Week #37, April 10-15, 2018, SLC, Utah

Another busy week!  We are at our halfway point on our mission.  In many ways it has gone by quickly and in other ways it seems like we have been gone from our home in Longmont for a really long time.  We love serving a mission.  It really is such a privilege to devote all our time in serving the Lord and the church.  Some days we are overwhelmed and frustrated, but most days are really good and very productive.  Being near family has been the cherry on top of our mission experience.  Every single day, many times a day, I express gratitude to my Heavenly Father for letting us serve here. 

One of the highlights of this week was being able to attend the BYU Men's Chorus concert at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square with Eric.  We miss having him be in that incredible choir.  It was a treat to be able to be there and experience that with him.  It truly was a spectacular concert.  We didn't want it to end!
  

 
Our sweet friend, Joey Jacques, was there visiting from Georgia.  Her son, Taylor, is in the choir now.  It was so fun spending a few minutes catching up with her.
 

 
This was a HUGE week for little Violet!  She has been weaned off oxygen and is doing great!  She gained 10 ounces this week and is now 6 1/2 pounds.  We are all absolutely thrilled with her progress.

My niece, Marissa and her family came to Utah to help her friend with her daughter's wedding.  Eric and I were lucky enough to have lunch with them in Provo on Thursday at Cafe Rio when I was down helping Hannah.  Violet is still not going out in public, so Hannah passed on our outing.

Marissa and Doug Shoemaker with their darling twin girls Charlee and Molly

Violet was clearly happy to meet Marissa!

After our shift on Friday, we headed to Logan and spent that night and Saturday with Todd and Kimiko and their cute boys!  Little Logie Bear sure loves Papa!

It's so great to see little Jordy doing so well.  He is a chunky little monkey and so happy and healthy!

 We were lucky to be there for Jaxon's soccer game.  Todd is coaching his team so that made it even more fun.

Todd and Kimiko are building a beautiful home.  They poured the foundation this week so they are on their way!  They have some fabulous views on both sides!

Busy, fun, exhausting week for everyone!

Today, Sunday, we had the awesome experience of attending church at a Rehabilitation Center.  We got to meet the residents and help them to their places in the activity room for their Sacrament Meeting.  Eric came with us and really enjoyed being their also.  It's hard to see so many people in wheel chairs who are struggling with so many infirmities, but they were so happy to be there and you could really feel the Spirit.  One of the speakers talked about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about helping us to find joy and happiness in this life and the life to come.  Our Heavenly Father's plan of Salvation is the great plan of happiness.

This afternoon, Mike and I drove around Salt Lake a bit, looked at the wonderful homes on the East Bench and took a nice Sunday stroll in Memory Grove.  The Utah State Capitol was beautiful with all the trees blossoming.

As we begin another week, let us all once again commit ourselves to making each day a good one.  Let us minister to each other and let the Savior's love shine through us onto others.