75th Post Mon Jan 10 - Sunday Jan 16, 2011

Monday and the start of another week in the Texas Houston Mission. Where does the time go? Elder Miller, the new AP, was in the office this morning. We had a lesson on hooking up the trailer to the truck and van. It is truly a miracle that these young elders drive the van or truck and trailer with little or no incident considering some have never driven a truck or towed a trailer before. Leona and I worked on apartment files getting ready for the audit. I signed a renewal lease for the Farrington Apartments up by the Woodlands and drove down to the trailer store and got a pin for the large bike rack that goes in the towing hitch on the back of the truck.

FHE was at the sisters apartment this evening. They showed the video about the life of John Tanner. I guess I have not heard that story before. He and his wife were such faithful saints at the beginning of this last dispensation. He was a very wealthy man, joined the church and gave all he had to the church. He ended up with no money but many eternal blessings. A very good video if you have not seen it.

Tuesday we got to the office earlier that usual. The transfer bus had not left yet (waiting for a sister to arrive - I found out later she had been told the wrong time). It is so hard to get the "water to the end of each row" every time. The AP's drive the van and the trailer up to College Station and back, dropping off and picking up missionaries along the way at various intermediate stops. I took 3 missionaries and their belongings in the truck down to the Bear Creek Chapel and picked up two missionaries for the return trip to the office. I put the bike rack on the back of the truck, which made transporting bicycles a whole lot easier. The departing missionaries had a testimony meeting this afternoon and then went to the temple. Leona and I set up the dinner at the temple cafeteria for Pres and Sister Hansen, the AP's, the departing missionaries and any family that may come to pick up their sons or daughters. The dinner is catered by a church member and this time Leona ordered cheese stuffed meatload, mashed potatoes and a dill salad (green salad with pecans, cheese, etc) real tasty. Leona made Texas shaped cookies and we decorated them with "hTm" Texas Houston Mission. They are a real hit. It is always a nice experience to be with the departing missionaries. They are ready to go home, yet do not want to leave. It was about 8 pm by the time we got back to the apartment so it is a long day but we love what we are doing and so thankful for the blessing to serve.

Wednesday, it was pretty cold this morning. There was even a sign at the front of the apartment complex that said "freeze warning in effect"! The new missionaries arrived (one sister and 2 elders) a small group. They are so excited and eager to get to the real work. One elder was born in Peru (lived in Pleasant Grove for the last 5 years), the other elder is from Hawaii, and the sister is from California. All are Spanish or Polynesian descent. When we read the new missionaries profiles it is truly humbling to know of the very hard road some of these young people have traveled, such great faith. I take a photo of each new missionary and prepare it for the transfer board (in the mission president's office) and the photo board which is on the wall in the reception area of the office. When we got back to our apartment tonight Leona made syrup and cooked 3 pounds of bacon for the breakfast tomorrow.

David called this evening and he is back in SLC again. He has had quite the 48 hours. Left yesterday for Los Angeles to an interview then took a red-eye at 10;30pm to Virginia for an interview today. He took an extra white shirt and "cleaned-up" in the restroom at the airport before catching a taxi to his interview. He tried washing his hair in a sink that his head was to big to fit in! Had his interview and lunch with the company then back to the airport. He is praying for a job/intership soon and so are we.

Thursday morning we were at the mission home by 6:50 AM. We fixed french toast, sausage, bacon, and fruit for the new missionaries, their trainers, the AP's, and the Hansens. We planned for 12 people and when we got to the mission home Sister Hansen said there would be 5 additional missionaries. We made it all work and no one was left hungry. I take pictures of the new missionaries with President and Sister Hansen and Leona prepares the letters to let their families know they have arrived safely. After the pictures they all depart for the temple and we clean up, stop at the drug store to make copies of the pictures and head back to the office.

The two elders that were waiting for Brazilian visas got notified that their visas were ready so they departed today and boy were they excited! We also had a missionary leave early to go home and all this happened after the transfers had been finalized - lots of last minute changes. I took one of the visa waiters to the airport this afternoon, Elder Alexandre (Wayne and Anne Martin's grandson) is going to the same mission where David served. Another long but wonderful day. It remains cold but no wind today (30's and 40's).

