Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
First Letter in July 2010
July 8, 2010
Dear Family Friends & Loved Ones,
Well it has been too long since our last letter again BUT we have been really busy & involved in preparing for our move to a different flat, missionary work and Branch President work. Then our computer was down for about 2 weeks for our move. In SA service to get re-connected isn't like a fast food restaurant.
On Monday June 21, P-Day we went with Pres. Platero & his wife to “Fish River Sun” for breakfast which as we have said is about 20 to 25 min. away. It is simply the Best for the Price! The Platero's are serving in Grahamstown which is about 45 min away. Pres. & Sister Platero are the first Native America Indian Senior Couple to ever go on a mission. They are Navajo and live is southern Utah just above the Arizona border. They are fun to be with and he is always making jokes about the America Indians. On his first Sunday he told the congregation that he was proof that John Wayne didn't get all the Indians. HA!
After breakfast we went back to Port Alfred to play a round of golf at the Royal PA Golf Club. Sister O loves it so much we can hardly get her off the course. Elder Platero used to be a golf coach for a high school students. There is a lot of Africa game on the course. There is 17 species on the course and it is almost like going to a game reserve. The green fee is normally R305 but I talked him into giving us an African senior discount to R105 which is about $14 or $15 green fee plus we rent a cart.
That evening we had the Elders with the Zone leaders over and of course Sister O found something to feed them. One of the Zone leaders we had in George, Elder Hansen. Really a Great Elder from Utah. Then for lunch the next day she had like a Sunday Dinner for them. Meat Loaf, Backed Potatoes. All the Elders want to be where Sister O is because she feeds them so good and takes care of them like they were her own sons.
The next day we had interviews with Pres. Probst. Then I really started sorting an boxing things for our next move. We both really hate moving as does everyone and we hope this will be our last while here in SA.
I have been trying to re establish communication with Ndlambe Municapality for a lot on a new development area by the township. They are going to sell 4 parcels of land for churches and it would be so good for our branch, as it is close to most of our members. I've also been working quite a bit on negotiating on a lease agreement for a bigger place for our branch to meet right now. It would be so nice to have room for everything, classrooms, kitchen, etc. It is very nice but they want a really high lease price. We have the paper work in to the church attorneys etc and trying to settle on a lease price. It would be so nice for us so we just hope it will be approved. If not we will start over from ground Zero.
For P-Day on July 5th, we took our Elders to Grahamstowns to be with 4 Elders there and the Platero's. Every year they have a National Art's Festival there and it goes for 3 weeks and there really is a lot of interesting things to see and buy but thankfully we curbed down pretty good on the buying part.
We rented a trailer the next day and went to East London to get a refrigerator that was in Storage at another senior couples flat and we had dinner with 2 other senior couples. The Jones from EL & the Robinson's from PE . That is always fun to do. Sister O really likes the new frig as it was so much better than the one we had here at the new flat.
Then we went to Grahamstown to pick up a couch and chair for our Elders as they didn't have either. They have really been enjoying them. Now Elder Platero calls them “ The Cushion hugger Elders” it is his indian name for them.
On June 27th, Pres. Probst was here and we sustained 2 new counselors in the Branch Presidency and set them apart after church. For the 3rd hour I gave a lesson on FHE to our Branch and then had Sister Hynch give a little demonstration. I didn't think any of our members knew how to have FHE except for the white members. We are trying to get this started and we are working on it. Next we will try and work at getting our home teaching started and going. A few nights ago Sister O & I went with the Elders on some missionary visits and we had a FHE at both places, they really seemed to enjoy having it. One was a member and one was an investigator. Sister O made some homemade cookies and they always really enjoy this.
Well we are in our new flat now and we really like it so much better and it is actually a little cheaper in cost . It has 3 bedrooms, 21/2 baths. A large living area and dining area, a large kitchen, a garage and we even have a TV and have watched a few of the world Cup games and sister O is actually enjoying them. It is fully carpeted except for the kitchen and baths. There has been a lot of fixing up and repairing which is pretty well done & finished and we are also pretty well organized. It has nice grassy yards that is taken care of and we are right across from the Golf Course. Now I hope we can find time to play once in a while.
We just received 2 new large white boards and 2 new tac boards. Brother Juber & I hung. We also finally have a refrigerator and a new keyboard and cabinet which we are really going to enjoy I'm sure.(now all we have to do is find someone to play for us) Ha!
We have met with a lady a couple of times this week for the Ndlambe Municipality to try to set up a venue for our Branch to do a service for the annual “Mormons Helping Hands” which will be coming up on August 21.
Even though SA is out of the world cup there is still a lot of excitement over the event. There are only 2 games left. One on Saturday and the final on Sunday the 11 of July.
I forgot to mention that the 2 young girls that were baptized a few weeks ago were confirmed the following Sunday when Pres. Probst was here. After they were confirmed they both bore their testimonies and it was unbelievable how strong their testimonies were. That is so exciting to see. I had the opportunity to confirm one of them and this is always such a privilege to be able to do. We are so blessed to have the power of the Priesthood given to us that we are able to do our Heavenly Fathers work. It is so exciting to be a part of the growth of the gospel here in SA as the gospel is taken to all parts of the world. I only wish each of you could share in the blessing that is ours from giving of our service to Him. It is wonderful !
