tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28859731534083435722024-02-19T15:31:22.730-07:00Alaska MissionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-83808987318791360582012-12-14T20:48:00.001-07:002012-12-14T20:48:52.873-07:00Farewell Alaska<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Friends at the goodbye party that they held at the Institute for us.</div>
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More dear friends in the young single adults.</div>
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Pyramid Lake in Jasper Park, Canada.</div>
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Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.</div>
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The new Calgary Alberta Temple to be dedicated in October 2012.</div>
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Aunt Sarah in Magrath.</div>
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The Cardston Temple</div>
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Glacier National Park.</div>
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Mike and Patrick's families were there to welcome us back home.</div>
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Welcome home signs made by the grandkids.</div>
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Most of the grandkids at a welcome home party at Jenny's house. (Lots of silly faces.)</div>
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Our mission has come to an end. It is wonderful to remember the dear friends we made in </div>
Fairbanks and the experiences we were blessed to have had. Before leaving, a farewell party was held for us at the institute. It was a bit overwhelming to see so many friends come from the Stake as well as from the Branch and Institute. After living in Fairbanks almost two years, we felt almost like it was where we belonged. However, family and friends were beckoning us back home to Utah. It was so helpful when some of our young men with strong backs helped us load everything in the car. There was not an inch to spare.<br />
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Our trip home was very enjoyable. We were able to see so many beautiful places on our trip down the Al-Can Highway. We added more wildlife to our list of animal sightings--black bears, buffalo, rock sheep, lynx, and more. We also added a very large rock chip to our windshield that scattered glass inside the car as well. Just another souvenir in our adventure. </div>
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Along the way, we stopped to see the beauties of the parks in Alberta, Canada. Going through the Yukon Territory was much like traveling in Alaska. There were so many thick forests and beautiful mountains. The scenery was spectacular. After leaving Jasper and Banff National Parks we drove out into the Alberta prairie. It was a blessing to see the new Calgary temple almost completed. The temples are so important to us and to members of the Church. We love the temples. </div>
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We took time to stop in Magrath where we stopped and were able to find Aunt Sarah in a care center. It was nice to be able to spend some time wih her. She is 99 years old. We talked of the fun times we had when JoAnn was much younger when we visited our Grandparents and Uncle Clarence and Aunt Sarah along with Brent and Ricky our cousins in Magrath. It was hard to leave knowing we might not see her again in this life.</div>
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We were also able to go to a session in the Cardston Temple. JoAnn wanted to go to her "family's temple" and feel the spirit there. As a family we would stop on our trips to Magrath to see the temple when we were children. It was a blessing to be there.</div>
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After leaving Alberta, we drove through Glacier National Park. We were surprised that the glaciers there were so much smaller than we remembered. The mountains are spectacular. What a beautiful world we have to live in. We also drove along the side of Flathead Lake in Montana. It was beautiful as well. We did notice as we drove home, that the days were getting much shorter. The sun was setting much earlier in the evening. </div>
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When we arrived home there were yellow ribbons and signs all over the yard. The grandkids had all been busy getting ready for our arrival. Some of the family were waiting for us while othes continued to arrive. It was truly wonderful to see them all again. A couple of days later, we had a big party at Jenny's home with everyone there. It gave us a chance to hand out Alaska t-shirts and kuspuks (Eskimo dresses) and ulu knives that Jim put together in Fairbanks. It was a joy to be with all of our family once again. </div>
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After being home for a few months, we miss our friends and the adventure of Alaska, but are enjoying our continuing adventure at home with family and friends here. What a blessing it has been for us. Something we will never forget. The gospel is true and Jesus Christ is the Savior who lives and loves us all. </div>
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With love,</div>
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JoAnn and Jim</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-72600404629325420862012-08-27T22:30:00.000-06:002012-08-27T22:36:08.881-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At Denali Park with Tina.<br />
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Denali Park on a cloudy day taken through the bus window. The colors are beautiful.<br />
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See if you can find 2 caribou at Denali Park.<br />
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A bull reindeer with his harem on the UAF campus.<br />
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Tina at the North Pole with Santa.</div>
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Miranda just after her baptism on Friday.<br />
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A birthday cake with Randy and Jerri and Tina.<br />
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The last Fairbanks Zone picture before transfers.<br />
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This has been a delightful week. We had been busy getting everything ready for seminary to begin on Wednesday morning. It was fun to see the seminary students come to the Institute to meet their new teachers for the year. Our new teachers are enjoying their classes. We have four new teachers in Fairbanks. It always takes a few days to get everything worked out on the rolls. We are so grateful that a few classes had students just come that had not registered. The more the better. <br />
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Tina flew in on Wednesday night and Thursday we left at 5:00 AM to drive to Denali is hopes of having a good day there. It was so wonderful to see her again. We had a delightful day and even saw Elder & Sister Hawkins from the Anchorage Institute there as well. We even saw lots of grizzly bears at a safe distance. The colors in the park are beautiful. Fall comes early to the park.<br />
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Friday and Saturday we spent some time visiting places close to Fairbanks. North Pole is always a favorite. Santa even remembered us from our other visits. We even got to pick up some seminary materials from Sister Loveless in Salcha and say goodbye to her. We certainly have come to love and appreciate our seminary teachers. <br />
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On Friday Miranda was baptized and even bore her testimony afterwards. She is a wonderful girl and is on her way to a life of learning in the church. We have been amazed at the strength of the young adults that have joined the church while we have been here. They always talk about how different their lives are now that they have joined the church. Their lives now have purpose and direction. I played for two of the musical numbers at Miranda's baptism, and then on Saturday I played for the baptism of a ten-year-old girl, the first in her family to be baptized. It was beautiful as well.<br />
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Saturday morning the young missionaries had a breakfast at the Stake Center. With transfers today, they like to have fun together before they leave for their new assignments. I was very touched by the farewell song some of the elders sang for us in Samoan. We will greatly miss the missionaries and hope to see them again at reunions. <br />
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Sunday we were asked to share our testimonies in the Branch sacrament meeting. Everything is coming to a close so quickly. We will have some training with the Hulls who are replacing us this week and on Friday we start our long trek home. We feel so much a part of the Branch and the seminary and institute program here that our leaving will be bitter-sweet.<br />
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We are scheduled to speak in our sacrament meeting at home on October 14. It has been such a blessing to be able to serve the Lord as missionaries. As we end this chapter, we look forward to being with our family and friends at home once again. <br />
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Love to all,<br />
JoAnn & JimUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-10037445050963908552012-08-20T15:39:00.001-06:002012-08-20T15:39:15.577-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we conclude our mission here in Alaska here is the small institute class in Healy with one returned missionary, one investigator and one newly called missionary who will be going to Utah.<br />
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Sister Spens teaching the last summer 2012 Pearl of Great price institute class and also our last institute class of our mission! (The students are working together on an assignment.)<br />
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The kitchen has been a busy and popular place for YSA with Sister Spens most excellent cinnamon rolls.<br />
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This was a great baptism in the Chena River no less. The man baptized is a chemistry professor at UAF.<br />
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Our home grown forget-me-nots are finally in bloom by our apartment doorstep.<br />
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The taiga (or boreal interior forest) of Alaska is filled with a wonderful variety of unusual mushrooms this being a fine example. It was fifty feet from our apartment door.<br />
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Fall continues to press on here in the north. This is the leaf of a fire weed turning a bright red to contrast with the yellow of the birch forest.<br />
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This past week has been very busy with the final week of institute classes and the work involved with getting early morning seminary classes ready to go. With our five new teachers the training we are asked to do with those teachers and the preparation of the classes on the computer it has taken a lot of effort. Sister Spens has put in a great amount of time to get things all structured and ready. We had our last new seminary teacher called this past weekend so we met her on Sunday for a brief orientation. We are in the process of turning over our mission calling to a new couple but the sister is out of town for this week and we will just continue to do what we can to get things going for fall seminary and institute. Hopefully within the next two weeks they will completely takeover for us and we will be on our way home.<br />
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We have started to get our car ready and pack a few things and have looked briefly at the route home but we are still at the institute doing those things that are needed. We still have to train our replacements so we can let go. <br />
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The baptism shown above was a great experience. The brother was introduced to the church by having LDS students attend his classes at UAF and noting a significant difference in them compared to the general population of university students. He is excited to have received the gospel and become a member and will be a great member. It was the first time Sister Spens and I had witnessed a baptism in a river. The water was about 40 degrees at the most but the day was warm and sunny. Brother Edmond bore his testimony directly after being baptized. It was great. <br />
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We have also turned our institute investigator over to the full time Elders. There are no young elders or branch missionaries serving in the Healy area. So we took two Fairbanks Elders down to Healy with us last week to meet the students including our investigator, and they will continue to teach the class for about four more weeks and hopefully brother Bill the investigator will make good progress.<br />
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It does seem kind of strange that our work here is coming to an end. We have come to love all of the YSA and the other members here in the Fairbanks area and we will miss them. We will also miss our association with the investigators and recent converts we have associated with as well. We love being missionaries but it seems all callings in the church have an end.<br />
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Love,<br />
Elder and Sister SpensUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-52303306266751468202012-08-13T16:32:00.001-06:002012-08-13T18:42:40.721-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These are a couple of sea otters in Valdez harbor<br />
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Bald eagle on the mountains surrounding Valdez harbor<br />
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Congregation of seal lions in the Prince William sound area<br />
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Bill, JoAnn and Jim on the bow of the cruise ship Lu Lu Bell in Prince William sound with a large blue iceberg in the background</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Bill and Jim at the harbor in Valdez</span><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD0L9CO62HyKgX3uUeHbkWo8IEKnjPuC9wiV625ERcBWxFUnVkjSWOr7F2FQbjVK2Mja0RatXArDkJB_McwEM5KUyd5e8RyGpoWQycK5Y0xNCWId_uKsG2Y7zJqRAgddqNUAfEqn96qo/s400/August+2012a+mission+Valdez+%2526+Bill+125.JPG" width="400" /><br />
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The first hint of fall in Alaska when the birch trees start to turn yellow on a single branch</div>
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Bill (Jim's brother) came to Alaska for a one week visit this past week. We began his visit by fishing for Arctic greying although that was not very successful on the Chatanika river. We borrowed some fishing gear from a local and at least Bill fished the interior of Alaska which very few visitors have a chance to do. We did have more success panning for gold and he brought home a few flakes of the yellow metal.</div>
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Bill had a chance to come with us to our institute class in the town of Healy, next to Denali park. He also attended our Pearl of Great Price Thursday evening class here in Fairbanks. </div>
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We also spent a day in Denali park seeing brown bears, Dahl sheep and moose. The scenery is always spectacular and the is a definite change of colors in the park as fall approaches. </div>
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We did spend a bit of time driving to Valdez harbor. We presented a fireside on the sacred objects of the book of Mormon to their branch Sunday evening. We had the opportunity of staying with a great LDS family that live there in Valdez. The salmon were running and filling the harbor and surrounding rivers. Black bear were coming down to eat their fill along with the seagulls that finish what the bears do not eat. Valdez is truly a spectacular place with majestic mountains rising above the deep port city. Thompson pass that leads into the Valdez area not only sports a glacier but holds the record for greatest snowfall on any road in north America. </div>
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We boarded a small cruise ship and spent a day visiting the Prince William sound. It is filled with sea life of all kinds including hump back whales. The tour concluded with a visit to the Columbia glacier that comes down to the sea and has a vertical wall of ice that calves (breaks) of into the sea. It is quite a spectacular sight. </div>
