53rd Post Monday Aug. 9 - Sunday Aug. 15, 2010

I have prayed often this past few days that we might find an appropriate apartment for the missionaries in Huntsville (we have to move out of the members place by Sept. 1). All the way up to Huntsville this morning I had a prayer in my heart that I would find a place. I had given the missionaries the name of a couple of places to drive past and just make sure they were in their "area". The missionaries had given me their first and second choices. I thought. maybe I should go to their second choice first as I thought that apartment might be a little larger and provide more room for the foursome (the outside appearance was not as modern looking). As I talked to the person at the reception desk she was having a bit of a hard time with the idea of a corporate lease and "missionaries" moving in and out frequently, etc. After a while the manager stepped out of her office and came over to the desk to help the lady fill out the forms we were working on. She then looked at me and said, "I am Lesa and I am a member of the church and attend the Conroe 1st ward and do not worry we will take care of the paper work and make this all happen". I thought this is it, we have found the place that the Elders can move into. I had a very strong feeling of thankfulness and gratitude to our Father in Heaven for his help in this part of his work, even the small "physical stuff" - what a blessing. The procedure is to leave your drivers licence with the apartment office while you go look at the apartment itself. Well. with all the paper work and needing to get back to the mission office I drove off without my drivers licence. It was not until they called me (just a couple of miles from home) that I realized I had forgotten my licence. After doing a few things in the office I decided I had best go back up to Huntsville to get my licence. I walked over to the employment office to see if Elder Thomas wanted to ride up with me. He thanked me for the invitation as he needed a "break" real bad. We had a delightful ride up and back (about 1 hour each way).
Leona had gone back to our apartment at lunch and put a pot of soup on and we invited Elder and Sister Stringfellow over for supper. They took Chesnuts place in the office and arrived at about 4 pm today. They are very nice people and we look forward to working with them.

Tuesday I drove out to Katy and Sealy to inspect apartments. We just moved into the newly renovated apartment in Sealy. As I talked to the Elders (foursome) I asked if there were any problems or issues with the apartment. They talked about a couple of items and then one elder said that one of the light switches was hot. I felt it and sure enough it was real hot. I asked if they had contacted the manager. They had called but only got the answering machine, which is the same experience I have had the past several days trying to contact the apartment manager. I told them to keep trying and to watch the switch. Well, I started for the door and thought you can not leave this apartment with that issue, so I turned around and asked for a screw driver, turned the power off and took the switch cover plate off. The switch and the hot wire to the switch were completely burned up and crumbled to "dust" as I pulled the switch out of the wall. Down to the hardware store I went for a new switch, piece of wire, and wire nuts. The elders seemed very interested in my "electrical wiring" skill - and asked if I was an electrician - no just a home owner - you learn a lot as a home owner, I told them.
We had Elders Hiatt, Haws and Elder Martin over for dinner this evening. They are sure good missionaries. We enjoy our association with them. Elder Martin is training the Stringfellows in their office responsibilities for the next week or so (the Chesnuts trained Elder Martin as a "fill in" until the Stringfellows arrived).

Wednesday I completed the apartment inspections for this transfer period. The apartments really looked good. It might have had something to do with the fact that I let it slip out each morning to the AP's where I was going that day - word can travel very fast among missionaries. We had one of those - "I never want that to happen again" experiences today. I had taken the car in for some work and went to pay for it, but our credit card would not work. The man ran the card a few times, but still not approved. I called the credit card company and they advised me the card was on hold, that someone in China had used our card to make a purchase this morning. They tried to make several other purchases but the card company caught it and would not approve the additional attempts. Well, the long and the short is Chase cancelled the card at our request and we will get new cards soon. What a scary deal!!!

Thursday, Leona rode with me up to Tomball and Magnolia to deliver some some book cases to the missionaries. The sisters in Tomball were so excited to see Sister Walker and that she had actually come to their apartment. We love the missionaries, they are so faithful and obedient.

Little Braydon is not so little, he turned one year old today! Luke started kindergarten today! The time passes so quickly, our grandchildren are growing up way too fast!

