They've Arrived!

We've received a letter from Ed and Jolene to let us know they have arrived safe and sound.

We are here in Tzaneen. It's the "Hawaii" of Africa. Our flat is nice and
secure. There is one other senior couple and they live across the hallway. They
had dinner and lots of advice for us when we arrived. Saturday (Yesterday) we
had the Christmas party that lasted most of the day. We hurried over last night
to buy supplies to stock our kitchen. About 9:30 pm we got a phone call asking
us to speak today. We thought about giving our farewell talks, but it's
Christmas, so we trusted the spirit. The people are truly "magical" and the
meeting went well.
Ed has been called to be the new Branch President but will
not be sustained for a few weeks. Luckily we were given keys though and I'm
using the church computer to send this email. The internet is a little
expensive and limited here. We were told that we could use the church's
computer for emails, but the other senior couple used all the internet allotment
last month because they Skyped their granddaughter's baptism. For that reason
we will get our own service but it might take a week or so. It might be more
limited that I thought, but I won't survive without it.
After church today the members stayed and visited forever until one of the
young men said, "I thought it was a tradition to have chocolate the Sunday
before Christmas." We just happened to have ice cream and chocolate bars
left over from yesterday's party. We pulled them out and had another party. I
guess it's okay. Last week they had a wedding in the chapel that turned into a 4
hour party. The very young (23 year old) counselor in the branch presidency
did not know what to do. This is only the beginning of our learning experience. 

Our little place is without decorations and the comforts of home, but we will have a
good Christmas and focus on what is truly important. As we interact with the
people already we have been humbled and are counting our blessings daily.
One new young convert lost her home in the last wind storm. Unfortunately when
it collapsed the people around helped themselves to what little she had. One of
dad's first concerns is how to get her a new home.

I better not take much longer.  Please pray for us and for the people. All is well.