Anniversaries

Jeff and Michele just marked their 16th wedding anniversary!  Since the last anniversary was spent apart with Jeff in Africa and Michele in the US, we decided to "go big" this year.  In 4 short hours, we flew to Mauritius and in 6 short days, we had an unforgettable holiday!

The island is famous for its sugar cane and sugar factories

The women of the Phoenix Branch at Church (where fortunately they mix Creole with English so visitors can understand!)

Michele with statue of Shiva where most of the Mauritians make pilgrimage once each year.

Cape Malheureux with several volcanic islands in the background

Black River Gorge and Falls

Dinner on the Beach

BFF's

Kate left this on our bed to welcome us home

We have a wonderful new au pair, Leigh, who stayed with the children while we were away.  We love her and are so grateful for all the good things she brings to our family!

 Kate with school friends:  Hayley, Regan and Ross.

John preparing to leave for Young Men Camp with Nate and Dallin.

When waiting in the car for long periods of time, Michele can sometimes be talked into a selfie.  With Charnell and John...waiting for Nate to finish rugby practice.

And finally, we celebrated another anniversary this week!  ...The kids and Michele arrived in Joburg on 23 March 2013...   At the time, we were quite homesick for our Utah friends and life.  (And we still miss our friends!).  However, we are grateful for the many warm and kind people we've come to know in Africa.  We are so thankful that in this past year, we have found not only comforting daily routines but also once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

We'll end with 2 jokes going around SA right now due to the heavy rains that are destroying the roads and the rolling blackouts caused by power shortages:

Did you know that South Africans used to drive on the left of the road?  Now they just drive on what's left of the road.

What did South Africans use before candles?  Electricity.