Only A Week Before Leaving Home

Our Bishopric thought they had given us a topic to
speak on in the meeting.  They actually had not.  Diane chose to speak on helping our youth to move forward in life to choosing a mate and then staying valiant to the faith.  I chose to speak on the importance of the Holy Ghost in our lives.

Speaking in the Field Crescent Ward

 Erik, Andrea, Gregg and Amy Bengtzen hosted a luncheon for our families after the Sacrament meeting on July 29.  It was so wonderful to be with some relatives we haven't seen for a bit.  The kids really did a wonderful job in hosting this luncheon.  They are always showing us their love in so many ways.  We lucked out in the children department.

July In-Service Training

We have been participating in the In-Service training by Bro. Scott W. Beames.  The training originated in Palmer, Alaska.  It is a few miles north of Anchorage.  It fascinated me that this tele-conference was attended by S & I instructors in five different sites.  We received so much good instruction.  The classes began at 7:15 Alaska time which kept us up quite late on four different nights.  I think I yawned on camera.

Mission Application Photo

Missionary Application Photo

The Missionary department wanted a photo of us.  So   we included this photo that our neighbor, Marci Randall, took for us on a moment's notice.  I was amazed at the number of pages we had to fill out for our application.  We had to see our doctors for immunizations and our dentist for cleanings and check-ups.  Apparently we passed the minimum requirements.  Surprise, Soopreyes.

We opened our call on the evening of April 20, 2012.  What a wonderful surprise.  We have been called to serve in the Anchorage, Alaska Mission.  We have been assigned to the Juneau Stake as Church Education Specialists.  I'm sure glad they didn't call us "Experts."  We all know the definition of an "Expert:" an Ex is a has been, and a spurt is a drip under pressure.  We have since learned we have been assigned to the Young Single Adult Branch in the Juneau Stake.  We will be teaching Institute.  We also will be training the volunteer Seminary teachers in the Juneau Stake.  Diane will be team teaching a Seminary class in the early mornings.  We will also be able to substitute for our Stake Seminary teachers when they need one.