40th Post Mon May 10 - Sunday May 16, 2010

The week started out in a rather dark manner - the power went off while we were getting ready this morning. We got dressed and went early and finished getting ready at the mission office. Leona took a break and went with me to deliver a check to an apartment about 20 minutes away. It is nice to be able to spend a few minutes together during the day. We went over to the Chesnuts for family home evening. We enjoy visiting with the other senior missionaries. It is really nice that most of us live right here in the same apartment complex and in fact in adjacent buildings. Jessica and her family are in Utah staying with the Vances. They all went up to Marvins to a family party this evening so while they were there they called us on the webcam. It was fun to see those that were there and to say hello.

This morning I drove down to the Katy area to check out an apartment we moved out of last week. The Sisters who lived there really did a nice job of leaving the place clean. I will have to arrange with the elders to move the rest of the furniture out. Stopped on the way back to the office to talk to an apartment manager where we gave notice that we were moving out. Turns out we are now going to stay, but we will move into a cheaper apartment (smaller) in the same complex. We agreed on the date and I signed the papers, etc for the new apartment. Worked on paper work this afternoon and fixed another vacuum and got it running. This evening Leona went over to the senior sisters' apartment to do some sewing. They all try to get together one evening a week to work on sewing projects.

Wednesday I worked on the July arrivals photos and got the tracking board and mission office board photo templates ready. I ran some apartment errands and fixed another vacuum (I have a second job to fall back on when we get released!). It gets a bit warmer and more humid it seems each day now.

I met 4 elders at the Katy apartment that we needed to move the furniture out of this Thursday morning. They loaded up beds, kitchen table and chairs, a desk, easy chairs, dresser, book case and washer and dryer. The missionaries are sure good to help me when I ask. I stopped on the way back to drop a bed off at one of the sister's apartment as one of their beds was in poor condition. They also had extra furniture and several boxes of kitchen stuff to send back to the mission office. I had a real load of stuff when I got back. Elders Whitaker and Martin just happened to come into the office so I got them to unload the furniture for me. Thank goodness they were in the area.

This evening I taught the stake and ward employment specialists at the employment office. I remembered not to look into the projector light this time so all went real well. I believe this will be my last time with that assignment as Elder and Sister Thomas were there so they will take over next month.

We always enjoy our staff meeting with President and Sister Hansen on Friday mornings. He is very close to the Spirit and you feel that whenever you are around him. He talked a bit about the new "Leadership Emphasis Training" with the focus now on the "Gathering", and how that will encompass redeem the dead, proclaim the gospel, and perfect the saints. "Care for the poor and needy" has also be added to the emphasis. All this makes so much sense as we prepare on both sides of the veil for the second coming. What a blessing to have inspired prophets and apostles on the earth today.

Sister Hansen told of an experience their daughter Jessica had. She and has been with her folks for the past few weeks because she came to Houston to have knee surgery. When it was time to return to Provo she was going to leave on Wednesday but told her dad (President Hansen) that she felt that she should leave on Thursday instead so arrangements were made. At the airport, she was allowed to pre-board the plane because of her disability and quickly made herself comfortable with her immobilized knee. After a layover in Arizona, a blind man boarded early and sat next to her with his seeing-eye dog. He was very warm and friendly and didn't hold back at all, making it easy for Jessica to respond in the same way. He told her that he didn't mind being blind because it made his hearing more acute and he could tell a person's countenance by their voice. He also said he could sense her sincerity from her voice. She learned that he was 35 years old, had three children and that he was on his way to Salt Lake City for a Goalball Competition. He asked about her and she explained that she had been to Houston for surgery on her knee and when asked why she went all the way to Houston for that, she explained that her parents were serving a mission there for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and that her dad was the mission president. When the plane landed someone was supposed to be there to help him get to baggage but they were not, so Jessica said, "come with me." (Sister Hansen said, "it must of been quite a sight - the lame leading the blind." He invited her to come to the competition and Jessica did the next night. After the game he asked questions about her beliefs and Jessica asked him if she could send two missionaries to visit with him and his family when he returned home to Arizona. He didn't hesitate, "of course, I would love to talk to them!"

We must love others and not be afraid to open our mouth and share our testimonies of the gosple with them. As President Hansen says "We must pray, prepare, and proclaim".

The Vances called us on the webcam this evening so we got to see the Ennis and the Utah Walkers. It was fun to talk to grandchildren and to see how they are growing, little Braydon is not so little any more.

