HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE COMPANION

We had a fun time celebrating Allan's birthday.  He got a little choked with the sweet cards sent by all the grandkiddies but we soon livened him up .  A friend who bakes wonderful treats made him a cake that we shared with many friends in the office.  And of course the crazy gifts were in abundance.

Life is never dull with this "old" fellow.  Allan is quite the man--the best husband ever, a wise and loving father, a fun and caring grandpa and a gifted leader and counselor to everyone he has ever known.  He has made my life incredibly full and meaningful and we are inseparable "companions".  How I love this AMAZING birthday boy!!  Have a good one honey!

The Aroma of Rome

We went to Rome to visit a Center and to train a new couple serving there.  We also had a seminar with our newly called Italy Area Advisors to give direction and information about the 14 Centers they will supervise in Rome.  They were wonderful meetings.  We spent one evening with the great YSAs at the Center and attended a baptism .  The Italian saints are so fun and vivacious, or you could say full of emotion!!

These two sisters are true missionaries--one served on Temple Square and the other in Romania.
We stayed 2 extra days at our own expense and saw the city.  Rome is everything you have ever heard and much more!!  Every direction you look there is history - some in the lst century.  One of our favorite sights was the coliseum which is huge and partially standing.

Another beautiful and famous sight was the de Trevia fountain where several movies have been made .  Do you remember "3 coins in a fountain"?  Well that's the spot and if you throw them it , then surely you will return. (hope so)

Of course the Vatican is probably the most famous sight and it is pretty amazing.  The Vatican is actually a walled city with it's own gov't., etc.  Inside is St.Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.  St. Peter's square is the "Temple Square" of the Catholic church and is quite impressive.  There are statues of the 12 apostles around the top of the walls in the square.  Certainly no less impressive is the inside of the church (St. Peter's Basilica).

They claim that Peter is entombed here and have a beautiful bronze statue of him near the tomb.

One afternoon we went to the "square" and there were thousands of people waiting so we waited to see why.  Up in one of the windows atop  St. Peter's square the Pope appeared and spoke to the multitude.  Guess we were in the right place at the right time, but we did not convert!!

Just so you know, Pinocchio is alive and well in Rome.  He could be found in almost every tourist shop in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Rome is a charming city aside from all the historical places with it's cobblestone streets, old buildings and sidewalk cafes.   As you can tell, we were delighted with every moment we spent there and would love to return someday .

Fresh but FREEZING Finland

(YIKES - I have been such a slacker in blogging !)
Last week we were in Helsinki for some visits and training.  We were pleasantly surprised by the  "winter wonderland"  we beheld.  The city is surrounded on 3 sides by the Baltic sea (which was frozen) with beautiful shoreline and lots of boats.  We had prepared with many layers to prevent frostbite as we toured the city.

We went to their "rock church" built into a huge rock.  We actually saw a very similar one a few years ago in Sweden.  We took a warm bus tour of the city and saw the historical and interesting sights.

As beautiful as the city and snow were, the people in Finland far surpassed those wonders.  They are kind, gentle and it was wonderful to share some moments together.  We had a training meeting with a newly called couple who will supervise the 7 Center couples in Finland.  They are so anxious to offer their love and support.  We also helped at a conference for all the couples serving in the Finland Mission.  We made some interesting and fun connections with many of them.  Allan's cousin was a mission Pres. in Finland 40 years ago and some of these missionaries served under him.  And we always love visiting the Center for Young Adults and feeling of their enthusiasm.

Once again we returned home with our hearts and testimonies enlarged by the beautiful new Finnish friends we made and the experiences we had.  This mission continues to bring boundless opportunities to serve and be richly blessed in the process.

Finally some family in Germany

We are so excited that we finally met up with my brother Craig and his wife Lynette who are beginning their service at a Center for Young Adults in Leipzig, Germany.  That is located about 3 1/2 hours to the north and east of Frankfurt.  We drove up last weekend and spend a couple of days together.
They are serving in a fabulous Center in the heart of the city near the historical and market center.  So consequently the missionaries  find alot of  young people to bring to the Center to teach.

Craig and Lynette gave us the grand tour around the area to see the amazing buildings and architecture.  It is a beautiful city with such interesting things.  They have really gotten their feet on the ground quickly and know their way around quite well with trains and street cars.  We had a yummy dinner together in one of the old restored government buildings.

We had a training meeting with local leaders, other Center couples and 3 amazing young single adults.  Things are running quite smoothly with a lot of YSAs involved and active at the Center.

Craig and Lynette have such a good assignment and have already endeared themselves with the YSAs.  They will be a tremendous support to the young adults there and will touch so many lives.  The Lord has sent the perfect couple to the perfect place for them to have amazing experiences and bless lives.  And we are so happy to have them in the "neighborhood".  We love you guys.  Thanks for having the courage and faith to come and serve this mission.