Dear Family,

Mother and I have been involved in doing paper work this past week. We have a regional authority (Elder Elks) coming from South Africa to visit and help us in about one week since we are still considered new missionaries.

One of the many positive spin-offs of doing missionary work is that mom and I are with each other 24 X 7. This has never been the case before. We are therefore getting to know each other very well and are learning to adjust to each other in a way that we did not have to in the past.

There are many other blessings associated with doing a mission. We also study the scriptures together and have a scripture study period every morning but Sunday. We currently are reading the Book of Mormon together.

Mother took a picture of me standing in front of a bilboa tree. I have attached the photograph. These trees have enormous trunks and a very extensive root system that searches for water. They tend to grow in the southern part of Africa where it is dry and arid.

Mother is writing you a more extensive note on another computer across the room. Have a great week.

Love you all very much,

Dad (John)