Substitute parents at large

Yuan is a cute Chinese girl that Elder Wilson has been helping the assistants teach. She is great. She is not afraid to tell them to "back off, and stop being so pushy!" We just love her. Oh, and she got baptized August 12th, and asked Elder Wilson to confirm her a member.

Dreams really DO come true!!

Yes, We had great seats!! 45 yard line!!

Some of you may think this is a weird dream to have, but those of you who know me won't. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to a real live Pro Football game. I had kind of given up on the idea until moving here to Seattle. Which happens to have a Pro Football Team. Seahawks Football is HUGE here. I'm talkin paint your hair, body, car, etc. Seahawk blues and greens. So imagine my excitement when I find out that there will be a Saturday Pre-season game against the Broncos.

I talk to my Mission/Eternal companion who agrees that it would be something fun to do. I begin the Frugal Ticket Search and decide on 2 reasonably priced tickets in Section 110 Row "Z". We get to the stadium, look for our section, hoping for the best. Well, as you can see from the photos, we had awesome seats. We could see the whole field, we didn't have anyone directly in front or behind us, and the people we sat next to were friendly and fun. The only thing I didn't plan on was the noise level. I have been to College games before, but this was LOUD. i.e. should have worn earplugs. My ears are still ringing today. But that's okay. What a great time we had!! Larry & I enjoyed every single minute. It met and exceeded my expectations. Good Game, Good seats, Good company. It will go down as one of the great fun event memories of my life.

Saturday in the Park

In between appointments on Saturday, we decided to go in search of a little lake our home teacher had told us about. My purpose was to scout it for fishing possibilities. I'll tell you what-they know how to do parks up here. Pine Lake Park was another example of a dream come true for me. There was a playground, swimming area with lifeguard, a launch ramp for canoes, and a fishing pier. It is absolutely gorgeous, and I think we'll go again. (I'll bring my fishing rod & gear)

oops-this photo loaded sideways...these 2 little boys were fishing their little hearts out, catching bluegill(?) and 3 inch bass (?) minnows and hanging them on a chain stringer. Honestly, they were fishing with a small hook with about 1/2" of worm and both ends of the hook showing. They just kept pulling them out of the water. I helped them unhook several, convinced them to put a couple back to grow into big fish, but they were determined to hold on to their bounty and use them for 'bait' to catch a really big fish. It was pretty cute to watch.

Happy Baptism

L to R: Me, Larry, Elder Gemmell, J., Elder Samani, Bishop Galuka

Saturday was a busy, but great day. We had a baptism at 10am for J. that was splendid in every way. This man has had a hard life, and is happy to have found the church. Elder Wilson was privileged to perform the Baptism, and on Sunday, ordain him to the Aaronic Priesthood.

Once again, Elder Gemmell and Elder Samani let Elder Wilson step in and do the baptism. We love those two Elders a lot for giving us some unforgettable Mission Experiences.

Our New Office Elder(s)

Elder Russell went home this week, so we have a new Office Elder working with us. It is Elder Barton, and he joins Elder Young helping us out in the Mission Office in addition to their teaching schedule, and other duties. We love our Office Elders and we couldn't make it without them. At Zone Conference they help Elder Wilson inspect the mission cars, making a checklist of any changes since the last inspection. In the office, they help sort and file mileage reports, invoices, inventory supplies, and many other important tasks.

L-R: Elder Young, Elder Barton

The Bellevue South Stake held a "Mini-Mission" for the Priests. Those participating were set-apart as full-time Missionaries for a 3-day mini-mission, and assigned to live with and work with a set of Elders in the Zone. Our Honorary Office Elder was Elder Pritchett. We enjoyed having his help in the Office, and getting to know him.

Issaquah Farmer's Market

We love famer's markets here. Items for sale are varied and diverse. Today you could choose fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, jewelry, vinegars, hummus, organic produce, insecticide free produce, scarves, hats, handmade baby clothes, hand-blown glass, ironworks, popcorn, ice cream, honey, plants, etc. There are even food vendors with an array of deliciousness to tempt any palate. We bought a giant $2 rice krispie square we cut into 6 good-sized yummy pieces. These markets are a delightful way to spend a portion of your Saturday.

Mission Olympics

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Monday Pres. & Sister Moffat held the "Mission Olympics" at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle. One of my favorite parts was watching the Elders greet each other by jumping into each others arms and falling to the grass in sheer happiness.

Each zone came up with a relay race event, most of which involved water. Elder Wilson ambushed several Elders with a small pail of water over their head. They retaliated by ganging up on him and dumping a 5 gallon bucket of nice cold water on him. I am proud to say he never let go of the hose, and went down spraying water to the bitter end.