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Bill felt like he had a small glimpse of what a senior missionaries life is like as well as seeing some of the sights of the vast state of Alaska.</div>
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Jim and JoAnn</div>
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PS We have been asked to speak in the Granite View Ward on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 9:00 AM. That will give us a chance to catch our breath after getting home. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-44675697841954224242012-08-04T23:36:00.000-06:002012-08-04T23:43:36.299-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUmTXnR_It20uLUqktJGO7VrlmmaJAExYmG3sn-MoRLXzpCPFOKpjTbr17HV1nxICCJcejFSdcQL4uz0MRWKU__vzjE-pDoRuvo-kWggnqRXNYiNJFtl8hc0IHFMgq_WvRlyJf1IYl5k/s1600/2012_080501aMissionAug420120010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUmTXnR_It20uLUqktJGO7VrlmmaJAExYmG3sn-MoRLXzpCPFOKpjTbr17HV1nxICCJcejFSdcQL4uz0MRWKU__vzjE-pDoRuvo-kWggnqRXNYiNJFtl8hc0IHFMgq_WvRlyJf1IYl5k/s400/2012_080501aMissionAug420120010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Elder Spens and his brother Bill</div>
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We found some blueberries!</div>
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Kaitlyn and Eddie are going to be married in the Salt Lake Temple next week.</div>
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A visitor means another trip to Denali Park.</div>
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Denali Park was originally set aside to preserve the Dahl sheep like these high on the mountain.</div>
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A grizzly bear mom munching on grass to build up fat for winter.</div>
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Here are her two lazy cubs. It's beginning to look like fall in the park.</div>
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How many Ptarmigans can you count? (It's Alaska's state bird.)</div>
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Try out this recipe for blueberry pie.</div>
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We have had a fun and busy week. Bill flew into town, so that gave us the opportunity to show him around a bit. We had a chance to try our hand at panning gold and showing off the oil pipeline. On Wednesday we went to Healy for Institute class. We were pleased to have three students and one nonmember there. Bill was happy to make some thoughtful comments as well. </div>
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Thursday was Institute class in Fairbanks. We always enjoy meeting with the young adults and sharing the gospel with them. I made a big batch of chicken enchiladas. It's fun for me to see the students enjoy the food so much after classes. </div>
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On Friday Bill wanted to try his hand at fishing. We asked the experts where we could fish close to Fairbanks. The best suggestion was the Chatanika River. It was a cold and wet day. At one point the thermometer read 47 degrees. Great weather for someone visiting from the hot Salt Lake valley! Bill tried several spots with no luck. However, Jerri Olsen had told me of a place she likes to go to pick blueberries, and since she was out of town and we were very close, we gave it a try. Berry picking is the Alaskan thing to do in August. Last year we didn't know what to look for. I think the spot we found had been picked already, but we still got enough berries to count. If you want a real Alaskan experience, try the blueberry pie recipe. </div>
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Today, Saturday, we drove to Denali Park and took the bus to the Eielson visitor's center. The clouds were hanging very low on the mountains and it was a bit chilly. The colors have started to change a little. It's surprising how much things change here week by week. There was even snow on the tops of some of the lower mountains this week. We enjoyed our trip and were able to see a lot of the park animals. </div>
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Kaitlyn and Eddie had a reception here in Fairbanks before leaving next week to be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. After a reception in Salt Lake, they will be going to Missouri where Eddie is from for an open house there. They are a wonderful couple. Kaitlyn has come home to Fairbanks the past two years from BYU and has been a wonderful part of the branch. Like so many others, they will be going away to finish school and start their lives together. </div>
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On the home front, our grandaughters Gabi and Cate turned eight years old this week. Cate was baptized today on her birthday, and Gabi is in Brazil visiting her grandparents there. When her dad, Daniel, flies to Brazil next week, she will be baptized there. It makes us so happy to see our grandchildren make the choice to be baptized and become members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The missionary work continues to go forward here and we love serving and sharing our testimonies of Jesus Christ.</div>
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Have a wonderful week,</div>
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JoAnn and Jim<br />
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Kaitlyn and Eddie's quilt with a lot of blueberry prints.</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-39177746311531436182012-07-29T23:12:00.000-06:002012-07-29T23:12:02.183-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQqxvU19ATgtnX4Lzt5ryuk169fOndbBviSBCqNjPAmd7w2-dRn7p_4c4_bZtiZpfHFG2J98_HimCUgR7pX8ahHSNXg4bfnzvLQBJd9z-NAW0OYWnOmSTX-PqIg-lqS03izeo5K2PN3I/s1600/2012_071601aMissionJuly1520120006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQqxvU19ATgtnX4Lzt5ryuk169fOndbBviSBCqNjPAmd7w2-dRn7p_4c4_bZtiZpfHFG2J98_HimCUgR7pX8ahHSNXg4bfnzvLQBJd9z-NAW0OYWnOmSTX-PqIg-lqS03izeo5K2PN3I/s400/2012_071601aMissionJuly1520120006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This is our kale garden here in Alaska doing very well. It is an excellent climate for cool weather crops and along with the long hours of sunshine things do very well.<br />
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This is our kale garden a few days latter after a moose had eaten a good portion. We do not always see the moose that travel through our yard but the evidence is irrefutable.<br />
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Cameron, Gary and Matt who have been in the YSA group from the time we started almost two years ago. They have all served faithfully in the branch presidency.<br />
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Rose and Taylor who both actually knew each other and grew up in Barrow but have re-connected here in Fairbanks and now are engaged to be married. They have not set a date yet.<br />
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Mushrooms are popping up all over the forested land and this one is coming up from under the deck in front of our apartment. <br />
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A tree used to grow here in this plot at the institute the tree died and now it serves as a zucchini patch. <br />
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President Olsen and his wife Jerri in our apartment. We have become great friends with both of them as they are our closest member neighbors.<br />
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The weeks go by as days as we enter the last month or so of our mission service here in Alaska. We have begun to train in earnest our replacement couple the Hulls. They are a local couple who will be serving a stay at home service mission and will be taking our place on the 20th of Aug. However they will be off to Utah for the marriage of their youngest daughter Kaitlyn in the Salt Lake Temple. When they return we will have about two weeks to complete training with them and then our service here will come to an end. After nearly two years in this calling we finally feel like we are starting to understand how to accomplish the supervision of the early morning seminary and the directing of the institute program as well. Both of these programs are truly great systems for the salvation of the youth of the church. They are not just nice programs but are now vital to the youth of the church and it has been a great privilege and honor as well as a spiritual blessing to both of us to have served in this mission calling for the past two years.<br />
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Like any missionary we will leave with mixed emotions as we have come to love the people and especially the YSA of the church here in Alaska. The church continues to grow here. Investigators are baptized and the church is continually being introduced to new people. We have the great opportunity of teaching investigators in our institute classes on a regular basis. The young people bring their friends and the missionaries teach them the official lessons and we teach them the unofficial lessons of whatever the institute curriculum happens to be. The spirit will however, often direct us to teach certain things when investigators are present that hopefully will meet their individual needs.<br />
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The Olsens whose basement we live in are on a three week vacation to Utah and than on a cruise ship to return back to Alaska. So we are house sitting for them. However, a new law clerk and his wife and their dog are living upstairs temporary until they find a place of their own. It is not as quite as it might have been if we had been here alone for three weeks.<br />
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We actually shipped some stuff home and I have been getting our winter tires ready to mount on our car for the return trip. We will be driving the AlCan highway on our return trip so it will be like a road-trip vacation at the conclusion of our service here. We are certainly looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends upon our return.<br />
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Elder and Sister Spens(Jim and JoAnn, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-18314112201606359262012-07-23T00:09:00.000-06:002012-07-23T00:09:10.746-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our zone missionaries just before transfers.</div>
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More missionary fun</div>
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New sister missionaries for the Young Single Adult Branch</div>
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It's been a week of goodbyes and hellos. On Monday we had a breakfast with all the missionaries in the zone just before a lot of them left to drive to Anchorage to receive new companions and new areas to work in. We have been so blessed to be able to get to know these great missionaries. Our zone leaders stayed the same and the district leaders, but we have a lot of new missionaries to get to know. We now have four sister missionaries in the area and two have been assigned to our Branch. It's the first time we have had sisters in the branch since we arrived. They are very excited and have already hit the road running with teaching appointments and lots of visitors to meet. </div>
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On Saturday we attended the funeral of Bro. Mario Gho who died suddenly in his home last Sunday. Brother Gho was a wonderful man. He and Sister Gho had been missionaries at the Institute and Sister Gho was teaching institute classes when we arrived. They invited us to join their family for Thanksgiving dinner just a month after we had arrived. They have a wonderful family. Bro. Gho was a kind and gentle man who was always smiling and had a twinkle in his eye that made you know that he was glad to know you. It's hard to see dear friends leave so quickly. Mario and Carol Lee had the great opportunity to work in the Anchorage temple together. Carol Lee was so excited when they received that call. It's a big commitment to work in the temple that is over 350 miles away for several days each month. </div>
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Today our Branch Presidency was released. It has been such a great opportunity to work with Randy Olsen in the Branch as well as being his downstairs neighbor. He has such a love and enthusiasm for the gospel. I know he has helped so many in the branch become stronger. Our new branch president is Pres. Terry. We will have a short time to get to know him. Gary Holyoak who was a counselor was also released since he will be going to Utah to school in a couple of weeks. At least I have one more chance to accompany him and Emily next week when they sing in sacrament meeting.</div>
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Our classes continue to be one of the highlights of our week. It is a special blessing to have a student come up to you after class and tell you that the lesson you taught was just what she needed. We cooked about 11 quarts of minestrone soup and it was totally gone by the end of the night. (We have had a rainy week, so soup was just what was needed.) I really enjoy helping with the Munch and Mingle we have on Sundays after our meetings. We feed about 60-70 people every week. There is a great committee that is working hard to make things work out without being in the kitchen on Sunday. I've never baked 30 pounds of potatoes at once before. </div>
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We also had a chance to watch the Pioneer Day broadcast from Salt Lake on Saturday evening. Several of the young people along with one of the new investigators came as well as a good representation of missionaries. It was a beautiful program. </div>
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Every day we are more aware of the short time we have left here in Alaska. There is so much to prepare for next year in seminary and for fall semester in institute. We are grateful that Pres. and Sister Hull are going to be taking our places and that they have been involved in making some of the decisions that will really affect their service. With it being a service mission for them, Pres. Hull will still remain in the Stake Presidency. </div>
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We love our association here with the young people. They are strong and determined. We are so grateful for the gospel that gives purpose and direction to our lives. When we loose loved ones, we can be comforted in knowing that this life is not the end. Families are forever and we are all God's family as well.</div>
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With love,</div>
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JoAnn and Jim</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-19959672673577163932012-07-16T00:28:00.000-06:002012-07-16T14:55:26.193-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fire weed field view 150 miles north of Fairbanks on the Dalton highway</div>
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<br /> After dinner with Fairbanks friends.<br />
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<br /> Tim with his wedding quilt in the institute director's office.<br />
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Close view of the great quilt made by Sister Spens.<br />
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<br /> This is a viny blue flowered weed that grows along the roadsides in Fairbanks<br />
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<br /> Our cool weather garden of kale. It is great in salads and sandwiches.<br />
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Missionary fireside choir plus 3 YSA sisters practicing before the fireside.<br />
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We have enjoyed another great week of missionary work, institute class teaching and training of new early morning seminary teachers. We also started training our official replacement couple the Hulls. They are a local service live at home couple who will be taking over our position on the 20th of Aug. We had our first training session with them this week. They also attended the training sessions for the early morning seminary teachers. This training for the first time since we have been here was conducted via a video/computer connection from our new coordinator Scott Beams. In the past all of the training has been entirely done by us. It will be a great strength to the seminary program to have a professional S&I coordinator to do training here in Fairbanks. I don't know why they did not have such a position in the past few years here in Fairbanks especially with us serving as new to the entire program. <br />
