tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27086073607988145932024-03-05T12:32:55.280-08:00Our Reno MissionWe are serving a 20 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Nevada Reno Mission. We were the first to arrive in the mission, coming before the Mission President, before the mission officially opened. We work in the Mission office. Sister Lois Ann Lynn is the mission secretary and Elder Dee Lynn is the financial secretary.
LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-61265561384332773602013-12-22T16:33:00.002-08:002013-12-22T16:33:45.345-08:00Our mission is over and we are home againIt is so hard to believe that we have finished our mission!<br />
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We have to say that in our particular case, we have never been so constantly busy, so exhausted or so happy for so long in our lives. At times I have felt sheer joy just being in the office. My best times have been when the missionaries were there for transfers or incoming times. I have just loved being in their presence. <br />
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I haven't written because I forgot how to get on my blog. Does that show you how old I am? Finally spent an hour and figured it out just now ;~)<br />
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Leaving our mission was extremely difficult. We have an excellent couple to replace us, the Smedleys. They have already served a year in our mission in Carson City as a 'Rescue' couple - working with less actives and non-members. There are no seniors available to come and replace us so we imported them from their original call. Senior missionaries are desperately needed. <br />
Even while we were training them we couldn't believe we were actually leaving. And when we walked out of the mission office for the last time it still didn't seem to really be happening. Even when I packed all the boxes and we went to the airport to get our son who would drive the U-Haul back for us, it still seemed like it would be a vacation or something. We shed a LOT of tears.<br />
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Leaving our Wildcreek Ward was also very difficult. They were wonderful to us and we loved so many people there. <br />
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I have found it true that in every mission I have served I have met 'kindred spirits' - people I knew before in some way past time. We become good friends that I will have forever. That happened in this ward, and with one very special couple from the office, Will & Sophie Blankenship. Our mission President and his wife, the Hermansen's were a wonderful couple to work with and we will also always love and appreciate them. <br />
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Now that we are home I am finally realizing it is really all over. I guess it finally really hit home when we were in the Stake President's office and he read the words, "You are released." Like so many callings in the past, the time comes to be released whether we love the calling we are in or not.<br />
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And as I've said before, for me going on a mission is in a way like dying. You leave and go out to serve and then we get to come back and see what happened while we were gone. It is always wonderful to see that our family did well without us - in fact better than if we'd been here. They bond and care for each other.<br />
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So while we were gone these things happened at home:<br />
1 great-grandson born - this brings our 'Greats' to 3. Two little girls and now the Ggrandson!<br />
Our last grandchild to be born in March-April - a little girl...<br />
1 son-in-law married - we are all so thrilled with this!!!<br />
6 'new' homes purchased and moved in to by various family members<br />
3 grandchildren left on missions within 6 weeks last spring - to Australia, New Mexico, and Mexico (changed to Utah because of health reasons.)<br />
1 grand-daughter prepared and sent in her papers and we are all waiting for her call.<br />
1 grandson getting married in the temple to a fantastic girl this week!<br />
Children and grandchildren advanced in school and work.<br />
As always grandchildren grew taller - no matter how prepared you are for this, it is still a surprise.<br />
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Today we went back to our home ward, the River Ridge 8th ward. What a wonderful feeling to feel so at home and what a wonderful reception. And now I can say that despite missing our mission so much, we are happy to be home. <br />
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We have loved seeing some of our family members and are looking forward to seeing the rest as soon as possible.<br />
More about our mission later....<br />
LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-29601893771297809762013-09-03T18:38:00.001-07:002013-09-03T18:38:12.569-07:00Sept. 3, 2013<br />
Transfer day. Busy day. Lots of missionaries here this afternoon to pick up new a companion or new missionary/companion. Or to be transferred. Or because they are leaving in the morning (three.) <br />
Bikes everywhere. Three left outside against the Stake Center wall (we are in the same parking lot and the missionaries are all at the Stake Center). The 3 unlocked have been moved inside one of our storage/work areas and locked in. Let's see what the missionaries do when they come out and their bike is gone....presumed stolen. We've done this before. Some missionaries don't even seem to care. Their attitude is - 'Well, it's gone. Nothing I can do now.' A few panic and will never leave a bike unlocked again. The irony is that just a few yards away is a brand new bike stand we've installed to lock bikes to. There is not a single bike attached to it. Did no-one notice it? Hmmmm.<br />
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I love these days. It is hard for some of the missionaries to be transferred. Some are so excited to move on to a new opportunity. We have lots of Sister's these days. <br />
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We had 12 new missionaries come in today - one American who has been at the Mexico MTC learning Spanish to speak here! Tomorrow we get 2 'Temple Square' missionary Sisters. The missionaries serving on Temple Square are sent out for 2 or 3 transfers into proselyting missions. These two are going to be here 3 transfers - until Jan. We have another Sister Missionary finishing her time with us and returning to her Temple Square mission tomorrow.<br />
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It is always hard to see the missionaries leave at the end of their missions. We will miss them so much. But we are so happy they have done so well and will follow them on Facebook and e-mail as we see all the wonderful things that they do in the future.<br />
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So now it is 6:34. Most of the missionaries have gone their various ways. What a busy, wonderful time.<br />
The missionaries who have their bikes locked up are getting wise to Sister Blankenship and came and asked her if she had their bikes. Got to think of something new. <br />
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If you have missionaries out here ask them these questions:<br />
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1. Are you locking your bikes EVERY SINGLE time you leave them unattended?<br />
2. Are your apartments/homes clean? Not destroyed? No maids available here. It is ALL up to the missionaries. <br />
More later.....<br />
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<br />LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-24939783989987871562013-08-18T21:01:00.002-07:002013-08-18T21:01:46.352-07:00August 18, 2013<br />
Wow, the last post was in June! So much has happened and we've been so busy. Our last transfer was July 23 and we had 30 new missionaries arrive. Our next transfer is Sept. 3 and we'll have 12 coming in. That is the smallest group since we opened the mission. We are now at 264 or so missionaries so we are at the 'compliment' we've been assigned (250). We will gradually get back to that and be around that number for a while, I believe. <br />
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I have so many things I want to say. One is the importance of obedience in our lives. For me at this time - this especially applies to missionaries. I wonder sometimes what missionaries are expecting to live like when they come on a mission. Do they think this will be a vacation? Our missionaries do have fun but those who have the best missions are those who obey exactly the things asked of them. <br />
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Missions are hard. I wonder if young people realize that just because you are 'adult' does not mean you can do anything you want the rest of your life and have no responsibility for anything at any place or any time. I know there are people in the world who think this way - but those with goals of eternal life also must realize there is a price to pay. The price is hard work and obeying with exactness the commandments and requirements of Heavenly Father. This is not restricting, in fact it is the most and best kind of freedom. And happiness and joy. I compare this to driving a car. There are exact rules we much obey in order to have the freedom and joy and happiness that can come with driving a car. It is our choice if we want to have that freedom by obeying the rules or live constantly looking over our shoulders and paying various prices for not obeying the rules.<br />
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It makes my heart aches to see missionaries who have chosen repeatedly to disobey and then the consequences come. What a long road they have ahead of them.<br />
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Another thing, if you have a missionary thinking of coming on a mission, or are a young person thinking of a mission, PLEASE clear every possible problem you have with your Bishop before applying to come on a mission. Many people don't realize that a leader who has the Spirit of our Heavenly Father with him can discern problems even if they aren't told about them. And missionaries don't realize before they come on missions how they can't do much of anything without the Spirit. They won't have the Spirit with them if they have unresolved problems that should be discussed with Bishop. As these Missionaries become closer to the Spirit on their mission, their unresolved problem weighs heavier and heavier on them until they either confess or can't function. By this time, resolving problems are much more difficult than they would have been had they been taken care before even applying for a mission. Again, my heart aches and weeps for these missionaries.<br />
