Busy First Week in December

The First Week of December was CRAZY, yet Somehow Productive

Monday was Mission Leadership Training.

Tuesday we headed up to Pilot Mountain

with a bit of a pesky emergency.

Bedbugs! Yikes!

Elder Hunt, the Bed Bug Slayer,  saved the day!

The ward mission leader took their old beds

to the landfill and set them on fire!

We brought them new beds, sprayed their apartment and they were happy.

Sister Irwin and Sister Burrows were troopers!

Our next stop was in Winston Salem to the 

Tanglewood Elders Apartment to exchange a broken dryer.

Elder Urban knows his way around the back of a dryer!

He's even smiling as he's doing his work.

We took the Elders out to lunch at Arby's close to their apartment.

That's how we get to know the missionaries better!

We dropped off a package for Sister Messegee in Welcome Ward II.

then headed to Concord to help Sister Nielson and Sister Adams with their dryer.

BUT

when we got there, we found that it wasn't our dryer. It belonged to the apartment complex.

Poor Elder Urban only got to replace one dryer this trip!

Love this picture of their feet!

 Here's the rest of them! They are darling yet mighty missionaries!

Elder Hunt, Sister Nielson, Sister Adams and Elder Urban

Sister Hunt, Sister Nielson, Sister Adams and Me.

We love all these missionaries so much!

We are so grateful to the Hunts for all their love and support.

And as a bonus, we laugh a lot and have a great time with them!

Friday, The Hunts, Slades, and Urbans went to close, clean and empty out

an apartment in Catawba, South Carolina. It was a nasty mess and I

was so grateful for the wonderful help from our friends and fellow missionaries!

We couldn't do all this without their help.

The Harrisburg Ward's First Christmas Party

The Jackman Family

Tom and Rhoda Farrell. 

They joined the church a little over a year ago and are true disciples of the Savior. 

The attend the Book of Mormon class and always contribute

wonderful insight into the teachings and stories in the Book of Mormon 

and how to apply those teachings into our lives today. We love them!

Melissa and Dillon belong to the Farrell's

Sister Lovie Flowers, Me and Sister Alice Black.

I really love and admire these beautiful women.

They have amazing resilience and testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Desserts Galore

Brother John Maier is also in our Book of Mormon class. He's been a

member of the church about 5 years. He's a gentle quiet diligent man.

Brent and Amanda Lambert are on the right hand side of the photo.

He's in the brown sweater and she's in red. They were the first

people to invite us to dinner after we arrived. We really enjoy them!

Clarence Yoo, Kathleen Zaleski, Jaye Maier, and Isabelle Vallery.

Clarence and Kathleen come to our class also.

 Kathleen, and Kaitlyn, Jaye, Isabelle 

 Jenny Fife, the Bishop's wife with her 5 children and a couple extra kids. 

She is a courageous valiant patient woman! Bishop Fife is standing behind her on the left.

 Sheom LaDue with 2 investigators. Sheom is wonderful!

 Sister Zampieron and Sister Carter. We love these sisters!

 Elder Urban with the Sisters

 Elder Cottom, Elder Lyman and Elder Hass

 Elder Cottam, Elder Lyman, Elder Hass, Sister Zampieron and Sister Carter. 

Where's Elder Jorgensen?

And Santa was in the Primary room!

The Bishop's baby was not too sure of this bearded man!

 Our ward's little Giving Tree

 Tom with Kathleen and Kaitlyn Zaleske. We love them!

 Kaitlyn

 Elder Lopez, Tom, and Elder Hettinger (Spanish Elders) photobomb by Noah Flatt

 Elder Lopez and Elder Hettinger

Our little Christmas Tree brightens our apartment.

Snowmen, snowflakes and candycanes add to the Christmas Spirit!

This Christmas season, the church has a wonderful program called, He is the Gift. 

I'm sure that you have heard about it and I hope you've had a chance

to give pass along cards to those you meet.

I had a faith promoting experience last Saturday morning 

as I was putting on my shoes to go to any early morning chiropractic appointment.

