Sunday Evening!

The last time I blogged was October 27, so I'll bring you up to date a little from my perspective. The day after my post, 6 Elders spent the afternoon helping us clean the Institute (for their service hours.) Our Institute building was built in the 60's, and looks like it was decorated in the 70's.  Our Institute Director gave us total control over de-junking the place.  So, all we tackled was the game room and the Elders cleaned top to bottom, throwing out a ton of old stuff, organizing the games, cleaning refrigerators, and even the pool table.  It was a lot of fun.

This is what happens when you leave your phone sitting around when Elders are present!  Elders Baloaloa and King

The next day was Forum Lunch.  I made spaghetti and bread sticks.  Two of the Elders were at the Institute, teaching one of their new converts, and when they asked if they could help, I put them to work rolling out, twisting, and baking bread sticks!  They made 72 for us (which were all eaten!) Lots of fun!

Elder McCloy, Baloaloa, Richard Lopez, and Elder McGuire

Working Hard!

The Senior Missionaries like to have fun together!  On Friday night, Oct. 30, we went to dinner with the Thompson's and Perry's.  Saturday, we went with 4 other couples out to Imperial Valley.  Fun day - very tiring and very interesting!  The Senior Missionaries who serve there do a wonderful job in rather difficult circumstances.  It's right next to the border, so very few speak English.  Plus, the lowest point in the US is there - about 180 feet below sea level - so it is about 115 degrees in the summer.  There are miles and miles and miles of fields, every vegetable you can imagine.  I can't imagine having to "work the fields" there, but many migrant workers do!

The Barlow's, Perry's, us, Reilly's and Monk's

Elder McGuire taking pictures of Mexico through the fence!

Monday was our Senior Missionary FHE.  The Temple President and wife spoke to us, President and Sister Jergenson.  Besides other activities, this week we did 5 apartment checks on Elder's apartments.  We love to do that, because we LOVE the Elders!  We made Salsa Chicken and Chocolate Chip Cookies for Forum Lunch (they ate every drop!)  Then, Friday night, we held a Tailgate Party before the Soccer Game.  We really enjoy going to those games and watching our LDS players.

Saturday night we went to our first wedding reception for two of the YSA's here.  THAT'S what it's all about!

Jacob and AnaKaren Clark

This coming week is Transfer Meeting.  We expect that some of the missionaries we have been privileged to work with will be transferred out of our area.  We will miss them!  We love those we work with.  We are strengthened by their dedication and love of the people they work with.  But I know we will love the new Elders, missionaries are such special people!