Christmas in the mission field

Christmas is a great time to be serving a full time mission for the Lord. All our time and attention can truly be turned to the Savior of the World. This year Elder Foote and I are reading the book Jesus the Christ. We have learned so much about His life and His mission. We have come to love and appreciate the life He lived and the atoning sacrifice He made for each of us. We also appreciate the Old Testament, New Testament, and Book of Mormon prophets who fortold the coming of Christ. We are spending a lot of time reading these books. They are so inspiring.

When we aren't studying, we are visiting people in the Tell City area and talking to them about the blessings that can come into our lives when we accept Christ into our hearts. This is the only way to have true happiness. Other things bring temporary happiness, but to have joy in our lives, we need to include our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.

We've had the privilege to make some wonderful friends here. Keith and Leean Emerson and their daughters, Marie and Amanda are very special to us. They have been through trials and through their faith they have become a strong and happy family. I love to visit my friend, Betty. She is terminally ill with cancer, but has a smile and a kind word every time I see her. Brenda and Tom are amazing. Brenda is in a wheel chair. Tom works and comes home and lovingly cares for his wifes needs. Our friends - the Ansons are such good people. Brother Anson is waiting for a liver transplant. His wife is one of those women we all want to emulate. She is devoted to her husband, children, grandchild, work, church - she does it all. Probably the most inspiring person I've met is Leroy Skeen. He has been a quadraplegic since having a stroke over 25 years ago. He is funny, witty and lives life to the fullest. We can always plan on having a laugh when we see him. We've visited him in his home, in the hospital, the emergency room and in intensive care. It is always the same. A beautiful smile and a joke to tell. We love and admire his spirit.

We don't really keep up with a lot of the bad things that are going on in the world. We are trying to concentrate on the good people we meet. There are so many people who are living their lives the best they know how. We are all brothers and sisters. We want to serve them. After all, when we serve others, we are serving our Lord. Some of us need physical assistance, some need spiritual help, some need to feel the peace that comes from forgiving another. We all have needs and we need to reach out to each other.

I know God lives. I know His son, our Savior, Jesus Christ lives. I know they love us. They know us individually. They want us to be happy and they have taught us the way to be happy in this life and in the life to come. Our prayer is that each of you find happiness, joy and peace in your lives during this Christmas season and through out the new year.

Santa Clause, Indiana

We are only a few miles from the neatest city - Santa Claus. Just had to get some pics. We're doing great. It is a little cold, but not enough snow yet to make a snowman. Merry Christmas to you all!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

October 25, 2010
Saturday, Oct 23, was an amazing day! The happiness and excitement I have felt for the last 4 months turned into joy and love. We watched Hailey Hall accept Christ and enter into the waters of baptism. She looked like an angel. She was dressed in white and her countenance just glowed. She is so happy. We began teaching Hailey about the Gospel of Jesus Christ about 7 weeks ago. We really love her. She is a very special young lady.

We have met so many good people here. When they see our name tags and see that we represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, they are so nice to us. Even those who aren't interested in religion are kind. We visit a lot of people who have reason to despair, but they don't. We are visiting one lady who has just found out that her cancer has returned. She had surgery, but there isn't much they can do for her. She still has a smile on her face. Another person is waiting for a liver transplant. He is so sick and feels so bad. I wish we could do more for him. We're friends with others who are having serious physical problems. Many here are almost destitute because of the layoffs and lack of employment. One really sweet young family - father, mother and 3 children - lost their home in a fire last week. The father lost his job a month ago. I could go on and on. I wish I could make everything alright for all of them, but I can't. I can, however, share my testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and the love He and our Heavenly Father have for us. I know Christ not only suffered for our sins, but He also suffered the kind of pain these people are going through. He hears and answers our prayers. He is the answer. Only Him.

October 8,2010

We had a senior missionary couples retreat a couple of weeks ago in Louisville. We attended the Temple together. Had a great time. President and Sister Glende are front middle. It was inspiring being in the presence of such devoted and talented people.

location, location, location

Tell City is right on the Ohio River. It is a large river that divides Kentucky and Indiana. We love riding along the curvy two lane roads that parallel the water. The sunsets are just beautiful. There are a lot of barges going up and down the river carrying coal. We see fishermen in all sizes of boats. We've been told that the people here don't eat the fish out of the river because the river is dirty. Fishing and hunting are really popular around here.

It's beginning to look like and feel like fall! Next week I hope to get some pictures of the turning leaves. It is so dry that the colors won't be as vibrant as they are sometimes, but we'll see what we can find.

Enjoying the scenery.....

September 20, 2010

I like this picture of Chuck in the soybean field. There is a lot of agriculture around these parts. I couldn't resist getting my picture made with the pumpkins. I'm so ready for fall.

Life is wonderful in Tell City. We are teaching, preaching and having a good ole time. Wish you were here!