April 23rd through April 29th, 2024

We enjoyed another week full of... traveling.  We just calculated that since arriving in Cheboygan nine weeks ago we have put 3,596 miles on our car and we love it!

We drove 156 miles to Mt Pleasant, Michigan for Zone Conference on the 23rd.  We have become the "back up helpers" for the Vehicle Coordinators at Zone Conference (because Elder Gibbons' volunteered us).  We inspected cars for tire tread and wear, first aid kits, emergency go backpacks, insurance cards etc.  Twice a car stopped and the driver said, "I just have to ask.  Why are all these Chevy Equinox cars lined up here?"  One of them was a van with Enterprise Rental Car driver's in it.  Elder Gibbons drove for them until we left for our mission. 

                    

Although you can't see them all, there were 35 cars.  All Chevy Equinox                         

Our Michigan Lansing Mission Presidency:

Left - President Smith

Center - President Peckham

Right - President Gentile (and he is ALWAYS as cheerful has he looks in this picture.  He is a dynamic teacher because of his energy.

With Sister Peckham who worked very hard providing lunch.  She gave some closing remarks which were the spiritual icing on the cake because she spoke from her heart.

 

Our fantastic Sisters (now a trio) currently serving in our District.  Sister Froelich, Sister Radmall and Sister Bridge (who is from San Tan Valley, AZ.  Anyone know her?)  They are so fun and so dedicated.  They have been rocking it in Petoskey!  Our Elders and Sisters love to be together at Zone Conference!

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Saturday, April 27th, we were blessed to travel 265 miles to the Detroit Temple.  We had one of our Branch members with us and it was going to be his first time being in the Temple since having been baptized December 2022.  We helped him print family name cards for his parents and grandparents.  He said, "This is better than sitting home all day watching TV!"  He is about our age, and mostly homebound and uses a walker.  What a joy to see his joy.  He is the man at the left and these are other members of our Branch who went as well.

Brother Koller, Sister Gibbons, Elder Gibbons, Brother Hill, Sister Barrow, Sister Bendel, Brother Hetrick and Sister Pugh.

​​​The Detroit Temple is a smaller temple, but beautiful nevertheless.  We didn't get to see much of it since we were there with Brother Koller to baptisms only.  

On our way home, we caught some amazing skies and some torrential downpouring of rain.  Love this picture because it has so much symbolism in it.  Dark clouds, rays of sunshine, and even an opening between heaven and earth.   

​​Every fourth Sunday our Branch has a potluck meal after church.  Yesterday we had the most people at church that we have seen.  36 with us and 4 via Zoom.  We love these wonderful people!

As we continue to see some amusing sights as we drive throughout our Branch boundaries.  Military equipment in a front yard and evidence of how powerful wind is here--a huge downed tree between two houses that just happened to miss them both.

Lastly, one day this week we were sitting in the sun inside our car when we arrived at home.  We have taken to the habit of sitting in the warm car for a minute or two before we brave the cold, windy air and head into our house.  I looked down at our hands and to be totally honest, saw with disbelief, how old both of our hands looked.  When did this happen?  All we can say is that we sure hope we have used our hands for His good and will continue to try to do so all the days of our lives.  He lives and we love Him!

Summarizing Galatians 6:9-10, "And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap...As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men..."