Friday morning we met for the office staff meeting. It is always a privilege to meet with Pres and Sister Hansen, people of great faith. Elder and Sister Stringfellow's son came to visit for the weekend so he was invited to come to staff meeting. We did our thing in the office today, paying bills, updating files, I signed another lease renewal and we cleaned up after a missionary meal (leadership training) at the church.

Saturday we took down our Christmas decorations. I think Leona would have left them up for another month. We cleaned up the apartment, did some laundry and bought groceries, read and went to the office for a few hours. Saturdays have to be the fastest day of the week!

Sunday we went into the office early to work on talks and presentations for zone leader council this coming Tuesday and then went to church at 12:30. They had two members of the high council speak. They were both native Spanish so their English was not real good, but a whole lot better than my Spanish.

It has been another "full week". We are thankful for the gospel and this blessing to serve together. We are thankful for our children and grandchildren; for our families and friends and for your love and support. Have a safe week. We love you.

Love,

Dad and Mom (Elder and Sister Walker

74th Post Mon Jan 3 - Sunday Jan 9, 2011

We continue to be so blessed it is hard to articulate the tender mercies of our Father in Heaven. Our family and friends continue to be a great support to us.

Monday I helped Leona a bit with new file space for the 2010 apartments' utility files in preparation for the annual audit. We took down the Christmas decorations and tree in the office today. I took Elder Wood with me over to the mattress store and loaded up six more beds for the missionaries. Elder and Sister Thomas had dinner with us this evening, then the other seniors came to our place for FHE. Elder Thomas taught the lesson centered on Mosiah 2:1-9 and compared that with this past general conference and Pres. Monson's opening remarks. Very good thoughts. Leona fixed hot chocolate and cookies for refreshments. A very enjoyable evening.

Tuesday I delivered the six new beds to the 4 elders and 2 sisters that live in the Kempwood Place apartments. Well, actually only one of the sisters wanted a new bed. Back at the office I had Elders Atwood and Smith help unload the truck/trailer and then go with me to the mattress store to get the last three beds of our order. (There is a danger for the elders if they hang around the office -Elder Walker will find some work for them to do). They are all very willing to help whenever asked. The rest of the day was spent working on apartment files and following up with the 5 or 6 apartments that have leases due the end of this month.

They have started roasting peanuts at the peanut butter factory (Bishop's storehouse). They are working hard trying to get all the new equipment in place. We took a bucket over and they had some freshly roasted peanuts for us to take back to the office. The plan is that the peanut butter factory will be finished and dedicated in March.

Wednesday there was a missionary leadership meeting at the Hafer Building, (the church building next to the office), so we had lots of missionaries in the office both before the meeting and after. It is always fun to visit with the young missionaries. They are really "good people" (Eastern Shore expression).

I got tired of the rags, buckets and other car washing paraphernalia on the driveway at the office - it just looked a mess all the time. The young missionaries have a hard time putting stuff away sometimes (all you parents find that hard to believe I am sure). I mounted a 2x8 to the side of the garage, and fixed small spring clamps and a hook to hang the rags and the bucket from. At least the "pile" is gone and the rags will not blow around all over the yard. We enjoy so much our mission call and to be able to do what we do - it is a real blessing.

Thursday Leona rode down to the Copperfield Apartments with me to sign the lease renewal. We stopped at a couple of places to pick up supplies, including some lace for a sewing repair job that Leona is doing for one of the sisters. She also had several white shirts that need repaired. Good thing she brought her sewing machine. One of the elders, short and a very small frame had her repair white shirts that were size 16 1/2, he is lucky to fit in a 15 or 15 1/2. Must have been a hand me down from his last companion.

I spent a lot of time this afternoon trying to find a couple of one bedroom apartments in a certain apartment complex. Pres. Hansen wants me to slowly get out of the 4 man apartments (there is to much "fun" in many of the 4 man apts). We enjoyed a really nice day - cool, in the 60's and lots of sun shine).

