February 19 - 26, 2012

    This week has certainly been a lot better than last one was…last Sunday, I went to ward council and Sacrament Meeting, and Elizabeth, one of the sisters from the 1^st ward brought chicken parmesan to us for dinner. I am overwhelmed by the love and support that has been shown to us while I have been down. Thanks to all of you who have called or emailed this week with your love and concern—I am doing just great now. Heavenly Father has really watched over and blessed me.

    Monday I started back to physical therapy for my back and we spent the rest of the day making calls and planning out this week and part of next. We made thirteen phone calls, and from this, made nine appointments, including a luncheon appointment and two dinner appointments. When we first arrived here, at one time we made eighteen calls and made two appointments, so you can see how things are changing as the sisters are beginning to know us more and more and know that we aren’t a threat, but just want to be friends and a help to them.

    Tuesday morning I went to my orthopedic doctor for my back. He seems to feel that things are getting better, but that I should continue with physical therapy for a while longer. After that we attended the funeral of Virginia Redding, a sister in the 1^st ward who passed away of breast cancer. This is the seventh funeral we’ve had since the first of December. Her daughter, Tammy lives in the 2^nd ward and we go visiting teaching to her, but haven’t been able to contact her before this time. We met her at the funeral, and she was very accepting of us and wants us to come and visit her at any time. Another example that we are not here to preach, just to friendship and help…
    Tuesday evening we went to Lin’s home for a visit and dinner. She works in the temple, yet has major issues at home. She can only have association with the church outside of the home or when her husband is out of town. She has a beautiful home on an acre of land with woods in the back. She is multi-talented; she’s a master gardener, plays the clarinet in the city band, and plays the guitar. She wants to have a beautiful yard, but everything gets eaten by the deer, squirrels, raccoons, etc., so she has started taking after them with a pellet gun. They basically just bounce off the deer, but opossum and red-tailed hawks take care of the other things she gets. To look at her, you would never guess that she’s a ‘sharp-shooter’.

 

Lin & Sister Brown

   Lin's Backyard Where the Critters Hang Out

   
I loved going back to the temple after missing last week. It seems like each week you miss is a month, so I was really happy to be there. I have so many friends who are ordinance workers with me, and I love the peaceful, wonderful feeling that is always within the walls of the temple, whenever you go.

   Thursday after my physical therapy, our first stop was at Linda’s. She’s the sister who we helped decorate her house for Christmas. Since that time, she has been very stand-offish and didn’t want us to come by. Last Sunday she finally agreed that it would be okay if we came by, but when we arrived her soap opera was on and she said we would have to let her finish watching it before we could talk to her. We sat there for 30 minutes before it was over, but we did get to visit with her, so I guess that is something. From Linda’s we went to Elaine and Heather’s (Elaine’s daughter). They live on Dr. Samuel Mudd’s Rd. (Dr. Mudd is the doctor who hid John Wilkes Booth after he shot Pres. Abe Lincoln) When we got there, Elaine had gone to Fredericksburg, VA. to a quilt show, so we visited with Heather. She has four children and home-schools the oldest three. Adrian, the youngest, took right to me and sat on my lap the whole time we were there.

    As a thank-you for us taking her to the temple each week, Kathleen invited us to dinner Thursday night. On our way there, we roundeda corner and there were nine deer in the front yard of someone’s house. After a delicious salmon dinner, we stayed to visit for a while… Kathleen’s mother-in-law, Mattie, who is 92 and suffers from Alzheimer’s, came out to join us. She would interact with her grandson, Roy, then laugh, and laugh, and we would too. It was like watching a comedy skit that went on and on…she is such a sweetheart and we had such an enjoyable time! Can’t wait to go back again…

   We have been trying to get down to Pat’s since we came to Maryland, but something always comes up either for us or her. Friday we finally made it! She lives down on the Patuxent River, about 35 miles from us in a little house that the Amish made for her and her first husband in 1977. He passed away in 2001 and she married Doug in 2003. They are the cutest couple ever! They are both 80, but have more energy than most 40 year olds!!! She said to come for lunch, and had a great spread out for us; afterward, we went down to the beach for about an hour and a half enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful view. Pat is an ccomplished artist who has had over 200 paintings commissioned

After leaving Pat's we went down the road to Tanya’s. She is a funny, musically talented sister with one adopted daughter, Miranda, whom she home schools. She and her husband, Todd, met at the MTC and both went to the Swiss mission and were re-united at BYU afterward. He works for the government at the U.S. Census Bureau. While we were there, the skies opened up and we had a terrific rainfall for about an hour, complete with thunder and lightening. When it subsided enough for us to drive safely, we continued on our way…                                                                  

    On the way home we stopped in to check on Dorothy, the grandmother who has a 30 year-old son that is autistic and two young grandsons that she is raising. Jahare’, 10, plays the piano, clarinet, and violin, is a crossing guard and gets straight A’s at school, and Jared 4, is in Pre-K and is just as cute as a bug. We try to check on Dorothy as often as we can; she has so much on her plate and really needs all the support she can get.

    Saturday we went to the Stake Conference Adult Meeting. We talked to Pres. Sakai, and he mentioned that they want us to expand our work to cover the entire stake instead of just the two wards that we have been in. I’ll fill you in as it happens…It was so great to hear all of the Stake Presidency speak. They had sections reserved for the missionaries, so it was really great that we didn’t have to get there early (too bad we didn’t know that until after we got there an hour early so we could get good seats!).                