Well it is time to close. We want to thank those who have sent us e-mails it is always fun to find out what is going on at home and with family and friends. The other night while we were waiting for the world cup game to start on TV we found the movie “Gone With the Wind” and watch some of it. Then we had a e-mail from Trilogy and they were showing the same movie for “Movie Night” So I guess we are still in the loop. We are having fun but we do really miss everyone back home. But we are now on the down hill part of the mission. Only 10 months to go. April 2011 We are grateful for our families, grandchildren & friends. But most of all we are grateful for the blessings we receive form our Father in /Heaven.
We look forward to hearing from you all. We are cold and you are hot it really seems funny to have July be this cold and Christmas be so warm. Oh will such is life! Keep smiling and remember we miss and love you all very much.
Our new address is:
Elder & Sister O'Dell
17 Connaugh
Salt Vlei Road
Port Alfred 6170
Republic of South Africa
But if you are going to send us any thing in the mail send it to
Elder & Sister O'Dell
P.O. Box 179
Port Alfred 6170
Republic of South Africa
Love always
President & Sister O'Dell
Mom & Dad (Lind & Woody)
Grandma & Papa Woody
Dear Family Friends & Loved Ones,
Well it has been too long since our last letter again BUT we have been really busy & involved in preparing for our move to a different flat, missionary work and Branch President work. Then our computer was down for about 2 weeks for our move. In SA service to get re-connected isn't like a fast food restaurant.
On Monday June 21, P-Day we went with Pres. Platero & his wife to “Fish River Sun” for breakfast which as we have said is about 20 to 25 min. away. It is simply the Best for the Price! The Platero's are serving in Grahamstown which is about 45 min away. Pres. & Sister Platero are the first Native America Indian Senior Couple to ever go on a mission. They are Navajo and live is southern Utah just above the Arizona border. They are fun to be with and he is always making jokes about the America Indians. On his first Sunday he told the congregation that he was proof that John Wayne didn't get all the Indians. HA!
After breakfast we went back to Port Alfred to play a round of golf at the Royal PA Golf Club. Sister O loves it so much we can hardly get her off the course. Elder Platero used to be a golf coach for a high school students. There is a lot of Africa game on the course. There is 17 species on the course and it is almost like going to a game reserve. The green fee is normally R305 but I talked him into giving us an African senior discount to R105 which is about $14 or $15 green fee plus we rent a cart.
That evening we had the Elders with the Zone leaders over and of course Sister O found something to feed them. One of the Zone leaders we had in George, Elder Hansen. Really a Great Elder from Utah. Then for lunch the next day she had like a Sunday Dinner for them. Meat Loaf, Backed Potatoes. All the Elders want to be where Sister O is because she feeds them so good and takes care of them like they were her own sons.
The next day we had interviews with Pres. Probst. Then I really started sorting an boxing things for our next move. We both really hate moving as does everyone and we hope this will be our last while here in SA.
I have been trying to re establish communication with Ndlambe Municapality for a lot on a new development area by the township. They are going to sell 4 parcels of land for churches and it would be so good for our branch, as it is close to most of our members. I've also been working quite a bit on negotiating on a lease agreement for a bigger place for our branch to meet right now. It would be so nice to have room for everything, classrooms, kitchen, etc. It is very nice but they want a really high lease price. We have the paper work in to the church attorneys etc and trying to settle on a lease price. It would be so nice for us so we just hope it will be approved. If not we will start over from ground Zero.
For P-Day on July 5th, we took our Elders to Grahamstowns to be with 4 Elders there and the Platero's. Every year they have a National Art's Festival there and it goes for 3 weeks and there really is a lot of interesting things to see and buy but thankfully we curbed down pretty good on the buying part.
We rented a trailer the next day and went to East London to get a refrigerator that was in Storage at another senior couples flat and we had dinner with 2 other senior couples. The Jones from EL & the Robinson's from PE . That is always fun to do. Sister O really likes the new frig as it was so much better than the one we had here at the new flat.
Then we went to Grahamstown to pick up a couch and chair for our Elders as they didn't have either. They have really been enjoying them. Now Elder Platero calls them “ The Cushion hugger Elders” it is his indian name for them.
On June 27th, Pres. Probst was here and we sustained 2 new counselors in the Branch Presidency and set them apart after church. For the 3rd hour I gave a lesson on FHE to our Branch and then had Sister Hynch give a little demonstration. I didn't think any of our members knew how to have FHE except for the white members. We are trying to get this started and we are working on it. Next we will try and work at getting our home teaching started and going. A few nights ago Sister O & I went with the Elders on some missionary visits and we had a FHE at both places, they really seemed to enjoy having it. One was a member and one was an investigator. Sister O made some homemade cookies and they always really enjoy this.
Well we are in our new flat now and we really like it so much better and it is actually a little cheaper in cost . It has 3 bedrooms, 21/2 baths. A large living area and dining area, a large kitchen, a garage and we even have a TV and have watched a few of the world Cup games and sister O is actually enjoying them. It is fully carpeted except for the kitchen and baths. There has been a lot of fixing up and repairing which is pretty well done & finished and we are also pretty well organized. It has nice grassy yards that is taken care of and we are right across from the Golf Course. Now I hope we can find time to play once in a while.
We just received 2 new large white boards and 2 new tac boards. Brother Juber & I hung. We also finally have a refrigerator and a new keyboard and cabinet which we are really going to enjoy I'm sure.(now all we have to do is find someone to play for us) Ha!
We have met with a lady a couple of times this week for the Ndlambe Municipality to try to set up a venue for our Branch to do a service for the annual “Mormons Helping Hands” which will be coming up on August 21.
