Bob: We have reached the end of January. It did not snow today. 4 more weeks of hoping for NO blizzards!!
We went to Latchford today to help Sister Benn at the Consignment store. We worked almost the entire 3 hours on taking items off hangers and replacing them with newer items. There was still lots to do when we left. Took Bonnie to see Emma Sauve about a picture she is drawing for us. Then we went to see Olga Orchard who is waiting in the hospital for a bed to become empty at the Nursing home. Picked up a few things at the grocery store and then went home for dinner.
Had Activity Night tonight. Elder Baird has replaced Elder Holden who is now in Scarborough in a bus area. He will do really well on the bus as he is quite relaxed talking with new people. We are planning a special Valentine's Day activity for the Activity Night attendees. We are going to deliver Valentines to some of the special people in the Branch. It will be fun.
Time for bed. Hope you had a great day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Bob has summarized our day well.
I can't believe that tomorrow is the first of February. The last month of our mission has begun. I hope we can do what the Lord wants us to do these last precious days. I'm not sure we've done much good here in the Temiskaming Branch at least as far as getting less-actives coming back and baptisms. We have done some service so maybe that has been our purpose here. Anyway, it's been a wonderful experience and we have learned a lot. It's been interesting because when we have had a "bad" day, followed with lots of heart-felt prayer, the next day was awesome in some respect. It's amazing how the Lord helps us!
I hope everyone reading our blog will have an awesome day tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Monday, 30 January 2017
January 30, 2017
Bonnie: We've had an interesting day. We finally found a sister home that we have tried to see in the past. She is the mother of the Relief Society President in the french-speaking Abitibi Branch in Quebec. We hope to have a gospel conversation with her soon. We also visited Donna at the nursing home. She has moved to another room which is great because she now has only one room-mate instead of three. Donna would like us to spend hours with her, so because we are leaving soon we will try to go twice a week instead of once a week. Tonight we saw another less-active who is not sure about some basic doctrine, and he is not motivated to find out the truth. Very sad. Coming home tonight the outside temperature varied between -2 to -6, and settled on -4 when we pulled into our parking space. How thankful I am for thermal underclothing and heavy tights and a long down-filled coat! Bob always pulls up the wiper blades and plugs in the car on nights like this to be sure the car will start in the morning. This is normal procedure for all of the vehicles here.
So, everyone stay warm, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy a good book--maybe even the Book of Mormon!!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: One thing about Donna. Yes, she only has one roommate now, but she is a very elderly woman that talks to herself occasionally. And when she does she just keeps repeating the same thing over and over. Donna is hoping she is able to tolerate it!!
Not much more to add than we didn't get home till after 8:00. John said to come around 7 which we did, but he was still baking dinner for himself, his son and his son's friend when we got there. We left about 8 so they could eat as soon as the garlic bread was done.
Went swimming today. Did 36 tiring laps. Swam all but about 6 laps by myself. I bet the life guard gets tired of watching one old man swim slowly up and back the pool!!
Time for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
So, everyone stay warm, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy a good book--maybe even the Book of Mormon!!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: One thing about Donna. Yes, she only has one roommate now, but she is a very elderly woman that talks to herself occasionally. And when she does she just keeps repeating the same thing over and over. Donna is hoping she is able to tolerate it!!
Not much more to add than we didn't get home till after 8:00. John said to come around 7 which we did, but he was still baking dinner for himself, his son and his son's friend when we got there. We left about 8 so they could eat as soon as the garlic bread was done.
Went swimming today. Did 36 tiring laps. Swam all but about 6 laps by myself. I bet the life guard gets tired of watching one old man swim slowly up and back the pool!!
Time for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Sunday, 29 January 2017
January 29, 2016
Bonnie: We just got home from dinner and a visit with President Jakob. It's about 10:30 pm. He provided dinner for not only us but another couple, too. The problem was we were not very hungry because the RS President provided a meal after church as well. We have been well fed in this Branch, for sure. It's been a good Sunday. Bob's talk went well. And after the meeting started, the wife and two daughters of Brother Vottero came in. He is the brother that just had a heart attack and is still in a coma. She gave us an update on her husband, and expressed much faith that he will improve. We are cautiously hopeful.
It's late so I will let Bob finish, I hope everyone has had a good Sabbath Day.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: I passed on dinner with President Jakob. My belly was too full and I wanted to take a nap during dinner. After everyone else ate, I felt better and was able to participate in the dessert portion! The strawberry ice cream with extra strawberries was very delicious.
