Moving Day March 19, 2013

We have loved our home in Coco Palm Villas, but got the opportunity to move into the new, church built "Temple View Villas," as we call them.  They are located behind the Accra, Ghana Temple and the Area Office Building. This offers us great proximity to Gregg's work and the Temple grounds.  He now has a 3 minute commute on foot!

There are 6 apartments; 5 have 2 bedrooms and a study and one is a smaller one bedroom unit for a missionary couple.  Our neighbors here are the Africa West Area Presidency, the Accra Ghana Temple President, and the Executive Secretary to the Presidency.   

Groundbreaking occurred during our first year here and we got to participate.  We've been part of the entire, somewhat slow, construction process (kind of like watching your new home get built).  It's almost hard to believe that it is a reality.  As Gregg says, "Nothin's ever easy in Africa."  And this project was no exception.  But, the quality of construction is very good.  And yes, I swim every day (but Sunday). 

  

Another Mango Harvest

It's hard to believe that it has been another year since our last mango harvest.

 

This year I was much more cautious and only picked the ones I could reach, which was about 20.  And then I called in an expert.  Nicholas removed his dress shoes, climbed up the tree and retrieved the other 30 mangos.  We shared the bounty; he was perfectly satisfied with the arrangement and so was I.  





These mangos are big, beautiful and sweet.  Lucky me!

Florence, Italy

While we were in Rome for Christmas we got the chance to visit Florence for a couple of days with Scott and Melita Dunn.  We had never been there before and had a wonderful time.  We loved the churches, the festive holiday lights, and the amazing sculptures. 

Most famous is the sculpture of David by Michelangelo.  There are several outside replicas like this marble one in the Piazza della Signoria.  The original is on display at the Accademia Gallery, but the line was huge, so the replica worked for us.






In the city center is the Duomo or Basillica of S. Maria Del Fiore, which is breathtaking. This is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and can hold 30,000 people. The stained glass windows, multicolored marble, huge bronze doors, and paintings inside the dome by Brunelleschi are spectacular.    












There was a festive feeling in the air; the Christmas lights and shoppers made it a fun place to be.