I noticed the pass along cards that were on the little table next to me. 

The thought came to my mind, "Pick up those cards and put them in your pocket."

Then I thought, "Give one to Dr. Bill." Immediately I remembered that he was Jewish 

and really doubted that he would be interested. 

However, I did listen and put several in my coat pocket.

When I was with Dr. Bill, he started talking about the state of our country and how

 badly we need Christ in our lives. I looked at him square in the face and asked if he, 

being Jewish believed in Jesus Christ. His response surprised me. He said he was

Messianic and that he does believe that Jesus is the Christ. We had a wonderful gospel

discussion and I told him about my impression earlier that morning.  He accepted the

He is the Gift card and said he would check it out when he got home.

I don't know what the results of this will be but I do testify to you 

that when the Spirit whispers to you, please listen and follow.

The Lord will provide a way to accomplish that which He guides you to do.

"When we keep the spirit of CHristmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ,

for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions 

around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning."

"There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us

to rededicate ourselves to the principle taught by Jesus Christ."

Bless you,our dear family and friends.

Sending our love to y'all.

Ins, Transfers and Outs

Transfer Week began Monday, November 24

Monday is the day for our Arriving Missionaries or as we call it our INs

We had 9 Elders and 10 Sisters arrive from the MTC. 

Elder Urban drove a 15 passenger rental van, the Assistants

drove the mission van pulling the trailer for luggage, and Elder Hunt

drove President and Sister Craven to the airport. There's a lot of

planning that's involved in this procedure each transfer and Tom

is very involved with the logistics of it all. He is perfect for this job!

There are always lots of surprises at transfer time! 

This time, one of the new Sister missionaries got sick on the plane and was 

grounded in Atlanta with her companion for a short time. 

Luckily, Mission Travel was able to get them on the next flight to Charlotte.

Sister Hunt and I scrambled to get to the airport to pick up these two tired sisters.

We made it!

Another surprise was Sister Makaya! She was sent to our mission 

because her visa for Australia had not been approved in time. 

Usually our Visa Waiters are waiting to go to Brazil or Mexico.

Sister Makaya had never been off her little island of Pohnpei in Micronesia. 

She is delightful and we are so happy she is with us in North Carolina,

 even if for a short time.

This is beautiful Pohnpei. Tom says it's about the geographic size of San Francisco.

I am fascinated with Pohnpei and with Googles help I'm learning about 

this gorgeous spot in our world.. This little island

has 6 wards, 2 branches and 1 stake. It is in the Micronesia Guam Mission.

An interesting side note is that one of our wonderful missionaries, 

Sister Zarbock, flew home from her mission to Guam 

where her parents are now Mission Presidents there.

Pohnpei is a little dot southwest of the Marshall Islands.

Sister Makaya's father is Bishop in their ward.

They live on the east side of the island south of Alohkapw.

Sister Makaya is very courageous! She flew, for the first time in her life, all alone 

to Guam and then to Tokyo where she met 2 other sister missionaries. 

They were there 2 or 3 days before flying to Seattle and then to Salt Lake. 

She speaks some English and has won the hearts of all who have met her!

We will be sad to see her leave. Her visa has arrived but she doesn't know it yet.

Tuesday is Transfer Day 

After rereading my last blog entry, I already explained Transfer Day! 

Wednesday is the OUTs Day

These are some of the photos of the Missionaries who were headed home after

faithfully serving the Lord in North Carolina Charlotte.

We left our apartment at 5:15 AM to pick 20 departing missionaries at the

Mission Home and take them to the airport, the day before Thanksgiving.

Many anxious and excited families were waiting for their loved ones to arrive home.

It's getting harder and harder to say goodbye to these wonderful friends we love!

President Craven

Sister Hunt and Sister Craven

We spent a beautiful Thanksgiving afternoon with President and Sister Craven

in the Mission home for dinner. It was a small gathering including Elder and Sister Slade,

Elder and Sister Andrus and us. We missed our family and friends but

had much to be grateful for here in North Carolina as well as at home.

