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

68th Post Mon Nov 22 - Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010

Another Monday already. Elder Stringfellow picked me up at the apartment early this morning (7 AM) and we drove out to get the mission truck that was parked at a secure place. After we got back to the office I had some emails and phone calls to make. Later I drove down to Village in the Woods apartment complex. We moved the Elders out a few months ago, and it looks like we have no intention of moving back in anytime soon. I took a letter to them of our intention to vacate and talked to the manager about our options which are not many. At least they will let us turn the keys in as soon as we clean out the place. Arranged with the Zone Leaders to have a crew of Elders there a week from this Friday. We will continue to pay the rent until the lease is completed (end of March I believe). Later in the afternoon the senior missionaries got together at our office for a few minutes to plan Thanksgiving dinner and a road trip on Friday. I think they just kind of wait for us to tell them what we are going to do and where I am going to take them. Another wonderful day in the mission field. Today was more warm and humid than the past few days.

Tuesday I spent a lot of time on line and making phone calls to find an apartment in Navasota. Pres. Hansen is not sure if we are going to Navasota or if we will need another apartment in College Station so be prepared for both I guess. Also worked on the photos for the elders coming in April and May. Brother Hellewell for the FM group came by today to get my ideas for additional lighting and security at the mission office (Mission Pres told me to "handle it"). It was sort of fun to do a little project management again for a couple of hours. Brother Hellewell had his contractor come over and we walked down the ideas for additional exterior lights and security cameras for the office parking areas.

Yesterday, Leona received a phone call from one of our sister missionaries who is from the Philippines. She asked Leona if she could call her brother for her who lives in California and ask him to send her $100 cash in the mail. Leona said that she didn't think that would be very wise since sometimes letters are "lost". The missionary said she needed the money and that her brother had told her that he could help if she ever needed money. Leona made the phone call and left a message and asked him to call the mission office. Well, today this dear sister called Leona. She said "Sister Walker, it's a miracle! Last night when we went to our mailbox I received a letter from a friend and he had sent me $100. That is just the amount I needed. My companions could not believe it when I opened the letter. Heavenly Father does hear our prayers, it's a miracle. If my brother calls, please tell him that I do not need him to send me money." This dear sister was so excited and so thankful her prayers had been answered. It truly was a miracle.

We had Elders Lindsey and Struthers over for dinner this evening. Elder Lindsey goes home next week.

Leona spent some time this evening helping out at the bishop's storehouse. Tuesdays they are opened late and many come to fill orders for themselves or others. It was her first time doing this and she enjoyed her time there.

Wednesday I went to WalMart to get several plastic mattress protectors, then back to the office to hook up the truck and trailer. I had a couple of new bed sets still in the trailer but stopped by Mattress Giant to get 5 more sets. I then drove out to Tomball to deliver new beds to the 3'some there, and then down to Stone Mist Apartments to drop off 4 bed sets to elders there. The missionaries were excited about getting new beds - "this is like Christmas Elder Walker"!! Back to the office to work on binders for the new missionaries. A package came in today that was marked "perishables" so Leona had me drive it down to Sister Ferro. There was another package for another sister in that same complex so I took it also. The Sisters were very excited to get their packages so quickly. Worked on a bed bug problem with a local member who is an exterminator and wants to help out. I hope we can get rid of the bed bugs at Spring Shadows apt. Another very busy day, but so thankful we can serve.

Thursday - Thanksgiving Day. The Stringfellows, Thomas, and Sisters Marsh and P. Young came to our place to dinner. Leona cooked a 23 pound turkey, made a fruit salad, cheese ball, vegetable tray and cooked some corn. Everyone brought things, we had sweet and mashed potatoes, jello, dressing, ham, green bean casserole, cherry pie, pumpkin dump cake, rolls, etc. Lots of good food and good conversation. Sister Stringfellow brought over a DVD of their stake youth conference which was a stage play of the life of the Savior. The kids really did a great job.

Friday I picked everyone up in the van and we drove up to Washington on the Brazos, which is where the Texans declared their independence from Mexico. Davy Crockett came through the little town on his way to the Alamo (we walked down the same little "road" (path is more like it). We enjoyed the museums and tour of "independence hall". We walked down to the confluence of the Brazos and Navasota Rivers. We then drove up to College Station for lunch and to visit the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the bonfire memorial at Texas A&M university. It was a very nice outing, even though it was a bit windy and cold (yes cold for Texas)! We stopped by the sister missionaries apartment to leave some packages and mail.

Saturday we just did our cleaning, shopping and laundry. Leona did some sewing for grandchildren. Just a nice easy day.

Sunday was another very nice day. Lots of speakers in sacrament meeting so we did go over time a bit, but the last speaker was the stake president. He reminded everyone that we need to be generous with our fast offerings - lots of unemployed and under-employed.