One of the Presidency shared this thought:

“When you feel like you’re drowning in life, don’t worry, your

Lifeguard walks on water”

 

              

EASTER

 April 2 - 8, 2012

        Monday was spent making calls (27) for appointments for visits and talking to sisters in the White Plains 1^st and 2^nd Wards, as we start our new assignment in the Lexington Park and Patuxent Wards next Sunday. This change of assignment comes with mixed emotions; I am so fond of and have made so many dear friends in the 1^st and 2^nd wards that it makes it very difficult to move on, but I’m also excited to make and serve new friends and to spread the “news” of our mission, in hopes that other sisters will be able to go on one like this in the near future…

          A few of the sisters we were able to visit this week included:

          *Elsie, our 86 year-old-friend who is a dyed in the wool Red-Skins fan, and is as sharp as a tack. She always has great stories to tell us.

          *We met our good friend, Kristi, for lunch. She has been going through a really tough time, but was more positive and clear-thinking than the last time we met. We had a fun time together and promised to keep in touch…

          *We enjoyed an evening of great conversation and wonderful food with our friend Janice. Her boys were home, but her husband, Dave, was working late, which gave us a chance for “girl talk”. It’s always fun to be with Janice, she’s always so positive, and is compassionate and loving to everyone she meets.

          *Ethyl is one of our favorites by far! She went on a mission to Bolivia when she was in her early 70’s—talk about spunk!!! Then later she was a seminary teacher and the kids told her that Friday was donut day, so she and the other teacher decided that if all the kids were going to do was eat donuts on Friday, they would cancel it—so they only held seminary Monday through Thursday that year…the next year, the Bishop found out and told them that it would be really nice if they would teach on Friday also! We love to go over to visit her; she has wonderful stories to tell about her life and has such a great sense of humor, and she always lets us know how welcome we are in her home.
 

Ethyl Dubois

          *We went to Olive Garden for a visiting teacher’s lunch with Renee, Tamesha, Linda, Bonnie, Carol, Shirley, Lucy, Dela, and Marcie. There was plenty of good food and great conversation to last the afternoon!

                  

Marcie March, Sister Brown, Renee Backen, Tamesha Rogers

 

Linda Haycock, Bonnie Kirby

 

Carol Candela, Shirley Paoule, Sister Harper, Lucy..., Dela Able, Marcie March

 

       *Friday night was a night in Spain with Maria and David Morningstar. Maria was born in Spain and met David there when he was in the Air Force. She made us a marvelous dinner of Spanish paella with chicken and shrimp, and a wonderful flan for dessert. She then showed us postcards and pictures of Spain where she grew up and the area around it and some of her heirlooms from her grandmother: a mantilla and tall comb, as well as beautiful handmade shawls. It was really a fun night!

    Easter Sunday is always special at Church. Wonderful talks, special musical numbers, and for some reason, the sacrament takes on even more meaning on this sacred day.

   We were invited to the home of Chuck and Deanna Van Slyke for Easter dinner. It was so fun to share the afternoon with them and their three children, Bryant, 8, Garrison, 7, and Elena, 4. Being in the home with children is such a joy, but it is kind of double-sided, as it makes me even more homesick for my cute grandkids. These are a lot like my own, even down to the “talent show” from Elena.

   Spring in Maryland is absolutely beautiful! It seems as though you can see the trees explode into bloom, then foliage right before your eyes…as we travel to the temple each week, the beltway is lined with pear trees and it has been so fun to see them turn from winter gloom to spring beauty right before our eyes! Then we saw the Cherry Blossoms and magnolias in full bloom in DC—what a sight to behold!!! Now the dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom in their array of colors; who could ask for more?

   To see spring arrive each year reminds me of the great love our Heavenly Father has for us; no matter how hard our trials may be (winter), He is there to bring us through the storms to brighter, warmer days ahead (spring). I am so grateful for this Easter season when we celebrate the death on the cross and resurrection of our brother, Jesus Christ, thus giving us the opportunity for Eternal Life with our family and loved ones. I am so grateful for the comfort I receive from my Brother as He wraps His loving arms around me in times of need or comfort. I know He is with me every day, waiting to help or comfort me...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

 

    