Even though SA is out of the world cup there is still a lot of excitement over the event. There are only 2 games left. One on Saturday and the final on Sunday the 11 of July.
I forgot to mention that the 2 young girls that were baptized a few weeks ago were confirmed the following Sunday when Pres. Probst was here. After they were confirmed they both bore their testimonies and it was unbelievable how strong their testimonies were. That is so exciting to see. I had the opportunity to confirm one of them and this is always such a privilege to be able to do. We are so blessed to have the power of the Priesthood given to us that we are able to do our Heavenly Fathers work. It is so exciting to be a part of the growth of the gospel here in SA as the gospel is taken to all parts of the world. I only wish each of you could share in the blessing that is ours from giving of our service to Him. It is wonderful !
Well it is time to close. We want to thank those who have sent us e-mails it is always fun to find out what is going on at home and with family and friends. The other night while we were waiting for the world cup game to start on TV we found the movie “Gone With the Wind” and watch some of it. Then we had a e-mail from Trilogy and they were showing the same movie for “Movie Night” So I guess we are still in the loop. We are having fun but we do really miss everyone back home. But we are now on the down hill part of the mission. Only 10 months to go. April 2011 We are grateful for our families, grandchildren & friends. But most of all we are grateful for the blessings we receive form our Father in /Heaven.
We look forward to hearing from you all. We are cold and you are hot it really seems funny to have July be this cold and Christmas be so warm. Oh will such is life! Keep smiling and remember we miss and love you all very much.
Our new address is:
Elder & Sister O'Dell
17 Connaugh
Salt Vlei Road
Port Alfred 6170
Republic of South Africa
But if you are going to send us any thing in the mail send it to
Elder & Sister O'Dell
P.O. Box 179
Port Alfred 6170
Republic of South Africa
Love always
President & Sister O'Dell
Mom & Dad (Lind & Woody)
Grandma & Papa Woody
Friday, June 25, 2010
Last June Letter for Africa !
Dear Family Friends & Loved Ones,
Well a few weeks ago Sister O and I went to East London for P-Day. Elder Cooney invited us to come and play golf over there. It is 11/2 hours from Port Alfred so the Elders had to ask permission from the Zone Leaders. Our two Elders wanted to go they had never really played golf and they really wanted to play. We were to meet at a McDonalds and all of a sudden we had 16 Elders there besides ourselves. They heard that Sister O & I were going to be there and may wanted to see & visit with us again (we had them in George at one time or another) and some just wanted to meet us. I'm glad they didn't all play golf as we only had 3 sets of clubs. We had lots of fun. It was a long course and it only cost us about $5.50 a person. I wish we could do that in America.
On Tuesday I was quite busy with church and paper work plus taking Sister O visiting teaching. I have been working a lot on trying to get a lease on a larger building for the Branch to meet in and I think we are getting close. It would really nice, as at times we are really crowded.
Sister O & I left to go back to East London early Wednesday morning to go to Zone Conference which was on Thursday morning. We stayed the night with another Senior Couple that is from Arizona, the Jones. We really enjoyed the company of another Senior Couple for a change. It rained really hard all day & night. It rained for about 3 days and was so great as we needed it so bad. We have all really been praying for rain. Our tires were really thin and I had a real problem with the car hydro-plaining. I got new tires when we got home and the car runs so nice now. Our Zone Conference was really nice, as always.
I spent a lot of the time the next day working with some people that has a morality problem. I think things will be OK and I hope so as I really don't like to have these things come up, it can be very stressful for me. But we do what we have to do I guess.
On Saturday we had a Branch party at the Church. The world Cup is starting and there is so much excitement here about it. Sister O sent you some pictures I'm sure. Everyone is wearing Yellow and Green shirts with Bafana Bafana on them which means Boys Boys. They had a car parade everywhere with honking & honking. Then there is the vuvuzalas that everyone has and blows that is really loud. We had hot dogs, drinks, popcorn etc. It was fun but S.A. Hasn't enjoyed the outcome of their team. But some say they did better then they expected. They opened against Mexico and played to a 1-1 tie. They lost 0-3 the next game. They play one more game tonight. (June 22) and will probably be out.
Monday June 14 was another P-Day and I worked on a lot of things at home that needed attention. In the afternoon I took the 2 Elders and let them hit a few buckets of golf balls, they enjoyed that. We then had the Elders from Grahamstown come over as they had baptismal interviews to do and then Sister O fixed a real nice Mexican Dinner that we all enjoyed very much.
Well it went for nearly a week before I got time to write in my journal, thus I am really late writing our letter. Pres. Probst wasn't too happy about the 2 baptismal interviews that were done and wanted me to re-interview them which I did and it was really enjoyable. We had a baptismal service for the 2 young girls on June 20 and that is always exciting.
I have been quite busy with church work all week, visiting and meeting with people. We have some really wonderful people in our Branch. We have really fallen in love with this area and the people. I hope they all grow in strength in the gospel as Sister O and I have. It is amazing and so wonderful how much our testimonies have grown and strengthen while serving our Father in Heaven. The work is amazing and wonderful. We wish everyone could experience and feel the Saviors love & blessings as we have since being here.
On Sunday we really had a large turn out with visitors and investigators. We can hold about 40 people and we had 54 in attendance, the hallway & kitchen was full. (We meet in a small house) But it was exciting to have so any in attendance.
