Swamp Tour

A birthday party for Ann

I've learned a lot of things from my association with Ann. Probably the most important is appreciation. Since her daughter kicked her out she has slept night after night on the floor of the mobile home I found for her. She has only a folding chair, very small bench and television. Since the mobile park is closer to Winn Dixie she is in less danger as she rides her bike in the street to her part time job there. She is searching to find full time work. Today is her birthday. Some members of our ward rented a car carrier and were able to move her car (so it wasn't impounded) and bring two beds from her storage in Marrero. So now she has a place to sleep and a bed for her momma to sleep in so they are safe away from her abusive daughter. She still can't drive as the car is not licensed and she has no insurance. Her baptism date is set for June 12th.

A morning spent with angels

Angels in our lives

We worked from 8am until 8pm at the center and so angels attended us. Our precious newlywed neighbors provided a fabulous dinner which we ate in the classroom. After the incredible meal we all had fun playing rummicub until closing. Sure made the day fly by. And this little girl can cook!

Memories are made of this

Friday night and Saturday morning Leader Workshop in Gulfport. After the workshop on Saturday we drove down the coast, took pictures on a pier in the gulf(charming hair blowing in the wind), and then attended the memorable baptism of April Walsh

A gift from my friends at home

Lots of fun.....but

You pull their body apart and suck their head. Not me....no way.

Raising Cane after temple session

The Charming Sister Quartet

Beautiful gift from my son Adam

I love this gorgeous necklace.

Our Sunday School class

Happy Mother's Day to one and all

It's Mother's Day and I'm a missionary so I called my mom. Greg, Angie and the fantastic five sent these beautiful flowers to me at the center. Thanks you guys. It was fun to get them there.

Red letter day for Ann

Ann holding the first months rent check for her mobile home that I found for her on-line. The check is from The Caring Center. The Caring Center is a shelter for abused woman. Bishop had Sister Goodin call them about a month ago regarding Ann's situation. They didn't have room for her and her mom but offered to pay the first month rent so they can get away from her daughter who hits them. Complications set in and things had come to a stand still on getting them away from her. Maybe I should explain how I happened. Last week I was in my office reading President Monson's talk To The Rescue. These words moved me to action "Amidst the storms of life, danger lurks; and men, like boats, find themselves stranded and facing destruction. Who will man the lifeboats, leaving behind the comforts of home and family, and go to the rescue? If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty. We are on the Lord's errand, and therefore we are entitled to the Lord's help. But we must try. From the stage play Shenandoah comes the spoken line which inspires "if we don't try, we don't do; and if we don't do, then why are we here?" It looks hopeful that they will be out soon. When we took Ann to the center to volunteer to work in the Storehouse tonight she said "I am ready to be baptized. Get those girls (young single sisters) over here and I'll sign up." So I called them and they came and taught her. She had lots of questions. The spirit was so strong as she prayed telling Heavenly Father how much she wants to be baptized and plead with him to please forgive her daughter.

Our assignment is much more than placing individuals in jobs; it's helping effect an innermost change in a person's self perception & approach to life

One of the things that I enjoy most on my mission is that we get to teach Career Workshops. It's taken me awhile to feel comfortable doing it, and still it's scary, but very rewarding. And isn't this picture charming with my mouth hanging open? I know it's bad but I chose it because it shows off my cute new outfit. Is that a missionary speaking?

Our blooming pond

At night this pond sings with the croaking of frogs. It sounds sort of like a huge flock of geese flying by. It's loud enough to keep residence that live down at that end of the pond awake at night.

A forever friend

This is my very dear friend Brother Tom Mobley. He is in our Bishopric, but is unable to speak or use any part of his body other than his face. He has beautiful angelic blue eyes and a gorgeous smile. He often smiles at me in church, sometimes while we are singing and I just start crying and can't even sing. He has Lou Gerick's disease. He was once quite a powerful man. Our Bishop plans to tell his story to the Deseret News after his death.

Gulfport Stake visit

Sister Matson, Sister Goodin and I drove to Gulfport to announce our upcoming Career Workshop to the Ward RS Presidencies at the Stake Auxiliary Training meeting. As I sat listening to the inspiring talks it was reminiscent of my 'past life' (before call). I loved the fragrance of the honeysuckle and magnolia's around the church. There are lots of very large Magnolia trees along the sides of the freeways along the way.