Week 23

This week started out pretty normal, doing things I usually do; but it becomes a notable week when I see three apostles! On Tuesday I passed Elder Cook on the way to lunch at the COB (Church Office Building). He was walking with someone but paused to look up and say hello. Then on Wednesday I’m leaving lunch, again at the COB. I see through the sliding doors to the parking garage that Elder Bednar and Elder Stevenson are coming in just as I’m going out. So I pause to let them pass in front of me, but Elder Bednar stops and says, “No you come first.” So of course I did and thanked them. I know they’re regular people, but I still get a little star-struck because they’re really NOT regular people! They are apostles of Jesus Christ and it really is wonderful to be able to see them up close once in a while.

I love that the Church has made it so great to be a senior missionary! They want us to be able to serve without missing the kinds of things that parents and grandparents need and want to do. We can take leave for medical and personal and family reasons, and just have to get permission from the zone leader and mission presidency. Some people have done it a lot. This week was my first adventure. I’m in Seattle with Camille and the Wengreens! Matthew is getting his Eagle Scout award today AND it’s Camille’s birthday. Two great reasons to take a leave. It has been a fun-filled weekend. On Friday night I got to see Matthew sing and dance in the high school play Mama Mia. He did a great job and it was so much fun. 

On Saturday we went to basketball games for Jonah, Seth and Nathan, played games and had more fun. 

JONAH

SETH

NATHAN

JULIA & MINNIE

Today is the birthday celebration for Camille and Matt's Eagle Court of Honor.

I go back tomorrow. Hopefully! I got a notice from Delta that the weather is so bad in Utah that I might not get out. They even offered to waive the change fee. We'll see!

I’ve been reading the Book of Mormon from both ends since the first of the year. I was still in Alma, or maybe Helaman by then, and I wanted to finish to the end; but I still wanted to start with the Come Follow Me assignments too! So I read twice a day - in the afternoons when I study CFM and at bedtime when I read at the end of the Book. Friday I was reading what has become my favorite chapter - Ether 12. I read it with different eyes though. I didn’t realize it contains such a beautiful discussion about FAITH. Please add it to your reading sometime soon! It’s not that long. For instance Verse 9 reads Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith. And then of course at the end of Chapter 12 is MY personal favorite scripture, Verse 41: "And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen." I have really come to love Moroni. I feel sad for him and his aloneness as he wanders across the continent before he can bury the plates. I’m grateful for his faith and endurance so that we can have this treasured book and the beautiful doctrines and witness of Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and was translated by Joseph Smith by the gift and power of God. It’s true! Read it and share your own testimony!