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

46st Post Monday June 21 - Sun. June 27,2010

Another Sunday afternoon and time to fill you in on this weeks activities. Monday I worked on apartment paper work all day. Mondays are also the young missionaries P-day so there are many who come to the office and today it seemed they had lots of questions for me. It is fun to visit with them, they are such good young men and women. We enjoy them so much. This evening the seniors all got together over at Chesnuts apartment for dinner. We had "hay stacks" with all kinds of toppings. It was really good! We enjoy getting together and visiting - they are wonderful people.

Tuesday I signed leases at three of our existing apartments and also hauled some furniture. Spent the rest of the day with office paper work. The days go by so fast it is amazing. We love what we are doing and count it a real blessing to be able to be here at this time.

Wednesday we took the old picture board down and put up the new one and transferred the pictures. It looks nice if I don't mind saying so myself. We had Elders Worthington and Galbraith over for dinner this evening. They are Zone Leaders in the Houston North Zone and really fine young men. Elder Worthington's Dad is in Afghanistan and returns this fall about the time Elder Worthington goes home. What a happy reunion for his family, his father has been in Afghanistan for a year. Elder Galbraith's Dad teaches at BYUI. His Dad was about 12 years old when the dam broke and flooded Sugar City. He said that his dad wanted to go fishing on the dam that morning but his mother (Elder Galbraith's grandmother) said that he could go just as soon as the lawn was mowed. When he tried to start the mower it wouldn't work so he had to use the push mower. It took him much longer and just as he was finishing their neighbor came by and said that the dam had broke. His life was saved by his mother having him cut the grass and the regular lawn mower not starting.

Thursday Leona went with me to WalMart to purchase cleaning supplies for the missionaries. It is Zone Conferences next week so they request things from the office and Elder and Sister Chesnut put together their "orders". We stopped on the way back to the office at a second hand store and purchased a couple of desks for less than $25 total. When we got back to the office I had a couple of the missionaries help load up other furniture in the trailer so I could make a "furniture run" tomorrow. We went to the temple this evening. There were about 10 or so on the session. It is so nice to be only 20 to 30 minutes from the temple. We enjoyed our time there a lot.

Friday morning we did not have our regular staff meeting as the Hansens have family in town for a few days. I left early to take furniture down to Little York Apartments, then out to Katy. The missionaries were all ready for me and so the unloading went real quick, but the driving time was a bit long as the distances between the two places is almost across the whole mission. This afternoon I went up just north of the office about 20 minutes to take a bed to an elder who is having some back problems. This afternoon as we left the office to go home I asked if anyone wanted to go out to dinner with us - all the office and employment office seniors wanted to go. It does not take much to get us all together. We sat at the restaurant and visited long after we finished eating. Then we stopped to get a raspberry smoothie and sat there and visited some more. Just one one big party when you are a senior missionary. We do have fun together.

Saturday we did our P-day stuff and then drove out to Traders Village. That is just a really big flea marked (Cow Town times 5!!). It was so hot and humid that we did not last long. Even in the shade we were dripping wet. We ran into the other senior missionaries there also. I was glad to get back to the car and home where it was cool.

Sunday we enjoyed our church services. The priesthood and RS lesson was a talk given by Sister Beck. I enjoyed the topic. We sure enjoy your phone calls each week. Thanks for keeping in touch with us.

We love this work and are so blessed to be here and to be associated with such good missionaries. Thanks for your love and support. May Heavenly Father bless you.

Love,

Dad & Mom

45th Post Monday June13 - Sun. June 20, 2010

This was one busy week. It is always busy during transfer week, with the new missionaries coming in, others going home and leadership changes. Monday I went down to the "Little York" apartments to sign a lease on a new apartment. After work we went shopping for food for tomorrows transfers. We cut fruit and got other things ready.