Saturday we did our preparation day activities of cleaning, washing, and shopping. We went down to the Willowbrook mall, which is about six miles away, to get some new running shoes. It took just over an hour to get there. The traffic was backed up for about 4 miles with a broken stop light. But we got what we went for and enjoyed our time together. While we were stuck in traffic we talked about the blessing of modern inventions like the webcam and being able to see some of the kids and grandchildren last evening. We were so thankful to be able to do that. It made us laugh as we talked about Michael holding Brayden in the air and his legs were still "jumbing", what a jumper he is!

We attended Stake Conference at the Hafer Road building. Elder Gibbon of the 70 was the visiting authority. The choir was very good and the talks were all so inspiring. President Hansen told of a member who came to see him a couple of days ago with a story to share. The man was in a fast food place waiting in line. At the head of the line where two African American men who looked at him with real interest and then whispered something and then look at him again. He wondered what he had done. It was so noticeable that others in the line were also wondering what was going on. One of the men motioned for him to join them at the head of the line, which he was reluctant to do but did anyway as the others in the line did not seem to mind. One of the men told the member that he had seen him in a dream, in fact had seen him in two dreams and that the member had something this man needed to know. So he said "what is it"? The member said I told them about my job, "no that is not it", he told them about his hobbies, "no that was not it". He then said that he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had studied and given seminars on black family history and that he had spoken with black congregations on that subject. The men in line told him they were ministers in their congregations and to "tell us more", which he did. By the time he left the restaurant they had invited him to speak at both their congregations and by the next day had received several phone calls from other black ministers to speak in their church's. What a powerful spirit that story brought to the meeting. Heavenly Father really does care for the one and is always looking out for His children.

We are so thankful to be missionaries, we have been blessed in so many ways. We love you and are grateful you are part of our lives.

Love,

Dad and Mom

39th Post Monday May 3 - Sunday May 9, 2010

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Early Monday morning we drove Jessica and Renae down to the Hobby Airport for their flight home - we sure have enjoyed their visit - hate to see it end. I then drove back up to College Station to take a bed for a new Sister that will be arriving tomorrow. The Sisters are moving to a new apartment in the same complex so I reviewed and signed the lease, and did the new apartment walk through and got the bed set up. The Sisters will begin the move with the help of the Elders. I got a call later in the day from Elders who's bath tub was cracked and leaking - the problem has been going on for some weeks now and has not be resolved. The apartment complex gave the Elders keys to the "show apartment" next door so they could shower, but still had not fixed the problem. I called and asked what their repair schedule was. The manager did not have a real good answer so I told them they should just allow the missionaries to move into the show apartment as it is all fixed up. Well the manager said we could not do that and even if we could it would cost a lot of additional money. I told her to call her boss and confirm that and oh by the way our lease is due the end of the month and I "hoped we could stay put". A couple of hours later she called back and said we have great news you can move into the show apartment at no additional cost and no increase in rent! Another tender mercy from our loving Heavenly Father. I went down and signed the new lease and got the elders starting to move. It worked out great - the missionaries were sure exicited to move.

Tuesday is transfer day. Lots of missionaries at the mission office. Leona and I prepare the snacks for the departing missionaries and those who come into the office who are going to new areas or waiting for missionaries coming from other areas. We had fresh fruit, muffins, bagels, cream cheese, etc. It all goes fast so I'm glad we always have extra. I took an elder up to Conroe to his new area as the APs were out with the van taking other missionaries to new areas and bringing others back to the mission office. In the evening, Leona and I went up to the temple to set up and to make sure the dinner was ready for the those departing missionaries and any family who came to take them home. The place where we get the Texas BBQ has one fellow who has a temple recommend so he always comes to bring and set up the meal. What a busy day.

Leona and the other senior sisters have been working with Sister Lish to help her make a "Texas quilt". Looks real nice so far.

Wednesday morning we set up snacks again for the departing missionaries and get ready for the new missionaries. President and Sister Hansen and the APs take the missionaries to the airport and get them on their way and then meet the newly arriving missionaries and bring them back to the mission office. We have a short orientation for them and the President interviews each one. I take photos of the new missionaries for the transferr board and mission office picture board. We stayed late this evening getting those photos prepared, printed and mounted. In my spare time I repaired a bed frame. Another busy day.