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We also had the opportunity to review a masters thesis presentation from Cameron Bodly who is a physics student at UAF. His presentation was on acoustic and shock waves and was very interesting at least to Elder Spens if not so much to Sister Spens. Cameron is completing his degree and leaving Fairbanks. He is representative of the many YSA we have come t know and love for a season then they leave to go off to school, go on a mission or get married. There are only about half a dozen YSA that are here now that were here when we arrived almost two years age.<br />
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We continue to have the opportunity to teach visitor/investigators that come to our institute classes. They are usually invited by YSA friends. One commented after class this last week that she loved to come to "institution". They always have to learn the LDS culture and terminology. We gave a copy of the Book of Mormon to an older brother who has been attending our class in Healy (the city at Denali Park).<br />
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President and Sister Beesly have been in Fairbanks this week as well. They came for training and to do interviews with the young missionaries. We had our "interview" at the Pikes Landing restaurant over dinner on Friday night. We spent a great hour by the Chena river just talking with them. The senior couple interviews are quite different then the young missionaries. <br />
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Sister Spens had the opportunity to go on splits with the sister missionaries on Sunday and that was a first for her. <br />
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On Sunday evening we had a well planed missionary fireside with music from the missionaries and instruction from President Beesly and from President Duval. There were several investigators present, recent converts who spoke, and a UAF chemistry professor who will be baptised soon was there as well. The church is growing surely and steadily as people continue to find the gospel. Conversion is always an amazing process and is truly a miracle. Our specific assignment is not proselyting, however, we seem to on a regular basis have people cross our path where we have the opportunity to either introduce them to the gospel or teach them through the institute classes. We have been and continue to be truly blessed in our missionary assignment here in Alaska. The more we work here the more we realize that this is exactly the place that the Lord wanted to send us to serve for these two years. <br />
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Elder and Sister SpensUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-66275859552067189202012-07-09T00:30:00.000-06:002012-07-09T00:30:00.451-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Adam and Aubrey's ring ceremony with Pres. Olsen</div>
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Another trip to Denali, this time with Richard and JoDel.</div>
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A mama grizzly bear and her cub.</div>
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The same mama bear with her twin cubs.</div>
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Fourth of July slip & slide in Nenana.</div>
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Wearing plastic bags over your clothes makes you slide further.</div>
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This is Elijah, Emily, and Cory, all Branch members and great friends.</div>
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On the train getting ready to try our hand at panning gold.</div>
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Gold Dredge #8 just outside of Fairbanks is an old gold mining machine.</div>
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The bridge over the Yukon River with the pipeline along the side and continuing out in front.</div>
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A view of the Yukon River.</div>
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We made it to the Arctic Circle.</div>
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It's been an eventful week. Richard and JoDel (my brother and sister-in-law) arrived just after midnight early Monday morning. Of course, it was still light and the sun was just setting. They told us that when they left Minneapolis (a crazy leg of their trip) that it got lighter and lighter as they flew North. We were delighted to have them come share our mission for about a week. </div>
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Monday we showed them around a little and then they helped us prepare for the ring ceremony and small reception for Adam and Aubrey. Jim even "gave away the bride." Richard and JoDel helped prepare the food and set up for the reception. It was amazing how things fell into place just in time. It was nice that more friends were able to come and be part of the celebration. Originally they were going to get married on July 2. I think that they were very pleased with the outcome.</div>
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Tuesday we had planned to go to Denali National Park. It was supposed to be great weather, but it poured rain on us the whole 100 miles to get there. We were blessed that the rain stopped and the sun came out. We took a bus into Eielson, an 8 hour round trip, hoping to see the mountain and some wildlife. We did see a caribou and the tips of Mt. McKinley above the clouds. I was beginning to feel disappointed that we had not seen more wildlife. However, we soon began to see grizzly bears. In all we saw three mother bears with two yearling cubs each, a mother bear with 3-year-old twins, and a big male bear. Some of the bears were very close to the bus, and it was fun to watch the cubs play and wrestle with each other. Our driver said it was the best bear day she had had in seven years. </div>
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Wednesday was July 4th. We drove to Nenana to watch the town play in all kinds of races. There were bike races, egg carrying races, egg toss contests, pie eating contests, three-legged races, gunny sack races, soda pop scrambles, and a sawdust scramble loaded with $200 in coins. It was a great small-town celebration. After the festivities, the Verhagen family invited all of us to their home for a barbeque. We had a wonderful time and Richard and JoDel felt right at home. There were about 15 to 20 of the young single adults from the branch there. After dinner they set up a huge plastic tarp in the yard and turned on the hose for a slip & slide. They all put on plastic bags over their clothes and even soaped themselves down to slide longer. It was fun to watch. We really enjoyed the fun.</div>
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Thursday we got tickets to visit the Gold Dredge #8 which is a national historic site and to try our hand at panning for gold. One of the young people offered to get us discount tickets which was very thoughtful. Each of us found a small amount of gold in our pokes. They guarantee that you will find gold--at least a little. That evening we had our institute class and served the pulled pork left over from the wedding. That made the food preparations much easier. Richard and JoDel attended class and helped us out again.</div>
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Friday we drove to see the Yukon River and as far as the Arctic Circle on the Dalton highway. Jim had wanted to see the Yukon River before we leave Alaska, so it worked out well for all of us. It was quite the road trip, but beautiful.</div>
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Saturday we visited some more sites in Fairbanks and ended up taking Richard and JoDel to the airport in the evening. I don't think they ever got used to the light, but I guess we don't either. It was a wonderful week. We have come to appreciate how much we love all of our family. Each one has a special part in our lives. We are so grateful for the blessings we enjoy because of our family and great friends. Thank you for being part of our lives.</div>
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Love,</div>
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JoAnn and Jim</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-55593773214726604062012-07-02T00:48:00.003-06:002012-07-02T00:48:57.173-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHR_hyphenhyphensEglH5XuULJRduMnbnPuW4Is0lkGER00Ne2zKzZGYFVbcoJkiFI944MUs3lED9m7B2ErLc-KGZoIY8B2XlrkYGCviGprSra_6eV9SlWrZMqC1AUC11iHeRhzN99pJQUef8aHB58/s1600/2012_070101aMissionJuly120120016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHR_hyphenhyphensEglH5XuULJRduMnbnPuW4Is0lkGER00Ne2zKzZGYFVbcoJkiFI944MUs3lED9m7B2ErLc-KGZoIY8B2XlrkYGCviGprSra_6eV9SlWrZMqC1AUC11iHeRhzN99pJQUef8aHB58/s400/2012_070101aMissionJuly120120016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our last chance to stay at the mission home in Anchorage.</div>
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We're not sure what these bright wildflowers are.</div>
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Wild geraniums are seen for miles along the highway.</div>
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At the Anchorage Temple.</div>
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These lupines were so beautiful along the roadside.</div>
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The fire weed is just starting to bloom.</div>
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Yellow lupine mixed with white yarrow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J-Bg0Ud0oERi0aoCdy0gbLhBcvrpn_HSKMZDkovymkorQBCN7q5KJGFAniouXamvhyQu5ZYrar-Xl_q-wjX_cYOaxOEfaJpCsp6l_3UR6mKWHEfk5qRsIZ5jfTgOwcGeGeMPi_vq7zo/s1600/2012_070101aMissionJuly120120041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J-Bg0Ud0oERi0aoCdy0gbLhBcvrpn_HSKMZDkovymkorQBCN7q5KJGFAniouXamvhyQu5ZYrar-Xl_q-wjX_cYOaxOEfaJpCsp6l_3UR6mKWHEfk5qRsIZ5jfTgOwcGeGeMPi_vq7zo/s400/2012_070101aMissionJuly120120041.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Some unusual pink yarrow along the highway.</div>
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Garrett the crusty summer sailor was home on leave for a week.</div>
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The flowers pictured above look like some from someones well tended perenial garden, however they are just the roadside wild flowers that grace the highways of Alaska in the summer. They appear to be about at their peak at this time. The fire weed has just barely started to bloom but will fill the roadsides for most of the rest of the summer. As I have mentioned before living in Alaska is like being in the mountains and forest every day. Our drive to the institute each day is a drive through the woods with a spectacular view of the wildflowers as well. </div>
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This past week we had one of the largest family night groups we have ever had as we met together at the institute building. The YSA want to meet all together probably for social reasons, however the group is so large that they also decided they would divide into three groups for a family night lesson and then socialize in a larger group. We have investigators and non-member visitors coming to our family night as well as the YSA elders. Pictured above is also Garrett who spends his summer fishing for crabs in the Bering sea. His employer has recognized something special about him as a worker on their fishing vessel. He is a recent convert as well as a returned missionary. We did not see him at all last summer. but he had a few days of shore leave and came to sacrament meeting and family night.</div>
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We had a good group at our Healy (Denali) branch institute class on Wednesday including two non-member visitors. We enjoy the weekly drive down to Healy and the class is great. We are continuing to seek more YSA to attend the class.</div>
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The branch YSA had an assignment to do baptisms at the Anchorage temple so we went down to the temple for what appears to be our last trip not only to the temple but the Anchorage area. We have finally become very familiar with the temple and always meet friends there that we have meet during our mission. We thought we may never be in that temple again, so we were sure to take the picture above standing in the front garden area of the temple grounds. The temple is a great blessing to us and to our entire family and it is wonderful to have a temple here even though we live 360 miles away!</div>
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We literally have but two months remaining of our time to serve here as missionaries. We have many things to finish and accomplish before we return to our home in Sandy. We are about half way through the institute summer semester and continue to enjoy the opportunity to be on a teaching mission. We are also in need of training the five new seminary teachers that are yet to be called by the stake that will need to be prepared to start teaching this fall. In-service training and early morning seminary visits have also been a highlight of our mission. We truly love being missionaries and all that that entails and can clearly see that when our service is over we will leave with mixed emotions with leaving the many YSA we have come to love and the other faithful members of the church in the Fairbanks stake which, by the way, may very well be the largest stake in terms of geographical size in the United States. It is probably about three times the size of the state of Utah. We pray for the Lord's blessings to be upon all of our family at home and upon any one else who may read our mission blog. </div>
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Elder and Sister Spens</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-46638182821776168922012-06-24T22:51:00.000-06:002012-06-24T22:51:35.500-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3oLNqErJw7h9n08bTuNNhvk_0ye7bf73gZaPjzJ9gY0KKKJTTEd-Y-5k8K69JvLVnBpF6X8rlPhLInRXTTXI7V6uMPmYpRapz8ClEIbgHggKKhLFcYoy3cjNk4JsVfj9ldZIxNTQ8Sw/s1600/2012_062501aMissionJune2420120001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3oLNqErJw7h9n08bTuNNhvk_0ye7bf73gZaPjzJ9gY0KKKJTTEd-Y-5k8K69JvLVnBpF6X8rlPhLInRXTTXI7V6uMPmYpRapz8ClEIbgHggKKhLFcYoy3cjNk4JsVfj9ldZIxNTQ8Sw/s400/2012_062501aMissionJune2420120001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows by the Chatanika River with the Olsen's grandkids from Pennsylvania.</div>
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Fun in the Alaska sunshine.</div>
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Wildflowers by the edge of the road on the way to Healy.</div>
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Wild iris on the roadside near Nenana.</div>
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Elder Hartman from Little Cottonwood Ward in our home stake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySHDrRHfMvXCCT6xmi2AbPsEg8f1otkF06yXOclkhy3Al-ITctu8Lua4VjlGHc-G6yw5Ji9Me53RhLJpI24-7lxD_CCyC3i7c0-ayZjbyeXE36LxI0t2GedlGpGxnkL3_00OEyMoYwfY/s1600/2012_062501aMissionJune2420120027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySHDrRHfMvXCCT6xmi2AbPsEg8f1otkF06yXOclkhy3Al-ITctu8Lua4VjlGHc-G6yw5Ji9Me53RhLJpI24-7lxD_CCyC3i7c0-ayZjbyeXE36LxI0t2GedlGpGxnkL3_00OEyMoYwfY/s400/2012_062501aMissionJune2420120027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our "salad garden" is doing well this year.</div>
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Monday evening we came to the Institute for Home Evening and found a company there cleaning the carpets. What a surprise. Luckily, they were leaving the main recreation room for the next day. We ended up with a double group of kids because one house was unavailable. Since the person giving the lesson forgot about it and was out of town with the refreshment volunteer, we did what seemed right. Everyone took a minute to introduce themselves to the group. Since so many come up to work, it is a great opportunity to get to know each other. We have a closet full of games and a cupboard full of ingredients for cookies. One group helped me whip up a<b> large</b> batch of chocolate chip cookies while the others played several different games. We had a great time together. </div>
