Arrived in Johannesburg:


HI MOM!! I made it! I got into South Africa at 9 local time, went through passport stuff, and went to the baggage claim. (an interjectory note: I've been handing out quite a deal of pass along cards and been talking with a lot of people about the church at the airports I've been in. I gave away all those cards we bought to the other Elders to pass out too). SO, my bag was left in London, but whatever, I'm HERE! There was 17 of us missionaries (15 Elders, 2 Sisters) traveling from London. We met up with three Elders from Zimbabwe at the South Africa airport. Sooo, we jumped in a lorry (taxi style van) and went on our way to the MTC. The man who was driving us was very funny and informative. There are a lot of cool different things here. Jo-Burg reminds me of the Greater Los Angeles area in a way. Hot, a lot of trees, hills and such. There is a lot of poverty here among the blacks and colours. I am STOKED beyond anything to be here and to do this work!! We got to the MTC and we have about half Americans half Africans. The native boys are sooo cool! And so nice and kind. I really admire them and their desire to serve when it seems so hard for them to come.

There are about 30 (+ a few) missionaries here! It is gonna be a very tight knit group I can tell. The staff is also very wonderful. The spirit is good and we are willing. I am so so so excited to be here and to go out and teach about our savior and redeemer. To give these people truth, and help them as I've been helped in my life. The church is so true, otherwise it would not be here or survive here in Africa. I send you my love and I miss you and dad and Jordan; but also I don't miss you guys; I'm ready for this, and that's just what I will do. This is where I need to be, and so I'll stay here.

With love,

Elder Gold