St Louis skyline with the arch

Two weeks have slipped by since we last wrote.  We enjoyed conference, but on Sunday, our 2 year old grandson became very ill and in a few short hours ended up in critical care.  We prayed through the long night of October 1st, that little Alex would survive.  Although Alex is still in critical care, he has passed some giant hurdles.  The social worker presented the family with a bag and as Alex makes steps in improvement, a bead is added to the bag.  There are many beads in the bag and more are added daily.  There have been many miracles and he is well on his way to recovery.  We were thrilled when the ECMO was able to be removed earlier this week and his mom and dad got to hold him.

Elder Haymore in his last day in Pagedale before going home

Tuesday, we got to go to the Temple with our missionaries preparing to complete their mission and those who have reached milestones of 6, 12, and 18 months.  Every six weeks, it becomes harder to say goodbye to wonderful young men and women.  But on a bright note, it is great to welcome new missionaries to the Missouri St Louis Mission.  This week we had fifteen new arrivals.

Walking with new missionaries behind the Mission Home

It was not our normal week; it was mission tour.  So our President and his wife have been in overdrive, saying goodbye, getting to know new missionaries and then having visitors arrive to not only stay with them but to help teach and strengthen the missionaries.  President and Sister Bateman shared wonderful messages.  We are thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pond behind the Mission Home

Today as we do every Saturday, we are in the Temple.  We have grown to love the people we serve with in the Temple.  Today I had a bride (probably in her sixties) who was sealed to her sweetheart.  How neat is that?

Changing leaves in front of the St Louis Temple