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Since the carpet cleaners were going to be cleaning again on Tuesday, and we had an invitation to go with Pres. and Sister Olsen and their grandchildren from Pennsylvania, we chose to go on a picnic. We do miss our grandchildren. We drove a ways outside of Fairbanks to the Chatanika River and had a great time together. The Olsen's son and his wife and their five children have come to visit for a couple of weeks. </div>
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Wednesday we drove to Healy again for class. This time we tried to increase attendance by bringing chili dogs and chips and fresh pineapple. It worked--we had two additional students join our class. The wildflowers are beautiful along the roadsides. I love to see the iris and so many other beautiful flowers. There is no way to capture the beauty of the flowers. The fire weed is beginning to blossom as well. We always seem to stop here and there along the way to take pictures of the flowers. </div>
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Class on Thursday was great. We had about 35 that came. We really enjoy teaching and sharing ideas with these great young adults. The missionaries brought over a big box of bananas that had been given them. They had eaten all that they could and wondered if we could use them after class. It was great. We had hot dogs and chips and banana splits. It seemed to be a great combination and no one left hungry. We filled their spirits and their bodies. </div>
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Elder Hartman from our stake at home is serving in Fairbanks as one of the zone leaders. We had to add his picture to the collection on the blog in hopes that his parents might see it and see what a fine missionary they have. </div>
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Our little garden - mostly in pots this year - is doing very well. We have had some wonderful salads with spinach, kale, and bok choy. We have even cooked some that was very tasty. Hopefully we will have some tomatoes and zucchini by the end of summer. It's great to be able to share with the Olsens as well. </div>
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Today in Sacrament meeting the speakers were talking about holding to the iron rod. (See 1 Nephi 8:19-24 in the Book of Mormon) The rod of iron is the word of God that can keep us in the right way if we hold fast to it so that we can return to our Father in Heaven. Cameron Bodily gave his version as a parable of the marshmallow. If you put a marshmallow on a rod of iron and toast it, it may get browned by the fire, but as long as it holds onto the rod, the center stays white and pure and delicious. If it falls off the rod, it falls into the fire and the center gets burned and is no longer white and pure and delicious. I thought his idea was worth thinking about. Holding to the rod as we walk our path back to our Father in Heaven will keep us securely on the right path. Reading the scriptures every day will help us hold to the rod and make good choices. May the Lord bless our family and friends as we walk through trials always holding to the rod. </div>
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We love you,</div>
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JoAnn and Jim</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-47342648902784765152012-06-17T23:43:00.001-06:002012-06-17T23:47:01.508-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A_HDZKOUuOVTmyKGbgxYfAciOabVWwUTly2WRXMX67A2rwVXRd5IONl228i-yxaQdj4s4ZTh4XoaVuxpXzyp-9TxRYOFw2IGkIQBs2ORunNGjmEihYxlyTLe6ujtMbKtoXF8X9q9Qy8/s1600/2012_061701aMissionJune1720120003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A_HDZKOUuOVTmyKGbgxYfAciOabVWwUTly2WRXMX67A2rwVXRd5IONl228i-yxaQdj4s4ZTh4XoaVuxpXzyp-9TxRYOFw2IGkIQBs2ORunNGjmEihYxlyTLe6ujtMbKtoXF8X9q9Qy8/s400/2012_061701aMissionJune1720120003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is an old Russian style fort being re-constructed on the UAF campus</div>
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On our drive to Healy by Denali Park this rainbow popped out and was quite spectacular.</div>
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This is a quilt made by Sister Spens and given to Adam and Aubrey for their wedding.</div>
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Adam and Aubrey's wedding occurred at the branch with only two other friends so it was a small celebration.</div>
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This is the upper part of Skyline Drive where we like to walk.</div>
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These were the decorations for the Asian theme dance at the branch this last Saturday. The paper lanterns were made at our family home evening.</div>
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We have had another busy week filled with events. We were down in Healy on Wednesday for institute however we had a total no-show on YSA. So we went over to Denali Park and drove into Savage River which is as far as you can drive into the park in private cars. We saw caribou along the way and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. On our return drive about 11:00 pm at night we both commented that it felt like it was 7:00 or 8:00 pm in the evening and the sun would be setting soon. It is just our biological clock telling us what the conditions are rather than the reality of the midnight sun conditions here and the fact that it would be light all night with no darkness. Maybe our biological clocks set in Utah will never adapt to the conditions here in Alaska. </div>
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Our Thursday institute class continues to grow and we have a room full of students. It is a great group of young people and our summer class here in Fairbanks is going very well. We have a wide variety of young people some working for the summer, some return missionaries and some youth recently graduated from seminary. It makes for an excellent summer class as we study the Pearl of Great Price. We always have great class participation and the food that Sister Spens makes is always great. </div>
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Adam and Aubreys wedding was most interesting. It was basically them the Branch President a couple of their friends and us. It was truly very small and simple. Sister Spens brought a small cake and some sparkling cider for a brief celebration after the wedding. The good news is that they plan on being sealed in the Calgary Alberta temple this fall by Aubrey's grandfather. Adam has not been a member for a year as yet so they just decided upon his return from Alaska trooper academy to get married civilly and be sealed later. Sister Spens made the beauriful quilt for them in the colors of Aubrey's choice. It was the only gift at the wedding. </div>
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On Saturday night there was a dance at the institute building with an Asian theme. It was well decorated as you can see from the above picture and it was well attended by many young adults. We stopped by for a while and danced a bit. </div>
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This Sunday being Fathers' Day, Elder Spens spoke in sacrament meeting on the subject of patience. Sister Spens accompanied Gary Holyoak while he sang "Bring Him Home," from the musical Les Miserable. There was a great feeling of the spirit in our meeting, and we so much appreciate the opportunity we have of attending church with the YSA and for our associations with these strong young members of the church. We feel like the church is truly in good hands for the future. </div>
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Elder and Sister Spens</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-25749254096582206072012-06-10T23:33:00.000-06:002012-06-10T23:33:12.858-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The breakfast cooking crew</div>
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Scott Beames our new coordinator [blink detected]</div>
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Happy Anniversary - 45 wonderful years. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6ZzzOCBcWOxYLQIj5hiyqiKQO98NSOwxGQgzPVMizbM061A6YKU4QLbP4OLrTE0_YfyUJuCwbQvjyLthsHlp5IUHB4VmNQgiba7g-vZDaJkvc4gjqKjKa9sGOifU1adIXTv1lT1FzcU/s1600/2012_061001aMissionJune1020120046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6ZzzOCBcWOxYLQIj5hiyqiKQO98NSOwxGQgzPVMizbM061A6YKU4QLbP4OLrTE0_YfyUJuCwbQvjyLthsHlp5IUHB4VmNQgiba7g-vZDaJkvc4gjqKjKa9sGOifU1adIXTv1lT1FzcU/s400/2012_061001aMissionJune1020120046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forget me nots in our own backyard</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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Robert (2nd from right) was baptized on Saturday by his friend</div>
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After breakfast - the Fairbanks Zone</div>
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Silly picture of our Zone before transfers</div>
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What a fun week this has been. It all started with a breakfast at the Institute on Monday for our Zone missionaries before some of them were transferred to other areas. They are a great bunch of missionaries and we love each one of them. Now we have several new missionaries to get to know and enjoy. </div>
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On Tuesday our new area coordinator came to visit Fairbanks. Scott Beames is a great teacher and will now be training our seminary teachers several times a year. We are excited to have someone that is much closer than Seattle to help keep the program on track. It was his first visit to Fairbanks, so we were able to show him around a little. We had a wonderful dinner with Pres. Payton from the Stake Presidency and his wife that evening. It's so inspiring to hear the conversion stories of Pres. and Sister Payton. We are looking forward to having Bro. Beames come to Fairbanks again before we leave. He lives in Palmer near Anchorage. ("Hi" to Larry Tippetts from Bro. Beames who worked in Coleville Utah under your direction).)</div>
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Wednesday and Thursday were Institute classes. We always love to teach the classes and meet with the great young people here. Since Thursday was our anniversary, I made a cake so that our "family" here could celebrate with us. We decided that the greatest thing we have done in our 45 years together was raising a family! We love and appreciate our children and their spouses (who are considered our children as well) and all of our wonderful grandchildren. We never would have guessed how many wonderful people would come into our lives. How blessed we are.</div>
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Friday evening we had the new district leaders come over for dinner. We really enjoy working with them in the branch and being part of their work. We especially enjoy helping with baptisms. Robert's baptism was on Saturday. I often get to play the piano for the services which I really enjoy. </div>
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Saturday evening, we were able to attend a musical program at Pioneer Park. Gary Holyoak from the Branch sings with a barbershop quartet that was a major part of the program. Fairbanks has a good sized group of men that love to sing, especially barbershop. They are really good and we enjoyed it thoroughly. </div>
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Today at out sacrament meeting, Pres. Duval our stake president gave one
of the talks. He reminded us that even though our lives don't always
go the way we might plan them, the important thing is to "look at what
you have and feel joy." We need to count our blessings and find joy in
the moment. Life is amazing. We are greatly blessed and encourage our
family and friends to look for the joy in their lives. I have noticed
how prolific the dandelions are this year in Fairbanks. They make a
beautiful carpet of yellow all over. Enjoy the little things!! </div>
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Love, </div>
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JoAnn & Jim </div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-87877339768025649552012-06-03T21:58:00.002-06:002012-06-03T21:58:57.725-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNHifRjGylmWTk-fERad2nWROFVlCsE7-MOHYKrSrwirWQS5YNZBHtSJYqJ9rr2RNigvbh7PdXQgstjFMTOvPtBUfRQWbgd2apW8yqJ7Vd8dwzPjLkqZmuDhVR5kmLstY97pHv7AJzkk/s1600/2012_060301aMissionJune320120019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNHifRjGylmWTk-fERad2nWROFVlCsE7-MOHYKrSrwirWQS5YNZBHtSJYqJ9rr2RNigvbh7PdXQgstjFMTOvPtBUfRQWbgd2apW8yqJ7Vd8dwzPjLkqZmuDhVR5kmLstY97pHv7AJzkk/s400/2012_060301aMissionJune320120019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Wildflowers are blooming along the roadsides. These lupines were on the way to Healy.<br />
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A final district photo before transfers this week.<br />
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On Saturday the branch had a flower planting service project.<br />
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These pansies were a great choice.<br />
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Pres. Olsen, Doug Maynes and Elder Spens<br />
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A wedding reception for Jeris and Bethany.<br />
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Another quilt for a happy couple who "graduated." </div>
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Yes we call it "graduation" when any of our YSA get married and leave the YSA and become young married adults. There are two additional weddings planned this summer along with two couples who are engaged and will be married after we leave in the fall. Sister Spens has been ambitious and able to produce a quilt for each of the YSA who get married under our watch. Marriage and the process of finding that person who appears to be the "right" one is one of the goals of the majority of our YSA. The are always some relationships brewing especially in the summer when there are so many more young people here to work along with the returning students who have been away and the returned missionaries of which we have had a recent surge in that population. </div>
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Living in this cool forested northern climate the wild flowers seem to flourish, and they are just starting. They seem to love to grow alongside the roads in the open areas where there is less competition. It is always a beautiful sight as we walk or drive places to have the different varieties show themselves as they decorate the highway or the roadside. </div>
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It does not take us long to settle into the new semesters institute schedule and we are doing so this summer. It is a more abbreviated teaching schedule with only two evening classes but we still seem to have many other things to accomplish to fill in the time. As you notice above the institute flower planting activity went very well. Before planting we trued up the beds and added compost to the soil. We let the YSA chose the flower type, color and quantity and it came out great. The "forget me not blue" pansies should do very well in our cool and long daylight growing conditions. We were quit amazed last summer at the rapid growth and the spectacular size of the flowering plants here in Fairbanks. The extra solar energy seems to be the secret. </div>
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There are two missionary districts in the Fairbanks zone and one of those districts is pictured above. Two of the elders pictured are being transferred out of the zone, and two of the elders are being moved into the Denali Park area to work with the influx of young people that have come there to work for the summer. At our institute class in Healy which is the city by Denali Park the young people there talked to us last week about talking to their friends about the church so hopefully there will be some YSA referrals this summer for the missionaries working there.</div>
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There are new and exciting things happening this summer with a new area seminary coordinator having been assigned to the Fairbanks stake. We will now actually have a professional seminary and institute person who will be working very directly with us for training and supervision. We have not had this direct contact in the past and is should be a benefit to the CES programs here. We have five new seminary teachers to train this summer before school starts in the fall. Also we will have some time to train our replacement missionary couple who we understand will be starting about the 20th of August. We continue to be exited to be full time missionaries especially as we can see the close of this mission assignment coming fast. We love to work with the strong youth of the church and to do what we can to build and strengthen the church here in beautiful Alaska. </div>
