February 21, 2016

Bob: Had a really nice baptism this morning. A young man from Iraq, Martin is his first name, was baptized. His friend, Christoper Fernandez, was baptized two weeks ago. After he was baptized the two of them took a trip together to Utah. They wanted to see the sights in Salt Lake plus BYU. One of the Sisters that taught them, Sister Vance is from somewhere around Salt Lake so the boys went to church with her parents. I believe he is the Bishop of his Ward. Elder Budgett told me that they were excited about their trip that they didn't want to talk about anything else at Institute the other night. Anyway there was a sweet spirit at the baptism. That's the 4th baptism for the YSA this year. Another young lady was supposed to be baptized today also, but there was a death in her family.
Talk the class for prospective Elders today. Only had 1 show up. We have several that should have been there. Hopefully there will be a better turn out next week.
Got a call from Brad Sauve tonight. He has everything set up for ice fishing Saturday on Larder Lake. It is a about an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Elk Lake. You can see it on google maps. We are going up on Saturday. Ralph Granatier lives next to the lake and he says they are catching a lot of trout right now. Doesn't look like we are going to get a walleye dinner, but it should be good. We are stopping in North Cobalt on Friday evening to have dinner with Jack, Trudy, Brad and his daughters. It will be fun to see everyone again. I don't think we have been to Temiskaming since October. I miss the Branch and the members.
Time to call it a day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob

Rob, Martin, Christopher

February 21, 2016

Sister Johnson, Sister Vance, Christopher, Rob

February 7, 2016

Bonnie:  It has been a wonderful Sabbath for us. One neat thing was that President and Sister Clayton were able to attend the baptism this morning. They cannot attend every baptism. We had a great Sacrament Meeting also. It wasn't too bad today getting all of the YSAs in to see the Bishop, either. We  had stroganoff over rice for Munch and Mingle. We just got home from our monthly FHE and it was very good. After watching Michael Wilcox discuss some of the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi, we went around the room and everyone shared something from the Book of Mormon that gave them an "Ah-hah" moment. I loved it. And, of course, there were goodies to eat after that.

So, tomorrow begins Transfers--Monday through Wednesday, full of wonderful things!! We are getting 22 new missionaries, I think. This will affect 2/3 of the mission. The new missionaries will be picked up tomorrow and the sisters will stay at a hotel (because there are more of them than the Elders coming in) and the Elders will spend the night at the Clayton's. Then, Tuesday is the training early in the morning at the Stake Center for the new missionaries,  followed by some "going-home" counseling for those missionaries going home as well as a farewell temple session in the afternoon. They will leave on Wednesday. It will be a busy day in the office on Tuesday for sure, as the new twosomes come in to pick up supplies.

How I love the gospel of Jesus Christ! I love watching the gospel as it is being carried all over the world. I love the experiences that we are having as we serve here. And I love all of you who are so supportive of what we are doing. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.

Love, Mom/Bonnie