October 22, 2012 

 AHHH…today we get to shower.  We tried the missionaries flat, but they don’t have water either. Sister Dell had offered to let us shower at her place, so off we went to take her up on the offer.  It was wonderful to have a real shower and get cleaned up properly.  Burglary is a thriving trade here in South Africa, so whenever possible, burglar bars are put on all doors and windows. At the church there is an out building where we store “stuff” and the room where the church computer is located is not secured. Rick contracted to have burglar bars put on these two places. While he was meeting with the contractor at the church to go over what was needed, a beggar from out of town came by the church wanting help.  Rick is always getting hit up by the beggars in town for food or money, but this is the first time someone from out of town has found him. As usual we helped him out.   We don’t mind helping those who are truly hungry but there are a number of “professional” beggars in town who just want money to spend on alcohol.  You are learning who they are and we help those truly in need.

The flood damage was not contained to just the Port Alfred area but it has washed out roads and homes all over the area.   We heard the bridge at Kenton on Sea has a lot of damage and is now closed to traffic.  This will affect Elder Alexander and his new companions return from Port Elizabeth.  We also heard the road to East London was out, so it’s a good thing we are stocked up on food, since all of that road damage will affect truck traffic into Port Alfred.  The adventure gets bigger all of the time.  We have put out garbage cans to collect rain water from the roof drains so we will have water to flush the toilets, but will have to haul water for dishes and showers. Today we heard that Elder Scicluna is now an AP…assistant to the President.  We are so excited.  That means he will be visiting Port Alfred now and then…I think he is excited as well…Rick called him to congratulate him and we heard him tell his companion that meant they would get my cupcakes…they are great, you know.  They have been named “Elder Sciclunas favorite chocolate cupcakes”.