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I look at our missionaries and feel such a love and concern for them. I want them to really be happy. I want them to be successful. I want so much for them to be obedient because then they will be successful. I really really want them to understand this principle. Those who do are happy and just glow even though often they are so tired. I don't know how to let the rest know how much I love them and hurt for them when they aren't obedient and think theirs is a fun way to live. I watch a lot of this go by as I work in the office and I can't think of anything but prayer to help them. I also get to feel great thankfulness and joy at knowing I am seeing some of the great future leaders of the Church in those who are so obviously obedient and glowing and happy and full of joy. I am so grateful I get to be around them. <br />
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This was a serious post I know, but I've not written for a while because I didn't know how to say all of this or even want to bring it up. I'm glad I have finished saying these things. Happier entries coming.<br />
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LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-62959333651992165642013-05-28T20:31:00.000-07:002013-05-28T20:31:13.837-07:00Almost June - Where has the time gone?May 27, 2013<br />
We had a wonderful Memorial Day at the office. Our mission office is open 5 days a week all year - no holidays for us except Thanksgiving and Christmas and then we have mission activities to be at.<br />
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So yesterday we were at the office. The phones only worked partially. We couldn't contact most of the places we needed to because they were closed. But we got a lot done and saw a number of missionaries who came in because it was their prep day and we had fun!<br />
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Today the phones were fixed really early - at 8:15 - by someone from Facilities Management. Thanks so much, Alan. We placed orders, found 2 apartments we needed and got those signed up, located another with some help from a wonderful Bishop's wife in Dayton. <br />
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Last week was a great Mission Tour. And President's parents met him at the end of it and came home with him for a week. We're glad for all of them.<br />
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And now a few 'Memo's for Missionaries and their Parents':<br />
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<ul>
<li>If you have or are, a youth with poor handwriting or printing, consider getting a calligraphy book from the library or sign up for a class. Practice and practice and practice until you can write your name beautifully. You are going to have to sign a lot of things in your life, so prepare to do that the best you can. I leaves an impression of who you are just like your grooming does.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Parents - shop around and find neckties for your missionary or to give to a missionary you know as gifts. I mean shop at Good Will, Savers, Deseret Industries. Anywhere. Find any tie that does not have a clip on it. Missionaries LOVE ties of all kinds and trade and trade them.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>If you are going to fill out mission application papers and haven't done so already consider this.When you are asked about your health concerns, you don't need to put every cut you've had since birth, or every fall, or every cold. Just list things that might have some bearing on your mission. And use the least number of words possible to describe what you need to. Do the same thing when it asks what your talents, callings and jobs have been. The people in SLC and the mission office don't need a lot of wordy explanations. If something is really serious, then by all means explain it well. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Parents of Missionaries in the Nevada Reno Mission (and other mission's, too) - If you have questions, please call me. Part of my calling as mission secretary to is answer questions for you and your missionary BEFORE they come out to the mission field. And I love talking to you and your missionary. I remember well as a missionary parent, and as an adult missionary, the great desire I had to talk to someone and get questions answered. I am so happy to answer questions and if I don't know the answer, I'll find out and get back to you or send you on to someone who does have an answer. If you don't want to call, e-mail me!</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>The same thing goes after the missionary is on their mission. I can relay calls from you to them and vice/versa. Of course if there is something serious you will want to call the mission president directly. And if there is a health concern you'll want to contact the mission mother. But if your last pair of shoes just lost it's sole and it is now taped on with duct tape and it is a week until you can e-mail, please call me and explain and I'll call your parents. Or if you need an address call me. Or if your wallet was stolen, call me. Or if mom woke up in the night worried that her missionary doesn't have enough blankets, or a warm enough coat, call me. You don't have to wait 2 weeks to find out through e-mail if you need to know now. This is what I do! And I love doing it! I don't get to go out the where the missionaries are very much so this kind of contact is so wonderful for me! </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Email - I'd like to explain that our missionary 'P Day' is on a Monday. That is the day that missionaries are supposed to e-mail, write letters, shop, do cleaning and laundry and do something enjoyable. Missionaries are told not to use member computers to write e-mail. Many of them go to public libraries to e-mail. However, here in Nevada in various places some libraries are closed on Monday. Then missionaries have permission to e-mail on Tues. However (again), Tuesdays here are 'District meeting mornings' and these meetings last until noon or sometimes 1 or 2 - depending on how wrapped up the missionaries get. So I occasionally get calls from parents worried that something is wrong if they haven't gotten an e-mail. We also need to remember that after District Meeting you need to eat and if more than one companionship goes to eat then it could take a while... ;-) Or other things can come up. If you haven't gotten an e-mail by Wed. or for several weeks, PLEASE call me.</li>
</ul>
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I wish I could explain the great joy and happiness I have serving this mission. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ so much. I feel their presence really often as I work. Sometimes I can't believe all I am capable of doing here. I couldn't have done all this at home just working on things so I am constantly amazed. I see big and little miracles so often. Being around the missionaries just brings such feelings of peace and joy - really BIG joy. They are wonderful and they bring a wonderful spirit. Seeing their faces as they talk about people they are teaching is just such a beautiful experience.<br />
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In addition to all of this - my husband and I have 3 missionary grandchildren serving right now. They all left in a 5 week period so they are progressing together. We look forward so very much to each of their letters each week. We understand why parents call and are worried because their missionary didn't e-mail on Monday. We get to worrying, too. :-)<br />
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'Till later.....<br />
LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-22175473752756481082013-05-04T21:47:00.000-07:002013-05-04T21:47:21.161-07:00'Snail Mail' is SOOOOO important. Email. Packages. Bikes.Our missionaries can e-mail family and friends every 'preparation day'. They cannot use a member's computer. They have to go to a public library, a church library, a Family History library, etc. to e-mail. When a holiday falls on their 'p-day' and the library is closed, they can write the next day instead. <br />
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Of course missionaries really want to hear by e-mail from family and friends. I is important they do.<br />
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But 'snail mail' or 'regular mail' is most important. Anytime a missionary comes to the office, they will always ask if there is any mail for them and I <em><u>always</u></em> hear them say things like, 'I never get mail anymore' or 'I've been out too long so everyone has forgotten me' or 'Look, all the mail is for new missionaries. After they've been out a while, they won't get any, either.' <br />
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Don't forget to write to your missionary - or any missionary you know. A single letter during the mission of someone in your ward, or a missionary you know can really help, if that is all you get written. Don't forget your missionaries. They can get discouraged and down and letters can help so much.<br />
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I recently saw a really great idea for a package for a missionary. It was called a 'Sunny' package and it was a little box full of yellow things. A lot of things were from the dollar store - but everything was yellow. What a great idea - think of all the variety of boxes you could send just using single color.<br />
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Remember once in a while to include something for the companion, especially if you know that the companion never gets mail or packages. Ask your missionary if his/her companion gets things. Ask when his/her birthday is. Remember at Christmas to send something for the companion. <br />
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Most missionaries love and really appreciate a couple of dollars tucked in a letter. For some, $5.00 could be a couple of lunches at a fast food place. You don't have to send a lot, but once in a while, especially if you think the missionary may not have a lot of extra money, a little would be a blessing. This is especially true towards the end of the month when their money may be gone.<br />
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Our mission now requires all missionaries to have a bike. This has been a huge amount of work for the office and a surprise for many missionaries and families. Some simply cannot afford a bike. And a bike is not all - there are helmets, lights, bumpers for at least the Sisters, and other things needed, too.<br />
