did the next best thing. We can always braai hamburgers and they are always good.

On Monday P-Day the Elders wanted to hit some golf balls and play a little golf. It was really windy and a little cold but they had a great time. It only cost R35 for 9 holes and R45 for 18. It is not a plush course and is rather short but is suited well for the Elders. They play rather show so we can get in only 9 holes. We have 2 new Elders that have never played but they do OK But for the PGA tours they are not quite ready.

On Tuesday we met with the YM & YW leaders to help them get more organized and to help them learn their Jobs. Some are willing to serve but really don't know what to do. It will come with time. I also bought some wood and made a table to put my small portable Bar BQ grill on. It actually turned out pretty good. On Wed. I painted it and then we needed to go grocery shopping. Sister O feeds the Elders so much and often that it seems that we are always out of food.

Last week Pres Matsaluka asked if Sister O and I would teach a new class called "Marriage & Family Relations" and of course we said that we would. It is really needed here and it will be a BIG challenge also but other then a lot of preparation we need it. I'm sure we will also enjoy it. Pres. Matsaluka asked if he and his wife could take the class and we told him that we would love to have them. They are young I think in their early 30 with 2 little girls.

On Wed. Sister O & I spent about 5 hours with John O Lene. We took her to lunch again helping her to look for a job and just spend some time with her. We thought in this way that we could understand her problems and feelings more which are quite complicated and are not easily solved. She wants to be baptized but is not able to under her present circumstances. We will just keep trying the best we can to help.  We also had a GREAT meeting with Gerard and Desiree & daughter Elizabeth. We talked to them about the law of tithing and the word of wisdom and they committed that they could & would do these commandments upon baptism. They are such great people. Desiree is in tears quite often as she says we have changed and blessed her life so much. She is a large tough woman but with such a great and tender heart. One of our new elders, Elder Caine speaks French and Gerard really lit up with a smile when Elder Caine spoke French with him. They are trying to sell there farm so they can be closer more. It is so Big etc that this might be difficult.

We had a FHE on Friday pm with Elders Cooney and Caine. Sister O & myself, Clifton & Elizabeth, Gary and John O Lene, and the Oliviers and Pangal families. We talked about commandments primarily Sister O and I did most of the talking and then we talked about blessings of the Temple in our lives. It seemed to go good and I believe everyone enjoyed the evening. On Sunday Nov. 8th we went to church here in George. We knew that Desiree and her daughter were coming. Gerard was out of town. The primary put on the program as they do once a year. It is always so enjoyable to see and listen to them sing. After our church we went to Knysna. It was their branch conference and Pres. Probst was there. We wanted to visit and spend some time with George. After church we had workshops and interviews with Pres Probst for 2 ½ hours.
                                                                               
We got home about 5:30 and dinner was at 6:30 for the Elders. We also had Elder & Sister Tenney with  us for the night and to spend Monday. Sister O had a great roast beef dinner, baked potatoes and all else.

When we were in Knysna with George and visiting, Sister O told George that he could go on a mission in a year. I'm sending  a copy of an e-mail he sent us 2 days later.

Hie mom,dad                  
how ar u and the rest of the Guyz,am
great and cool. feeling so special,love andjoy its whats in me and u
can't imagne how i felt on sunday when u announce 2me that i will go
on mission next year.my heart felt something different but i couldn't
notice that it was joy,i realise later. am so happy 2have u i feel that
am the only person who is lucky in the world 2b loved by u.
                                 
I love u all

Things like this make our time here all worth it!

Elder Tenney & I went golfing on Monday. We had a lot of sprinkles, hard rain for about a half hour but overall it was good. We have had hard rain the last 3 p-Days, but at least it wasn't windy. We played at the George Golf Club and it is such a beautiful course. Sister O and I had lunch with them before they left to go home to PE. Then the Elders wanted me to go golfing with them so I just had to HA! :) We had a rain check from before so it was free. The Elders are so slow that we could only do 9 holes but they really enjoy it.

We had a good lesson with Ben & Hester, Gary & John O Lene we wanted to visit Clifton & Elizabeth but didn't have time as Sister O had to be at the church for a RS & YW meeting at 6:30. At least she was in a great mood as she had her nails done in the morning, while I went and payed bills.

Sister O went to the doctor yesterday and really liked him. She went to pay for her visit but they wouldn't let her. They said that they never charge missionaries. Isn't it wonderful that there are people like this in the world.

In studying for our SS lesson we read something that we all should employ for ourselves. We know that family is the basis unit of the church and that families are truly ordained of God. To have a happy and joyous family relationship an to be a family in unity that we need to base our families on the principles of righteousness and upon Gods laws and principles. We hope we never forget this and that we will all always strive to have happiness, joy, love and peace in our family relationships. Lets always follow Gods teaching in our lives.

We Love and miss all of you so much and are so lonesome to see each of you. Most of all at this time of year. It is so wonderful to have families as we do. That we can have the eternal love for each other that our Heavenly Father wants for us.