A GREAT WEEK

   This week has certainly been a lot better than last one was…last Sunday, I went to ward council and Sacrament Meeting, and Elizabeth, one of the sisters from the 1^st ward brought chicken parmesan to us for dinner. I am overwhelmed by the love and support that has been shown to us while I have been down. Thanks to all of you who have called or emailed this week with your love and concern—I am doing just great now. Heavenly Father has really watched over and blessed me.
    Monday I started back to physical therapy for my back and we spent the rest of the day making calls and planning out this week and part of next. We made thirteen phone calls, and from this, made nine appointments, including a luncheon appointment and two dinner appointments. When we first arrived here, at one time we made eighteen calls and made two appointments, so you can see how things are changing as the sisters are beginning to know us more and more and know that we aren’t a threat, but just want to be friends and a help to them.
    Tuesday morning I went to my orthopedic doctor for my back. He seems to feel that things are getting better, but that I should continue with physical therapy for a while longer. After that we attended the funeral of Virginia Redding, a sister in the 1^st ward who passed away of breast cancer. This is the seventh funeral we’ve had since the first of December. Her daughter, Tammy lives in the 2^nd ward and we go visiting teaching to her, but haven’t been able to contact her before this time. We met her at the funeral, and she was very accepting of us and wants us to come and visit her at any time. Another example that we are not to here to preach, just to friendship and help… Tuesday evening we went Lin’s home for a visit and dinner. She works in the temple, yet has major issues at home. She can only have association with the church outside of the home or when her husband is out of town. She has a beautiful home on an acre of land with woods in the back. She is multi-talented; she’s a master gardener, plays the clarinet in the city band, and plays the guitar. She wants to have a beautiful yard, but everything gets eaten by the deer, squirrels, raccoons, etc., so she has started taking after them with a pellet gun. They basically just bounce off the deer, but opossum and red-tailed hawks take care of the ones that she gets. To look at her, you would never guess that she’s a ‘sharp-shooter’.
    I loved going back to the temple after missing last week. It seems like each week you miss is a month, so I was really happy to be there. I have so many friends who are ordinance workers with me, and I love the peaceful, wonderful feeling that is always within the walls of the temple, whenever you go.
    Thursday after my physical therapy, our first stop was at Linda’s. She’s the sister who we helped decorate her house for Christmas. Since that time, she has been very stand-offish and didn’t want us to come by. Last Sunday she finally agreed that it would be okay if we came by, but when we arrived her soap opera was on and she said we would have to let her finish watching it before we could talk to her. We sat there for 30 minutes before it was over, but we did get to visit with her, so I guess that is something. From Linda’s we went to Elaine and Heather’s (Elaine’s daughter). They live on Dr. Samuel Mudd’s Rd. (Dr. Mudd is the doctor who hid John Wilkes Booth after he shot Pres. Abe Lincoln) When we got there, Elaine had gone to Fredericksburg, VA. to a quilt show, so we visited with Heather. She has four children and home-schools the oldest three. Adrian, the youngest, took right to me and sat on my lap the whole time we were there.
   As a thank-you for us taking her to the temple each week, Kathleen invited us to dinner Thursday night. On our way there, we rounded a corner and there were nine deer in the front yard of someone’s house. After a delicious salmon dinner, we stayed to visit for a while… Kathleen’s mother-in-law, Mattie, who is 92 and suffers from Alzheimer’s, came out to join us. She would interact with her grandson, Roy, then laugh, and laugh, and we would too. It was like watching a comedy skit that went on and on…she is such a sweetheart and we had such an enjoyable time! Can’t wait to go back again…

   We have been trying to get down to Pat’s since we came to Maryland, but something always comes up either for us or her. Friday we finally made it! She lives down on the Patuxent River, about 35 miles from us in a little house that the Amish made for her and her first husband in 1977. He passed away in 2001 and she married Doug in 2003. They are the cutest couple ever! They are both 80, but have more energy than most 40 year olds!!! She said to come for lunch, and had a great spread out for us; afterward, we went down to the beach for about an hour and a half enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful view. Pat is an accomplished artist who has had over 200 paintings commissioned.

   After leaving Pat’s we went down the road to Tanya’s. She is a funny, musically talented sister with one adopted daughter, Miranda, whom she home schools. She and her husband, Todd, met at the MTC and both went to the Swiss mission and were re- united at BYU afterward. He works for the government at the U.S. Census Bureau. While we were there, the skies opened up and we had a terrific rainfall for about an hour, complete with thunder and lightening. When it subsided enough for us to drive safely, we continued on our way…                                                                  

   On the way home we stopped in to check on Dorothy, the grandmother who has a 30 year-old son that is autistic and two young grandsons that she is raising. Jahare’, 10, plays the piano, clarinet, and violin, is a crossing guard and gets straight A’s at school, and Jared 4, is in Pre-K and is just as cute as a bug. We try to check on Dorothy as often as we can; she has so much on her plate and really needs all the support she can get.

   Saturday we went to the Stake Conference Adult Meeting. We talked to Pres. Sakai, and he mentioned that they want us to expand our work to cover the entire stake instead of just the two wards that we have been in. I’ll fill you in as it happens…It was so great to hear all of the Stake Presidency speak. They had sections reserved for the missionaries, so it was really great that we didn’t have to get there early (too bad we didn’t know that until after we got there an hour early so we could get good seats!).                

One of the Presidency shared this thought:

“When you feel like you’re drowning in life, don’t worry, your

Lifeguard walks on water”

   As always, know that I love each of you, that the Church is true, and that our Savior truly is our “life saver” and way back to our Heavenly Father and life eternal.

LEARN FROM ME...DRINK LOTS of WATER!!!

February 19, 2012

   The week started out perfectly normal—well sort of… Sunday was ward council in the 2^nd ward, so we went over to the church at 7:30am. When no one else had showed up by 7:45, we went home and started calling around, only to find out that the meeting had been cancelled. By the time church started, my back was really bothering me, so I stayed home and Sister Harper went on to represent both of us. That evening, Roz, the 1^st ward Relief Society Pres., came over for dinner. We had a great time visiting and discussing the sisters we had been visiting and ones that need to be seen in the near future. It’s always fun to be with her!

    Monday, Sister Harper had a bad headache so we stayed in. We mapped out who we would visit throughout the week and called to make appointments. We also worked on the recipe books for the tasting table that we’re in charge of for Thursday night’s relief society. I am in charge for the month of February and chose to do “comfort foods”—soups: chicken noodle, clam chowder, minestone, corn chowder, and Dad’s stew.
    Tuesday we went to visit Deidra, one of the counselor’s in the 1^st ward RS Pres. She has four girls, a boy, and just had another beautiful girl named Gretchen. They had a surprise baby shower for her that we weren’t able to attend, so we wanted to take a gift over and visit with her. Holding Gretchen was a great bonus also! After leaving her home, we went shopping for the ingredients for the soups for the tasting table on Thursday, and on the way home, I remember telling Sister Harper that I was “totally exhausted”…

This is where the week stops being normal…

   I came home and slept for a while and when I got up to get a drink, I started shaking/jerking and my eyes started rolling back in my head. I grabbed the counter top so I wouldn’t fall and Sister Harper grabbed me and asked me if I was okay  (apparently this went on for about a minute). I told her I wasn’t, and we were both REALLY SCARED! She helped me into my chair in the family room, where I rested for a while.