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We've had several real miracles associated with getting these bikes. One mother of a missionary in a different mission read about this and called and donated 2 complete bikes for missionaries who really need one. What a huge blessing for our mission. Thanks so much to her. Members of a ward here donated 2 bikes. The Ward mission leader bought and added the helmets & other needed things. Thanks to those who have helped by giving bikes in other ways and getting helmets and lights for needy missionaries. <br />
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I LOVE serving this mission. I cannot tell you how happy I am. I find so much joy every day. The missionaries are so young (I am 72) and bring such a wonderful spirit. I can't help but love them before they get here, after I type and send letters, prepare their incoming book, fill out files on them. I can't always remember their names when I see them and that frustrates me totally. But I know that they are here because Heavenly Father wants each of them here (and I know he wants me here.) I know Heavenly Father is real. He is alive. He knows each one of us and our individual feelings and thoughts. He is our real Father. He wants us to succeed. He especially wants his missionaries to succeed. We know there is opposition that does not want them to succeed. So missionaries have this new opposition in a new place doing new work. It is understandable the missionary could be discouraged and worried and thinking they can't do want they need to do. Please remember to write and send something once in a while to any missionary who is in the field. It may seem a little thing for you - but may be a huge thing for the missionary.<br />
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LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-87272630478866272762013-05-04T21:12:00.002-07:002013-05-04T21:12:48.419-07:00Photos -finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The dates on the first 3 photos are completely off. I forgot to set them. :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YFF-UCI2XUXas7JgD5GAuAz8jhcMC_Nes3f3DShX_MzV9Ghxoui0D9PzQJK87zhJtzUjVULOYsvd4K9AEeg5L4BjxBCznJnlDPHhe9uMlYyd6OvDhhuus7acs3ZqEiyXcqkrncv38I9R/s1600/100_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YFF-UCI2XUXas7JgD5GAuAz8jhcMC_Nes3f3DShX_MzV9Ghxoui0D9PzQJK87zhJtzUjVULOYsvd4K9AEeg5L4BjxBCznJnlDPHhe9uMlYyd6OvDhhuus7acs3ZqEiyXcqkrncv38I9R/s320/100_0275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is our 'Transfer Board'. It is one of the most 'important' and 'sought after' things for missionaries to look at. This is where photos of every missionary are hung. The blue signs at the top indicate zones. The smaller aqua signs indicate districts. The pink squares hold photos of the Sisters in our mission. The yellow squares hold photos of missionaries called to speak Spanish. They are hard to see, but there are a few cards who are 1/2 pink and 1/2 yellow - indicating Sisters called to speak Spanish.</div>
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The 'Transfer Board' is housed in the President office and missionaries rarely, if ever, see it. <br />They LOVE to have a chance to stand and look at it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fkoeDVEuP-tPTU0Iw-E2y3ohJFfUnY4GexrVzK4HcrlKz3AeHTB15TDuBWQLk0R4DEO7_tVVhNEsF_eL7tLQ4jZsZc3yRsg7ZYfD1wnUYI-qqIgY8BsVrOniMcQ229ZYKm9MgDoC2g5B/s1600/100_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fkoeDVEuP-tPTU0Iw-E2y3ohJFfUnY4GexrVzK4HcrlKz3AeHTB15TDuBWQLk0R4DEO7_tVVhNEsF_eL7tLQ4jZsZc3yRsg7ZYfD1wnUYI-qqIgY8BsVrOniMcQ229ZYKm9MgDoC2g5B/s320/100_0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Transfer day, April 30, 2012. The new missionaries are inside the Prater Church, the peach/pink building you can see in the background. Seen here are their companions-to-be or missionaries who are being transferred from one place to another. I wish I could have been on the roof of the mission office, which is behind me. Then I could have taken a really good picture of every one outside. I love this time and having so many missionaries around. What a great spirit is there. It was a beautiful day, too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtWeXQKu0NzQI4Ht5cza6o23b7MOhE-XATkiK79v6K_guccS14RDkW8WjBIM2PI7gJZMA3tBDK8DTbNHlAJD_sUUjuHRzrJjKMfzbQbkM2pj_sZopqQNTk-NpNL2Ro_qSTp2kDZWEU-oL/s1600/100_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtWeXQKu0NzQI4Ht5cza6o23b7MOhE-XATkiK79v6K_guccS14RDkW8WjBIM2PI7gJZMA3tBDK8DTbNHlAJD_sUUjuHRzrJjKMfzbQbkM2pj_sZopqQNTk-NpNL2Ro_qSTp2kDZWEU-oL/s320/100_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had 14 new Sisters incoming for these transfers. There were 13 Elders incoming.</div>
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6 of these (3 Sisters and 3 Elders) are 'Visa Waiters' - one going to Peru and 5 to Brazil. While they are waiting for their visas to go through they will serve in our mission and then leave for the mission they were called to. We also have 2 'Temple Square' Sisters serving in our mission. Temple Square missionaries go to more 'traditional' missions for a couple of transfers to serve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcatfB09t5hbmENpECVHJ_jy445YOlxK_ovJ-t6yMK92B4bE6DGaLETCkuVGtyzAoCmKJOuor7g6soolKLbPsA79j2KkKukFUP4Cdc8UNXVSMuyXROaJw77m_RN7XWcWl8W9xn5Ny3hq8/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcatfB09t5hbmENpECVHJ_jy445YOlxK_ovJ-t6yMK92B4bE6DGaLETCkuVGtyzAoCmKJOuor7g6soolKLbPsA79j2KkKukFUP4Cdc8UNXVSMuyXROaJw77m_RN7XWcWl8W9xn5Ny3hq8/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is our mission office. It used to be a Seminary building. It is in the back of the parking lot you see in the above photos. It was mostly gutted and redone inside before we got here last year in June.<br />
The Nevada Reno mission opening last July 1, 2012. It is beautiful inside. I love the flowers on the<br />
bushes in front.<br />
LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-58353878006617592232013-04-21T20:30:00.001-07:002013-04-21T20:30:44.999-07:00Large & Small miraclesA month or so ago our mission began asking all missionaries to have a bike. Even if they also have a car they need to take their bikes with them, park, bike or walk around and the go back to their car.<br />
This will save gas and make missionaries more visible which helps let people know we are around.<br />
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That is in addition to a number of bike only areas we have because we don't have, and won't have enough cars for all the missionaries.<br />
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Missionaries in our mission didn't expect this and neither did families. So this has been very difficult for a number of missionaries and their folks. We've seen a lot of miracles to do with bikes and are still having special things happen. Bikes have been given to missionaries by people in wards or other missionaries, money for some part of needs given, and they've been loaned by one missionary to another. Last week a woman called and said she wanted to donate 2 bikes anonymously. One ward donated 2 bikes and then the ward mission leader paid for helmets, locks and lights. <br />
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We see things happen regularly that make us know how Heavenly Father blesses missionaries.<br />
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Another special blessing - this didn't happen in our mission but in the Boston Mission. This is a quote from a good friend. Lynlee is her grand-daughter and she is quoting her daughter.<br />
<br />
"Lynlee is returning home from her Boston mission this Friday. We are so excited to see her. I don't think she is sharing that same feeling." (Missionaries often don't want to leave the mission and those they're working with. - not part of the quote.)<br />
<br />
"She has been in Boston during all this past week's upheaval. <br />
<br />
"On their P Day on Monday, the Elders and Sisters were going to go to the Boston Marathon. They all met and then kept doing one thing and then another, and finally the thought did not enter their heads to go to the Marathon. I just can't believe that is all coincidence. I wonder how the Spirit works to take a thought out of all these missionaries heads and put something else into it.<br />
<br />
"Lynlee said she knew there was trouble when all the helicopters started passing them, and then 31 police cars with sirens wailing passed them. The mission president called them and commanded them to get to their cars and leave the city immediately. Lynlee said they were running to their cars.<br />
<br />
"She has been there on this mission through the storm, Sandy, and another devastation and now this.<br />
<br />
"I think you all know how thankful we are that these missionaries go with great blessings."<br />
<br />
We are thankful, too. We love the missionaries and know that God lives and loves them and is aware of all that is happening in the world. He wants the missionaries to be successful. LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-71776469859651335662013-03-28T21:05:00.002-07:002013-03-28T21:05:28.664-07:00Part of a Day in the Office for meMarch 28, 2013<br />
A couple of notes: Today we heard via the grapevine that the Church is only calling one couple per mission. The rest of the office staff will be local Church Service Missionaries. I think this is probably because of the increase of missions and the shortage of Senior missionaries.....We need you older folks!!!<br />
<br />
Missionaries who have been in the field for a while LOVE neck ties. This is really the only change they have in their clothes.. Ask your Elder if he'd like neckties he can trade. If so, go to Good Will or etc. and buy a bunch at a small price and send them as a gift.<br />
<br />
I often get asked what I do in the Mission Office as the Mission Secretary. Yesterday I decided to write down what I did. I only lasted until noon when I got so busy the idea when out the window. Here is what I got for 1/2 a day:<br />
<br />
8:00 am - office opens<br />
* Devotional (with other office missionaries - prayer, thought, what is going on today)<br />
* Phone call - Church Service missionaries will be in late - Dr. appt. at 9:00<br />
* Forwarded e-mail to appropriate office people and President<br />
* Volunteer we talked to at Church came in - we talked to him for a while<br />
* President came in - gave us information - during the rest of the morning he was in and out of his office as he worked and talked to office workers (including me) at various times<br />
