Going back now from when we left the MTC On Wednesday after class ended and we tried to say goodbye to Anthony, we traveled to Bruce's that night. We were so tired and overwhelmed when we got to Bruce and Millie's and Uncle Dave and Aunt Florence that we forgot to take pictures of them. So sorry you guys. :( But we had a nice visit with both of them. I believe Millie posted a picture on Facebook. Thanks Millie.:) Bruce took care of our dental work and Millie brought the kids over so we could visit while he worked. Darling kids.!!
On our way out to Dave and Florence's we passed through the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Made us so homesick!! But we got a beautiful picture of Vail, CO. At Dave and Florence's we watched the BYU game and ate the great dinner they provided. Thanks so much.
We made a side trip up to Adam ondi-Ahman in MO and spent some time there. It was very beautiful and special. And it wasn't raining. :) While there, we met a group of LDS Chinese from mainland China who came to attend General Conference in SLC. They were in the process of touring the church history sites when we saw them. We couldn't believe it! They came at great expense and sacrifice to make this trip. They were so friendly and excited to see us. They thought we were the on-site missionaries. But they were still happy to see us and visit for a little while. So we got their picture!! It makes us so happy that there is a growing number of LDS Chinese in China and its coming from the members themselves. They said there are many of their youth who go on missions, outside of China of course. And we met several of them at the MTC. The gospel is being taught in China. :)
At Leah and Chris's we made Pasta. Talk about fun!! We had a great visit with them and the kids. Good times. :) Oh and you can see Grandpa in the background helping out too. :) The night before this we were in Normal. Illinois attending Madison's college soccer game. She played really well and they won, despite the fact that this huge girl (opponent) took her out TWICE, on purpose!! She is a valuable player on the team. Thanks for the fun Leah and Chris!
It rained pretty much the entire way out here. But we were blessed because the worst of it was either in front or behind us. Including Tornados. After we left Leah's to head for Evansville, Indiana to spend the night, it rained and rained. And then all of a sudden the sun was shining and there were two huge complete rainbows straight in front of us on the freeway. It was so huge I couldn't get a whole picture of it. But the colors were so vivid and beautiful we just drank it in. It stayed there for a long time too. It was as if the Lord was saying "I'm watching out for you and things will be fine. You have a wonderful new beginning ahead of you. Enjoy!!" I know that rainbow was meant for us. A beautiful message from God.
So this is where we live. It is a townhome with two levels, with the bedrooms and office upstairs. So we do a lot of climbing up and down. We do try to be very careful coming down. The Lord is blessing Beth that her legs are getting stronger and sometimes, she can run up them. That helps her to get up easier. :) Grandpa is so strong he just breezes up them!!. All that jogging I suppose. He is still struggling with the pain in his foot from the jogging, so we are going to see the doctor next week. 
We've attended institute four times, two of them in Kentucky this week. Few students attend and in fact, out of 440, 18-30 year olds, on the rosters, only 55 attend a church meeting of some kind. So we have our work cut out for us. But we plan to utilize the young missionaries as well as the members of each ward and branch. The Stake President is really concerned and we have counseled with him on what he wants us to do. So we are moving forward with that plan. And we will just love them to pieces!
It is beautiful here is West Virginia. Lots and lots of deciduous trees and of course they are turning color too. Because there has been so much rain (we have only had 2 or 3 days of sunshine since we've been here) and no freeze yet, the colors are not as vibrant as normal, but it's still very pretty. We got invited to dinner last Sunday by a member family who kind of live up in the mountains. We had soup and bread. They were really nice and have all the comforts. There are lots of people who live way back in the mountains and valleys, they call them the Hollers, where people still live without water and bathroom facilities and electricity. Some even won't let you on their property and have guns to make sure you don't come on their property!!. I don't think we will find ourselves out there, although, the missionaries tell us that there are members who live out in the Hollers and they said the people are really nice. So.... !!
The accent in their speech is very evident, but even more so in the small towns in Kentucky. I'm starting to talk that way in my head unconsciously and then I have to stop myself. Once in while I have almost made fun of them without thinking! Just to be funny. But that would not be good. They are very proud people. But they are also very warm and kind, too and friendly. The RA doctor spent an hour with us the other day just chatting and talking. Never had that happen before. :)
Have you ever heard of the Hatfields and the McCoys? They were two families from Scotland and Ireland who settled in the Eastern Kentucky and Western West Virginia in the 1860's. They ended up fighting and feuding all the time. Pikeville, Kentucky is where some of them are buried. The conflict lasted many years. Interestingly enough, in 2003 the two families signed an agreement on CBS morning news, saying the conflict was finally over. :) In April in Pikeville, Kentucky, they have their annual Hillbilly Days. We've decided we have to go to that long enough to take some pictures. :)
The goal industry is struggling here in this area. Many plants have been shut down. It has to do with the Environmentalists. But the problem is that more than 7000 people have lost their jobs. So the economy is really hurting here and many people have moved away including members of the church. So many of the wards an branches are struggling.
There is an interesting sign at one of our churches. Definitely not the usual church authorized logo. We've heard they have been asked to take it down. I guess they will eventually. :)
We sure do love you all and miss you so much. But we know that what we are doing is very important. Rose and Doug, the Campbell children's Aunt and Uncle were here just a few years ago as missionaries doing the same thing we are doing, (I know, crazy huh?) and many good things were happening when they left. Now there is little going on. Rose has been in contact with us and helping us. So we have a lot of work to do to build it back up again. But people have to want to also.
Our hope is that your faith stays strong. That you teach your families good things and love them to pieces. We know this is God's work to rescue the lost in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. We know that Jesus Christ is having the earth prepared for His second coming. He IS coming. And when He does, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is the Christ, the Savior of the world. General Conference was so powerful. Read and re-read the messages from the prophets of God. We love you all so much!!! Stay strong!! Hugs! Grandpa and Grandma