Friday after staff meeting Pres. Hansen asked the senior sisters to stay behind. He asked Sisters Walker, Stringfellow and Marsh to take 10 minutes each and speak on faith at the Zone Leaders Council the week after next. Needles to say Leona was doing back flips - she was so excited (or was it heart attacks). I worked on more apartment leases and files and photos for the May and June arriving missionaries. Leona and I made a bank run (deposit office funds) and a post office run to mail some bills. The AP's, Elders Anderson and Galbraith came over for dinner this evening. They brought a copy of the transfer sheet for us. Elder Anderson is going back out to the field - we will miss him in the office, what a great missionary and person he is. We will be getting several new zone leaders and district leaders. The missionaries will all be informed about transfers tomorrow night.

Saturday we had Elders Smith, Atwood, Struthers and Wood over for breakfast. We fixed scrambled eggs, sausage, home made hash browns, fruit, and pull a part sweet bread. The elders really enjoyed the food! We feel it a blessing spending a few minutes with them in our home. They always have a good spiritual thought before they leave. The missionaries are good teachers, they know their stuff. We cleaned up the apartment, went out shopping for groceries for next weeks transfer meals, came back to the apartment and made two double batches of sloppy Joe's and cookies - a busy P-day for us.

David called and on his way to work (first day on the new job) a lady rear ended him at a stop light. Everyone was fine but her car had to be towed, and David was able to drive his car. That was a blessing as it could have been a whole lot worse.

Sunday morning it rained a lot. We attended church at Old Oaks Ward which starts at 12:30. There was a young family sitting in front of us with five young children and they were all struggling a bit. It's tough not getting a nap when it is needed! After church we drove to the Glenlock Farms building because that is the church building that zone leader council will be held in next week. I was given the assignment to check out the wireless internet and to make sure the signal is available in the RS room. There is direction from SLC that the missionaries are to familiarize theirselves with mormon.org so they know what is available and as they are teaching they can tell people about it. President Hansen has asked me if I will go over the website with the zone leaders at zone council. It's great to be busy!

We love each of you. Thank you for your prayers. Have a good week and be safe in all you do.

Love,

Dad and Mom

73rd Post Mon. Dec 27 - Sunday Jan. 2, 2011

Monday morning I delivered a couple of new beds to the sister's apartment at the Oaks of Wimbledon not to far from the mission office. I took Elders Austin and Sorsenson with me to do the heavy lifting as the sisters were not in their apartment. I drove Elder Stringfellow a couple of times today to pick up or drop off vehicles for repair and or service. Went to several WalMart stores today looking for more mattress protectors. I put the new box springs and mattress' in zipped plastic protectors to help with future bed bug issues. Later in the afternoon Elders Smith and Wood went with me to the mattress store to pick up eight more bed sets (that's all I can fit in the truck and trailer).

It was cold and windy today, in fact I turned on the heat at the apartment for the first time this evening, even against my senior companion's advise - I was freezing however!

Tueday we left right after our staff prayer meeting and drove to College Station to deliver beds. Leona went with me so it was a much more pleasant drive. She went with me to "keep me awake". I only saw her nod off 6 or 8 times during the trip, but I was awake the whole time. We dropped off 4 beds at the sister's apartment and two at Elders Trotter and Farnsworth's apartment. The sisters were more excited to see Sister Walker I believe than they were for the new beds (which I can understand). We got back to the office in the early afternoon so we made good time, the traffic was light today.

There are always missionaries in and out during the day so I took a couple of Elders and we went over to the mattress store and loaded up eight more beds. I worked on photos for the departing DVD this afternoon. Sisters B. Young and Billingsley never did get a departing DVD so I sent some pictures of them to the DVD "producer" so they can be included on this upcoming DVD.

Wednesday I delivered new beds to 4 elders at the Concord at Little York apartment and then drove out to Katy to deliver 4 more beds to the Kenwood Club apartment. I updated files and helped Leona put together new missionary binders. Pres. Hansen had Elder Stringfellow and I involved with a missionary matter this afternoon. Not one of those things that you like to do. It rained most of the day which we really needed, its been so dry this winter.

