I Miss These Faces!

It's so nice to have Kiersten Lindstrom keep in touch with me and with some of our returned missionaries, including President and Sister Wall. And they're still color coordinated! Kiersten and Emily Ogden were able to see the Wall's last week during Emily's spring break. She's took a long term substitute position in Arizona while looking for a permanent teaching position. She already had a Bachelor's degree before serving her mission, but going home mid-school year (December) might make it hard to find something more permanent before fall.

President Wall, Kiersten, Emily and Sister Wall

I love this picture! Former Elder Caesar was able to make an appearance for St. Patrick's Day because he's the right color!

An Opportunity in Oakdale

Four of our elders from Denham Springs Zone stopped by the office today to drop off Elder White's bike that needs to be shipped home. Elder White will be released on Thursday with 4 other missionaries. And we only have 3 incoming missionaries. This will be a very small transfer. Well, the transfer won't be small, but the numbers coming and going will be.

From left to right, top to bottom, are Elder Taylor, Elder White, Elder Brown and Elder Decker. Just in case you're wondering, Elder Brown is 6'10".

In our office meeting this morning, Elder Murhula gave a spiritual thought on faith. Recently he was on exchanges and me a man who said he believed therefore he is saved. The Elders tried to explain to him that believing isn't all we need to do. We have to show it though our actions and in the way we live. He quoted Elder Kopischke, who was here last month, who said, "Learning by faith is learning by doing." Good comment!

President shared this story today about the Oakdale Elders. At Christmas last year, the elders and Elder and Sister Hastings participated in a community Christmas pageant. Nothing has actually come out of it, other than some nice friendships. At least, that's what we thought. Then, last week, a Pastor from another church invited Elder Barker and Elder Rush to speak to his congregation in 2 weeks--for 40 minutes! They asked the Pastor what he would like them to talk about and were told to speak on whatever the Spirit prompted them to say! Wow! I can hardly wait to find out how this plays out.

Dinner with the Lund's

This evening we met Elder Bennett's parents, the Lund's, for an enjoyable dinner at Copeland's. They both work in Baton Rouge one or two weeks each month, even though they live in Utah. It was a great evening, and we had a good time visiting and getting to know them. We've had lunch with Tami before but hadn't had the opportunity to meet Gailyn. Maybe we'll be fortunate enough to get together again before we leave BR.

The Lauper's and the Lund's

Cassidy Steele

Katy Pratt and Alta Oltman

These cute visitors from Omaha NE stopped at the office today to deliver this gift basket for one of our Sisters who's serving in the Denham Springs Zone. They're from her home ward and were hoping that she might just happen to be in the vicinity. Unfortunately she wasn't. They were with Alta's mom who didn't want to be in the picture. Both girls are seniors and will be attending BYU and BYU-I in the fall. They've been on a road trip since March 5 and have traveled to St. Louis, Tennessee, Florida and New Orleans. Today they'll drive to Houston where Katy's grandparents live, then home by Sunday. Safe Travels, Y'all!

Then later this afternoon we had another surprise visit from Cassidy Steele. She just went home at the last transfer, but it was so fun to see her again. She's with her sister, who recently graduated from SUU in Cedar City, and her mom. All three of them served missions. Katy started in Mexico but later went to California San Fernando because of health issues and Mom served in Ohio, I think. Cassidy will be attending BYU-I. She's registering for classes tomorrow, so I think she'll be starting in late April. There'll be a whole family of LABRM returned missionaries up there. What Fun!

Cassidy Steele, R, with her mom and sister

Returning Returned Missionary

Our beautiful Sister Thornley, Abby and soon to be Mrs. Christensen, is back with her family for a visit in Louisiana. She looks wonderful and is very happy as she recently became engaged to this young man, Steven Christensen. I'd say he's a very lucky man! He served a mission in Texas and returned home last May, but they've only dated since she returned home in December.They did know each other in high school because they ran together (I don't know if it was track or cross-country.)

 They'll be married on May 9, then a few weeks later will go to Nepal for 2 months of humanitarian service--working in an orphanage and teaching English, among other things. Then, when they get home, it'll be back to USU.

Elder Caesar II

Elder Caesar II is now dressed appropriately with his shirt, tie and name tag in place. And he is ready, willing and able to serve, although he will probably have to leave his scepter and Mardi Gras beads behind. But that is the life of a missionary as he or she enters their field of service. Not much needs to be said about Elder Caesar's purpose since it was already stated on the March 2 blog. Welcome to Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission, Elder C. We hope you're a constant reminder to all our missionaries of some of the do's and don'ts of mission life.

WWII Museum: A Story of Service and Sacrifice

While walking through the US Freedom Pavilion I passed this exhibit, and the title seemed like a good sub-title for the WWII Museum--"National World War II Museum: A Story of Service and Sacrifice." This experience honors American patriots who dedicated their lives to our country in times of war and peace, such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, George H. W. Bush and others.

An interactive exhibit that profiles WWII Veterans

Elder Madsen taking cover in a mini bomb shelter used by the Germans

Elder Lauper, the Eternal Tour Guide, entertaining his troops with WWII stories

The eight elders who went with us to the Museum--Elder Baker, Elder Smiley, Elder Madsen, Elder Ryan, Elder Backman, Elder Jean Louis, Elder L, Elder Casillas and Elder Bennett. Most of them loved the experience and were so grateful to be able to go. Elder Ryan (the Army elder with the patriotic tie) thanked us over and over for the opportunity. That kind of appreciation makes it all worthwhile.