December 5th was the Area Office Christmas party. I can't believe this is the second time we've attended this party. It was held at the Sunnyside Hotel not far from the Area Office.

On left Shawn Donnelly, Pubic Affairs Director, Never from Real Estate and Jean-Marie the French translator.

There are some great young professionals who work in the Area Office. Sandile, Sidwell and Given are all returned missionaries.

In middle Califonia and on right Kapu.

Mom with the Soweto Stake President Thabo. He is also the Director of Self Reliance for the Church in the Africa Southeast Area. He has a dimple which is even deeper than our granddaughter Chelsea's.

Monday evening, December 8th was FHE with the Area Presidency. Elders Cook, Ellis and Hamilton live right next door to the Area Office. This is picture taken in the Hamilton's flat. 

Here is a great story. This is my friend Jesse Arumugam. He is the Facility Manager for the Area Office and Temple.  He came up to me this past week and said, "I think I'll call you my missionary." When asked with he meant, he explained. "Well, you baptized Denise Milne in Bulawayo back in 1968, she married and became Denise Butterfield. Her son Jarrod Butterfield went on a mission to Durban, South Africa and he baptized me there." Jesse went on a mission to Johannesburg, South Africa. When I asked him how was his mission, he admitted after some prodding by me that on one Saturday, he and his companion baptized 31 new converts. If my eyes look a little teary, it was a moment of great joy to me as he had just finished his story.

This picture of our Institute Class at the Institute/Seminary Graduation. We had 6 get Graduation Certificates. From right, Robert, Obey a recently returned missionary from Ghana, Andrew, Jessica and Johanna.

Mom helping to hand out certificates at the Graduation.

Picture of Dorcus and Zanele at the OGC office Christmas luncheon at Moyo's a great African restaurant.

We get some of the cutest little visitors to the Office of General Counsel.

One of our Institute Class students, Tsepiso got sealed to Khanya in the Johannesburg Temple on December 12th. A mission highlight for Mom and I.

A very joyous moment for all the friends and families.