Thursday we held staff meeting with Pres and Sister Hansen as tomorrow we have the day off. Pres. Hansen made a point to come into my office and quietly thank me for my help yesterday. He told me he really appreciated my wisdom (I really do not have much of that) and counsel. I worked on apartment files and went looking for more mattress covers. I found a few at the WalMart down I-45 a few miles. I also "photo-shopped" the mission photo that was taken last Wednesday. I think it turned out OK.

David called and his last interview went well and Raquel has a job offer in Utah. I believe they will stay in Utah for now. It was very warm and windy today (turned the AC on - again).

Friday we closed the mission office for the day. Leona invited six of the sister missionaries that live fairly close to us over for breakfast. We fixed scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit, hash browns and pull apart bread. The sisters can eat almost as much as the elders! They seemed to really enjoy being with Sister Walker (so do I!) and having a hot breakfast for a change. They are good missionaries. They are so enthusiastic about all they do - it is fun to be around them. We cleaned up and went shopping and talked to our kids. It was a nice quiet day for us. We did not stay up to see the new year come, guess we are getting old!

Saturday we were invited over to Sisters Marsh and Young's apartment for sweet rolls and juice and to watch the Rose Bowl parade on their TV. The Stringfellows, Thomas and Shipleys (missionary couple from the South Mission) were also there so we really had a good time visiting. Later in the afternoon we went shopping to Walmart. We found great buys on Christmas treats for the young missionaries! Another nice quiet day.

Today is Luke's birthday, six years old already! Being able to skype and see our grandkids on the computer is the best!

Sunday our meeting time changed so we go a couple of hours later. Tessin and her husband came over after church and had dinner with us. They are a nice young couple, they are both originally from Ghana. Tessin is a member but her husband is not. Tessin works for an oil company so we always have lots to talk about. They have known each other for years and were married about a year ago.

We hope ya'll have a great week. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.

Love,

Dad and Mom

72nd Post Mon Dec 20 - Sunday, Dec 26, 2010

Monday was spent mostly in preparation for Wednesday's mission wide devotional and activity day. I ran several errands and went to the hardware store and got several dowels about 4 feet long. Back at the office "work shop" I taped one end with electrical tape, drilled a small hole and inserted a large finish nail, then used the grinder to sharpen the exposed end. Some of the missionaries will use these "sticks" to pick up trash along Hafer road on Wednesday. The President wanted to do a tug of war on Wednesday so I have looked all over and asked many church members if there was a large rope that we could borrow - no luck - but I found a place on the Internet that sold big rope for ship mooring, etc. They had a 100 foot long, 2" diameter piece they would sell me, so I drove down south of I-10 and east of 59 to their location and got the rope. Lots of missionaries in and out of the office today, mostly looking to see if they had a package from home.

David called and did not get the job he interviewed for in Utah. They have cleaned out their apartment in Rexburg and are headed to Utah for Christmas with Raquel's mother. Jessica called and they are on the road to Delaware for Christmas. We started our mission wide fast this evening. Warm today in the mid 70's.

Tuesday we went shopping for more graham cracker house supplies and putting stuff together to haul to the church tomorrow. The contractor working on the lights around the mission office was back doing punch list items. I guess I am really doing the FM group's job on this little project, but I do not mind as I do like "project" work. We cleaned up the spare bedroom for Elder and Sister Christensen as they will spend tomorrow night with us.

Wednesday - WOW what a day. We started early moving things over to the church and getting set up. Ice in the ice chest and water coolers, setting up tables (the young missionaries do the "work" they just need supervision), and getting the outdoor activities ready. The missionaries had a service project at NAM (similar to Deseret Industries) and Pres. Hansen took the district that is right around the office and they cleaned up along Hafer Road. One of the groups of missionaries did a food drive for NAM in the local neighborhoods and collected just under 3000 pounds of food. They really did a good job with that project. The missionaries all came back to the church at noon to eat lunch. We had 35 large pizzas, green salad, oranges and pumkin bread. Not much left over at all. They were then divided into 3 groups. One went to the YW's room to make graham cracker "houses", one group outside to play ultimate frisbie, and one group to games. The games consisted of the tug of war ran by Elder Christensen (the big rope really worked out well for 25 or 30 missionaries per side), Elder Stringfellow had frozen beef pies to throw as "cow chip" throwing contest, and Elder Thomas ran the stick pull. Every 45 minutes the missionaries rotated between the three main activities. They really had a good time. After the activities we all changed into our proselyting clothes and had the mission picture taken. Let me say that having a family picture taken is a piece of cake compared to getting 170 or so missionaries (including seniors) positioned and ready for the photo. After the photo we quickly set up tables and chairs and had dinner. The sister that does the dinner for the departing missionaries at the temple also did this dinner. It all went well. After dinner we went into the chapel, where Pres and Sister Hansen briefly spoke, and then Elder Gifford Neilson (Area Authority 70) spoke. Following the devotional we went back into the culture hall and the seniors served Blue Bell ice cream and homemade cupcakes. Most all the Stake Presidents and their wives in our mission were also in attendance to the dinner and devotional. It was about 9 pm before we got back to the apartment. But what a wonderful day it was. It is so much fun being around the missionaries.

