NEW MISSIONARY HEADED FOR LOS ANGELES

Elder Nefi Mera from the Kaw River ward reports to the MTC this week, headed for the California Los Angeles Mission, Spanish speaking. He is definitely like all of the many fine missionaries that we have had the privilege of serving with here in the Missouri, Independence mission. I think he will only be in the MTC a couple of weeks as Spanish is his native language. His father serves as a counselor in the bishopric here. Elder Mera is a great example to us and all of the youth in this ward. Hopefully he will be able to serve in the Hermosa Liahona ward back home. We have already alerted President Hales and Bishop Ortiz to be on the look out for him when he arrives.

In our sacrament meeting today, President Priday complimented the Great Kaw River ward. He said that our ward now has 7 missionaries serving out in the field, more than any other ward in the Lenexa stake. Kaw River ward missionaries are serving in Bosnia, Honduras, Spain, Utah, and California. It is a tribute to Bishop Miller and all the other wonderful leaders and members here who lead by example and show true Christ like love to all who attend. We love it here. 

MORMON NIGHT AT THE ROYALS

Monday evening was Mormon Night at the Royals. We joined James and Kaui and the kids to see the Royals get beat up by the California Angels, 6-2.  We wanted to root for the Angels, but with 40,000 screaming Royals fans, we decided that discretion was the better part of valor. Alex Boye sang the national anthem and there was a large contingent of LDS fans. It was a fun evening and Luke and Josh lasted almost till the 5th inning.

LEWIS AND CLARK SLEPT HERE

The Corp of Discovery spent 4 days in 1804 camped here at the confluence of the Kaw and Missouri rivers. They spent most of that time hunting, exploring the area and repairing their boats. They even saw their first buffalo a little ways off.

We drive right by this park every day as we go into Kansas City. This statue of Lewis and Clark marks the exact spot where they camped. Downtown Kansas City is in the back ground - a lot has changed here since then. 

COMBINED YM/YW ACTIVITY

For sale - $369,000

For the YM/YW combined activity we took the kids to a members home in another ward who had a big big back yard. The house is up for sale + 5 acres, a little ways out in the country, with a huge back yard, barn, a good sized pond with kayaks and canoes and room to play soccer. The asking price of the home is what you would pay for a small fixer upper back in LA. The kids had a great time swimming, canoeing and playing volleyball.