Friday we spent the day in the office and running errands. Elder and Sister Stringfellow are really picking up their duties quickly. They are both very computer literate; in fact, Elder Stringfellow is a computer programmer by training and experience. Our staff meeting with the Pres & Sister Hansen is always a wonderful experience. They are so positive and just full of the Spirit. We love being around them. Pres Hansen called on Leona to give our spiritual thought which she did without "blinking an eye" (she did not pass out) and did a wonderful job. The senior sisters, the Stringfellows and Leona and I all went to dinner this evening over to the Potato Patch. I think that is Sister Young's favorite place.

Saturday I got up early and washed the car (boy did it need it) and Leona cleaned the apartment. We fixed dinner for the senior missionaries here in the apartment complex. We had a great dinner and a good visit together. What a blessing to be associated with such good, dedicated folks.

Sunday we (senior missionaries) went to the Katy Stake Conference. We all rode together in the mission van. Elder Bednar was the visiting authority. We got down to the stake center in time for the new member and investigator meeting at 8:30am and then the 10am session. What a wonderful experience to listen and to feel Elder Bednar's powerful testimony. The choir sang "Beautiful Savior" the arrangement was wonderful and the music was beautiful, it surely set the tone for the meeting. Elder Bednar reminded us that we needed more than just a testimony, our actions needed to emulate our testimony.
He told a story about his friend who bought a pickup and drove to the mountain to cut firewood. When he arrived and drove off the road to cut firewood the truck got stuck. He thought no problem I will put it four-wheel drive but it did not help, only made it worse. He thought, well I am here so I might as well cut firewood. He did and loaded the truck and then he tried one last time to drive out and he was able to do so. The difference was the "load". The load helped him get "unstuck". He cautioned us to make sure the load we are each hauling is the right load. Get rid of the "stuff" that provides no "spiritual traction".
It is an exciting day for Christopher. He travels to school today and starts classes at the Northwest Missouri State University tomorrow. We are proud of him and pray for his safety and happiness. He is a fine young man and will be a great leader and friend to the many new teachers and students he will meet.

We are so thankful to be here and all of the missionaries we are serving with. We are loving every minute of our mission! We are so blest! Our prayers are with you. We love ya'll so very much!
Love,
Dad and Mom

52nd Post Mon Aug. 2 - Sunday Aug. 8, 2010

Another wonderful week in the mission field. Monday I finished updating all the apartment spreadsheets, including the inspection forms with the new companionship's. Also printed tracking board photos for all the senior missionaries including the new couples yet to arrive. The missionaries have to move out of the members home in Huntsville so I made several phone calls to apartment complexes in the Huntsville area looking for a place. We had the senior missionaries over for dinner this evening so we could all get to know the new Sister Young better. We spent a wonderful evening together visiting. They are all very faithful folks and a great example for us. We arrived in Houston a year ago today, the year has gone by quickly!

Tuesday I ran out to LMC, which is a car repair shop that does a lot of work for the mission. The Magnolia Elders had to bring their car in for some body work, so I drove them back to their apartment. It was about lunch time before I was able to start inspecting apartments again. I got back to the office about 5 pm. There were a few "bed bug problems", but I have a good supply of Permithlin, which does a good job IF the elders will follow the instructions.

Wednesday I drove up to Montgomery, Conroe and the Woodlands inspecting apartments and ran a few errands. Also still looking for a suitable place in Huntsville to house the 4 elders there. Sam Houston State College is in Huntsville so there are lots of apartments but not all of them would be the OK to put missionaries in. As we were ready to leave the office Elder Martin got a call from the AP's that their car would not start at a teaching appointment not far from the office. Leona followed Elder Martin and I in our car and we left the mission truck with the elders to get around in this evening. The Chevy dealer will come and pick up the car as it is new (just a few months old). Elder Chesnut told me before he left that they have had lots of electrical problems with these new Malibu's. The days go by so fast we can not keep up.

