Happenings of the week 14-20 September 2009

This week as been pretty much a stay-at-the-office week taking care of paperwork and phone calls, only going out once to sign PEF loan paperwork with one of our students from the Phoenix Branch. There were no new patriarchal blessings in the past week, and we have missed the spirit that comes when transcribing those blessings. Saturday afternoon, Elder and Sister Markum came over to our boarding to teach us a new game called “Ticket to Ride.” Sister Markum had wanted a picture of her cutting bananas from the tree, so by coming here, she could have it taken. Arlo wasn't going to haul the entire bunch up to our Family Home Afternoon session just to get a picture! Sunday we attended the Berea Ward where we have several PEF kids who will need renewal loans this upcoming school year, beginning sometime in January. It is always good to be able to visit with a group of students at one place, like church meetings. Saves the k's on our car, not to have to make individual visits. The weather has been a mixture of temperatures, but very comfortable, plus the scenery is gorgeous as more and more trees and flowers continute to blossom and gain greenery on the once bare branches.
The real highlight of our week came Saturday, in an early morning SKYPE call from our son-in-law, Bill Loveridge, holding his minutes old daughter, Karsyn Jane in his arms. Technology is amazing - even with all the miles between Lehi, Utah and Durban, South Africa, we were the first to see this newest member of the family because of the time difference - Durban being 8 hours ahead of Utah. Karsyn came into the world on the 18th at 10:25 p.m. weighing in at 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 19 ½ “ in length. Like her older sister, she came with hair, which we are told has reddish highlights and some curl - wonder if she has Stephanie's genes in the hair department! Again, thanks to SKYPE we will be able to watch her grow, over the next 8 months remaining in our mission, until we can meet her in person. Karsyn brings to 12 the number of grandchildren (6 girls and 6 boys) that have come to our family. It is a truly great blessing for us, to share them with their parents and watch miracles happen.

Notice on the bulletin board in the Ladysmith chapel. Note both English and Zulu. Just like other parts of the world, the members are asked to help with the care of the building. The members are asked to use English during their meetings, but some struggle and many times announcements are given in both languages.

We have a troop of vervet monkeys visit us almost every day. We thought this photo taken from our kitchen window of a mother and new baby was worth sharing. The mom was very tender and protective of her newborn.

Wanted to share another humorous South African sign. We borrowed this photo from Elder Pier's blog which he took while visiting the Kosi Bay area recently.