Sisters Mash and Young came over for dinner today.

Thank you all for your prayers. We love you and are thankful you are part of our life.

Love Mom and Dad

67th Post Mon Nov 15 - Sunday Nov. 21, 2010

Monday was an interesting day. I went shopping to get an item for Leona and Elder Stringfellow asked me to get him some things for Zone Conferences this week. I stopped at Subway to get some gift cards for Elder Stringfellow and went to pay for the $160 worth of gift cards and the church credit card "rang up" insufficient funds. At first I thought that was a bit funny - the CHURCH has insufficient funds!!, so I just used my personal card. I just assumed the credit card had a limit at fast food places. The next stop was at an auto parts store to get several tire pressure gages. Again the church card came up insufficient funds, now it is no longer funny. I got back to the office and called SLC to see what was going on. The man in the finance department looked up our account and said you only have $27 in your account, now I am a bit excited. First I did not know we had a monthly limit ("to keep you within your budget", I was told), as we have never gone over that budget before. The long and the short was when this good brother put the approved $4000 for new beds in our budget last week he must of not really put the $4000 in, but only enough plus what was currently in the account to equal $4000. I spent the $4000 last week not realizing that our money was now gone for the month. The good brother told me he would put another $1000 in our account to "get us by until the end of the month". I have left out much of the details of our conversation as I do not want to shake any one's testimony or appear ungrateful for every one's service in the Kingdom. Suffices to say the church has it's bureaucracy also, but the Church is still true.

Monday evening we went to the mission home for dinner. All the senior missionaries, even the two couples in Huntsville came down. There were 19 of us including the mission president and his wife. The president tries to get us together when ever any of us are going home. Sister Billingsley goes home this coming Saturday. We will miss her, she is such a good person and a great example. Her husband was killed on the job many years ago so she raised her kids on her own. She was in the MTC with us (employment).

Tuesday we were at the Longenbaugh building for Zone Conference. I take a few minutes at each Zone Conference to talk about apartments. I talked about the school of the prophets in the Whitney Store and the clean up required following those meetings and the subsequent revelation on the Word of Wisdom. President and Sister Hansen always do a wonderful job with their remarks. We got back to the office late in the day with lots of emails, letters, and bills to deal with. We also had three missionaries arrive this evening who are waiting for visas to Brazil, and Taiwan. By the time we finished with a very brief orientation, photos and getting them money for the next couple of weeks, we did not leave the office until about 7pm. Small world one of the missionaries, Elder Alexandre, is Brother and Sister Martin's grandson. The Martins lived in the Wilmington ward, he was in the Stake Presidency. They invited us to their home on Christmas day that first Christmas in Delaware when we were homeless and staying in a motel. It was fun to visit for a few minutes with Elder Alexandre about his grandparents.

Wednesday we drove up to College Station for Zone Conference there. It is about 1 3/4 hours drive from here. We left early as Leona sets out all the supplies the missionaries have ordered. There were some missing cleaning supplies so I ran to WalMart to get the items. The Relief Society's always do a good job in providing lunch. Again the music and the talks and the teaching were all very inspiring - always a good experience. We did not get back to the office until late in the afternoon, but lots to do when we got there so it was another late evening for us. We are tired at the end of day but feel so blessed to be able to serve at this time in our life.

Thursday the Zone Conference was at the Hafer building which is right next to the mission office. Pres. Hansen again answered questions during his part on the program, which was a bit longer today as Sister Hansen was at the hospital with one of our elders who was having a kidney stone attack. One of the questions was how do we respond to questions about the Mountain Meadow Massacre? Pres Hansen has read lots of books including the latest one by the BYU professors on that subject. He also grew up in Ceder City and so was very familiar with the "feelings" to still exist with the posterity of those involved in that great tragedy. His response was very enlightening. After we finished at Zone Conference I went over to the mattress store and picked up 8 new bed sets (this is all I could get in the truck and trailer). When I tried to hook the trailer on the truck the trailer jack finally gave out. What a beautiful day, cool and windy this morning and just nice and warm this afternoon.

Friday and our normal office staff meeting. I was asked to give a thought, which I did (2Ne 22 - these words from Isaiah just sounded like Nephi when I read them the other morning). After staff meeting I headed out with the new beds. My first stop was the Green Tree Place Apt. Sisters Wardle and Smart were so excited to get new beds, "now the springs will not poke me any more" they said. Next stop was to sign a new lease at one of our Katy apartments and then off to Sealy. I had arranged to get there just after the elders district meeting. They were also excited to get new beds (there are 4 elders in the Sealy apartment). After they got their old beds out and the new ones in we went to lunch. I had wanted to get out to Sealy to take these elders to lunch for some time. Their apartment was without power this summer for 2 or 3 nights and they never complained. Anyway we went to a BBQ place in town which the elders had never been before. It was very good and they really enjoyed their lunch.

