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

October 30, 2009 - Letter from SA

Gerard, Desiree and daughter, Elizabeth


Gary, John O'lene and twin sisters





October 30, 2009


Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,

Well last P-Day (Oct) 19th the elders wanted to hit some golf balls as they had never played any golf and wanted to try it. it was really windy but they did quite well. There was a short golf course next door (6 par 3's & 3 par 4's) and they wanted to play it so we did. It was only R35 for 9 holes and R45 for 18 holes. We only had time to play 9 holes. I think they are already golf addicts. They said that it was the most fun they have ever had and they talked about it all week.

Tuesday night we had a great lesson with Gerard & Desiree (the couple with the farm.) Gerard showed us some plans that he had for a vacation next year to America for 3 weeks, mostly in the Northwest. They had Utah (SLC) on their plans and we talked to them about going to Temple Square. Then Desiree stated that it would be nice and that they might be members by then and it would mean more if they were. That made us feel great. They are such wonderful people.

We also had a strong lesson at Gary & John O' lene's (a girl) They want to be baptized but they would have to get married first as they are living together. The problem is he is 50 and she is 22. We are not sure if this would work out. Another problem is that Gary's family doesn't like her and Her family doesn't like Gary, so there are some major obstacles to over come.

Sister O and I spent a lot of time with John O' lene on Wednesday, taking her around and putting in applications for a job. Then Sister O and John O' lene had lunch together so they could just talk. Sister O is so good at that, ha! Then Sister O had to go to RS meeting and I came home and started preparing two talks for church. I'm not assigned yet but they want me to be prepared in case someone doesn't show up or if the have time left over. It took me most of the rest of the week in my free time to do this.

One talk is on commandments and keeping them and the second talk is on “Temples: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need.” I'm pleased with them.

On Thursday we went to Tsitsikamma to meet with our Africa son George. We picked up the Knysna elders to go also. The lesson was on the “Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Sister O and I gave most of the lesson and it is such a joy to do this. We also met George's Aunt from the country of Malawi. That is where George is from. The lesson next week will be on the priesthood as George will soon be receiving the priesthood. When we got home we had a FHE on Thursday at Sonja Classens home. It was her sons' 13th birthday. We took him a chocolate cake. Sister O got some candles and after we sang happy birthday, he tried to blow them out. They were trick candles that wouldn't blow out. We had a lot of fun with this. We were going to watch the movie “Facing the Giants” but it wouldn't work. So we watched "Flywheel" instead. It is not nearly as good. Her son's name is Urich, he would really like to be baptized but his father won't let him. He and Sonja are divorced.

Friday was district meeting and it was an hour late getting started as all the elders had to complete a questionare for Elder Hinckley of the 70's. He will be here and speak to us at zone conference in a few weeks. We are really looking forward to this. It should be a special treat for all. We had several visits to make on Friday night.

On Saturday we had 3 baptisms. We had them at the river. I love having them there. It is such a lovely setting and it seems to add so much to the spirit of everything. Sister O made over 100 cookies and of course there were none left over. She could have made 500 cookies and they would have been all gone. They can't seem to get enough of sweets and cookies or any food that is give to them.

Friday PM we had a going home braai at Pres Goodger's Lodge for Elder Nyoka. It was great and we all had a good time. For meat we had steak, pork chops & chicken plus all the trimmings. His lodge is in Great Braake River which is about 25 to 30 min drive.

Sunday we went to Knysna so that I could confirm George and bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was raining off and on so we were worried about him getting a ride to church but he made it and was even a little early. We had to leave early before the last speaker at church to get back to George and we wanted to be back for the last hour as the senior couple (Millers) were presenting their PEF program which is “Perpetual Education Fund.” There are so many people that need some education and jobs and this helps them a lot and it is a wonderful opportunity for many of the people. Pres. Hinckley started the program several years back under the inspiration of our Heavenly Father.

Sunday evening Sister O and I had a farewell braai for Elder Nyoka who is going home. We were hoping that Elder Lusk could make it also, but was unable to. Elder Nyoka said he wanted try Ostrich meat and not many of the 8 of us had had Ostrich meat. I believe I was the only one who had. We had Ostrich, Lamb chops, Pork ribs & Wors. It was great and the Ostrich was really good. We also had baked potatoes, vegies, salad, rolls, and carmelized chocolate cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. I'm sure I'm not losing any weight. It rained most of Sunday and Sunday night and sometimes quite hard.

