30 Days and counting....

We are so sorry that it has taken so long to get back to the blog. We left home in the middle of October and were home for one day and off again to Johannesburg for the Mission Presidents Seminar. We returned home just a few days before Thanksgiving. Then to make things just perfect, we were without Internet during the holidays. Now here we are, Internet back up and running and here comes the latest blog. 

We went over to Malawi and had great conferences and up north and did the same. Johannesburg was wonderful. It was a lot cooler there then in Lusaka. It was nice  to hear Arlene say, "I'm cold". I thought it was wonderful. We even had some rain. It has been so hot here in Zambia. We are just getting into the rainy season. Everyone is busy planting the corn and crops. We are praying for good rain this year. 

We were very excited to listen to conference. We were really pleased to hear about the new format for missionaries. We were told at the seminar that our area will receive an increase of about 30%. Thant means we will grow again. We have about 22 new missionaries in process to come to Zambia & Malawi. We are thankful that so many young people will be coming to join us. We can really use the help. Now if we could get 10 more Senior Couples to come as well. We need your help in order to grow. If we had more couples, we could expand into the Western and Northern Provinces. One step at a time. We are thankful for the blessing we receive. No complaints, just hopeful. 

Thanksgiving was nice. The girls really went all out. Arlene found a turkey. At least that is what the package said. It was kind of a Zebra/Yak/ Tofurky kind of a meal. At least that is what we called it. The pies were the best I ever had. Arlene found two pumpkins and cooked them and made the filling and they were the best. We used bananas from our own banana trees in the yard. They were great. All of the couples came over and we had a fine time. 

We are busy as always. We will prepare for Christmas in the next week or so. All of the missionaries are looking forward to calling their families. We will get together in all corners of the mission and spend the day together. It should be fun. 

We will travel over to Malawi again on the 5th for about a week. We have to look into some challenges with the new flats and the new building construction projects. We are counting the days until Ed & Jolene Smith arrive. We hope to see them next time we travel to Johannesburg. We can hardly wait until Russ & Cindy Milhoan get here. We know they have really had a challenge with their business. We continue to pray for them. 

We got a small opportunity to Skype the kids the other day. It is great to see them, if only for a few minutes. We love our kids. We are so thankful for them. We miss all of you. We think of you all the time. As things change here in Africa, we ask for your prayers. We need your love and support. We have many challenges. We know that this is the Lord's work. We know that He is aware of our needs. We know that together, we will make a difference. We are thankful for all of you. We are truly blessed to be part of this great work. 

Until next time. We love you all.....

xoxo

M&A 

Two POSTS....

We posted two post today..... Mission Visit....and Established 1970....

We hope you like the pictures.....

Mikele & Arlene Padovich ....Established September 19th, 1970

In my life I have been blessed with many things. The most  life changing blessing came to me the day I met Arlene. Everything from that moment on has made sense to me. I had the privilege of taking her to the Los Angeles Temple where we were sealed together for time and eternity. That is where we began our life together. My life and hers has revolved around the Church. We both grew up in the Church. We have both served in the Church. We raised our family in the Church. And we continue to serve now in the Church. I don't want you to think that for me it is all about Church. I want you to know that the Church is my foundation and every thing else plays its part. My appreciation for everyone in my life who has taught, counseled, scolded or offered advice whether positive or negative has molded me into what I am today. The fun part about all of that input is you can use it or not use it. I am thankful for every part of it. I am thankful for the counsel, advice and patience offered to me by Arlene. Never in 42 years has her counsel or advice been unwelcome. She is wise, understanding, and kind. She is the kind of example that I want to become. I am in love with her today as the first day I met her. I am thankful to all of you who share your love with us. We have always told you. What you see is pretty much what you get. I am thankful that this little girl took a big chance on me. Last week we had the opportunity to travel to Victoria Falls and then into Botswana on Safari and to celebrate our anniversary. It was hard to express how magnificent the wildlife was. We hope you enjoy these pictures. The camera does not do it justice. 

I love my dear wife. I love my children. I am thankful for them and for the wonderful parents they have become. I love my grand kids. It brings me great peace to know that they are ours for eternity. We love you all. Thank you for your support. We would not have made it this far without you.

M&A

These little guys were right at our front door when we arrived.

We walked over to the Falls when we arrived. From our last trip it looked like they had shut off the water. A big difference from last March.

When the water flows over the rocks in the rainy season, it hits the other side.

This bridge goes over to Zimbabwe. We walked over this foot bridge. It took a great deal of talking to get Arlene over to the other side.....but she made it.

The locals swim in this area during the dry season. When the water is flowing it is bank to bank and 15 feet deep.

It is really tempting to walk out onto the edge. We were obedient....I took this with a long lens.......

Looking from the hotel into Zimbabwe.

If there is food....there are monkeys.....

We stayed at the Royal Livingstone Hotel.....We would go back there in a second.

Sunset over the Zambezi.....

These are not props.....I know that our daughter thinks that "dad probably paid the prop man to send them out" there is a large heard on the property and every evening they show up to feed.

It is so pretty.....but you must get inside before the mosquitoes come out.....OH BABY!!

Breakfast is served....

Lobby...

First picture on the Chobe River, Botswana

 African fish eagle. 1st cousin to our Bald eagle......really big!

Water lilies were everywhere. There is a bulb at the bottom of the flower that the locals make a drink out of. They also can slice it and cook it.

This guy was a great fisherman. After each dip he would fly back to his perch and dry his feathers. really cool.

Our first elephant....

As we watched them all come down to the river to drink. It was so hot. Way over a 100 and it's not summer yet....

It was so cool.

Yes you can swim....where are your "floaties"....

Hippo.....they make a great noise....

Cape Buffalo

This guy followed us everywhere......

always looking for a handout....

or just a hand.....

Sable Antelope

Everyone just hangs together...

We caught these guys going out to the island.....

The big one led the way and the rest followed....

Would you like a little bird with your butter......

These guys were everywhere....

Impala's or "CHEVY'S which ever you prefer...

We were in the jeep and we pulled up and right to my left were these young lions.....they were enjoying a nap....to hot to eat you, maybe later.....

The tall ones are from a "Kudu" the big one...no one knew.....

This is the ferry from Zambia into Botswana. This part of the Chobe River is where four countries share the same boarder. Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia

This one was right outside of our room.

XOXO

M&A