Closing August

These are some of the finest people you would hope to find anywhere. We recently had a district meeting and received instruction as well as reported our progress.

 New senior couple, the Chippings joined our ranks. President and Sister Eberhardt shared their insight and strength. "Rather than endure to the end, ... why don't we progress to the end." --Sister Eberhardt. I appreciate that distinction.

We talked a lot about different aspects of the priesthood. Elder Holden prepared a very good meeting for us and Elder Sanders was very good on the piano. Sister Bowman bore a sweet and powerful  parting testimony as she will be going home after this next transfer.

 We are seeing miracles.

...

Diligence is paying off.

This is a picture of Elder and Sister Clarke meeting Elder Holden and Elder Sanders. Honestly I think that the Clarke's are the lucky ones here.

 This is outside of the Jordan River Temple. We had a great experience at the temple this week.

 This is an example of a missionary table the Elders set up in each building in our stake. They are inspired and working hard to have trust and exposure.

 This is Katya from Ukraine. She was introduced to the gospel in May and is now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tom Blodgett is the ward mission leader and he has been so kind and helpful to Katya. Our missionaries, Elder Holden and Elder Sanders, were able to teach Katya the lessons she needed in order to be baptized.

Attending her baptism yesterday was one of the finest experiences I have yet had as a missionary. The spirit attending that meeting was palpable. I was honored to be in attendance.


...

notes from recent district meetings

Abby Sessions

Pioneer Day was the best day yet. We were able to go to temple square with Abby Sessions and have two sister missionaries and the young elders from our stake teach and bear witness of our Savior, temples, and the joy of families. The spirit was powerful and manifested to me just how blessed my life has been as a result of my pioneer ancestors giving their all for their faith. Because of their hard work and devotion my life has been filled with joy.

Abby is planning to be baptized in September.

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Come, Come Ye Saints

 young men and women from all over the world
in the Salt Lake City East Mission
for one day
were pioneers

 unlike pioneers we had
sunglasses, sunscreen, good shoes,
full stomachs and and the knowledge it was for one day

 Elder Skinner. Elder Sanders. Elder Holden

 A small delay turns into an opportunity
to stretch and explore.

 It's morning here and we have energy for this day.

Our district (the district of Ammon)...with just a peek of Elder and Sister Carlston.

 This is more than a peek of our newlyweds!

 Like the pioneers...we have faith.
The kind of faith that enables us to lay down our lives of self-centeredness.
Eighteen months, two years, three years if you're the Eberhardts.
We have faith in Jesus Christ and His power to save, lift, and bless.
We have been blessed and we want to lift our brother and sisters who are searching.

Elder Carter is surfing the handcart...Westward Ho!

 This is my first ever friend named Shirley. I love her.

 Yup...I'm crazy for my missionary.

 Elder Holden about to get worked.

 Elder Hawton about to show us who's boss.

 Elder Sanders with Elder Hawton...they were companions not so long ago.

 President and Sister Eberhardt...they have what it takes.

Don't fool around with Elder Quinton...he'll spank you and send you home crying for your mama.

 Pretty soon the sisters will be pulling the handcarts up the trail on the right.

 We receive instructions and stories of faith.

 My darling girls---Sister Bowman, Sister Knight, Sister Aiasau, and Sister Masih in the cart.

 After the Sister's crested the hill we received love from our leaders.

"And should we die before our journey's through, Happy Day, All Is Well."

1. Text: William Clayton, 1814-1879
   Music: English folk song