Richard and Gloria’s Adventures : 2014

November has been Eventful!

A few miscellaneous things before we leave November for the December happenings.

We needed some bonding. Planned a Monday P-day early morning movie of Ephraim's Rescue
and snacks! The missionaries are in two teams and do not get together often for an activity.

We feel very lucky to be here in Mesa serving our mission and to have been here for two Temple dedications, Gilbert & Phoenix.

The Phoenix Temple Cultural Celebration and the dedication were very inspiring, as was the Gilbert. So grateful to be able to watch and participate! Currently this is the 144th working temple.

We watched and listened to President Monson, President Uchtdorf and Elder Oaks. We love them so much and they lifted our spirits with their encouraging words.

President Uchtdorf and Elder Oaks and their wives

Thousands of youth sang and danced

President Uchtdorf, President Monson and Elder Oaks

President Monson and President Uchtdorf

President Uchtdorf with his wife and Elder Oaks with his wife

Thousands of youth sang and danced in the cultural celebration.

Senior FHE - Excellent as Always

Another wonderful Family Home Evening at the Mission President's home. They have been so generous hosting these wonderful FHE's. What a great memory! Great friends, great food, entertainment and learning lesson of faith and service! Thank you President and Sister Jenkins. The gift share was very entertaining! Thanks for the others that have hosted FHE also, the Roc (Records Operation Center) and the Visitors' Center.

President Jenkins and Elder Inglish

Elder and Sister Larsen and Elder and Sister Owen

Elder and Sister Bowers and Elder and Sister Larsen

Sister Jenkins and Sister Inglish

Elder and Sister Cameron and Sister Jenkins

The gift exchange got interesting when the stealing started. Funny!

The Welcome Mat is Always Out!

We had some visitors in November. Always a thrill to see missionaries, friends, or family!

Lindsey Jeppson and family came for lunch and a visit! How fun to meet the family, they are adorable.

Brianne Gordon and Kelsey Hamstead came for Christmas lights and to see friends.
Shown here with Sister Rios. They came over for lunch on Sunday and it was fun to catch up!

Love these two!

Here with Sister Orr

Ammon Miller came with the girls and Ben Boone was visiting at the same time. Photo op! Both boys served
missions in Mesa.

Mike and Kathy Fessler just happened in. They were in AZ for a granddaughter's wedding.
They had no idea we were here on a mission. We had a great visit. I grew up with Kathy and I
worked with Mike at IRS for years.

Sayonara for Now!

Five of our sisters/hermanas are returning home with honor. Mesa has been blessed by their hard work and dedication. We will watch them as they strive to continue to serve God's children. We celebrated with the traditional breakfast at the clubhouse, testimonies, pictures, singing and lots and lots of hugs!

I have the departing sister come to dinner with their companions before they leave.
Hermanas/Sisters Anderson, Duffin (departing), Taumarawa, and Beaudette (departing)

We will miss these two!

Hermanas Mayorca (departing) and Embley

They all feel like grandchildren to us!

Sisters Pickett (departing) and Tingey

Saying goodbye!

Hermana Orr - oops forgot to get one with Hermana Stringfellow her companion, she was there.

Thanks Hermana Stringfellow for capturing this precious moment!

Breakfast - egg mcmuffins and fruit with Camerons looking on at the hive. Elder Cameron says the sisters are like bees in a hive and that is true. We gather together and buzz a lot!

Aren't they wonderful!

The Bowers at their first farewell breakfast!

Another angle - How we love these women!

The group!

You will be missed! Sisters/Hermanas Pickett, Mayorca, Orr, Beaudette and Duffin, happy for you sad for us.

Cleaning our cubbies full of many memories.

"Fit for the Kingdom" 5 K

The 5K was tons of fun for all those that participated. The focus was to promote good health collectively and individually in the Mesa Mission. This race involved more than 250 missionaries and some other church members. Sister Lund was the chairperson under the direction of President and Sister Jenkins. She had a great committee.