Thursday morning Elder Chesnut called and wanted me to take him over to an impound yard as a set of elders had their car towed. After we got that taken care of I drove a bed and the mail up to Montgomery for the sisters. The sister will be training a new sister that will be staying with them. Also dropped of a bed frame and other items to the Elders in Conroe.

Friday morning things were very quiet in the office as the new missionaries are in their new areas. Our ten new missionaries are enthused and excited. They are an interesting group and will be great. We are thankful to be able to serve with them and feel the spirit that they bring. We have two deaf elders now and boy was the one that was serving in our mission excited as he traveled to the airport with the AP's to pick up his new companion. I watched as they returned to the office, those two were signing back and forth so quickly and smiling from ear to ear. The companionship is a three some and the third elder can hear, it needs to be that way for obvious safety reasons.

Lots of paper work and apartment items to take care of today. I had a follow up appointment with the eye doctor late this afternoon. All seems well with my eyes, at least there appears to be no current effects of the incident of a couple of weeks ago.

This evening we did a 4 hour shift at the peanut butter factory. It was interesting to see the process up close and personnel. We sorted, packed full jars in boxes, put lids of jars, etc. It was a good experience to have at least once. Makes you thankful for the welfare system of the church.

Saturday we did preparation day stuff. We were invited to the Chesnuts to visit and have some fresh fruit this evening. It is always fun to spend time with the other senior missionaries.

Today is the Spring stake conference so we decided to go. This is the stake that Leona's cousin, Kent Chamberlain, is in the stake presidency. Conference was very nice. President and Sister Hansen, President and Sister Bradshaw (temple president and matron) and the stake presidency all spoke. It was a very uplifting conference the music and speakers all did well.

It has been a wonderful week to be missionaries - what a blessing!

Take care and may the Lord bless you all,

Love Dad and Mom

38th Post Mon Apr 26 - Sun May 2, 2010

It has been a busy week again here in the Texas Houston Mission. Monday we just did office stuff, pay bills and worked on transfer board photos. We went to the mission home for dinner this evening. The bishop storehouse managers, the Huntsville CES couple, and a church service proselyting couple are all close to finishing their missions and the new employment couple that replaced us just arrived, so we all got together at President and Sister Hansens. President Hansen has a real talent for inviting the Spirit whenever he does anything. He asked each person tell something about themselves that the others may not know about them. Elder and Sister Pittman (bishop's storehouse) told about their conversion and testimony, which was very touching. They are really salt of the earth folks. It was a wonderful evening.

Tuesday I was out inspecting apartments again. I checked the apartments close to the mission office. Had a bit of an issue with one apartment where we have four elders and a "few broken windows", but all in all the apartments are in good shape.

Wednesday we went to College Station to check apartments and to sign a new apartment lease. Leona went with me. College Station is a little over 1 1/2 hours away. I was nice to have the company. There are still lots of wild flowers along the road and every thing is so green now - a very pleasant drive. While we were in College Station (home of Texas A&M University) we looked up Dan and Ruth Barbie who were our neighbors in Saudi Arabia. Dan was home so we visited with him for an hour or so. It was fun to catch up with them and their kids. They had two kids, Scott and Carol - both are married and have kids of their own.

When we got back to the apartment we were locked out as the maintenance man had broken his key off in the door and they had to replace the lock. Of course, they forgot to leave the new keys in our mail box and since we did not get back home until after the office had closed, we had to wait for the after hours guy to show up and retrieve our new keys. We finally got into our apartment at about 7pm. What a beautiful day, very cool this early morning in the low 50's.

Thursday I hooked the trailer and truck up and helped the elders get a sofa and love seat from a members home for their apartment. Worked on more paper work in the office the rest of the day.

Friday I drove out to Magnolia to inspect a newly renovated apartment and sign a new 12 month lease. The owners had really fixed the place up. I'm sure the elders will be excited to move back in. I have inspected all the apartments now for this cycle. This evening we picked up Jessica and Renae at the Hobby Airport south of Houston. So thankful to have them with us for a visit. It was much warmer and more humid today.

Saturday we visited the farmers market which is always a colorful sight. We also went to the Galleria shopping center which is not far from our old apartment. We went to lunch at a salad and soup place then came home. We had the senior missionaries here in the apartment complex over for ice cream and to meet Jessica and Renae. It was fun to visit with them for awhile.

