New Beginnings

This past 2 weeks has brought new activities with our Seminary & Institute assignment. Classes are ended for the year, and the focus is on graduations and preparing for the new year which begins mid January. We have spent time checking records, printing certificates and diplomas, and visiting old and new teachers.
We decided that it would be a good challenge to meet individually or in small groups with each of the teachers for next year(about 50, spread out across the Gautang). This entails much arranging and then driving to find the church or location we have arranged to meet at. We have gotten quite a bit of it done, but we still have plenty to go. It is really nice to get to talk individually with our teachers and discuss their challenges and ideas. They are so dedicated and committed to helping their students.

Sister Nomvula and Sister Sofi, two of our Seminary teachers in Ennerdale

Some women in traditional dress at the school which Orange Farm Branch uses for Institute, Seminary, and Church meetings

Laundry day at the boarding school

Brother John, InstituteTeacher and Sister Dorothy, Seminary Teacher of the Orange Farm branch

I think yesterday was probably our best missionary day so far here. We started out visiting 3 far away churches and the Seminary and Institute teachers that will be teaching in January. We were able to have really good visits with them and were able to distribute a lot of materials and preview them with the teachers. I always think of the excitement I had receiving my texts (or later my students) who I would work with for the year when I was working. They get really excited as they plan for the year, just like I did. It is always nice to visit with them as well, so that was a good start to the day.

In the afternoon we went to visit an orphanage we had been told about, which we decided that we will help as a Christmas project, along with our children and their children. We did something similar when we were here before with a different orphanage, and it was one of our favorite projects.

The orphanage is set up to care for children who have lost parents due to AIDS, and often have developed the virus themselves. They get the medication they need, which is donated by the government, and wonderful care aiming to help them live the most positive life possible in their circumstances. There currently are 40 children between the ages of 5 months and 18 years. They have needs for food, school supplies, clothing, and just about anything you could think of. It is so sad to see the children, but so heartwarming to be able to do a bit to help them. We will deliver our purchases on Christmas or the day before, and will have a small, wrapped gift for each one. They don't have much experience with receiving gifts, so it is pretty fun to see their expressions!

When we got there it was middle of the day break time....definitely for the kids, and probably for many of the busy staff!

They have done a great job of painting the walls, some with optimistic messages

Some afternoon exercise and games

Emma (your left), the founder, and Susan who took us on tour

We also started working a shift a week at the Johannesburg Temple last Thursday. We had to make sure that we would have time to do it on top of our other responsibilities, but we finally felt we could do it, and the Temple President was very appreciative. We love serving in the Temple....All in all, the past two weeks have brought so many blessings. We are so grateful for the opportunity to do this work. The weeks and months are just flying by!