September 22, 2014

We are called as MLS, i.e.,  Member and  Leader Support, Missionaries.  We love our calling and thank God every day that we are having this rewarding experience.  We have learned so much about gratitude, contentment and patience.  By serving others we are also learning to put our own worries aside and to concentrate more on what the Savior would want us to do.  When things get hard, we say: "Forget yourself and go to work."  It works every time. 

On Wednesday I attended a Sisters' Conference in Harpers Ferry.  It was a wonderful experience.

About 75 missionaries made the two miles hike to the top and back.  I didn't go but wish I had.  Instead I helped in the kitchen in the church near by to get lunch ready for everybody when they returned.

We received uplifting and inspiring instructions after lunch.   What a wonderful day.

During the "week of service" the church donated 40,000 lb. of food to the Maryland Food Bank, as well as to many other states.  It was an honor for us to be there again this year.

Elder Lewis wanted to drive that big truck.  Looking good.

We had a baby shower after Relief Society for a sweet new sister.
Lots of yummy refreshments.

Friday night, while eating a green apple, one of my front teeth broke off.  It was quite a shock and I look weird, so now we have to deal with that little problem.

On Saturday we drove to the bishop's storehouse in Baltimore to help with unloading a truck and also with stocking shelves and filling food orders.  It was really fun and we enjoyed working with all the other people who came to help.  

September 15, 2014

Wednesday.

Transfer day again in Columbia.  

We welcomed seven fine young missionaries...

...but said goodbye to five of the best.  During the meeting they sang "Homeward Bound" (The Tabernacle Choir version).
It was very emotional.

With my cute companion.

With my cute friends.

Elder Christensen always has to have a hug.

Elder White with his new companion straight from the MTC.

After district meeting on Tuesday, they had to show off their ties.

We attended a wonderful baptism in Glen Burnie on Friday.  We're so happy for Rachel.  She was beaming.

Saturday.  
Let's take a picture of our missionary team.

No, we should stand over there. No, over there.

Yes, we see you elder.

Cheesy.

Same to you.

Don't be smug.

Oh, you just got it?

I give up. They're all crazy.  

Finally!  Our amazing branch missionary team.

Saturday I also attended a Stake Relief Society activity called "Serenity."  They had a photo booth there and we
dressed up in beach attire for the picture.  

September 8, 2014

Oh my goodness, how this week flew by.  District meeting on Tuesday as usual and in the afternoon we visited a few people. 

We attended senior couples' conference in Frederick on Wednesday.  We can't even express to you the love we feel for President and Sister Richards and our fellow senior missionaries.  After wonderful instructions and sharing of ideas, we were served a nice lunch.

On Thursday and Friday we inspected six missionary apartments and cars, which is always interesting and fun.  Friday afternoon we drove down to the temple to attend a session, and afterward we met with many members of our stake in a special meeting in the priesthood room on the seventh floor.  It was an amazing experience for us.  

Saturday we had our four elders over for breakfast and also had a coordination meeting with them.  Then we drove to Annapolis to attend stake conference meetings in the afternoon and evening.  Sunday we again drove to Annapolis to attend the Sunday session of stake conference from 10:00 to 12:00.  

Sunday evening we went home teaching to our branch president's family.  They invited us to stay for dinner and we really enjoyed the delicious Filipino food.  

Today we were quite tired, so after doing laundry and a little shopping, we stayed home and watched the movie Frozen.  We wanted to know what all the excitement had been about for the last year, and why everyone is singing "Let it Go".  Now we know. 
   

Senior conference time again.

Here we're showing some enthusiasm. 

We six started our mission on the same day.
We love these people.

September 1, 2014

We entered the MTC on September 2 last year, so tomorrow will be our one year anniversary.  It's hard to believe that we have been here that long.  Time has flown because we are having such a good time and we love the people here.

Our association with the young elders and sisters continues to be some of the most rewarding and spiritual experiences we are having.  We never knew that would be such an important part of our mission.  Supporting and helping them is always a joy, and we feel like proud parents when we see them in action, whether it's instructing, teaching, inviting or doing service.    

The traffic, and all the freeways, has been the most difficult thing for me to handle here.  When we drive a long distance, I usually have to sit in the back seat and close my eyes.  I'm getting better though and last Tuesday, I actually drove from here to Glen Burnie on the freeway.  I was proud of myself, and did pretty well.

Friday night we had the fun experience of attending the annual "Mormon Night" baseball game at Camden Yards.  It was so much fun and we enjoyed all the commotion and excitement.  Ken said it was like musical chairs and a Chinese fire drill all in one, and he was right.  All the missionaries were very excited to be together and there was constant motion.  Below are a few of the pictures from that night.

We waited for the train...

and we waited...

and waited.  It finally came after more
than an hour standing in the sun.

Getting close and...

so excited...

Wow, here we are...

and people everywhere.

Our seats were pretty far up but it was okay.

Missionaries everywhere

Let's take a selfie.

Our mission's first family.

We were very proud of Elder Burrop
who threw out the first pitch.

Our own four elders in front of us.

Fun, fun, and more fun.

We took the train again going home and it was a fun experience.  I think about twenty five missionaries got on at the same time and we got a lot of stares and questions.  

Last time we went downtown we drove and paid a fortune to park, so we will for sure take the train if we go again.

We never knew a mission would be this much fun.  :)