Thursday I drove up I-45 on my way to College Station, and got stuck in a traffic jam. Oh well, that is the way it is in this area. I always enjoy driving to College Station, as once out of the "city" the country side is really nice. There are lots of big ranches and wide open spaces. On the way home I stopped in Waller and Brenham to check the apartments in those towns. I told the AP's last night where I was going next and hinted that if the missionaries knew Elder Walker was coming to do apartment inspections that would be OK. Well, all the apartments were really very well cleaned up and ready - amazing how that works. I tipped the AP's off as to where I would be tomorrow! Leona wanted to go over to the apartment that the Stringfellows will move into next week to do a bit of cleaning and to put some kitchen stuff away. We spent a little time there this evening.

Friday in our staff meeting Pres. Hansen asked me to give a spiritual thought. I had been thinking of 2 Cor. 4: 8-9; we may have troubles and persecutions, etc but as Paul says we will not be be "destroyed or overcome" with the worries of the day - all because of Jesus Christ. Pres. Hansen thanked me for that scripture and insight. He said, "that is an anwer to my prayer and I will leave it at that". He has so many things on his plate. Today was another apartment inspection day. Again all the apartments were in very good shape except one (they did not get the heads up). The senior sisters wanted to go out to dinner this evening so we went over to the Red Lobster. We all loaded in our car as it is just down the road from the apartment. It is fun to visit with the sisters. The new Sister Young is a real fun person with lots of energy.

Saturday I went out to go get my hair cut and the car would not start, the battery was dead. We called AAA and they sent the tech out. He tested the battery once we jumped it and got the car going and told me the battery should be fine for another year or so. We did do our shopping and running around and the car started fine. We went back out this evening and the car just about did not start. We drove straight down to NTB and got a new battery installed. I hope that solves the problem.

Today (Sunday) the young man that was baptized last week was comfirmed. The father of his girl friend sure gave him a wonderful blessing. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is a priceless gift that each of us as members of the church have. It was a blessing to witness that ordinance and to feel the Spirit.

There was a long distance truck driver at church today from Utah. He had walked most of the way to church from the truck stop on I-45 which is about a mile or so from the church. We gave him a ride back after the meetings. It is so hot today!! They held Stake Priesthood meeting this evening at the Hafer Building.

Another wonder week here in Texas. We are well and enjoying our mission very much. It is truly a great blessing for us to be here. We are thankful for family and friends for their love and support. Our children and grandchildren are wonderful, they are the best!

We love ya'll,

Dad and Mom

51st Post Monday July 26 - Sunday Aug 1, 2010

Monday I put the last of Sister Lish's stuff in a box and UPS'ed it to her today. Also ran a few errands, made some file labels for Sister Young, and put things in order for transfers tomorrow. Lots of missionaries in and out of the office today. It is always fun to visit with them. This evening we put a pot of soup on and had the Chesnuts over for dinner. After we cleaned up we went out shopping for snacks for the missionaries involved in transfers.

Tuesday was a busy day. We got into the office earlier than usual to set out snacks for the missionaries going and coming. I took 3 elders up to Conroe and their belongings in the truck. Then picked up more elders in Conroe and dropped some off at the Glen Loch building in the Woodlands and returned to the office with a couple of missionaries that will be going home tomorrow. There are 12 missionaries going home so the office gets real "busy". We have a scale that we hang from the garage so they can weigh their luggage and not have to pay over weight charges. Well, the scale broke so I spent a couple of hours trying to find a replacement. Finally found one down south of the I-610 North Loop. Lots of running around. Leona & I went over to the departing missionaries testimony meeting at the Hafer building. It is very sad to see the Chesnuts go. We have grown to love and appreciate their great service so much. We worked in the office for a while this afternoon then off to the temple to set up the catered diner for the departing missionaries. We cleaned up and took the warmer back to Sister Tamayo's home. By the time we got back home we were tired. What a wonderful day we had with the missionaries.