Well it's time to close again. In closing I thought I would mention D&C 131: 1-4 especially the youth
of our families. It tells us about the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and the importance of a temple marriage. We want all of you, Sister O's family and mine to know that we both LOVE you with all our hearts and the love and joy you bring into our lives. We are so happy that almost all of you have entered into this covenant of marriage. We hope the rest of you will bless not only your lives but ours as well and that as we enter into this holy covenant that we will honor this great blessing that is ours and that we can be an eternal family. We would ask and pray that this will be an eternal goal for all of us. We love you all so much.


Love to all

Elder & Sister O'Dell
Mom & Dad (Grandpa & Grandma)

George's Baptism

A couple of pictures and weekly letter:

Elder & Sister O'Dell with George Chance at his Baptism

Sister O'Dell in the sack race at the ward picnic.

October 20, 2009



Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones,

Well last Monday P-Day on Oct. 12 it rained most of the day and the Elders were downhearted as they wanted to do something fun. They wanted to go to the driving range and hit some golf balls, but couldn't because of the rain. And it was really windy. At about 5:30 they all came over and of course they were hungry and they like to “hang out” at our house with Sister O & me. Our house is always open and we enjoy having them as much! :) Then we all went to Sister Sonjo Classen home for FHE and she shared a movie with us called “Faith Like Potatoes” It was good but not like “Fireproof “ and “Facing the Giants” We all had a very enjoyable evening with them.

The man who made the movie “Faith like Potatoes” came to George about a week & half ago and had a prayer meeting or day at a big stadium here in George. They had a Prayer Day for Rain. We are in such a drought and the water, lakes are at an all time low.

On Tuesday we had a great lesson with Gerard & Desiree. I know that she knows the Gospel is true but is having a hard time making a commitment as she seems to feel so much worldly pressures and commitments that she is struggling to give up. I hope she can continue on the straight and narrow path forward. We also visited Gary & John O lene after that. They are close to setting a Baptismal date but still have a beak down with a word of wisdom problem now and then.

On Thursday we had a workshop with Pres Probst and his assistants (AP's) For lunch before the meeting we had a Braai (Bar B/Q) of hot dogs and wors and some chicken salad sandwiches. Then we took lunch to the meeting for them to eat on the way home to Cape Town (5 hours away) as they didn't have time to stay and eat. On Friday we had district meeting and correlation meeting for 2 hours plus meeting.

Saturday we had a Branch Picnic at the Botanical Gardens. We had a great turn out and everybody had a really great time. We had a lot of fun games that everyone participated in. Sister O had somebody come by and wanted to know what the name of the church was, so she told them. The lady told Sister O how great it was that we could do this and that everybody participated and was having such a wonderful time together. She said she was really impressed. I guess that is the way the gospel works.

On Sunday we went to church in Knysna. We enjoyed it so much, but especially because Elder O had the opportunity to baptize our African son George. He has come so far and is such a good young man. He will be confirmed next Sunday, so we will be going back to knysna. After the baptism they had George bear his testimony. It was unbelievable how good it was. It was so touching and he gave it so forceful and with no hesitation. We are really proud of him. It was at least 15 minutes. He still calls us Mom & Dad and we still call him our African Son.

Well I guess we have written enough except this important thing and that is to tell you how much we love all of you family and friends and also how we love the gospel and its teachings. It is so important in our lives.

We Love you so much and realize that we can be together as an eternal family if we do what we know to be right. When we look back on our lives, we realize that we all have made many mistakes. I know that I have made my share of them. Isn't it wonderful that because of the gift of the atonement that we can be forgiven if we are willing to repent. I am asking each of you my children and grandchildren to forgive me of my weaknesses I have and of my wrong doings. As you get older you really learn to have love and charity in your heart and in your life. I love each of you so much and if I have hurt or offended any of you, that you will forgive me. I hope all of you will read D& C 64.
Especially verses 9&10 where it says “ Wherefore, I say unto you that you ought to forgive one another: for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord: for he remaineth in him the greater sin. I the Lord well forgive whom I will for forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.”

Sister O and I love you all so much and miss you more then you will ever know. Our Prayers are with you always.



Love to All

Elder & Sister O'Dell
Mom & Dad (Grandpa & Grandma)

Oct. 13, 2009 - O'Dell's Weekly Letter

October 13, 2009


Dear Family, Friends & Loved Ones.

Greetings again from South Africa. Time seems to fly by so fast as it is time to write again. We love telling you about our weeks and adventures and hope you enjoy reading about them! Ha!!

