Work Hard, Play Hard

Sunday was our ward conference and we had a number of young adult visitors who stayed for the full block and enjoyed the spirit. We met a young man from Pakistan and he also came to family home evening last night. Dad had a long visit with him about the Proclamation on the Family, and he took part in our fhe activity of taking a Mormon ad, looking up the associated scripture and sharing the principle and application with the group. We also had two girls from Mongolia who were converted here, a young girl from Bolivia, and a young girl and recently baptised young man from Peru participate. So, we're growing!

I can't remember if we mentioned our medical legality trip to Lyon last week. Wish I had time to be more descriptive, but it kindof reminded me of intake procedures at the camps for the Jews during WWII I've read about...blood tests, chest x-rays, substance use and pregnancies questions. We were in some kind of government clinic in an old building by the train station in a huge sprawling city of wall to wall apartment buildings. The new senior couple is being asked to go to Lyon (two hours each way plus toll roads) to help at the Institute twice a week, so we will be happily staying in Geneva.

We'll be going to the young adult ball at Yverdon on Friday night with our group from Geneva and then we have a young adult temple trip to Bern planned for Saturday the 28th. We even had some non members sign up to go, so Dad and I are picturing a question and answer time in the temple foyer with them. Dad is off to High Council tonight and I'm looking forward to teaching the New Testament class. It's fun to be able to really talk about the gospel. At district meeting this morning I felt inspired to try harder with the French language. I read a little every day, but Dad and I probably need to have "French only" periods every day, so I'm forced to communicate. I'll have a little breakthrough, and then a nose dive in comprehension and courage. I was a total Pollyanna to envision myself with any degree of fluency. But...it's still great to be a missionary and I love helping the elders and sisters and meeting new members and investigators from all over the world. And it's amazing how Christian's experiences in Carlsbad are blessing our efforts here.

Thank you for your e-mails...they're really a boost for us.

Sunday was our first fast day in Geneva. We were asked to give the prayers in Sacrament meeting. I about froze, but tried and felt like a little girl with several kind smiles and loving arms around me after the meeting. Later in the evening we met with President Bonny of the Geneva Stake and President Peterson of the Mission on the Outreach Center and I was asked to pray again. There is no hiding...just the impetus to study and be more faithful. I have many occasions to exercise my faith on the piano and have three new "students"...Daniella, an investigator who speaks in Spanish, Claudia in Portugese, and Laura in French. Yes, thank goodness for thumbs ups, smiles, and hugs!

"The institute is in downtown Geneva, so it is about a half hour to 45 minute drive Monday through Friday. We have been coming with the couple we are replacing and trying to get our bearings, but after the near death experience last week, we're taking our time. We have mastered the mission home and the church and are feeling a bit more secure getting around day by day. The weather has been fairly cold and rainy today, with an inversion like atmosphere most days. I'ts picturesque, but I can tell it's going to be green and beautiful come Spring. I've heard the flowers are everywhere and beautiful. Some of the senior couples have told us of favorite scenic villages and of course, the Alps, which we hope to see on p-days when it warms up. We've been very busy learning our responsibilities, attending meetings, getting acquainted with the young adults, and trying to learn how to do simple ordinary things like shopping, laundry, using our French cell phone (local calls only), and anticipate legality procedures. This last Friday was zone conference. The emphasis was on increasing member missionary support through a series of six short lessons and the extending of a variety of action commitments that the missionaries will present to familes. Also, President Peterson spoke on improving the sincerity and effectiveness of our personal prayers. I was a motivating day. I was grateful for the preparation to take my anxiety in anticipation of another Sunday to the Lord. I plead to be able to forget my inadequacies and see ways to serve. When I walked in a bit early to RS, I saw a french hymn book and thought maybe I could play some prelude while the teacher and presidency were setting up. They didn't have a pianist and asked me to play. My hands were kindof shaky, but it was a relief to hear the sisters actually sing along, and I made it through all four pieces. Then in ecole de dimanche, I was asked to give the opening prayer. I have no idea what I said, but Dad said the elders gave him the thumbs up, so I guess it was o.k. This week I understood a little bit more...maybe 10%....Keep praying for me. I LOVE YOU."

CHRISTIAN

A CHRISTIAN SIGHTING IN POWAY CALIFORNIA!!!

Christian and his companion helping with a quilt project.

MISSION CALL

We have here by been called to serve in the Switzerland Geneva Mission!

We will be working with the young adults. We leave Dec. 29th and are busy moving, retiring, and getting things in order.

We are so thrilled!!!!.... Check back in to find out more...

A FAMILY AFFAIR

This week has been so busy and fun! Amy, Elizabeth, and Aly flew out from Georgia and Mary, Jon, and girls came from Logan to help us pack and to enjoy family parties over the 24th of July weekend. All the children, grandchildren, and cousins gathered for a final swim and picnic on Thursday. Special guest of the day was Molly, Ryan and Katherine's new Coton puppy...so adorable! Abby, Eliza, and Madeline spent the night to be here the next day for Mary Grace's 5th birthday dress up tea party. Emme, Camille, and Ethan rounded out the guest list with grown up and dressed up "kids" Amy, Elizabeth, Mary, Aly, Katherine, and Jon, Dorothy, and Jen Scoresby. Not one of us will ever forget the sweet delight on Gracie's face when we shouted "surprise", the look of contentment as she took the first dance with her daddy, or her uncontrolled giggles at Ethan's antics. Friday was also the marathon work day with the girls tackling the garage from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You had to be there to appreciate the total transformation...they accomplished in a day what would've taken Max a month! It was definitely the hardest project. We relaxed Friday evening at Jordan and Jandee's home in Springville., enjoying grilled chicken, vegetables from their garden, and Jandee's homemade peach and cherry pies. We missed Jason and Mimi, Christian, and Brandon, but had the funnest time sharing memories of the particular virtues and quirks of each other. Saturday the girls and I sorted and packed family (including grandparents and great grandparents) photos and memorabilia...then exhausted with aged dust, cleaned up and went to Chilis for lunch, minus Amy who stayed home to visit with her friend Judy Saunders. Saturday evening we continued the tradition of family cookoffs...this time the common ingredient was lime...perfect for a warm summer night. Every offering was a winner...sugar crystalized sparkling limeade, corn on the cob in salted lime butter, roma tomato-mozzarella cheese-fresh basil horderves, lime chicken fajitas, fish tacos with salsa and lime tomatillo dressing, and key lime pie and lime sherbet for dessert. Everything was delicious! It was a perfect family weekend and appreciated everyone's help!

I Hope They Call Us On A Mission....

because we've sold our home, furniture, put everything else in storage and have no place to go.
Our mission papers are in and we are expecting our call within the next few weeks. We are in a whirlwind of cleaning and packing. It is a scary time, It is an exciting time, and we are trying to ride the emotional wave through it all. Our children are gathering for one final yard party on the 24th. So here we go.....