I can't believe that I let another week go by without a post.  Shame, shame on me.  I am frustrated that I haven't been more faithful in posting to our blog when I consider how busy our girls are and they still have time to submit their own posts.  Don't give up on us yet, we will try harder in the future.

Wish that there there was some earth shattering news to share but there isn't, so you'll have to be content with what we put together.   Not being formally trained in our zone is a bit of a two edged sword.  We missed out on a lot of one-on-one training and there is so much more to learn and to practice.  I was hoping to be a lot more confident by now, but I fear I'm just not there yet.  We are following the training in our "get started" guide and it is helping.  Lorene continues to work with guests on a limited basis and has been doing a lot of shadowing.  However, on a formal basis it appears that our required shadowing days are over, but we will still do it on an informal basis.  A couple of groups from Genealogical Societies have been on on our floor this past week, and while many of the participants are accomplished researchers and have not needed any assistance, a fair number have requested assistance and the missionionaries in our zone have been very helpful.  We never know from day to day what to expect, so each day is kind of its own adventure.

Our adopted Mom here in the Mission had surgery last week and had a small cancerous spot removed from her breast.  Her daughter from Idaho was her several days last week and was a great help to her. At any rate, "Mom" is going to start working again beginning tomorrow.  She really doesn't let much get her down and is anxious to be up and doing again.  She is so sweet and is a delight to be around.

We have heard that the First Presidency of the Church is encouraging us to find ways either financially or otherwise to assist the vast number of refugees across the earth.  We have been talking to some of the missionaires that came here with us in September and we are going to try and find a group of refugees here in the local areas to serve.  We think with the holidays coming up it would be a great time to help others who are far from home, family, and friends and bring them some joy during this season.

Well, time to turn the keyboard over to the editor-in-chief for her corrections and additions.   Thanks to all of you for your support and good thoughts, we can feel them here in Salt Lake.

The past couple of blogs got sent out without my input, so I have a few things I'd like to say.  First of all, I'd like to thank those who have sent cards and messages  We really appreciate your love and concern.  It's nice to hear from you!  Also, as some of you know, I have been singing in our mission choir which is called "The Elijah Choir."  It is a sacrifice to participate (especially practicing at 6:20 on Monday mornings before our Mission Devotionals), but it is well worth it.  I have felt the Spirit strongly as we've practiced and performed.  

I also wanted to tell you how much I feel the blessings of Heavenly Father as we've served here.  My health has been good (other than a mild sinus infection this week), I am not as fatigued as I have been, and my muscle pain has not been severe.  We have met and work with some wonderful people and the Spirit here is so strong.  We had a wonderful stake conference last Sunday, and we have enjoyed the strength and testimonies of those with whom we are serving. 

We hope you are all doing well.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.