We hope you all enjoyed conference as much as we did. It is always so spiritually uplifting to hear the Prophet and all the General Authorities. It strengthens one's testimony so.

We didn't have anything planned for P-Day so we went to the church in the afternoon and watched the movies we told you about last week with the elders. They really enjoyed them.

We had a family home evening with Gary & John O lene and we watched one of these movies. They really enjoyed it. They are anxious to be baptized but we have to get them married first as they are living together. I think this will happen before long. The smoking problem, I believe is pretty much over. They seem like such such good people and they want us there everyday but we can't be there all the time.

We have been very busy this week on teaching lesson appointments. So many of the people we visit want us older missionaries there and we enjoy this. I think they have a respect for the older people. People over here don't live very long; they die at young ages for the most part.

On Tuesday we showed Desiree an old conference talk by Pres Eyring. She was not able to attend Conference. She had tears in her eyes during the whole talk as she was so touched. She always tells us how grateful she is for us. She says her life is happier now than it has ever been. She is worried about her husband as he seems so unhappy. He always seems to be gone a lot. He has been there a few times and seems like such a good man. We know that the gospel could bring much happiness and fulfillment to his life, like it has to his wife Desiree. Desiree just got a new car, it is BMW convertible sports car. It is white. It is so nice, she wants to take us for a ride some time. We are so glad for her as she is such a GREAT person.

We pray continually that the church will grow here and that the people will open their hearts to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ into there lives. Especially when you know the joy and happiness that it brings into their lives when they embrace the gospel.

We have been working a lot with Clifton and Elizabeth. They want to be baptized so bad, but again we have to get them married first. BUT, first Clifton has to get a divorce from his first wife. He has put in for it and hopefully this will be complete shortly.

Well I had another birthday last Friday. They keep coming and making me older even though I don't feel older. I guess the gray hair (what hair there is) and being hard of hearing is a definite sign. I guess things could always be worse. For my birthday we had a 2 hour district meeting as we do every Friday and sometimes for 3 hours. Them we came to our flat and Sister. O fixed cheese crisps, ham sandwiches, cookies, ice cream, fresh chocolate covered strawberries and some cup cakes filled with strawberries. It was all very good!! They had me blow out candles several times, but we couldn't get them up to my age before they were burning up. The elders gave me a nice card they all wrote on.

Sister O made my birthday really nice. She is such a wonderful person and everyone loves her so much. She is such a great wife and I love her so much. She gave me a beautiful card, a really nice golf shirt and a used driver, like new. It is like I have at home so that I can go to the driving range and hit some golf balls once in a while.

Then we went to Plettenberg Baai for a baptismal interview for our African son George. I am going to baptize him next Sunday Oct. 18. This is really exciting for us, our first one. We got home after 6pm. We had some more strawberries, cupcakes and Sister O fixed some nachos with jalapeno. We were tired and ready for bed by this time. ( old remember) Ha!!

On Sunday we had a young man about 20 double over in pain during sacrament meeting. Pres. Matsaluka went to check on him and I went with him. Pres. Matsaluka asked me if I would take care of this and I said I would be happy to do so. I got Elder Botes and Nyoka to help walk him to the car as he couldn't walk. We then took him and his mother to their home in Thembalethu to get his medical card so that we could take him to the emergency room at the hospital. On the way I stopped and got my anointed oil to anoint him and to give him a blessing. After this we took him to the hospital. I got them checked in and I needed to get back to teach my Priesthood lesson. After church Sister O and I went back to the hospital to check on him and his mother. When we got there the young man seemed fine and was walking around. Sometimes it is so amazing the strength that a priesthood blessing has. I have had a number of opportunities to give priesthood blessings. What a privilege it is to have the blessings of the priesthood in one's life. It can enrich our lives more than we can realize and in so many ways. The young man had taken a few of the missionary lessons, and when we took him home he and his mother stated that they wanted the missionaries to keep coming and teaching them so they could be baptized. They need to have all the lessons and be qualified in order to do so.

Sunday we had rain off and on all day. We had the elders for dinner as always, and we all enjoyed spending time together and sharing some spiritual thoughts etc.

Well it is about time to close. We want you to know how blessed Sister O and I are for serving here in South Africa. We love all of you so much and miss you more than you know. I want to thank all my children for the calls wishing me a Happy Birthday. You are a joy to me always.

We are so grateful for your love, prayers an support. Stay close and live the gospel principles and we promise that your lives will be blessed, as ours have.