* Phone Call - non-member wanting rent - gave her Transient Bp. phone number<br />
* Checked computer and found 3 new missionaries coming in - June & July <br />
* Ran off information for files on 3 new missionaries. Made files.<br />
* Did labels for their files<br />
* Missionary Sisters called - need copies of items- wrote it down & will try to get copies made<br />
before they come in this afternoon (Didn't get it done - they had to make them when they came in.)<br />
* 'Mark' came in - had him fill cabinet with videos. Talked with him. (He is a homeless by choice<br />
young man who has walked across part of the US. Knows a lot about the Church. He drops by<br />
often - almost daily - because "it feels good here" and wants to see if a missionary happens to be <br />
at the office and can take a few minutes to 'read the Book of Mormon' with him. Has taken one <br />
lesson at the church and stood up the Elders today for another one.) He helps do whatever I need.<br />
* Elders came in for supplies - filled order & talked to them briefly.<br />
* Sorted through my work to evaluate what needs to be done most.<br />
10:00 -<br />
* Two phone calls responding to an e-mail about a hair brush a new sister left @ overnight apt.<br />
* Phone call - transferred<br />
* Assistants came in - gave them a message about an Elder extremely allergic to cats<br />
* Made supply list - took a while checking all cabinets, etc.<br />
* Made supply order - takes a while for a big order like the one I did - Sent to Pres. to OK <br />
* Mail arrived - Large incoming pile today - Sorted and delivered in-office mail<br />
* Sorted mail to open and forward at my desk<br />
* Telephone call to transfer<br />
* Typed labels for mail and ran off - left them to attach and finish black-lining & stamping 'forward' mail for later when people are there and I need to talk to them because the rest of forwarding mail is mindless work<br />
* Typed labels for Transfer board - 2 new 'zones' - several new 'districts' - lots of new addresses and <br />
'areas' - lots of 'DL' and 'ZL' cards<br />
* Put all of the above in magnet holders - this takes a loooonnnnggg time. A missionary was there and not busy because his companion was having an interview with Pres. so I had him help me.<br />
* Phone - address needed<br />
* Phone called transferred.<br />
<br />
This is where I ran out of time to write things down. I think I missed several phone calls on this list.<br />
By now it was about noon.<br />
<br />
OK - it is now 9:04 pm and I need to get busy and then to bed. More later...<br />
<br />
LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-66802729757979707382013-03-08T21:26:00.000-08:002013-03-08T21:42:09.514-08:00<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><em><u><strong>Our Reno Mission</strong></u></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>Elder Dee Lynn and Sister Lois Ann Lynn</em></span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">June 24, 2012</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Tomorrow is the last day we will be at the Las Vegas West Mission.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">We've spent 2 weeks at the MTC and 2 weeks here in Las Vegas.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">We were to stay here until transfers, which are tomorrow and then Tues. morning we will leave for Reno. It is an 8 hour drive.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Observations about the last 4 weeks:</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><u>Memo to Bishoprics</u><em>: It is really difficult to have a farewell one day and be at the MTC the next day. We were exhausted on Monday:)</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">We loved being at the ward and their wonderful response; the family gathering and really appreciated them being there; were excited to see Bryson ordained an Elder before leaving for the Marines the same day we started at the MTC and felt badly we didn't get to spend any time at all with those who came to our house after.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">The MTC always is WONDERFUL. The spirit is so strong. The young Elders and Sisters are a joy to watch. LA always loves watching the Elders eat. The food there is really good. The mass of young missionaries at the firesides is humbling and listening to them sing the traditional missionary 'Called to Serve' brings you to tears.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">The training the first week covers 'Preach My Gospel' and if you stay the 2nd week because you are in an office, doing humanitarian, etc. the training is amazing. They are really well organized and young returned missionaries do a great deal of the training.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">We left Thusday evening and went home, washed a few clothes, packed the car with Todd and Carson's help and left Sat. am to drive to Las Vegas. We got lost once we were in town and couldn't find the Stake President's home where we would be staying. We called the Las Vegas Mission President. He and his wife came and found us and brought us to 'Spiced Strawberry Street.' President and Sister Richards have a </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">'casita' on top of their garage where we have lived for 2+ weeks. It is really nice, with some food preparation facilities and it's own bathroom. We have been very comfortable here with the air conditioning being very important in these (today 102 degree) temps.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">President and Sister Black (NLVM Pres) are a perfect pair as mission president and wife. He is not only very much on track with his mission work and dealing with the missionaries (firm and decisive) but loving and so pleasant to be around. He has a funny sense of humor which often has the office and missionaries laughing so people love being around him. She is so personable and kind. She is very </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">effective in her duties. It doesn't hurt that she is beautiful and that it is obvious her husband repects her as an equal in their calling and her responsibilities.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Brother and Sister Zobell are the Office Sec. and Financial Sec. Bro. Condor (vehicles) and Sister Condor (baptisms & referrals) are also very pleasant and easy to be around. Brother Dana is a local service missionary and the main wheel for cars. Pun intended :) Everyone of these people have given us everything you can think of by way of help. We have 2 zip drives full of things and LA has 5 binders full of things to help us get started in our new Reno Mission.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">As for Reno, our office will be in an old Seminary building there - a small one. One of the Assistants was there last weekend and he was excited to see that the walls are back up and painted. :D We hope that means that this past week the carpet is in, the shelving, desks, phones, file cabinets, computers and everything else needed is in. We have been told there is a pallet of paper products there.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">We know will still need to get more supplies. </span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">We will be there Wed. and by Sunday (July 1) everything needs to be in place. Our Reno </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Pres. Hermansen and his wife and family are arriving Sat. evening. So are the Pres. and Sister from the Las Vegas and the Las Vegas West missions. On Sunday after Church the</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">3 President couples will meet for 2 hours then the two couples from Las Vegas </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">will fly home and the Reno mission will be open.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">We were able to get an apt. in Reno and have a bed and table and chairs coming on Tues. Then sometime when we have time, we will need to go look for the rest of what we need in our apt.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">One kind of humorous note - we will begin our mission with an Assistant to the Reno President donated from both the Nevada Las Vegas Mission and the Nevada Las Vegas West Mission. It appears the two Assistants will be Elder Marks and Elder Sparks. They will live in Sparks and as the word gets out, this is causing a chuckle among the Elders.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">This Reno mission has been formed by combining the two Las Vegas Missions which previously covered all of Nevada, a little of Utah and California. Now the other 2 missions will cover the small southern corner where Las Vegas is. We will have all of the rest of Nevada. We are taking 73 missionaries from the LV West mission and 14 from the Las Vegas mission. About 2 weeks from now we will be getting 16 new missionaries from the MTC. 6 weeks after that we will get another 22 missionaries. No one will go home during all of that time. By Christmas we should have about 180 missionaries, as will both of the other 2 Nevada Missions.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">We are both so excited to be here. We LOVE being around the missionaries. We have really enjoyed being in the Las Vegas West Mission office. We are excited to meet the new Mission President and his wife and 2 children. We are excited to get to the cooler temps in Reno. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">:D We are hoping and need your prayers that we can remember all of the things we have learned in a month and that they will come to mind at the appropriate time.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Thanks for your support and love. We love you.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Elder and Sister Lynn</span></em>LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-65537955186051479202013-03-08T21:21:00.003-08:002013-03-08T21:42:04.639-08:00March 8 - <br />
It has been a long time since I've written - all during this blog from the beginning. When I left for our mission, I was healthy, I felt and the Drs. felt. Then I ended up climbing stairs every day to get to our housing and later found that caused my right hip to deteriorate very quickly and ended up with a lot of pain and finally a hip replacement the day after Christmas. Before that I had 2 teeth (which were supposed to be fine for more than a year) break at the gum line with cracks up into the roots. So they had to be extracted - including one dug out in pieces. At Thanksgiving we rushed to the hospital after tests on Elder Lynn to have his totally blocked carotid artery cleaned out. Then about a month ago I started having a lot of sinus problems and ended up with bronchitis and lots of stuff in my lungs and lots of coughing. I think I've finally conquered that. I'm beginning to feel better than I can remember for a long time. So, after telling you all that, I am going to try to write more often.<br />