I have been having the opportunity to give a number of blessings lately. It is so humbling to have this opportunity. We had a lady from Alexandria, which is about 50k from PA she is not a member and she had a friend from Grahamstown call and ask if I could give her a blessing. She seemed like a wonderful person and after visiting with her, I really felt honored to give her the blessing. She has great faith and we know that one must have faith in our Heavenly Father to receive a blessing.
I really had a GREAT "Fathers Day" I got to talk and visit with all my family. This was wonderful as Sister 'O and I really love and miss our families. Several of Sister O' families even called to wish me a Happy Fathers Day. This really meant a lot to me. Jeannie he got your card and pictures they are so cute and it was great. Thanks!
We have had some really cold weather but the last few days have been a bit warmer. In SA they don't build homes with heating & cooling in them. A lot of things here really make you appreciate how good we have it at home in America (even with Obama)
Well it is time to close but not with out telling all of you how much we love and miss you! It was so good to hear from you and really good to see Chuck and the whole family on i-Chat. It was great to meet Brenna new Wife. And see Tessa she is so cute.
Take care and we will keep in touch from time to time and look forward to the new Year 2011 then we will see you all !!!!
Love Sister O & Pres. O'Dell
Mom (Linda) & Dad (Woody)
Grandma & Grandpa Wood
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Soccer FEVER
Date: Wed, 16 June 2010
Dear family and friends,
Well it finally arrived, the World Cup, that is. What a spirit if celebration has gripped South Africa. Cars with South African flags attached to them, and vuvuzelas (plastic horns) hats, colored hair and almost everything else you could think of has been seen.
On Wednesday everyone was to go outside at noon and blow their vuvuzelas for 5 minutes. It lasted longer than that, we can tell you.
On Saturday we had a branch party at the church to see one of the games We had a great time!
Afterward we went to a mall to walk and as we entered the mall we were nearly overcome with the LOUD sound of vuvuzelas blowing, with children to grannies participating. It WAS AMAZING to see AND HEAR.
Love Sister & Brother O'Dell Mom & Dad
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Hi From Africa June 2010
1.The Bridge at Storms River Mouth
2. Elder Far (going home to Utah) Elder Cooney & Elder Schamel
3. Out with the Old and in with the new Transfer Day (one stayed, one went to Cape Town, and one is new)
4. Sister O and her Elders
5. Elder O on the Bridge at Storms River Mouth
6. The pet giraffe with the Elders
7. All the Elders having Dinner at the O'Dells on Friday night
2. Elder Far (going home to Utah) Elder Cooney & Elder Schamel
3. Out with the Old and in with the new Transfer Day (one stayed, one went to Cape Town, and one is new)
4. Sister O and her Elders
5. Elder O on the Bridge at Storms River Mouth
6. The pet giraffe with the Elders
7. All the Elders having Dinner at the O'Dells on Friday night
June 8, 2010
Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,
Well it has been several weeks since we have written. Sometimes it is hard to find time to write as we should. A few weeks ago we had the Grahamstown Elders come to PA for P-DAY. We went to a small game preserve right here in PA on the edge of a township. It was only R 150.00 per car which is about $20.00 a car. They really had a lot of fun and an enjoyable time. There was one giraffe that was really tame and wherever we would stop, it would come over to us. He liked to be pet and he would lick the Elders. They spent a lot of time doing this and got some fantastic pictures. I saw one really great Nyala bull but I could never get a good picture of it. We did have some beautiful views of the Kowie River. That runs there in Port Alfred.
On Saturday we had a baptismal service for Constance Ruziwa. She is a really small girl and the wife of Charles Ruziwa who I am calling to be my 2nd counselor in the Branch Presidency. I believe Pres. Probst will be here next Sunday the 13th of June, and he will be set apart and sustained. He will be a great and strong man in the church here. We had 4 really great and strong melchizedek priesthood holders that I'm sure will be the backbone of the growth of the church here in PA. The 1st counselor will be Canny Nobebe.
On Monday we went with 3 other senior couples to a game reserve called Kwanto and it was kind of a going away get together for another senior couple that is finishing their mission and going home. He is the Branch President in Grahamstown and they are President & Sister Fullmer. The reserve is between PE and Grahamstown. There must be 30 to 40 more in the area that we went to. We met 2 of the other couples in Grahamstown for lunch before going to the reserve. It was really a beautiful place and if you stayed overnight the accommodations were very luxurious When we got thru we were allowed to pet and hold some lion cubs and I wanted to get some pictures of Sister O doing this but she wasn't feeling well.
On Tuesday we met with a brother in our branch and his sister and mother and found them in utter poverty. They had two pineapples in there "home" to eat that someone gave them. We spent most of the PM taking care of some welfare needs. He did have a job. I told him that if he would be prayerful, keep God's commandments and pay tithing that he would be blessed. I told him that God would bless him, but that he had to do his part. I was in tears as he called me last week and thanked me and to tell me he now has a good job. God does love and bless us. I was so excited at Sacrament Meeting when he paid tithing and also fast offerings. I was literally in tears. This calling has many challenges but is also so rewarding. I wish everyone could feel the blessings that we feel. What a wonderful blessing Sister O and I have to be able to serve our Heavenly Father.
Last week we had transfers and lost Elder McGregor who we loved dearly. But we were blessed with another GREAT missionary in Elder Marler from Idaho. This is only his 2nd six weeks and he is doing a great job. Of course Sister O is doing her best to spoil all the missionaries she can with her cooking and feeding them.