Tuesday we left early for the office as I had to be down to the Little York apartments to move the missionaries and Mom had to get the snacks and other goodies ready for the missionaries as they come in (all day long). The apartment move went well (considering there was no power until later in the day). We closed down the sisters apartment, moved one set of elders into the new 2 bedroom apartment and moved the sisters into the vacated elders 1 bedroom apartment. We now have 10 missionaries living in 3 apartments at this location (Two 2 bedroom apartments with elders and one 1 bedroom apartment with sisters). I got back to the office after the move in time to drive the "bus" (12 passenger van with trailer) with a load of missionaries and their belongings down to the Bear Creek Chapel. They were met by their new companions and rides to their new areas. I brought several elders back with me to the mission office so they could get to their new areas. I loaded up a few more elders and drove them up to their zone leaders apartment which is south of the Woodlands (not too far from the office). We left to go home early so I could change into my suit and a dry white shirt (boy, is it humid!). We loaded up stuff to take to the temple for the dinner this evening. The departing missionaries go through a session at the temple and then have dinner together in the temple cafeteria. Leona had arranged for a new person to provide the dinner but we supplied the desert, paper goods and set up. It was wonderful to be with these great missionaries before they depart. It was a long day, but the Lord really answered our prayers that the moves, and dinner would go well, which it all did (even the power got turned back on).

Wednesday morning the departing missionaries all came back to the office to get their luggage and say good bye. It was hard to see them go. We really got close to Elders Brady (AP) and Whittaker - excellent young men. President & Sister Hansen and the APs take the departing missionaries to the airport and stay to pick up the new missionaries. They got back to the office about 3 pm. This bunch of new elders and sisters really seemed to be excited and ready to serve. All the senior missionaries in the office take a few minutes with them to explain what we do and how we can help them. We then went over to the Hafer Building, just next door and helped Sister Young set up for dinner for the new missionaries (4 sisters and 6 elders), plus the APs, two Zone leaders, Pres & Sister Hansen, Sister Young and us. It is fun to visit with the them, just really good young people. We helped clean up and headed home to get ready for the next day.

Thursday Leona had ordered 14 pizzas for the training meeting at the church near the Temple. This meeting is for all the trainers and their new companions, plus the new district and zone leaders. We had about 50 people there. The pizzas were not ready when we went to pick them up, in fact they didn't even have one baked! Anyway I was headed out the door and Mom reminded me that we had little choice at this point so I asked to speak to the store manager. The snack bar folks were very short handed and unable to deal with the back log. The manager was very quick to get folks organized with three additional staff to help. Things really went fast then. They all were very apologetic and he in fact gave us 2 free pizzas. We were just a few minutes late getting set up to feed the missionaries, but it all worked out. We had a vegetable tray, cut up fresh fruit and cookies and brownies, etc. I thought 12 pizzas would be plenty with all the other stuff, but Mom knows what she is doing when it comes to feeding the masses (thank goodness - we only had a couple of slices of pizza left). The missionaries helped us clean up and we brought 3 sisters back to the office with us so the car was really loaded. We worked until 7 or so this evening in the office getting a bit caught up. What a busy day!

Friday morning in our staff meeting President Hansen asked Mom to give the thought. She had something in mind so was well prepared. The new AP is Elder Thomson from Hawaii. We do not know him very well, but that will change over the next week or so. They had a district meeting in the Hafer Building today so when that was over the office filled up with missionaries. They always stop by to check for mail and it was lunch time so we set out leftover fruit, cookies, etc - so much for the leftovers some of those elders had not eaten for a couple of hours so they were way hungry! Fun to be around them. I drove down to Home Depot later this afternoon to get some supplies to make a new missionary photo board for the office. I got it cut out and the first coat of paint applied. Another late night, but we love this work.

Saturday we went over to the office early as I wanted to work on the photo board and Mom had letters to send to parents, priesthood leaders, and the missionaries concerning the recent leadership calls (trainers, district & zone leaders and the new AP). We worked all day in the office and I did get the board made, but will hang it and transfer the photos next week. So thankful our little project went well.

Today, Sunday is Father's Day. They had a nice program including the primary kids singing. It is always fun to watch their facial expressions as they sing "I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home"!

It has been an exhausting week for us "seniors" but we have been blessed with energy to keep up. We return to our apartment tired each night and we are thankful for that blessing. You are each in our prayers. We love you and can feel the blessings that come to us from your prayers. Have a safe week,

Love Dad and Mom

44th Post Monday June 7- Sun June13, 2010

How was your week? Monday I worked on the photos of the September missionaries for the transfer board, and office photo board and ran a few errands and the day was done. This evening we had the Elder & Sister Thomas come home with us for dinner as all the senior missionaries were coming over later for FHE. The Thomas took our place in employment so they are up at the office on Mondays. For FHE we listened to one of Elder Hollands talks to the new mission presidents in 2009. He talked about the importance of having the Holy Ghost as the third member of our companionship. Leona had watermelon for all after. We sure enjoy being with the other senior missionaries.