Thursday Leona fixed a nice breakfast for the Christensen's and we got them on their way. Leona spent the morning at the church cleaning the kitchen and putting things away. I unloaded the truck and put things away at the office. Today the missionaries all went to the temple at assigned times. Leona and I went to the temple later in the afternoon. This evening we went out to get a few things for the BBQ tomorrow.

Friday we got up and ran our 2 miles as usual, got ready and into the office by about 7:40. The office staff fixed a BBQ lunch for the North Zone. Their Zone meeting is held at the Hafer Building so they just came over to the office after their meeting was over. I grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Others had brought potato salad, jello salad, soda, and all the fixin's. The missionaries really seemed to enjoy the lunch. and even sang a hymn for us. We cleaned up and left about 2:30 so I could get up to the mission home to take a family picture for President Hansen. All their kids and grandkids were there. It was fun to be with them for a few minutes.

Christmas day was a quiet day for us (thank goodness). We got to talk to all the kids which was great for us. The Seniors met at the sister's apartment for dinner about 5 pm. We enjoyed a nice meal and long visit together. We are so thankful for this Christmas season - what a blessing to know the true nature of Jesus Christ and the restoration. We are blessed to be serving this mission together and are very thankful for this experience.

Sunday the weather was very cool, but lots of sunshine. The speakers and the ward choir really did an inspiring job in sacrament meeting. One sister spoke on the light of Christ and how the light will always win over darkness - lots to think about.

We love you. Drive safely, you are in our prayers.

Love,

Dad and Mom

71st Post Monday Dec 13 - Sunday, Dec 19, 2010

Monday we went into the office early, I got apartment inspection forms ready for tomorrow, updated some files, helped missionaries with vacuum issues (how to clean filters, etc) and with cleaning supplies. Leona and I went to Sam's Club to get paper goods for next weeks mission activities. The seniors had FHE at the Stringfellow's apartment. Sister Marsh taught the lesson on scriptures that prove the Book of Mormon is true.

Tuesday I inspected apartments in Sealy and Katy. Most of the apartments were in good shape. The Ashley House apartment had re-carpeted and painted so it looked real good. I am able to find most of the apartments with almost no help (GPS or maps) so I am learning something. I usually get back to the office in the mid afternoon. Worked on file updates and ordered some pictures for President Cue (2nd coun. in the mission presidency). The time goes by very fast, but we enjoy so much our work. It was warmer today, in the mid 60's with lots of sunshine.

Wednesday I inspected apartments in Tomball, Magnolia, and the area around the mission office. Even though I am on the road a lot I do enjoy the work I am assigned to perform. Talking with the missionaries in their apartments and getting to know them better is a real plus. Later in the day I went to the mattress store and ordered 25 more beds for the mission, then to Walmart for mattress covers, and Home Depot for padlocks for the new fence/gates that was recently completed behind the office.

Thursday I was back out to the Katy area delivering a bed for the Sisters and getting a drivers licence form to an Elder before his licence expires (his companion currently does not have a licence). Leona made carmel, chocolate covered pretzels for all the missionaries so I left a little treat bag for each missionary in their apartment. Elder Stringfellow called me on my way back to the office so I arranged to meet him at one of the apartments so he could drop off a car following repairs. This afternoon we left work early, about 4 pm and went to the temple. Just 7 of us on the session, but still a good experience. It is a real blessing for us to have a temple in our mission.

