June 26, 2011

 Above: Brielle on her birthday. (6-16-11) 

Below: Owen and Brielle.

 Owen LOVES his sister.

 Below: Brielle in bed.

 Brielle is on the Left. Katie is on the Right. Silly Similar posses.

 Linkin was fascinated with the new babies.

Today, 27 June, 2011, we went to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort.  It was a beautiful, clear day, after a night of sub-freezing temperatures.  The temperature was in the 60's.

It is a very large garden in the middle of desert-like conditions.  The waterfall behind us normally has a lot more water coming over the falls.  It is called the Witpoorjie Falls and is the source of the Crocodile River.

As you can see, it is a very beautiful place.  It was nice to get out.  We have been unable to go anywhere for the last few months due to my responsibilities as the coordinator for the temple flats.

This is at the Malepe High School.  This is where we have church in the Tsakane (tsa-kon-ee) Branch were we are assigned.  The Tuck Shop is where you can buy supplies and snacks.

This is part of the school.  Note that all the hallways are outside.  On the second floor where the gate is open on the left is where we have Sacrament Meeting.  Many of the windows are open, some are broken, and there is no heat or insulation in the rooms.  Even though the sun is shining, the temperature in the rooms is probaly between 30-40 degrees. How would you like to go to school here?

This is Mom standing in the room where we have Sacrament Meeting.  The chairs are plastic and are not the most comfortable.  These belong to the branch.  In the other rooms where we have Sunday School and Priesthood, we use the chairs there.  They often have to be wiped off and are sitting behind old desks with wooden tops.

Between meetings, most people go out on the balcony and take in the warmeth of the sun for a few minutes before going to the next meeting.  The sisters we ride to church with are sisters in real life.  Both are serving here - one in the area office and one in the Family History Center.

This is one of the nicer rooms where the high school students attend.  Most of the rooms have graffiti on their doors, desks, and walls.  They have stuff stacked all over and usually have not been swept.  The halls and stairwells are also litered with food, paper, wrappers and other stuff.  However, we do survive.

Here is the soccer field at the high school.  It is winter here, so the grass is brown.

Brielle Giles (Andy & Em)

Hi

Spring.... er Summer 2011

Went outside today and was happy to see Mom's plants blooming. Here are some of the things I saw:

The little rose bush just outside the front door had some cute flowers. This was the first rose to bloom on it but there are definitely more on there!

The Perennial bush right next to the front porch (both bushes actually) have several buds on them ready to bloom. This one was the first to open up!

The Snap Dragons and Irises were out today as well!

Next, the Strawberry plants. They have pretty much taken over the area right outside Lindsay's window and there are a LOT of flowers on the plants!

In the midst of the Strawberry plants there is a little Rose Bush. No flowers to be seen on it yet, but the thorns are pretty crazy!

I'll post more pictures as more things start to bloom! :-)