The kitchen in our flat is so bad and after 51/2 weeks of promises, Pres Probst gave us permission to find another flat. We did find a great place in a few days. It has 3 bedrooms, 21/2 baths, a garage and yard and a lot of storage and is fully carpeted. I think we will really enjoy it. It even has a TV in it. We will move in the last of June.
On Sunday we had 40 people out which is the second highest our Branch has had. The most is 42. On Sunday we had a great meeting showing the Saturday PM session of General Conference. Then I talked after for a bit. The spirit felt so strong and it is such a great opportunity when we can listen to our General Authorities.
On Monday the Robinsons and us are going to breakfast at Fish River Sun then back to PA for to play a round of golf at Royal Port Alfred Golf Course. It is a beautiful course that is like a game reserve as there is so much wild life on the course. You get a view of the ocean on every hole. I know that Sister O really enjoyed driving the golf cart around this beautiful area. While we were golfing Elder Hurbert called me from the Mission Office in Cape Town and needed help in George in finding a new flat for the elders there and helping the elders there as well. So when we got through golfing we came home, cleaned up, packed and left. We went as far as PE and stayed with the Robinsons that night. We left early the next AM and headed for George. Sister O has really been wanting to have a chance to return to George and this was her chance. We found a flat for the Elders in short order and then did a lot of visiting many of our friends there and worked with and helped the new Elders there as much as we could.
The next day Sister O was able to get her hair cut and her nails done. Also lunch and dinner with some of our convert friends. We were really busy the whole time we were there. We met the Plateros coming down from Namibia they are going to Grahamstown to be the new Branch Pres there. They are replace the Fullmers who are leaving to go home to Utah. They stayed the night with us in George at our old flat . They are Navajo from southern Utah. (They are the first American Indian senior couple to serve a mission for the Church.) We left early the next morning to come back home and showed them some of the sights and things to see on the way home. We stopped at the Bridge to see Elizabeth but she was not there. They really enjoyed the Bungy Jump area and we got to see 2 people jump. We stopped at Storms River Mouth and hiked to the 3 swinging bridges and really enjoyed this. We then stopped to visit our Africa Son George. He is doing so good and has such a strong testimony. He wants to go on a mission so bad and I hope it can happen. We couldn't get the volunteers we needed to help support him but he is trying so hard to save for this. We then went to PE where we both spent the night at the Stones' old flat and then home to PA the next morning. It was a long and hurried and busy trip. Sister O enjoyed it so much and I'm sure that Pres. Probst won't let us do it again.
After Sacrament Meeting Sister O'Dell asked me to give her a blessing. The elders assisted me and we felt such a strong spirit with us. It is amazing the wonderful blessings we have and receive here while we serve our Heavenly Father. We are really loving the people here and serving them and really appreciated the love they show us.
Well I guess I had a grandson get married recently, we feel kind of bad that we didn't get an announcement, a call or an e-mail. Congratulations Brennen! We love you but wish some of you would keep us up to date on what is happening. We do love you all and want to hear what is going on in your lives. Thanks Troy. We enjoyed hearing from you and your poem was really GREAT.
Well it is time to close please e-mail and keep in touch.
All our love: President O'Dell & Sister O
Mom & Dad Woody & Linda, Grandpa, Papa, Papa Woody & Grandma
Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,
Well it has been several weeks since we have written. Sometimes it is hard to find time to write as we should. A few weeks ago we had the Grahamstown Elders come to PA for P-DAY. We went to a small game preserve right here in PA on the edge of a township. It was only R 150.00 per car which is about $20.00 a car. They really had a lot of fun and an enjoyable time. There was one giraffe that was really tame and wherever we would stop, it would come over to us. He liked to be pet and he would lick the Elders. They spent a lot of time doing this and got some fantastic pictures. I saw one really great Nyala bull but I could never get a good picture of it. We did have some beautiful views of the Kowie River. That runs there in Port Alfred.
On Saturday we had a baptismal service for Constance Ruziwa. She is a really small girl and the wife of Charles Ruziwa who I am calling to be my 2nd counselor in the Branch Presidency. I believe Pres. Probst will be here next Sunday the 13th of June, and he will be set apart and sustained. He will be a great and strong man in the church here. We had 4 really great and strong melchizedek priesthood holders that I'm sure will be the backbone of the growth of the church here in PA. The 1st counselor will be Canny Nobebe.
On Monday we went with 3 other senior couples to a game reserve called Kwanto and it was kind of a going away get together for another senior couple that is finishing their mission and going home. He is the Branch President in Grahamstown and they are President & Sister Fullmer. The reserve is between PE and Grahamstown. There must be 30 to 40 more in the area that we went to. We met 2 of the other couples in Grahamstown for lunch before going to the reserve. It was really a beautiful place and if you stayed overnight the accommodations were very luxurious When we got thru we were allowed to pet and hold some lion cubs and I wanted to get some pictures of Sister O doing this but she wasn't feeling well.
On Tuesday we met with a brother in our branch and his sister and mother and found them in utter poverty. They had two pineapples in there "home" to eat that someone gave them. We spent most of the PM taking care of some welfare needs. He did have a job. I told him that if he would be prayerful, keep God's commandments and pay tithing that he would be blessed. I told him that God would bless him, but that he had to do his part. I was in tears as he called me last week and thanked me and to tell me he now has a good job. God does love and bless us. I was so excited at Sacrament Meeting when he paid tithing and also fast offerings. I was literally in tears. This calling has many challenges but is also so rewarding. I wish everyone could feel the blessings that we feel. What a wonderful blessing Sister O and I have to be able to serve our Heavenly Father.