    I was really weak and had a hard time doing even the simplest things (like putting re-enforcements on papers or carrying on a logical conversation). We decided I needed a blessing, so Sister Harper called Bishop Vance, and he and our home teacher, Brother Michela, gave me a wonderful blessing. We then went to the hospital to get me checked out; it was about 9:00pm, so the Bishop took us and Brother Michela followed behind.
    After getting to the ER, they called me up to check in. The only problem was that I couldn’t figure out how to write my name, which really scared me. Sister Harper filled out the forms for me and I finally signed my name, which looks like a  first-grader did it.  We knew it would be a long wait before I would get into a room, as the waiting room was full, so we told the Bishop and Bro. Michela to go on home to their families… no sooner had they left than Bishop Martin and his wife, Suz, came in, stating that they were there for the night. We sat and talked and talked and sat until 3:30am, when I was finally taken back into a room to be checked out…
    After answering about a thousand questions, I was given an electro-cardiogram, CT scan, complete blood panel, chest x-ray, heart ultrasound, and a carotid artery ultrasound. I was also “flushed” with liquids and put on a “23-hour precautionary watch”. I was told that I would be moved to a “regular room” as soon as one came available—this happened at 3:30pm the following afternoon(I was in the ER for 18 hours). In between tests, I had visits from Bishop Vance, the Sponaughle’s, and Kelley Cheney, the RS Pres. of the 2^nd ward. She also brought a get- well card that her little boy, Michael, (4) made for me. I was finally released at 11:00 that night.
    After all was said and done the conclusion was that I have a viral infection and am dehydrated. Everyone has been so kind and caring—from the CNA’s, RN’s and tech’s in the hospital, to all of our dear friends bringing in food, the Bishop’s and Elder’s who serve with us, and especially Sister Harper. She was at my side from the minute this started, and throughout the whole ordeal, taking care of my every need. She is still making sure that I’m following directions: getting plenty of rest and drinking more than plenty of water. I truly love her and appreciate all that she has done for me!!!
    So…learn from my mistake—if you think you’re drinking enough water, you probably aren’t—have another glass on me!!! 

HAPPY VALENTINES!!!

February 12, 2012

    First of all, let me be the first to wish all of you a HAPPY VALENTINES—I can’t believe that the time is going by so quickly (we count time by the holidays as they pass).
    This week started on a down note, as both Sister Harper and I were down with the flu—thank goodness it wasn’t too severe…
    Monday we met with Eileen, an empty nester; she and her husband take care of his brother, who is handicapped. Her husband is an avid hunter, so a lot of the care is up to her. She is very caring and attentive to him. When we went into the family room to visit with her, there was proof of what a great hunter her husband is—there were deer heads mounted all over the walls! Her passion is collecting dolls—she took us into her dining/living room and showed us her collection. She has between 150-200 dolls. Most of them are brides, including a Princess Diana; she also has baby dolls, some that are like “families”, and one that stands almost four feet tall. It was very interesting indeed!
    Monday night was ‘empty nesters’ at the Kirby’s. There were twenty of us there. After dinner we picked quotes out of a bowl from the general authorities, prophets, Ensigns, etc. that all had to do with different kinds of love. After reading our thought, we could expound on it if we chose. We all had an enjoyable evening, and it’s fun becoming better friends to these wonderful people!
    Tuesday we visited the home of Bonnie, the Young Women’s President in the WP 1^st Ward. We had fun talking and reminiscing about camp experiences. It was really fun getting to know her a little better. From there, we went to visit Kris, the sister whose dresses I adjusted a couple of months ago. It’s really sad; she is so lonely. She lives with her son and his family in a big beautiful house, but is stuck in a small bedroom in the basement with the children’s toys. We feel so bad for her; she has difficulty getting around and to top it off is shut off from the lives of her family. She enjoys our visits, so we try to go as often as possible.
    Wednesday we had District meeting at the Visitor’s Center before our shift at the temple. I talked about an article I read in the January Ensign (back inside cover) comparing the steps it takes to become a doctor and the way we learn the gospel (line upon line-precept upon precept). The two were paralleled very well. I love that picture of the Savior—it’s one you could easily frame. Our temple experience was wonderful, as always.
    Thursday I got up bright and early and went to physical therapy for my back and ended up down for the rest of the day…not fun. I go back to the doctor on the 21^st, so hopefully I can get some answers then.
    Friday we went to visit Tamara; she is also on our visiting teaching route for the WP 2^nd Ward. She hasn’t been able to attend church very much because of health issues. We had a very pleasant visit and found out that she is a private consultant for the Dept. of Defense. She lives about a mile from the Patuxent River, which is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, so we swung by to see the water as long as we were so close to it…J
    Friday evening we had two appointments, so we decided to “divide and conquer”. Sister Harper went to a food party at Kristy’s in the 2^nd ward, and I went to a Valentine dinner and dance in the 1^st ward. I stayed until they turned on the dance music, then made my exit—I didn’t want to dance and could think of a few hundred things I would rather do at home.
    Saturday we went to a farewell party for the Greismeyer’s, who are moving to North Carolina this week. He is military and is being reassigned there. They have three girls, and a boy, and she is expecting another boy in about three months. They are such a cute family and the kids are very generous with their “Grandma Hugs”, so we will really miss them!!!
    Enjoy your week, hug your loved ones extra hard and always remember to tell them that you love them!

NO SURGERY--YAY!!! ~ WONDERFUL VISITS!!!

