Into the New Year

This New Year started off with great hopes, but alas, our hopes and dreams were shattered, but congratulations to Clemson for their hard-fought victory.  We'll be back next year!  ROLL TIDE!

 Still out there spreading the good word and loving the work!

This weekend ended with a bit of a surprise.  On Saturday evening we had a YSA meeting at our house where we celebrated Geri's birthday a bit early.  It was fun having cheesecake and playing Liar's Dice.  As we were saying goodbye to the YSA group, I saw this!

When I woke up Sunday morning, I looked out the window and saw that we had about 3/4 inch of snow overnight.  I had been told that occasionally it snowed here in Iwakuni, but I was hoping that was just an urban legend.

This is why I own a home in Gilbert, Arizona, and why I decided to bring a top coat with me.  Fortunately, by the time church was over, it had all melted.  It was pretty on the trees for a bit.

The work is going well here, with three really strong investigators, one with a baptismal date set for the first week in March.  He is a super good guy and seems to be really happy with what he has discovered in the Gospel.  We had another relatively new member speak in Sacrament meeting on Sunday and did an amazing job.  He later told me that this was also the first time that he had the opportunity as a priesthood holder to bless the Sacrament.  He said that as he went to perform this sacred ordinance that he just felt this amazing spirit.  I told him that what he felt was the power of the Priesthood in the performing a sacred ordinance.  He said it was the best Sunday ever.

We hit the road again on Wednesday as we do the periodic health and safety checks of the missionary apartments.  While it involves a lot of driving (about 1400 km) it is always good to visit with the missionaries on a more intimate environment.  We actually love this part of our service here.