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

Oct. 2, 2009 - Hello From South Africa

Dear Family Friends & Loved ones,

Hello again from South Africa. We are coming to the end of September and we have more to share since our last letter. On Sunday the 20th Pres. Goodger had us and the elders to one of his lodges (in Great Braak River) for lunch. It was a lot of fun and Sister O didn't have to fix a BIG Sunday dinner. Pres Goodger lives on a beautiful golf course in Mossel Baai and he invited Elder O to play a round of golf with him on Monday, which is our P-Day. You could see the ocean from every hole. It was really a beautiful setting and sure was a LOT of fun. It was only Brother O's second round in about 5 months. There are so many beautiful courses here and he wished he could play more.

When he got home from playing golf we had another senior couple at our flat by the name of Elder and Sister Harms. They are from AZ. He is from Safford, Thatcher area and she was from Elder O's little town of Franklin where he was raised. Her dad was Elder O's bishop at one time. They really didn't know each other, as he is about 11 years older. It is a small world. Sister O fixed a nice roast beef dinner.

On Tuesday we meet with Pres. Matsaluka and one of his counselors, Pres. Mtyobile. Sister O made a nice lunch with her left over roast beef. The Harms are a new senior couple here dealing with public relations. There are only 30 public relations couples worldwide and we have 3 in Africa. After about a 2 hour meeting with them about public relations, we took the Harms on a mini tour of George. We went to see Victoria Baii, Herolds Baii and a beautiful overlook of the beachfront of Wilderness. Then we showed them the river place where we have had the last few baptisms. Then we drove up on the mountain above Wilderness and showed them the Map of Africa. That is a large area that looks like the African continent, created by a river and some large canyons.

We then needed to get home as we had a teaching appointment with the wonderful family of Gerard, Desiree and daughter Elizabeth. The Harms went with us as they don't have the opportunity to teach in their calling. They really enjoyed the opportunity. They left Wed. AM and will be gone for about a month. They will be going way up to Durban with there call on public relations.

We left about 7 am Thursday to go to Port Elizabeth (4 hours away) for Zone Conference. All the senior couples were meeting for lunch together. Then in the afternoon we toured a game farm called “Kappa Gramma” We saw Warthogs, Bontebok, Giraffe, Impala, Duiker, Cheetah, Bush Buck, Water Buck, Ostrich & 3 Rhino's. On this game farm we drove our own cars around. On Friday all the missionaries met at a VW plant about 1 hour out of PE. We had a mini tour there and it was enjoyable but we didn't get to see the assembly line because of the number of us. There were about 50 of us. That evening we had dinner with Pres. & Sister Probst and that is always enjoyable.

On Saturday we had Zone Conference and we really enjoyed it. We started a 8 AM and left to come home about 3PM. Our next Zone Conference we will have Elder Hinckley of the 70's. That will really be a treat for all of us and everyone is excited about this.

We stopped at Tsitsikamma on the way home and visited with our Africa son, George, for a bit. His baptism is set for Oct. 18. We are really excited about this and he is really excited and can hardly wait.
He is such a great man and wants so much to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in his life. His life seems to already be blessed and he is so happy and has such a joy in his heart. That is so great to see and to see the changes in someones life.


It rained Saturday evening & Sunday. Being gone to Zone Conference, Sister O never really had time to prepare for her big Sunday dinner. So I suggested we have a Braai (Bar B/Q) hamburger, Vors, and hot dogs and she was all for that. The problem was it was raining, so we did it in the garage with open doors and windows. It was really good and the elders enjoyed it. Gary and John O Leen also came for dinner. We went to get them and bring them to the house. We had heard earlier that they had no food in their home, so we talked to Pres. Matsaluka about this. They are not members yet but we didn't want them to go without. Sister O and I went and got them some groceries and took it to them. They had nothing to eat. They really appreciated this so much and it is such a blessing to help people such as this.

Well one always hates to admit that they are getting older but I guess that I'm getting to that point. My hearing is getting very bad. I had it checked earlier and I have about 60% hearing loss but it is too expensive to get hearing aids over here. They run between 2 to 3 thousand dollors. Maybe later. I know it would be a big help in our missionaries efforts to hear better and to understand what people are saying. It is English, but it is still hard to understand.

Well it is time to close, I can't hear but I can see that this letter is getting long enough. We love all of you and miss everyone so much. We are so proud of our families and are so thankful for the great friends we have. We really enjoy hearing from everyone. You could all do do better (Please).
Those who haven't kept in contact – it is time to!


Love to Everyone

Elder & Sister O'Dell

Here are some new pictures: