Iceland Here We Come

Here we are in the MTC (Missionary Training Center)in Provo, Utah. The MTC experience is one of the highlights of a mission. When we were here before going to Romania we had some of the greatest spiritual experiences of our lives. Those experiences helped us in Romania. This week has been the same with special spiritual blessing for our lives. It is great to be with other senior missionaries and the great young missionaries. All are so excited to serve the Lord wherever they are called. We have been taught by the Spirit so many times. Our Icelandic training has been fruitful and we are gaining understanding little by little. Tonight our tutor made us speak only Icelandic to him so between Eileen and I we struggled to keep the conversation going. We were allowed to ask him in Icelandic how to say an English word in Icelandic. We actually didn't ask very many times but we did have to use hand motions several times.

Blessing Dress

Since we know for sure that Heidi is having a baby girl and Heather is also having a baby, Eileen started making two blessing dresses just in case Heather has a girl too. While we were at the beach Eileen completed more than half the dress. But when Eileen showed it to Gonnie, the light was better and you could see two different shades of yarn were used. So Eileen took that one out and went on a search for the right shade of yarn. At the time she couldn't find any so she started this dress and just finished it. She has the yarn to finish the second but I doubt there is enough time to finish it before we leave for Iceland.

The Value and Importance of Mothers

Today I was impressed by the comments of Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in April Conference. Here is just one excerpt from his talk. "I am impressed by countless mothers who have learned how important it is to focus on the things that can only be done in a particular season of life. If a child lives with parents for 18 or 19 years, that span is only one-fourth of a parent’s life. And the most formative time of all, the early years in a child’s life, represents less than one-tenth of a parent’s normal life. It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our homes. This eternally important work falls to mothers and fathers as equal partners. I am grateful that today many fathers are more involved in the lives of their children. But I believe that the instincts and the intense nurturing involvement of mothers with their children will always be a major key to their well-being. In the words of the proclamation on the family, “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102)." I am grateful to Eileen for her commitment to our children and to see our children and their spouses work together for their children - our grandchildren - what a great blessing in our lives.

Our Home in Iceland

Elder and Sister Wohlgemuth found us an apartment in Selfoss, Iceland where we have been assigned and isn't it beautiful. After what we had in Romania this is fantastic. It may cost more than twice what it cost us in Romania and for that matter what our house payment was, but it sure is nice to have such a bright place with a wonderful view. Wow it sure beats the chicken and the outhouse in our backyard in Constanta and the garbage cans we had to walk by to get in and out of our apartment in Arad. We had the better apartments available in Romania but that isn't saying much. Our thanks to Elder and Sister Wohlgemuth.

Wow! We Have a 15 Year Old Grandson!

Today was Gunnar's birthday. Hard to believe it was 15 years ago we were in Provo UT waiting at the hospital for him to come. He has been a delight to watch grow in to a great young man. We are going to miss watching him in all his activities these next 18 months.

Zek's Night to Shine

Lisa, David, Gunnar, Zek, Amanda, Eileen and I all went to the Minnesota State Fair Friday for Zek to play Memories in the state wide talent competition. He won the preteen division for our county giving him the opportunity to perform at the State Fair. While our county only allows you to win once in a division most of the competition last night had performed many times at the state level. The talent was amazing yet Zek held his own and he has only had two years of training and is only 9 years of age. He played his piece absolutely beautifully and even without my prejudice better than the 12 year old that won 2nd place. The picture was taken by a recycle group that was promoting reusable grocery bags which they gave to everyone who would have their picture taken. So we have a picture of all of us at the fair. The crowds were horrendous and the cost of everything was too. Now I know why this was our first time at the Minnesota State Fair. The only thing that will induce us back is another performance of one of our many talented grandchildren - that makes it worth it.

Just a few more pictures!

The first picture is where we spent our week. The second is a little north of where we stayed and the last was taken from our condo. We love the Oregon coast as there is just so much beauty to enjoy rain or shine.