Missionary Monday

The best thing about Monday's is that we hear from Elder Wood.  He has had his challenges over the past few months, but he manages to get through them and move on.

Today's email was HIGHLY ANTICIPATED as he was going to give us the news on his transfer.
Because of the weather in the Houston area, transfers were delayed.
I hoped that he could survive another five days with his companion....he was definitely ready for a change.

Not to gloat - but I had guessed where he would be going.  (You can ask Evan and Preston). 

Lake Charles, Louisiana is his new home.  He is excited. 
NEW CITY (he is in Heaven with Chik-fil-a and Target). 
NEW COMPANION. 
Legit ward with kids.

The new area will be an adventure.  The city is 47% white and 47% black. 
It is on higher ground (13 feet above sea level).
They drive a Toyota Corolla to their area and then bike. (I hope they park their car in a safe place)
It will be a hot humid summer.

Here are a couple of pictures of the flooding from last week in the Houston area. By the way, the temple does NOT have a reflecting pond.

Tennis and the Gospel Make the Best Team

Elder Wood has become quite the missionary.

This past week he had the opportunity to baptize Quiana and Roger (Mom and Son) in the small town of Cleveland, Texas.

The contact with Quiana came from playing tennis with her on her grass.  It was probably not the best "court" to play tennis.  But it was the best "court" to break the ice with Quiana!

I love how he gave props to the missionaries who first contacted her in Charleston, South Carolina 8 years ago!

I love how he has kept his sense of humor - destroying pants and bike tires along the way - and being attacked by inbred Dogs.

I love how he has eaten anything placed on his plate - from raccoon - to frog legs - to shrimp and corn.

I love how he is so into missionary work that he hasn't hardly asked about Tennis - specifically his future wife - Maria.

I love how he deals with the insults being thrown his way by random people.

I guess I just love that baby boy of mine!

 

 

Footnote:  There were some issues with Quiana.  Let's just say, they found a lost sheep and baptized her son. 



The Big Day is Almost Here!

It's strange, but the last entry on the blog was about Meranda's engagement. Now, the wedding is just 3 days away.

It has been fun planning the wedding - she is my only daughter and I want the memories to last the rest of her life!  We haven't had any major meltdowns.  Meranda is level headed and has made decisions that are her - not just because she is supposed to do certain things. 

For example, she is not having a "throw away bouquet" - she said she thinks they are dumb!
When asked how many bridesmaids - she politely said - I'm not having bridesmaids.
When asked if she is having her nails done...the answer is no - I've never had my nails done.
When asked who is doing her hair and makeup - the simple answer - I am.
When asked if she is excited - she said - sure - but it's just another "life-step" - she is ready for marriage!

Things have pretty much gone according to plan.  Now we just wait for the day and hope everything comes together which requires relying on the tables, chairs, lighting, being set up at the Salt Lake Hardware Building...the caterer showing up and being ready...the cake getting there without tipping over...the florist delivering the bouquet to the temple and arranging the flowers for the reception...the photographer getting some really great pictures...and of course hoping that guests will come and enjoy the day/evening with us (that is probably the thing I stress out about the most).

It's unfortunate that her Grandma Huber and Grandpa and Grandma Wood won't be there - but I know they will be there in spirit.

It's unfortunate that Parker won't be there.  He wanted her to get married before he left.  I miss him being around.  But, we sent him a tie to wear to match the guys - and we will flood him with pictures!

Here is a picture that I took the day of her "formal/bridals"...

I think she looks gorgeous!