The 2nd half of the best 10 days in South Africa!

 After leaving Nambiti we headed through Golden Gate Park to the Bosotho village.  As we got closer the clouds got darker and it started to rain.  However, when we got to the village it quit for a minute and so we decided to take our chances and tour the village.  To enter the village you must be invited and welcomed by the village chief and his advisor.

 This is the chief's first wife's hut.  The first wife is chosen by the village.  Brittany is all decked out in the traditional clothing of a good Basotho wife.  The  chief's second wife is chosen by the first wife.  The chief's third wife is chosen by the chief himself.  Each wife has her very own hut in the village. While we were visiting the village it started to pour.  By the time we got to the last house in the village it was pouring so hard that we weren't sure how we were going to get back to the car.  Finally we just made a mad dash.  I ended up taking my shoes off and running in my bare feet.  We were so wet by the time we got to the car.

 After we left the village we headed for Claren's.  As we were driving this beautiful rainbow graced the sky letting us know the rain was over.  The kids had a fun time shopping in Claren's.  Even Rod had fun for a little while.  He and Dad make good company when it comes to shopping.  We finally made it home to Ladybrand about 6:00 PM and so we headed to "Living Life" restaurant for a delicious supper.

We headed into Maseru Saturday morning to show them the sights of this city.  We stopped by the Elders to drop off some mail and supplies.  Elder Sele and Elder Sekirime were glad to meet our family and convinced Brittany to have Anne and Ike write Elder Sekirime.  Thanks Anne and Ike for making him so happy.  We showed them around Maseru and stopped by the church for them to meet the young adults, etc.

 That afternoon we met up with The Shumway's and Elder & Sister Hoffman.  Elder Hoffman is a patriarch who came into Maseru to give patriarchal blessings on Friday and Saturday.  We enjoyed meeting them and we learned some interesting facts about the lineage given in a blessing - right Rod?  Elder Hoffman is also the mission medical doctor. 






After we had lunch we headed to the stationary store where we ordered all the school supplies that we were going to take to the non-school on Monday.  Spencer's co-workers donated money to support the children of this struggling community. They purchased pencils, scribblers, pencil sharpeners, crayons, scissors, glue, and 18 soccer balls.

 Sunday morning we headed into Maseru to Sacrament meeting and then headed out to Masianokeng for Sunday School and Relief Society.  After the block there was the baptism of two sisters.  It was a great experience for them to experience the meetings in Lesotho.  This little branch in Masianokeng is growing and I feel it will not be long until it will be made a ward.  I think our children will not forget their experiences this day. Each of our children brought over shoes, clothes, white shirts etc. that still had good use left in them and we packaged them up and took them to the branches in Maseru for the branch members to use.  We are grateful to Marilyn Ellingson for donating Mark's white shirts to the African saints.  They are so grateful for this blessing in their lives.  Again, thank you Marilyn!

Monday morning we were up and out of the house early to be into Maseru by 9:00 AM so that we could pick up the school supplies.  Then it was onto the non-school.  As we waited for Mathakenge (school co-ordinator) to meet us, the kids climbed this mount of rocks to enjoy this beautiful view.

 Rod found this cute little creature up on the rocks and brought it back for us all to enjoy.  You can see how it can blend so nicely into its surroundings.

 Brittany had her young women make 100 hair bows, head bands etc. for these children in this little community.  Mathakenge is modelling some of them for us.  She was so excited about them she took a couple home for her daughter.

 This is just a sampling of the school supplies and sports equipment donated by Spencer and his business associates.  As well, Inge sent another 80 books over with Rod to be donated to this community.  While we were at the school some of the children came up to me and told me they were loving the books that we had brought.  Thank you Inge and all others who donated to this great and worthy project.  We left these goods at the Chief's house for distribution.

 Mathakenge went through the bags of shoes that we brought out to this village.  She found these shoes in the bag, put them on and did not take them off for the rest of the day.  She was so excited about her very comfortable shoes.

 After we left the chief's house we went to the community school.  There we were mobbed as we got out of the van.  The children loved playing soccer with Spencer and Rod. They loved feeling the hair on Rod's arms and having him teach them to whistle with their hands.  We left three of the soccer balls with this school and they were very happy.

