Animals of South Africa

Today we saw a bunch of very cool animals! This is the first preparation day we've taken since being here! We drove through a private game reserve about 45 minutes west of Durban.

 I think these are called Springbok

 Ostrich

 Rhinos

 Wildebeest

 Springbok

 White Rhino - they were huge!

 Look at those eyes! Not sure what this animal is.

 Zebra

 Warthog

 There were lots of these plants!

 These were very large cactus trees!

 Not sure what this animal is, but it was huge! At fist I thought it was a giraffe. These pictures don't do its size justice!

 This animal was with the two above. HUGE! I think if I stood next to it, I would only be as tall as it's leg!

 I had hoped to see giraffe! There were about six! So regal!

 Monkeys

 This was a tall bird. It looked like something out of a cartoon!

Beautiful bird!

Second MLC Meeting

Our second MLC was held at the mission home's bunk house conference room.

 We are so blessed to have such fabulous missionaries. They are ready to implement the things they've learned at the meeting today. Love these young men!

 I'm grateful to these valiant missionaries!

 The missionaries requested to have a photo with their "mission mom"! I'm flattered!

 The missionaries will take the principles learned from the meeting today and lead their various areas.

 Discussing the future of the mission!

 We have some great singers!

 Food is always welcome at these meetings!

Animals

We saw these animals on our drive!

 Not sure what these are? Wildebeast? Water buffalo?

 We were hoping to see Zebra!

I don't know what this bird is either!

Sights

A few sights on our way back to Durban.

 Gas station. I love the thatched roof.

 Lot's of farm country.

 Goats!

 I'm falling in love with South Africa. And, this is what it looks like in Winter!

 The Drakensberg Mountains.

Roadside Artist

We pulled off the road to look at this lake.  In the second picture you can barely see a young man walking toward us. In the third photo, the young man had made these figures and was selling them. They are made of clay and he designed and hand painted them. We bought four!

Mission Leadership Council

We love these valiant missionaries! They are meeting to discuss ways to improve the mission. President Thompson said he was impressed with how well this group has captured the spirit of missionary work. We so appreciate their efforts, time, and talents to move this important work forward! Thanks Elders!

  

 Time out for pizza!

 A serious pose! And not so serious below!