It's Jacaranda Season!

Spring in Johannesburg means Jacaranda trees bloom...everywhere!  We could fill a whole blog with nothing but Jacaranda pictures.  Everywhere we go, streets are lined with trees filled with beautiful purple blossoms...and when the wind blows, they fall onto the roads, covering the pavement with gorgeous purple flowers.






Can you see why we think it is so beautiful in the spring here?  

In addition to enjoying the beautiful landscape and the lovely spring weather, we also participated in many activities and projects.  We celebrated Gordon's birthday by having a luncheon with some of the area senor couples.
We also said good-bye to Elder and Sister Johnson (area doctor and his wife) who completed their missionary service.  We have enjoyed a close working relationship with them and will miss our dear friends. Pictured are - left to right -  Dr. Johnson, Elder and Sister Foote, Sister Johnson, and the Lords' (In-field representative and his wife)
Our branch hosted a baby shower for one of the sisters and we were privileged to have a surprise visit from our area president (Elder Mark Palmer) and his wife one Sunday.

We do not celebrate Halloween here in South Africa, so the area missionaries decided to have a celebration of their own:  South African style.  All the food was local cuisine and everyone wore something that represented South Africa.


We also spent a Monday night (FHE) at the local Four Seasons Westin Hotel where we sat outside on top of a large hill overlooking Johannesburg.  Not only was the food good, but the view of the Jacaranda trees covering the city was fabulous.
In addition, we had a visitor this month:  David Fisher (son of our good friends Doug and Cheryl Fisher) had business in South Africa and we were able to take him to dinner one night.
We also work hard.  We continue to teach every three weeks at the MTC here.  We gave a multi-ward presentation on mental health awareness.  We were able to go to the temple with several other area couples and do sealings.  We were invited to attend and evaluate a couple of Pathway Gatherings in the area.  We continue working at the area office...counseling missionaries, young and old.  It's rewarding and it's very humbling to be part of the work of the Lord.  We recognize His hand in the service we give and feel very blessed to be here as the work of the Lord moves forward in Africa.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  President Russell M Nelson is a true and living prophet on the earth today.  Our Savior, Jesus Christ lives.  He loves us.  His Atonement makes change and growth here on this earth possible.  

We feel of your love and support every day.  Please know we love you and that you are in our thoughts and prayers. 

Comments

  1. Susan P.November 7, 2018 at 7:46 PM

    We love reading about all the good things you are doing. We had a Jacaranda tree when I was a child in southern California, so this totally made me nostalgic. I remembered they did get messy as the blooms fell to the cement! Prayers for all the best for our friends the Footes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 8, 2018 at 1:59 PM

    Awesome report Sue. I've never seen Jacaranda trees before - very beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

    Love you,
    Doug

    ReplyDelete

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