Jo'berg and the South Africa branch

Are we there yet

After a long flight to London, and incredibly short connection to the even longer flight to Jo'berg, we arrived in South Africa!!!  We ate and slept the entire time. In fact, there is quite a bit of photo evidence of Kevin's attempt to catch up on his lost sleep.  Maydelle was kind enough to "stop the river" that was flowing freely at one point during his slumber.  He didn't even wake up as she tried to clean him up.  

How's it possible that we don't even look jet lagged

Based on some good advice, we made every effort to stay awake despite our state of delirium.  We took quick showers and immediately re-convened as a group in the lobby - heading nowhere.  The concierge suggested that we take a taxi to the mall for $R500 ($50 US).  But since the hotel was connected to some eating options, we decided to walk around the local area before going offsite. Now with a group of 8, we decided to start off our trip with some authentic African food.  The group sampled the likes of kudu (antelope), impala, warthog (tasted like pork chops), and ostrich. At our table, we had friends from Albanian, Chinese, English, French and Spanish congregations. Truly international. 

Good food, good friends

After the meal, we walked around the beautiful grounds and enjoyed the early sunset at around 5:30.  This didn't help at all with our efforts to stay awake!  But after meeting with some of the other delegates arriving at the hotel, we all crashed hard for the night.

Can you see the African sunset from your phone Stacy?

Our very first South African sunset

International group selfie

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To Jehovah's house we go, again!

After a lovely breakfast with some new friends from Chicago, we were off to visit the branch office in South Africa.  En route, we learned that there are 11 official languages.  Zulu is most widely used, English most common for business.

The So Africa branch office oversees K Hall construction in all of Africa and all of the translation work.  In 1902, the first shipment of literature was received in So Africa.  In 1949, the first Zulu WT was printed. Our tour guide, Bro Siyabonga Majola (Durban) is from Zulu tribe and shared that his parents are not in the truth; his granny made sure he knew Jehovah.  He has been serving at Bethel for 3 years. 

We also got to meet Noni from Soweto who works in the graphics department. She says she gets to play with pictures all day. She invited us to come again so we could go to Soweto and have a real treat: Cow's head.  Can hardly wait.

After the branch tour, we went to a exquisite botanical garden where Stacy showed me where my future paradise home will be located.  We look forward to inviting all of our friends, both old and new to our new place.  Open invitation - bring your hiking boots!