SmithsAfricanAdventures

  On Saturday, November 12, several of the senior couples visited the Nizamiye Mosque.  We have been there twice before, we went to Cambanos, an African store near by and joined the other about 20 minutes late.  Here the young man who was our guide is telling us about Islam and the 'stand' that the Iman goes up to lead prayers. It was interesting and informative - all the materials for the building of this Mosque came from Turkey.  The marble tiles and the carpet, all especially made for this Mosque.  See the red outline on the carpet - that is where one man kneels for prayers - the women are in the balcony.    I had forgotten that I needed a head covering - all the senior sisters had pretty scarfs, I used the dish towel that I had in the car to embroider - it worked! It is a beautiful building - and a very strange religion.  It's nice to know how some of our neighbors relate to 'God' and we are happy to be tolerant and kind. Entering the prayer r...

This wrap was my favorite!  Plus it was one of the easiest to do and have it look good! Mpumi helping Sister Richman while Sister Watson waits her turn! Love all these ladies!    We are so pretty!  We all love serving here and learning new things!  Thanks Mpumi!!!  

On Friday, November 4th, after work some of the senior sisters met in the Ruth Room for Mpumi to teach us African Head Wraps - she is so good at it!    Mpumi Alla - who is the secretary to the Area Presidency - taught six of the senior sisters how to tie 5 different head wraps - we enjoyed learning! Sister Goodson in the background - Sister Watson in green. The first wrap was one that began in the back - bringing the ends forward - I think it looks good on all the other sister and i look like a pirate!! Learning another wrap that begins in the front - we are so cute! We missed several of the sisters who couldn't come - but the six of us had a great time!  It is amazing how much fabric some of the different wraps took - almost two meters! Pictures of the styles and different ways to wrap - some for cancer patients who have lost their hair. Healthy munchies - since we met at 5:00 after work!   Mpumi and the first two sisters who came - Sister Simmons and Sister Go...

Sunday, October 30, was the Fairbanks Primary Program  Lindsey does a great job as Primary President and sent us the link so we could stay up and watch it!  Sadie was the first and did a great job.  Fun that Georgia is in the picture also - waiting for her turn! Georgia looking darling and doing a great job of her part! Neat that Lindsey is in this picture also - helping to prompt Tait on his part.  Pretty Millie with blond curls - doing a good job of her part.  We love Primary Programs and watching our precious grandchildren learn and grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ.    

  This pretty shamrock plant was given to us by another senior couple going home.  It is very happy on the shelf above our kitchen sink!  Thanks Elder and Sister Peck! Another plant we were given - it was just a 8 inch sprout in a pot!  It grew and branched out and made it all the way to the ceiling in our kitchen. Elder Smith took it outside and near our front gate - and it is very happy also. There are pink buds on several branches! The whole plant - so amazing. Another plant given to us by senior couples going home - small white flowers - smell good! This is a Dr. Seuss flower - we walk by it in the mornings...very different.  The man at the back of the picture is Brian, a guard that Elder and Sister Walston made friends with in their walks in the mornings.  He is a chef by career but can't find a job in a cafe.  He cooks for three couples and charges 500rand!  Great menu to choose from and we all enjoyed eating dinner together.  Elder and...

  Here is a picture of President Nelson Mandela with a child.  We have enjoyed doing service for a young sister that lives in Elder and Sister Johnson's branch an hour south of Johannesburg. Here is a picture of the 'care package' we took over to Thegofatso Mkhandwane - the young mother in the Ronald McDonald House at the hospital.  She was very appreciative.  The baby's had a little bit of a struggle, some infection and the incision opening up.  Both are doing better now - baby's name is Masego - means Lucky!  Beautiful little girl! Last time we visited - Thegofatso was working in the kitchen - preparing food for for other mothers who were staying there.   Mom and Baby.

  The last week of September, we heard news of Bishop E. Donald Ainge passing.  Elder Smith was a counselor to him in the bishopric in Eugene, Oregon - late 70's. Carrie Mortensen Eyre sent us a message on facebook, Mike Royal had sent her one about the death.  There was a link to the funeral and we watched the last of it.  We saw the last of Danny Ainge's talk about his father - so fun. He was a teenager when we moved to Eugene.  One good story I remember was that Danny asked his father to be his partner in a celebrity golf tournament - the next year his father was on the board of directors of the tournament! I didn't think to get a picture of Danny,  this is the last of four children and the only girl - Laurie.  She was in my Laurel Class and made the road trip to Salt Lake with 15 other laurels at Spring Break - Heidi's baptism.   View of the packed chapel for the funeral.  All the sons, Doug, David, Danny and Laurie spoke about their...