<br />
One thing I want to say, though, is that we have been tremendously blessed by being on a mission during all of this. Personally, being here and needing to be in the office from 8-5 daily has made a huge difference for me. If I'd been home these last months would have seemed to have lasted forever. Being busy has kept my mind of my problems and pain and I have been so happy. Plus, we've had wonderful Drs. found in really interesting ways - probably the best in the West. <br />
<br />
And of course, to top all of this off, had we been at home, we'd never have known to have the tests Elder Lynn had. He would either be seriously disabled or dead from another stroke. The Dr. who worked on him couldn't believe he hadn't had problems before the surgery, the carotid artery was so totally blocked.<br />
<br />
So we've been incredibly blessed because we are on this mission. <br />
<br />
On to the mission.... <br />
<br />
We had a wonderful experience yesterday. An older woman drove up to the mission office and came in. She wondered if she was in the right place. Then she went to her car and brought in 2 bags of things. I asked her name and she wouldn't tell me. The President happened to be there and I called him out of his office and he came to meet her. She finally told him her last name. Then she returned to her car for one more sack. An Elder in the office went with her to carry it in. On the way out of the door she said, "The Lord has greatly blessed me and I want to do something in return." She got the sack from the car, gave it to the Elder, got in the car and drove off. She did not want any recognition. She had given us 8 new boxes of silverware and 2 toasters. The interesting thing is that an companionship of Elders had just called and asked for a toaster when we could get one. Each of those boxes can be divided for more than one set of missionaries!<br />
<br />
What a blessing!<br />
<br />
Just a few minutes later a Sister came with 2 chairs and a vacuum. We need those things.<br />
We've had several people bring used men's suits, white shirts, neckties, belts, socks and shoes.<br />
We've also gotten women's clothes. You should see the missionaries go through these things.<br />
<br />
A woman called yesterday. Her husband has just gotten a job across the country. Their children are all grown and gone and they are downsizing pretty seriously rather than pay for moving things. They wanted to know what we can use in the mission. Plus some clothes her last missionary son can't wear any more (size change.) They are moving at the end of March so we will have more donated things by then.<br />
<br />
Our next transfer is March 19. This is such a busy time! We have 4 missionaries returning home honorably and we will really miss them. We have 2 'Temple Square' sisters coming to work for 2 transfers at that time. Temple square missionaries go out to other missions for a time to work as other missionaries do. We have 6 'Visa Waiters' at our mission now and they will be leaving as soon as they get their visa's and go to Brazil for their missions. We will have 13 Sister's (1 Spanish Assignment) and 13 Elders (1 Spanish Assignment) arriving on the 19th. We are so excited and racing as fast as we can to get ready for them.<br />
<br />
This means President will need to choose trainers (our best experienced missionaries) for each of them. There will need to be a place for them to live - furnished. A local couple, the Blankenships handle all of this. Apartment rentals or leases need to be signed and deposits made. Then the information needs to go to Salt Lake so they can be paid regularly Utilities need to be turned on. Elder Lynn does both of these things. Transportation (cars or bikes) will need to be arranged for. A credit card for each missionary needs to be ordered and arrive. (Elder Lynn) A phone for each companionship has to be ordered, received, turned on with phone numbers recorded. (Elder Lynn) A incoming book needs to be made for each new missionary. (Sister Blankenship) A transfer board card for the transfer board needs to be printed, cut out, laminated, cut out and a magnet needs to be put on the back for each new missionary. (Sister Lynn) Food needs to be arranged for the incoming missionaries for breakfast and lunch, and for the departing missionaries for dinner and breakfast. (Blankenships) Schedules need to be made with assignments for the President and Sister Hermansen, the Assistants, the Vehicle person, the Sister who does referrals and baptisms, (Elder & Sister Smegelski); Elder Lynn who talks about housing and problems and cards with money on them. I collect papers, put a photo on the back on the ministerial card and laminate it, and trim it; talk about name tags, letters and packages, communication with parents and others that missionaries aren't allowed to call; arrange forms so we can communicate with parents or guardians and arrange for the first letter home to be written. We all answer questions. This period of training lasts about 4 hours or so. Meanwhile, President interviews every missionary so he can determine who their companion will be and then prays about and chooses companions. By about 4 or so trainers have arrived and then there is a meeting where companions meet each other. I wish you could see this. There are so many hugs, back pats, so much smiling and excited - especially by the trainers as they meet their new missionary... New missionaries by this time are looking a little glassy eyed and smiling and acting as excited as exhausted new missionaries can! Then they all to a meeting where cars are assigned and keys given out by the Vehicle Coordinater, Pres. Hermansen gives instructions and the missionaries who are leaving bear their testimonies. Missionaries come to the office and collect mail and boxes sent there, gather up the new missionaries luggage, get in cars and trucks and leave. President and Sister Hermansen take the departing missionaries for dinner and to the mission home where they have a final meeting and spend the night. They have gone with the Hermansen's to the final temple session in Reno earlier in the week. Early in the morning they are taken to the plane or wait for people to pick them up. <br />
<br />
More later....LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-83820736971332692882013-01-31T20:48:00.001-08:002013-03-08T21:41:56.911-08:00End of JanuarySo I'm now 5 weeks past a hip replacement. Got home tonight from my 8th therapy, which I love, and am walking without my canes. Yipee! I've been soooo blessed.<br />
<br />
We get more and more beggars every day! We're finding out there are a lot of professional 'pan-handlers' out there - and a lot of them who follow the LDS church from city to city supporting themselves entirely by their stories. We had a guy come in about 1 1/2 months ago. This guy is about 45 or so I'd guess. A professional at crying. He cries from before he comes in the mission office until when he goes out. The first time I believed him. He sounded and acted so sincere.<br />
'He and his wife had just come by Amtrack from Hurricane Sandy in Long Island where they lost their house. The had been given some money by the recovery act to come to Reno to begin work at one of the casinos. He didn't have enough money to pay for a motel and just needed money for one night. I am a Mormon.'<br />
<br />
By now we had an established a rule in the mission which is that we give no money of our own to anyone. Period. Fortunately Elder Lynn wasn't there. ;D Unfortunately no men were. We just couldn't get him to leave so I called a local Bishop and asked him to come and talk to him. He couldn't but arranged to meet him downtown at 5:00. Finally the guy left. <br />
<br />
He came back a week ago and fortunately Elder Blankenship (who has been a Bishop) was there. After I told him we had no money, no food, no housing, no anything he asked to speak to 'the brother'. Elder Blankenship came out, listened to him for a couple of minutes, borrowed the guy's cell phone and went in the back room to look up the names of a couple of LDS people the guy mentioned. Elder Blankenship got an earful. He came back out and repeated what he'd been told. 'After checking - the guy is not Mormon, his story is a lie, he's told everyone he's talked to different details,' etc. Everytime Elder Blankenship would mention a fact, the tears would turn on more and the guy would loudly cry the people were lying about him. Elder Blankenship, who has been a high school teacher, would immediately hold up his hand and move his straightened fingers together, indicating 'close your mouth.' At the same time he would go 'shshshshshsh' so loud you couldn't hear the guy. It was priceless. When the guy would be quiet Elder Blankenship would continue on with his recitation of facts. Then the whole thing would repeat itself. Finally Elder Blankenship escorted him out the door by taking his arm.<br />
<br />
Then Sat. Elder Lynn and I were at the office on Sat. about 4:00 waiting for someone. Here comes this guy again. This time he is telling me his truck is broken down and he is selling the parts and the place will 'send him the money.' He shows me his 'receipt'. I asked him where he got the truck. He 'drove it here from Hurricane Sandy', Etc. I repeatedly told him 'no' and he got in to 'is this how you Mormon's treat other Mormons here in the west?'<br />
<br />
This week we had 2 people come in on Monday. Two phone calls asking for help the next 2 days. We found out that 'Savers' is sending them to us. That isn't the only way they get to our 'Mission'. The word gets around on the street. Our office is quite out of the way...no one just 'happens' by us.<br />
<br />
We run into pan-handlers outside of stores, on street corners. They are everywhere. Finally I called the City of Sparks to ask their policy. They don't have an ordinance here and they don't have enough police. So if someone calls and they have an officer available, they will come and ask them to 'move on.' <br />
<br />
Then the man from the City of Sparks told me never to give money to someone in a parking lot. The night before Elder Lynn and I had gone to Staples for supplies and ordered a stamp. A young guy - teen or early 20's with a small red plastic gas can had approached us asking for money. Dee gave him some. We left, did other errands and went back an hour later to pick up the stamp. Same guy - walking the parking lot. This is in a strip mall so a lot of small stores open at that time of night.<br />
<br />
