Snowy days in St Louis

Today was our last Sunday at the Pagedale Branch.  We will miss going to Church there.  As tears streamed down my face I thanked many and received big hugs in return, "Thank you for making us feel at home".  Church was only Sacrament Meeting as a big ice storm is headed our way and it was fast Sunday, but a kind woman brought spaghetti and all the trimmings for a lunch after Church.

George walks out of Church with stocking feet after giving shoes away

Christmas and New Years have come and gone.  We have spent time with Elder and Sister Whitlock who came out the same day we did and sweet Sister Slagle.  We also had a Senior Missionary Mexican feast at the President's home.  I think George would agree, our favorite activity was making sure all missionaries received a package during the holidays.  Several generous people donated funds to help make this happen.

Cold day for transfers

 Missionaries have completed their missions and returned home.  Transfers happened in a Church parking lot with 7 degree F weather.  Burrrr! Although quite cold, Missionaries just hung out (a couple without coats) and visited their friends from other areas or their batch mates from the MTC.  New Missionaries have arrived, there is always training.  It is good they do a follow up training for the new missionaries.  Missionaries arrive after a long day of travel and come with colds or as a couple of Elders did. . with stitches that weren't quite ready to remove.

New missionaries being assigned new trainers and areas

We have talked our last time in Sacrament Meeting,  we have finished our service in the St Louis Temple.  We have met wonderful people including many who are so willing to help Missionaries with transportation, food, and providing medical care.

George feeding geese in a nearby pond

We will miss this time of our lives, but know our family is on a count down for us to return home.

Birds perched outside our apartment on a cold day

We have loved the beautiful area in the Missouri St Louis Mission.
We have loved the wildlife; right out our living room window.
We have loved the pop of red; the Cardinals on grey days in the winter.
We have loved the Missionaries individually and collectively; we know the Lord is mindful!
We love President and Sister Bateman and their daughter Sydney.  His work is about the one.
We love the Missouri St Louis Temple Presidency, the workers, and the opportunity we have had to serve in the temple.
We have loved the people who come from far distances to serve in and attend the Temple.
We are thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

And time marches on . . . Mission accomplished!

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