Here we are one week into our mission and I think I finally figured out how to post something. Well maybe. we shall see. I already wrote a family letter but I think I will share again our first week in Africa for those of you who just joined us!. We arrived on Friday, Sept 19 after a very long plane ride. We were taken to Duke's Court which is a walled compound right in Johannesburg, a city of 12 million. Our flat is really very nice. Large living room and dining room and a remodeled kitchen and bathroom. Large window in the office, yes we have that too, and living room so we can see the complex across the street. There are palm trees and many other flowering trees too so it isn't a bad view. We feel quite safe. The door to our flat has a tall metal locked gate and then you have another locked steel door to get into the house. There is security in the lobby and the parking is all underground which requires a code to get in. We have been on a walk or two but we have been cautioned not to go out after dark and since it's almost dark when we get home we haven't tried or rather I should say I haven't tried it. Dad on the other hand goes most every morning except the days we have to leave by 3:45 a.m. and 4:45 a.m. We have met so many wonderful people this week. The couples hale from all over, Maine, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and others. We have Family Home Evening with all the couples and the Temple Presidency on Monday nights. Joe was pretty sick with a cold/flu last Sunday but they had a progressive dinner for all of us to get acquainted. It was delicious and so fun. Here's an idea of what they eat: fruit - berries of all kinds, mangoes, pineapple, papaya, bananas, oranges, apples, etc. main course - stir fry with pork, beef, shrimp in a spicy sauce over rice and then dessert was some kind of pudding cake with custard on top...yum...The new couples got to go on a Safari but Joe was still down with the cold so we passed. I guess it was wonderful but they told us not to feel too bad since we will all go another time. Glad it isn't this week-end since Joe so kindly gave me his cold/flu!!
Working in the temple was just wonderful. We had the MTC there on Tues. and Wednesday and 9 young elders and several sisters received their endowments. It was such a spiritual experience for me. They all were so very reverent and spoke so softly and were so grateful. On Friday we had a wedding and the bride was so beautiful and when the couple came out of the temple all the family from Botswana were making this little chirping sound. Truly it was amazing. I worked in clothing, helped with the baptismal area, did sealings and worked in the name booth and initiatory as well as the sessions. What a marvelous experience.
Yesterday we got another assignment from the Temple President. We have been asked to attend the Soweto Ward and help out there. Yes, the famous Soweto...Mandela's birth place. They don't have anyone to play the piano so I will be teaching a few and playing most Sundays.Joe will have to get his driver's license because it's quite a drive there about 30 miles. at least it's similar to England. Everyone drives on the left! /scarry times ahead! We have a meeting tonight with the Area Presidency and also those who have been called to serve in the area so that will be good.Monday all of the couples are going to a bird sanctuary and botanical garden so I am excited for that too. So after one week I can say I think this will be a truly wonderful adventure for us. Thank you for your letters, phone calls and prayers. /We definitely can feel them in our life each day. We likewise pray for all of you our dear family and friends.
Love,
Elder and Sister Jarvis
Mom and Dad
Grandmother and PaPa Joe
Joe and Kathy
Elder and Sister Jarvis
Johannesburg South Africa Temple Missionaries
Monday, September 29, 2014
Monday, September 15, 2014
Our Farewell
Our Farewell was on August 31st. We had our family and dear friends, the Sawyer's come to visit. Here are some pics!
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