SEALING TIES

Andrade family

Saturday we were privileged to be be with the Andrade family as they were sealed in the temple. Their journey to the temple began a few years ago, but really picked up steam recently following the death of Jessica's mother. Her heart was softened as she felt the love and support of the members here and recognized the need to receive the blessings of the temple for herself and her family. Many members and missionaries over the years worked with the Andrades to make this blessing a reality. In fact, there were 4 other sets of missionaries in the sealing room.  They had all served for a time in the ward and had worked and encouraged them to become worthy to enter the house of the Lord. It was a great testimony to us that you can never give up on anyone in the work of the Lord. 

We first met Ramon and Jessica and their kids at the funeral service for Jessica's mom. We began meeting with them and soon they were regular attendees at our temple preparation class on Sundays. Ramon is originally from California and served his mission here in the Missouri, Independence mission. He loved it so much that following his mission, he returned, met and baptized Jessica. They were married shortly thereafter. It has been a joy to see the entire family prepare themselves to come to the temple.

JESSICA

Jessica received her endowments the day before the sealing. It was a choice experience for Robyn, as she was asked to be Jessica's escort. We have gained a greater testimony of the fact that the Lord is the Master Teacher. He knows exactly what is needed to help each one of us return to his presence. The experiences and trials we face in mortality are perfectly tailored by a loving Father in Heaven.
The Lord knew exactly what Jessica and her family needed to experience and learn that would help motivate them to come to the temple. Sitting in the celestial room, following the session, Jessica talked about how much she loved her mother and how she was looking forward to doing her temple work in a few short months.

ANOTHER DISTRICT LUNCH

Robyn and Elder Mayo

Chicken wraps

Hermanas Littell and Gonzalez

YOUNG MEN/YOUNG WOMEN SERVICE PROJECT

Election evening we joined with the youth and their leaders at a local food bank. Giving service is a great way to think about others rather then worry about election results... Harvesters is a very large community food resource for the needy, feeding nearly 140,000 people each month here in Kansas and Missouri. It relies on volunteers to sort, pack and process the huge amount of food and other necessities that it provides every day.
We were asked to help put together food bags that are given to needy school children to take home for the weekend after school. At the end of the evening we had assembled 790 bags. The opportunity to give service was very gratifying and enjoyable - but on the other hand, it was a little sad as we thought about how many people there are in this great country that can not provide enough food for their family. Hopefully things will get better...

Sister 'Sealer'

Bag #790

Kareme Silvan and Carlos Toraya

Linda Albrechtsen and Julie Chavira