Tuesday we had a real storm blow through the area. A really black cloud came through with high winds and and lots of rain. The power blinked a few times but did not go off - thank goodness. Just after lunch time I decided I should walk over to the employment office and bishop's storehouse just to say hello to all the staff. The employment office was closed and there was a man and his teenage daughter waiting, but were ready to go home as no one was around. I let them in and started to talk to them about their employment questions, mostly about the daughter's resume. Anyway Sisters Lish and Billingsley had gone to lunch and were stuck on FM 1960 as the power had knocked out some of the traffic lights (that road is bad on good days). Anyway they finally got back and so I went back to the mission office. It was fun to "teach" employment stuff again. Later in the afternoon we saw three armadillos behind the office! It was fun to get pictures and to see the state of Texas "symbol" for those who had never seen one of those strange creatures.

Wednesday was another office day. I did go out to one of our apartment complexes and sign a lease for another 12 months. Leona & I took the AP's (Elders Hiatt and Brady) and Elders Martin and Whittaker to lunch at Pappasitos as they (Whittaker and Brady) are going home next week. Their apartment was also being renovated today so they were "homeless" for the day. Elder Chesnut and I rode over to Elders Hiatt, Brady, Whittaker, and Martins apartment to check out the new paint and carpet. The elders were excited to have a "new" place and it did look real nice. I stopped by the apartment office to thank the manager for getting the work done. She was not having a good day so when I thanked her she really seemed to appreciate a kind word.

Thursday after our staff prayer I hooked up the truck and trailer and drove to Cypresswood Apartments. We moved the 4'some into a different apartment in a different building. It was real hot and humid. I was wringing wet and I didn't do any lifting. The elders worked hard and cleaned up the old apartment real well. After they moved and we "checked" out of the old apartment I asked what their schedules were and if they had time to eat lunch with me. They could not get their missionary attire on fast enough! It was fun to visit with them as we ate at Jack in the Box - not my choice!

President Hansen asked me to give a thought in our staff meeting today. I read a couple of short paragraphs in the Bible dictionary on prayer (good thoughts to consider if your prayer seem a bit rote). Anyway we had a good discussion on prayer and many shared experiences of their prayers being answered. Sister Hansen told a story about her grandmother who was a nurse during World War II. The men were badly wounded and the doctors had done all they could but they were still in great pain. As she would would check them they would ask if she could help them, she would say that there was nothing more medically that she could do but then she would say to them "you can pray". The wounded soldier would say "I do not know how" she would answer - "I will help you, you just repeat what I say" they then would say a prayer together. When their prayer was finished, the soldier would thank her and say that he felt better. Sister Hansen said that after that when her grandmother would walk into the hospital tent soldiers would call to her and ask if she could help them pray.

This was Elder Brady's last staff meeting as he goes home next Wednesday. He is such a fine missionary and has been a really good AP. You can just tell how much Pres Hansen loves and appreciated Elder Brady's service. We will all miss him a lot.

P-day on Saturday was good. It is nice to get our apartment in order and shopping done so we don't have to worry about it during the week. In the evening we had Elder's Workman, Lamoure, Lopez, and Hill over for dinner. They live close to the office so we see them often. Good young men who really work hard to do the right thing and whatever is asked of them. It is such a blessing for us to serve and associate with all the missionaries both young and "old".

Sunday the senior missionaries loaded in the van and we went down to the Melbourne Ward. Elder and Sister Child, who were in the mission office and then served as proselyting missionaries in that ward, were speaking and reporting on their mission. They live in the north Houston area. This was their 3rd full time mission. Great people who have had a real impact on those of us who have known them. The senior missionaries in the apartment complex came over for cake this evening. We always look for an excuse to get together.

We love our time here. It is such a blessing to be serving here at this time and place. We have been so blessed. We are truly living the dream. We pray for you all every day and your families. Lord bless you,

Love Mom and Dad