February 5, 2012

   This has been a fun week that has taken us from the top of our area to the bottom…  Sunday evening, Brother Henrichsen, who lost his wife in December, invited us, his home teaching companion, and two widows, Sisters March and Walker, to his home for dinner. When we walked in we were so impressed—he had the table set complete with a tablecloth, floral china, and a complete salad bar. Then for dinner he served salmon with stuffed crab and shrimp, with fruit compote for dessert—yum! Afterward he showed a BYU fireside by Pres. Monson about gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon; the spirit really testified to me and I was in tears all the way through it. The same thing happened during the sacrament…it has been quite exhausting emotionally. From Brother Henrichsen’s, we went to see Rebekah and Gary; she has something to help my back. They have such a cute family—four active boys and a darling baby girl, so we get lots of loves from them. He is military and is a senior special agent equivalent to NCIS.   
   Monday I started the day bright and early at physical therapy for my back. I found out after my MRI that I don’t have to have surgery, just more physical therapy. Without my knowledge, the 1^st ward had prayers in my behalf, and with all of your prayers, I know that is why this is so. Thank you for caring about me so much—I know that prayers are heard and answered!!! Our visits took us to Chris’, the sister who is so talented with quilting, painting, and basket making, to borrow a light-box for my quilting. While we were there she showed us the food storage room that they are working on; it is incredible—one that any of us would be envious of. From there we went to see Linda and her daughter, Rachel, who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome. Linda suffers from health problems that have kept her from attending church the last couple of years, so we wanted to make sure that she is remembered and to see if she needed any help. Rachel is working on her master’s degree in computer science.
   Tuesday we went to visit Shirley, a sister we have been trying to see since we first arrived. We had such a fun time getting to know her—she is in her early 70’s and is in a dance troupe that performs all over the area doing hula, clogging and line dancing. She is about 4’8”, has eight children and 27 grandchildren.  We said good-bye to two of the four elders that are in our two wards, as Wednesday is transfers. Elder Hurd is going to the singles ward up by the temple and will be a Zone Leader, and Elder Goodman will be in DC and will now be a District Leader. It’s always hard to have the elders leave, but we become just as attached to the new ones that come in no time at all…
   Thursday I drove 90 miles round trip to visit two sisters. Joyce lives in Nanjemoy, at the southern tip of Maryland on the Potomac River. When we arrived at their driveway, we drove in another mile on a gravel road, across a bridge (which had a beaver dam on the right-hand side), before reaching the house. They own 100 acres of land from the main road, so you don’t see another home while you are there—however, they do have beaver, raccoon, fox, deer, and other “critters”. Their home is darling; right on the edge of the river, which is about four miles wide, with Virginia on the other side. Joyce’s parents were both born within a few miles of her home on the river, so she had great stories to share with us. She and her husband are the parents of ten, the grandparents of 65 and the great-grandparents of 14. They are in the empty-nesters group that we attend each month. We spent the morning visiting with Joyce; then she shared lunch with us before we went on our way to Vivian’s.
   We met Vivian at church last Sunday; we saw her sitting alone and asked if we could sit with her. She stated that it was her first week, so we stayed with her and found out that she just moved into the ward and is just coming back into activity. At the end of church we made an appointment to visit her. She lives in a town called Marbury, about 25 miles from us. She told us of her very hard life; she is divorced, has five children and 15 grandchildren. She has such a profound love for the Savior, and told us how happy she is and how wonderful her life is when she goes to church and obeys the laws of the gospel. We laughed and laughed as she told us of her conversion as the missionaries delivered the Book of Mormon that she had ordered on line…She was worried because we wouldn’t be in the 1^st ward this week, but we assured her that all would be well, and made sure that Roz, the RS Pres. would be there to take her under her wing.
   Friday, we were supposed to go to Salena’s for lunch on the Indian Head Naval Base, but things didn’t work out, so we met at Marie’s Diner in LaPlata. Salena brought her youngest of six children, Jace, who is four. He is such a cute boy and has a sharp sense of humor that really kept us laughing…Salena is our compassionate service leader and her husband is in the bishopric of the 1^st ward. His job is Air Force liaison officer with Hill Air Force Base and has something to do with overseeing the production of ejection seats for fighter jets on the base. They are the only Air Force family on the naval base.
   Friday evening we prepared sack lunches for the “Safe Home” homeless shelter. Different churches provide lunches for those who stay in the shelter. The people eat dinner there, stay for the night, have breakfast, and leave for the day with their lunch. One of the homeless people attends our wards. He is homeless by choice. He has a suit that he wears each week and sings in the choir of both wards; then when church is over he returns to the life of the homeless. He is friendly, but a definite loner; he has family in the area that he spends holidays with.  
   So you can see, each week is different than the one before, each sister has a different story than the one before her. President Matsumori asked us if we thought we were close to a point where we would need a transfer—we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface here!!!

