This young man is the first deacon in our branch - Sibongisene Ngcibi. He likes soccer and field hockey. His sister is the first young woman in our branch. We have now organized YM and YW groups. I am teaching the young women and this has slowed down my posting to the blog. They are wonderful young people - so willing to learn and accept responsibility in the branch. 
I have included a few "random" photos of life in Port Alfred. Quite a few things seem unusual to me, but it might be because I have never lived outside the US before. (Elder Godfrey spent 3 years in Japan as a young missionary so he is not as surprised at some things as I am.)
A few things that surprise me: Eggs in the grocery store are not refrigerated. We put them in the frig when we get home, but no one seems concerned about no refrigeration in the store. Grocery store cashiers sit while they ring up your purchases. Makes sense, but you have to load all your groceries on the counter - no moving conveyor belt. None of the gas (petrol) statons advertise prices. We are told they all charge the same price for petrol or diesel. There are no self-service stations. We never get out of the car - the gas is pumped for us, water and oil checked, windows washed, etc., while we wait. Of course, we are expected to give a tip for the service. The usual amount for a tip at the gas station or for a parking attendant in all the parking areas is 2 rand - about 30 cents US. The auto repair garages are called "Panel Beaters." Haven't figured that one out yet.
Some of the phrases people use are very nice. If you ask how someone is, they almost always reply "Fine thanks, and you?" All of the children have been taught to say this. Instead of "Have a nice day" they say "Enjoy the rest of your day/weekend." If we thank someone for helping us, they reply "Pleasure!" We are often greeted and asked "Are you well?" Upon leaving, they say "Stay well!" Everyone we meet is friendly and smiles or speaks back.
At the first of the month it is nearly impossible to go to the ATM because of the very long lines at all the banks in town. Government payments are made then for women with small children and pensioners. 
This still looks so strange to us - passengers allowed in the back of trucks, but since very few have their own vehicles this is how the employer gets his men to the work site. We often see 10 or 12 men standing in the back of a truck and wonder how they all manage to hold on and be safe.
Woman and children gathering wood - I've been told some still like to cook over an open fire, but many do not have electricity in their shacks. It always makes me think of how at home we like to cook our supper over a fire on occasion in the canyon, but I wouldn't want to do it for every meal. We see wheelbarrows in and around the township. If you own one, you are very fortunate. 
The workers here are filling potholes. They sweep around the hole, dump in some gravel and then pour oil from the can and drive away. Doesn't seem like a very permanent solution. 
Thanksgiving Day 2009 - We met five of the other senior couples for a breakfast buffet at a nice resort near our area. These sisters have become my very close friends. I will list their names and the assignments they have with their husbands. From left to right, Sister Stone (from Logan) Seminaries & Institutes; Sister Miller (Midway, UT) missionary support and reactivation; Sister Tenney (Colorado) Employment Specialists; Sister Fullmer (Idaho) Elder Fullmer is Branch President in Grahamstown - he and Elder Godfrey are the only two senior missionary branch presidents in the entire mission. All other units have native branch presidents. On the far right is another Sister Miller (Wales, UT) Perpetual Education Fund Specialists. All of us are missing grandchildren back home!
This will be our second holiday season away from home. We miss family, friends, ward members and appreciate hearing from you. Our email is" katherinesgodfrey@gmail.com
Thanksgiving Day 2009 - We met five of the other senior couples for a breakfast buffet at a nice resort near our area. These sisters have become my very close friends. I will list their names and the assignments they have with their husbands. From left to right, Sister Stone (from Logan) Seminaries & Institutes; Sister Miller (Midway, UT) missionary support and reactivation; Sister Tenney (Colorado) Employment Specialists; Sister Fullmer (Idaho) Elder Fullmer is Branch President in Grahamstown - he and Elder Godfrey are the only two senior missionary branch presidents in the entire mission. All other units have native branch presidents. On the far right is another Sister Miller (Wales, UT) Perpetual Education Fund Specialists. All of us are missing grandchildren back home!
This will be our second holiday season away from home. We miss family, friends, ward members and appreciate hearing from you. Our email is" katherinesgodfrey@gmail.com