We took a wonderful walk in Reedy Creek Park on Saturday.

It felt so good to be outside and enjoy the crisp sunny afternoon!

I couldn't resist taking this picture of Tom trying to set his phone up on the garbage can

 to get a photo of the two of us! It was pretty comical as well as futile!

I'm two weeks behind in my efforts to keep this blog current.

I'll keep trying.....

Sending our love to y'all!

Be Thankful

I love cornucopias!

 The Cornucopia is also known as the Horn of Plenty. According to Wikipedia

it is a symbol of "abundance and nourishment."

To me, it represents the bounty of blessings that are mine.

 It represents the best of me, My Grateful Heart.

It reminds me to count my many blessings!

The traditional cornucopia we have had on our table for many years

is still packed carefully in a box in our home in American Fork, Utah. 

Though I'm missing it this year,

I know that it will be waiting for us next Thanksgiving.
It's a tradition that will continue!

The cornucopia has extra special significance because it reminds me of my mom. 

Many years ago, mom and I purchased matching cornucopias

that we lovingly unpacked each Thanksgiving, year after year. I knew that
when we visited her in her home, it would be fondly displayed just as it
was in my home. Today, though Mom has progressed from earth life
 on her eternal journey and I'm still finding my way through mortality, 
our cornucopias represent the connection of our grateful hearts. 
This is one of the many beautiful lessons mom taught me!

This morning, I received an email that had this beautiful poem included in it.
It is simple and yet it is so true.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything your desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
For it gives you opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
For  they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

I wish I could thank Author Unknown aka Anonymous. He/She often teaches me great things and I haven't been able to find a way to email, like, tweet or text to express my gratitude!



Transfer week begins tomorrow morning with our 19 incoming missionaries
leaving the MTC about 4 AM. They are all on the same flight and
will arrive about 4 PM tomorrow afternoon, exhausted, excited and a little dazed.
Elder Urban usually drives a 15 passenger rental van,
the Assistants drive the mission van complete with the trailer for luggage,
 and Elder Hunt drives the President and Sister Craven to greet the new missionaries.
They are driven to the Mission Home where Sister Craven
feeds them dinner and President Craven interviews each one of them.
Tuesday morning begins before 8 AM at the Mission Office with a Southern breakfast
of eggs and grits casserole (it's really nummy), fresh fruit,
 Krispy Kream Donuts (a NC original), chocolate milk and Orange juice.
Sister Scott is amazing and prepares this food for the new missionaries and us too.
We take care of each missionary's paperwork and photos
before they begin training from President, Sister Craven, Elder Urban and Elder Hunt.

Meanwhile, the missionaries being transferred throughout the mission
as well as  those 20 outgoing missionaries
 (who are saying farewell to North Carolina Charlotte Mission)
are traveling to the Mission Office for the 2:30 PM Transfer Meeting.
It is a joy to participate in this powerful, spirit filled meeting.
The chapel is full of wonderful missionaries.
Those headed home share their heartfelt testimonies.
Sister Craven also bears her witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Then President Craven will teach an inspiring gospel message.
New companionships are announced, lots of hugging is going around
 and new adventures and friendships are formed.

Then my favorite part is when we all sing,
"We Sure Love Ya, North Carolina"  (the Mission song).

It's an eventful wonderful exhausting day and we love it!

Those 20 missionaries leaving Wednesday morning will be having dinner
with the Cravens at the Mission Home, exit interviews, a little sleep
 and will leave at 6:15 AM for the airport.
Guess who leaves for the Mission Home at 5:30 AM on Wednesday to take them to the airport?
Guess who cries a little when we have to say good bye to these valiant
Sisters and Elders we love so very much?

All in all, it is a logistical nightmare but Elder Urban has helped it become a well oiled machine!


Elder Shumway will be home with his family for Thanksgiving.
I'm sure they are counting the hours!

Sister Phillips is being transferred as a new Sister Training Leader.
She's been with us for 6 months and we'll miss her!

