Week 17

Our Temple District is in pink. Kaliningrad is in the far northeast portion.

Well the Russians came and the Russians went, but they left behind for us a wonderful appreciation for their commitment.  The Kaliningrad Saints drove for some 18 hours to get to the temple in Freiberg. They faced snowy roads and waited hours at the border before getting permission to enter Germany. With them were a small group of teens who spent every day in the baptistry—asking if they could have two sessions a day.  A handful of younger children came too and parents traded off caring for them and attending temple sessions. The oldest among those who came were the Rumyantsevs who were 54, bringing with them their handicapped son who was thrilled to be able to participate in being confirmed for names for whom others had been baptized. The Chernovs and the Kartashovs looked to be in their early 30s, if that. Among them there were two women and three men who were set apart temple workers. They led sessions in Russian and the German Saints who attended willing donned hearing devices to join with them. Only a couple of the Russian sisters (and none of the men) spoke a little English, but we loved them all.  Sacrificing for the gospel is just part of their lives. I think they are lucky to have it so. Sacrifice hones and polishes character and that shines from their faces. 

Saturday morning three of the young adults were still here, though the others had left late Friday—it was easy to see they were finding it very hard to pull themselves away. We hugged them all and wishes them a safe return journey and sent with them our hope that they would find it possible to come back soon.

This week was also temple review for our new temple presidency. Blake Rosenval, from the Temple Department in Salt Lake City, was to have come but with the sudden death of his mother-in-law he was called home in a hurry and Graham Dunn, recorder of the Preston, England Temple (whom we had met some 15 years ago when we were in England) was sent in Blake’s stead. It was delightful to see him again. Amazingly he immediately remembered John and visited with him briefly, later inviting us to come and visit Preston again, to stay at his home.

It was clear that the presidency was under some pressure as they prepared for the meetings, luncheons, and observations that went on for the two days he was with us.  Our direction, in planning the schedules while Br. Dunn was there was to avoid making any Fehler (mistake)–no pressure there. Making no mistakes in planning is almost an impossibility we find. We make the plans a day ahead of their being used and almost daily when we arrive there are changes that have to be figured out—someone shows up to work who wasn’t in the book, someone else ends up being unable to come at the last minute, little complications—such is the "fun" of our assignment.

It all worked out well though and we all survived this important step for our new presidency and matron.  They do a wonderful job so I had no worries for them, but it was still a stressful time for them, I’m sure.

We continue to plow forward on our Laing genealogical project. We have been greatly blessed to have Helen Follmer, John’s cousin in Montana (isn't the Internet wonderful?), participating with us doing a fabulous job extracting documents so that I can add them to our Laing Family chronology we are preparing. She is so fast it is just terrific. John is continuing to work on the organization of his systems while also numbering and sending me items either to put right into Roots Magic or to send out for extraction among family volunteers. We are so grateful for what Helen is able to do.

Happiness is having Dad make it home to be with me!

We were happy to talk with our kids this week. That always makes our day when we hear from one of them and hear of their activities and the good things they are doing as they grapple with their busy lives.

It was fun to hear that Patrick, who travels with his work, flew home for Anderson's Pinewood Derby event and was there to cheer on his little guys. With Anderson he helped build an elaborate design and wanted  him to wait until he got home to set the wheels but Christian and Anderson couldn't wait so did it themselves. His car didn't win for speed but did for design and, besides, they had a great time trying.

Patrick's happy five

We are very grateful that despite Patrick and Emily going their separate ways this fall, they are maintaining a good communication and putting the happiness of the kids at the top of both their priorities. 

We love this picture Emily sent him of the five in a moment of hilarity.

Chi and David report that Mejai is in the school play this year, A High School Musical, and is more motivated to get his grades up (a requirement of participating). He is one handsome young man, though this shot of his "Nerd Day" look makes it just a little tough to see that.

Adam's foursome!

Adam sent us a wonderful audio clip of Nya playing the guitar and singing to her own accompaniment. She is really showing great talent. Her dad was teaching her but now she is taking lessons, having surpassed him. Kamryn is taking violin as well as piano and we are anxious to hear her perform for us as well. We love our kids and grandkids and are so grateful they are all trying to do things that matter.  

We are very grateful for the Lord's many blessings in our lives. We continue to love serving daily in dem Haus des Herrn.  May your week sparkle!