On Our Way Again -
Early Thursday December 8th, we took a final look at the Provo Temple from the window of our room at the MTC.
Dusty said goodbye to the bed we had
fallen into each of the past 10 nights.
fallen into each of the past 10 nights.
We drove to Salt Lake City and spent the day at the Military Relations Office. We learned a lot about what we should and shouldn't do on military bases. We also learned that we are a different breed of missionaries.
Around 3:30 pm on December 8th, we were leaving Salt Lake City. We zipped down the Freeway as fast as Dusty would let me drive. Wednesday night we had checked all three of the different routes we could drive to Ft. Campbell and amazingly they were all three clear. (Probably because we had prayed and asked the Lord to hold back the weather while we traveled because it was a huge concern of ours.) Dusty called our friends Dave and Marcia Proffit who had driven long haul for seven years all across the country, and who knew the roads and winter conditions very well. They recommended we take the southern I-40 route. This route also took us through St. George, Utah where we stopped to see Delight, Michael, and Benjamin.
We spent that night with them. Michael and Pregnant Delight
gave up their wonderful bed to our aged bodies. Michael let Ben help him let the air out of the air mattress Friday morning.
Friday, December 9th, we drove to Las Vegas and
spent an hour visiting with Darren, Amelia and Tyler.
Darren has 70 employees and has little time off, but
took some time to spend with us as we passed through.
I love Las Vegas weather!
Darren has 70 employees and has little time off, but
took some time to spend with us as we passed through.
I love Las Vegas weather!
Tyler showed us how he grouped the gingerbread
Christmas Ornaments into a family...his family.
He pointed out to us who each ornament represented
...with an additional one. (It must be the little girl
He pointed out to us who each ornament represented
...with an additional one. (It must be the little girl
we told them is waiting to join their family.)
Yep - I guess Tyler knows it too.
He also showed us how he can pop a whole,
small muffin in his mouth all at once.
small muffin in his mouth all at once.
There's that beautiful smile we love!
I don't think I like that shirt. It makes me look pregnant.
Then it's Good-bye Las Vegas
Then it's Good-bye Las Vegas
...AND...
We're on the road a g a i n -
Oh My Land! Look at the hair on those arms ! I think I need to start shaving them ...wait a minute... I already did that when I was a kid.. which totally explains the gorilla look. Stop and r e w i n d ! Does this mean that now I look like a pregnant, hairy missionary?
We traveled through Arizona, New Mexico,
Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Each day Michael
and Delight called us and reported the weather
conditions for our location. Each day Michael said,
"You're always one day ahead of the storm!"
(we just don't always recognize the answer.)
We traveled through Arizona, New Mexico,
Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Each day Michael
and Delight called us and reported the weather
conditions for our location. Each day Michael said,
"You're always one day ahead of the storm!"
Remember I mentioned that I had prayed and asked Heavenly Father to hold back the weather while we traveled?
God does answer prayers !(we just don't always recognize the answer.)
3 days on the road and 3 nights in motels. The
4th morning we arrived in Nashville Tennessee !
We spent 2 hours at the Mission Office and then went to lunch with President and Sister McKee
-The Mission Home -
where President and Sister McKee and
their 5 youngest children reside.
In the afternoon we drove to Ft. Campbell, which
is another 1.5 hours away. We were so happy
to knock on Donny & Heather's door.
is another 1.5 hours away. We were so happy
to knock on Donny & Heather's door.
That night, December 12th, we went to our future apartment where we spent Family Home Evening with the
Young Single Adults and Service Members. There
were 25 people in the living room; standing up, sitting on the floor, in chairs, and on the desk to meet and greet us...but more particularly to say good-bye to Elder and
Sister Logan, whom they all love. (below)
The next night, Tuesday December 13th,
we joined the Logans at Shoney's in Hopkinsville, Kentucky where the Hopkinsville Ward members
were getting together to meet and greet us,
and to say good-bye to the Logans.
Southern people have a reputation for hospitality,
but we discovered just how friendly, loving and
gracious a people they really are.
but we discovered just how friendly, loving and
gracious a people they really are.
They were warm, kind and welcoming,
and we loved them immediately.
They are also incredibly intelligent and uniquely talented. (This 8 year old girl is one of 5 daughters. Each of them are brilliant, and very polite with sweet, loving spirits.)
The next morning, Wednesday December 14th,
we had a Senior Missionary Couples Conference
at the Mission Home in Nashville. After which time
we shot out of there and back to Clarksville.
we shot out of there and back to Clarksville.
The Logans went on to North Carolina while we
unpacked and moved into our apartment.
It took 3 days to get our internet working - thanks
to one of our service members who is a computer guru.
Believe you me, Dusty and I couldn't hardly move.
We were still recuperating from driving from Burns,
Oregon to Provo, Utah then spending 10 days at the MTC.
We were spending money left and right
and still had to finish up Christmas.
We are currently spending $100.00 a week on gas alone and it only costs $3.09 a gal.
Yes, it is Monday...Preparation Day!
Look! See!
The Missionaries take turns
using the computers.
See the Good Missionaries.
Elders Horner & Lund,
Sisters Dodge & Harper.
Sister Ratuvukivuki on the bed (from Fiji)
and Sister Warwood at the desk (From Utah)
If you guessed that this is another
Missionary Conference you are s-o-o
RIGHT !
This is our Missionary Zone Conference
Wednesday December 21st
Including travel time it is an ALL day event.
This is our Missionary Zone Conference
Wednesday December 21st
Including travel time it is an ALL day event.
These wonderful people -from Murray, KY Ward
are lined up so we can have the opportunity
to thank them personally for their kindness and
personal sacrifice in preparing a luncheon for us.
to thank them personally for their kindness and
personal sacrifice in preparing a luncheon for us.
At the end of the conference we had a Christmas Party. It was fun and amusing.
The Assistants to the President are standing in
the center of the circle.
the center of the circle.
Twas the night before Christmas and oh what a sight,
When we invited Singles, Servicemen and Missionaries to a party at our house Christmas Eve night.
- Playing Yahtzee
In the Kitchen -
More games on the floor -
Visiting with family and friends -
Until Elder Lund can't take it anymore -
So, he turned on the 30 minute cartoon version
of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" that he
had Special permission for them all to see,
Because it's a BIG "No! No!" for young missionaries To Watch TV.
of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" that he
had Special permission for them all to see,
Merry Christmas to All...
-And to All a Goodnight !
Sunday December 25, 2011
- Merry Christmas -
Sunday December 25, 2011
- Merry Christmas -
We attended Christmas Sacrament Service at the Military Branch in Hopkinsville and went over to Donny and Heather's house to watch their children open Christmas gifts.
We prepared Christmas dinner at our apartment and had invited all who wanted to come. There were only six of us which included Donny's family, but about the time we were putting the food away others starting showing up. I just set it all out buffet style and let them eat what they wanted. Three days later we still have goodies leftover from the Christmas Eve party, which our many visitors are gradually gobbling up.
Check this out... "And you thought we were serving a mission for the Lord."
Click on the link above