 Michelle and Brittany sang with the children.  The children could not stop touching their hair and skin.  They kept saying "you are sooo beautiful".  "We love you!: The children wanted them to take them home with them to their house.  We also brought out suckers and treats to share with all the school children.

 The children at the school sang for us.  They sing so beautifully.  I think this is a day they will never forget as they think about their experience in South Africa and Lesotho.

 This is inside their school room.  Brittany enjoyed visiting with the children - they insisted she sit in their desk.  They spelled for her and told about their school day.  Can you see the trouble maker through the window?

 After we left this amazing experience at the school we headed into Ty to the weavers.  This woman on the left is a weaver.  This is her granddaughter.  She is also learning how to weave.  Inge - do you recognize this weaving?  This one is almost finished.  Everyone bought a weaving to take home in memory of the experience this day.






These women are also weavers at this shop.  As we arrived at the weavers, there was another van of women there.  They were from Ireland.  They gave each of the women a bag.  In the bag was a knitted hat, scarf and gloves.  They were so excited to receive this wonderful gift.  They started dancing and singing their song of thanksgiving for the kindness shown to them.  You would have thought they had received a million dollars.  They were so very happy.

 We then headed down the road to another weaving shop.  This shop is made of beer cans.  Michelle loved this rug for her house and this is the woman who wove it.  She will always think of this day everytime she looks at this rug.

There comes a time when the laundry has to be done.  I am blessed to have a washer and a dryer but the dryer does not work well, so we dry the old fashioned way - on a clothes line.  Luckily the African sun dries things quite quickly.

 This morning we were off to the shops in Ladybrand and the roadside stalls.  The girls had a great time exploring the shops in Ladybrand and the stalls on the side of the highway.  Michelle got her trek clothes for this summer and some fun things for the kids as did Brittany.

 Unfortunately our time was coming to an end.  Wednesday morning we had to head back to Durban in preparation for their trip back home.  A quick last minute shopping trip to the beach shops found the boys testing out their drum purchases until Brittany begged them to stop drumming and singing!

 That evening we met up with some of the mission couples who arrived for the mission presidency meeting.  I had Sister Lombardi bring each of the girls a shway shway skirt for them to take home from Swaziland. 

 The next morning we picked up our bakki and headed to the airport where we had to say goodbye.  Parting was hard as we realized that we would not see each other for another 9 months, but we felt great gratitude for the wonderful time we were able to enjoy together.  We are grateful to the DaBell's who were kind enough to take care of Spencer & Brittany's children so that they could come and spend this time with us.

We were sad that Jenn could not come with Rod, but were grateful for her kindness in sacrificing so that Rod could be there.  Also, we were grateful that Kaleo was willing to keep all the balls in the air at the Enos household so that Michelle could come.  We know that both spouses sacrificed much so that Rod and Michelle could have this time with their parents.  Thank you to you both.  We look forward to the time when we can take a vacation all together and create more special memories.  Our hearts were full and happy as we heard that each of our children made a safe arrival back on their home land and were able to join their families again. 
In conclusion I will add a portion of an e-mail that Spencer sent once he returned home:
"There are so many highlights.  I am not sure how to capture them all in an e-mail and keep it short.  Below is my attempt.

- when we first got to SA we dropped the truck off at the church,  it was P day and a bunch of Elders were playing Bball and volleyball.  Immediately when Mom and Dad got out of the truck Elders came up to hug and greet them.  It was like the sons of Mosiah reuniting after their mission.  You could feel the love they had for each other and how much the Elders love Elder & Sister Holt

-without a doubt the day at the non-school is a day I will not forget.  We had a chance to spend time with children who have very little or nothing at all.  They hugged us, gave us five, held our hands, sang to us, showed us their school work, played soccer and volleyball with us.  It was a day I was reminded why the Savior loved spending time with children and why He exhorts us to be childlike.  Truly the children taught us that day and we were blessed to be part of a special lesson.