Friday, a great day, David will graduate this evening with a BA in accounting. Our thoughts and hearts are with him and Raquel in Idaho. We are proud of him and all his hard work. Way to go David!

In our office staff meeting President Hansen read 1 Nephi 11, Nephi's vision of the nativity 600 years before Christ's birth. What a sacred event that Nephi was able to see. How thankful we are for our saviour, Jesus Christ, for his life and love and willingness to atone for our sins.

During staff meeting we planned some of the details for next week's mission wide Christmas activity and devotional on Wednesday Dec. 22. Lots for the seniors to get ready. Leona said that she is going to keep tylenol on hand for the day and maybe some of the "special medicine" that was used at girls camp!

I ran several errands, went shopping for more supplies with Leona, and took Elder Stringfellow down to pick up a missionary car.

Much cooler this evening as the wind was coming out of the north.

Saturday, another great day, it is Jessica's 30th birthday today! My how fast the years have gone by. We are so thankful for Jessica. She is so lucky; she gets to spend her birthday preparing for and probably cleaning up their ward Christmas dinner!!

We did our P-day thing - shopping, cleaning and I even got the car washed. Leona sent me out with a long lists of items to get. She made treats for the ward Christmas party this evening. The party was fun, even though I thought it was way unorganized. The high priests did the 12 days of Christmas. They had 3 sisters sing the song and then each of us had one of the days we represented. I had 5 large "gold" rings, Elder Stringfellow was the 1st day. It was fun and seemed to be a big hit with the ward. Lots of people came out. The organizers had set up a table with large glass containers with all sorts of different candy and treats in them. By the time the evening was over the kids were "wired" big time. It was a hoot to sit back and watch the parents chase them!

Sunday, sacrament meeting was very inspirational. We enjoyed the speakers a lot, even the high councilor did a really good job of speaking with the spirit. He talked about service and "good will to all man kind" not just those we know or we think deserve our help; a very uplifting meeting. The teacher in the high priest quorum taught the exact same lesson he taught last week. About half way through I thought I was having an old age attack, but I noticed I was not the only one in the group having the same attack!

We continue to be blessed so much to be on this mission. It is really a grand experience, one we are so thankful for.

Have a wonderful week. We wish ya'll a very Merry Christmas. Be safe.

We love you,

Dad and Mom

70th Post Mon. Dec. 6 - Sunday Dec. 12, 2010

Monday and weigh in day. We still go over to the employment office on Monday mornings early and weigh in - it is good motivation not to gain weight. I spent most of the day getting the garage cleaned up and a place to put the furniture that was in the trailer. Got the parts I needed to fix a table lamp, showed one set of sister missionaries how to clean the vacuum filters, installed some hooks in the garage to hang electrical cords and air hoses and repaired a desk. Also got the Christmas tree down and in the office so the missionaries could decorate it. It looks real nice.

Doug Taber from our ward back home is in Houston teaching a class at one of the universities. He came by this evening and had a bowl of soup with us. It was fun to catch up on his family and the "new" ward back home.

Tuesday I started apartment inspections again, most looked good. Elder Herrman made cookies for me to take back to the office and Sisters Maxwell and Ferro left me a little bag of treats - apartment inspections can be quit rewarding. I had to take the truck in as it was not starting very well today - just needed a new battery. Leona is making carmel/chocolate covered pretzels for each missionary so I leave them at the apartments as I inspect them.

Wednesday I drove up to Huntsville, Conroe, Montgomery, and the Woodlands doing apartment inspections. I will put lots of miles on the truck this week. When I got back to the office I had a list of supplies to get at WalMart. As I was getting a box down from a high shelf at WalMart it slipped right through my hands and hit me square on the fore head. The edge of the heavy box cut my fore head and for a minute I thought I was going to lose my balance. The box really gave me a whack, I guess shopping can be hazardous to your health.

Thursday I went to College Station, Brenham, and Waller inspecting apartments - over 220 miles. Most of the trees in that area have lost their leaves so the country side is rather drab, but I enjoy seeing the large ranches and farms. At Elder Hiatt's apartment he had left me a note thanking Sister Walker and I for all our work and all we do for the missionaries. He is a very thoughtful young man, we miss him in the office.

