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.

Elder Jones and Elder Dye

Last night I turned the AC on when I came home, because it was about 85 in our apartment. The day before that it was in the 70's with 90% humidity, and today we're freezing--with the wind chill factor, it's 25 degrees. President put Alexandria Zone on lockdown because of snow, and Sister Hansen sent a message to Alex missionaries to thoroughly clean their apartments, because they desperately needed some serious attention! Elder L has been in several missionary apartments recently and was appalled by what he saw. It makes me very sad to hear that many of our sisters and elders are very poor housekeepers. I truly hope Sister Hansen's text helps. I'm sure that the Spirit will not dwell in unclean surroundings, but that's my personal opinion!

I'm always happy when the registration is due on a car that "lives" in an outermost part of the mission. That means the elders or sisters have to come into Baton Rouge to re-register it and have to come into the office for paperwork or some such thing. Today we were so happy to see Elder Jones, from AZ, and Elder Dye, from ID. They're serving in the Houma area which is about 2 hours from Baton Rouge. Maybe they'll get transferred soon and we'll get to see them more often:)

My Heart is in Provo!

Today was the day that our grandson, Marc, entered the MTC. I'm not sure how many times I can say that we are so proud of him, what he's doing, and that he's worthy to serve, but I've just said it again. It's also wonderful to have the oldest grandchild set an example for his siblings and cousins. He always has and always will. So go forth and serve, Anziano Blocker, and know that we love you and that our prayers will be with you continually. Prepare well in the MTC and be obedient, and your mission will be a success!

Called to Serve

The Blocker Family minus Karina

Karina and Marc before his departure to the MTC

I love this quote by Elder Russell M. Nelson that was on the MTC website.

"As the work expands at a rate that many have described as 'unbelievable,' we should recall a remarkable admonition give by the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith on 11 September 1831 to the elders of the Church assembled at the Morley Farm near Kirtland, Ohio. There the Master simply said: 'Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.'" (D&C 64:33)

To end a quiet evening by myself, because Elder L and the Office Elders are on a loooong road trip, the STL's from the two New Orleans Zones dropped in for a visit after their day of meetings in Baton Rouge. How lucky can I be?

Sister Astle, Sister Palmer, Sister Black and Sister Paige

Elder Caesar

Sister Wall used to talk about how to cook a frog at every orientation and transfer meeting. To cook a frog you have to put him in cold water and turn the heat up slowly so that it doesn't perceive the danger. If you dropped him in already boiling water he'd just leap right out of the pan. She was eloquent and tactful in explaining how the metaphor related to elder-sister relationships that could potentially develop beyond missionary work. Simple comments or gestures can lead the wrong direction and can escalate into inappropriate relationships, so missionaries were always reminded to "lock their hearts" while serving their missions so they wouldn't get cooked.

Then she bought a ceramic frog and had a contest to name him. "Elder Caesar" was chosen, because it meant "when he 'sees her' he wants to 'seize her'." If there was even a hint of flirtation or interest in another missionary, Elders and Sisters were encouraged to call the President and tell him that they had a "frog alert." No questions were asked, but there would be an immediate emergency transfer. This could also apply to missionaries who were receiving unwanted or unsolicited attention from members, investigators, or other individuals in their areas.

So today in walks Elder Madsen, on exchanges with Elder White, with this frog that he's obtained at the Rex Mardi Gras parade! While the rest of us were collecting beads at the parades, Elder Madsen was catching this frog. Since the original Elder Caesar went home with the Wall's, Elder M donated this little green guy to the mission. We will, however, have to do surgery to remove his heart with a totally improper phrase embroidered on it. He will be dressed in appropriate missionary attire, complete with his little name tag.

We received this fun card today from the Westbank Missionaries.

Elder Ryan

The newest elder in Plaquemine is Elder Ryan who was in the office for a short time with Elder Bennett and Elder Casillas. Sadly, Elder R won't be here for long as he'll be released in April. When he returns home to southeast Utah, he'll go back to the Utah National Guard. He became an Army man just out of high school, but was given a 2 year leave to serve a mission.