Saturday, October 29, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOLL

On this day, 30 years ago a most remarkable daughter of God came to earth and began blessing all with whom she came in contact. She had a bit of a journey in her first few days to make her way to the right home where she has been loved more than words could ever express.
Neighbors made welcome signs and brought gifts. One neighbor went out and hugged her tree because she was so happy for the family across the street who just received an angel from heaven to grace their lives.
All the children in the neighborhood had to have their turn pushing her buggy around, much to the chagrin of her brother who wanted to do it himself!! We all had to learn to share her with others because throughout her life people wanted to be close to her. Her personality is such that people like to be around her. Seeing her eyes light up when she sees something beautiful that others normally would walk past without noticing is a joy; a splash of color on the mountainside, a dandelion in a mass of dead weeds, a pumpkin hanging from a basketball hoop or stuck on the top of the City County Building. Life is more interesting around her.

She's always had a love of furry things, creeping things, slithering things and jumping things. You name it and she wanted to touch it or pick it up and make friends with it. One day she put a grasshopper on her nose until her friend noticed and went into a screaming fit.










She makes friends easily because she loves so genuinely and completely. Loyalty and sincerity are two of her best qualities along with so many more which shall be listed below....



Caring about the 'one' and wanting to make a difference in helping just him or her.
Knowing where to come for comfort and security and always learning from those she trusts.

Loving a good ride on a bike and having the wind blow in her face and hair....











She loves family, church and country and serves each well.















Is never afraid to get her hands dirty for a good cause.










The journey is more fun with her because she knows where the scenic and less traveled roads are found. She once remarked that you haven't been on a real trip unless you've gotten lost at least once.

She celebrates others achievements and doesn't worry that she is not in the spotlight all the time.
Her arms are always ready to hold a loved one close and let them know they are special to her.Happy, Happy Birthday, Jenna. You will always travel life's roads in an interesting and unusual way. No one is quite like you. You are unique in every way and we love you for who you are and how you make us feel being close to you.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Great people

A mission has many elements to it: the country and culture, the climate, the native people, teaching and loving the message of the gospel and the people that are serving with us. Elder and Sister Barlow were the Humanitarian missionaries who have now gone home to Kaysville, but they brightened our lives whenever we were able to spend time with them. They accomplished some amazing things while here and the people of Uganda are reaping the benefits of better health, cleaner water and so much more. Here is another picture of them in a sea of children. We attended a 'hand-over' ceremony with them and were amazed how the children were just drawn to them.



Elder and Sister Sutterfield will be going home to Park City next week to rest from their hard labors of the mission field.





They were the office couple who solved the problems of the whole mission and we have appreciated them more than words can tell. Not many people would sign up to have 'headaches' every day but they were courageous and true to the end. Watch out for them on the slopes this winter.

Elder and Sister Thayn have been our friends ever since we went to Israel together in 1981. They are such kind and good people, we love to be around them. In fact, when we go to Kampala they graciously let us stay in their spare bedroom and feed us their precious yogurt and granola. He is one of the best Priesthood leadership trainers in the church as he has made a lifetime study of the principles on which the priesthood functions. This mission is blessed to have them as they serve in the PEF program, leadership training, keyboard instruction and where ever they see a need or are assigned. We want to be like them!!
The Frost's decided that they wanted a real adventure with us as they heard we were accepting a call to Uganda. They have jumped in with both feet serving in Gulu and surrounding areas, training branch leaders, teaching whole congregations of investigators, preparing people to go to the temple and are now living in Kampala so they can travel into Southern Sudan to teach the people that are hungering for the gospel there. They do a wonderful job wherever they go because they love the Lord and his work.

Elder and Sister Shipley, on the right, were diligent during their service in Jinja. They kept the place in line and well cared for. They have returned to their home in Canada to enjoy a new grand baby and the rest of their family. We will miss playing games, enjoying her cooking and his dry wit.
The couple in the middle of this last picture, the Harris', have also become dear friends. She is the mission medical adviser and you can believe her phone rings any time, day or night, with health problems which she is very capable in handling. He is a man of many trades who can fix any maintenance problem the mission throws at him. We love having them come stay with us as the doors swing better, the lights shine brighter, the desk drawer doesn't fall out anymore and they beat us at games to keep us humble.