Wednesday was another very full day. The departing missionaries come in for a while in the morning before they all load up to go to the airport. The incoming missionaries were delayed about one hour so they thought they were starving to death by the time they got to the office. They actually might have been as they eat early early at the MTC and then they get to the office about 4pm or so. We had some light snack stuff for them and then start our orientation while Pres. Hansen interviews each one. As we greet the new missionaries we try to have memorized their names according to the pictures we receive. Well, we were doing fine until one elder came in that we had not seen before at least not with the July bunch. Turns out the MTC just sent him early to the field without telling SLC or us. We did a bit of scrambling behind the scenes to make sure he received a mission guide book, etc. Pres Hansen and the AP's had to huddle up real quick to get a companion lined up for him etc. After the orientation and interviews they all went over to the Hafer building for dinner. Sisters Young and Billingsley were responsible for that. We finally left the office about 6 pm and went home to cook 6 pounds of bacon, make some home made syrup and get ready for breakfast tomorrow. Jake (Elder Whittaker), his fiancee and his younger brother spent Tuesday and Wednesday night with us as they are on their way back to school in Virginia (he went home last transfer and is all ready engaged!). A long, but great day to be a missionary.

Thursday we were up early, gathered up our stuff and were up to the mission home before 7 AM. The Chesnuts were there to show us the breakfast routine. We put the bacon and sausage in the over to warm up, mixed up the french toast mix and started to turn 6 loaves of bread into french toast. The new sisters spent the night with the Hansen's so they are there, and then the new elders and all the missionaries who will be "new missionary" trainers come. We had about 34 for breakfast so it is fast and furious. Right after they eat we go outside and take pictures of Pres & Sister Hansen with each new missionary to send home to their parents. Then I take a group shot of all the new missionaries and the Hansens and then the same group with their new companions. It is real fun to see their reaction to their first companions. The President reads each new companionship just before we take pictures. That whole group then leaves to attend the 10 AM session at the temple and then out to their areas. We clean up and head back to the office. On the way we stop to get copies made of the pictures to mail to the parents. Back to the office to get the pictures and letters ready to mail, etc. We spent the rest of the day doing all the letters that go out to bishops, stake presidents, parents, and missionaries associated with transfers. Also worked on the new photos for the transfer board. I drove two missionaries up to Conroe this afternoon with their belongings. What a day.

Friday was a sad day for us. We moved the last of the furniture out of Chesnuts apartment and into the new apartment for the Stringfellows. Elder and Sister Chesnut came by the office just before they left town to say good bye. Lots of tears at their departure, we will miss them. I drove down to the apartment complex that wanted us to pay for the criminal background checks of the missionaries living there and any new ones in the future. I had refused to agree with that so they sent it to their corporate office and they agreed that if they do criminal background check they would pay for it. Anyway we were able to get the lease signed today. The apartment manager was not very happy that she had to back off her original position, which I can not blame her - her ego was hurt. She then wanted the social security numbers for the missionaries to which I had to explain that they have drivers licences and they can have copies of those, but the church is responsible for all the missionaries finances so the manager did not need SS numbers. The manager replied, "well OK you apparently are the Boss". What a day.

Saturday we went shopping up to the book store by the temple and then drove to a couple of fabric stores - WOW that was fun. Sister Lish's replacement came in this afternoon. Her name is Sister Young (Peggy Jo Young) and the office Sister Young is Betty Jo Young. Thank goodness one is in our office and one is in the employment office - 2 Sister Youngs. We went out to dinner with the senior sisters and Sister Young's daughter. I am sure the new Sister Young will fit right in at the employment office.

Sunday we enjoyed good testimonies in sacrament meeting. We started going to the Gospel Essentials class during Sunday School time. Elder Martin taught the class and did a good job. These young missionaries are so good. The elders have a baptism this evening, a nice young man in his mid to late 20's. We love the sabbath day.

We hope you have a good week. Thank you for your prayers. You are each in our prayers and thoughts always. We love you and so thankful for you.