- seeing my parents interact with the branch members was amazing.  The people we met LOVED Elder and Sister Holt.  Seeing my parents in action was inspiring.

-ultimately we had a family experience we will never forget.  Spending time with Brittney, Rod, Michelle and my mom and dad was amazing.  Many times we felt and thought of Shauna."

We are grateful that our children had this experience to see and understand what we are doing and why we are here.  We love our mission.  We love the Lord.  We love serving.  We encourage any who are able to submit their papers and join in this joy.  It is the hardest, happiest work you will ever do. 

We love you all

Elder and Sister Holt

A Once in a Lifetime experience!

We arrived in Durban on Saturday and found our bed and breakfast.  We checked our e-mail and saw that Michelle had sent a last minute SOS that due to a terrible snow storm in New York their flight plans had changed and they would be arriving at 10:00 PM Sunday night rather than Sunday afternoon.  We were just grateful they were able to change their flights to Washington rather than New York so they could come.   Sunday morning we attended church at the Berea chapel - the first large ward we have been at in 8 1/2 months.  After church we drove around Durban a bit to get a feel for the city and then after a nice visit that evening with Elder and Sister Olson we headed to the airport to meet Rod and Michelle. They were very tired, but excited to finally arrive in Durban.  Needless to say - so were we - excited that is!  I kept watching for them through the doors as they opened and closed trying to get a preview as they waited for their luggage to arrive.

 Monday morning we took them right to the beach - the India ocean so they could get their feet wet and - stay awake!  They had a fun time playing in the waves and gathering sea shells for Rod's kids. 

 Michelle found this beautiful little creature and wanted to take it home, but was afraid it would be confiscated at customs.  So we left it at the beach for another day.

 We enjoyed looking at the amazing sand sculptures on the beach and buying "unbreakable sunglasses" from the beach vendors.

 Now that's a sandcastle!

Monday afternoon we headed back to the airport to pick up Brittany and Spencer.  It was so great to finally have our children altogether again.  They were also very glad to be together.  We got the rental van loaded up and Wayne drove the rental van and I drove the bakki and we headed to the Pinetown chapel where we were going to leave our bakki while we took our family around the country.  When we got there we found a bunch of missionaries playing volleyball and basketball in the church parking lot.  To our great surprise and delight many of them were elders that had been assigned to our area at the beginning of our mission.  It was such a glorious reunion.

 Rod and Spencer played a quick game of pick-up basketball with some elders on their p-day where we left the bakki.  We met up with Elders Gold, Ndivo, and a bunch of others.  We were told that our bakki would be safe at the back of this gated chapel, however, when we got back our bakki had been broken into, our radio/CD player had been stolen and all of the tools from the back of our bakki.  Very annoying.

 Meet Ted!  He had a friend named Bill.  These were roommates of Rod and Michelle's at the B & B.  Michelle tossed a bar of soap at Ted from the shower and Bill met his demise.  I guess this is a part of Durban I will become very familiar with.  We have not had cockroaches in Ladybrand - gratefully.  I guess there is something to be said for cold winters!

 In spite of making reservations for our Durban stay a month in advance - they messed up our reservations and they did not have room for all of us at the same place so Spence and Britt got moved to another B & B a ways away.  This is the indoor patio where they stayed. 

Our first supper altogether!

Durban has a very large influence of East Indian culture.  For supper that night we decided to try some East Indian cuisine.  Rod loves it - the hotter the better!  Dad likes his hot too.  The rest of us not so much.  However the bread that accompanies a meal is delicious!

 Durban is famous for its "naughty" monkeys.  These brazen little monkeys will find their way into any opening.  If you leave a window open they will be in your house and will help themselves to any food they can find.  A closed container is no deterrent.  They are very cute to look at - however they are very mischievous.

 We were up bright an early on Tuesday morning and headed for the Victoria market.  Wayne very quickly had enough of that and soon found a chair to wait out the true shoppers.  He was very good about carrying and holding the packages however.

We found some great bargains and fun trinkets at the market - Rod bought some beautiful "big five" replicas, Spence & Britt bought "Geoffrey Giraffe" and a fancy cow, Michelle bought some beautiful butterfly wing pictures.  Needless to say a good time was had by all. 

