Fresh From the MTC

Welcome to Sisters Shelley and Novak,

along with Elder Perez.

We are so glad you are now part of our mission family.

Welcome to the Nebraska, Omaha Mission:

NOM!

BYU-I or Bust

Scott, starting off all by himself for the 15 hour drive to Idaho.

We'll see you in about three months!

(I miss you already).

56 Years!

Elders Osmond, Lloyd, and Sherwood,

and Sisters Ellis and Lamplugh,

decorating President Kunz's office

to surprise him for his birthday.

They left him this fun 'candy bar'

birthday card.

President Kunz was thrilled!

I can tell especially from the big grin on his face.

Leadership Training

These are the District and Zone Leaders of NOM.

Oh, how we love these wonderful young men.

I wish each one of their parents

could see the great work they are doing.

They would be so proud.

These Elders are truly young men of God

and the future leaders of the Lord's Kingdom.

What an honor to share this time with them.

Temple Presidency

A fond farewell to President and Sister Oaks (R)

as they complete their three year assignment

as the President and Matron of the Winter Quarters Temple.

(Doesn't President Oaks look like his brother Elder Dallin Oaks?)

We attended an Open House in their honor

and it was standing room only.

They are so loved by all.

We wish them well as they return to their family.

Replacing them are President and Sister Schooff.

President Schooff has been an Area Seventy here in Omaha.

They are also delightful people

who have a great love for the temple.

It will be fun to get to know them better

as we attend the temple with our missionaries.

Again?

Dan's day off is usually Friday,

while Matthew's in school,

so we have been trying to do a few things with- just him.

This past Friday guess where he wanted to go?

The Zoo!

This time we went to the butterfly house,

something we had never gotten around to before.

As all things at the Henry Doorly Zoo

it was wonderful!

Look at this beauty.

We also discovered a new little addition to the

'mutton chop' family

(that's what we call them anyway).

He will soon be black just like his mom

but the babies are always this bright orange.

He sure was a cutie.

And then of course we could never leave without

seeing our orangutan friend.

He just hangs there with his big old hand out,

never moving a muscle except for a causal

flip of his fingers now and then

hoping for a little handout from someone.

There is always something new to see

and all the old familiar things

never really get old.

Mission Tour

We had the privilege of spending 3 1/2 days

with Elder and Sister Ellis of the Seventy

as they conducted a mission tour here in Nebraska.

What delightful people!

There is nothing like rubbing shoulders

with faithful saints who truly love the Lord

and have given their lives to His service.

Our missionaries fell in love with them too;

not just because they taught such uplifting trainings

that left us all inspired to work harder and smarter,

but because they are just plain fun.

We loved every minute of their time here

and all are better missionaries

because of the things they taught us.

This must be the best calling in the world!

Transition

It's hard to say good-bye to our assistants

because they are such a huge part

of our missionary experience

and because we come to love them so much.

Elder Taggart (L) served so faithfully and well.

With his departure we needed to find a new

companion for Elder Cahoon (L)

(who we are so grateful has a few more months with us)

-so-

welcome to Elder Bowyer.

We look forward to serving with you

and appreciate your faithful preparation.

We can tell already that you will be

a great addition to the team!

Leaving NOM

Goodbye to Elder and Sister Baker,

Elder Taggart, Elder Tubbs and Elder Poccori,

all very dear friends, we will miss so much.

We wish you wonderful days ahead

with all your loved ones.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve

along side you.

Welcome to NOM

A grateful welcome to Elder and Sister Mangum

who will be the new Trail Center Missionaries.

They come to us from Louisiana.

We are constantly amazed with these incredible

senior couples who set aside time from their lives to serve the Lord.

Along with the Mangums came eight great new missionaries!

Back row l-r: Elders Cray, Hugentobler, Hadley, Miller, and Klefsky.

Front row l-r: Elders Weber and Lloyd and Sister Askren.

Welcome to the best mission in the world!

Catch-Up

It has been forever since I last wrote.

When I list the wonderful things that have been going on you will understand why...

1. North American Mission Presidents Seminar with Omaha as the hosting mission

2. Transfer Week

3. Stake Conference Talks

4. Mission Tour with Elder and Sister Stanley Ellis of the Seventy, (what great people!)

5. Zone Leader Council

6. Sent Scott back to BYUI

7. Mission Leadership Training

And this was just the last three weeks!!

It's not usually this busy but everything seemed to come all at once.

We were able to get reacquainted with such amazing men and women at the president's seminar along with enjoying inspired training by our leaders, President Hallstrom and Elder Snow of the Seventy.

We welcomed in eight fantastic new missionaries and said goodbye to ones we love.

Elder and Sister Ellis have become two of our favorite people in the world. I have never felt such faith. The whole mission was uplifted by their teachings and testimony.

Saying good bye to Scott was hard especially since he was driving all alone back to Idaho, but he made it safely and is already gotten back into the swing of things. We miss him but are glad he's at such a good school.

It really has been a great three weeks,

but now I am left to try and catch up.

Every minute is worth it even though we get tired.

I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.