Claytons.... OUT OF AFRICA: 2012

Getting ready for Christmas started early. By Thanksgiving, the tree was standing upright in the entry and I began the decorating for the So. Africa "White House." With limited supplies, I did my best to make things look festive and bright.

There are a few Congolese dolls on the tree along with mostly red balls and bows. The two trees on the sideboard were a bit of a challenge. I bought the grapevine trees at an African market. They cost about $7.00 US each. I pondered for a few days of what I could do with them and then decided to set them in Plaster Paris to hold them firmly in place. I asked Emmanuel to set them for me and he graciously accepted. One of the trees was completely crooked so it is tipped in the base now. I hope it holds till the holiday is over!!! I tucked in and twisted greens to hold the lights in place then added a bit of ribbon and bows.

Front door looking out to the yard and fountain.

Our front door on the right of the picture. I had originally planned to put a traditional wreath above the mantle but then I thought the picture of Christ was more appropriate and suited to the season.

We went to an evening Christmas market at the Bryanston Organic Market. There was entertainment, good food and crafters selling their wares.

We were invited again to Pretoria to visit with High Court Judge Bertlesmann and take a tour of the court house there. On our drive to Pretoria, we had to detour the freeway because of protests going on and traffic delays so we drove past some interesting townships that we had not previously seen. It was very interesting to see some of these places that still have no indoor plumbing and modern conveniences. Thousands of people live here.

I did not realize that this type of poverty was so close to us.

Office couples Elder Tom and Sister Sue Anderson and Elder David and Sister Pam Larsen went with us along with local counsel Shawn Boshoff. Everyone had a really wonderful time at lunch and on tour with the Judge.

Court house in Pretoria and surrounding square

The Courtroom and Cell

Inside the court room where the famous Rivonia 10 Trial was held and sitting in the seats of the accused are: Andersons, Judge Bertlesmann, Claytons, Larsens.

Nelson Mandela's cell. Earlier in the year, we visited this place but I am posting a few additional pictures.

While I was gone, my First Counselor in the YW Presidency had a darling baby girl named Nandipha. Nicole and Sandile (Makasi) call her Nandi and she is precious. The YW made Nicole a warm little blanket for the baby.

Shirley (blue skirt) has been serving as my Secretary this past year and she recently moved. I now have a new YW Secretary and her name is Zwane Nonthuthuko. She is very darling and the girls already love her. She has been married only 5 months and I'm happy to have her with us.

The Stake just had a Fashion Show for the YW. Not all of our girls participated but those who did, learned a lot and had a lot of fun. They reconstructed dresses that were immodest and made them more modest.

Jabu showing how she cut up a T-shirt and added the bottom of the shirt to make the dress longer and make a little "shrug" to cover the sleeveless dress.

Lolo added an "inset" to her neckline and made the T-shirt into a shrug, using the bottom to lengthen the dress too. The girls looked really cute.

The girls all enjoyed themselves at the fashion show.

Glory, Lolo 2, Mpumi, Jabu

After the fashion show, the girls went out to the parking lot and we waited with them for about 2 hours till the combi (taxi) came back to pick them up and take them home. They "played" till long after dark. They ALWAYS have fun.

Nonthuthuko, Glory and Odwa

Hanging out with the girls.... pretending I'm young and cute too!!!

Two of my outstanding Laurels: Lolo 1 and Jabu.

Last week, we went to Seminary graduation for our ward kids. Many of them attend, some of them got certificates and some graduated. We are very proud of all of them.

We see the Sr. couples daily and spend a lot of time with them. They are inspiring, enthusiastic, fun, accomplished and committed people and they amaze us with their dedication and devotion to covenants and to families. We love all of them!

One of the hard things is saying goodbye to them when their missions end. The one great thing about this system is that there is a constant turnover. Right now, there are about 80 Sr. missionaries (40 couples) who come here to serve in the Area Office in many capacities i.e. Public Affairs, Legal, I.T., Medical, Humanitarian, Real Estate, Temple couples, Mission Presidents and Office couples.

This is Sister Annette Curtis, wife and companion of the Area Executive Secretary, Richard Curtis, and Jean Hartman, wife and companion of Area Mental Health doctor Taylor Hartman. They are two great ladies!

Bob and Connie Rose arrived in October to serve in the AO as Real Estate missionaries. They have adjusted very well and are serving valiantly. We have known the Roses for about 35 years as friends and neighbors. It is great to have them with us.

Arrival at their new flat at Duke's Court. They are safely behind bars!

Elder and Sister Cook and Elder and Sister Soares - our upstairs neighbors! Great friends and leaders.

Elder and Sister Larsen - Jeff's trusted help with legal affairs - smart, talented, wonderful people!

Elder and Sister Murdock, Public Affairs visiting and training from Durban.

Elder Taylor and Jean Hartman, at their FHE farewell. FUN, FUN people!!!

At this farewell FHE, we all wore our "colors". (read the book Color Code - by Taylor Hartman)

Below: Elder and Sister (Dale and Ruth) Renlund, wonderful people, neighbors across the hall, dear friends! (red/blue)