Last week we had transfers and lost Elder McGregor who we loved dearly. But we were blessed with another GREAT missionary in Elder Marler from Idaho. This is only his 2nd six weeks and he is doing a great job. Of course Sister O is doing her best to spoil all the missionaries she can with her cooking and feeding them.
The kitchen in our flat is so bad and after 51/2 weeks of promises, Pres Probst gave us permission to find another flat. We did find a great place in a few days. It has 3 bedrooms, 21/2 baths, a garage and yard and a lot of storage and is fully carpeted. I think we will really enjoy it. It even has a TV in it. We will move in the last of June.
On Sunday we had 40 people out which is the second highest our Branch has had. The most is 42. On Sunday we had a great meeting showing the Saturday PM session of General Conference. Then I talked after for a bit. The spirit felt so strong and it is such a great opportunity when we can listen to our General Authorities.
On Monday the Robinsons and us are going to breakfast at Fish River Sun then back to PA for to play a round of golf at Royal Port Alfred Golf Course. It is a beautiful course that is like a game reserve as there is so much wild life on the course. You get a view of the ocean on every hole. I know that Sister O really enjoyed driving the golf cart around this beautiful area. While we were golfing Elder Hurbert called me from the Mission Office in Cape Town and needed help in George in finding a new flat for the elders there and helping the elders there as well. So when we got through golfing we came home, cleaned up, packed and left. We went as far as PE and stayed with the Robinsons that night. We left early the next AM and headed for George. Sister O has really been wanting to have a chance to return to George and this was her chance. We found a flat for the Elders in short order and then did a lot of visiting many of our friends there and worked with and helped the new Elders there as much as we could.
The next day Sister O was able to get her hair cut and her nails done. Also lunch and dinner with some of our convert friends. We were really busy the whole time we were there. We met the Plateros coming down from Namibia they are going to Grahamstown to be the new Branch Pres there. They are replace the Fullmers who are leaving to go home to Utah. They stayed the night with us in George at our old flat . They are Navajo from southern Utah. (They are the first American Indian senior couple to serve a mission for the Church.) We left early the next morning to come back home and showed them some of the sights and things to see on the way home. We stopped at the Bridge to see Elizabeth but she was not there. They really enjoyed the Bungy Jump area and we got to see 2 people jump. We stopped at Storms River Mouth and hiked to the 3 swinging bridges and really enjoyed this. We then stopped to visit our Africa Son George. He is doing so good and has such a strong testimony. He wants to go on a mission so bad and I hope it can happen. We couldn't get the volunteers we needed to help support him but he is trying so hard to save for this. We then went to PE where we both spent the night at the Stones' old flat and then home to PA the next morning. It was a long and hurried and busy trip. Sister O enjoyed it so much and I'm sure that Pres. Probst won't let us do it again.
After Sacrament Meeting Sister O'Dell asked me to give her a blessing. The elders assisted me and we felt such a strong spirit with us. It is amazing the wonderful blessings we have and receive here while we serve our Heavenly Father. We are really loving the people here and serving them and really appreciated the love they show us.
Well I guess I had a grandson get married recently, we feel kind of bad that we didn't get an announcement, a call or an e-mail. Congratulations Brennen! We love you but wish some of you would keep us up to date on what is happening. We do love you all and want to hear what is going on in your lives. Thanks Troy. We enjoyed hearing from you and your poem was really GREAT.
Well it is time to close please e-mail and keep in touch.
All our love: President O'Dell & Sister O
Mom & Dad Woody & Linda, Grandpa, Papa, Papa Woody & Grandma
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Letter Home for May 2010 - Linda & Woody
1. Pictures of Elders & EO at Dam
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)
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)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
April 27, 2010 Letter From SA
1. Our Farewell party in George
2. Sonja & family in George
3. Lunch with the Senior Couples
4. First Sunday in Port Alfred Branch
5.Sister O being funny at the farewell party
6. Elder O with the Young Elders having fun for the World Cup
7. Alvin this one is for you alone.
8. The Pineapple Farm we went to (Fun Fun! )
April 27, 2010
Hi from Port Alfred South Africa,
Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,
Well it has been too long since we have written, but it seems like time is so busy that it often is hard to fine the time plus a lot has happened since our last letter. We won't try to catch up on everything but just in general. Before our leaving George we were quite busy with missionary work and also trying to say good by to so many people. On Sunday at General Conference Sister O and I said our goodbye to everyone that was there and we were both ask to bear our testimonies. We did get to listen to conference as usual because of the time difference. Our area Presidency though it best to receive DVD later so that we could show the conference to everyone a lot better and easier.
All of the last week was primarily spent visiting people and saying good-by. Sister O is really having a hard time with this as she has come to love so many people and they love her dearly and there were really a lot of tears shed. She really doesn't want to leave George but we also know that we need to serve where and how that our Father in heaven wants us too. She has touched so many lives and they have also really touched ours as well. I know that the Lord is sending us to Port Alfred for a reason. Hopefully we can be an influence and touch peoples lives.