Love, Dad and Mom

50th Post July 19th - July 25, 2010

Monday and the start of another week in the Houston Texas Mission. I spent time cleaning up and putting stuff away in the office garage. Missionaries sometimes just leave things so I sort and keep the good stuff and pitch the rest. We store paper goods and 6 electronic key boards in the office closet so I rearranged that so we could find stuff. No one really takes ownership of things so I just jump in and do stuff, then it is the way I want it. We spent some time over at Sister Lish's apartment this evening cleaning out the frig, etc.

Tuesday I took the truck over and hauled a load of boxes from Sister Lish's apartment. She was the last of several single Sisters to live there so lots of stuff just kind of accumulated. I talked to the new couple coming to replace the Chesnuts and finalized with them and Cypress Lake an apartment for them. I spent the rest of the day working apartment and utility items. This evening was sewing night for the senior sisters so I went shopping with a list of items for dinner tomorrow. We entered the MTC one year ago today. What a wonderful year it has been. We have been so blessed and would not trade this experience for anything. The time really has gone way too fast!!

Wednesday Elder Chesnut and I drove a missionary to the airport. He is leaving a week early to get into school. What a nice person and good missionary. Elder Wood is from Blue Bell Utah. As we were waiting for him to get through security and on his way an airline employee came up to us and asked if we were waiting for or sending off missionaries. Her son is in Spain and was just transferred so we talked for awhile about him. This afternoon I make a fast trip to Sealy to drop off a desk to the elders, their old one had completely fallen apart. We had Elders Thomson, Hiatt, and Martin over for dinner this evening. Elder Martin's companion had to go home for an operation so he goes with the AP's for now. We really enjoy having the elders in our home.

Thursday following our prayer meeting I drove the truck and trailer down to Katy to move elders out of an apartment we have been in for several years. The apartment was well worn to say the least. There were 4 other elders and two sisters that came to help, things went real well. When we got to the new apartment complex and started to unload the sisters took an arm load of stuff and then I did not see them again. I suspected what they were doing and sure enough when I got up to the apartment the sisters were putting things away in the new kitchen and organizing it. Bless their hearts, it must come natural. Most of the time you sort of have to remind the elders what to do next, but not the sisters, they just keep working on the next thing. The ZL's came part way through the move so we got all the things moved into the new apartment pretty quickly. I asked them about their schedules and no one had any appointments for a few hours so I asked if they wanted to go to lunch with me. They were way excited about that, especially the part about "my treat". As we were leaving the apartment one of the sisters began to instruct Elder Stone where to put this pot or pan and in which cupboard this box should go, I just had to smile. We enjoy being with the missionaries so much, they really are great examples. It was so hot and humid today, I was wringing wet and I did not do any lifting.

Friday we thought that the mission office would be closed as it is the 24th and all the offices in SLC are closed but transfers are next week and lots to do to be ready. In our staff meeting President Hansen asked the Chesnuts to bear their testimonies. It was hard for all of us to keep our emotions in check. We will really miss them. We went out with Sisters Billingsley and Young this evening to get a shake and pick one up for the Chesnuts. We then went back to the Chesnut's apartment to visit with them. They are about done organizing their stuff to move.

Saturday I drove the truck and trailer over to the Chesnuts apartment and with the help of the elders we moved some of the big furniture into the new apartment where their replacements will stay. The missionaries are so good to help whenever they are asked. We spent the afternoon making sloppy Joe's for transfer week (next week). Got cleaned up and took Chesnuts out to dinner. It is always fun to visit with them. They want to go home yet do not want to leave.

Sunday we attended church and enjoyed the good talks and lessons at the Olde Oaks Ward. All the seniors are going to the sisters apartment this evening for dinner. A real Sunday dinner is a treat for us since we usually have our traditional - popcorn and apples!

It has been another wonderful week. They just get better and better and go by faster and faster! We are so thankful for this blessing. We pray that you are well and that you are safe. Give all our beautiful grandchildren a kiss from us. May our Father in Heaven's Spirit and love always abide in your homes. We love ya'll.