The temperature on the way home got as low as 1°, but warmed up to 7° by the time we got here. Personally I couldn't tell the difference. It is just plain cold and very white outside.
For my talk today I shared how the New Martinsville and Temiskaming Branches struggled to get their own buildings, but the growth has been very slow since then. I listed some of the stumbling blocks Elder Cook mentioned in the last conference, and the blessings we get for just trying enumerated by Elder Holland two conferences ago. I also shared 2 experiences of some missionaries in our mission to enforce the points I listed.
Well, it is late and I want to get up and go swimming tomorrow morning. I pray you have had a wonderful weekend and Sabbath Day. My love to each of you and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Here is an experience our Temiskaming Elders had the week before last:
We dropped by a potential investigator, and he wasn't home. A snow storm had just started, and, although we knew the right thing to do was to work the area, neither of us wanted to contact or tract in the discouraging weather. It would have been SO EASY to drive to a different potential. But, we said a prayer and knew we were supposed to be there. We were then inspired to drive to a nearby street, which we then tracted. Along one side of the street, we found two potential investigators. Notwithstanding the cold, we then tracted the other side of the street. The last house we knocked was J. and O., our two new investigators. I distinctly remember my thoughts as I got out of the car to tract the street: "I'm doing this because I love You." Out of our love for the Lord, we followed the Spirit instead of our own desires, and we were blessed with a miracle.
It's late so I will let Bob finish, I hope everyone has had a good Sabbath Day.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: I passed on dinner with President Jakob. My belly was too full and I wanted to take a nap during dinner. After everyone else ate, I felt better and was able to participate in the dessert portion! The strawberry ice cream with extra strawberries was very delicious.
The temperature on the way home got as low as 1°, but warmed up to 7° by the time we got here. Personally I couldn't tell the difference. It is just plain cold and very white outside.
For my talk today I shared how the New Martinsville and Temiskaming Branches struggled to get their own buildings, but the growth has been very slow since then. I listed some of the stumbling blocks Elder Cook mentioned in the last conference, and the blessings we get for just trying enumerated by Elder Holland two conferences ago. I also shared 2 experiences of some missionaries in our mission to enforce the points I listed.
Well, it is late and I want to get up and go swimming tomorrow morning. I pray you have had a wonderful weekend and Sabbath Day. My love to each of you and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Here is an experience our Temiskaming Elders had the week before last:
We dropped by a potential investigator, and he wasn't home. A snow storm had just started, and, although we knew the right thing to do was to work the area, neither of us wanted to contact or tract in the discouraging weather. It would have been SO EASY to drive to a different potential. But, we said a prayer and knew we were supposed to be there. We were then inspired to drive to a nearby street, which we then tracted. Along one side of the street, we found two potential investigators. Notwithstanding the cold, we then tracted the other side of the street. The last house we knocked was J. and O., our two new investigators. I distinctly remember my thoughts as I got out of the car to tract the street: "I'm doing this because I love You." Out of our love for the Lord, we followed the Spirit instead of our own desires, and we were blessed with a miracle.
Saturday, 28 January 2017
January 28, 2017
Bob: We made it safely to Brampton and back. The roads were slick in spots, but mostly okay. The worst roads were areas between North Bay and Orillia, but the snow plows were out.
We stayed at the Mission Home which is a real treat. We didn't get there till between 10:30 and 11:00. President and Sister Shields were up and wanted to talk with us and Sister Margetson, who went with us. It was fun, but we finally had to call it quits and go to bed.
Getting into the temple proved a little difficult for me. It seems my recommend expired at the end of December!! I knew when I came out on the mission it would be good for the entire time, but I forgot when we extended to renew it. Had to call President Shields from the temple. He interviewed me over the phone and the temple filled out the recommend. I missed going on the 5:15 session because of this, but Elder Allred, a temple missionary and our friend, said he thought they could keep me busy. He had me do initiatories till 7:05 when I got ready for the next endowment session with Bonnie and Sister Margetson.
We went back to the temple this morning and did another endowment before leaving. Had to go back to the Mission Home and get the pants I left in the closet! Always forgetting something.
I'll let Bonnie finish up now. Hope your weekend is going well. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We had a wonderful temple trip. One of the best parts was seeing several friends we have not seen in awhile. Sister Margetson lived in Brampton area and served in the temple for quite some time. She had joyful reunions with several old friends as well.We got back about 7:30 tonight. Bob has been working on his talk for tomorrow. I'm getting prepared for the Sabbath, too. We have been invited to stay after church for dinner, with the young Elders and probably President Jakob and the three little girls.The dinner will be provided by the RS President!. How sweet it is.
