This Week

Following some beautiful spring weather, we have enjoyed a snow storm today. The tulips and daffodils completely ignored it.
This evening we had a Mexican potluck dinner and get-together for those missionaries going home. Now that we have been here for almost three months and are making friends, it is hard to see these dear people leave. We sat with the Nielson's and had a wonderful visit. They are always anxious to hear news from home.
Our mission president spoke to us during our Monday morning devotional and said that the economy is definitely reaching into our missionary force. Fewer members world wide are able to replace those who are finishing their missions and returning home. Next month we will have 30 going home and only about eleven new missionaries coming. It is sobering.
Sis. Smith has been called as the branch music director.
Yesterday we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the dedication of the new Draper Temple via live broadcast in our stake center. Our branch had a shortened block of meetings. Then everyone vacated the building and then re-entered (including the entire stake) with our Temple recommends and white handkerchiefs. It was a beautiful, special occasion and a first for Elder Smith.
We are thankful for the dear people and the wonderful spirit that are ever-present in this mission. Our hearts are heavy as our grandson Danny Branch, who came successfully through his surgery, is now fighting for his life and fighting to save his left leg which is being overtaken with infection. We know he is totally in the Lord's hands; yet we are pleading hour by hour for a miracle to turn this around and put him on the road to recovery. Life is such a mixture of trials and blessings.