Love,

Mom & Dad

49th Post Monday July 12 - Sun. July 18, 2010

Monday I spent the day doing paper work. Mostly sorting out the many duplicate e-files that senior missionaries have set up over the years. Lots of missionaries in and out all day. They are fun to chat with and a real inspiration to be around. We had dinner with the other senior missionaries at President & Sister Hansens; a going home dinner for the Chesnuts who leave the 30th and for Sister Lish who leaves the 17th. It is always a wonderful time when we get together.

Tuesday we went over to the Hafer building as the mission leadership (AP's, ZLs &
DLs) are in meetings for the next three days. Pres Hansen is introducing the new simplified curriculum. The bases for all teaching is still Preach My Gospel, just some areas emphasised more. We stayed for the introduction then back to the office. The office staff is in charge of the lunch and dinners for the next three days for about 50 people. I went out inspecting apartments again today.

Wednesday I drove out to the west area of our mission to Sealey and Katy to inspect apartments. I stopped by one apartment to sign a new 12 month lease but the new apartment manager got all side tracked on doing criminal background checks on the missionaries. She said she was required to do that, which I said fine go for it, just do not expect the mission to pay for it - we do not send criminals on missions. We have two apartments in that complex and one of them is an old lease (7 years) so we are paying a "high" rate compared to current rates, but she could not see past her rules so she was going to have the regional manager call me - no phone call yet. I got back in time to help Leona and the other office staff set up dinner for those in the leadership meetings and clean up afterwards. It makes for a long day but we enjoy very much what we are doing and love being around the other missionaries. It is wonderful to come home tired each night.

Thursday and another apartment inspection day. I drove up to Magnolia and Tomball and then to the apartments in the mission office area. I drove to the apartments without the GPS system today so I am getting to know my way around some areas. Sister Lish is going home Saturday and her replacement in the employment office will be living in the 3 bedroom apartment with Sisters Billingsley and Young. We are moving out of Sister Lish's apartment. Leona and I took a pickup load of boxes to the office garage (kitchen and cupboard stuff). There have been several senior sisters in that apartment over a few years so there was lots of stuff. It is such "pleasant" weather to move - Leona loved it! The lunches and dinners for the missionaries attending the leadership training for the past three days have been good. The missionaries seemed to enjoy them and we enjoyed feeding them. Leona is thankful for her training as a "lunch lady" and youth conference and girl camps - it all came in handy this week!

Friday Elder Chesnut rode up to Huntsville with me to check on a member missionary apartment. Apparently there was some damage done to the floor some time in the past so I went up to see what the facts were. The current missionaries did not know anything about the damage. Anyway, the couple are selling their home so they would like the missionaries out of the apartment by Sept 1. Huntsville is where there are several prisons for the state of Texas. We drove past one prison and there were several guards on horses watching the prisoners (dressed in white) as they worked along the side of the frontage road. It was hot and humid, but I have to applaud the system that requires some work. This evening the seniors all loaded into the van and drove up to the temple (about 20 minutes away). We then went out to dinner. Lots of tears knowing that Sister Lish was leaving in the morning. It was great to be in the temple with the senior missionaries.

Saturday we went into the office for the morning. Leona worked on bills and I got several vacuums working. We came back and cleaned the apartment and then got ready to go out to dinner. We picked up Elders Hinckley and Maughan at their apartment and then out to dinner. Elder Hinckley was a ZL in the zone around the office when we first got here. He is really a great missionary, really on the ball and so mature. He goes home this next transfer, we had a fun visit with him and his companion. We enjoyed the Tabernacle Choir pioneer program this evening. We were able to watch it on the computer.

The tradition in this stake seems to be to have two members of the high council speak in sacrament meeting. It is good, and so far they both have always had time to deliver their message. We enjoy the Sunday School lessons from the Old Testament, the instructor is always well prepared.

We have had another wonderful week. We are so thankful to be able to serve a mission together. We are eternally thankful to Heavenly Father for this blessing of being here living "our dream"!

Thank you for your prayers, love and support. You are in our prayers too! Be careful and have a good week.