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Elder and Sister Spens</div>
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<span id="goog_1839061107"></span><span id="goog_1839061108"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-12166002704941751452012-05-27T23:44:00.005-06:002012-05-28T00:17:40.007-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This bull moose was on the roadside near our apartment.<br />
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Iceworm Gulch is still frozen near Denali Park. </div>
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In Alaska they say it's so cold the snow is blue. It's blue here in Iceworm Gulch. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvfyFCgv-RHaOlH6lr16rKvBrF9ksA9pfrxDTr2CXkbUbkWL7PwnuAFY2LSBPtzxcK38cZcFlta52xybsxatcen0uwUBvYx4O04tQzQ53Phe8pQPCqz6y3FD1jZdwzR_DzAghkEwQu2Q/s1600/2012_052801aMissionMay2720120013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvfyFCgv-RHaOlH6lr16rKvBrF9ksA9pfrxDTr2CXkbUbkWL7PwnuAFY2LSBPtzxcK38cZcFlta52xybsxatcen0uwUBvYx4O04tQzQ53Phe8pQPCqz6y3FD1jZdwzR_DzAghkEwQu2Q/s640/2012_052801aMissionMay2720120013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pictures was taken near Fairbanks looking towards the mountains in the distance. The Tanana River winds it's way through the Interior of Alaska. We are so blessed to serve in this beautiful place.</td></tr>
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Jim at the Air Museum in Pioneer Park.</div>
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Another airplane in the museum.</div>
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Check out the sunrise and sunset and length of day and we're not at the solstice yet.<br />
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It's been a great week. President and Sister Beesley were here in Fairbanks this weekend for specialized training with the missionaries. It is a great opportunity for us to learn from them. We had training on Friday afternoon, and they attended the Branch meetings today. We are beginning to appreciate the great responsibility they carry in helping the missionary work go forward here in Alaska. <br />
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On Saturday we were invited to a birthday celebration for one of the young adults and then decided to spend some of our preparation day visiting the museums in Fairbanks that we had not seen before. It was free day at the museums, so we took advantage of the opportunity. We thought some of the grandsons might be interested in the airplane pictures. <br />
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We enjoyed our trip to Healy (near Denali Park) on Wednesday to begin classes there. Much to our disappointment, the students didn't come. We hope to be able to have students this week when we try again. I told the missionaries here that it was like going to an appointment and finding no one home. <br />
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Thursday's class was wonderful. We are teaching the Pearl of Great Price. I began by teaching a short lesson on one of the Articles of Faith. Knowing the Articles of Faith and being able to explain them can be a great way to share the principles of the gospel with others. Elder Spens then takes the time to go into depth in the teachings found in the Pearl of Great Price. How blessed we are to have the understanding that is found in that small book. Of course, everyone enjoyed the food afterwards. <br />
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Working here with the young missionaries and the young adults here is a wonderful opportunity. They are so appreciative of all we do. It's fun to be part of their lives and watch their lives unfold. Pres. Beesley asked me today if I was getting excited about returning home. I told him that I was really looking forward to being with family again, especially the grandchildren. "That's the way it should be", he told me. We have been so blessed as we have been here. Our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ has increased. We love being able to serve. <br />
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Love to all,<br />
JoAnn & Jim<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-13641964113304113902012-05-21T01:19:00.000-06:002012-05-21T01:22:01.219-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUv97g9aYaBk_CZu0Pm9QkEfJbRpuUtsICUIYt9hYZnanBS_7JMjTAhqKyG6VMypRBqbHCsVFRxPgMEJ3Z1QJCI_5hYga-Ctk2z5mdjjLgEpz1F1mj0pT_3sBuLVY-BHSZjKCzqRhMGc/s1600/2012_051801aMissionMay2020120004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUv97g9aYaBk_CZu0Pm9QkEfJbRpuUtsICUIYt9hYZnanBS_7JMjTAhqKyG6VMypRBqbHCsVFRxPgMEJ3Z1QJCI_5hYga-Ctk2z5mdjjLgEpz1F1mj0pT_3sBuLVY-BHSZjKCzqRhMGc/s400/2012_051801aMissionMay2020120004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
These are the Chugach mountains close to the sea on our way to the city of Valdez. We drove over Thompson pass that gets over 900 inches of show in the winter months.<br />
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This is the Worthington glacier in late spring still covered in the heavy winter snow. <br />
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A large moose in a meadow by the roadside setting eating the water foliage.<br />
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Elder Spens by the side of an old sea going fishing boat on display in the city of Valdez. It is truly a fishing mecca. <br />
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Sister Spens took this picture of two bald eagles circling above our car in Valdez.<br />
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The sister missionaries working in Valdez taken on the sea side dock. They love the people and area of Valdez and hope to stay there for a long time.<br />
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The black bears were out on the lower ridges of the Valdez mountains. A cub and its mother grazing. The bears are just coming out of hibernation and we watched them from a good distance.<br />
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This small herd of Caribou were grazing alongside the Richardson highway that connects Fairbanks to the city of Valdez. We had to slow down several times for Caribou to cross the road.</div>
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We traveled to Valdez this week to visit with the sisters working there and to pick up a little fresh halibut as well. The trip down was great and we had mostly sunny weather. The journey down passes through Delta Junction and Glenallen which we have been to before. However, we had never been to the city of Valdez. It is truly a spectacular city nestled in a deep water fiord and surrounded by snow-covered mountains that rise to seven thousand feet above sea level. It is a fishing town as well as the terminal city for the end of the trans-Alaskan pipeline. </div>
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The sisters showed us around town a bit and took us to the members house where we spent the night. We found that just like any place in the world where there are faithful members of the church you can quickly bond with those members. The family we stayed with took us on a driving tour of the city of Valdez. One of the most notable sights was the old town of Valdez that was simply an empty field next to the harbor on very low land. In 1964 a tsunami from the great Alaskan earthquake completely destroyed the city and they have rebuilt the town on higher ground. They now have a tsunami warning system and high ground evacuation areas in the event of another tsunami. Valdez was just a great place to visit with great scenery and great people as well. </div>
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We also started our summer institute schedule with instruction in the Pearl of Great Price. We had our class here in Fairbanks and we will start our summer class in Healy next week. Our institute summer schedule is abbreviated due to the busy schedule of the YSA and the fact that even though the YSA branch has doubled in size with summer seasonal workers up from the lower 48 we will not have many of them attending institute. We will likely not have any day classes as well since many of our UAF students will be working full day time shifts during the summer. </div>
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We have also planted a little container vegetable garden to give Alaskan cool weather and short growing season gardening a try again. We only have cool weather plants and small cherry tomatoes so we will see how it goes. </div>
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Under the direction of the Stake President, today the branch started having munch and mingle after our meeting block. It was a simple dinner prepared ahead of time for the YSA. It turned out well and I think the young people greatly appreciated the meal and the chance to socialize for an hour after the block of meetings. It even increased the number that stayed for choir practice. The branch president spoke in sacrament meeting to the topic of keeping the sabbath day holy and reminded us of the significance of the sabbath day as a sign between us and God of our willingness to be obedient to the commandments. It has been and will always be a sign of God's covenant people. </div>
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As we enter the summer season here in Fairbanks we are looking forward to teaching the YSA and our continued association with them. </div>
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Elder and Sister Spens</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-29202261926569608452012-05-14T00:29:00.000-06:002012-05-14T00:29:24.595-06:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family home evening going for a walk at Creamer's Field.</td></tr>
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Green is starting to show on the trees in the hills and the valley. <br />
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In Creamer's Field<br />
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The Canada Geese are here at Creamer's Field bird refuge.<br />
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Dinner for our friend Chris Johnson at a local Thai restaurant.<br />
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Elaina and Miriam were baptized on Friday. They have just been adopted by the Smith family.<br />
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What a wonderful week we have had. Monday our family home evening group went for a walk in Creamer's Field and enjoyed the beautiful cool weather and the very large mosquitoes. It's so much fun to spend time with the young people we have met here. Every week we have more returning home to Alaska and more coming to work here for the summer. There are new friends to make every week.<br />
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The hills are finally beginning to turn green. Probably within a week the trees will be totally leafed out and it will be summer. The first flowers -- dandelions are starting to bloom. We are really enjoying the nice weather and the sunshine. The sunrise is at 4:30 am and sunset is at 11:00 pm. Night never gets really dark now. The sun continues to stay longer each day. It's just Alaska.<br />
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Our last institute class for this semester was on Tuesday evening. Although it began as a class for older stake members, most of them have stopped coming. On Tuesday, we had 12 new young adults come to class from the Branch. It was wonderful! This week we will begin our summer schedule. Things are always changing, but lots of fun.<br />
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Chris Johnson who was in our branch presidency when we first arrived, flew into Fairbanks this week for a short visit. He has been working in Pennsylvania. Several of his friends went to dinner at a local Thai restaurant, and we were invited to join them. It's good to see friends if only for a little while. Elder Spens took some flyers along that advertised our English classes for Thai speakers that are taught by a returned missionary from Thailand. <br />
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Friday was a special day for Elaina and Miriam Smith who were baptized. They have recently been adopted into the Smith family who have been their foster parents for a few years. They were so excited to be baptized. They have been waiting for two years. They are beautiful girls. We have come to know them through our associations with the Verhagen family in Nenana. Their mother is a former Verhagen. Now they are looking forward to being sealed to their new parents in August in the Anchorage Temple and become part of an eternal family. <br />
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Today was Mother's Day. I'm so glad I can still call home to my mother. She had her 90th birthday this week. I have learned so much from her beautiful example of faith and service. Happy Mothers' Day to all the beautiful mothers in our lives and in our family!!<br />
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Today was also Seminary and Institute Graduation. Our theme this year was from Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths." There was a wonderful spirit and the speakers were excellent. All of the seminary students within driving distance (100 miles) sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me." It was beautiful. I will admit that I get a little crazy getting everything together and ready with last minute changes, etc., but all went well. We are so grateful for the faithful teachers who spend so much time and energy teaching these students to love the Savior. They are truly blessing the lives of those they teach. As we thought about the theme, we realized how important it is to trust in the Lord. Our trust in Him has lead us here to Alaska. It has blessed our family and continues to do so. We are so grateful.<br />
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Love to all,<br />
JoAnn & JimUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-58258348240062595492012-05-07T00:34:00.000-06:002012-05-07T00:34:08.187-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZI0hK0woyCKZsmw_tAYsYLniSwR3dDEcAOEbgEF8eNv4IUEHiL7f6h4e2guFNT-oV6_5lOIuKB7MR4p9BYMJ5kHUD3AHfbU_BEW33L8Jdr2iAfL94iE6P2JYt4xARFXbsfJk_iWDPdU/s1600/2012_050701aMissionMay620120001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZI0hK0woyCKZsmw_tAYsYLniSwR3dDEcAOEbgEF8eNv4IUEHiL7f6h4e2guFNT-oV6_5lOIuKB7MR4p9BYMJ5kHUD3AHfbU_BEW33L8Jdr2iAfL94iE6P2JYt4xARFXbsfJk_iWDPdU/s320/2012_050701aMissionMay620120001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ravens get very large here in Alaska like these two standing by the side of the road.<br />
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Some Alaskans are very creative about what they live in. Like this airplane fuselage that works for a summer home. You enter by simply driving the truck about ten feet forward then climb the stairs. This plane is far away from any airport. <br />
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Elder Poole and his new companion Elder Merrell just after dinner at our apartment. <br />
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Sister Spens at the institute clean up project along with many YSA helpers.<br />
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Chef Doug at the barbeque for the YSA cleanup crews lunch.<br />
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Some of the YSA just before the lunch after the clean up service on Saturday May 5th.<br />
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The entire Fairbanks community has a clean up day to spruce up the community just before the tourist season starts. There is quite a bit of trash on the road side because everyone carries their trash to a pick up point in the back of pickup trucks all winter and a good deal of it flies out. Everyone gets involved with the clean up and things are really looking much better. It is a great community service for the YSA. Some of the YSA also prepared our small flower beds for planting. We will have to wait until the last week in May to avoid the possibility of frost damage.<br />
