Looks Like We Made It!

We just finished our first full week as full-time missionaries.  We spent part of the time trying to get settled in our apartment, most of it at the grocery store.  We also spent a bit of time exploring the boundaries of the ward we are in.  It’s called the Burlington, VT ward and is pretty spread out.  The most amazing part is in what is called “the islands” which are in Lake Champlain.  WOW.  Talk about beautiful!!  I always wanted to see Prince Edward Island, but after driving the islands of this lake, I don’t think anything could be more beautiful.   We’ve also discovered that this area has everything.  Burlington is home to University of Vermont and is a thriving university city with an airport and everything.  Even has Trader Joe’s!  There is no Costa Vida though—what a business opportunity that would be!  We stopped into Chipotle and it was PACKED.  There just aren’t many Mexican/Southwest restaurants here. ...

Ok.  Here it is.  (we finally have real internet!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgHOHCi5WjA&feature=youtu.be

We're happy to be here!!  Essex Junction Vermont is where we will be spending the next 18 months (we think).   The missionaries invited us to attend a baptism today.  It was a single sister named Kylie Hollingsworth. She learned about the church through the Pathways program. She has two rambunctious little boys.  😏  We've been invited to attend ward council in the morning where we will meet the people we'll be working with.  The stake just received permission to create a YSA branch and we've been asked to take over the institute program, both teaching and feeding the young single adults in the Montpelier Stake.  That will include about 20-25 attendees but that drops to 5-6 in the winter because of travel and school.  Sounds like something we will love. Our new address is: 66 Chapin Rd  #09, Essex Junction, Vermont,  05452 Here are our new digs: (I made a video but until we get internet I can't get it uploaded.) It doesn't l...

I could barely reach that far north!  It makes me think it may be a little cold.  It was a great week, but I was really ready to be done.  So many of our friends had to stay for another week and were jealous we were leaving.  The picture below is mostly of strangers but the couple on the end by us are our best friends at the MTC--Elder and Sister Nielsen. This is our district.  L to R front: Sister Jeffries, Sister Carter, Sister Smith, and me.  Back: Sister Farnsworth (our morning instructor) Elder Carter, Elder Whitaker (his wife was sick) and Ken. And . . . We had a great day on Saturday. It started with the Salem Days Parade with all the kids inUtah and grandkids.  After the parade our sons gave us each a blessing which was a really special experience for us both.  We felt so much love from everyyone there.  Grandkids give the best hugs. After the blessings we all went to Pizza Factory for some lunch and then had to say ...

I promise I won’t post every day but I just have to say what a thrill it was tonight to sing  Called to Serve with 2063 missionaries. As I looked around the room I could visualize the stripling warriors in a way I never have before. I’m SO GRATEFUL to be here.  I have really seen the love of the Lord in my life. He’s real. He loves me. And He guides this work.

We had a GREAT day today at the MTC.  The highlight was FHE where we watched a video of Elder Bednar speaking at the MTC on Christmas a few years ago about the character of Christ.  It was truly inspirational.  Christ's character is just the opposite of the natural man (us).  He is always focused outward toward others whereas the natural man (me included) is more selfish and centered on our own needs and desires.  He said that if we could always focus outward on others on our mission that we would truly find ourselves.  I think that's true of all of us no matter where we are in life. Here are a few photos of the day.    Pulling out of the garage on our way to the MTC.    We found out that the famous "sign" out on the wall is no longer there.  😟  It caused too much congestion and traffic problems.  So here is the sign now. And our selfie with nametags! We were assigned a "couple" compan...

Tonight we were set apart as official missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  It seems surreal and we are so excited to walk in the footsteps of our children who have already tread this path.  As Ken was set apart I felt JoEll and John distinctly there.  It’s like I could even smell JoEll and it made me want to turn around and throw my arms around her.  I know they both must be so proud of Ken.  President Clare is so inspired in his blessings.  I better brush up on my family search!  I thought I’d be nervous but I’m only excited.  Tomorrow we head to the MTC.  I can't wait to get a nametag!😊