On the way back to the mission office I stopped at a trailer place to buy a new jack for the mission trailer. I missed the exist and was headed towards the 610 loop when I knew I had gone to far south. I pulled into a very large parking lot at the far end by the fence to see if I could get a location entered in the GPS. A security guard pulled up in his truck and asked what I was doing (no other vehicles in the whole area of that lot). I told him were I was trying to go, and he was a bit helpful. He told me not to stay here as this is a "ghetto" and it was not safe. Anyway I found the store, got the jack and arrived back at the mission office safe and sound.

The office and employment Seniors all went out to dinner to visit with Sister Billingsley on her last night in the mission field. She leaves early in the morning for home which is in Queen Creek, AZ. After dinner we all came back to our place for ice cream and to visit. Sister Billingsley will be missed.

Saturday we got up early and Leona rode to the air port with Sisters Young and Billingsley. We hated to see Sister Billingsley go. The AP's called me this morning and said someone had broken the window out of the truck last night. I told them to call Elder Stringfellow which they did. After running some errands and doing some shopping I went to the office to put the new jack on the trailer. Who ever broke into the truck also took the gas card. Elder Stringfellow called to cancel the card and of course it had been used at 5 am. This evening we took Sister Young (Sister Marsh stayed home as she is not feeling well) and we went down to the Shadowdale building to a Spanish Ward talent night. Alex LaMar from the employment office and his wife were in it so that is the main reason we went. What a night. The adults really are into the singing and the little primary kids are into the dancing. The program was to start at 7 pm but didn't start until about 7:30 and then went until 9:30. Little toddlers were running all over the place. The audience were just visiting with each other and some were putting up chairs during the last two or three numbers. It was a fun experience.

This morning we attended the Old Oaks ward, that is the ward that we usually attend. The last few weeks we have been going to stake conferences in the area or delivering supplies to our missionaries and attending church with them so it seemed like a long time since seeing the members of the Old Oaks ward. You know, I don't even think they noticed we hadn't been there for three weeks! But we missed them! Sacrament meeting was great, two high counselors spoke; in this stake they send them in twos! Our Sunday School lesson was on giving service. Alot of good comments and stories on charity and service. Just as President Kimball said, "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs." Giving service helps you more than the person receiving the service.

We have had another "perfect week". We are so thankful for this experience and for the blessing of serving a mission. We are grateful for the missionaries and members and investigators that we meet each week. Our lives have been richly blessed by the people we have met and grown to love.

Have a great week. Be careful in your travels. Love and serve your eternal companion and your wonderful children. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We each have so much to to grateful for.

We love you,

Dad and Mom

66th Post Monday Nov 8 - Sunday Nov 14, 2010

Monday already! It was such a nice day I wanted to be outside so I went to purchase some cleaning supplies for the missionaries and also picked up some tie down hooks for the inside of the trailer. I spent the rest of the morning installing the tie downs in the trailer. There are a few tools in the mission garage so I found what I needed to complete the job. When we transport furniture, especially desks or tables without the trailer being full it seems with all the shifting around the stuff gets damaged/broken. I figured if I secured the items maybe there would be less damage (we shall see). Elder Stringfellow asked me to follow him down to Katy this afternoon in the truck as he had to take a loaner car to the elders. It seems earlier in the day the elders were at the library doing email and as they were leaving the parking lot to enter the main road two cars hit each other and one came across the lane and hit the mission car in the parking lot exist. No one was hurt, but there was considerable car body damage. The elder driving had just received his email authorization to drive a mission vehicle that morning so he was behind the wheel of a church car for the first time for all of about 30 seconds when they got hit.

This evening we had Elder and Sister Thomas to dinner and then we all gathered for FHE at the Stringfellows apartment. Sister Billingsley taught the lesson on gratitude. We had the song and had picked "Come Ye Thankful People Come" and Elder Thomas had the thought and it was on gratitude. It was wonderful how all the parts of FHE fit so well together without any such planning. We are blessed to be associated with such good, faithful folks. Love this mission.

Tuesday I drove up to Tomball to do a walk-through with the apartment manager of the apartment we recently moved out off, plus I hand carried rent checks to replace the checks that never arrived from SLC. Paper and office work consumed the rest of our day. Leona spent a lot of time calling missionaries about their electricity bill today. She calls each month to remind them about turning lights and fans and AC off when they leave their apartment each morning. Each month, since she has been doing this, the electricity bill has dropped a bit. The missionaries are always so good and want to be obedient.

Wednesday I spent some time in the garage cleaning stuff out and hanging clothes up on the clothes rack. Missionaries bring stuff, especially clothes in and just leave them in the garage so every once in awhile I have to clean the place up.

