SWAZILAND ZONE

Our first Zone meeting in New Castle; we spent the night with Elder and Sister Ward, this was the first time for us to meet them.  They became very dear friends during the 23 months we served together and several Zone Conference Meetings.  This was the first and last one with President and Sister Mann.   In the short time we worked with the Manns we truly came to love them.

1st WEEK IN SWAZILAND

Every missionary seems to have their picture taken at the world map in the Provo MTC, we were no different.

At the airport where Rachel and Brian dropped us off.  So excited to be leaving.

The Bed and Breakfast where we stayed the 2 nights in Durban before travelling to Swaziland.

The Bed and Breakfast that was our home for one month until Elder and Sister Wilson left for home.  Bethel Court. 

The house missionary Couples have rented for several years.  We will be the 3rd couple to stay here.  It is in a beautiful garden setting in the middle of a plant nursery.

The garden of the Manzini Chapel; by far the most beautiful Church in Swaziland.

This bridge was on the way to Nhlangano and Elder Blackburn loved stopping there.

Packages on the head became a common sight as well as the cows on the road.

These are pictures from the time we left the MTC in Provo to arriving in Swaziland. 

WE HAVE ARRIVED

According to Sister Mann: The eagerly awaited Blackburns arrived in Durban Sunday night. The plane was delayed in Atlanta, and although they made the connection in Johannesburg, their luggage didn't. Elder and Sister Blackburn spent 2 days in Durban just wandering around the Mission office and bothering everyone there.  After the luggage arrived, the next day they were given a car and directed to the Petroport where Elder and Sister Wilson was to meet them and lead them to their destination.  The newest South Africa Durban missionary couple handled jet lag beautifully and drove to Swaziland their second day there.

We did not realize what a rural country Swaziland is.  There were cows on the road from the time we entered the country.

ON OUR WAY TO SWAZILAND

Rachel and Brian with us at the SLC airport, do we seem happy to be leaving on this adventure?