All Kinds of Shoes

This is a sight I can never get enough of.

It means the house is full of missionaries

and

I LOVE IT!!!!!

The best calling in the world is

"Mission Mom".

Family!

This is my little 'grandniece' Lana,

(too cute!)...

and her aunt, mommy and daddy.

Lana's daddy is my nephew and I clearly remember him

when he was Lana's age.

What a blessing to see little people grow up

into such wonderful adults

and I know because of this sweet

mommy and daddy

Lana will grow up to be wonderful too.

Sandhills

Way out on the North-western part of our mission is a wonderful place called Sandhills. The church owns a huge cattle ranch out there which makes up the tiny Sandhills Branch with 41 on the records and 37 active members. How's that for great attendance! The area is literally made up of sand but because of the cattle who tramp down, fertilize and munch on the wild grasses they have become productive grazing hills. We had the privilege of going out there to meet with the Branch President and the High Councilor in anticipation of putting missionaries in the area.

At this point the branch meets in this tiny community church,

complete with outhouses in the back yard.

They have just started construction on a new little building of their own and they are so excited. Anything new in this area causes quite a stir so they had requested missionaries to help them with their open house in September. We have since sent out two great missionaries, Elder McClain and Elder Stevens, to work as free ranch-hands during the day with the only requirement being dinner and a half hour of time for a lesson in the evening. Sounds like a great deal to me.

Brother Ramsey of the High Council insisted on taking us for a horse-back ride and as hesitant as us city folk were, we had a fantastic time. We went for two hours and ended in the evening so that we could see their breath-taking sunset. What an amazing place. Our prayer go with these two elders (who think they have died and gone to heaven). We are anxious to hear of their success!

June Transfers

Eighteen missionaries finished their service

here in Nebraska this week.

Back row: Elders Shumway, Arp, Likiliki, Knight, Winegar,

Sister Morris, Elder Olson, Sister and Elder Palmer,

Sisters Meryhew and Jolley,

Front row: Elders Winiecke, Petersen, Gann, Hedelius, Petrie,

Sisters Gingrich and finially Sister Robertson.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening together:

dinner in the mission home, then a temple session

and finally a testimony meeting in the Trail Center.

What amazing people they all are.

We know that they are heading home to bright futures

and they will take with them

memories of many miracles

both within themselves and with all those they taught and baptized.

Our best wishes and our love go with each of them.

"Please keep in touch."

The Lord works just keeps on moving

and so we also welcomed four great sisters and eight super elders

to the Nebraska Omaha Mission.

What an impressive bunch they are.

Back row: Elders Dodge, Noonchester, Gardner and Jones.

Middle row: Elders Wagner, Reese and Nelson.

Front row: Sisters Myers, Minert, Elder Overson,

Sisters Warner and Jenkins.

Welcome to NOM!

Kiley's Blessing Day

Wearing her mommy's blessing dress and a tiny pearl bracelet

Kiley was blessed by her daddy on June 3.

We could not have been more grateful

for the sacrifices both David and his little family

and the Johnson family made so that we could be a part

of this wonderful day.

Since we cannot leave the mission field, we assumed

that we would just miss the event.

So imagine our gratitude when they decided

to bring the 'blessing day' to us!

Beautiful Hailey is the best mom,

and David could not be more pleased with his sweet baby girl.

Thanks to all for making it possible for us

to share this day with you!

We love you all.

Mother's Day

Two of my sons, who are living in Idaho,

had some beautiful lilies sent to me for Mother's day.

I was so pleased to be remembered by my boys.

They didn't believe me when I told them how huge they were

so I sent them the following picture:

Now that's a gorgeous big lily!!!!

Thank you, my wonderful, thoughtful boys!

Being a mom is the greatest job in the world!

Florence Day Parade

The Trail Center always hosts an entry in the annual

Florence Day Parade.

All the missionaries in the area

dress up as pioneers and pull hand carts

the entire length of 30th Street.

They have been walking in the parade for years

and the entire town knows just who all

these great young people are

and what they are doing for their time here in Nebraska.

The missionaries hand out pass along cards

and everyone takes them happily,

all part of the traditions

of this wonderful little town.

Here, Sister Christiansen, takes the easy way up the hills,

and Elder Bowyer sums up all our feelings

with a spiffy side kick.

Thanks to all for participating in this fun

activity.