ICE STORMS, TEMPLE, GREAT VISITS

January 30, 2012

    This week started off with an ice storm--it was Sister Harper's turn to drive, and it was quite a task for the Arizona girl to scrape/chip ice off the windshield before we could leave for church...the day turned out to be beautiful afterall, but bitter cold!!!
    After church, Becky, the Young Women’s leader, came with us to visit three sisters and young women who all lived in the countryside south of us; this is where the Amish community is and we saw ten couples on the street in their buggies…it’s always fun to see them “out and about”.
    Monday we were advised to stay in because there was severe ice on the roads and another ice storm in the forecast (which didn’t come to pass). We used the time to make calls checking on sisters and making appointments for later in the week.
    Tuesday was a day set aside for our quarterly visit by the exterminator. Our time was 8am-5pm; at the end of the day no one had come…
    Wednesday found us with a passenger to the temple. Kathleen Sponaugle, a sister in the WP2nd Ward will be riding with us each week now. She will do various kinds of temple ordinances as we complete our shift each week. She’s a special, dedicated sister.
    Thursday, we called on three sisters in the WP1st Ward. Ann is a mother of four who has gone back to school for her nursing degree. Tina is a fun, talented sister and is becoming a great friend. She teaches the card club we go to, teaches piano, and is taking guitar lessons. Her husband is in the Air Force and is the highest rank an enlisted man can be. Our last visit was with Sara, a darling young mother who has four children and is expecting her fifth. Her husband is in the military and they are being transferred to North Carolina in two weeks. We will miss them terribly! Their kidlets are so cute and really loving—we get tons of Grandma fixes from them…
    Friday we visited with Ashley, a young sister who has just moved back to Maryland from Utah. She has a degree in interior design. Our next stop was a visit with Vera, a retired critical care nurse. She hadn’t been to church for quite a while, but she was there again yesterday, so we were very pleased. The Armentrout’s have a nutrition store called Country Nutrition. We went in to check it out and had a nice visit with them. Afterward, we were on our way to the Morningstar’s for dinner. Sister Morningstar is from Spain and met her husband there while he was in the military. They also invited the Elder’s, so it was a wonderful evening. Elder Hurd left a message about the restoration of the Gospel; the Spirit was so strong, it was amazing.

FREEZE-OUT, SPECIAL FAST, and ANSWERS to PRAYER

January 21, 2012

   We come to the end of another wonderful week in the Washington DC North Mission~~the only adverse problem is that it is FREEZING COLD!!! Everything they say about the cold is true and more!!! We were stuck in today because there was an ice storm that started Friday night and everyone has been warned to stay off the streets--that's when it's too cold to snow, and the rain freezes as or before it hits the cars, streets, etc. making them a total sheet of ice...
   Sunday was Fast Sunday, and we had a special fast for Bishop Martin in the WP1st Ward. He has degenerative disc problems and is in debilitating pain 24/7. He has been okayed for a titanium disc replacement, but is fighting the insurance for the go-ahead. In the evening, we went to visit a sister in the 2nd ward, Eileen. We found out that she writes grants for the Head Start Programs in the area. It was a most enjoyable visit and we hope to return soon.
   Monday we purchased the supplies for the recipe books we will be assembling for the Relief Society night tasting table on Thursday. In the afternoon we, along with Jancice Gardner, helped Jennifer Gillisen and family pack to move from the 2nd to the 1st Ward. We packed books, books, books, and more books, as well as her office. Jennifer is a non-member, but is at church each week with her family and is at all church-sponsored activities--no one would ever know that she hasn't been baptised. She is an event planner, so if we ever throw a large party, we'll know who to ask for help...
   Tuesday I went to my orthopedic doctor and found out that I don't need to have surgery on my back~~I am so grateful!!! What showed up as fractures on the x-rays, were in actuality nodules on my discs...I have a severe strain/sprain, so I will go back to physical therapy for four weeks, then back to the doctor for re-evaluation. I really want to thank everyone who has offered prayer and concern in my behalf; I know that fasting and prayer works and that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. Tuesday afternoon we put the recipe books for RS on Thursday. We will do a tasting table each month using items from the cannery, food storage, food in season, snacks for kids, etc. This month we used refried beans from the cannery and made Sister Harper's recipe of Chili Con Queso Dip with corn chips. Another sister used powdered milk and made yogurt and ranch-type dip (it was really good). The recipe book has a cute front and back cover (4x6) with a ring in the corner; we will hand out recipes for the items on the tasting table, plus extras each month, so by the end of the year each sister will have a complete book, with a lot of recipes that she's already tried.
   Wednesday was our first day back at the temple since its closing for cleaning. It was wonderful to return to feel the Spirit once again, and to meet with our fellow ordinance workers that have become special friends as well. Before our shift at the temple, we had our monthly District Meeting in the Visitor's Center. We were able to meet the newest sister in our district, Sister Larsen, from Blackfoot, ID. So there are six in our district, Sister Harper from Arizona, Sister Wege from Louisiana, Sister Larsen from Idaho, Brother & Sister Noel from Utah, and me...right now Sister Wege is working on arranging a White House tour for us the middle of April when the cherry blossoms are out.
   Thursday we went to lunch with five sisters from the WP2; we are all intertwined one way or another through visiting teaching...we are of different ages and stages of life, yet had a great time together, and decided to do this on a monthly basis. Afterward, my partner, Nicole and I went visiting teaching to Deanna; she's the Primary Pres. and the girl I told you about whose husband just returned from deployment. Thursday evening was WP2's RS night. The theme of the night was "Organization". They started with Melody Lusk as "Mrs. Bunch-O-Hints"~~she's so funny~~she dresses up like "Momma" on "Momma's Family" and gives hints on organization, and then we had a presentation by Deanna VanSlyke on home organization. Afterward we did our presentation of the tasting table, then they covered composition notebooks with scrapbooking paper and embellishments for "Joy Journals". It was a really fun night.
   Friday we took a cute little (not even 5 ft. tall) lady, Shirley Blake, to her doctor's appointment. We have been trying to contact her for some time now, but she won't answer her phone if she doesn't recognize the number. She is in her 80's and is so fun to be with. We also took her to the grocery store, and she scooted around, knowing exactly what she wanted and where everything was; we are going to her home for dinner next week. Friday evening was the WP2 ward temple night for ward conference this Sunday. Bonnie and Gary Ramon took us to dinner to the Hong Kong Cafe, the restaurant where they had their first date; it was delicious! We also went to the This Is the Place Bookstore (cute name, huh?) that is the church version of Deseret Book. We had over forty members of the ward in the temple session on Friday and the Spirit was very strong!...we had been warned of a strong winter storm Friday, and by the time we arrived home, the snow had begun to fall...that is where we began the first of this letter.

