Our "African" San Diego Birthday Weekend

The first Monday of Dec. the Smiths invited us to their apartment for FHE with the couples.
We were going to see the pictures of the Moons' trip to Luputa, where I've always wanted to go and won't get to see.  However, it turned out to be a little surprise party for my birthday. These sweet senior missionary friends add so much to our life here.  We love these couples!

 

 Some weeks back Brent told me that he had planned a "San Diego Birthday getaway" for me. I knew immediately what that meant. We were going to be in Libreville, Gabon. We had recently received permission to create the first branch there.  It's a nice African city, which we have dubbed "San Diego à l'Afrique."  It is really a pleasant place, in a very African sort of way.  We stayed in a hotel on the beach and if you stretch your imagination a little  (no! a lot) you can think that you're in San Diego. However, it's definitely not the Hotel Del Coronado, even though it's about the same price to stay there.

  Meridian Hotel on the Beach in Libreville, Gabon.

The city is the nicest, cleanest and most comfortable in our mission. The Security man, who accompanied Elder Holland in November, was also there to assess the city. He was very impressed with its security.  We were amazed to see almost no barbed wire and generally there was no heavy security outside of properties.There were many Europeans and  people walked the streets without apparent concern. Those were all good signs that this is a safe and healthy city.

I actually sat in the lounge chairs, listened to the ocean and read for while when Brent was in meetings. In the afternoon we visited an arts and crafts marché and bought a solitaire game that I've wanted. The grandkids will love it. I must admit that I'm actually a bit addicted. We watched the sun set over the ocean and it was a beautiful evening. We talked with our kids too.  This was a birthday that is completely unique and I will not forget.