BECAUSE OF HIM

 Since last July, I (Russell) have had the opportunity to serve on Saturday afternoons as an ordinance worker in the Kansas City Temple.  At the beginning of each shift there is a half-hour training meeting.  Yesterday, in place of the training meeting, we had a Christmas devotional, with readings of scriptures and singing Christmas hymns.  There was something very special and sacred about celebrating the Savior’s birth in His house. 

Because of Jesus Christ, His teachings, example and atoning sacrifice, we can have hope of returning home to our Father in Heaven.  Because of Him, we have been shown the way we should live and serve one another.   Because of Him, I know that I can be with my family forever, if we follow His commandments. Because of Him, I know that we all will be resurrected someday.  It is because of Him, that Eileen and I serve as missionaries.  For Him, I will be forever grateful and eternally indebted!

This morning as I entered the church building, I noticed the two elders assigned to our ward, down the hall calling someone on their phone..  I assumed that their friend (investigator) had not shown up for church as planned.  After the meeting, I was pleasantly surprised to see them sitting in the back with a gentleman maybe a few years younger than me.  Upon going to talk to them, I met their friend and learned that he had come a few minutes late.  We will be taking the two elders out to dinner on Thursday.  I look forward to learning about how things are progressing with this man.

I (Eileen) have had several conversations with my replacement Sister Stimpson.  She seems eager to learn and I am sure will do a wonderful job with our missionaries. It is interesting as we pass the torch on our missionary duties how we have a sense of ownership with our responsibilities. I am grateful to turn my duties over to someone who is desirous to do a great job.    

Sister missionaries from the Missouri Independence Mission performing Oh Come oh Come Emmanuel

Dinner at Sommerfeldts with the office staff.

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We took these missionaries out for lunch before one of them had a Dr appt.  Elder Thomason goes home this week.  We will miss him.  Front to back-Elder Draney, Elder Smith and Elder Thomason.

Russell's stash of medicines.  After 3 doctor visits, 3 weeks of being sick with pneumonia, 3 antibiotics, 3 cough medicines and 2 inhalers, he is finally turning the corner. We are both very grateful he is doing better.

We passed this man on the way home from church. Just a few years I (Eileen) thought this would be the only kind of bike I would ever ride again after my bad bike accident. I am not sure if it is a motorized wheelchair or motorized bicycle, but it looked pretty convenient for someone who can't get around.