Leona made copies of handouts that President Hansen wants each missionary to receive next week at zone conferences.

There is going to be a change in the departing DVD that each missionary receives as he or she leaves. President and Sister Hansen are going to talk for a few minutes and bare their testimonies at the end. Hunter (man who puts the DVD together) and his friend came today to work on lighting and set up because it is going to be done in the President's office. They spent a good amount of time working and experimenting this afternoon.

This evening we went to Costco with the Stringfellows (our membership expired last spring). Sam's Club is OK, but I think I like Costco's better, but it is a drive to get there.

Thursday - Veterans Day - Happy Veterans Day to all you veteran's and thanks for your service. We are thankful to live in America and the blessings we enjoy. We are grateful for all those who are keeping us safe and free. I spent most of the day working on apartment and utility issues. I got a call from a collection agency about an unpaid bill from back in April/May. We moved out of the apartment, but there was some damage that they charged us for. As I went back into the file I remembered the issue and found notes of our claims dispute and then resolution. We had SLC email a copy the check the apartment had cashed so I hope that resolves the issue. I went to two different apartment complexes to sign lease renewals this afternoon.

The weather as been on the warm and humid side this week - we are ready for winter -especially Leona!!

A few weeks ago I requested funding to buy some new beds for the missionaries. We received that approval and so I went to the mattress store to buy 20 new bed sets and frames. As the clerk was writing up the order it occurred to me that my purchasing card may have a limit so I called SLC and sure enough I would be about $2000 short, so the church worker told me to have the Mission President call to have a one time adjustment to the card limit. I called President Hansen and found he had a few available minutes. He called SLC and within 5 minutes I was able to purchase the beds. The clerk asked me if things always worked that fast in our Church (of course they do in these matters I said).

Friday after staff meeting, Hunter worked with President and Sister Hansen to get the recording for the departing DVD. I know they were nervous and had to do it a couple of times but when it was all over and President and Sister Hansen had gone, Hunter said it went well and will be the perfect ending on the DVD.

I worked on tracking and picture board photos for the 3 missionaries that will arrived next Tuesday. We have 3 "visa waiters" coming to our mission. One is going to the same mission in Brazil that David went to. The second is going to another mission in Brazil and the Sister is going to Taiwan. We do not know how long they will be here waiting for a visa but they will be put to work!

The AP's had requested that we get new art work for their use at the Spanish flea markets (they set up church pictures - BofM, pictures of Christ, etc, like at a street meeting). Anyway one of the mission president's counselors got these really nice, large pictures from SLC. As we looked at them I knew the missionaries would need a way to transport the pictures back and forth each Saturday. I found a place near the Bering church building (where we use to work), that sold large portfolio cases so off I went to get a couple of them for the AP's. I was reminded as I drove down town why I like living by the mission office.

<-- You never know what you will see out my mission office window!

Saturday we shopped, cleaned and went into the office for a while to work on new missionary binders. While at the office I noticed the return address on a letter written to Elder Joshua Anderson. The return address said, Vernon R. Rice; I kept thinking could it be President Rice. I finally couldn't stand it any longer so I phoned Elder Anderson and told him there was a letter in the mission office for him. I then asked him who Vernon R. Rice was. He said, "He is my grandpa". I asked, "did he use to live in Delaware?" Elder Anderson answered "Yes". I told him that I knew his grandpa well and that I had served as his counselor in the stake presidency. Small world. Another amazing thing is that I never check the mail but Leona wanted to know how many bills she would be dealing with on Monday morning and asked me to go through it. Another tender mercy from the Lord to make this connection with President Rice and our Elder Anderson!

This afternoon Leona fixed a really good taco soup, salad, and made a birthday cake and invited the Stringfellows, and the senior sisters over for dinner and birthday celebration. We had a very enjoyable evening visiting with the other seniors. Sister Billingsley goes home a week from today so it was good to be with her, we will miss her sweet spirit - what a great lady she is. It rained a bit this morning and was cool all day - very nice.

Sunday we got up early and drove up to the Navasoda Branch (just south of College Station) to meet Sisters Naufahu Talakai and Stevenson. They needed some plastic covers for their mattress and box springs (bed bugs!). We have the bug man coming to spray next Tuesday. The Branch is very small, but they have some wonderful people there. Many came up to us and wanted to know if we were assigned to their Branch - we could tell they were a bit disappointed that we were not. We learned in church today that we can find our problems and their answers in the scriptures and that we must make scripture study a habit. You know it is a habit when you can not go to sleep at night if you have not read your scriptures.

Leona gave me Pres. Monson's biography for my birthday. Just reading the introduction and the first few pages I can tell this will be a good read.

We are enjoying our mission so much. It is hard to explain, but we just love what we are doing, maybe because we are doing what we have been asked to do. Thanks for your prayers and love.

Love Dad & Mom