Renae is such a good baby she hardly ever cries. She was good at church today. The fast and testimony meeting was very good. The new bishopric had put a note in the bulletin today stating what a testimony should be. I think the members really tried to follow the counsel. It has been fun to have family here. Renae is just like Luke was at this age, long and thin. So thankful they could come to visit.

We pray for you each day. What a great blessing you all are in our life. We are so thankful to be serving this mission, we feel it is such a great privilege.

We love you

Dad and Mom

37th Post Mon. April 19 - Sunday April 25, 2010

Boy did this week go by fast! We went into the office early Monday morning as there is always lots to do. I took Elders Whitaker and Martin with me up to the mission home as the President has some furniture items in his garage that he wanted moved. We dropped the tread mill off at Sisters Young and Billingsley's apartment and put the rest of the stuff in the office garage. The Elders are always good to help when ever I ask. Seems like the missionaries have had a lot of bed bug problems of late. We have permethlin (sp) that we order from SLC which seems to help. P-day for the young missionaries today so the office was just buzzing. Happy Birthday to David today, 25 years old - how did he get to be that old already!


Tuesday I left right after prayer meeting to go do apartment inspections. I was gone most all day checking apartments in the south part of our mission. Only got lost one time today as the GPS just could not find the address on a certain road. I called the apartment complex and they gave me another address and I drove right to the place (close to where I was).


Wednesday I inspected apartments in the Montgomery and Conroe areas, which are towns in the north part of our mission. I got back in the mid afternoon in time to welcome a new Spanish speaking elder who just arrived. He seemed real excited to be back in the mission field. His original assignment was to the Dominican Republic, but had got so sick he had to go home for some time to recuperate. He will be with us for two years, so his total mission time is more than most. We were invited to the Johnson home this evening for dinner. The Chesnuts were also invited and the two sets of Elders in our Olde Oaks Ward. They had Texas BBQ, potato salad (Leona made), beans and all the trimmings. It was great. The Elders taught a real good object lesson on faith (using a tea bag!).


Thursday I drove to Brenham and Waller to inspect apartments. Brenham is about 1 1/2 hours away. There were lots of missionaries in the office late this afternoon as they had interviews with the mission president. Just before the Elders left (about 6 of them) started to sing Ye Elders of Israel, they really harmonized well. It was fun to listen to them (of course the Senior Missionary's had them sing more).


Friday I headed out west to the Sealy and Katy areas to inspect apartments. I spent some time in Sealy trying to find another apartment to move the elders into. Not much there in that little town. The apartment manager said he would try to get authorization to fix the old apartment up. I "explained" how important that would be for them to do that - I am sure it will all work out.


Saturday and we got up early to clean the apartment and do some shopping. Leona wanted to get some fabric to make a baby blanket so that was real exciting for me to help pick out the right colors, etc. Later in the afternoon the senior sisters all went shopping at the "big" fabric store but I got to stay home. When the Sisters got back we all got together for water melon and casserole. There are "picnic tables" out in front of the Sisters and the Chesnuts apartments. The evening was so pleasant we all walked over to the pond and fed the ducks (lots of baby ducks), the swan, and the fish. The fish would come right out of the water to get the bread. It was fun to watch.


The elders called us last night to see if we could pick up an investigator for church which we did. He was staying with his grandmother today so it was several miles from the church. Jeremy has cerebral palsy and is in a wheel chair. He is such a pleasant young man. He seemed to enjoy church. What beautiful weather we are having. The days are real warm now, but most evenings it cools down and with low humidity the weather has been great.

Melissa just called and there were lots of changes in the ward back home. Today they created the Newark 3rd Ward which is most of the Christiana Ward and part of the Newark 1st. There is no longer a Christiana Ward (it is the Newark 3rd of which we are now part). The Newark 1st ward Bishop is Karl Fails. The Rising Sun Branch is now the Bay View Ward. And there is a New Castle Ward. So six wards and two branches where there were 4 wards and 3 branches before. More details to follow.


It has been another wonderful week in the mission field. We pray that you all may have this blessing at some time in your married life. We are so grateful to be doing this at this time. The Lord has really blessed us.


We pray all is well with you,
Love Dad and Mom

36th Post Mon April 12 - Sunday April 18, 2010

Monday and David and Raquel left early for Idaho. It was fun to have them visit with us. The mission office is sure busy on Monday's - lots of missionaries come in on their P-day. I got an appointment with the ophthalmologist this afternoon. He checked my eyes good and told me I "would live". He took me off the drops I got at the emergency room and put me on just regular eye drops. He said my eyes would begin to feel better and the redness would be gone in a couple of weeks. The weather remains really nice, not so humid or hot.

