Week 3

Hello,

How is everyone? We are doing well.

We have had a good week here in the mission. We have traveled a lot of miles for sure.
Some of the people have over 80 miles to travel to church. That is so far. But a few families do it.

One family in particular hasn't been around for several years. We have been to visit them twice. They live 50 miles away in Syracuse, Kansas. The bishopric also visited them earlier in the week. The wife is waiting to have back surgery. She has been in terrible pain and couldn't even sit up in a chair. She has been getting the run around between the insurance company and her doctors since before Christmas. Anyway, Dad gave her a blessing Thursday night to reduce her pain, resolve the red tape, and ensure successful surgery soon. It was very spiritual and all were in tears. The husband even helped with the blessing which was a miracle in itself. She said she realized the Lord is trying to tell her something with so many visits in so short a time.  We checked on her yesterday and she said she had the best nights sleep that night than she has had in months! And the insurance company called her on Friday! Anyway without a lot more details, they were in church today. It was really good to see them. And they enjoyed the meeting. We know things will continue to work out for them, and they will keep coming.

We are teaching another young girl. She has been married about a year and just had a baby three weeks ago. Her husband is inactive but his parents come about 50% (they live with his parents). We are scheduled to go back this week and teach her again. She seems interested to know more. She really likes the idea of Eternal families. So we are anxious to see how she continues to learn. By the way they named their baby boy Tygre. Yep, pronounced like Tiger.

We had several more visits. Taught a few other lessons. It felt like we actually accomplished something this week. So many people aren't home when we go to see them, and those days feel so wasted when you have driven so far. But everyone in these parts drives far to go anywhere. Dad may have told you last week this stake is the size of New Jersey - over 10,000 square miles! Crazy for sure.

We are working on memorizing the 42 points of doctrine that are taught in the lessons in the Preach My Gospel manual. It is not the lessons we are memorizing, but the heading of each topic in each lesson. We are doing better than we thought we would actually. Just a little concentration and lots of prayers. We feel like we know it but the real test will come when we go to District Meeting Tuesday see how much we remember. 😳

We have been getting fed a lot by the members. Too much, in fact. Last night we went to the home of the Elders Quorum president. It was the third time they have fed us. He fancies himself a gourmet cook, and he makes some really good meals. Last night we had hamburgers, but it was like having 2/3 pound of meat on each bun. He had the toppings IN the burger - onions jalapeños, cheddar cheese, seasonings and who knows what else. We always leave there too full. The Mission Diet doesn't seem to be a weight loss plan. But I am determined to not gain 20 pounds while here!

We are ready for more face time with each of you. A week seems to long to go without seeing you all. Thanks for sending pictures occasionally. We love them.

Take care, love
Mom and Dad