We had a fun visit last night from Elder Smith. Bryce wrote that an Elder Smith would be delivering our last letters ( snail mail) from him. The minute I opened the door, I knew I was looking at Elder Smith ( never mentioned to us before by Bryce except that he would be coming and to make sure and feed him well). He came with him mom and three sisters. This picture of Elder Bean ( I am assuming since Bryce did not label the picture with who it was...just that he really was smiling) and Bryce is from what he thought was his last transfer and was in the letter. We had a wonderful visit with Joel Smith and his family that live right here --almost, in Leland. Wendy, his mom and I wished we had known about one another much sooner. Joel is now on his way to BYU Idaho and has made one mom very happy that he took the time ( he got home the day before) to come and tell us about Africa and the church there. Joel's mom moved here while he was in Africa. I guess Kim is getting trunky because he compiled data about Bryce's mission . I showed it to Joel and he found it very interesting and picked out names of the missionaries he knew or served with. Here is a summary: Bryce served in 8 areas, had 14 companions with 9 being from Africa and 5 from elsewhere. He was companions with Elder Nyzungu from Zimbabwe in the MTC in Johannesburg for 3 weeks. Elder Shipp from Calif. (?) was his trainer in Port Elizabeth-Kwa Dwesi for 12 weeks. Elder Baldwin from South Africa was his companion for 6 weeks in Kwa Dwesi. Elder Later was his companion in Port Elizabeth-Walmer for 6 weeks and Elder Robinson for 9 weeks. ( don't know where from). He went to George and had Elder Faerch from Johannesburg for 9 weeks. He went to East London and had Elder Marelmela from Johannesburg for 6 weeks and then Elder Nielsen ( his greenie) from American Fork for 19 weeks, then Elder Andriandrisoa from Madagascar for 6 weeks. He went to King Williams Town and had Elder Mdanda from Durban for 6 weeks, Elder Thethe from Lesothu ( only missionary serving from his country) for 6 weeks, and Elder Randrianirinaniarivo from South Africa for 6 weeks. He then went to where he really wanted to go and that was Capetown-Langa with Elder Bean from Lindon, Ut. for 6 weeks. He is finishing up in Port Elizabeth--Kwa Nobuthle where he began with Elder Ekeya from Uganda for 5 weeks. Here is a short note to finish on about Africa from Bryce: Elder Bean and I have been working with crazy less actives and we take time to reflect and think about all the crazy people we work with and their problems, all the insane things we see, feel, and hear. We can really see first hand the damage that Satan can do. I am so grateful for the circumstances that I am in and for the opportunities that I have. The people here need the gospel so badly but they just can't seem to get it. Satan has blinded them so much, led them sooo far from the path. It is so great when we are able to see lives change, to see people's countenance change. I think I'm going to have a huge culture shock when I get home. I guess I can offically start the count down since I have resisted the temptation to even think about Bryce coming home till now. Yippeeee.
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