 

I'm thankful for so many blessings.
 My relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ
 Our family, children, grandchildren, dear friends who are family too.
Technology that allows us to communicate with those we love.
The opportunity to serve this mission with my Sweetheart.
The amazing relationships we are making with people we are blessed to know here.
The Book of Mormon and teachings of the Prophets

I will continue adding to my list...
perhaps you are doing the same.

Sending our Thanksgiving love to y'all!














              

Unexpected Visitors and Other Blessings

Fall has been beautiful in Charlotte! This photo was taken one morning 

as we were leaving for the Mission Office a couple of weeks ago. 

The weather has been dry and mild and the colors have been spectacular!

Of course the one day we did have rain we were  cleaning out an apartment

in Matthews. Elder Henderson and Elder Matthews helped us carry furniture

down the stairs and load it in the trailer. This apartment had special

meaning for us, because our granddaughter, Rachel 

(Sister Hatton-Ward)  lived there the last few months of her mission.

When we picked up the Elders to help us move, we thought we were at the wrong address 

because of these cute Halloween decorations!

Missionary moms take good care of their sons and daughters! 

We attended a very special baptism for Hemie Dickson on November 8th.

He has been in the US for 15 years and all his family are still in Liberia. He

is a tailor and designer by profession but more importantly, 

Hemie is a valiant, faith filled young man with the Light of Christ in his countenance.

The Spirit was there in abundance!

The Sisters are teaching his family in Liberia by Skype! I love technology! 

Elder Youngstrom is 21! 

We celebrated his Birthday at his favorite place, Red Robin 

with Elder Call, Elder Mautz, Elder Benham and Elder Bagley.

Elder Youngstrom will be released on November 25th 

and will fly home the day before Thanksgiving. We will miss him.

The Kunz family from Riverton, Utah surprised us at the Mission office a few days ago.

Bishop Kunz was Elder Kunz in our mission some 35 years ago. It was delightful to

visit with them and I felt like we'd known them forever. They have a beautiful story.

The biggest surprise was RYAN coming to visit. 

Ryan called Wednesday and said he had a last minute meeting in Greensboro.

Would it be possible to meet him Thursday evening after his meeting?

As he was talking I had this overwhelming feeling whisper to my heart,

"This is a special gift, a tender mercy from Me (Heavenly Father) because I love you!"

No coincidence! Not just luck! A beautiful GIFT!

Thursday, we drove in the Mission Van complete with trailer to Lancaster, SC with
the Hunts and the Slades to empty out an apartment and clean it.
I appreciate these wonderful friends and fellow missionaries
for the great help and support they are to me in taking care of apartments.
 We get the work done AND we have a fun time being with them!
On our way back to Charlotte, we had lunch at 521 Barbeque.
Elder Urban's new favorite rib place!

From the Mission Office we drove the van and trailer to Greensboro
to pick up our special surprise!
It was dark, traffic was horrid but the drive was certainly worth it!

Hugging my little boy again, made this mommy so happy!

We had one last errand to accomplish before we left Greensboro.
Ryan  helped us pick up a washer and dryer from a vacated apartment we needed to close.

Friday morning, Ryan came with us to the office and worked, while we worked.

Then we took a late lunch at Mac's Speed Shop (barbeque of course)

We drove to beautiful Lake Norman and did some exploring. 

We'd never taken time to look around the lake before and it truly is idyllic!

It was a relaxing wonderful afternoon and evening. 

We took Ryan to Huntersville and walked around Birkdale Village for a short time. 

(These pictures are from google so just imagine a cold fall afternoon

and the blossoms are beautiful fall leaves and 

children were bundled in coats and scarves instead of swim suits!)

The rest of the evening we just visited and told stories and laughed, 

ate some leftover soup and just enjoyed the unexpected "tender mercy"moments.

My heart is full of gratitude for the blessings I receive daily.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on our blessings 

and to express love and gratitude to God and to our family and friends.

Dieter F Uchtdorf reminds us beautifully....

and

Sending our LOVE to y'all!

Happy Thanksgiving from Elder and Sister Urban