Sept.30 2018

Sept.30/2018

October is here, that means Conference, family Birthdays, Fall Colors and Halloween. How exciting is all of that?

I’m looking forward to conference to hear the words, advice and direction from our church leaders. When you hear them speak you can feel the concern, warmth and love that they have for each one of us and you know that what they have to say is inspired and comes from Our Heavenly Father and Elder Brother Jesus Christ.

This week has been a bit slower, which is probably a blessing as Scott was quite sick and is now just starting to feel human again. We are really involved in the Diabetes program and that seems to have taken a front seat right now although we have a container sitting and waiting to be opened that is full of desks which we are wanting to take over to Savai’i as soon as we can arrange it. I’m really looking forward to the children there, we have been waiting for a full container of desks for a while now as this little Primary School has been a top priority since we got here. Scott and I just love the kids and it is always such a joy to see them and see the happiness and gratitude they feel when they are given something.

We have Elders often at our home during the week either doing their laundry or having breakfast or stopping by to enjoy the air conditioning before they head to their next appointment. The other day I came home from the office to a dark house with Elder Cameron on the couch, two other Elders, one on the floor and one in the corner all sick, I nearly turned around and went back to the office where there were no germs. Scott has developed such a great relationship with these young men and they look to him for help and advice and maybe a lesson or two on how to play basketball. I often here them say “I Love You Elder Cameron.” And I know they do, he's a great example for them.

A couple of Senior Missionary couples are heading home to excited families. We had a farwell dinner and visit last week. We will sure miss them and I think a visit after our mission will be in order. Elder and Sister Rees live in Livingston ID, I hear the fiy fishing is great  and The Little’s live in Seattle, a great city for so much including baseball. Each couple bore their testimony of the love and growth they have developed while being on their mission. I have seen and heard from many missionaries as they are getting ready to go home that they come out ready to “change the world” and the biggest change was in themselves. I can truly testify that, my testimony of service, The Book of Mormon, temple work and The Savior has grown so much over these past 10 months. I’m grateful for the many senior couples who I’ve been blessed to know that have been such an example to me of Christ like service.

Elder and Sister Rees and Elder and Sister Little

We also had the opportunity that same evening to hear the testimony from Becca, A young women who was here with her parents and comes about every 2-3 years and helps in schools for special needs children. Becca bore a very special testimony of how she knew that this was the time and place for her to be here and how thankful she was for the priesthood and the Temple and how they have been the biggest influence on her life. She also spoke of angels that help her and take care of her. She is definitely one of our Father in Heaven's choicest spirits.

Becca Winegar

I saw this quote by Elder Uchtdorf and thought how true, often when people ask “how do you know, or what proof do you have, or you don’t believe in Christ, or at times when we are struggling in our own lives and it just seems easier to walk away than go to church or live the gospel. It is that deep down feeling, that trust and faith that you know it’s true it’s what keeps you going. It’s a love for our Savior and what he did for each one of us.

We have Birthdays this month, my sister Sandie, my really good looking grandson Nate, 14 years old, how did that happen? And of course the always smooth talking Cole man. We are wishing you all and of course any that I missed a most amazing Birthday. We love you all and want everything great for each one of you.

I knew leaving my family and friends for 18 months would be hard but the blessings we’ve received have far outweighed the home sickness that comes every once in a while. Knowing that we can and are making someone’s life just a little bit better makes it so much easier, so does Skype, Email and Magic Jack!

I saw this quote the other day, it is from one of my most favorite talks by President Eyring “Fear not to do Good,” If you have time look it up Oct. 2017 Conference. It has been a help and a great strength to me many times.

 Scott and I continue to keep busy and are loving our time here. We are already wondering how we are going to get all our projects done before it’s time to go home. We have over 15 projects on the go now and that's not counting the smaller projects that we take out of  Emergency aid, Diabetes or Furniture for Schools.   Have a great week filled with love, kindness and most important service for others. We love you and pray for you always.

Remember BE Happy and Be Kind!