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This week we have been winding up our institute classes for the Spring semester. We had our last Old Testament class this last Thursday as well as our last teachings of the living prophets. Sister Spens tried a brand new soup called Toscana soup that is from the Olive Garden restaurant and it was a great success. Test week is coming up so we take a one week break before the Summer session starts. Classes at the institute are getting larger because of the return of students from college and the influx of seasonal workers coming for the tourist season. Many of the YSA returning to work or from school are young people that we worked with last summer so the reunions are great. Also in the bottom picture is a young man Louis who was baptized Saturday night after the service event. Another girl pictured there is Annie who is moving to Anchorage to work. We certainly do have a constant turnover in the YSA population. Everyone seems to be headed somewhere.<br />
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If you check the LDS senior missionary opportunity list currently posted on the church web sight you will find a position for a couple to serve a CES mission in Fairbanks Alaska or in other words our position is now being officially advertized and things are in process to find a replacement for us. It will truly be interesting to see who will take our place and hopefully it will be soon enough that we can give some training to the new CES couple. They are now officially called S&I (Seminary and Institute) not CES.<br />
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The trees are actually starting to turn green as ice breakup season is over and spring is finally coming. The milder temperatures are certainly appreciated. We do not have to plug in the car overnight to keep the engine warm nor do we have to let it idle for twenty minutes to warm the car before driving. The car seems to run better at warmer temperatures as well.<br />
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Our greatest joy continues to be our association with the wonderful YSA and the opportunity we have to teach them and set and example for them. We have built many strong relationships with the youth of the church here in Alaska. Our association with the young missionaries is great as well. We are kind of like grandparents to the missionaries. We have provided the institute building for them to use and it is always great to have them around for lunch or district meetings or to have them teach investigators at the institute as well. The YSA as well as the missionaries always seem to have doctrinal question as they grow in their knowledge of the gospel. These question always lead to interesting discussions.<br />
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Saturday night we were invited to a great whole pig roast farewell dinner for Sister Laura Bullen who is headed to serve a mission in Brazil. Then we had a great baptismal service for Louis Hospe that was very well attended by many YSA. Sunday we all gathered for a special CES fireside broadcast where all senior seminary students were invited to attend. Elder Marlin K.Jensen spoke and gave a great spiritual presentation using the sacred grove as an analogy to how we grow spiritually in the church. Sister Spens provided great homemade brownies after we were all spiritually feed with the teaching of a general authority. We continue to enjoy the work of the Lord in the great Alaska mission.<br />
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Elder and Sister SpensUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-45723845119194189502012-04-29T23:39:00.003-06:002012-04-29T23:39:55.937-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few of the senior missionaries in front of the Mission Office.<br />
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What a beautiful day to enjoy a trip to the Kenai Peninsula.<br />
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This is looking across the Turn Again arm of the Cook bay south of Anchorage. The forest as well as the snow come right down to sea level in this part of Alaska. <br />
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This old Russian Orthodox Church is in old Kenai and is on the historic register.<br />
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Some of the senior sisters in the mission home kitchen.<br />
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An "official" photo with Pres. and Sister Beesley<br />
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This Tlingit art is in the Anchorage Airport.<br />
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It has been an interesting week for us. We made our final trip to Anchorage to our Seminary and Institute training with our area leader. We really enjoy learning from the experienced teachers. There are so many things to learn about being a better teacher and taking care of the program here. Those in charge of the Seminary and Institute program of the church are trying their best to turn us into official S&I teachers. Some changes were made in the organization of our area which will allow us to have closer contact with Bro. Beames who will now be our area coordinator. The state of Alaska was split up in two general areas. We look forward to working closer to Bro. Beames. He plans to come visit next month to give us more direction. It was a hard thing to realize that we probably wouldn't see Bro. Greg Bishop again or the Schlindlers who will be leaving Juneau in July. <br />
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As always, we took the opportunity to attend the Anchorage Temple. There were a few crocuses blooming on the temple grounds to welcome spring. We still don't have leaves on the trees, but it looks promising. It is a great blessing to be able to stay in the mission home. Pres. and Sister Beesley are so kind and helpful. All of the senior missionaries that were in the Anchorage area had a dinner on Friday evening. It is a great opportunity to talk with the other missionary couples and
share experiences and just get to know each other better. The Parkers will be leaving next week, and others later in the summer. Things are in constant change, but the work goes on. <br />
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Thursday we borrowed a mission car and took a little trip out on the Kenai Peninsula. We have been told how beautiful it was. We really enjoyed the opportunity to see a little more of Alaska. It is interesting to see a little history as well. There is still a bit of Russian influence in the old towns especially on the coast. <br />
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Earlier this week we had a homeless man come into the institute to see if he could "hang out with God's children." He was very aware of how important it is to help others improve their lives. He visited one of our classes and was at church again today. He told us how impressed he was with our young people who not only talk of Christ, but also try to live as He did. They really are good examples. <br />
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Today we had our last temple preparation class with a couple that is planning to get married and with a new sister missionary who got her visa and will be flying to Brazil to begin her mission next week. It is such a blessing for us to associate with such wonderful young adults. I am so grateful the the blessings of the temple that allow families to be sealed for time and for eternity. We are aware everyday of the blessing it is to have a family and how important our families are. We pray for the Lord to watch over and bless all of you while we are here.<br />
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With love,<br />
JoAnn and Jim <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-21611314108982143612012-04-24T01:52:00.000-06:002012-04-24T01:55:08.032-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju78EZP6cJv3BWnZjbSWjrc_wzda9_Js_L67wVLwxnmH_ajMXCLTpoOYKKr_iW_wG5saZClJYB21mvT-pJhNvlYgrW4pB2Y__LcRwyM4ySeByIavel0Nf3OkdgoScaWcSVX6J81ILgZMs/s1600/2012_042401aMissionApril2320120003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju78EZP6cJv3BWnZjbSWjrc_wzda9_Js_L67wVLwxnmH_ajMXCLTpoOYKKr_iW_wG5saZClJYB21mvT-pJhNvlYgrW4pB2Y__LcRwyM4ySeByIavel0Nf3OkdgoScaWcSVX6J81ILgZMs/s400/2012_042401aMissionApril2320120003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
At the home of Dale and Alisa Hardy, some wonderful members who invited us for dinner.<br />
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This is a piece of artwork called the solar borealis.<br />
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That is the frozen Tanana river and the Nenana Classic tower sitting on the ice.<br />
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The clock house and connecting tower for the tower as shown above.<br />
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A view from the Parks Highway looking south to the Alaska range with Mt. McKinley in the center. Probably 200 miles away. (Notice the trees are still bare. We expect everything to "green up" in a week or so.)<br />
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This is the Fairbanks zone elders and sisters on transfer day just after lunch and just before departure to Anchorage to complete all of the transfers. Four of the elders above are being transferred out and one of the sisters. They all travel to the mission office in Anchorage to accommodate the transfer process. It takes the better part of two days for all travel and completion of transfers. Everyone seems exited about the moves. Two of the elders transferring have been in the Fairbanks zone for nine months. The institute has been a hub of missionary activity since we arrived and that was not the case in the past. We have just opened up the institute building to all missionary activity. We are looking forward to meeting the new elders and the new sister in a couple of days.<br />
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The pictures of the Nenana ice classic above are an interesting yearly activity. They build the black and white tower on the frozen Tanana river in February when the ice is four feet thick. Then they wait until the break up of the river in late April or May and when the tower falls down it trips a signal that gives the exact time that the tower falls. Some times the river will break up early with several feet of ice and it is a thunderous event. Other times is is just a slow melting process where the ice finally gets so thin that the tower just falls. Since no one knows when it will fall lottery tickets are sold where you guess the exact date and time of the tower movement and the winner or winners share in prize money. It has been going on since 1917.<br />
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The solar Borealis pictured above is just outside the Fairbanks airport and is an artistic sculpting with special reflective material attached so as to reflect the colors of the rainbow and thus the name solar borealis. If you look closely you can see green to the left, pink to the right and blue on the top. The colors change with the light.<br />
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The attendance at our main institute class on Thursday has begun to climb because of returning missionaries and arriving workers for the summer tourist season. It is great to have an increase in class size as well as having non-members attending as well. The young people here are constantly inviting and bringing their friends to institute and to the YSA branch meetings. The young people are starting to go over to the stake center after institute and play volley ball as well after institute class and the food gathering. The volley ball, the food and the institute classes all combine to be great attractors for the YSA.<br />
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This past weekend we traveled to the small town of Anderson to visit and early morning seminary class. We went down early and attended church meetings at the Tamarack branch in Nenana. We then had a wonderful dinner at a members house along with the young elders who are teaching two young girls who will be baptized in May. We stayed over night at an old lodge just outside of Anderson. It was pretty well run down and for sale. We stayed in a 'cabin' as they called it. It was very old and run down but it sufficed for the night. The interesting thing that happened when we arrived at the cabin after dinner at the members was that the facility had no toilet paper or tissues so JoAnn went to the office to ask for some. (It's me now.) One of the lodge owners started asking about what church group we were with. I was able to explain that we were from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes called the Mormons. He asked where the church came from. When I told him it was organized in New York, he was very surprised. I asked if he was interested in knowing how the church came to be. He said he was, so I proceeded to tell him about Joseph Smith and how he wanted to know which church he should join. I told him about Joseph Smith's vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ and how he was told he would be an instrument in restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. I told him about the Book of Mormon and asked him if he would like a copy to read. Unfortunately, we didn't have an extra copy in the car, so he asked if I would send him one. It was a privilege for me to bear my testimony to him and see his interest in what I said. Maybe we were supposed to stay there. We never know when we will be able to share our testimonies with others.<br />
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Have a wonderful week!<br />
Jim and JoAnn <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-53638016599049060512012-04-16T00:11:00.002-06:002012-04-16T10:17:50.554-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NcVYimBFPPuSmthZkytwyJ0QwHwYKnHqA_XEhHJeF2zrAVaBDG8RZ3cri2pYOm5cUjLKeQs-bTAIl52cQF_cYg3HXFZQd53dTxWrCcIawGUDLyqz1uqopf6wRcl0WzaO5wG8RndSocQ/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NcVYimBFPPuSmthZkytwyJ0QwHwYKnHqA_XEhHJeF2zrAVaBDG8RZ3cri2pYOm5cUjLKeQs-bTAIl52cQF_cYg3HXFZQd53dTxWrCcIawGUDLyqz1uqopf6wRcl0WzaO5wG8RndSocQ/s400/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> This is part of our home evening group in the Institute "living room."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmzssPMw4TH73wUBJnuAF1xf6TE5cwMLvB5wPbanN8iPOCYXCS2l9rQ5o96lwjfduL_txHcOmbrQ-N9UlgTMdbuPMp8sT5dYIpv0dz06CRBKN55WrWMz-_P9TXYxiqEXDP67y7PkgFfY/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmzssPMw4TH73wUBJnuAF1xf6TE5cwMLvB5wPbanN8iPOCYXCS2l9rQ5o96lwjfduL_txHcOmbrQ-N9UlgTMdbuPMp8sT5dYIpv0dz06CRBKN55WrWMz-_P9TXYxiqEXDP67y7PkgFfY/s400/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> More home evening group having a lesson.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkpFgukcJ0mPE19U2IMk04TA2kJqXTkQh7H7OhtpMwTESf21kzFGDGgcKMXLKz5MjPAAlevDqUjwsqoAEaxvWJMFaWD5_RZBn_s_y0V_KICxVvexd0h4_xUXjOCU7mUTWp6JFIW5ITio/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkpFgukcJ0mPE19U2IMk04TA2kJqXTkQh7H7OhtpMwTESf21kzFGDGgcKMXLKz5MjPAAlevDqUjwsqoAEaxvWJMFaWD5_RZBn_s_y0V_KICxVvexd0h4_xUXjOCU7mUTWp6JFIW5ITio/s400/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> You know that spring has arrived when the birds return to Creamers Field Bird Refuge. There are many more swans than we have seen before. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKyE27aep2wvY4Mr7C60nYAqdZFfmSrHiYndGJgaWbhPlRjo0c44ysP8t7h5tpi_XhmH0mND6uPDO0eCc8J9iCNDnbTowT-WafKl9pC5_RRashExW53ImgEZ5AuFcwWIRuBZeamNHvO8/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKyE27aep2wvY4Mr7C60nYAqdZFfmSrHiYndGJgaWbhPlRjo0c44ysP8t7h5tpi_XhmH0mND6uPDO0eCc8J9iCNDnbTowT-WafKl9pC5_RRashExW53ImgEZ5AuFcwWIRuBZeamNHvO8/s640/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> If you look closely, you will see many swans and Canada geese that have returned to this part of Creamers Field. We actually live just a little right of center on the hills in the background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXRK0LfL6VKk7oD_j4OSK3Iu9yJLs74hWa1fImAjKgoU2Ve4x9pMao66BEMWxZaSSIC8zbFaHWjBqu2NRVsleg3RIJFD4y0x81_8nbHyYL_7tx9e-Dqyuci1hyqIUzqNUhB-UtZAs3fk/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXRK0LfL6VKk7oD_j4OSK3Iu9yJLs74hWa1fImAjKgoU2Ve4x9pMao66BEMWxZaSSIC8zbFaHWjBqu2NRVsleg3RIJFD4y0x81_8nbHyYL_7tx9e-Dqyuci1hyqIUzqNUhB-UtZAs3fk/s400/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Some of the Canada geese looking for something to eat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZZNaeDP7xI_5Kh6mrw6QQ7LzSqi8UOvotE9OHSZeqBnwv_eZ0G5onGl6O9zsb-Aj-wKgE6vfAxwJ2hb69ZxAf61uqKv-EiW0pXxTiGuevPlf2yxs__4eBEP_eR4SC5oKK_IwhGnujC0/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZZNaeDP7xI_5Kh6mrw6QQ7LzSqi8UOvotE9OHSZeqBnwv_eZ0G5onGl6O9zsb-Aj-wKgE6vfAxwJ2hb69ZxAf61uqKv-EiW0pXxTiGuevPlf2yxs__4eBEP_eR4SC5oKK_IwhGnujC0/s400/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> This is a male muskox at the UAF Large Animal Research Station. