The day after Christmas, Mom, Marge and Jeff Clayton and I drove out to Pretoria for a Braai (That's Afrikaans for barbeque) with Shawn and Debie Boshoff. Shawn is a lawyer here in South Africa and he is also the LDS Stake President for the Pretoria Stake.

On December 27, 2013, Mom and I flew up to Harare, Zimbabwe. We were greeted with a warm summer rain storm. The above picture shows the Harare skyline in the distance. 46 years ago I served here as a missionary. This short 4 day trip brought back some wonderful memories.

Forty six years ago I baptized Kelly Nield. She and her husband Alex have 3 sons. The youngest Jonathan has just returned from a mission in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He will attend BYU this winter and play rugby. The oldest Brent lives in Encinitas, California with his wife Candi.  Brent will possibly play rugby for the USA national team in the next Olympics.

Reg and Iris Nield fed me countless times while I was a missionary in Salisbury (now Harare). We were invited to stay with them on this trip. That's Reg at the end of table with Iris on his left. On the right side of the table are Reeve Nield, Lolly Maritz and Sharon Nield Spencer. Next to mom is CC Lundgren. Both CC and Lolly are professional golfers on the European tour. Reeve is their coach. 

Saturday morning we got a golf lesson from Lolly, CC and Reeve. Even after the lesson, mom is not too interested in golf.

After hitting a couple of balls, mom and Iris sat out and watched us duffers. The umbrella was for the hot sun.

We were joined by LDS Zimbabwe Mission President Bryson Cook and four of his missionaries. The young man in blue on left is Robby Spencer, Sharon's son. Rob Spencer Sr., Sharon's husband, is the LDS bishop for the Highland Ward in Harare.

When I was here 46 years ago, this was the Highland Branch. Now there are 2 Stakes in Harare. Yes, that spire is very high. It was said that the contractor for the chapel just kept building the spire until he could see it from his home. He obviously lived a long ways away from the chapel.

Inside of the Highland Ward chapel. I spent many Sundays here in 1967-68.

This is a picture of the government buildings in downtown Harare. On November 11, 1967 at this corner, I stood and watched Ian Smith the then Prime Minister of Rhodesia celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Rhodesian independance from England.

Downtown Harare, Zimbabwe. Originally, Fort Salisbury it was founded in 1890 by Cecil John Rhodes, the man who started the Rhodes Scholarships. The fort and subsequent city was named after the Prime Minister of England. The Economist magazine said in 2009 and 2011, Harare, Zimbabwe was the toughest city to live in, in the world. In the last 2 years, I think it has gotten better but Zimbabwe is still going through some very difficult times. Their entire financial system may collapse before the end of 2014.  46 years ago it seemed like paradise. Today it is rather sad.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has numerous chapels in Zimbabwe. This one built about 7 years ago is on the outskirts of town.

Sometimes the electricity doesn't work in Zimbabwe. When that happens and you're on the road, you have to be careful to watch for non-functioning signal lights. This picture shows what happens as everyone tries to get across an intersection, with no functioning signals, at the same time. We sat here for about 10 minutes until people started to back up and take turns.

This is the Nield home in Harare, Zimbabwe. We spent 4 very enjoyable days here with the extended Nield family.

Lolly and Reeve started a charity called "Eyes4Zimbabwe". CC and the entire Nield family now help with charity and humanitarian work through out Zimbabwe. Sunday afternoon after attending the Highland Ward, we all drove out to a nearby squatters' camp. That is Bishop Spencer in white shirt on extreme right. When we drove up to the camp, everyone came out because they knew the Nields were bringing them needed clothes, supplies, toys and even reading glasses. 

In order to keep from having a chaotic event, the women were told to line up on one side and the men and boys on the other side. Reg and his daughter Sharon in the middle.

Mom handing out wooden toy cars to the children. Iris Nield behind Mom and Rachel Nield is on left.

Clothing which had been packed at the LDS Church distribution center in Salt Lake City, Utah was distributed to all.

Mom making sure these young men knew what to do with a new toothbrush and soup. It was amazing how orderly everyone was.

Always happy. This visit was a belated Christmas present to many.

Sharon Nield Spencer on extreme right helping older lady determine what strength of reading glasses she needs.

After all the supplies were exhausted, the women wanted to dance. Not an easy feat with a large bundle on your head.

Mom and Lolly with Lolly's 7 Jack Russell Terriers. (5 girls and 2 boys). Mom was ready to bring one back to Johannesburg. What do you think Harry, Cannon, Margaux, Beatrix, Paisley, Dresden, Emsley, Chelsea, George, Sennett, Stevie, Adelaide and Leslie, should Grammy bring a puppy home from Africa?

I hated to say good-bye to my dear friends, Reg and Iris Nield. Reg has served twice as Harare District President for the LDS Church and is now the Patriarch for the Harare Stake.