VISITS, ZONE CONFERENCE, and a SUPRISE ADVENTURE

January 15, 2012

 
   This week has really been a mixed bag...weather from 17 to 58 degrees, sunshine, rain, wind, sun, snow, back to sun...Sunday, the 8th, was ward conference in the WP 1st ward; we had such an inspirational Sacrament meeting with wonderful talks from the bishop and stake leaders. After, we went to dinner at Kristie's, the sister whose husband is deployed for the third time and is here with three sons, 10, 12, and 14. She really has a lot on her plate, but good news for them, her husband will be coming home in about a month.
   Monday, after prayer for inspiration as to who needed our help or visits, we went to see two sisters, Chris and Maria. We had been to see Chris once before, with less than warm acceptance. This time she was so excited to see us and was really anxious to visit and show us all of her talents. She is an excellent quilter, artist and even makes baskets. We had such an enjoyable visit with her and ended with her extending an invitation for us to come to dinner and to please call her for anything we might need. Maria is a wonderful sister that is new to us. She was with the elders when we called, working with a new contact, but she was an absolute joy to visit. We were welcomed into her home, and had a great time getting to know her better and becoming friends with her...
   Tuesday I went in for an MRI on my back. I will have the results on Tuesday and would appreciate your prayers in my behalf. I have been going to physical therapy for months without the results that the doctors had hoped for, so I have had more x-rays and now the MRI...in the afternoon we went to visit one of our favorites, Dorothy, a sister in her 70's who has a 30 year old son who is autistic and is raising her two grandsons, Jahare',10, and Jaden, 4. She struggles with her daughter, the boy's mother, who is in and out of their lives. The boys are very bright, cute and well behaved; Jaden is shy, but is warming up to us, and Jahare' is always willing to give us a recital on his clarinet, violin, or piano.
   Wednesday, we visited Susie Kapeleris, a young mother of five who is expecting her sixth baby. When she answered the door, one of her little girls asked, "mommie, is it a partie?" Her oldest, Christopher, was baptized on Saturday. She has so much on her plate...she home-school's, as many families out here do. Her husband just lost his job, so a lot of their time is spent sending out resume's, but she is so upbeat and happy and when we asked if there was anything we could do to help she said that they are just fine. Often, it is felt that those in leadership positions or their wives don't need visiting but we have found this to be far from true. We visited Kelley the RS President of the 2nd Ward and had a most pleasant visit, finding how we could lighten her load and help in any way possible...then it was off to Haleigh's...she was still picking the kids up from school when we arrived, but Bishop Vance was there, so we were able to visit with him and discuss some matters of concern. When Haleigh arrived, we had a great visit with her also.
   Thursday was spent at a zone conference with President and Sister Matsumori. President Matsumori gave a most inspirational talk encouraging us to be spiritually prepared and gave us several scriptures to help in time of trial.
   The scriptures he gave us are:   Isaiah 55:8-9
                                                     D&C 122:9
                                                     D&C 3:10
                                                     2Kings 6:14-16
                                                     Alma 7:11-12
We also had our one-on-one interviews with the president. It is always so wonderful to talk to him and recieve personal counsel. He is so encouraging to us and complimentary of the work we are doing. He always tells us that he is recieving wonderful reports from the stakes, bishops, and relief society's that we are working with.
   Friday we went on a "Suprise Adventure" with our friend Bonnie, the sister that invited us over for Thanksgiving. She took us to Upper Marlboro, a city about 45 minutes northeast of us to an Amish owned market, the "Dutch Village Farmers Market". Those who sell goods there come down from Lancaster County, PA. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They sell furniture, quilts, and other crafts in one section. In another section there are all types of produce, a meat market, a bakery, an area with home-canned fruits and vegetables, and an area where they make pretzels and hot dogs in all different kinds of dough. They also have a restaurant of wonderful homemade food. We found lots of things to buy including gifts for birthdays and Christmas this year. It's always so fun to go with Bonnie and we're guaranteed that we'll always have a great time!!!
   Saturday was the memorial service for Farran Phillips, a 25 year-old sister in the 1st ward, who passed away on New Year's Eve from a rare type of breast cancer. We didn't know her personally, but everyone who did said she was an inspiration to all and wonderful to know. We helped preparing the food for the luncheon and setting it out for the family. Afterward we spoke to her mom, Bobby, and will keep in close contact with her.
   So you can see I had quite a diverse and interesting week, as they all are. We will start back at the temple this week, which I will be grateful for. I have missed going, even though it has only been two weeks.