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBm5cF8QbYij6dhEC-fszuWv-u3aXzjp8T57ZHufGseURow9otu2PyczW9WQPrdSPHVAaFEuxAf559_7nomcUI8RpCE1o0n_P6XKaqzOHCFYT0uaG17zKjIZDPBqjkcZQeiwEoz8A5mI/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBm5cF8QbYij6dhEC-fszuWv-u3aXzjp8T57ZHufGseURow9otu2PyczW9WQPrdSPHVAaFEuxAf559_7nomcUI8RpCE1o0n_P6XKaqzOHCFYT0uaG17zKjIZDPBqjkcZQeiwEoz8A5mI/s400/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120025.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two muskoxen and a missionary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTa74o8m77eiqikgC6RAQS67ZkxnaWwntElzbrT9-Sg6LpTgkYx5g1Y3hGp03rwlN51Zf9jXZ3ITRm9HuDRWk5QpnsWj1yicFIQP47LjptYrOs5LdMiQnsNtUOhjW5hs8vXLw6m1p2ww/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTa74o8m77eiqikgC6RAQS67ZkxnaWwntElzbrT9-Sg6LpTgkYx5g1Y3hGp03rwlN51Zf9jXZ3ITRm9HuDRWk5QpnsWj1yicFIQP47LjptYrOs5LdMiQnsNtUOhjW5hs8vXLw6m1p2ww/s400/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120005.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table> You have to look carefully to see these signs of spring -- pussy willows.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR_I2FO_nBHEE_tuYELeilIf3P3HPniWo-ccO0E75beqhLT9HaXVFyVQrEVeik-WTgnFHb9ZVnL_KqUaCjou0dngN2ua7LHviwn6lEVxYeYUhU-CnY8DlQzExJDGLfk78L7S02cR8mU4/s1600/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120006.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR_I2FO_nBHEE_tuYELeilIf3P3HPniWo-ccO0E75beqhLT9HaXVFyVQrEVeik-WTgnFHb9ZVnL_KqUaCjou0dngN2ua7LHviwn6lEVxYeYUhU-CnY8DlQzExJDGLfk78L7S02cR8mU4/s400/2012_041501aMissionApril1520120006.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our drive way is almost clear with some heavy shoveling. Now we will have a small river running down it until all the snow is melted. Breakup is an interesting new season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week as been wonderful again. We have been holding home evenings in the Institute for a few weeks now. The foyer makes a nice living room when we bring out the comfortable chairs. It was the day after Easter, and for an activity we hunted for Easter eggs inside. Some of the grandchildren might be able to find a few eggs in the pictures. Most of the eggs were found. However, I kept finding eggs tucked in places all week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our classes have been great. We never know exactly how many to expect. The attendance to our classes on Thursday as been increasing. That always makes me happy. We really enjoy the students here. Because BYU Idaho is between sessions, we had three students from a family in Delta make the 100 mile trip to attend class as well. It's a long trip for them. It makes me so glad to see their determination to come to class. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Wednesday, we had our last early-morning inservice class for our seminary teachers for the year. We may have one before we leave before school starts up again in the fall. Our teachers are so committed to helping their students understand and apply the teachings of the Old Testament to their lives. We appreciate all they are doing and the sacrifices they are making. Three of our teachers will be leaving the area before school starts again. Things always change. As the school year gets close to the end, we continue to prepare for graduation and for having materials ready for next year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend has been our Stake Conference with Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy as our visiting authority. His official assignment is the Church Education System. We have learned much from him in our inservice meetings that have been televised from Salt Lake City since we arrived in Alaska. Our Stake is focusing this year on building the Stake by helping us focus on the "next saving ordinance." We had some wonderful talks in the Saturday evening session. I am grateful for a Stake Presidency that is so aware of the needs of the Stake. Our conference sessions are also made available on the web for those in outlying areas and to review again later. This is the same way we broadcast our class on Thursday. Technology is a wonderful blessing to us in Alaska where our Stake is so spread out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of the missionaries met with Elder Johnson on Saturday morning for a question and answer session and some great instruction. On Sunday, Pres. and Sister Beesley were here to speak as well. We love to hear their council and direction. They had just returned from a training meeting in Utah and had so much to share. I heard a comment that Pres. Beesley is rivaling Pres. Uchtdorf in his story associations about flying. One highlight for me was to hear a Primary children's choir sing before conference began on Sunday. It was so fun to watch their faces as they sang with all their hearts. I do miss our association with little children. In the afternoon there was another short fireside for all the Young Single Adults in the stake. It focused on agency and how we give Satan part of our agency as we follow his enticings in the world. He binds us with "flaxen" cords until they become "strong cords" and then even "chains of death." The wonderful part is that the Savior through our repentance can help us break those cords and chains so that we can gain our agency back and choose to follow Christ. Everything depends on the choices we make and the Atonement of the Savior. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our weather has been so warm. We really enjoy being able feel the warmth of the sun. Early in the week we stopped to see if there were any birds at Creamers Field and found lots of snow. By the end of the week there were many geese and swans that had returned. The geese will be there until they leave in the fall once again. You can always tell when the birds return because there are so many people there to watch them and take pictures. We also stopped to check out the muskoxen. They keep the males and females separate most of the time. You can still see who is dominant as they butt heads to take over in the at the feeding spot. The musk ox has a very fine and warm fur under the outer hair that is very expensive. When it starts to be shed in the spring, they take the muskox to a small pen and brush out the Qiviat wool. A scarf sells for $250.00 to $350.00. It is the softest and warmest wool in the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We love being in Alaska and serving the Lord. We pray for the Lord's blessings to be with our family and friends at home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">JoAnn and Jim </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-40706164032860437892012-04-09T00:11:00.000-06:002012-04-09T00:11:06.065-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dk6zN_wXNg3T4crJ_LVU_9jHhAyjaDOM3uETSK8M5xM5tyjDr14kqZmEIbS_qJdFsH9mAHTV7YSFFzbdfwiUv8QTlcf0ZhZIgzEIz0uNcExS4ztHZbLPGtCQY5jVEt9xNazvmIwXYms/s1600/2012_04090aMissionApril0820120003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dk6zN_wXNg3T4crJ_LVU_9jHhAyjaDOM3uETSK8M5xM5tyjDr14kqZmEIbS_qJdFsH9mAHTV7YSFFzbdfwiUv8QTlcf0ZhZIgzEIz0uNcExS4ztHZbLPGtCQY5jVEt9xNazvmIwXYms/s400/2012_04090aMissionApril0820120003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This is a modern replica of the winter bear proof winter food cashes used in early Alaskan homesteads. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k3zRJ78m2MFdmcwj5tNXVjVYHOnag5oetLtaaFPx5d9138lmH_d0hdEMeR6mZGOlcqH1vY0RDz-RFu4RDN9XNi-nkmLpQfO0SlaFYoLsJPZV0cHV8CJY_rwYZhVlDslDGlmm-RqrqPs/s1600/2012_040901aMissionApril0820120004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k3zRJ78m2MFdmcwj5tNXVjVYHOnag5oetLtaaFPx5d9138lmH_d0hdEMeR6mZGOlcqH1vY0RDz-RFu4RDN9XNi-nkmLpQfO0SlaFYoLsJPZV0cHV8CJY_rwYZhVlDslDGlmm-RqrqPs/s400/2012_040901aMissionApril0820120004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The two major conifers of the taiga or interior forest of Alaska. The even one in the middle is the white spruce and the other very uneven ones are the black spruce. This forest basically covers the interior of Alaska.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmcjli4aj-oj15tWbX4u9iW5xXreHAbVmqYEeaa9HN9IDzFKU4XjUWGqG7ki8QfHMbp1DeSR6GsH2LII18J7X75gK-8ZkX1sJJWHUPwYmvOCIhF_Mr0he1WXKSkbkth_kMD5jOE216NE/s1600/2012_040901aMissionApril0820120001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmcjli4aj-oj15tWbX4u9iW5xXreHAbVmqYEeaa9HN9IDzFKU4XjUWGqG7ki8QfHMbp1DeSR6GsH2LII18J7X75gK-8ZkX1sJJWHUPwYmvOCIhF_Mr0he1WXKSkbkth_kMD5jOE216NE/s400/2012_040901aMissionApril0820120001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Sister Spens in her office at the institute preparing Easter eggs for a special Easter lesson for our family night. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ybaC_RRzuHG__HHR89MyEI8LkAe5sOWHJsboVLCePeEdkz9tdmiz29sa4YnSjlXfdgN2NopmYH0d7szdXHlKvmMHH9bKQPBtzbloT2rcphNvezocZL_jLnFoq1JZvFqaO6rPCtuZEgw/s1600/2012_040901aMissionApril0820120007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ybaC_RRzuHG__HHR89MyEI8LkAe5sOWHJsboVLCePeEdkz9tdmiz29sa4YnSjlXfdgN2NopmYH0d7szdXHlKvmMHH9bKQPBtzbloT2rcphNvezocZL_jLnFoq1JZvFqaO6rPCtuZEgw/s400/2012_040901aMissionApril0820120007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Elder Spens at his favorite study place in our apartment kitchen study area. Notice the bowl of chocolate Easter eggs on the table. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM3lgWK9qLNRDsJd2w60Rj4rRVoepsJ2211XIHPrlFO5Q1gQccq6-8-wJA8gliJ3pbexkPJZJGkXBwDadSvuE5kU3IHpy3y3GdQJEWdXO8iNS0n-REzM-V1PBYJGtjIAsGGO6mc9x4ro/s1600/2012_040901aMissionApril0820120008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM3lgWK9qLNRDsJd2w60Rj4rRVoepsJ2211XIHPrlFO5Q1gQccq6-8-wJA8gliJ3pbexkPJZJGkXBwDadSvuE5kU3IHpy3y3GdQJEWdXO8iNS0n-REzM-V1PBYJGtjIAsGGO6mc9x4ro/s400/2012_040901aMissionApril0820120008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Many of the fine young adults end up leaving the branch and going off to school or getting married or going on missions or many other reasons they just seem to always be on the move. This is our last week with David H. who is one of the great returned missionaries who is now off to attend BYU Idaho.<br />
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We are finally beginning o see the end of the winter here in Alaska. The days are warming up into the 40's and the snow is really starting to melt away. They call it the "break up season" because of the breaking of the ice in the rivers and the opening of the rivers to navigation. What it really means is that all of the sub-zero weather is past for the year and the greening of the forest is coming within weeks. Even those who are totally accustom to the very cold winters here are always exited to to see the weather change and spring come to the north. We now no longer need to plug our car in to heat it up in the morning before starting and we no longer need to let it run for twenty minutes to warm up the engine and trans at those 30 to 40 degree below temperature.<br />
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We are getting into the Isaiah chapters in our institute class and the students seem to be excited to study this wonderful prophetic work of the Old Testament. We will also be presenting our last seminary teacher inservice lesson this week. The early morning seminary will end by the middle of May and suddenly the year will be over. Where did the time go? This mission and all that we are doing seems to be moving very fast to a conclusion. We are however discussing the curriculum for the summer institute program as it will begin in the first part of June.<br />
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It has been a wonderful Easter day here. The branch choir sang "He Is Risen" and JoAnn got to accompany them. East Sunday as we teach the Temple Preparation class, we realize what a great blessing it is to know that families can be forever through temple sealings. As we learn of those we love who are close to returning to our Father in Heaven due to illness, we recognize how wonderful it is to know that we will see them again. Christ truly did rise that we might all live again! <br />
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Love to all,<br />
Jim and JoAnnUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-47966280220087751312012-04-01T21:11:00.001-06:002012-04-02T20:20:15.261-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSTxwWlvH-C5MwnKNWkKz4ZyiKl5TH3iaTAppTCnZMxqd7Le1Tg3X_sN9LIzOB3uLNpWl7dWpDaKYQBZzhOHtC8QsFgebEQsiqbRHtl3OztXBUZJy0SyPzyEPMDqahyWG3_fehj2zsNI/s1600/2012_033101aMissionApril20120001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSTxwWlvH-C5MwnKNWkKz4ZyiKl5TH3iaTAppTCnZMxqd7Le1Tg3X_sN9LIzOB3uLNpWl7dWpDaKYQBZzhOHtC8QsFgebEQsiqbRHtl3OztXBUZJy0SyPzyEPMDqahyWG3_fehj2zsNI/s400/2012_033101aMissionApril20120001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The new district leaders assigned to the Branch, Elder Poole and Elder Hinkley<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwctNsmUEt30OHftRVrLwm428EW1sloOh6_Y_hxvt-Aiqm4F8DASH8X0t8NIIzx0ezhN-VN90VbmLJxmjinXp2dGckGjYNKIu2dFpwUDO48eXOotJhpTQmFQe8HkRmhULtYh5eO46Njc/s1600/2012_033101aMissionApril20120002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwctNsmUEt30OHftRVrLwm428EW1sloOh6_Y_hxvt-Aiqm4F8DASH8X0t8NIIzx0ezhN-VN90VbmLJxmjinXp2dGckGjYNKIu2dFpwUDO48eXOotJhpTQmFQe8HkRmhULtYh5eO46Njc/s400/2012_033101aMissionApril20120002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Calan, how do you like this funny ice cream shop? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4vXT7ayVDEwG9RXx78OjqM8CdNjZ3UQRWIZ4-9THs_250cmdFx2BYkldKj42JqAx8fAo088CAfxoZoPOZVQZa2hfFDD1c2uxrrLYiqSUKHZD2PHsH8qGKJ1ymi0S1hpPc9BfJJSJgLI/s1600/2012_033101aMissionApril20120004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4vXT7ayVDEwG9RXx78OjqM8CdNjZ3UQRWIZ4-9THs_250cmdFx2BYkldKj42JqAx8fAo088CAfxoZoPOZVQZa2hfFDD1c2uxrrLYiqSUKHZD2PHsH8qGKJ1ymi0S1hpPc9BfJJSJgLI/s400/2012_033101aMissionApril20120004.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> The famous Fairbanks Ice Bridge over the Chena River.<br />
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The highlight of the week was definitely watching the sessions of General Conference. We are always anxious to hear the words of the Prophet Thomas S. Monson and the other Church leaders as they give us counsel and encouragement. One of the top themes was the importance of the family. Families are one of the greatest blessing we have in this life. We are so thankful for our own family as well as our extended family. Of course, several talks taught of the great atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. His sacrifice gives us the opportunity to repent of our sins and mistakes so that we can return to him again. What a wonderful blessing to consider as Easter approaches. We invite all who read our blog to view the new videos on the life of Christ that the Church has made available. You can see them at: <u style="color: blue;">http://www.lds.org/bible-videos?lang=eng. </u><br />
