Random Mission Moments

We loved General conference in the mission field.  Friday night we still did our Soup and the Spirit night.  Loren made yummy chicken noodle soup.  So grateful he is a cook!  On Saturday morning we were back at the Institute bright and early for Cereal and Conference.  When they said we needed to eat at 7:30 I questioned why so early since conference didn't start until 10:00.  They patiently reminded me that in Alaska it starts at 8:00am.  This picture shows two of the four missionaries who came and watched conference with us at the Institute.  When the morning session was over everyone just stayed.  A couple of the kids were doing homework, but most of them were just visiting or playing ping pong or pool.  This companionship sat at one of the tables to study.  We asked them if they would like to go into the little library we have and they did.  What a great example of diligence and obedience!  We ate lunch at 11:30 and then watched the afternoon session.  We made pulled pork sandwiches and just had chips and brownies.  But I did make a salad, and was so happy that they ate it.  I think they pretty much know now that Sister Mansfield is going to bring a few healthier things to the table!

Once each month the senior missionaries meet together for Family Home Evening.  This one was in Palmer at the home of Elder and Sister Saunders.  They are Military Relations Missionaries and obviously live at home.  We sang "Hark, All Ye Nations" -- most of us didn't know all the words.  I loved that everyone whipped out their phones.  Even us seniors love technology.  President Robinson and his wife are in the center.  We rode out to Palmer with them and it was great to get to know them better.  What I didn't take a picture of, but wish I had, was the family room off of the kitchen.  Elder Saunders loves to hunt.  Hanging on the walls is a buffalo, caribou, moose, bear, and a few other things.  It was a bit overwhelming and I was grateful Loren doesn't want that in our home!

This is our last district meeting before transfers this week.  It was Sister Thacker's birthday and the Elders had put up a sign, and they also decorated their car when they weren't looking.  Two of our Elders are missing because they are the Zone Leaders and were attending a different district meeting that morning.  We have loved getting to know these missionaries and hearing about their experiences as they each report on their area.  At the end of the meeting they all guessed who would be staying and who would be leaving and where they would go.  Obviously the only one they were guaranteed getting right was us!  No transfers for Elder and Sister Mansfield.