On our last P-Day in George the Elders wanted to go golfing which we did. Also for dinner on Sunday the Elders felt and said "This is the last summer" It will be hard to leave them. After Golf Sonia Family fixed us and the 6 Elders a wonderful Braai. We also went by as we left and everyone was in tears. On the way to PE ( about a 6 hour drive from George) We stopped at Tsitsikamma to say good by to Georges cousin and her mom. Then we stopped at Storms River Village to visit George and his friend and we were excited to see how happy he was and how well he is doing. He is such a great young man and has such a strong testimony of the gospel and is doing really good. He is so excited to go On a mission to serve his Heavenly Father and we are so proud of him. We then went on to PE and had lunch with two senior couples the Robinsons & the R. Millers and said our good by to them and set of to Port Alfred where we met up with the Godfreys who we are replacing. We have met them several times before. On Saturday they took us around the town and help us get acquainted. On Sunday we went to church and there we 42 people there which is really good for here. There was no more room in the chapel part of the meeting house. We were very impressed with the Branch and especially the reverence that the small children showed. Sister O and I each gave a short talk and bore our testimonies. I know that we will love the people here. PA is a small town of 8,000 + . George had 203,000. Sister O is still struggling but I know she will come to love it and be a great influence. She relates so well with everyone.
The Godfrey's lift early Tuesday morning. One thing that has been so stressful for Sister O is getting inter net service, the Vonage Phone working, our land line to work etc. We were told we had service but it took almost a week before we received service. We went to Grahamstown and visited the Fullmers (a senior couple) and had lunch with them. Elder Fullmer is Branch Pres. There. There we got to meet 2 of our former George Missionaries Elder Schamel & Elder Rateolalahy and they was exciting. On Thursday we took Elder Mfaladi to East London and pick up our new Elder which is Elder Buthelezi. We not have him and Elder Mc Greggor from Sandy Utah. It took us several days to get moved into our new apartment. Sister O is really disappointed as it is much smaller. A very small kitchen with a dining and living area down stairs and two bedrooms and a bath upstairs. We have a very small bathroom downstairs with a toilet and sink but it is hard to get in and you can't close the door because out washing machine is in the door way. The Frig. doesn't keep things very cold, only one and a half burners on the stove work, the counter around the sink is rotten and likes, and you hold up the shelf under the sink with water bottles. Sister O is in LOVE with the Kitchen. I have talked with the rental agency about this and told them that we would not live there under those conditions and would move if the owners didn't fix it. They are trying to sell the place so we were not sure, but we got word that it would be taken care of in about 2 weeks.
The roads in PA are really bad with solid potholes on every road. It took me nearly a week to organize the paper work that Elder Godfrey left behind but I have it pretty well the way I need it. Now I need to learn more about all the reports I need to do and the welfare system for needy families.
On our last P-Day I took Sister O for a ride to a small town called Denton on the Sea. It is only clean and a very nice town on the beach. The Elders never get to do any thing exciting here so in the afternoon we took them to a place called Bathurst about 20 mines a way and sew some interesting and neat things. We went to a pineapple farm, then to a place called horseshoe bend or where waters meet. A place where a rive forms a large horseshoe (almost a complete circle). You view from a high look out pace and it is really a beautiful spot. We then went to an old Mill that was open in the early 1800. It is on a creek an was run by a large water paddle wheel. It burned down and then was re-built into a grain mill. It was 3 stories and really neat and interesting to see. There was a lot of other things to do but we ran out of time.
Everything here really rust and fast I'm sure it is because of the ocean air. You can wash the windows in your car in a day or so you can hardly see through the windows. On Wed. evening we left to go to East London to Zone Conference about hour and 45 min away. We stayed in a B&B. The conference was really great conference and very spiritual. Pres. Probst had Sister O and I bear our Testimonies. I guess it was because of our new calling. We were Elder to meet up with Elders Cooney, Wilson, Moyo, Schamel & Mwenda that we had in George and that was really a treat. We had a Baptism on Saturday the second since we have been here. Today for Church we had Sacrament, the conformation of the new member. We then had him bear his testimony, he did a great job and I was really impressed. We then showed the Saturday am session of General Conference and it was so good and I talked to our branch members for about 5 to 10 min. I know that we are going to love the people here and that they will touch our lives. I know that we will love our new calling and will be blessed. We can already feel the love of the people here.
Well I have rambled on long enough and it is time to close. We love all of you at home. Not only family but all our friends as well. We feel bad that we didn't leave from our Gilbert Ward as we hear from our friends there. We haven't heard any thing from the ward in Pinetop. We LOVE getting news from home. Please all of you keep sending your e-mails. We Love and miss you so!
PS. Desiree's daughter Elizabeth was baptized on April 17th we so much wanted to be there as she wanted Elder O'Dell to baptize and confirm her. We are so thrilled and excited for her an Desiree they are such wonderful people.
We Love you all. Please e-mail us
Elder & Sister O'Dell (Mom & Dad) Grandpa Woody & Linda & Grandma
2. Sonja & family in George
3. Lunch with the Senior Couples
4. First Sunday in Port Alfred Branch
5.Sister O being funny at the farewell party
6. Elder O with the Young Elders having fun for the World Cup
7. Alvin this one is for you alone.
8. The Pineapple Farm we went to (Fun Fun! )
April 27, 2010
Hi from Port Alfred South Africa,
Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,
Well it has been too long since we have written, but it seems like time is so busy that it often is hard to fine the time plus a lot has happened since our last letter. We won't try to catch up on everything but just in general. Before our leaving George we were quite busy with missionary work and also trying to say good by to so many people. On Sunday at General Conference Sister O and I said our goodbye to everyone that was there and we were both ask to bear our testimonies. We did get to listen to conference as usual because of the time difference. Our area Presidency though it best to receive DVD later so that we could show the conference to everyone a lot better and easier.
