Johannesburg Visit December 2004

Meeting with Elders Golden and Parmley of the Africa Southwest Area. President Snow was on leave in Utah during the time of the meeting. WE went to Jo'berg to meet with this Area Presidency as the DRC - whom we also serve here in the Ghana MTC with our French program - is a part of the Africa Southeast Area. It was nice to be back in some very familiar surroundings with some wonderful friends and associates.
Meeting with President and Sister Armstrong, the Jo'berg MTC President. The MTC had been created from the office space that we had previously occupied as the Area CES offices. It made it very small and compact compared to the large and spacious building we in Ghana are used to, but they had a wonderful spirit in their building.
Looking from the new CES Area offices back towards the newly remodeled MTC and the Johannesburg Mission office - incredible memories. Wonderful rain to cool and freshen the air and feelings.
The newly built CES Area offices. WE had worked on the plans and designs and had been there during most of the construction and came home just weeks before occupancy. Within this building Dr. Kumbulani Mdletsche, the new Area Director, Marius VanMollendorf, Annette VanRooyen and Norma 'Jean' Lombard plus missionary couples work to direct the CES activities for 23 African Countries.
Sandton Square in the heart of Johannesburg - many patio dinners, ice cream, book store and even a movie or two were enjoyed in this very large and modern mall and outdoor concert location. Papa's was our favorite eating spot - the home of the famous 'leg of lamb' that changes nationalities with their special spices and preparations.
King of the Kruger. An outing with Brad Howell and Paul Johnson of the CES Home Office and Elder and Sister Monson of Roy, Utah serving one of their many CES missions to Africa, produced some wonderful 'memories' and shots. This Safari was not taken during this December trip but happened during our 'days' in Southeast Africa in the years 2001 to 2003.
Both were debating what - and maybe who - was going to be for lunch.
Sister Ritchie was glad that the Lion had to eat both me and Paul Johnson (now Elder Johnson of the 70) before he got to her. That brought a wonderful smile to her already lovely face.