Our official "Missionary" picture. We sent this in with our papers and gave one to the bishop for our plaque.
MTC
Taken in the front of the MTC after our first day there.
The 1st couple on the left, Marlene & James Lindsay, were going to SLC to work with humanitarian missionaries before they start their mission. Marianne & Scott Robison were going to Holland to work in the office. She is 1st generation American. Her parents were born in Holland. Next is our sweet teacher for the mornings. The last couple on the right, Peggy & Ralph Allen. were going to North Dakota to work on an Indian reservation.
We were blessed to be in there with Emily's parents, Leann & Terry Orton. They were going to Adriatic South on a humanitarian mission.
We also had the privilege of meeting Derrick Willaim's, (our niece Kappy's husband,) parents. They were going to Boston on a record preservation mission.
Our district with the 2 afternoon teachers.
TRAVELING TO NORTH CAROLINA
We left home on Saturday, October 11th. Our car was loaded to the top. We had never driven across the United States. We were about to experience it.
We found a small branch in Limon, Colorado to attend sacrament meeting on Sunday, Oct. 12. There were 33 people in attendance. The building used to be used by the Seventh Day Adventists. They have been a branch for 13 years.
Of course, we had to stop at Tyler and Rachael's to see our newest grandson, Tyler Creed. What a sweet baby. We held him every minute that we could. We were there for 3 nights. It was wonderful being in their home.
A FEW FIRSTS!
The second day we were here President Ricks asked us to help drive the youth to the temple in Apex for them to do baptisms. We had 3 Burmese girls ride with us. It was a challenge to learn their names. We have gotten to know them a lot better now: Nang Shi, Myo-Naha and Easter Lay
This was our first time attending the Burmese FHE on Sunday night. Elder Broadbent, in the red jacket, was being transferred the next Tuesday. He wanted a picture with the Maung family. L to R: Christina Lay, Sherry Lay, E. Broadbent, Kolay Maung, Na Lay -in front of Bro. Maung, Elder Dewey, Sister Rushton, Easter Lay-in front of me, Sue Reh-Christina's husband, Sister Maung and Elder Rushton. Brother Maung is the only elder in the ward at this time.
Our first service project was on Halloween. It was a huge trunk or treat at the mall. The sponsors were the mall, city recreation and the Vertical Church. The shirts had a upward arrow on the back. That is the symbol for the Vertical church.
Members from the Vertical church decorated their trunks and passed out candy. Our job was to make sure they were supplied with candy. They told us $1000. had been spent on candy. The line of people went on forever. There were about 12 cars decorated. They also had a cake walk, costume contest and big inflatable bounce houses and slides. It was a fun evening, but we were on our feet the whole night.
ROADS AND BEAUTIFUL SKIES
The first time we drove up to St. Pauls we really used our gps. One time we changed our minds about where we wanted to go. The gps doesn't know how to say, "turn around." I guess this was the closest road: Lucy Jane. We sure had to laugh as we continued driving through what seemed like no more than a field.
Gorgeous sunset. We are awed by the beauty of the skies at night and in the morning.
This was taken at the high school track where we walk every morning.
BURMESE YOUTH
This is Aor Reh. Taken soon after we arrived. He was baptized August 2014. He is an exceptional young man. He goes out with and helps the young elders all the time. He is very courteous and always greets us when he sees us. The Burmese youth are phenomenal. They have really grasped onto the gospel. Some of them are very willing to help translate, but they are very busy with school. There is no doubt several of them will serve full time missions someday.
BAPTISMS
This was the first Burmese convert baptism after we arrived. He was baptized in November. We picked him up for his baptism. None of his family came. L to R: Elder Rushton, Sister Rushton, Sister Pruner, (Canada,) Sister Bush, (Ogden UT,) Ninoska Teague, (ward member,) Elder Dewey, (Idaho Falls ID,) Heh Reh, Elder Brasier, (Las Vegas NV,) Elder Hardy, (Pl Grove UT,) Elder Smith, (Kaysville UT,) Bishop Ricks. Kneeling in front Elder Peterson, (Heber UT,) Elder Davis, (CA.)
L to R: Leland Fuller, Elder Hardy and Elder Persé. In front are their 3 daughters and Shonda: Olivia (7), Helena(6), and Vanna(9). Shonda and Vanna were baptized on Saturday, January 3. We have attended most of their lessons; so we have gotten to know them. Leland doesn't live in the home at this time. Beautiful girls, but very full of energy. Shonda is in a wheel chair after a falling accident 2-3 years ago.
BACK TO TYLER'S FOR THANKSGIVING AND CREED'S BLESSING
We had the privilege of driving back to Tyler and Rachael's for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed a wonderful stay with them and Rachael's parents. There was lots of good visiting, walks, food and holding baby Creed as much as possible.
Ellen and Creed Rowan, Rachael, Lucy, Tyler, Creed, Elder Rushton, Abigail and Sister Rushton
Both grandfathers with Tyler and Creed
What a joy it was to love Creed.
Abigail and Lucy decorated the wall in the office where we slept. What a joyful welcome it made for us to see their art work.
BEFORE SECOND TRANSFER DAY
The 2nd transfer day was coming up so we decided to take a picture. One of the elders said we should take it in front of "the shrine." This is in the RS room. Usually the curtains are closed covering up the picture of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Back row L to R: Brasier, Peterson, Davis, Hardy, Smith and Dewey. Front L to R: Sister Pruner, Sister Bush and us.
BURMESE HOME
This is what it looks like when the Burmese are gathering for FHE or a party. They always take their shoes off. Elder Rushton said if he'd known he would be doing this he would have bought slip on shoes.
This was taken at one of the "parties." Robert Barnes has befriended the Burmese. He is a big man, but he is sitting a little higher that Pure Reh.
CHRISTMAS
While we were in Georgia Elder Rushton was shopping with Tyler. When they returned he told me he had bought a Christmas tree for us that was 4 ft tall. We went to the dollar store and bought a few decorations to put on it.
The church came out with a new video about the Savior being the reason for Christmas. They made little pass along cards for the members to give out to others. E Hardy and Persé came up with the idea to go to the local flea market. They made hot chocolate to give out. The sisters made the posters. We took my iPad to show the video on. It was a cold, rainy day, but we had a great time and gave the card to a lot of people.
A lot of homes were decorated with wreaths on every window.
This is how some mail boxes were decorated.
Lydia sent this to us. Mom & Dad had a framed one that I have always admired. Lydia took it to a sister in her ward that crocheted 7 of them for her. We were thrilled with it.
Our dear Sister Pruner and Sister Bush made this for us for Christmas. Sister Maung and Easter helped with it. Sister Maung wrote on it in Burmese. Sister Bush told us that Sister Maung said she wrote about two people who love to serve the Lord and help others.
BOYS WILL BE BOYS
On New Years Day we had the 6 elders over for dinner. After eating they went into the office and laid out on the floor. The next time we looked in we saw this. All 6 of them were in this heap.
MISSED BAPTISMS
Liz texted this picture to me. Alex was so excited for his baptism that he wrote on this shirt and showed it to her when she got home.
Dallin and Alex. January 3, 2015
This is Gavin at the baptismal preview. He went up and sat with Pres. Bufton and Pres. Christensen towards the end. When his mom asked him if he was the stake president he smiled and said, "yes."
His parents have decided to let him be baptized after his 12 birthday in February so that he can be made a deacon and pass the sacrament.
SWEET BURMESE CHILDREN
This is Pure Reh's daughter, Mi Mi. She calls us Grandma and Grandpa.
This is So Reh & Sae Meh's 2 year old, Joseph,
