We made an unexpected trip to downtown St Louis

We just finished talking to our children and their families.  We love them and it's always good to see and hear from them and catch up on their busy lives.  It was a momentous weekend in Tucson, Arizona with the dedication of the Tucson Temple.  Nathen, our 9 year old grandson, said the cultural celebration held last night was better than "Star Wars".   George and I enjoyed staying up late last night and watched the celebration; we saw a lot of youth from the Vail Ward. Unfortunately, we missed the Temple dedication today, but feel a great protection and power that comes from having a local Temple.

Last Monday I was feeling a little out of sorts, but my spirits were buoyed up by all the Elders who visited the office during the day. The best part of our mission involves our interactions with the missionaries--they are wonderful, and for the most part, striving to serve the Lord.

George received a wonderful tender mercy from the Lord when he received the following message during the week:

Barry was the first person I baptized on my mission!  He was a bartender and worked and lived in a Pub. We were apprehensive to teach Barry about the Word of Wisdom because it meant he would lose his job and housing.  He was what we would call a 'golden investigator' because he accepted the Gospel and had great faith to accept the Gospel and leave his job.  It was wonderful to catch up with him; he was married in the London Temple and has 6 children--one served a mission and 3 were married in the temple; and 12 grandchildren.

East facing view of the beautiful St Louis Temple

Saturday was a wonderful day in the St Louis Temple!  There were many visitors from all over the Midwest. We love working in the Temple and it really lifts and cleanses our spirits after a week dealing with the tasks related to health, apartments and cars.

West facing view of the Temple

The weather has been perfect; not too hot or cold.  But with the cooler weather the fireflies are not as visible.  We have loved watching the fireflies outside our window all summer long in the evenings.  We didn't even need fireworks on the 4th of July. 

George facing view of the Temple