May tomorrow be a joyful, spiritual day for all of us.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
We stayed at the Mission Home which is a real treat. We didn't get there till between 10:30 and 11:00. President and Sister Shields were up and wanted to talk with us and Sister Margetson, who went with us. It was fun, but we finally had to call it quits and go to bed.
Getting into the temple proved a little difficult for me. It seems my recommend expired at the end of December!! I knew when I came out on the mission it would be good for the entire time, but I forgot when we extended to renew it. Had to call President Shields from the temple. He interviewed me over the phone and the temple filled out the recommend. I missed going on the 5:15 session because of this, but Elder Allred, a temple missionary and our friend, said he thought they could keep me busy. He had me do initiatories till 7:05 when I got ready for the next endowment session with Bonnie and Sister Margetson.
We went back to the temple this morning and did another endowment before leaving. Had to go back to the Mission Home and get the pants I left in the closet! Always forgetting something.
I'll let Bonnie finish up now. Hope your weekend is going well. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We had a wonderful temple trip. One of the best parts was seeing several friends we have not seen in awhile. Sister Margetson lived in Brampton area and served in the temple for quite some time. She had joyful reunions with several old friends as well.We got back about 7:30 tonight. Bob has been working on his talk for tomorrow. I'm getting prepared for the Sabbath, too. We have been invited to stay after church for dinner, with the young Elders and probably President Jakob and the three little girls.The dinner will be provided by the RS President!. How sweet it is.
May tomorrow be a joyful, spiritual day for all of us.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Thursday, 26 January 2017
January 26, 2017
Bob: Had to take the car in for an oil change today. Last one before leaving Canada. Should get home before we need another one. According to our car czar GM told the church that if the cars use synthetic oil that they would recommend changing the oil at 15,000 km (9000 mi). I'm changing ours between 8000 and 9000.
Went to Englehart to visit Sister Cushman in the hospital, but she had just gotten back to the nursing home when we got there. She is weak and still recovering from a slight heart attack and pneumonia but her prognosis is good.
On the way home we stopped in Cobalt to see Sister LaPointe. Her boy friend is arriving tomorrow and moving in with her. Looks like we have a long way to go with her.
Officiated the men's league tonight and felt fine.
Time for bed. Hope you have had a great day. We will be going to Brampton tomorrow morning so I doubt if we will post tomorrow night. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It looks like Bob has explained our day well enough. We are all set for our temple trip tomorrow, I think. The weather is turning colder now, after a whole week of mild temperatures. I'm prepared for it, hopefully. I'm looking so forward to going to the temple! I hope everyone has a glorious day tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Went to Englehart to visit Sister Cushman in the hospital, but she had just gotten back to the nursing home when we got there. She is weak and still recovering from a slight heart attack and pneumonia but her prognosis is good.
On the way home we stopped in Cobalt to see Sister LaPointe. Her boy friend is arriving tomorrow and moving in with her. Looks like we have a long way to go with her.
Officiated the men's league tonight and felt fine.
Time for bed. Hope you have had a great day. We will be going to Brampton tomorrow morning so I doubt if we will post tomorrow night. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It looks like Bob has explained our day well enough. We are all set for our temple trip tomorrow, I think. The weather is turning colder now, after a whole week of mild temperatures. I'm prepared for it, hopefully. I'm looking so forward to going to the temple! I hope everyone has a glorious day tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
January 25, 2017
Bob: Awoke to some new snow this morning, but it was only about 1/2 inch. It all melted before day's end. Temperature per the car thermometer was 41°.
There was a special missionary broadcast today from Salt Lake City. It was presented by the Missionary Executive Council. Elder Oaks chairs the council. Elders Bednar and Andersen, Sister Oscarson, Elder Waddell (PBO) and 2 others are on the council. It was a good presentation and stressed the importance of our missionary purpose (Helping others come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduing to the end).
In the afternoon we delivered Meals on Wheels. For dinner we went to the monthly potluck here in the complex.
Tonight we visited with our dear brother, Conrad Corville. It was a good visit and we invited him to church on Sunday. We are hoping he will come.
Time for bed. Hope you had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We've had a good day. For the pot luck I tried a new twist to the famous funeral potato recipe. I added two cups of diced ham. It turned out just great! It was a challenge to keep it warm, however, because we had to do our meal deliveries after it came out of the oven. Then after we were done doing that, we had only a few minutes before the pot luck dinner. It worked out ok, thankfully. I made friends with two other ladies in our building, too. One invited me over just to talk! In fact, she asked me if I was a nun! You can bet I will follow up on that invitation, probably during one of Bob's basketball games.
