Monday: District Meeting, Mena, and More Missionaries

We finally were able to meet for our Monday morning district meeting IN PERSON after two Mondays in a row with icy weather.  Unfortunately, Elder Thacker, our district leader, was sick with bronchitis and was stuck at home with his companion.  Elder Smythe, our zone leader, did an excellent job leading our council and training time.  It was fun to be with the missionaries in person.  This past transfer cycle which ends at the end of this coming week as been an odd one as we have spent very little in person time with the missionaries.  Between us having Covid and the weather, our times together have been limited.  That means the six new missionaries we hardly know. 

After having lunch together, we drove the Mena elders back to their car in Waldron (to help save their miles) and then we headed to finish photographing a cemetery we had started before in Greenwood.  The weather has been beautiful here most of the week with temps in the 50s and low 60s.

It is often a reality check when you see a stone for someone born the same year that Gary and I were.  He  at least lived until almost 60--better than those who died as infants or teenagers.  But even 60 isn't very old anymore--that was around the age of my brother-in-law Lance and he certainly could have enjoyed much more of this earthly life--in my opinion.  It makes me appreciate these days that I have here on this earth.  Not that I don't understand the plan and I know that we are made for another Heavenly place---but to continue to share earth's journeys with our loved ones and friends is a rich blessing.

We had invited the YSA missionaries to dinner--which usually means a set of sisters and a set of elders.  Jena thought it meant all of the FT. Smith missionaries and invited the Hermanas to dinner, too.  They called to check on the invitation and we decided the more the merrier!  As always it is fun to have them in our home!

Elder Bigelow and Elder Hess (they were on splits--Elder Hess is a Spanish-speaking elders)

                  Jena, Sister Holding and Sister Anderson, Hermana Madden and Hermana Savage

Busy day because we had to throw in some house cleaning and cooking into the mix, but it all worked out and it was a good day.

For us, any day with the young missionaries is a great day!