Sorry for the delay, but it has been another one of those weeks. A roller coaster ride of ups and downs, twists and turns, but through the adventure we have come to learn a little more about how interconnected patience is to hope and faith-you simply can not rush the outcome, no matter how much you want to, but must wait for the Lord's promised blessings to be fulfilled.
Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without become angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God's will and accept His timing. His timing, not ours.
Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required. President Thomas S. Monson
A young Canadian pianist and composer serving as an LDS missionary in the Guatemala Coban Mission was seriously injured when a truck he was riding in overturned on the way to a service activity.
Elder Joshua Allen Burton, 23, of Cardston, Alberta, broke his back and underwent surgery Saturday night after the accident that morning. He reported that sensation was returning to his legs, according to a family statement on Burton's Facebook page.
But he died Monday night.
We recently heard about Josh and his accident from our Senior Missionary friends, the Bevans. Elder Bevans had been Josh's home teaching companion and the Bevans shared with us wonderful stories about Josh, his amazing musical abilities and the special young man that he was. We had rejoiced in the miracle of his recovery from surgery Monday night at our District Meeting and now we were joining them in mourning his loss.
We were given the humbling responsibility of notifying Sister Low, of his death. Sister Low is also serving in the Florida Orlando Mission and a very close friend of Josh. How thankful we are for our testimony of the Plan of Happiness. It was one of the most difficult things that we have ever had to do, but there was a sweet feeling of peace and comfort that came over each of us as we cried and spoke of Josh and his ongoing work as a missionary.
Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends and we have hope that they too will have peace and comfort in the days and weeks to come.
Obviously our post just wouldn't be the same without including some of our fine feathered friends, and lets be honest who can not smile when seeing a mother duck with her ducklings?
A surprise gift from "my Portuguese Elders" Elders Costa, Delgado and Untch currently serving in the Metro West area. When unwrapped it is a HUGE chocolate egg filled with little chocolate candies. Delicious!
Remember I mentioned earlier about ups and downs? Well Elder Untch is a "Visa Waiter" originally called to serve in Brazil. Well if this week wasn't tough enough we just learned that his Visa came through so he will be leaving for Brazil, July 29th. We are really excited for him, but will miss him terribly.
Happy Birthday to Elder Busath! Elder Howard and Niederhausen can't believe
that he didn't plan to share his cookie!
Yes, he got mail and treats and lots of gift cards to our favorite restaurants! Thanks everyone!
Janie and Dave Pollmann just "helping the cause".
What cause you might ask. Well another one of our daughters, Marianne, and her family are moving to Meridian, Idaho. Her husband, Nick, got a job as a Respiratory Therapist at one of the hospitals there and so they will be packing up the end of August to start their new adventure.
The current count is 4-California, 2-Idaho.
Sister Salveson, from South Africa and Elder Green, from Utah, hard at work. Both are recovering from recent injuries and are currently assigned to serve in the office. She was hit by a car while she and her two companions were preparing to cross the street with their bikes and he was injured...
wait for it...by playing basketball on his preparation day :(
They both have a very long recovery ahead of them, but unfortunately Elder Green, after serving since January, had to return home today to begin extensive physical therapy.
Dinner time at our apartment !
If Elder Busath isn't hunting down bugs, he is feeding the squirrels and breaking bread with the ducks
These two little guys are my motivation each morning to drag myself out of bed and go for a walk around the pond. They really need names, but all I can come up with so far are Huey and Luey, but I think those names are already taken :)
We have been called on to carry on their legacy of faith.
“We are all needed to finish the work that was begun by those pioneering Saints,” said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the October 2008 general conference.
“The Lord isn’t asking us to load up a handcart; He’s asking us to fortify our faith. He isn’t asking us to walk across a continent; He’s asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn’t asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He’s asking us to … attend regularly the temples already built. He isn’t asking us to die a martyr’s death; He’s asking us to live a disciple’s life.”
How grateful we are for the sacrifices of the Utah pioneers! Many of them gave their lives to provide us with the privilege and freedom to worship a kind and loving Father in Heaven
who know each one of us personally and loves us anyway.
I may not be born from pioneer stock, but I too can be a pioneer.
Let us all have the faith to go and do like Nephi of old........
Thanks for stopping by to check in on us. We are happy, healthy and love serving the Lord!
Until next time...
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