Our friends, President and Sister Merrill (serving as mission presidents over Angola for our church here), invited us out to their apartment for some
Saturday fun. They invited us over during the kids' school break in December, but with a road trip to Lubango and
Christmas the next weekend, it was hard to get out there. We never feel motivated to drive during the
week with the traffic and crazy drivers, so we needed a weekend to make it work. Their apartment complex is in a beautiful gated community with all the amenities. We wish we could live in Talatona like them, close to the kids' school with a larger selection of grocery stores, closer to other expat families that are here working for oil companies, and in safe, gated communities that have yards and amenities. But unfortunately, the traffic is going the same direction as Briant's commute into the city would be, both ways, putting his commute time at 2 hours each way at least, and that's if there are no accidents, stalled cars, etc. So, we were grateful for the invite of the Merrills and the chance to stretch out a little and get to visit with them as well. They are wonderful, giving people who are great examples of sacrifice and service!
We started out playing tennis--3:00 pm was not the ideal time to play, with the heat and humidity at its peak, but it was perfect for working up a sweat before swimming in the pool!
The kids enjoyed playing (wrestling, beating up on) dad while I visited with the Merrills. :)
Rhea's flip flop broke, but Sister Merrill ran to her apartment and "McGyver'ed it" with a plastic circle that held it in place! She also spoiled us with dinner that consisted of delicious roast, potatoes, carrots, jello with fruit cocktail, green beans, and carrot cake muffins! We were happily stuffed. We ate and visited for a few more hours around the dinner table, catching up on life. She also had UNO cards, magnets and other little games that the kids enjoyed busying themselves with while we visited. The kids loved playing UNO with Sister Merrill because she's so fun! We REALLY enjoyed our visit with the Merrills and being in their company. It was good for our spirits to be with them. They were very kind to give up their whole Saturday afternoon and evening for us!
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