Namibia

Assignment:  Namibia

We were pleased to go do some training on Saturday with the Windhoek Branch Presidency and clerk, and also the first counselor in the Mission Presidency, President Swartbooi.  Only one brother from the Katutura Branch Presidency was able to come. 

In addition to going over their finances & budgeting etc, we discussed being wise stewards over the Lord's sacred funds and Elder Bednar's talk "Windows of Heaven" from Oct 2013.

Swakopmund

Sunday we enjoyed church services in this group that is not yet a branch.  They meet in a lovely section of an office building.  During sacrament meeting we were passed a note asking if we would be willing to teach during Sunday School about tithing and fast offerings.  Of course we were happy to oblige. 

Our training in Swakopmund was similar to Windhoek above.  We had in attendance the Group Leader and all Melchizedek Priesthood holders.  Br. Noble felt it would be excellent training for all the brethren to prepare them for future callings. They were very attentive and had many questions for us.   What a great spirit this group has!!!

The members expressed gratitude that we would come and be with them.  They told us “This is a once in a life-time opportunity” and they asked if we could take photos after church.

We are grateful for such great saints.  It doesn’t matter whether you are in a large center of strength type of congregation or a small group such as this.  All that matters is that the gospel is alive within us and that the Lord is our own personal center of strength. 

Group Leader, Br. Noble

Some very pretty buildings in Swakopmund

Going on a little Sunday drive after our meetings

Mountain of sand 

Mountains of Salt

Salt factory area

A man on a horse

It was a long drive between cities.  For long stretches it seemed we were the only people on earth until we saw in the distance a weary traveler on a horse.  The man wore a wide brimmed hat that cinched under his chin and long sleeves to protect him from the hot sun.  As we grew closer we saw him motion to us.  "He needs a drink" I said, as we saw him put his hand up to his mouth as if drinking an imaginary beverage.

The hot desert

We stopped and gave him one of our full water bottles.  He seemed appreciative and we drove on.  I'm so glad we came along to help.  As we drove on I began to wonder where he came from, how far he'd come and how long he yet had to go.  Would he have enough water for him and would he give some to his horse?  I wondered if any other cars would come along and offer him some more water.  I then felt sad that we didn't give him our other bottle of water.  I need to learn to think more quickly.  

Driving to Etosha on P-day:

Morning game drive before heading home:

Arriving back at the lodge, there was a herd of Blesboks
roaming the grounds. :)

Sossusvlei

We arrived a little early for our meetings and we spent all morning playing in the Namib Desert sand dunes, the oldest desert in the world!!

Giving the birdies water from our half kiwi shell

This fruit grows in the bushes and it's full of water.
This is how the animals survive in the desert.

Some parts of this desert only see rain once every 10 years.  Other parts once every four years.