Week 23: Sunshine & Seniors

View off Point Defiance

Raccoon on the Five Mile Road 

Boat Garages at Point Defiance

 We enjoyed several days of sunshine this week. It was absolutely delightful. In fact on Wednesday when we left work, instead of going straight to the apartment, we went for a ride down to Point Defiance. They have a zoo there and a “5 mile road” that takes you through a beautiful mini forest – moss, ferns, and big trees. Also get to see views of the Sound, Gig Harbor, the Narrows Bridge and Vashon Island.

On the trail at Chambers Creek

Van the Man

We went for walks after supper on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday after doing our chores, we went to the Chambers Bay Golf Course area. (Site of the 2015 U.S. Open) 

They have a walking trail that goes around the golf course and right next to the Sound. It was a bit chilly at first, but by the time we made the 3 ¾ mile walk up and down hills, we were warm, tired ... and invigorated. So good to be out in  the fresh air and SUNSHINE!

The Harwoods

The Clarkes

The Clarkes came up at about 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. We visited and played a game of "Ripple” with them before joining some other Senior Missionaries for dinner at Black Angus. The Clarkes will be leaving to go home next Tuesday. As of yet, no one is coming to replace them. 

This brings me to what I posted on Facebook earlier this week. In case someone didn't see that post, here it is:

The Binghams

We currently have 15 Senior Couples who are serving full-time missions here in the Washington Tacoma Mission. Between now and the end of June, seven of those couples will be leaving. And, as of yet, we have not received word of replacements. We were told recently that for every Senior Couple that submits papers to serve a mission, there are 6 "openings". 

The need is great, and the blessings are immense. There is such an array of possible places and ways to serve. Here in our mission, Seniors serve in Member Leadership Support, Military Relations, Zions Camp, CES, Records Preservation, and in the Office. But there are many other types of missions as well. Most will serve 12 or 18 months; some have come for 6 months. Check out this website:   

https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/senior?lang=eng

We invite all to give serious consideration to serving a mission. If you are not already doing so, begin making preparations now. It would really be awesome if a couple we know could even come serve here in our mission. You can often choose you know. 

SENIOR COUPLES NEEDED -- to help scatter the SUNSHINE of the Gospel. The rewards are great.