Mediterranean Cruise

We returned this week from a very interesting and exotic 2 weeks through countries along the Mediterranean.  We flew to Malin and then on to Venice which we loved.  All the images of  that serene and beautiful city of canals (118 to be exact) are "right on".  We rode through the streets in a gondola and walked over many a bridge on the cobblestone paths to plazas,  villages and neighborhoods. 

Our next port was Cairo, Egypt which has similarities to India.  We took a bus out to see the pyramids and the Sphinx and take in the local sights.  It was perfect weather and no sand storms.  While in Egypt we also went to Alexandria and went down into the catacombs and visited the King Tut museum.

We visited a papyrus museum and learned how papyrus is made into paper and colorful pictures.

Next stop, and probably our favorite was 2 days in the Holy Land.  The day walking in old Jerusalem, where Jesus walked and ultimately died was very educational and inspiring.   We saw the sights believed to be Golgotha, the city walls and gate of Damascus and Mt. of Olives.  We spent a time that  evening contemplating Christ's suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane  and felt the powerful spirit that permeates that holy place.

We went to the "temple square" inside the old city where the Muslims, Jews and Christians all claim entitlement and worship there.  The "wailing wall" was most interesting.

The following day was spent in and around Galilee and Nazareth where Christ did so much work and preformed miracles.  We visited the sights of Sermon on the Mount, River Jordan, Capurnaum and walked IN the Sea of Galilee.  We took a wooden boat out on the Sea, but no one was able to walk ON water !!

Next stop, Athens, Greece.  Once again everything was TOTALLY different from what we had seen at our other stops.  We visited the Acropolis, Panathinion Stadium (1st Olympics), and the Dionysos Theatre (can hold 17,000).  All of these stone structures have been preserved and rebuilt quite well.

Our last port was Splita, Croatia .  This was a really beautiful port city with a very European flavor.

This was a GRAND once-in-a-lifetime adventure to that beautiful part of the world.  We were able to get the flavor of a lot of places and once again are in "awe" at the Lord's huge and diverse world and the beautiful people that live there.

JUST A LITTLE GOOD NEWS

Well it finally came---that large white envelope that you "fear" to open.  We got our mission call to serve in Frankfurt, Germany in the Centers for Young Adults and will be leaving in February .  We are not certain at this point what our responsibilities will be--supervising one specific Center or supervising many Centers as they have discussed both options with us.  Whatever it will be, we are very excited and can now start learning German (yea right).

Karli was happy that the departure date was AFTER the baby , and so are we to have a little spoiling time.  

Life is so good and we feel so blessed to be able to serve again.

CALIFORNIA...and then some.

Fall is such a beautiful, peaceful time of the year.  Those beautiful earthy colors are my favorite.   We have seen some amazing color changes in the local canyons this year.

We spent the past week in California--first a quick but fun stop with the Cox's.  Always fun to chat, enjoy Becky's yummy cooking and do some shopping.  While in Tulare we met up with Allan's former office staff for dinner.  It was so good to see all those wonderful folks again.  They are such great people and we share very fond memories.

We spent a very busy and fun week with Aaron, Deb and boys.  We had some special time with each boy--going to lunch, for donuts, volunteering in their classes, soccer practice, and movie night (on the wide screen I might add)--yea Aaron!

We could REALLY not get enough of Reid.  He is the cuddliest and most adorable little guy and loved Grandma to hold him.  Yipee!

We went to Farmers Market in San Luis to enjoy the food and festivities as well as a great day at the park by Morro Bay and even had a few moments to can some yummy peaches.  Life is never dull at the A2 household and we are always sad to leave those active boys.  Thanks Aaron and Deb for a fun, fun visit!

THIS..AND THAT..AND MORE

Wow, what a busy and fun month this has been.  We have had so many visits from dear Indian friends the past while.  Three young women have come to the Provo MTC to begin their training and one fine couple have come to begin their studies at BYU Idaho.  It is so great to be in a location where we can "meet and  greet" and renew friendships and learn about our common friends in India.
First meet Pinto and Saritha.  They were married in Bangalore shortly after we began our mission and we became instant friends as they taught Seminary and served in the Branch there.  They set the example for all the members with their priority to quickly travel to Hong Kong to be sealed.  They both worked extremely hard to be accepted at BYUI , raise the money and earn scholarships.  We are so proud of them.  And they were quite the "celebrities" when they went to church with us.

Next arrived Shyamala who is going to the Philippines.  She and her sister were great friends in Bangalore 1st Branch and we had such memorable experiences with these 2 faithful young women.   Here is another example of great sacrifice and desire to make this mission a reality.  Shyamala arrived early enough to spend the afternoon on Temple Square where our "daughter" Sister Sundaram, who was overjoyed to see her Branch friend and gave us a grand tour!

It is such a blessing for us to be able to "relive" some of our fondest moments from India with these amazing young Indian saints.

Last weekend we had a pretty incredible experience as we went with Karli to support Chris in his Lotoja ride.  If you think 200 miles is a long ride in a car, try to imagine doing it on a bike in 1 day through some very steep mountains!  Each feed stop we were so excited to see Chris ride in to offer him encouragement and a array of rather disgusting energy foods.  He accomplished an amazing feat to reach the finish line in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Saturday night.  One TREMENDOUS CONGRATULATIONS to you Chris!!!

And Allan and I "TRY" to keep up with some of the fun going on with the family and grand kids.  The past week we got to see Mr. Bullet Ryan play soccer, celebrate Ame's 8th birthday at her "Fashion Party" and watch Jake play incredible football.  How we relish all these fun times with our family.

TRIP TO CANADA

We just returned from a great time in Canada with Allan's family.  Grandma Asplund celebrated her 90th birthday so all the family and many people from their little community came to her party.  We were so very happy that all of our kids made the HUGE EFFORT to come and be part of the celebration.

Allan has 7 sisters and 5 brothers so it was quite the group.  The party was held at a large park/museum that one of Allan's brothers sponsors and it was a terrific place for kids with old tractors, a horse drawn school bus , old school, jail and trains.  I think everyone had quite the entertaining day and Allan's mom seemed very pleased with all the friends and family that came.

                                        Some of Grandma Asplunds beautiful granddaughters.

The grounds and fun attractions at this part/museum were a photographer's paradise.  We took several family pictures which I will post at another time but the grandkids provided grandma and grandpa with a gaggle of pictures.

The grand and great granddaughters sang 3 of Grandma's favorite songs for her and Ame preformed some serious hip shakin' .

One of the days we all went to a farm and through a really fun corn maze.  It was rather interesting trying to keep 24 of us together and not loosing kids in the corn.

Perhaps the grandkid's favorite activity was riding horses at Uncle Mark's.  There were kids and horses everywhere for several hours--don't know who tired out first !

We are so thankful for this wonderful time with all of our family together.   We cherish the occasions which bring us closer and hope there will be many more to come.