Tonight we were at Burger King and a woman walks up to me in the store, "Sister, I am so hungry and have no money and we can only share 1 hamburger. Can you spare $2.00?"<br />
<br />
Change of subject:<br />
On Feb. 12 we have 19 missionaries coming to us. 18 Elders and one sister. This Sister is special and Elder Lynn and I are praying for her. She is a really sharp and attractive young woman. However she has had health problems for a number of years. Now she is doing better and really wants to go on a mission. She is coming to our mission, with Salt Lake's instruction, without a call to try out a mission for 12 weeks, to see if she physically can do this. If it is determined she can, then she will get her call and go to the MTC and go into the field for the remaining 15 months. Please include her in your prayers. How I admire her!<br />
<br />
We also have a great young man who is now starting a 'mission' with us. I believe he is autistic, or something similar. He comes 1 day a week, works with other missionaries. The day I gave him his name tags you should have seen his face. I just love him. Isn't it wonderful that he wants to do this?<br />
He also works one day a week for the church at the Food Distribution place. I am SOOO glad the leaders work to allow these young people a chance to do what they want so much to do.<br />
<br />
The last note is that so far (now almost Feb. 1) we have 31 missionaries arriving in March: 15 Sisters and 16 Elders. The great influx has begun. I can't wait to see what happens!<br />
<br />
Love to you all. Serving a mission is just so great!<br />
<br />LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-29689231267831994022012-12-06T18:11:00.001-08:002013-03-08T21:39:11.197-08:00Dec. 6, again<br />
Just thought of a couple more things. Remember the 'rabbit wreck?' The Sister's driving that car hit 2 rabbits in a couple of days - driving 70 mph out between where they live and where they had been teaching. It was night both times. The bunnies were not big jack rabbits but both were tiny little white rabbits. <br />
<br />
Well, next they hit a coyote. The car side-swiped it so it wasn't damaged so much as the rabbit times.<br />
<br />
There are large areas of uninhabited land in Nevada with wild horses, wild burros, and about every other kind of animal. We are so glad our missionaries so far have just hit little bunnies.<br />
<br />
Talking about people coming in asking for money, one man has been in regularly - always with a different story about why he needs 'just $20.00'. Unfortunately, Elder Lynn can't turn people away - so he keeps coming back. Yesterday it was to apologize about all the stories and lies and 'could I talk to you privately for just a minute?' which ended in another sob story and another $20.00. I hope there are blessings given to people like my husband who are kind and often taken advantage of.<br />
<br />LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-39375035989842060922012-12-06T17:57:00.001-08:002013-03-08T21:38:28.096-08:00Dec. 6, 2012<br />
Wow! It has been so long since I wrote. We have been really busy. Since I wrote last a lot has happened.<br />
<br />
We have had Elders leave and more arrive. Every incoming set of Elders is sooooo exciting! We get to meet them fresh from the MTC. They are soooo tired. They have probably not slept a lot the night before they leave. They have had to pack and usually have tried to wash or go to the MTC bookstore. Then the hardest part has been saying good-bye to all the Missionaries they have worked with and especially those going to other missions. Once they've gotten to bed most have not been able to sleep because they have been worried/anxious/excited etc. <br />
<br />
So when they arrive most are a bit bleary eyed. Once they get here to the airport they have to listen to lots and lots of instructions. The first is to get their luggage and put it in the van/trailer at a particular spot. President Hermansen and the 2 Assistants to the President are usually the ones who pick up the new Elders and Sister Hermansen drives the sisters. They come to the mission office where we have a 'brunch' ready for them to eat. (They have most likely not eaten at the MTC.) We have fresh fruit, cold cereal and milk, muffins, bagels and cream cheese, juice and hot chocolate. While they are eating they listen to instructions. "Put all the papers you were told to bring in the envelope in this box." Questions are answered. "Line up over here for photos with President and Sister Hermansen." Names are called. Poses made. Camera's snap. Then they gather outside for a group photo in front of the Mission Office. Meanwhile Sister Hermansen has been taking candid shots while everything happens.<br />
<br />
Then off to one of the first LDS church buildings in the Sparks/Reno area. It is across the parking lot and we have some of our mission meetings there. President and Sister Hermansen and the Assistants talk. President leaves the room to begin individual interviews. More instruction is given. Sister Hermansen talks about health - how to stay healthy, exercise, what to do if you are sick, how to eat, how and what to clean and when. Elder Smigelski talks about cars, car safety, and what you need to do to be able to drive. Videos are shown about this. Sister Smigelski talks about referrals and how to fill out baptism papers and what to do with them. (Send them to the office IMMEDIATELY!)<br />
<br />
Elder Lynn instructs on apartments. Keep them clean. Do not make holes in the walls, etc. He talks about mission funding cards which have the money for each missionary on them and are used like a credit cards, how to use them and to NOT lose them or attach the pin number to the card. (Duh?) <br />
<br />
Elder Blankenship talks about bikes and bike safety. Sister Lynn talks about mail, name tag purchasing and gives a grandmotherly bit of advice. (Wash your hands as often as you can during the day. Consider the member homes some of you are living at as their temples. Write your parents. Write your first letter now.<br />
You will get homesick. You will have stomach aches and colds. You do not need to go to the hospital for these things, but if you really get sick, call Sister Hermansen. This is a once in a lifetime chance. Do your best. Etc)<br />
<br />
Somewhere in the middle of this we break for lunch which is always the same. Pizza, salad, cold water, dessert.<br />
<br />
Then it is back to the finish of the above instruction. There are also papers to fill out during all of the above and to be collected. Drivers liscenses which have been collected and photo-copied are returned. Visas from the out of the country missionaries collected, copied and kept by the mission office and the copies given to the missionary until they leave the mission. <br />
<br />
When President finishes his interviews he returns to the office and determines which new missionary will go with which previously selected trainer. Meanwhile the trainers have arrived and are waiting in the gym. (Or just 'happening by' the kitchen to see if there is any extra pizza. <br />
<br />
President returns to the Church and then the FUN begins, as he calls out the name of the trainer and the new missionary (who is waiting in the hall.) Hugs are given, cheers are cheered and everyone is smiling. After all the new missionaries are assigned, everyone troops into the chapel. A song and prayer, business by the President as necessary and then a testimony meeting by the departing Elders. Then everyone leaves. The new missionaries pick up their luggage which is now in the gym along the wall. A trip is made to the mission office to pick up mail and packages and then they are off to their new residence with their new companion.<br />
<br />
This is a hectic, busy and happy occasion for all of us.<br />
<br />
Once every has left, the missionaries who have finished their missions say good-byes to old<br />
companions. Photos are taken. President and Sister Hermansen have dinner with those departing. Usually a temple session has been attended earlier in the week or after dinner. The departing Missionaries go with<br />
President and Sister Hermansen to the mission home where there is a special meeting. (I don't know what happens from the time they leave the Church. <br />
<br />
This is a sad time for me because I gotten to know and love these Elders and Sisters and know that I probably won't see them again during this earth life. But it is an example of the cycle of life going on.<br />
<br />
In addition to all the arrivals, departures and transfers Elder Lynn and I moved from a 2nd story apt. to a ground level one. Some of the Elders moved us. Thank you, Thank you, Elders. You are great life savers.<br />
<br />
Our first Senior Couple arrived!!!! We are just so happy and appreciative of them being willing to serve a mission. The missionaries helped them move the things from their car into the apt. They will be working with missionaries in Sparks where we have a less-active ward. They are very excited and we are so grateful!<br />
<br />
Two more couples will be coming, one the first of January and one the end of January. We can't wait to get them here.<br />
<br />
In the middle of this, on the day we moved, Elder Lynn went in and had kind of emergency surgery. He had his cartodid artery cleaned out. It was completely blocked and bent. The surgeon did a great job and Elder Lynn is back running full speed here. This was a result of a regular 6 month exam he has for his heart. He had a stroke in July 2011 and recovered so well that we were able to come on this mission. While he was having all of his tests they uncovered the need for this surgery, called on Tues. evening and the surgery was the next day. He will go in soon for a check of his other artery and we will see if he needs that one done, too. Meanwhile, since I have been here I have developed problems with my right hip and am going to have a hip replacement here in Reno the end of Dec. One of the things that we have learned from our missions is that life goes on for you while you are on your mission. Things happen. You just adjust and go forward. However, you are greatly blessed in these trials. We are very aware of our Heavenly Father caring for us, especially on our mission. We are so thankful he is there and knows us and takes care of us. We just do our best and keep going. <br />
<br />
We are greatly blessed to have President and Sister Hermansen to work with. He is so supportive of all of the missionaries, including us. Our missionaries are soooo blessed to have him for a Mission President.<br />
<br />