All of the last week was primarily spent visiting people and saying good-by. Sister O is really having a hard time with this as she has come to love so many people and they love her dearly and there were really a lot of tears shed. She really doesn't want to leave George but we also know that we need to serve where and how that our Father in heaven wants us too. She has touched so many lives and they have also really touched ours as well. I know that the Lord is sending us to Port Alfred for a reason. Hopefully we can be an influence and touch peoples lives.
On our last P-Day in George the Elders wanted to go golfing which we did. Also for dinner on Sunday the Elders felt and said "This is the last summer" It will be hard to leave them. After Golf Sonia Family fixed us and the 6 Elders a wonderful Braai. We also went by as we left and everyone was in tears. On the way to PE ( about a 6 hour drive from George) We stopped at Tsitsikamma to say good by to Georges cousin and her mom. Then we stopped at Storms River Village to visit George and his friend and we were excited to see how happy he was and how well he is doing. He is such a great young man and has such a strong testimony of the gospel and is doing really good. He is so excited to go On a mission to serve his Heavenly Father and we are so proud of him. We then went on to PE and had lunch with two senior couples the Robinsons & the R. Millers and said our good by to them and set of to Port Alfred where we met up with the Godfreys who we are replacing. We have met them several times before. On Saturday they took us around the town and help us get acquainted. On Sunday we went to church and there we 42 people there which is really good for here. There was no more room in the chapel part of the meeting house. We were very impressed with the Branch and especially the reverence that the small children showed. Sister O and I each gave a short talk and bore our testimonies. I know that we will love the people here. PA is a small town of 8,000 + . George had 203,000. Sister O is still struggling but I know she will come to love it and be a great influence. She relates so well with everyone.
The Godfrey's lift early Tuesday morning. One thing that has been so stressful for Sister O is getting inter net service, the Vonage Phone working, our land line to work etc. We were told we had service but it took almost a week before we received service. We went to Grahamstown and visited the Fullmers (a senior couple) and had lunch with them. Elder Fullmer is Branch Pres. There. There we got to meet 2 of our former George Missionaries Elder Schamel & Elder Rateolalahy and they was exciting. On Thursday we took Elder Mfaladi to East London and pick up our new Elder which is Elder Buthelezi. We not have him and Elder Mc Greggor from Sandy Utah. It took us several days to get moved into our new apartment. Sister O is really disappointed as it is much smaller. A very small kitchen with a dining and living area down stairs and two bedrooms and a bath upstairs. We have a very small bathroom downstairs with a toilet and sink but it is hard to get in and you can't close the door because out washing machine is in the door way. The Frig. doesn't keep things very cold, only one and a half burners on the stove work, the counter around the sink is rotten and likes, and you hold up the shelf under the sink with water bottles. Sister O is in LOVE with the Kitchen. I have talked with the rental agency about this and told them that we would not live there under those conditions and would move if the owners didn't fix it. They are trying to sell the place so we were not sure, but we got word that it would be taken care of in about 2 weeks.
The roads in PA are really bad with solid potholes on every road. It took me nearly a week to organize the paper work that Elder Godfrey left behind but I have it pretty well the way I need it. Now I need to learn more about all the reports I need to do and the welfare system for needy families.
On our last P-Day I took Sister O for a ride to a small town called Denton on the Sea. It is only clean and a very nice town on the beach. The Elders never get to do any thing exciting here so in the afternoon we took them to a place called Bathurst about 20 mines a way and sew some interesting and neat things. We went to a pineapple farm, then to a place called horseshoe bend or where waters meet. A place where a rive forms a large horseshoe (almost a complete circle). You view from a high look out pace and it is really a beautiful spot. We then went to an old Mill that was open in the early 1800. It is on a creek an was run by a large water paddle wheel. It burned down and then was re-built into a grain mill. It was 3 stories and really neat and interesting to see. There was a lot of other things to do but we ran out of time.
Everything here really rust and fast I'm sure it is because of the ocean air. You can wash the windows in your car in a day or so you can hardly see through the windows. On Wed. evening we left to go to East London to Zone Conference about hour and 45 min away. We stayed in a B&B. The conference was really great conference and very spiritual. Pres. Probst had Sister O and I bear our Testimonies. I guess it was because of our new calling. We were Elder to meet up with Elders Cooney, Wilson, Moyo, Schamel & Mwenda that we had in George and that was really a treat. We had a Baptism on Saturday the second since we have been here. Today for Church we had Sacrament, the conformation of the new member. We then had him bear his testimony, he did a great job and I was really impressed. We then showed the Saturday am session of General Conference and it was so good and I talked to our branch members for about 5 to 10 min. I know that we are going to love the people here and that they will touch our lives. I know that we will love our new calling and will be blessed. We can already feel the love of the people here.
Well I have rambled on long enough and it is time to close. We love all of you at home. Not only family but all our friends as well. We feel bad that we didn't leave from our Gilbert Ward as we hear from our friends there. We haven't heard any thing from the ward in Pinetop. We LOVE getting news from home. Please all of you keep sending your e-mails. We Love and miss you so!
PS. Desiree's daughter Elizabeth was baptized on April 17th we so much wanted to be there as she wanted Elder O'Dell to baptize and confirm her. We are so thrilled and excited for her an Desiree they are such wonderful people.
We Love you all. Please e-mail us
Elder & Sister O'Dell (Mom & Dad) Grandpa Woody & Linda & Grandma
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