Last week I said there would be more pictures of our activities and travels, especially since we were going to Maine to visit some early-morning classes, and maybe do a little in-service training. When we got about 40 miles from home, we realized that we didn't have our camera. Needless to say, we were very disappointed, but we continued our journey.
Our first stop was in Amherst, Nova Scotia, very close to the New Brunswick border, to visit some very good friends, Elder and Sister Steffen.
They went through the missionary training center (MTC) with the other Elder and Sister Tiffany (Elder T's brother and sister-in-law), and they will be going home next month. While there, we had lunch, visited with the younger missionaries, and the Steffen's loaned us one of their cameras for our trip.
This is Elder and Sister Steffen from Fruit Heights, Utah. We originally met them in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, when we were here only two weeks. They go home next month. He's Branch President in Amherst, and ready for a rest at home in Utah.
We had lunch with the Steffens, and while we were there the younger missionaries stopped by - just in time to eat. Elder Jensen (in the back) was a brand new missionary we worked with earlier in Halifax, and Elder Hawkes (in red) is a very friendly and loving missionary who was sent here to work in the Mandarin Chinese area (we didn't even know there were enough of that culture here to send a missionary).
And here we are!!
Can you believe it?!
We saw these signs all along the way, but never actually saw any moose! Our entire trip was 980 miles, and no wildlife anywhere!!
Our ultimate destination! Presque Isle, Maine, as well as Caribou, Limestone, and Fort Fairfield, Maine.
Sister Holst has got to be one of the most loving and likable hostesses ever! Not knowing us from Adam and Eve, when we arrived at her door, we introduced ourselves and she said bring in your bags and make yourselves at home. We stayed with her for four days and she was like a long, lost friend. Sis. Holst (Jacque) teaches early morning seminary (6:30 a.m.) every weekday, then feeds her students breakfast. She is an excellent teacher, with a wonderful testimony and spirit. Her husband passed away last year with Alzheimer's, and she has one daughter and 14 grandchildren, who live near her.
This is Sis. Holst's home on a corner of her 100 acres of forest land, frequented by moose, deer, and bear (which we saw none).
This was just down the road from Sis. Holst's, and a surprise to us, but these people say there are a large number of Amish who live in the area. We actually saw a horse and carriage, but didn't get a picture of them.
This is Sis. Torruellas and half of her early morning class. A very good teacher, who is well organized and has a great and humble spirit about her. She and her family just moved to Maine from Oregon, a little over a year ago. Bro. Toruellas teaches Spanish. A very nice couple.
Here we have Sis. Patton, Erin, Beah, and Eileen (3/4 of her class). The Pattons moved to Maine from Southern California, 9 years ago. Bro. Patton works for the Border Patrol. They have a really great spirit about them and try really hard to be good examples in their area and schools.
Bro. Dave Smith is a local dentist who did some work on Elder Tiff while we were there.
Elders Tusa and McIntyre having an
amazing breakfast with us at Sis. Holst's.
The sign speaks for itself! We crossed this on our way back to Halifax.
Welcome back to Nova Scotia!!
Sunday evening we had a spaghetti dinner (thus the aprons) with
Elders Gibbs, Johnson, Campbell, and Wolsey. They don't get many dinner invitations, so we try to have them as often as our budget will allow.
On Monday we took Elders Wolsey and Johnson to Peggy's Cove. The skies were clear, the waves were calm, the winds were fierce and sub-zero!
And Sis T was loving every minute of it!!
This past week was by no means a vacation for us, as we were up very early every morning, doing a lot of driving, and sleeping in someone else's bed. It certainly was enjoyable, but somewhat of a challenge. Visiting each early morning class was a spiritual treat, though, as well as gaining new friends. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not always an easy thing, but it is ALWAYS worth it. The people we serve and serve with, are living the Lord's commandments the best way they know how, and are continually seeking ways to improve. The teachers are great examples to their students of what the Savior has taught and continues to teach through His living Prophets and Apostles.
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