<span style="color: black;">Based on the Bible verses, these videos are a wonderful way to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ this Easter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We invited the new Branch missionaries to have dinner with us on Monday and go to Home Evening with us later. They are quickly getting to know the members of the branch. We appreciate having them here in Fairbanks. On Friday, we were invited to have dinner with Sister Lolita Gridley and her son Ethan along with several of the missionaries in Fairbanks. She loves to feed the missionaries and is a wonderful cook as well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Classes are always a highlight of our week. We enjoy teaching and being a part of the lives of the young people here. It is so fun to watch them interact with each other. We had another missionary return home to Fairbanks this week and attend institute class. However, by next week he will be on his way to Idaho to school. The young people come and go so quickly. (We were excited to see Sister Mallory Wrigley in the MTC choir that sang in the Saturday afternoon session of Conference.) She is almost on her way to Brazil.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"> The sunshine is such a welcome sight. The temperatures have even been above freezing and the snow is beginning to melt. Hopefully spring is on its way. We wanted to take a picture of the Ice Bridge during winter. Right now, they have made a snow dam so that you can't drive out onto the river. We have not felt like it was a good idea to try it even when the ice is thick over the Chena River. It is melting now and is definitely not safe besides it is mission policy to not drive out onto frozen rivers and lakes. There are such interesting things here in Fairbanks. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We are looking forward to Easter. The choir is preparing to sing "He is Risen" and the director asked me to accompany them. I've been practicing all week. It's good that I have another week to polish it. We are so blessed to know that the Savior lives! Happy Easter to all of our family and friends.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">JoAnn & Jim</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-25507346257494369102012-03-27T00:33:00.001-06:002012-03-27T00:36:31.735-06:00Alaska World Ice Art Championships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSbZpjMowcckkeC09g0HnUCo-MuBa-9AT6ZYKpeDv0mEM5YvaQztVWpm6iK6E31wm9rh27l_3i8UqkhGJZXB_A7vy-w-3gj-ac0AIMKttPEDooQcVI8A-v2ssW6KlyEIx1MbE3wf3kzs/s1600/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSbZpjMowcckkeC09g0HnUCo-MuBa-9AT6ZYKpeDv0mEM5YvaQztVWpm6iK6E31wm9rh27l_3i8UqkhGJZXB_A7vy-w-3gj-ac0AIMKttPEDooQcVI8A-v2ssW6KlyEIx1MbE3wf3kzs/s640/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Ice sculpting of an Indian<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigtnFLWGzgy4Bo_QL5RTt4jv5a6OXh5gmTBVf4N9Gtv5GFtH1nzdYk_6CqKRDMGgqxj06Qiz4ZtmN9VaYsrdF2wbPIr95r1VUVfGq01EEzE0hnsoZEejJpIUCv2jI82gPl9cquhgUWOc/s1600/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigtnFLWGzgy4Bo_QL5RTt4jv5a6OXh5gmTBVf4N9Gtv5GFtH1nzdYk_6CqKRDMGgqxj06Qiz4ZtmN9VaYsrdF2wbPIr95r1VUVfGq01EEzE0hnsoZEejJpIUCv2jI82gPl9cquhgUWOc/s640/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This train ice sculpting is huge like fifteen feet tall and twenty feet long! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiyth8kl0IkMqmFuL50xdTz9XAacte5h78v7uS9n4HL22UDfEcF9NvfJE2dmawuABmUh3LImixyFcY1BUbApByeCSG0497RSUqy6zOg4wPwJQDfNPMJWqaHUNVKFK4Ftv7Ye7lNuDi7Y/s1600/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiyth8kl0IkMqmFuL50xdTz9XAacte5h78v7uS9n4HL22UDfEcF9NvfJE2dmawuABmUh3LImixyFcY1BUbApByeCSG0497RSUqy6zOg4wPwJQDfNPMJWqaHUNVKFK4Ftv7Ye7lNuDi7Y/s640/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This multiple piece was called "Garden Party".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eeYWajQNFTntyjDU2spy0X_mvAnhfQ1e0XIiSSKnNLJ8MnbTapGFi_vQ1RENccqMVFP4hye8zvXJZTYYgjYOaoTh2uEQMMcG3hXQEa0As-lAcjPMT-Ljp_tDjo0lyd3Pmhf2r7N9AkA/s1600/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eeYWajQNFTntyjDU2spy0X_mvAnhfQ1e0XIiSSKnNLJ8MnbTapGFi_vQ1RENccqMVFP4hye8zvXJZTYYgjYOaoTh2uEQMMcG3hXQEa0As-lAcjPMT-Ljp_tDjo0lyd3Pmhf2r7N9AkA/s640/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120046.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> At night the colored light give a different look to the pieces like this viking ship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6DVpjxaSbuEQxEJS8eXlka3DvVu-5ZL9dnKIcOuJsRU8JjKOQy97cNv4J4LTaYki7K2FIMA-W3T8zw01AM4OFBHa7WRI7TygqLM52tQxS-IrgUFuhHYDKtn_4cN5i8nvf8xr3x8KAKY/s1600/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6DVpjxaSbuEQxEJS8eXlka3DvVu-5ZL9dnKIcOuJsRU8JjKOQy97cNv4J4LTaYki7K2FIMA-W3T8zw01AM4OFBHa7WRI7TygqLM52tQxS-IrgUFuhHYDKtn_4cN5i8nvf8xr3x8KAKY/s640/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This is a Chinese themed work with all kinds of animals. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggypq49r0hlSEiKsIbccLRvHUaAewsfQiVct-wXok7GOEJDxJZxe6rfxLIU4R2_LrXvCaxjtNtqFakQdI6zLUD39i8BNYQwEG78JGvOodJx90N4q3fkLlkyeSFihYcGmP2s4-NNZrBUo4/s1600/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggypq49r0hlSEiKsIbccLRvHUaAewsfQiVct-wXok7GOEJDxJZxe6rfxLIU4R2_LrXvCaxjtNtqFakQdI6zLUD39i8BNYQwEG78JGvOodJx90N4q3fkLlkyeSFihYcGmP2s4-NNZrBUo4/s640/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This is a large leopard after a porcupine. It was one of our favorites. It took first place in the contest for the multi-block carvings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMd760m4rAMFl1Al5-m1D3vDKvf5BQohrc0QWBA7TGiuFeIIxjhT9kJBTC-Rnm7zRTwelFLa8DUXOxhAyk1N7fi3i42o6JyEr2LGr_1ILZEPGiIs5cKm9kzJftEFsnaOw2tS7F0AKdM4Y/s1600/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMd760m4rAMFl1Al5-m1D3vDKvf5BQohrc0QWBA7TGiuFeIIxjhT9kJBTC-Rnm7zRTwelFLa8DUXOxhAyk1N7fi3i42o6JyEr2LGr_1ILZEPGiIs5cKm9kzJftEFsnaOw2tS7F0AKdM4Y/s400/2012_0325aMissionMar2420120049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This final piece is one that some of our young people had been working on during the day we visited the international ice sculpting contest. It was the first time that they had done any ice sculpting. It was a pair of wings still waiting for details on the rest of the ice block. President Olsen and Elder Spens both worked on the ice with a wood working chisel to just get the feel of what it was like to carve in ice and it was very unique. We had a sizable group of young single adults attending an activity at the ice festival. There are people that come from all over the world to work on the carving competition. Some work on single blocks of ice like five by eight and two feet thick and others work on multiple blocks and get some of the works up fifteen or twenty feet into the air. There is a small lake next to the festival area where they cut the block of ice. It is amazingly clear with few bubbles and is free of any derbies that would discolor the ice. It is clear as glass even though it is two feet thick.<br />
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President Olsen is the branch president of t the YSA branch and even though he is our land lord and we live in his basement we have become very good friends with him and his wife. We actually have a lot in common with them including the raising of five boys and three girls. He has interests in wood and metal working and she is a quilter. We have come to know many of the LDS families that live here in the Fairbanks stake and we would include them now as our friends. Since we have never been transferred while serving here in Fairbanks and probably will not be transferred any where else our circle of friends from here continues to grow. Of course our main circle of friends are the YSA group and that group continues to add to our list of friends as well. Although the YSA group is in a state of constant change with all of their coming and going. We also have a set of missionaries assigned to the YSA branch, and we have just received a new set of young men to work at the branch. We do work closely with them and do all we can to support and encourage their missionary activities. We continue to have investigators come to institute class that have been invited by the YSA's.<br />
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We are beginning to see some definite signs of the approaching spring here in Alaska. The sun is now high enough in the sky during the day to feel heat and the sun is warming the air, trees and the ground. We are actually seeing some beginnings of melting! They call it the break up season rather than spring because of the many rivers that thread through the country. When the ice gets thin enough and the rivers start to flow enough the break up occurs and the rivers become navigable once again. They still use the large rivers to access the many villages along their shores.<br />
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We are looking forward to general conference this weekend and we always set up the institute for the viewing of all of the sessions along with breakfast goodies on Saturday and a pancake breakfast between sessions on Sunday. President Olsen challenged all of us at our family night to watch conference with the idea of having either questions on our mind to be answered or to simply listen to see what President Monson and the other general authorities will be teaching us to do. We are continuing to enjoy our calling as CES missionaries in the great Anchorage Alaska Mission.<br />
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Elder and Sister SpensUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885973153408343572.post-2365231813876175882012-03-18T19:58:00.000-06:002012-03-18T19:58:15.118-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aEhCjU-3pj-qt7P41LMaMu5TxE6myk8a7v9D8nAoXx4TXEQFDw3HegiCyq8OZyNwHBR5b-7OvxZ-DTc6cic2GvnjgaL2LdIHSbI6lvXiBV24B6-FskVGjo2jOb7Wf1zzEzkX190FyhM/s1600/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aEhCjU-3pj-qt7P41LMaMu5TxE6myk8a7v9D8nAoXx4TXEQFDw3HegiCyq8OZyNwHBR5b-7OvxZ-DTc6cic2GvnjgaL2LdIHSbI6lvXiBV24B6-FskVGjo2jOb7Wf1zzEzkX190FyhM/s400/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120001.jpg" width="323" /></a></div> Occasionally we have to wait for a moose to cross the road in front of us and this one seemed to be in no hurry as it just lumbered across in front of us. They are about the size of a large draft horse. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-yGWTqA7VpnGduDmsf89wgvWGHtopPCup5CWD28bWEATE5i8S_TMKvqwJz0Er_o9PH63uzk2v7Tj1yree81E3993YNaJQz3G5BjbR2nGcshvW5hsV4V1XofM__4z3-WpQgBCiSZO484/s1600/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-yGWTqA7VpnGduDmsf89wgvWGHtopPCup5CWD28bWEATE5i8S_TMKvqwJz0Er_o9PH63uzk2v7Tj1yree81E3993YNaJQz3G5BjbR2nGcshvW5hsV4V1XofM__4z3-WpQgBCiSZO484/s400/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Sister Spens at the tomato green house at Chena hot springs. There are ripe tomatoes on those vines.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEWa0l0ARZZlZzlWXlE0cA20s-A93_qXOl51UfiNjxzyJyfhr8iPD3jAn022t7qulvtS5nGfEHCshmbFrkzvWDG5dMfXw6_9oMeqJBfy44aS-fJdK89xg0BWUdr5XsF9kUsB8NmHMu8U/s1600/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEWa0l0ARZZlZzlWXlE0cA20s-A93_qXOl51UfiNjxzyJyfhr8iPD3jAn022t7qulvtS5nGfEHCshmbFrkzvWDG5dMfXw6_9oMeqJBfy44aS-fJdK89xg0BWUdr5XsF9kUsB8NmHMu8U/s400/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A YSA from the branch Eric is the greenhouse manager at the Chena Hot Springs greenhouses. That is lettuce growing in a hydroponic system and doing quite well. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe1aB5lBBUX2ng2IYurqkspxb5HlsdR0Q7Lfy0JUYcfek0uDWDxEH_ZQToKUqqplzfg1sMLYJWTLRSwo_KFZ6GH_hKhaW5mADBgo6PeRZsSPEd4iAKr5c8pEIxQhWDmHCst-0m8zROwk/s1600/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe1aB5lBBUX2ng2IYurqkspxb5HlsdR0Q7Lfy0JUYcfek0uDWDxEH_ZQToKUqqplzfg1sMLYJWTLRSwo_KFZ6GH_hKhaW5mADBgo6PeRZsSPEd4iAKr5c8pEIxQhWDmHCst-0m8zROwk/s400/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The pond behind is a hot spring at the Chena Hot Springs resort. It is a popular swimming spot here in Fairbanks. Pond temp. about 100 degrees air temp. about -4 degrees. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ypxYtBoTNDkp0JLzJTw-fUE58HgvPT8GDo2m3NUynJ53yjoSuyT12-DFOydqmeBVlNngWIxyOUPIxNgund-JhDjwF4Qmaqau_Edghnmoi9y2rVXtLXY5J_BgSMfMvcp2VCAqN0LZXmU/s1600/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ypxYtBoTNDkp0JLzJTw-fUE58HgvPT8GDo2m3NUynJ53yjoSuyT12-DFOydqmeBVlNngWIxyOUPIxNgund-JhDjwF4Qmaqau_Edghnmoi9y2rVXtLXY5J_BgSMfMvcp2VCAqN0LZXmU/s400/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a zone conference this week and this is the zone picture with us and the Beesleys in the center. Sorry some missionaries got cut off in the picture.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPEr3lPaWh8JO08HRAhg0Tu84mcK4fxSc5DP-fFm84NLLXuOjAVAX_Pd2OgBDMmSgv3C467GEbnOI3-s4UjAuTbZA9bfheBETrnqV7m1RQbGUSdM1RinajForBePc-r0I8t3yWPrE9qM/s1600/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPEr3lPaWh8JO08HRAhg0Tu84mcK4fxSc5DP-fFm84NLLXuOjAVAX_Pd2OgBDMmSgv3C467GEbnOI3-s4UjAuTbZA9bfheBETrnqV7m1RQbGUSdM1RinajForBePc-r0I8t3yWPrE9qM/s400/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> We have an energetic pair of sisters working here in the Fairbanks area. Everyone loves the sister missionaries.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySs6OMtrfD51r1DEFDnsBCWHM2zctjDYrzog9t7-zl5rEuBMGRvm6aRE6d8A3ICplq5djhkMUOPliK1XsZdWCvzhZ1IBAzRkDQHjn-W-Ow118jNdIoX9iQ9Wah1EWogFj6LsJ__uzGEE/s1600/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySs6OMtrfD51r1DEFDnsBCWHM2zctjDYrzog9t7-zl5rEuBMGRvm6aRE6d8A3ICplq5djhkMUOPliK1XsZdWCvzhZ1IBAzRkDQHjn-W-Ow118jNdIoX9iQ9Wah1EWogFj6LsJ__uzGEE/s400/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The Alaska flag with the big dipper is also part of the symbolism of the mission logo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWuHUMXBkzEWefgYvVNtXWfCi_du5pSl6or8oULiVzxe40iEO7YQOTQkDPPaZu49B9oRHhZSfG8eWPmaGLQV1qqzVyNOaYWjLkEYOXgfB6EiU4N9CmxRu36uUEs2lUiEYzDwmVYA6jgI/s1600/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWuHUMXBkzEWefgYvVNtXWfCi_du5pSl6or8oULiVzxe40iEO7YQOTQkDPPaZu49B9oRHhZSfG8eWPmaGLQV1qqzVyNOaYWjLkEYOXgfB6EiU4N9CmxRu36uUEs2lUiEYzDwmVYA6jgI/s400/2012_0317aMissionMar1720120027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>That is a fire engine that was part of the experience at the Music Man production. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiz5NtDJKLUHPI01TJu324OpRQTJWMWqXxyIXJIRLVmVQXFwQmSBzPSaCgIMYkOGMQwp1QS4o3QW3x9vlfaLgjZJRxCuJqb2bPF20fmDO05IoXHrFeE3H6_vF3lTRJxghqcsgJHNsgls/s1600/2012_031a7MissionMar1720120038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiz5NtDJKLUHPI01TJu324OpRQTJWMWqXxyIXJIRLVmVQXFwQmSBzPSaCgIMYkOGMQwp1QS4o3QW3x9vlfaLgjZJRxCuJqb2bPF20fmDO05IoXHrFeE3H6_vF3lTRJxghqcsgJHNsgls/s400/2012_031a7MissionMar1720120038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We had great Auroral displays this week. They were intense enough that we were able to see them from the area of the institute for the first time. This shows the top story of the house we are living in.<br />
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This has been spring break at UAF and so there were no institute classes this week. We had a little time so we drove out to the Chena Hot Springs resort where a young single adult member of the branch is greenhouse manager. It is really quit amazing to see the vegetables growing and doing very well at their facility. We had lunch at the resort which included a delicious salad from the greenhouse and then had a guided tour of the greenhouses. All the plants are grown in a hydroponic system and the heat and light is all generated from the hot springs so it is very inexpensive to grow the plants. The road out to the Chena hot springs is pretty much a solid ice sheet. It is like driving on a scatting rink. We tried to pull a car that had slid of the road but we could not get any traction on the slick road to pull the car out. You can drive in those conditions but you just have to be very cautious.<br />
We have two brand new Elders serving the YSA branch and after a meeting with the branch president they proceeded to become stuck in our driveway. They had just slid off the relatively steep driveway and could not get out. I was able to hook our tow strap to their car and pull them down the driveway about thirty feet through the snow and free their car. I guess we should have taken a picture of that situation but our main concern was to get them out and on their way. <br />
We seem to see the moose on a regular basis because we have been told that the moose herd here in the greater Fairbanks area is larger than it has ever been because the wolves that were their natural predators have been eliminated in the area. They are always interesting animals to watch. They seem to be quit oblivious to human presence and do not spook or run away easily.<br />
We had a zone conference this week and our mission president and his wife came up to Fairbanks along with two other senior couples who are in charge of vehicles and apartments. It was fortunate that we had a great Auroral display for them especially on Friday night. The zone conference was great. We had wonderful training from the zone leaders, the mission assistants and Pres. and Sister Beesley. Most of the training is in the proselyting domain which is not our exact assignment, however it is still very helpful since we have direct working relationship with the branch elders and the investigators they often bring to institute classes. Sister Spens made a batch of her famous home-made sweet rolls for breakfast at the zone conference. The zone conferences are always great spiritual experiences and a time to renew our commitment to serve the Lord in our missionary assignments.<br />
Lastly the picture of the fire engine above was a unique event. Our family evening group had gone the a performance of the Music Man put on by the Fairbanks Light Opera Society at the West Vally High School auditorium. Gary Holyoak from our branch presidency took part with his barbershop quartet. Well, during the performance the fire alarm system went off and we had to evacuate the building and stand out in the parking lot at -4 degrees and wait for the all clear. We waited about fifteen minutes and then returned to a great performance. On our way home we saw a beautiful display of the northern lights as a finale to the evening.<br />
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Elder and Sister SpensUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1