Waiting...

The MTC called a few weeks ago and asked if we could find room

for eight missionaries who are waiting for their visa's.

All the Elders are heading for Brazil.

They are Elders Francis, Bryan, Fralick, Grassie, Henri, and Markham.

Sister Ith is on her way to Taiwan.

This was an unexpected detour but despite the surprise

they have all put their shoulders to the wheel and are working hard.

Elder Brewster gave an inspired training about "unpacking their bags"

meaning to really go to work for the Lord here in Nebraska

and find those He has prepared for them.

They could be in the states any where from weeks to months so we are

thrilled with their desire to work wherever the Lord puts them.

Thanks to eight great missionaries and

welcome to the greatest mission in the world...

while you wait.

Kool-Aid Days

Did you know that the magical drink called Kool-Aid

was invented in Hastings Nebraska?

And did you know that every year there is a grand celebration

in honor of this tasty beverage?

Yes indeed folks, and not only that but you get to drink all the

Kool-Aid you can possibly stand

with just the price of a $2.00 cup.

In honor of this celebration we traveled the two hours to Hastings

just to be a part of this historic event.

It was a little over stated in the brochure

and instead of 30,000 in attendance there may have been 500

and the "innovative inventions by up and coming inventors

all on display for our enjoyment"

turned out to be a craft show...

but we were able to track down the actual birth place

of the liquid refreshment

and even though it was a boarded up building

we took our picture just to be able to say:

"We were there!"

We actually had a very fun day just being together,

seeing more of this beautiful state and

rubbing shoulders with so many of the nice people who live here.

Thanks Hastings!

Transfer Week

Welcome to our eighteen new missionaries

fresh from the MTC and ready to get going: l to r (zig-zagging)

Sister Mecham, Elders Scott, Thorpe, Hansen, Taylor, Pauni, Muir,

Crisp, Robinson, Bittnew Keller, Friddle, Sister Kusnerik,

Elder Redd, Sister Vander Does, Elders Christensen, Wilkey and Mateer.

They are now part of our mission family and we love them already!

Thanks to loving parents who have prepared them so well.

Goodbye to eleven of NOM's finest!

The Spirit in their farewell Testimony Meeting

was amazing.

Each one is dear to us and will be missed.

Goodbye to: (back row)

Elders Bjornn, Stevens, and Yorgason, Sister Hall, Elders Thacker,

Jessop, Thornock and Norton.

(front row)

Elders Thomas, Mitchell and Ozmun.

Keep in touch!

Car-Pooling with the Sisters

President Kunz and I had the privilege

of driving some of our sisters with us to Mission Training.

We had Sister Lawlor, Sister Bleazard

Sister Lamplugh and Sister Hale all to ourselves for over two hours

and we had so much fun!

We laughed and talked the whole way.

Not only are they lovely young women, but they are smart, articulate

and funny as all get out!

I am continually amazed at the depth and faith of the

incredible young people in this mission.

They really are a 'chosen generation'

sent to earth at a time when they are needed most.

There never was a more prepared generation

to carry out the work of the Lord.

Another "sign of the times"

and an assurance to me that all things

are in His hands.

-The Standard of Truth-

Our missionaries are going forth to different nations.

The standard of truth has been erected.

No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing.

Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine,

armies may assemble and calumny may defame,

but the truth of God will go forth, boldly, nobly, and independent.

Until it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime,

swept every country and sounded in every ear.

Till the purposes of God shall be accomplished

and the great Jehovah shall say,

"The work is done."

Last Time Alone

Elder Thorpe entered the Mission Field on July 21st.

He comes to us from Phoenix, Arizona.

He was assigned to Elder Finnerty, an excellent missionary

who will train him well.

It was strange watching one lone Elder walk down the airport corridor,

but it is the last time Elder Thorpe will be alone for the next two years.

Welcome Elder Thorpe!

It is wonderful to have you here!

Thirty-day Extensions

Two great Elders requested to stay for an additional 30 days

on their missions.

This is the only extension President Kunz can authorize.

Anything beyond 30 days must be approved

by the Missionary Department.

Elder Petrie, above and Elder Likiliki below

asked that they might be able to stay with us a little longer.

YES....YOU MAY CERTAINLY STAY!!!!!

Both of these good Elders gave us a few extra days

and we were so grateful.

We tried to squeeze every ounce of expertise, faith, testimony and love out of them

before they went home.

Thank you, Elders, you are FANTASTIC!!!

(and we miss you already)

Leadership Training Hike

For one of our leadership training meetings we hiked up to a bluff

overlooking Omaha on one side and Council Bluffs on the other.

It was a wonderful place to help us renew our eternal perspectives

and to feel the Lord's love for all His children everywhere.

As we looked out over the cities

we thought of all those that the Lord has prepared,

who are searching for the truth, but simply don't know where to find it.

We all felt the need to recommit ourselves to this work

and become better instruments in the hands of the Lord.

Of course then we had to build a fire

and roast a few marshmallows for s'mores.

We had a great time and created many wonderful memories

but most of all we felt the Spirit confirm our callings as missionaries,

sent out to find the elect and bring them the restored Gospel of Christ.