God Bless America

I've had the occasion to ponder on this wonderful country we live in. When I was younger I took for granted the freedoms we enjoy so much. As I have gotten older and opened my eyes to events around me I have come to realize what a blessing this gift truly is. 

We are currently reading a book called Seven Miracles that Saved America by Chris Stewart and Ted Stewart. It is an incredible book that shows the hand of the Lord in this country for hundreds of years. There have been so many miracles that can only be explained by the hand of the Lord watching over America. I highly recommend this book to you.

Because of the holiday our week was very slow. Also, a lot of the Brethren take the month of July off so we won't have very many events this month. It has been nice to have a little breather. We were able to take off a little early one day and go to the movies to see Witnesses about the Three Witnesses. Excellent movie. The next day we worked later so our trainers could go see the movie too. We actually got a "long" weekend with no events on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and we were able to take our PDay off today. We went with our trainers back to Ashton Gardens today. Such fun.

We did have three short events last week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening. Our trainers worked Tuesday so we could go to the movies. We worked Wednesday so they could go to the movies and we both worked Thursday. Most of the events we have scheduled for July thus far are for language coaching. Basically all we have to do is get them in the computer so they can get paid. We have an interpreter assigned as a language coach and they work with a third party professional language person to record things like the next Saints book in different languages or the three different magazines in various languages for the Gospel Library app. They do this in a professional studio so we don't have to do our normal things for events like provide a meal. I stay busy with the computer, but Steve gets a break on his end because he doesn't have to worry about a meal or parking passes, or access badges, or picture credentials. Things will pick up again in August.

So if anyone is interested in visiting us, July is a good month. lol

We have been adopted by the Lofts family (Katie Call Lofts) for the duration of our mission. Katie said since we can't gather with our family for holidays and such we can gather with theirs. We spent the Forth of July with them and the extended family that are in Utah. And we already have been invited to Thanksgiving! It was so fun to see Katie Sue, Helen, Brent, little Brent, Brian, Carrie, and Cassie, and of course all the spouses and kids. Plus there was some additional extended family on Brent's side. We felt right at home and enjoyed the crazy chaos that large families have when they all get together. 

Below are a few pictures from our Forth of July celebration. No fireworks because of the heat wave, but we had fun anyway. AND Brent and Helen did Dough Boys so that was a blast from the past.

Steve wanted to share his "Lucky Red Shirt for his Away Missions".