GETTING BACK to BUSINESS

January 8, 2012

   New Years Day was spent at the Visitor's Center; the last day it was open for the holidays. It was really slow there, so when Sister Allen, a sister from Gilbert, AZ, asked if we could go with her to the church next door to hear her speak in Sacramet meeting, we quickly agreed. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that it was the ward for the temple missionaries, so we knew the members from working at the temple on Wednesdays.
   Sister Harper and I have been fighting off colds and coughs for the past two weeks; during the month of December, there were over 90,000 at the Visitor's Center~I'm sure that one of them must have been carrying a bug or two!
  Tuesday night, Elders Hurd and Nielson and we were invited to dinner at the home of Janice and Dave Gardner. She is the Sec. in the RS Pres. of the 2nd Ward, and he is on "watch" for the government/military by watching computer screens and newscasts to see what is going on all over the world and reporting anything important or threatening to the U.S. They have five sons, three that are here with them, and two older sons in Denver. We had such a fun night; great food, lots of good conversation, and wonderful friends...
    We have been asked to be part of the RS evening meeting once a month. We will be in charge of the snack or tasting table, or the dinner if it is a special occasion. We will make things that you can use ingredients from your food storage from the church cannery (this month we are using refried beans). We will pass out a number of recipes each month, so that by the end of the year they will have a great start of ideas of food they can make for very little cost. Sister Harper has a program on her computer called Memory Makers; she has made a darling 4x6 cover (front and back) for the recipes, then they will be held together with a ring in the corner.
   Now that December at the Visitor's Center is over, it's great to get back to our regular schedule of calling on sisters in the wards and helping wherever we can. This week we were able to call on six special sisters; some were friends we had made in the past, the others are new friends to us:
   *Elsie is our friend in her late 80's who is a die-hard Redskins fan. She keeps her mind sharp by doing Sudoko, cross-word puzzles, reading the scriptures daily, and reading books by Cleon Skousen,etc. She is so sharp and delightful to visit, we enjoy going to see her as often as we can. When we ask her if there is anything we can do for her, she always says, "Oh, no, I wouldn't want to inconvenience you"~~such a sweetheart!!!
   *Ethel is another favorite senior sister. She was a high school physics and chemistry teacher and went to Bolivia on a mission in 2005. She has a very dry sense of humor, which we love, and would give you her last dollar or the shirt off of her back, if you needed it.
   *Carol is a sister we have been trying to go visit for quite awhile, but she has been in poor health most of the winter. We are glad that she is now able to see us, as was very happy today. Carol is very talented in scrapbooking and card club, so she and Sister Harper have a lot in common. Her husband is an aeronautical engineer for the military.
   *Jane offered to give us some dishes that actually match and there are more than four of a kind. She also gave me some fabric to practice sewing on my new machine (Merry Christmas to me from me!!!) She is so much fun!!! I can't believe we've been here this long without knowing her~~she's so full of life~~they have five children; two married (a son and a daughter), with two grandchildren, and three sons still at home. Her husband is also in the military, and travels all over the world difusing all different types of bombs.
    *Lou is a sister that we haven't been able to figure out or get close to, but felt inspired that we should go visit her. We found that she is delightful, just quiet and shy. It's so nice to meet sisters outside the realms of church, when we have time to sit and visit and have time to really get to know them deep down, not just on the surface.
   *Our last visit was with Stephanie and Arik Drake, the couple who are both in the military. She just home from Afganistan, where she repaired medical machines, and he is in the Army's special forces. He checks to make sure every-thing is safe and in order before the President travels or if something does happen, anthrax, etc., he would be called to action to take care of it. They are going to help us activate, Stephanie Long and her husband, that we met just before Christmas at the National Harbor.
   Thursday night was RS night meeting for the 1st ward. They talked about "bucket lists" and had everyone put something from their list into a bucket and then we guessed whose item went with which person. We also talked about goals: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. Elizabeth read from
Eccl 3:1-8: "For everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven". I know that this is the right time and season of my life for me to be serving my Heavenly Father on my mission. The way things fell into shape for me to go, and the wondrous things that have happened to me, leave no doubt in my mind that this is the place where I am to be at this time. Words cannot adequately express how grateful I am for the love and support that my family gives me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

January 1, 2012

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope this finds all of you happy, well and ready to take on a brand new year with new-found hope and vitality.
   The holidays are over and it's time for Sister Harper and me to get back to our regular schedule in the mission field. Today was our last day at the Visitor's Center, as the Festival of Lights is coming to a close. It has been really fun serving there during the month of December, although we won't miss the hour drive each way two extra days a week. It was sad as we said our "good-bye's" today, as some of the wonderful missionaries we have become close to will have gone home by the time we serve there again next Christmas season. Elder Olsen, the Director of the Visitor's Center, said that we broke all records for attendance this year, as over 90,000+ came through the doors to see the beautiful trees, the 84 nativities from 48 different countries, and to hear the concerts that were presented in the auditorium each night. There were also over 500,000 lights on the trees outside, as well as a life-size nativity. As of last night we had received 1021 referral cards from people who wanted to hear more about the gospel and wanted to have missionaries contact them.
   Tuesday night, the concert was a jazz group called "Trifecta". It consists of a saxophone player, a pianist, and a bass player. The sax player is our bishop in the WP2nd Ward. He and the bass player are in the U.S. Army Band and the pianist is in the U.S. Air Force Band. It was really fun to watch them and see a different side to the bishop's personality.
   Wednesday, we were really busy at the temple. School is out for the holidays, so we had a lot of baptisms, and we had a lot of endowment sessions and sealings. The Spirit was so strong; I felt so priveledged to have the opportunity to serve our Heavenly Father in this capacity.
   On a sad note, we have had five sisters pass away in our two wards in the past three weeks; three from one ward and two from the other ward. Most of them were older middle-age and older, but one sweet sister passed away on Saturday at the age of 25 from breast cancer. She suffered so terribly; we are happy that she is at peace in the arms of our loving Heavenly Father.
   One great thing I forgot to tell you last week--a couple of months ago I told you about Allison, a young mother who has one-year-old twins and a three year old, and she had stage four cancer...on Christmas day she was in church with her family!!! Her cancer is in remission!!! We are all so thankful to our Heavenly Father for the blessings that He has given to Allison and her family!
   I want each of you to know that I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and I know that they know and believe in me, too. They know me better than I know myself; they know my strengths and weaknesses, my personality and my needs, emotional and physical. I am so grateful to be able to serve my Heavenly Father  as a missionary in the Washington DC North Mission. I'm so thankful for my family; for their love and support and for all they are to me. Everything!!! I wouldn't be here without them; without their love, without their support. I'm so thankful for my extended family and friends; for your love and support. Thank you, thank you, thank you!