Week 29

It has been quite the week, hasn't it? Certainly General Conference will be like no other, as President Nelson promised. I just listened to the sweetest message that President Nelson recorded and sent out through social media. I hope you all get a chance to hear it. He said, "I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws." It is so comforting to know that we have a prophet who is inspired and leads us through all of life's challenges, including the ones that affect the whole world. It's also comforting to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are in charge and "No Unhallowed Hand" will stop the work from going forward. We'll get through this temporary challenge, and I pray that it's nothing more than an inconvenient experience for each of you. PLEASE STAY HEALTHY and do all that is recommended to do so!

My work has been very busy again this week as we are welcoming more missionaries from Asia and those who can't get to their assignments. We're even getting a senior sister who was called to serve in England Leeds ABBY! I'm not really sure what assignments these missionaries will get. They have closed the Family History and Church History libraries. The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, where I work, is still open; so for now the mission is still operating here, but there will be quite a few missionaries having to find things to do from their apartments. 

I'm driving to Idaho tomorrow for a week at home - I'll stay with the Ashtons since I have no food or WiFi at my house! This trip was planned and approved months ago - it's just a strange and happy timing. Senior missionaries as you know have a lot of flexibility, and when I saw how many people asked for leaves to go to family events or temple trips, I decided it was probably OK to go home to get my taxes done and take care of a few routine medical things rather than have to do them in Salt Lake. 

I'm including a few fun pictures from the week: 

On Tuesday I went with my branch Relief Society to tour the big Humanitarian Center and do some quilting. The bales of clothing in the picture each weigh 1000 pounds - there are 15 bales here. The clothes are sent from DIs after 6 weeks on the racks. Then they're sorted and sent around the world. The center employs 180 people from 38 countries (immigrants and refugees). They are paid for 8 hours and are fed lunch. They work 4 hours and are trained for professions 4 hours. After a year (or before) they're helped to find jobs in the community. There are so many amazing things for good that the Church does!

On Thursday I went to dinner at Brick Oven with my Christensen siblings. Ann & Larry are at the MTC (the last group to enter for a while) heading to the Houston South Mission. Also on Thursday: For some reason it was "red" day at the mission office. We couldn't resist taking a picture!

The picture of the temple shows them digging the trench at the base of the temple. It will go down 40 feet! Makes me nervous to just see that. I'm sure the engineers must know what they're doing!

On Saturday afternoon I went to Orem for a birthday celebration for my sister Marian. She turned 83 this week and is such a miracle and blessing in my life. She has overcome so many health challenges and continues to rally and remain cheerful and faithful. It was fun to be with my nieces too!

Please stay healthy! I pray for us all to avoid this virus. Do everything you can to be obedient and follow the advice we're given. We can use this time to study and use the wonderful resources available from the Church! 

Jacob 6:12 "O Be Wise, What Can I Say More?"