Thursday, July 23, 2015

Rhinos, Lions and Missionaries

During interviews, Sister Dunn held a manners lunch where the topic of etiquette and manners was discussed and practiced. This was a huge success and the missionaries went away with some new skills that will help them impress through their lives. Also a yummy lunch of butternut squash soup and homemade bread was enjoyed. That Sister Dunn in one amazing mission mom!! 

It was impressive to see the missionaries prepare the table for lunch, without any instructions.


The final table looks great. Good job Elders!!

Elder Olson turns 20!!! He will go home when he is 20, because he was 18 when he came out. 


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We took a P-day and went to the Rhino and Lion Park in Krugersdorp. It was a beautiful day. Sunshine and in the 70's. Perfect!



At this park, the animals are fed, so they don't have to hunt. They have been rescued from the wild. 



There was an amazing variety of animals in the park. 



Rare Sable Antelope

Love the long, straight horns on this Gemsbok



The animals have learned to get along with each other















This is a male rhino


There were a lot of Ostriches, and I couldn't stop taking photos of them.  

We drove through the Lion and Predator Camp

Wild dogs taking a siesta 

Nap Time...I think we came at the wrong time




Naptime for the lions













White tiger

Elder Allred made friends with the pygmy hippo. He would come over to the fence and look at us with big sad eyes.



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We then went to the Creche and played with the baby lions. They were between 2 to 4 months old. So cute!




Elder Allred made friends with this 4 month old lion. He will have a full mane at around 6 to 9 months. They will weigh in at 550 lbs.






It was so much fun being up close and personal with these cuties



This lion wanted to play. He had my arm in his mouth! I could feel his teeth, but he didn't bite very hard.


I now have a shirt with two holes made by his teeth!


"Despicable Me"


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We met three girls from Israel! They are working here in South Africa. We had a good discussion about the church and Sister Jefferies had some pass-along cards to give them.
They speak Hebrew.


Such a fun day!
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Of course we made a stop at Rocomamas! 


Beautiful sunrise

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We moved the Cosmo City missionaries to a new flat. The district came in full force to help.
Here is Elder Irakiza, one of our new missionaries. He was so happy to help and jumped right in.

Elders Bonifaz, Allred, and Graham

Elders Irakiza, De la Cruz, and Graham
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Two new missionaries arrived from the MTC on Tuesday. They have been learning English. 
Elder Valikoula from Tonga


And Elder Randrianavalona from Madagascar, with companions Elder Quigley and Elder Ratsimbazafy