Summertime Christmas...

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                   

          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.