Into South Africa

After a grueling 24 hour flight, plus 8 hours of layovers, we arrived safely in Cape Town, South Africa last Tuesday, July 20, 2011 at about 10:30 p.m.  With just a few cat naps along the way we were pretty wiped out when we arrived.  We are just now adjusting to the jet lag and are starting to feel ourselves again.

Mountains of Luggage

South Africa Here we Come!

We were welcomed by Elder and Sister Wood, our new mission President and his wife who got us settled into a quaint little flat (apartment) in quick time.  All we could think of at that point was a bed.  By 7:30 the next morning we were having breakfast with about 20 Elders (title of our young men who voluntarily serve two-year missions) who were at the mission home for transfers to new areas in the mission.  Of the 120 Elders in the mission about half are from the United States or Canada and about half are native African Elders from many of the surrounding countries. 

Meeting the Elder at the Mission Office

For the first couple of months, we have been assigned to serve in the mission office.  Elder Fowers (Clarke) will maintain all the cars and manage the flats while Sister Fowers (Luci) will serve as the mission secretary.  We have only had a few days of training so we will really need to scramble to get it all figured out, but with the help of the Lord we will be fine.

Our first morning---taken in front of the South Africa Cape Town Mission Office

Morning Breaks!...the view out of our mission office window.

MTC Adventures

We feel like we have left the planet.  Being in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) is like being in an entirely new world.  We have left all the crazy frenzy of daily living and dropped into an environment of quiet calm and peace.  We have spent our days among many other Senior couples who have also committed to serve missions throughout the world.  We have been schooled in teaching skills and gospel principles, but most of all we have had time to immerse ourselves in the scriptures and feel the joy that following Jesus Christ brings into our lives.

Each day we interact with the young missionaries---2,500 strong, who have put their lives on hold for two years to serve the Lord.  Considering the state of many young people today it is a miraculous feeling to see so many worthy, spiritual young men and women on the Lord's errand.

We ran into our nephew Elder Stoker the first day we were here and it was a happy reunion.  He simply glows with the spirit and is working hard to develop his Spanish language.  We couldn't resist the traditional pictures at the famous world map.  Enjoy!

Houston Texas--Here I come!

Missionaries at last!

Cape Town, South Africa---A long way from home!

Goodbyes

Saying goodbye to our family has been like taking a Band-aid off slowly--making it a bit more painful than you would expect.  Over the past three months, we have visited each one of our children and said goodbye to grandchildren; shedding a few tears each time.  It is hard to imagine how much they will change and grow while we are gone. 

Sis. Fowers Siblings and Spouses...Amazing Family!

Elder Fowers' Family...Our Hooper Roots!

 During the past week, we have been visiting our families in Utah.  Our parents are getting a bit older and are moving a bit slower and we have been thankful to be able to visit with them this week before we leave.  At each family gathering we have rejoiced in the love of a strong family who will carry us through their prayers in the coming months.  We have such awesome families and know that they are our foundation and strength.  We will miss you all!
      

Grandma Faye

Grandma Thora and Grandpa Dean