Elder and Sister Knowles are the senior couple who has been working the area that we will be serving. I wrote to them about a number of things and they sent back this great letter that told us more about our mission. In some ways this idea of following up where others started reminds me of Richards Bay where the Hafens and Bartholomews had the task of getting 4 brand new very small branches functioning and then about a year later we got to continue what they worked so diligently to organize.

“Dear Elder and Sister Pier,

Nice to hear from you.    I have forwarded your email to my husband who will look into the Knowles connection.

We do not live in the area where we work    We live in Johannesburg.    The result has been that we have done 4 hours of travelling every day to an back from Potchefstroom where we work and you will be living.   The Bishop’s who are in charge of housing have told us that they have found you a glorious and huge townhouse with 3 bedrooms and a study.    You should be extremely comfortable.

We drive an automatic but you will be getting a different car but I am quite sure it will also be an automatic.    We have driven our poor car to the ground.

As far as cost is concerned, I am afraid I think it varies for everyone on what you plan on spending and doing and how you plan your meals.     We have found it to be quite unpredictable.    We drive a lot and therefore pay the maximum amount for our car. $2,500 would probably be a fair estimation for you but who knows.

As you know, South Africa is a beautiful country with more than enough shopping opportunities.   I don’t think it is possible that if you forget to bring something that you won’t be able to find it over here.    So please don’t stress about that.

As far as the garmin is concerned – we have about a month overlap!!    So, we think you should just download the South African maps and then you can follow us around our area and you can mark all the addresses on your Garmin that you will need.

We pioneered the area and it really went quite smoothly to find out feet and get situated – it just took a while.     You are going to love it here.     It has been an marvelous experience and we have come to love, as all missionaries do I suppose – the people we work with.     Good luck on your flight and we will look forward to meeting you.

Elder and Sister Knowles.