Tuesday we went into the office early so Leona could get some paper work done, and I needed to pick up a check for the new apartment we are moving elders into today. Went by a members home with a couple of missionaries to pick up a sofa. I then drove to Magnolia (about 45-60 minutes away). We have a 4 man apartment there and we are moving one set of elders to Tomball. They were about all ready, good thing I took some empty boxes with me. Anyway we got all loaded up and drove down to the new apartment in Tomball. I signed the lease and picked up the keys, etc. Went to the apartment and NO electricity. This is the only apartment complex I have dealt with where the electricity is completely turned off to the apartment. Anyway I had contacted the electrical company the day before, but when the power is completely off it takes 3 to 5 business days to get it restored. I was not a happy camper, but we moved the elders food stuff into the other elders apartment in the same complex and finished moving in. I called our contact at the electrical company and explained the situation to him and he said for an extra FEE they could do an emergency power on within 24 hours. I told him to go ahead but it must be done before night fall. I took the elders to lunch and by the time we got back the power was on. What a day. Davud called this evening and they have safely arrived in Rexburg and will move into their apartment tomorrow.

Wednesday, after prayer meeting I headed to Katy to move the Sisters from a members home to a brand new apartment complex. The sisters were all boxed up ready to go and the apartment cleaned. They had arranged for two sets of Elders and another set of Sisters to help move. With all that help the move went quick. The new apartment manager was excited to meet the Sisters and asked if we had other missionaries we could move in. Well the other set of Sisters were standing there and said they would like to move but their lease was not due until end of August. It was fun to watch the 4 sister missionaries "deciding" where to set up the beds, the sofa, the book cases, the desks, etc. The elders were holding stuff while the sisters made up their minds - I just told the elder to get use to it!! It is a real blessing to work with such good, faithful young missionaries.

I took work clothes with me today and after our prayer meeting I changed and went to work in our garage at the mission office. It is where we store furniture and other stuff for the missionaries. The garage has not been cleaned out since I do not know when. It was a real mess and you could not get around to get stuff out when needed. Anyway, I worked all day and still more to do. There were 3 "broken" vacuums in the garage that I worked on. I got 2 working after cleaning the filters which were plugged solid and I mean solid. The other vacuum was plugged solid as well but the belt was broken - no wonder. The long hair was wrapped around the "beater bar" so thick that you could only see the very ends of the bristles. They were not vacuuming the carpets they were polishing them with a "hair roller". You got to love the missionaries. We walked around the pond at the apartment complex this evening and watched the baby ducks, turtles all over the place and fish swimming near the surface. A beautiful evening.

After our Friday staff meeting with the Mission President and his wife I went back to work in the garage. Just about got it all organized so we can walk in there and actually find what we are looking for. The Seniors all left a bit early today as we went out to eat to celebrate Sister Young's birthday. Leona had purchased ice cream sandwiches, so every time elders came into the office today we all sang happy birthday and gave the elders ice cream (that helps with their singing). After dinner the Seniors all came back to our place for ice cream and cake. We really had a nice time and enjoy visiting together.

Saturday morning Leona dropped me off at the office to finished the garaged job and she went shopping for a few things for the BBQ this evening. Sister Lish planned to have all the elders in the area of the mission office come to our apartment complex for dinner. There is an area with picnic tables so we have a nice spot to eat. I used Sister Lish's gas grill and we did burgers and hot dog, lots of salads, fresh fruit, soda, chips, and all the fixin's. The 12 elders sure enjoyed the dinner and it was fun to have them. After they all left and the Seniors were cleaning up one set of elders came back and said they were sorry they did not stay to help clean up but came back to help - bless their hearts - their Mothers have taught them well.

