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!

Fun Times in Tell City

September 12, 2010
We are having so much fun here in Tell City. It is hard to believe we have been gone from home for 3 months. Time flies when you are having fun!..Elder Foote (that is what I call him and he calls me Sister Foote) and I got a list of all the church members in this branch and we have been going by to visit and get to know them. We have met some wonderful people. They are so friendly and nice to us. The branch covers about 50 square miles so we have been driving around a lot. (Thank goodness for our GPS!) There is a lot of farmland here. We've seen lots of corn, soybean and coffee fields. The land looks rich. Everything is green. There are lots of trees, but no pine trees. I don't know if these are considered large hills or small mountains up here, but I've seen some roads that look like great fun for sledding when it snows! I hope I can control myself this winter. I'm told that they do not usually have a white Christmas, but there is more hope here than at home. I'll just pray a lot. In the meantime, fall is approaching. The weather is starting to cool and the fall foliage is beginning to show. In 2 or 3 weeks we should see lots of color on the hillsides.

We have been greatly blessed on our mission. We are enjoying good health and I think we have more energy now than we have had in years. We have no stress in our lives, and we enjoy sharing our feelings of love and gratitude for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our whole purpose in life right now is to invite others to come unto Christ. We just want to reach out and help others realize the importance of following Jesus plan. It is the way to have peace and happiness in this life as well as the life to come. We consider it a privilege and a wonderful opportunity to be serving God in this way.

We miss our family and friends, but we are not homesick. We love hearing from you and appreciate all letters and e-mails.