I really enjoyed the church-wide missionary broadcast. We will be doing things a bit differently than we have been for our last few weeks here. What an experience a mission is. I'm grateful for what I have learned!
May we all have had a great day today!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
There was a special missionary broadcast today from Salt Lake City. It was presented by the Missionary Executive Council. Elder Oaks chairs the council. Elders Bednar and Andersen, Sister Oscarson, Elder Waddell (PBO) and 2 others are on the council. It was a good presentation and stressed the importance of our missionary purpose (Helping others come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduing to the end).
In the afternoon we delivered Meals on Wheels. For dinner we went to the monthly potluck here in the complex.
Tonight we visited with our dear brother, Conrad Corville. It was a good visit and we invited him to church on Sunday. We are hoping he will come.
Time for bed. Hope you had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We've had a good day. For the pot luck I tried a new twist to the famous funeral potato recipe. I added two cups of diced ham. It turned out just great! It was a challenge to keep it warm, however, because we had to do our meal deliveries after it came out of the oven. Then after we were done doing that, we had only a few minutes before the pot luck dinner. It worked out ok, thankfully. I made friends with two other ladies in our building, too. One invited me over just to talk! In fact, she asked me if I was a nun! You can bet I will follow up on that invitation, probably during one of Bob's basketball games.
I really enjoyed the church-wide missionary broadcast. We will be doing things a bit differently than we have been for our last few weeks here. What an experience a mission is. I'm grateful for what I have learned!
May we all have had a great day today!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Tuesday, 24 January 2017
January 24, 2017
Bob: Did not wake up till after 8:00 today. And I had a pain in my chest! It comes and goes. Thought it might be related to my sore throat. It is better this evening.
We went to visit a referral from Sister Ng today. She was very receptive and we taught part of the Restoration discussion. She has a desire to know what God's plan is for her. Tried to build on that and help her realize that if she is willing to act on what God tells her then He will lead her. We'll see how it goes.
Had high school basketball games to do at 4:00. New Liskeard was playing Englehart, which beat New Liskeard earlier this season. NL coach told me it would be a very competitive game. Well NL scored the first 27 points of the game and led 27 - 5 at halftime. I think the final score was 56 - 14 so it wasn't much of a game after all. NL just controlled the boards and Englehart couldn't hit the floor if they dropped the ball. I told Brad about the game and he showed up to watch what was supposed to be a good game. Didn't turn out that way.
We had Activity Night tonight. In attendance were the Humphreys, Cambridges, Sister Margetson, YSAs Delainey and David, the Elders and ourselves. Did not play games tonight. Instead we each wrote something about ourself that nobody knew. Then we tried to figure out who it was. Had a good time learning more about each other.
Well I'm about done for the night. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It worked out to be a good day, especially ending with our Activity Night. The only downside is that Karol Cushman is in the hospital because of a minor heart attack and pneumonia. The Elders drove up to Engelhart to give her a blessing which she appreciated. Wow! I can't believe the number of people in the Branch that need our prayers.
I guess we all are in need of prayers, though. May the Lord bless all of us!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
We went to visit a referral from Sister Ng today. She was very receptive and we taught part of the Restoration discussion. She has a desire to know what God's plan is for her. Tried to build on that and help her realize that if she is willing to act on what God tells her then He will lead her. We'll see how it goes.
Had high school basketball games to do at 4:00. New Liskeard was playing Englehart, which beat New Liskeard earlier this season. NL coach told me it would be a very competitive game. Well NL scored the first 27 points of the game and led 27 - 5 at halftime. I think the final score was 56 - 14 so it wasn't much of a game after all. NL just controlled the boards and Englehart couldn't hit the floor if they dropped the ball. I told Brad about the game and he showed up to watch what was supposed to be a good game. Didn't turn out that way.
We had Activity Night tonight. In attendance were the Humphreys, Cambridges, Sister Margetson, YSAs Delainey and David, the Elders and ourselves. Did not play games tonight. Instead we each wrote something about ourself that nobody knew. Then we tried to figure out who it was. Had a good time learning more about each other.
Well I'm about done for the night. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It worked out to be a good day, especially ending with our Activity Night. The only downside is that Karol Cushman is in the hospital because of a minor heart attack and pneumonia. The Elders drove up to Engelhart to give her a blessing which she appreciated. Wow! I can't believe the number of people in the Branch that need our prayers.
I guess we all are in need of prayers, though. May the Lord bless all of us!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
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