Baxters in Africa: Zone Conference in Tzaneen

Early in December, we had the opportunity to attend our first Zone Conference. It was held in Tzaneen, a town about 5 hours from Nelspruit. Elder and Sister Moss were going to ride with us. Even though they had just found out that they would be going home in mid December, they wanted to go to say good bye to all the missionaries and other Senior Couples that they knew during the past 14 months that they had served in South Africa. We were glad they were going so we could have one last time together. We had become so close since we had lived with them for about 10 days while we were waiting for our flat to become available. They were such great mentors! They would drive us to the grocery story, or to a store to get something for our flat; to buy internet service and to buy electricity and drive us to areas where we have members and introduced them to us. We were sad that they were leaving, but we were happy that we could have one last outing together and one more chance to grin and laugh together as we did when we were staying with them.

We decided to leave about 8:00 in the morning so we would have time to stop and see some of the sights along the way. By the time we got our things packed, and the lunch and snack items loaded in that we were taking, it was actually about 8:30 before we really drove away. They decided to drive since they got free miles because their church is 30 minutes away and ours is in town, so we get no free miles.

On the way to Zone Conference in Tzaneen, we stopped at Mac Mac Pools, just a little past Sabie. We couldn't resist the opportunity for a great picture frame!!

Something about pink and orange that is really becoming!

Beautiful view of some of the landscape at Mac Mac Pools.

Interesting bird's nest in the trees at Mac Mac Pools.

Notice the opening is at the bottom instead of at the top.

This beautiful bird makes it's home in the nest above.

Beautiful Mac Mac Falls.

This lady is one of the many vendors who come to sell their hand made wares to tourists.

These men are carving African animals out of wood.

This is the way that African mother's carry their babies.

Hiking up the trail to see God's Window. It's a rain forest in this area.

Enjoying the magnificent view of "God's Window"

Looking down at the village shops at "God's Window"

Lots of souvenirs to choose from at "God's Window".

Here we are!

One of the beautiful flowering bushes outside the hotel
where we stayed at Zone Conference in Tzaneen.

Unbelievable greenery outside the deck of the Sanloo Inn where we stayed.

Fountains at the front entry of the Inn.

This is the small chapel that was around the back of the Inn.

Beautiful manicured landscape around the Inn.

Stairs leading up to the rooms of the Inn.

Marque outside the church at Tzaneen where we held Zone Conference.

Handsome group of missionaries at Zone Conference.

President and Sister Omer are in front middle.

Area President and Sister Renlund. He is a heart surgeon and she is an attorney.

What a blessing to have been taught by such spiritual giants.

The chapel where our conference was held. Unlike some of our huge chapels at home.

Catching a few winks while your parents sell their wares at the roadside stand.

We bought mangos from his parent's fruit and veggie stand.

This tunnel marks the division between the
Highlands of South Africa and the Lowveld where we live.

We stopped to look at some of the wares at this roadside shop. While we were deciding what to choose, Elder Baxter was telling the ladies about the church and handing out pamphlets and pass along cards.