July 30-Aug 4, 2018, SLC, UT

The skies seem to be permanently gray and smoke-filled these days due to fires in California, Utah and I think Southern Colorado.  Hoping and praying for rain in all these areas!  It has been incredibly dry and warm this summer in much of the West.

Despite the weather, we headed north to Logan this weekend to spend some time with Todd and Kimiko and their darling three boys.  We had a great time with them and also Kimiko's mom, Nancy, and niece, Sophie, from Vale, Oregon, where Kimiko grew up.  We all came specifically for the blessing of Jordan in Todd and Kimiko's church this morning.  In our church, infants are given a special blessing where their name is put on the records of the church and they receive a special blessing for their lives.  It's a special day for families in our church.

Sweet little Jordy had a rough start with RSV and multiple other serious illnesses at age three weeks, but he is a healthy strong beautiful little seven month old now!  We are so grateful for his amazing little life!

Saturday, we all went up to Bear Lake and had pizza at Firehouse Pizza, walked around the craft fair,  rode go carts and of course had raspberry shakes.

 

On Thursday, we had our International B-1 Floor recognition meeting and lunch!  Mike finished his Level 3 training and received his certificate.  The potluck lunch is always delicious and bounteous!

Mike with Sister Wing receiving his Level 3 certificate

On Thursday night, we had dinner with our dear friends, John and Stacey Thacker, who we served with in Sao Paulo.  It was so nice to catch up with them.  We love all the many dear friends we have made while serving our missions.  Just one of the many blessings of serving senior missions!

Tuesday is our Temple day and this week we drove an hour south to the Payson Temple.  It was a wonderful day of peace and joy.  We stopped on the way back and had dinner with Eric in Orem.  Always nice to visit with him!!

It was a good week in the mission.  We worked hard and enjoyed our work.  We enjoy singing in the choir and Mike has the opportunity of putting together a men's chorus with both the young and senior Elders.  Nothing quite like a good men's chorus!

This has always been my saying to myself and to others who are having a rough time:  "It will all work out in the end and if it hasn't worked out, it isn't the end."  That was basically what President Hinckley used to say and it was also quoted in the Exotic Marigold Hotel movie.  The following was on Instagram this week so I had to put it in here!