One of the things that had me laughing (tongue in cheek) was that an Elder called to report a 'few dents' in the roof of his car. When ask how they got there he said an unnamed Elder had been dancing on the roof of the car. Later when someone told us who the unnamed Elder was, all of our mouths dropped open. We aren't sure if we were given the right name, but if it was, then none of us would have EVER guessed he would be on top of a car doing anything. He is one of our model Elders.<br />
<br />
So life goes on in the mission. I've got to write more often. I keep forgetting great things I could tell about...Until later, then.<br />
Sister Lynn<br />
<br />
<br />LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-72133779110041280482012-10-06T17:36:00.001-07:002013-03-08T21:35:30.037-08:00We are so excited!!!We are so excited! Conference today has been so wonderful! And now 18 year old young men and 19 year old young women can go in missions if they want! Yeah! <br />
<br />
Tuesday Oct 9 twenty-five new missionaries arrive from the MTC and 11 - our first to leave - go home. We will miss those who leave so much. I have learned to love them. They will do so well at home. <br />
<br />
I want to tell you about one young man leaving - he will return to California with no one waiting for him, no home to go to, no job, no car. Nothing. His parents abandoned him a long time ago and he has survived on his own. He said to me, "I am scared." He is taking his bike because it will be the only way he has to get around. His branch president is 'his dad'. Some young people leave all to go on a mission and when they get here they work so hard.<br />
<br />
One missionary arriving on Wed. has 2 bachelor's degrees - no father - his mother doesn't want him to go on a mission - he is a convert but he has prayed and knows this is what he is supposed to do. He is 24. <br />
<br />
There are other stories like these. I'll share more later.<br />
<br />
Love, love, love conference..<br />
<br />
Our son-in-law - Larry Chipman, husband of our daughter who died, is spending the night with us on his way to Oregon. He is by himself - all kids are on their own and is on this first long trip alone - to take photos of all the waterfalls he can find - and anything else that is beautiful. He does beautiful photography. He is a wonderful man. I wish we could find him some 50 yr or so old woman with no children at home (which is what he is looking for) to marry. He has so much potential and is SUCH a WONDERFUL man. He is one of the kindest most angelic men I've ever met - cared for our daughter for 15 years as she was sicker and sicker until she passed away 2 years ago. And worked full time, took care of the family, house, food and everything else by himself for the last several years plus was busy with church callings the entire time. I have so much respect for him. If anyone has any ideas about a good woman - please let me know. We love him so and our daughter wanted him to remarry and so do we. If the woman is good to him, our entire family will welcome her with open and loving arms.<br />
<br />
More later...LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-59483527342085950922012-09-23T19:17:00.000-07:002013-03-08T21:34:08.371-08:00Sunday Sept.23, 2012We can't believe it has been so long since we wrote. Since our last post, Sister Lynn developed major pain in her right hip (the one that wasn't replaced previously.) I thought it would need a replacement. No. It is 'mild arthritis.' I hate to even think what serious arthritis will feel lake. I saw a doctor. The only thing to do is exercise (in a pool for now) and lose weight. (Or take major pain meds, which I won't do.) I haven't been to the pool - no time - no energy. I haven't been sleeping well because of pain and then kind of drag through the day at the office and come home and fall in bed. <br />
<br />
A couple of weeks in to this I started have a toothache in a top molar. Found a dentist and the roots were cracked so it had to be pulled. Between that and my hip the last two weeks have a tough ones.<br />
<br />
However, in thinking about this during the past month I have become so very thankful I am here on a mission. If I were still at home the same things would have happened and I would have been at home all day and feeling sorry for myself. The pain would have seemed much worse because that is all I would have been thinking about. <br />
<br />
I've only missed part of a day at the office though all of this (to have the tooth pulled). I have enjoyed every day despite pain. I can't tell you how blessed I've been. I LOVE being here. There is so much joy in serving. Every time the door to the office opens I get so excited because almost everyone who comes is a missionary and they are such good, pleasant, hardworking young people.<br />
<br />
We have wonderful missionaries. In 2 weeks we will have 22 new missionaries arrive and our first departure, 11 missionaries, will return home. We get to know these young missionaries and it is hard to see them leave. <br />
<br />
Elder Lynn and I learned from our last mission to keep as many as we could on Facebook. We love reading about their marriages and children and education and jobs. We remember them at 21 or 22 of course, so it all seems impossible to us.<br />
<br />
The people here are very very excited to have 'their own' mission. They do everything they can to assist. One of the outlying areas from the mission is Susanville,CA. One of the main things the wards would like is a set of missionaries of their own. In Susanville they'd like one set per stake.<br />
<br />
President has asked for more senior couples. We need them desperately in stakes and ward. And there are many areas of Indians living in Nevada. There are a lot of inactive LDS members in them. In fact there are many inactive people all over Nevada. We need couples here to work with and reactive them, among other things. <br />
<br />
Guess this all for this post. It's off to bed.<br />
<br />LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-21548031108799159762012-08-26T19:14:00.001-07:002013-03-08T21:32:38.297-08:00One thing I've forgotten to mention that those from the Cornerstone area will smile at is that the ward we attend here in Reno uses one of those tiny little microphones that hook onto your shirt like we used to. However, theirs isn't broken and it still has it's clip. They must be the only ones who use it. It works just great! :-)<br />
<br />
Memo to prospective and current young missionaries: Just why do you want to go on a mission? Or why are you on a mission? Do you plan to listen to leaders and obey rules or is your mission just going to be a 'party'? I really wonder about this and would love to ask certain missionaries exactly what they are thinking.<br />
<br />
Memo to everyone: Mission time can be one of the greatest growth periods of a person's life. It has the potential to really refine and develop qualities that will make a huge difference in a young man's life in every area. The things he learns about self-discipline and responsibility can make a difference in the kind of a job he will choose and be qualified for, the kind of an employee he will be, the kind of husband and father he will be, the kind of leader or follower he will be in the community, church and many other areas. Young men just don't have any idea how much rests on their doing their best and following the rules on their mission. I have come to realize that teaching and baptizing are wonderful part of the mission experience, but not all of it.<br />
<br />
Things happening lately in our mission:<br />
<br />
Tuesday we get 24 more missionaries. There are more in the MTC who will come to us in 6 weeks; they aren't coming Tuesday because they are learning Spanish for 6 more weeks. This time we are blessed enough to have several families who qualified and offered to have missionaries live with them. I hope, hope, hope that the missionaries treat these families and their homes well. <br />
<br />
Our President is trying to decide if he and his wife should make 'surprise' apartment inspections. I think they should. If your apartment is basically aways clean what is to fear? He has given notice so far and in some apartments it doesn't seem to have mattered. Most are good but some are just plain filthy and messy. <br />
<br />
We had a couple of missionaries who called to say they were driving 15 miles an hour and hit a speed bump they 'didn't know was there'. They didn't know it, but this caused them to lose the bracket holding up the radiator. They drove on home. Meanwhile, the radiator drained out all the water from the hole the loss of the bracket left. They also 'didn't know' they had a flat tire. So the next morning when they went out to go in the car it wouldn't start. I wonder why with a frozen engine and the tire and rim ruined. They want a 'new car' and not the 'junker' they were driving. It had not even 50,000 miles on it and was 2 years old. <br />
<br />
Next they called to tell us they needed a new vacum. The "piece of junk" they had didn't work any more. It is pretty new, too, but the canister in it was most likely not emptied, so the air couldn't get through and burned up the motor. Since Monday is P day and when they should have wanted to use the vacum, we wondered why they just realized it wouldn't work and it was Thursday. Hmmmm...<br />
<br />
I wonder what call we'll get from them this week?<br />
<br />
Another missionary and his companion were out doing service at their local library and had his wallet stolen. It was in his pocket and either fell out or was 'lifted'. He and his companion looked everywhere, through all of the garbage, all over the ground. He was so respectful and polite when he called to ask Elder Lynn to call and cancel his church card. Poor kid - it is the end of the month so his companion didn't have much money left on his card and now between them no money to speak of.<br />
They said they had 'maybe 2 weeks of snacks' so they'd do OK. (This in a town quite a ways from where any of us could get to - and it was Thurs. night.)<br />
<br />
We have a set of missionaries who have been responsibile for our ward and one other ward. Today the two wards found out they each get a set of missionaries. Everyone is excited. No one knows who the 2nd set of missionaries are and they both want to keep the set they are familiar with. In our ward they sent around a list to feed the missionaries and one person signed up said, "If we don't get to keep the missionaries we already have, take my name off the two times we signed up." The Bishop from the other ward is coming in to see the President tomorrow to make sure they stay in his ward. <br />
Oh, dear......<br />
<br />