Friday I started out with my jacket on as it was cool again, but by the afternoon it had really warmed up. I went out inspecting apartments again today. They all looked good except one was a real mess. I stopped by the office of one of the apartments to sign a lease renewal - I have a few more to sign before the month is over. The apartment assistant manager was telling me how good the "boys" were, how respectful and polite they were. It is always good to hear such kind words about our missionaries. President Hansen asked about our family in our interview with him this morning. We talked about each of you and mentioned that David & Raquel were looking for work and graduate school. He offered to send David's resume to people he knew in this area that have connections with accounting functions. As he closed our interview with prayer he offered a really wonderful blessing on David, by name. It was a very touching experience for us. President Hansen is a wonderful mission president.

Saturday I ran a few errands and got my hair cut and Leona cleaned the apartment and did the laundry. I got a call from the Elders at one of our Katy apartments - he thinks he has bed bugs. I loaded up a new bed, some permethalin and headed down to their apartment - about 45 minutes from our place. Elder Griffiths was very thankful that I was able to help out so quickly. When I asked how long there had been an issue his reply was "a few weeks". Anyway I hope we get the issue handled before it becomes a real infestation.

This evening we loaded up the van with senior missionaries (Thomas, Stringfellows, us and Sister Young) and we headed to Conroe, about 20 or so minutes north of us. We ate dinner at Ryan's Restaurant and then went to the Spring Stake Choir's Christmas Concert. The choir really did an outstanding job. They have an excellent group of very good singers. The music was very inspiring. A really great evening. The day started out very warm, but the wind blew most all evening and turned off cool.

Sunday we had really fine sacrament speakers. We enjoy going to church and are getting to know more people all the time. This has been another very busy week for us, but we enjoy what we are doing so much. It is such a blessing to be missionaries and we are thankful to be here.

Love,

Mom & Dad

<-- picture of Spencer and his "gingerbread" house

69th Post Mon. Nov. 29 - Sunday Dec. 5, 2010

I had an early appointment at the dermatologist this morning. Not a bad drive down town as it was right after rush hour. The doctor cut a spot from my left cheek and left leg and "froze" a couple of spots on my face and ears. Leona had a missionary moment while we were at MD Anderson this morning. As we got on the elevator there were already three or four people on and as we stepped to the back a lady looked at Leona and at her missionary name tag and she said with her hands in the air pointing, "I am going to take it as a sign, I am going back to church. I have been away for a long time but I am going back. I haven't seen one of those LDS Mormon badges for a long time, it's a sign I am going back!" She said that she was baptized 10 years ago but had not been to church for a very long time. Leona told her she was always welcome and hoped she would come back. As we got off the elevator we wished her a good day. Leona said to me, "that was easy, didn't have to say much, just wear my name tag and look like missionary!"

We were back to the office by mid morning. I hooked up the truck and trailer and drove down to the sisters apartment at the Oaks of Wimbledon. There were some issues with their old apartment so we are moving them to a different building in the same complex. There were 6 elders from their district to help so the move went well. After we moved I took them all to lunch, which they enjoy. After I got back to the office Allen Smith (my cousin's husband) stopped by to see us. They leave to go back to Utah tomorrow. After work we we decorated cookies and fixed other little treats for the dinner at the temple tomorrow night.

Tuesday we were at the office by just after 7 AM as it is transfer week. Even though we only have 3 new missionaries coming in there were several missionaries being transferred. Lots of missionaries in the office all day. I drove the transfer van down to the Bear Creek and Mills Road chapels after the van got back from College Station. I got back in time for the departing testimonies. Elder Thomson (was an AP), Elder Lindsey, and Elder Woodruff and Sisters Hastings and Sorensen are all going home. It is sad to see them go, such wonderful young men and women. We left work a bit early to get up to the temple and set up for dinner. We enjoy doing that, but it does make for a very long day. Very windy and cold today.