Love Ya'll

Mom and Dad

48th Post Mon July 5- Sunday July 11, 2010

Monday morning we loaded up the mission van and drove down town with the other senior missionaries. We visited the Natural History Museum which was very interesting. They have an energy section/display that was very educational even for an old oil guy like me. The drilling display and crude oil display was very good. We also enjoyed the large mineral exhibit that had lots of beautiful "rocks". The dinosaur movie was not so great, so we will skip that next time. We then drove over to our old neighborhood to get a bite to eat at Jax's place. It is a Mexican grill that has good food. Then up the road to the Galleria, which is the very large covered shopping center with an ice skating rink in it. It was a fun day to be with the other seniors. Very hot and humid, so a good day to be mostly in doors.

Tuesday I started another round of apartment inspections and was gone most of the day. Leona found out today that there is going to be meetings for three days next week for our missionary zone leaders and district leaders with President and Sister Hansen. There are changes from SLC to be made in some of the mission procedures so it will be another busy week next week. Leona is thankful for her training in cooking for the masses at youth conference and girl's camp because it is coming in handy now!

Wednesday I drove up to Montgomery, Conroe, and the Woodlands to check our apartments in those cities. I got back in time to eat lunch with our office seniors and the office seniors from the Texas Houston East Mission. Apparently this has been a tradition to get together once in awhile. They are all church service missionaries except they have one senior full time sister. It was an enjoyable visit with them and to see how they do things. The one full time senior sister is from Soda Springs, ID and knows Kaye Chamberlain Kawallis (Leona's cousin). We spent the rest of the afternoon doing our paper work. When we left to go home we got caught in a real down pour. It can rain real hard at times here.

Thursday it was raining very hard so I put off my inspection trip to College Station. Lots of paper work to do in the office. We also helped the Chesnuts put together a CD set that the mission president is going to give to the stake presidents. Another wonderful day in the mission field.

Friday the sun was out so I drove to Waller, Brenham, and College Station to inspect apartments. The country side in south Texas is so green. It was a very pleasant drive. I signed another 12 month lease at one of our apartments. The manager told me how much she enjoyed our "boys"and how good they are. That always makes us happy when the apartment folks say those nice things about the missionaries. In our staff meeting this morning President Hansen said there are changes coming for future Zone Conferences and some of the teaching emphasis.

Saturday I had arranged with four elders to move Sister Lish out of her apartment and into Sisters Young and Billingsley's apartment. She goes home next Saturday so we have to get her place all cleaned out. After the move the elders came for breakfast at our place. Leona fixed a real nice breakfast casserole, pull apart bread and fresh fruit. The rest of the day we just did our normal P-day preparations (laundry, cleaning, shopping, and preparing for the evening BBQ). The senior missionaries invited all the elders who live close to the mission office for dinner. We grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, had salads, fresh fruit, and root beer floats. The 14 young elders really seemed to enjoy it a lot. We held it at the office as it is hot and humid and lots of mosquitoes. One of the new missionaries shared a spiritual thought and Elder Hiatt (AP) also took a few minutes to share a scripture. We then sang Call to Serve, lots of tears. A very wonderful day to be a missionary in the best mission in the world!

Today we attended our Olde Oaks Ward and enjoyed our day of rest.

We pray that each one of you will continue to be blessed and know of our love for you.

Thanks for your support.

Love Dad and Mom

47th Post Mon June 28 - Sun July 4, 2010

I took Elders Lindsey and Astin with me to a members home to pick up a love seat and desk. The missionaries are always so willing to help when ever I ask. We spent most of the day doing paper work in the office. We did walk over to the employment office to say hello to Elder and Sister Thomas. We also drove up to the mission home to take a pasta salad to Pres & Sister Hansen as their family are in town for a visit. More thunder storms today.

