Tampa and the Haitianaries

We have 8 Haitian speaking Elders. They spend their whole time in the south of the mission (Ft.Myers, Naples and Immokalee) because that is where there is a large enough population of Haitians to have Branches. Well, because of that they never get to have their picture taken by the Tampa Graffiti sign. Elder Hogge and Elder Pagett came up to pick up Elder Wilson so they thought they would be the only Haitianaries to have their picture by this sign. (all the missionaries like to have their picture here). They got the picture, but paid a price. First, they got a flat tire so the rest of the trip to Tampa was with a donut tire. Then as they were driving away, they saw something fly off of the car. It was Elder Paget's camera case with his unloaded memory cards from his whole mission (this is his last transfer). Horrified, they pulled over on 1-75 and watched the camera case being blown around with every passing car. Elder Paget was praying that it wouldn't be run over all the while watching for an opening on this busy freeway so he could run out and retrieve it. As luck would have it, he safely got it and they got back in their car and continued to the mission home. Oh my horrors! Let me tell you to quote Nathan, "this is what you're supposed to not do!!" Let's just say he is now in my bog dox (and he may never get out)and when I went to bed that night I was shaking to think what could have happened to this wonderful missionary. I am so grateful for his protection in spite of himself. What a privilege it is to serve with them in this holy work. Grandpa and I are aging quickly. :)





Missionaries do not have pets in their apartments. This Elder tried to do it but his conscience go the best of him + it was a mess

Another Great Week

Missionary work is the best! Missionaries are the best. The Missionaries are one of the miracles of the latter days. They are so valiant and diligent in sharing their testimonies of the Restored Gospel and their Savior Jesus Christ in a troubled world. I feel so blessed to be serving my Savior with these dedicated young men and women. We all feel such an urgency to share the message of the Plan of Salvation with everyone!!

Elder Junk their darling investigator who was baptized yesterday and Elder Cornia wearing HELMETS! I love missionaries wearing helmets and sunglasses. Very obedient!




More Helmets!!! Elder Jenkins and Elder Beus in HELMETS!!!




A very happy threesome. Grandpa, Elder Jenkins and Elder Beus. Missionary work and the Gospel of Jesus Christ makes us so happy and it shows.




Elder Ames, Elder Woolsey and their newest members, Elder Hansen. The missionaries knocked on this family's door one hour after she had finished a prayer for help.
What are the odds of that? President would say: 100%.





Grandpa thought it was so funny that Elder Jenkins and Elder Beus locked their bikes to a handicap only place. It was the only pole in the place.




Trainers and Trainees from Bradenton Sister Franc, Sister Clinger our Cellist, Elder Hales (a big Ute fan),Elder Waite, and

More Missionary Fun and Sr. Missionary outing

Elder Potter and Elder Wood sporting sunglasses and helmets. I am a stickler for helmets and sunglasses for my Elders on bicycles. Don't they look great?




Elder Cornia from Malad and his trainee Elder Junk. These are 2 very good missionaries--even tho they have us speaking in their ward tomorrow.




Elder Junk is a new missionary and he is on fire.





We had our first annual St. Patrick's Day Masters with our Senior couples. We have Sister Nielson, Elder Draper and Grandpa showing off the handicap they gave him. These wiggley putters and a ball that wouldn't stop moving didn't stop him from taking home the trophy.




Elder Nielson from Roosevelt Utah and Sister Draper from Calgary wearing Florida Earrings. So my family, when you visit we will be sure you all get a pair.

New Haitianary

Today we welcomed Elder Wilson from Richfield Utah to the mission. He will teach in Haitian Creole. Elder Hogge here with him is also a Haitianary. We had some of he Haitian speaking Elders come to Tampa to meet Elder Wilson and for training. They will stay in the mission home tonight and drive down to Naples tomorrow after some serious training.





Elder Hogge, Wilson, Parker, Paget and Olschewski and President in the Mission home after some minimul training. Elder Wilson is very tired so we had a short welcome and then we are putting him to bed. He is going to be awesome.

Baptism

This is a fun baptism as it involved several Elders. He was fist contacted in Sarasota where Elder Dalton taught him. He moved to the Lakeland area where Elder Chaston taught him, but then they realized that he lived in the Gibsonia ward so Elders Larrabee and Gillen taught him. The baptism was set for the Gibsonia building and Elder Dalton was coming to speak and witness the baptism. Just before the baptism the font backed up and not too good of things were coming in. Not the best place to be washed clean. They quickly moved the baptism to the Lakeland building and called us as we were on our way and Elder Dalton as he was on his way. Now they were in the building where Elder Chaston serves so they all got to participate.

Arrivals/Departures/Florida Surprise

Our brand new excited missionaries. They arrived on Monday the 26th ready to work.




Our departing missionaries. What a beautiful sacrifice they each made to give this time to the Lord as missionaries. We will miss them but we are excited for their bright future.




We affectionately call these our first born in the wilderness as they are the first group of missionaries we received when we arrived. We are missing Elder Hansen who is training and so not at this meeting. These Elders are all obedient and good leaders. They were such a blessing to us when they arrived!.





This is the office bus!. We had to take the seats from the van and put them in the office so we could cart things in the van. The Elders hopped on for a ride. We have from Back to front: Elders Madsen, Fangupo and Parker, middle: Elder Newman, front: Elders Robinson, Johnson and Taveras-- Great looking group don't you think?





Well, you know how much President loves nature----This was a unique surprise. May I add that it was one bird and one shot. Lots of Laughs for us