The President has a magnetic 'transfer board' in his office. It has a 3X4 card with a photo of each missionary, his name and where and with whom he served on it with magnets on the back. Everyone likes the board to look as good as possible. Missionaries LOVE this board and will do about anything they can to get to look at it. Because we change the 'where and with whom he served' every transfer, I laminated the cards, put the magnets on the back and put them on the board. It all looked sooo good - until the cards started coming loose from the magnets and falling down. Back to the drawing board...... <br />
<br />
Every once in a while we get someone coming in to ask for money and food because we have the words Nevada Reno 'Mission' on the outside of the building. Tough to tell them we don't have food or housing for them. We have developed a list to hand them telling them where they can find help. We hope that helps.<br />
<br />
We are so grateful and happy to be serving here. We have been very very busy and love being here. We know our Father in Heaven lives. We know Christ atoned for us and loves and cares for us. Have a great week!<br />
<br />
<br />LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-8540812252096726032012-08-19T21:56:00.000-07:002013-03-08T21:29:15.012-08:00August 19, 2012<br />
Today I have been thinking about how blessed we are with luxuries like warm showers. Out of all my ancestors I think I am the first who could just get into a warm shower when I want. Perhaps my parents, later in their lives, had this luxury, but for most of their lives they just had a bathtub - and that later in their lives. No one before them, out of the thousands of ancestors of mine who have been on earth, had such a wonderful and easy blessing as a warm shower!<br />
<br />
We love our ward here. One of the women said to me today as she sat down, "We have assigned seats." And laughed. Most of us in the Church have 'assigned seats.' And single sisters. They have their own rows and sit together in every ward I've been to. Here, too. I love these enduring and faithful sister's.<br />
<br />
We love the office. We are so grateful for the other senior couple. They have really taken over their <br />
jobs. Sister Smigelski is making a big difference in the mission. Among other things she is over sending baptisms to Salt Lake so there is an offical record made of them. She also calls the missionaries about how referrals are going. This motivates some missionaries to follow thru on the referrals they get. Referrals are some of the best kind of people missionaries can find and teach. So this is good. Elder Smigelski takes care of cars. What a huge job. Thousands of dollars invested with cars and young missionaries driving them. Teaching them how to care for these investments. More luxury for our time. Recently we had two 'rabbit wrecks.' Missionaries driving home in the <br />
dark from the long distances they go to teach here - and hitting rabbits. It is amazing to me how much damage a rabbit can do to a car.<br />
<br />
We have just finished zone conferences all over Nevada - that takes a lot of travel for Pres. and Sister Hermansen and the Smigelski's. We hold down the office while they are all gone. In about 10 days we have 24 new missionaries arriving so we are busy. No departures yet.<br />
<br />
I wish older couples understood how wonderful it is to serve missions. They are so needed and seniors can do what they are asked to do. There are so many ways to serve and so many are needed. I stop to think about how hard it would be to stand in front of Heavenly Father and say I was scared or didn't think I could do what was needed. If any of you knew how many times we call Salt Lake in a day and say, "Ok, what do we do now?" Salt Lake is wonderful to help anytime. Plus I think of our 47 grandchildren - about half of whom are boys. How can I ever ask them to serve a mission when their incovenience will be so much greater than mine? If only we understood how much joy and happiness comes from serving God - it would be so much easier to serve.<br />
<br />
We love you all and you are in our prayers - family and friends and other missionaries. He can take so much better care of you than we could if we were with you.<br />
<br />
Dad and Mom, Dee and Lois Ann<br />
<br />LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-4531712666914780032012-07-18T21:46:00.000-07:002013-03-08T21:27:34.832-08:00What a WONDERFUL day in the Reno Mission! We just finished our first transfers and incoming 16 missionaries! I LOVE working in the office. The feeling there is soooo good. There were a lot of missionaries from all around the mission today who came in to be transfered or to become trainers to the new missionaries. We had 5 new Sister missionaries come in. We love watching the missionaries meet their trainers. They all are so excited. And when the missionaries come in to the office and see other missionaries they know they go up to each other and give each other hugs and act so glad to see each other. They talk and talk. The Sister missionaries scream and run up to each other like long lost friends. It is a joy to be around them all. <br />
<br />
Pres. and Sister Hermansen are so welcoming and friendly to everyone and yet really hold the line. I can see the missionaries getting to know and love them. What a pleasure to be around them and watch this happen.<br />
<br />
It has been so interesting to see the people respond to us having a new mission here. Everyone seems to be so excited to have their own mission here. We needed 8 new places for missionaries to live with this incoming group. Pres. Hermansen sent out a call to the Stake Presidents asking for help in locating places to stay and all the furniture and things needed to supply the apts. We had just great response. In one ward I was told the women passed around a sign up list in Relief Society asking for specific things to be donated. Before the list was more then half way around the room the list was full. Most things were bought by people. A man called and said his parents had immediately gone and bought 2 twin beds and framed and a box of cleaning supplies for one apt. and wanted to know where to deliver them. We've had all kinds of things donated. <br />
<br />
One older woman had a set of old old dishes she had been given years ago and she came and donated the entire set of dishes. Plus she went to $ stores and bought mugs and heavy big plastic glasses for 60 missionaries and brought them in to donate. It all goes on and on. <br />
<br />
I am just so happy to be here on this mission. I am more happy to be on earth at this time where I know why we are here, what we need to be doing and where we are going when we die. I just find so much joy every day that I want to shout it out to everyone everywhere. Knowing about the atonement and life of Christ just gives me so much peace, and more happiness. I am so blessed.<br />
Lois AnnLA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708607360798814593.post-5811632666485066342012-07-08T18:00:00.000-07:002013-08-18T20:26:23.144-07:00June 8 - The Nevada Reno Mission has begun!July 8, 2013 Nevada Reno Mission<br />
We are now in Sparks. The office has been open for a week. We've been here 12 days. <br />
It is much cooler here - 92 as a high today. We like it here. The people seem nice and friendly. <br />
<br />
Our office is a rebuilt Seminary building and has been beautifully redone. The only problem we are having with the building now is the address. We went to the Post Office to get signed up for mail delivery and were assured all was arranged. Then - no mail. Elder Lynn went back over and was told we have no address. We had to establish one with the City of Sparks. He went to Sparks. They told him to go back to the Post Office and take care of it. He talked with a number of people. We were finally told we had the wrong address. But the original address had been changed and the one we have is the wrong number numerically, with the buildings on both sides of us. That is an issue for tomorrow so we can finally get mail delivery. They've been holding our mail and Elder Lynn has been picking it up. We've been told by some that the mail has been returned, however. So we hope this gets cleared up soon.<br />
<br />
Our mission officially opened on July 1, a Sunday. So on the 2nd we went in and tried to get onto the mission web site and other sites on the computer so we could begin work, order supplies, enter baptisms, send referrals out to our missionaries, get e-mail, etc. We finally got on to the last one of these on Fri. but like every other place we had to get onto, the pass-word hasn't gone through the system yet. It has been a long very frustrating week just trying to get started. One of the problems has been that because of July 4 being on Wed. a lot of people we need to talk to at the Church Headquarters are on vacation. This week will be much better; we just know it.<br />
<br />
We really like our new mission President and his wife. They have a huge job to do but are really starting out running. Last Sunday they met with the Nevada Las Vegas and Nevada Las Vegas West Mission Presidents for a 2 hour meeting (and lunch we served) before the two Las Vegas Mission Presidents flew back home. Then President and Sister Hermansen and the Assistants (Elder Marks and Elder Sparks) toured the mission (all of Nevada except Las Vegas south.) On the 18th we have 16 new missionaries coming in so this week will be REALLY busy for them, with transfers and<br />
trainer assignments and everything. <br />
<br />
Our apartment is very nice and we have it mostly furnished. Dee, Penny, Kenzee and Parker came up last weekend and brought the items we had packed to bring. We appreciate them driving all that way so much! They drove up, unloaded and stayed Sat. night, leaving at about 5 Sunday morning to drive back and be home in time for work.<br />
<br />
Sacrament meeting last week and this was a surprise. We'd forgotten what 'regular' wards are like.<br />
When the meetings started the chapel was almost empty. Even after the Sacrament people were<br />
still coming in! Even with the children the rows weren't full. This Sat. our ward is having a clothing exchange for a Relief Society Social. People bring clothes they can't use any more and then they can take clothes they can use. Then in August our ward annually hosts the same thing for a Stake wide Relief Society event. They are also selling boxes of pears in two weeks. <br />
<br />
We love having so many new things to learn and people to meet! So many have helped us in so many ways. We love Heavenly Father and Christ. We are so thankful for Christ's atonement for us!<br />
We love the truth in the Book of Mormon. We are thankful for Joseph Smith and Pres. Monson and their lives as prophets. Aren't we all blessed?<br />
<br />
Love, Elder and Sister Lynn<br />
<br />LA & Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05287982782395501227noreply@blogger.com0