There and Back Again: Week 42 MY BIRTHDAY!!!

I'm writing this early because who knows what the weekend may bring. Tomorrow is my Birthday! I'm starting off with a much needed massage. I must say that this week there were several projects that taxed my muscles with lots of hauling of heavy things, and repetative motions. That being said, the Lord has strengthened me and brought me up to the task!

One of the heavy things I had to do this week was help my dear friends pack up to move. They are going home 2 months early due to health issues. They are a miracle. They are actually MUCH MUCH stronger and clearer of mind than when they came but a recent accident neccitated better resting and recuperations that can only be done at home. Like the early saints of Nauvoo, they are being driven from the place they want to stay at by their trials. AND like the early saints the last thing they did before leaving was to attend the temple with friends and renew their covenants with God in order to have power to triumph over the trials of the next phase of life. The sister in the wheelchair is one of our Blue Belle Shiners, hard working and dedicated. The brother worked in Carpentry with Elder Cullen until we were moved to Carthage.

It was a real spirtual experience that all our close friends were able to attend that last session with them. We really do live in a covenant community. It's very wonderful. They also got to have their last Surrey Ride and we all waved "Hurrah for Israel" Flags as they passed. For those who don't know... in the early 1800s,two of our modern day apostles got called on 5 year missions to the Brittish Isles. They were very sick and so were their wives and children. As the men lay in the back of the wagon heading off on their mission, one said to the other, something like...."It's breaking my heart for them to see us leaving in this condition. They must be so worried! Let's give them a cheer" So they struggled to their feet and shouted "Hurrah! Hurrah For Israel" upon hearing this, their wives struggled out of bed sick but laughing and stood clinging to the door calling back "Hurrah! Hurrah for Israel!" Meaning that the gathering of Israel was going forth despite their trials. They were cheered. So as our friends are being sent home we shout "HURRAH, HURRAH for Israel!!!" Because we know that even after our missions, and despite our trials we will continue to lift our voices in declaring truth and those who are of the House of Israel will hear that truth and come out of the world and join themselves with the body of Christ.

In other fun news, I just picked TWO cucumbers and a tomato from my garden. I know you California people have been feasting all summer lol but this is my first attempt at gardening here and it's weird. I had these things in the ground back in May and I'm just getting results. Delicious results I might say.

Also Elder Cullen and I made another fun video! It's a parody about life as an FM Missionary in Carthage. PLEASE enjoy. And LAST but not least. If anything is stopping you from coming unto Christ. Please consider this.