Sunday morning it rained, but still a great day in the mission field. We enjoyed church today. It is always good to partake of the sacrament and be reminded of what the Savior did for each of us. We talked to all the kids this week end. With modern inventions we were able to see little Brayden in action - jumping continually on Aunt Christine's lap and sweet Renae sleeping in her mother's arms. We are thankful for each one of you and for the wonderful grandchildren you are raising. Congratulations to Christopher for being selected as an academic scholar and being able to participate for three weeks in that program this summer, we are proud of you. We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Take care and be careful

Love, Dad and Mom

35th Post Mon April 5 - Sun April 11,2010

Another new week in the Texas Houston Mission. Elder Chesnut and I went to WalMart to get cleaning and car supplies for Zone Conferences this week. Leona and I actually went to lunch today at a Mediterranean restaurant. It was fun to have a shurama and baklava. They made a mistake with our order so they made another complete order in a take home box for us and when I offered to pay they said no. It was warm and humid today.

Tuesday and 180 years ago today that the church was organized. We didn't get up and run today as we had to be in College Station (1 3/4 hours away) for Zone Conference. I had to give a short speech on apartments. President Hansen said that was the first time he had heard the "doctrine" of apartments before. He said thank you for not just talking about a cleaning list. The subject for zone conference was repentance. Pres Hansen had ask the missionaries a couple of weeks ago to read Alma 5 and a couple of pages in "Preach My Gospel" - to come prepared to discuss what they learned and what they felt. The mission president is very good at setting the tone and inviting the spirit to the meetings. The missionaries really responded with great insights about their feelings and what they learned. The blue bonnets (Texas state flower) and other wild flowers were out along the road side - sure were pretty.

Wednesday and the zone conference was at the Hafer Road building, which is right next to the mission office. Another wonderful meeting and testimonies. Pres Hansen asked Sister Walker and I and Sister Young to bear our testimonies today. That was a good experience for us. David and Raquel got here about 8 pm or so.

Thursday and the zone conference today was in a church building about 45 or 50 minutes away. David and Raquel came about half way through the training session. They had lunch with the missionaries and met Pres and Sister Hansen. The agenda after lunch is to have the missionaries who arrived since last conference and those who will depart before next conference to bear their testimonies. Pres Hansen also asked Raquel to bear her testimony - she did a good job (we had warned them he might call on one or both of them). Alex, the assistant employment manager asked me last week to teach a class for ward and stake employment specialists again this month - which I agreed to do. During the presentation I pointed something out on the screen and when I turned to face the group I was looking right into the projector light. I did that two different times and thought - boy that light is bright!

Friday we did not go into the office as we spent the day with David and Raquel. It was another very nice day, cool and low humidity so we decided to go to the zoo. It was fun to walk around and see the animals and to visit with the kids. A 4 pm we loaded the mission van up with the other senior missionaries and David and Raquel and I drove us all down to Minute Maid Park to watch the Phillies and the Astros baseball game. The other seniors had not been to a major league game before so that was real fun. We really enjoyed the game (Phillies won!) and just being in the stadium. It was Friday night fireworks so that was even more excitement. A real fun day and evening. Getting out of the parking lot and on to the freeway is a piece of cake in Houston compared to Philadelphia. By evening I could tell that my eyes had been "burned" by the projector last night. It felt like there was a bucket of sand in both eyes. Just the same as a welding or arc flash. My eyes hurt real bad.

Saturday I got up real early and went to the drug store to see if I could get something for my eyes. The pharmacist advised me to go to the doctor as they did not have what I needed except by prescription. I went to the emergency room of the hospital just a couple of blocks from our apartment, seen the doctor, got my prescription, back to the drug store and home all by 8:30 am. By late morning we decided to go to the flea market for awhile, it is about 45 minutes away and boy is it huge. It covers a very large area, much bigger that Cow Town in NJ. We came back home and played a few games with the kids. It was cool and nice again today (I even had a light jacket on).

My eyes feel much better this morning (the drops really help), but Leona says my eyes look like I have been on the 3 day drunk. We went to church, but I tried not to look too many people in the eye - didn't want them to ask how the "party" was. We sure have enjoyed having the kids with us hate to see them go (they leave in the morning).

We are thankful for our family. This week it was Grandpa Pack's (April 6th) and Grandpa Walker's (April 10th) birthday we thought of them and spoke of what great fathers they were and the blessing of being born of goodly parents.

Have a safe and happy week. We love ya'll

Mom & Dad

34th Post Mon. Mar 29 - Sunday April 4, 2010

Monday and the start of a new week in the mission field. I took a mattress up to an elder who called - his mattress had a "hole" in it. Well actually the mattress had no support at all in the middle. I also took our notice to that apartment complex that we would be moving when the lease runs out in a month or so. It is the most expensive apartment in the mission at just over $1000/month.

