Week 34: A "Storybook" Life

It has been a wonderful week. Weather has been gorgeous, we continue to love our work at the office and particularly love being with the missionaries. We were able to take Sister Jenkins and her companion Sister Boone to dinner Thursday afternoon. 

On Saturday, we combined "business with pleasure," by traveling to Morton, Washington to inspect one of the mission cars. Morton is about 1 1/2 hours away, but what a beautiful drive. Loved that area. Made a loop and came back through Centralia, Chehalis, and Tenino. Made a stop at a place called Lattin's Country Cider Mill and Farm. Picked up some yummy apple fritters and apple cider. It would be a fun place to take kids. They had quite a variety of farm animals and activities for kids.

"Peeps" at the Cider Mill

I was planning to share a "story" about a special and unique baptism that took place last week -- the baptism of a 100-year old woman. But ... I can't get the photo to load that goes with the story so I'll save that for next week. 

But the best "story" of the week was probably today -- Sunday. It began with having extra time for study. Then we were nourished again by the Spirit in Sacrament Meeting. A deaf man stood to bear his testimony. His wife joined him and acted as "voice" while he signed. He was so full of gratitude for his wife, his family, the gospel. You could see and feel his happiness and love of the gospel. It was a sweet and tender experience for us to be in that meeting.

Then his wife took a minute to share her testimony. She told a story about her father who passed away about one year ago. He had joined the Church many years ago; the only member in his family. He (I'll call him the Dad) continued faithful serving as a Bishop, Stake President & Patriarch. Even as the Dad was admitted to a hospice care facility he continued in his priesthood duties to bless others. A patient in the room next door was "trying hard to die."  The Dad, with the help of this daughter, shuffled next door and asked the patient's wife if he could give him a blessing. She agreed, and a blessing to "release his spirit" was given. Then the Dad gave the wife a blessing of comfort.  It was all he could do to get back to his own room. Not long afterward he passed away -- faithful in his priesthood duties to the very end.

We continued to be spiritually fed in Sunday School as the lesson on Priesthood was exceptional. We both learned some new things and left with a "fresh view" of the priesthood. 

Then this afternoon and evening we were with the young missionaries at another Missionary Musical Fireside. This one was in Silverdale, Washington. The Spirit was especially strong at this fireside as missionaries shared their testimonies of Jesus Christ through word & song. We were also impressed by the testimony of a recent convert who also shared her "story." 

As we returned home this evening, we both commented on what a great day it was. In fact, we sometimes can hardly believe that we get to have these experiences. We feel so incredibly blessed to be on a mission here in Tacoma, Washington.  Our testimonies have certainly grown and been strengthened even though we are not actually out doing "missionary" work. We see and hear of little miracles every day. We can only hope  for and look forward to more miracles, inspiring testimonies, and .....   Stories to be continued!