                                                                      Love to All
                                                    Elder & Sister O'Dell & Mom & Dad
                                                          Grandma & Grandpa Woody

November 4, 2009 - Hello Again from South Africa

1. Sister O and her Pink Car (she loves PINK)

2. This was for Grandpa Woody. Woodys' In and Out Wood pile

3. The Elders we just lost, so fun one went home, one moved to another area and 2 stayed.

4. The Elders going home on the plane. Elder Lusk from Utah his mother is a Cardon.


Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,

Greetings again from SA. Well on Monday Nov. 26, we (the Elders and Myself) had a chance to play the Links Course at Fancourt Golf Course. It is supposed to be one of the BEST in the World. Pres. Mtyobiles wife works there and supposedly was to have gotten us a great deal and it was, but we still couldn't afford it. This is the course that Tiger Woods and Ernie Els had such a great match play game on TV. The Elders were only going to have to pay R90 and me R170. This is absolutely fabulous. Bad news “I have a set of borrowed clubs but not the Elders.” It was going to cost R330 to rent clubs, plus we would have to hire a Caddy and I'm sure that was more then we could afford. Probably R1000 or more. It was also rainy and cold and the Elders felt bad but we couldn't afford it.

There was a small course close by that we could play 9 holes for R35 and 18 holes for R45. We played for 18 holes and got 9 holes in and then it rained again with a lot of lightning that was close so we quit but got a rain check for 9 holes. We had great fun!!!

On Tuesday Sister O and I had to inspect the Elders Flats before transfers and make sure everything was OK. Elder Cooney was in Bad shape. The Tub was Bad :( Bad mildew, the freezer was frosted so BAD the door wouldn't shut, closets were bad with dirty clothes all around. Elder Botes & Maseko had some cleaning to do but not too bad. Elder Botes had a large mirror in the flat that he wanted me to fix so that he could hang it, which I did.

On Tuesday we had a great visit with Desiree, Gerard and daughter Elizabeth. He came to church last Sunday but we didn't get to see or visit him as we were in Church in Knysna. This is the first time he has been to church since living in Africa. Normally he has been in jeans with a hunting vest on. Well Tuesday he was all dressed up and had a nice dress sport jacket on and Look VERY HANDSOME. Things seam to be going very well with them.

Well this week is transfer week and we always hate that week. We had a few visit's on Wed. But Elder Botes was so down and depressed because he didn't want to be transferred, so we spent some time with him. He has really worked hard and has been such a great Missionary here. We love all the missionaries but have been very close to Elder Botes and he is such a great person. He is being transferred to Kysna So we will still see him occasionally. He said he would watch over George for us as he will see him quite frequently.

We took Elders Lusk & Nyoka to the Airport at 7AM and then we met and picked up Elder Caine who will be the new District Leader he is much quieter then Elder Nyoka. We were supposed to pick up Elder Mathipa at 11:30am at the Bus Station. But the Bus had some trouble and didn't get here until between 2 and 2:30pm. Elder Caine can't drive according to missionary rules because he has had to many tickets, so Elder Cooney is the Driver and that is a problem. He doesn't drive very good and especially on the other side of the road. We had 4 appointments that night and he was afraid to drive so we all went in our car. We got through about 8:30 and came back to our flat and had some left over braai.



On Saturday we had a Fireside about 2pm that started at 2:30. It wasn't a Fireside like we have at home but more of a Branch get together like we did at the Branch Picnic. We watched the movie we bought (Facing the Giants) They really like it and the story it portrays. Then we had lunch that Sister O fixed of sandwiches and cookies and punch. After that we had a slide show of pictures of people in the Branch and different activities. These people really like to see pictures of them self.

Well last week Pres. Matsaluka gave Sister O and myself a new calling. That is to to teach a sunday school class called Marriage and Family Relations. They really need it here and it will be a big challenge.

I have the Elders ask me quite often questions on dating and what to look for in a companion. I told Elder Maseko that I would make a list that I thought the Elders and our Older grandchildren might be able to use. Especially as we have a number of grandchildren approaching that age. Here is what I wrote for them.
Desirous Traits in Selecting a Companion

1. Attractive and good looking ----to you---
a. Remember you will live with them forever.
2. Beautiful inside (personality) ---is she fun to be with

3. Spiritually strong and a strong testimony. a. We all need spiritual strength and support in a companion.
4. Takes care of herself and her looks.
5. One you are comfortable with, and to hold hands in public.
6. One you are comfortable with and have regular prayer with.
7. Enjoy doing things for--- Example open doors for her etc; help do dishes etc.
8. Will be your best friend and can talk comfortable with at all times.
9. A person proud to be seen with.
10. What is her or his family like, what you see in them is probably what you will see in him or her.
11. Is there house clean and orderly, do they dress clean and nice.
12. Does she or he want to be married in the Temple.
13. Do you both want the same in planning a family.
14. Does she or he want Children and like Children.
15. Do you see them being a good Mother or Father.
16. Will you support each other in church callings and service.
17. Is she willing to work if needed.
18. Are you both willing to give your life to each other.
19. Remember when you get married you should think more of your companion then of yourself.

Well it is time to close an say good-by again from SA. We really miss all of you and LOVE you so much. It will really be a lonely time for us this Thanksgiving and Christmas Season. Remember our love for all of you. And as Sister O always says to the Missionaries when they leave our flat “Drive Careful” & “Return with Honor”. We say the same to each of you. Drive Careful and wherever you go and whatever you do --- “Return with Honor”

Love Always
Sister O'Dell & Elder O'Dell
Dad & Mom Grandpa Woody & Grandma