Suzanne and Allen Smith stopped by to say hello at the mission office. She is my cousin and they are visiting their kids in Houston. Leona and the other senior sisters worked on a quilt that Sister Lish is making this evening. I worked on our taxes, which is always a joy. The weather continues to get warmer but still is very nice.

Went to the mission president's home today and got two beds that were in his garage, also stopped by the store and bought two new mattress. Back to the mission office and loaded the truck and trailer up with sofas, beds and other furniture for the move in Conroe tomorrow. Leona went with me to buy cleaning supplies for the missionaries this afternoon.

I left the office early to drive to Conroe. One apartment in Conroe needed a sofa. The other apartment with four elders is being vacated. I met two of the elders at the new apartment. I signed the lease, picked up the keys and we moved the furniture that was in the truck and trailer into their new place. We then went back to pick up the other elders and the remaining apartment stuff. The elders worked hard cleaning up the old place as best as they could. The refrigerator, microwave and oven looked all most new when they finished. One of the elders went to get the assistant apartment manager so she could do the walk through before we left. Missionaries have lived in that apartment for several years so it was well worn. Anyway she looked things over and as she was leaving the kitchen I said "check out the fridg" which she did and then I said check out the microwave, which she did - I was proud of how the elders had cleaned them up. I said they look great, huh? Well then she opened the dishwasher, just stared in it and then said "who is going to take care of the mouse"!! I about died. We forgot to clean the dish washer. Oh well we got all loaded up and moved into their new place. It was about 1:30 when they finished (I do not lift furniture as instructed by the mission president). I asked what their schedule was like for the next hour and they all had not schedule anything until early afternoon not knowing how long the move would take. I then asked if they had time for lunch with me at Ryan's? Ryan's is a real good "all you can eat place" and there is one real close to their new apartment. I learned of Ryan's with Debbie and her family as there is one in the city next to them in Missiouri. It was a fun lunch with those elders. One elder gave out at least two pass along cards while we were there. He is such an on the ball missionary. This evening we had 4 elders that live real close to us for dinner. They are fun to be around and have such a good spirit. A great day to be in the mission field.

Thursday was another moving day. This time we moved one set of elders out of a real dump (missionaries have been there about 12 years I believe), into an apartment at a members home. The elders who had been living in the members home were moved into an apartment complex closer to their area. The clean up and move went a bit slow as one set of elders were not well versed in cleaning/moving (physical WORK) techniques. But I was there with lots of father type instructions (surprise). Both sets of elders were real excited about their new "homes". The day was spent by the time I got back to the office, unloaded the trash furniture and put the trailer away.

Friday morning was our regular interview with President Hansen. It is a real blessing to be associated with such good men. He is a real inspiration and a faithful servant. He shared with us a letter hand signed by the first presidency granting permission for a particular fellow on parole to be baptised. Pres. Hanson said he did not expect the letter to be positive because of all the circumstances in this case, but that it is a real testimony to him that the Lord is in charge and that the First Presidency are so mindful of the one.

I had my last BCG treatment today - that really takes the starch out of me. Leona went to MD Anderson with me and got me home, then went to the office for the rest of the afternoon.

We enjoyed so much the conference sessions today. Thankful for the Internet that allows us to see and hear conference at home. I felt well enough to go to the Priesthood session this evening. Elder Chesnut picked me up and we went together. Leona and the other senior sisters went to the book store up by the temple and had dinner together this evening.

We were invited over to Sisters Young and Billingsley's for breakfast this Easter Sunday morning. It was a real spread with ham, eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, muffins, cinnamon toast, juice, fresh fruit, chocolate milk, etc. We had a grand time visiting and reminiscing of the days when we were growing up. We came back to the apartment in time to watch conference.

We are so thankful for this wonderful blessing of serving a mission together. We are so grateful for our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the atonement; to be able to repent and to be forgiven of those things that we do wrong and to try again to be more like our Father in Heaven. It has been a wonderful conference weekend. We are so thankful for the words of apostles and prophets. What a blessing to have their words to guide us. We love our mission and can not tell you how we are blessed to be here and how thankful we are for this service and His tender mercies. We know the things we heard and experienced in conference these past two days are true. We are thankful for this Easter day to be reminded of the Lord's sacrifice for each of us.

Each day we pray for your well being and for your continued service in the Lord's kingdom. What a blessing you are in our life.
We love you,

Dad and Mom.