TEMPLE COVENANTS

Wednesday, we were privileged to accompany Adela to the temple to receive her endowments. She was baptized a year and a half ago and has made great progress since. Robyn and Patricia were her escorts. In the temple, during the temple matron's instruction, Adela shared a very special dream she had prior to being baptized. In her dream she found herself in a large beautiful building surrounded by people all dressed in white. At first she thought the dream was about her dying and going to heaven. It made such an impact on her that she shared it with her husband. Then as she entered into the temple, she recognized it as the building in her dream. Tears of joy were shed by all as we recognized the hand of the Lord in preparing her for this very special occasion. We are so grateful to have been able to share this day with her. 

Adela's experience in the temple

Adela and Patricia

Sister Missionaries

One of the great blessings of serving a senior mission is to be able to serve along side so many wonderful and talented young elders and sisters. The spirit these missionaries carry is truly remarkable.  On Tuesday, the sister missionaries in our ward asked us if we would take them to the temple. They are allowed to go to the temple every 3 months while serving. 
Sister Romero and Sister Rowley have an enthusiasm for the Gospel that is contagious. Both have amazing stories of over coming obstacles and trials to be able to serve.  Our faith and our testimonies grow every time we are with them. 

 DISTRICT TRAINING

Our district leader was a little concerned about the appearance of the elder's shoes in the district. I imagine that the current styles of casual shoes has something to do with it. Most young men have not had the opportunity to learn how to polish shoes prior to being called as missionaries.  He asked me to give a 5 minute lesson on how to 'spit shine' your shoes.  Instead of spit, I recommended a water spray bottle. :)
I appreciate my dad who served in the Army Air Corp and taught me the importance of always presenting a 'polished' appearance.

SCOUTING - EAGLE PROJECTS AND MERIT BADGES

I continue to enjoy working with the Kaw River ward scout troop. Zack's Eagle project went well. We painted and assembled benches for a local elementary school. The school principal wanted two brightly painted 'Buddy Benches'.  If someone felt sad or left out, they could come and sit on one of the benches. Then hopefully when other students saw someone sitting on the buddy bench, they would come over and sit with them and try and make them feel better. It's a new world. 

Last Tuesday we finished up the Medicine merit badge by visiting the chiropractic office of the scout master, followed by a visit to the Sonic Drive In for 1/2 price shakes after 8:00 pm. I think the boys enjoyed the shakes most of all. 

Painting pieces for school benches

Assembly

Playing Jinga while waiting for the paint to dry between coats

Finished product

 The Medicine merit badge

Dr. Dube

this will only hurt just a little

Gabriel can't wait for his shake

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Robyn's mother's day surprise was a fun train ride on our P-day. We boarded the train in nearby Baldwin, Kansas and headed to Ottawa, Kansas (12 miles) where the train turned around and made its way back.  The Kansas Belle dinner train has 4 refurbished diner cars that are about 70-80 years old. We invited James and Kaui to came along with us to enjoy the evening. It was fun to see the lush beautiful scenery pass by as the train slowly made its way through rural Kansas. The dinner was great, but the best part was the opportunity to visit with and spend some quality time with the kids.
It brought back some fun memories of the train trip our family took when I was a teenager.  Dad wanted us to see where he served his mission and also meet some of the wonderful members and converts he grew to love in the New England States Mission. So he decided to take the whole family cross country on the train. It was quite an adventure.  I'm still amazed that Mom and Dad and 6 of us kids made it all the way and back without anyone getting lost or 'thrown from the train'.
That trip really solidified my desire to also serve a mission.  The blessings of missionary service came to life for me.  Seeing and meeting some of the fruits of Dad's missionary labors increased my desire to follow in his footsteps.
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