Well, Sister Center did it again.  She has already established a great reputation as a cook, baker, and personable friend, and after last night's lesson you can add "teacher extraordinaire" to the list.  She reviewed President Benson's classic conference talk on "Pride."  Fine participation, superlative insights, and The Spirit was extremely strong.  Excellent job sweetheart.  (I also did a tremendous job of setting out the veggie trays I bought at Safeway!)

We've been in the mission field exactly two months today.  What an adventure--above our wildest dreams.  Classes going well as is our establishing rapport with the young people--what a great bunch!  (And if possible, it is bringing Loralee and I even closer together!)

Religious scholars continually discuss, debate, interpret, extrapolate, contemplate, ascertain and search for the true meaning of the Atonement.  That’s all well and good.  However, when I was four years old, I learned this little ditty from my mother that completely explains the Atonement:  “Yes, Jesus loves me!”

Shy, hesitant, afraid to bring up The Gospel with others?  I understand but remember what The Duke said:  "Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway!"

One of the most special part of our mission is giving advice to the kids.  We've been here in Tacoma for just seven weeks but already I've been asked personally to give three different people blessings of comfort.  What a joy that is.

MISSION MOTTO:

Faith is the power,
Love is the motive,
Obedience is the price;
The Spirit is the key;
The Restoration is the message,
Members are the means,
Christ is the reason,
Baptism is the way,
Joy is the reward.

What do I miss most?  Of course, family and friends, then the familiar routine of our life--specifically, I miss having access to my 50 Church books and over 100 Church files--they would sure come in handy as I prepare lessons.  And selfishly, I sure miss our king-size bed--Loralee takes 2/3rds of the pillows, blankets, and bed!