Tuesday we were at the Longenbough building for Zone Conference. What a wonderful faith promoting day it was. The subject was endure to the end (the "5th" principle & ordinances of the gospel - faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end). President Hansen told us of a tender mercy of the Lord. He received a phone that morning from a mother of one of our missionaries, that his grandfather had passed away. This elder did not have his father in his life at all, so it was his grandfather who raised him and was so very close to him. President Hansen worried all morning how he was going to tell this young missionary the sad news and worried just how he would react. In Zone Conferences the AP's write the names of the companionships on slips of paper and before the meeting starts each companionship is pared up with another companionship for the practice teaching exercise that follows later in the morning. President Hansen goes around to the various rooms where this practice teaching is going on just to observe. He found himself standing outside the room of the missionary (& his companion) he was going to have to break the bad news to. This companionship was being taught by two other missionaries. At this point only President Hansen and a couple of the senior missionaries knew of the grandfathers passing. Well, as the teaching progressed one elder told of an experience growing up that had given him faith to endure to the end. He told of being raised by his grandfather and how close he was to him. His grandfather got sick and this missionary prayed that he would get well, within a few days his grandfather died. He bore his testimony of how the Lord blessed him and comforted him to be able to endure the heart ache and sadness of his grandfathers passing. Pres Hansen stood there and could not believe what was happening. About 10 minutes later President Hansen took this young missionary into a class room and told him of his grandfather's passing. He just cried and cried and Pres Hansen held him as he sobbed. After he composed himself this young elder said "I can do this, I will be OK because of Elder so and so's testimony. We all shed a tear, Heavenly Father is really aware of all His children and what they need. I mean really, what are the chances of those two missionaries being put in that exact situation at that exact time for all that to happen?

When we got back to the office later in the afternoon, Sister Young said that while we were all gone Elder Martin came in and asked her to call his mother. When she asked what he wanted her to tell his mom he said "I received a letter from my family and they are planning to go to a water park today and when I was praying this morning I had a very strong impression that my family should not go to the water park today". Sister Young called this mother and told her what her missionary son had said. Sister Young said this mother got very quiet on the phone and finally said than when she was praying this morning she also had an impression that they should not go to the water park, but she put it out of her mind as they were going with other families and what could go wrong?? Well that mother said, "I will call you back after I talk to my husband". In a few minutes she called back and said, "we are not going to the water park". I suppose no one will ever know what might have happened. It is so important to act upon the promptings we receive.

Wednesday - our anniversary - 41 years we have been happily married - what a blessing. Zone Conference was at the Hafer building which is right next to the mission office and employment center. One of the parts of ZC I like best is the testimonies of the departing and the newly arrived missionaries. They are all so very good. What wonderful young people we have in the church. We went out this evening for a raspberry shake to celebrate our anniversary.

Thursday we drove up to College Station for Zone Conference. Sister Lish from the employment office went with us, she goes home on July 17. Elder and Sister Chesnut go home a couple of weeks after that. We have enjoyed so much our association with these senior missionaries. Their testimonies the past few days have blessed our lives (I hate to think of when our time is completed here). Another very wonderful day to be a missionary. The remnants of the hurricane brought lots of rain, but very little wind.

Friday it rained hard most of the day. It is amazing how quickly the water level will rise in this flat place. No flooding for us, but lots of standing water on the roads and in the fields. We had our regular interview with President Hansen this morning before staff meeting. He is such a wonderful man. At the conclusion he offered a prayer and prayed for our children and grandchildren. We felt great comfort for you all. We worked on apartment paper work and paid bills. We are so blessed to be on this mission - it is the best!

Saturday we went in the office for a few hours. We did some shopping and then went up to Kent and Diane's (Chamberlain) for a hamburger cook out. It was fun to visit with them. It was too humid and rainy to go to the outdoor concert that they had planned to take us to so we just stayed home to chat. We had a great evening with them, they have been so kind to us since we have been here in Texas.

Today it seemed the testimonies in sacrament meeting were very good and to the point and short. It must have been the note in the bulletin about bearing testimony. We are going over to the senior sisters apartment in a few minutes for pie and ice cream - we do love to get together.

Thanks for your prayers. We just love this experience. We pray all of you can serve a full time mission with your eternal companion when you get to that stage in your life.

May the Lord bless you

Love Dad and Mom