Wednesday there was frost on the cars when we went out to go to the office. We left early again this morning this time to drive up to the mission home. All the departing missionaries and the AP meet there for breakfast. We picked up Elder Thomson and drove him to the airport because the other missionary's flights left later. We will miss him. Turns out his flight was delayed to Minn/St Paul and so he missed his flight to Hawaii. I know his folks were disappointed. Thanks goodness there was a member of the church working the airline counter that made sure they got him a hotel and meals, otherwise they were going to do nothing for him.

The new missionaries arrived this afternoon. Also Elder Barton returned with them. He went home several months ago to have his foot operated on. Glad he has returned. When the APs brought the van and trailer back to the office they said the trailer came off the hitch at the airport. Elder Stringfellow and I worked to see if we could get the trailer to disengage from the van, but if connected correctly we just could not make it happen. I did drill a hole through the hitch latch and put a pin in it. I also went through the proper hook up procedure (again) to make sure they understand the whole process. Hopefully we have solved the problem. Another long but wonderful day.

Thursday we are up early again and up to the mission home to have breakfast ready for the new missionaries and their trainers. We fix bacon, sausage, french toast, home made syrup, fruit, and juice. There is always plenty to eat. President Hansen announces the new companionship's, I take photos of the new missionaries and the Hansens to send to the parents and also photos of the new missionaries, their trainers and the Hansens for the history. Then they all go to the temple. Back to the office, I hooked up the trailer and truck and went to the store to pick up the remainder of the beds we purchased, then back to the office to unload the beds in the garage. I then drove up to the temple to meet Elders Foster and Reidhead and drove them to their area in Huntsville. On the way back I stopped in Conroe, purchased a small table at WalMart and delivered it to the Elders at the Autumn Wood Apartments. Lots of miles on the road and another long day, but so thankful we can do what we are asked to do - what a blessing.

Friday we were in the office early again. I loaded up cleaning supplies, a vacuum and empty boxes and headed down to Village in the Woods Apartment complex. We moved the elders out a few months ago thinking we may be back, but it appears we are just closing down that area so we needed to clean out the apartment. The Zone Leaders and 4 other elders came by to help me. They loaded the furniture in the trailer and helped clean up the apartment. I worked on the oven as it was real bad. Did not take long to get it all done. As the missionaries were waiting for me to finish checking the place out I noticed one ZL had engaged the Comcast repair man working next door in a gospel conversation. It was fun to watch him be such a good missionary. I signed a new lease at the Discoll Place Apts. Back at the office there were lots of my files that needed updating since the most recent transfers.

Leona drove to the temple at about 11am to help set up lunch for the three mission presidents in Houston and their wives, Elder Gifford Nielson and his wife and the temple president and his wife. They had done a session at 10am and were eating lunch at 12:30pm. Leona had called a lady who caters (Sister Sevy) and asked her about a month ago if she could fix the lunch. It was held in the temple cafeteria with glass dishes and fresh flowers. Sister Sevy served spinach salad with pear slices, cranraisins and candied nuts. Then beef tenderloin, carrott souffle', mashed potatoes (that were very different and good - Leona wishes she had the recipe) and green been almondine and homemade rolls. For dessert she had three things on each plate: small bite size carrott cake, choc souffle and a large strawberry dipped in chocolate. It was very nice and enjoyed by all. Sister Sevy had done alot of work. Mission presidents and area authority seventy eat different than plain missionaries!

Saturday we went into the office for a few hours. I have lots to catch up on so I am ready for next week and apartment inspections. We did some shopping and put out some Christmas decorations in the apartment. It looks like Christmas now! It was cool and breezy today, with lots of sunshine.

Sunday morning was very cool. I suppose it was in the 30's last night. Lots of real good testimonies in sacrament meeting today. Our priesthood meeting got off track as one member is so loud and negative with almost every thing he says. This evening we drove to Kingwood, one of the stakes there has the cultural hall nicely decorated with about two hundred different nativity desplays. They had dark blue fabric hanging against the walls as a backdrop painted with outlines of old world villages. The ceiling was draped with white fabric and strans of white lights. It was very beautiful. We were touched by the music and spirit we felt there, the true meaning of Christmas. There was a small framed nativity picture with the words "We all need a stable beginning" - how true that is.

Have a great week. We love you

Mom and Dad