THE PIANO GUYS

The Piano Guys is a musical group consisting of pianist Jon Schmidt, cellist Steven Nelson, videographer Paul Anderson, and music producer Al van der Beek.  Paul Anderson is also the father of one of our sister missionaries and an acquaintance of the Sommerfeldts. At the request of President Sommerfeldt, Brother Anderson was kind enough to present a special Christmas message at our zone conferences this past week; all of which was unbeknownst to his daughter prior to his arrival. 

Like last year at the zone conferences right before Christmas, the senior missionaries prepared and served the food. When I say the senior missionaries, I (Russell) should clarify that Sister Hunsaker led the effort and many of the other seniors assisted.  I was of little help as I have been sick for the last two weeks.  After 11 days on antibiotics, two doctor visits and a priesthood blessing, I am beginning to feel better.  I’m grateful for Eileen’s patience with me.  Following the Mission Nurse’s advice and getting my financial duties at the office done did not always mesh nicely.  I could forgo most activities and miss sometime at the office, but the rent and bills still needed to be paid.  It’s not like you have a backup.

This is one of the videos Brother Anderson shared during Zone Conference.  He talked about the many miracles which occurred in order for them to film at Iguazu Falls and in Rio at the Christ the Redeemer statue.  Since I (Eileen) have been to both of the locations, I can totally understand why it would be a miracle for them to film there.

                                              

Sister Anderson and her mother and sister. Sister Anderson had no idea any of her family were coming and was thrilled to see them.

                                             

Eileen, Sister Creer and our APs for the mission, Elder Timpson and Elder Haroldsen              

Elder and Sister Patterson always volunteer to detail the single senior missionary's cars at Zone Conference. This past ZC they told Sister Creer to come with an empty tank and they would fill it up. She could only drive 13 more miles before her tank was empty. They barely got it to the gas station.

The APs filled the van with Christmas gifts for the missionaries from home.

We had a very full house at ZC.  We did Zone Conference in 2 days rather than 3, due to time restraints for our special speaker.

Senior missionaries at Zone Conference

Paul Anderson talking about his work with The Piano Guys. (Video of the Piano Guys posted in the posting after this one)

Sister Sheffield and Eileen at Zone Conference

I had purchased tickets to a candlelight Christmas concert about a month ago. Since Russell was too sick to go, Sister Madsen used his ticket. Sister Creer had already purchased a ticket to go with us. 

It was pretty cool to have a string quartet play basically in the dark with just the light of the candles.

                                             

Mexican food after the temple with the senior missionaries. The Ellsmores surprised us and paid for all our meals.