Mlilwane Game Reserve

Today is my birthday and the sweet Smith family (Jon, Ann, Zak) took Den and I to our very first game reserve.  We had a great day!  It is just a small reserve just minutes from our home.   Ann told me that sometimes everyone is so desirous to see the big animals, they fail to see all the  little creatures around them doing amazing things.  This was a beautiful place and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  Below are pictures of the animals and country we saw today.  We also met a man, Ted Riley, who is the creator of this and two other game reserves.  What a man with a vision – years of developing and keeping animals safe.  We went to his homestead where he grew up and now lives and had a wonderful visit.   After a conversation with one of the maids there, Ruth, she expressed her desire to receive a Book of Mormon.  So we told her we would return with the book and a picture that we took.  We spent the entire day in this beautiful setting.  It was a good day!

We went with the Smith’s to a Portuguese restaurant.  It was really good but I really am tired of eating out.  After we were home for a bit, we received a surprise knock on the door.  It was 10 Elders with a cake and birthday greetings.  I appreciated their thoughtfulness – with my family so far away, it was nice to have them around.  Their mothers have done a super job in raising such fine young men!

Thanks to all of you for your birthday greetings!  Thank you for your love!  Thank you for your friendships!  Thank you for your words of kindness!  The Lord has surrounded me with wonderful people!

Love you all!!  Taunia