 We then headed down to the Ushaka beach where Spence and Britt had a chance to put their feet in the ocean.  As you can see - Britt almost got more than her feet wet!

Two brothers enjoying a moment at the India ocean.  What a great memory.

We tried two times to get to the top of this famous stadium for Rod and Spence to jump off.  One time it closed early for a soccer game and the next time it was too windy and they wouldn't let anyone jump.  Rod - you just have to come back when its time for us to come home and try again!

That night we headed to a mall to try to find some supper as it was late and we were getting a little hungry.  Everybody but Rod decided they just wanted some "Gelato".  Rod decided to try a little South African Sushi.  Once it arrived he dug right in - only to spit it out and throw it away.  He didn't realize that instead of wrapping the raw fish around rice they wrapped it around "Pup" (pronounced Pap).  This is a staple of the South African's diet.  It is kind of the texture of mashed potatoes, but it tastes very different.  I think it is an acquired taste.

 Wednesday morning we checked out and headed out to Nambiti Plains for our Safari.  We spent two beautiful days there and saw some beautiful animals up close and personal.  We were treated like royalty at this beautiful place and the food was delicious.

We loved the giraffes.  They are so beautiful and graceful.  The last day we were there we saw a "tower" of giraffes.  (thats a large group).  We did 4 game drives in total and with the help of Geoffrey (our guide) and the expert spotting skills of Rod (he was amazing at finding the animals) and even Spencer added his share of spotting, we managed to see all the "big five".
We had beautiful weather and a glorious time at Nambiti

This little friend was in Rod & Dads room when we got back to the room.  Rod tried to pick it off the netting to "dispose" of it when it bit his fingers.  First a crab in Victoria and now a cockroach in Africa. 

 This was the sunrise that greeted us on Thursday morning at 5:30 AM as we headed out on our 2nd drive.

 We had been following these cape buffalo's tracks for quite a while before Rod finally spotted them.  We got up close and personal to them as you can see.  They can be very cantakerous if they are crossed. 

 The elephants in this preserve have been very naughty.  They have been pulling up trees all over the place.  On Thursday morning when we came out at 5:30 to go on our drive the path to the Wyatt's room was blocked with branches that the elephants had knocked over during the night.  The staff had to clear away the branches before the Wyatt's could get out to the "vega". 

That afternoon we went to the Cheetah preserve.  Cheetah's have become an endangered species and they are trying to breed, raise and release cheetah's to keep them from becoming extinct.

 We were very fortunate to see lots of lions.  This is a young male lion just starting to get his mane. We were fortunate to see many lions that morning very close to our vega. 

A swim in the pool to cool off after a hot dusty game drive.  They had a great time.  After, Rod and Spence laid out in the sun. Unfortunately, Rod fell asleep and got a little toasted - to the very well done point.

 A beautiful African sunset!  It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful the African skies can be.  Morning or night - each has its own beauty.

 Zebras are very plentiful here and we enjoyed watching them. 

The Hippo's were performing well for us that morning.












Just before we left on Friday morning this herd of elephants came right up to the swimming pool where the kids had swum the day before and got a nice cool drink of water.  Look at the trunks of the little baby elephants barely reach over the pool to get a drink. Rod got some great movie footage of the baby elephants blowing bubbles in the water.

Alas, the time always comes when we have to end a good time. Here we are heading back to our van to leave.  Brent (left front row) is the manager of Nambiti Plains and did a great job of taking good care of us.  Geoffrey (between Michelle and I) was our game driver and did an excellent job finding the animals and getting us up close.  We enjoyed his great sense of humor and his willingness to teach the boys how to do the animal sounds.  We will always remember how he told Sister Wyatt how to tell the male Rhino from the female Rhino - right!

 We have had a great start to our time together.  We enjoyed playing games at night, sitting around talking and laughing and seeing the beauties of this country.  As this part of the blog is getting quite large I am going to end it here at this logical point and pick up the "rest of the journey" on another blog.  Tune in for the 2nd half of the story.

The Holt Clan!