Steve: Another week has come racing by, and it is Sunday once again.  I almost feel like I really am in a race and I don't like what's at the finish line - the end of a full time Mission.  One of the best parts of being on this Mission is the fact that I feel like I have purpose in my life.  Retirement can leave you empty if you don't find something useful and meaningful to do.  Although I expect that I can find things to do and friendships to renew when we finish, I fear that my days will just be busy days without meaning. Although it would be nice to go on another full time Mission, deep down I think it would be better if we do a Service Mission so that we have the flexibility to continue to spend time near our family in both Utah and Arizona.  Serving is serving whether its full time or part time so long at is for the right reason.  There are so many opportunities, it may be hard to decide what to do without feeling like we have to do all of them.

This past week has been pretty much the same as the last few weeks.  The library is rather slow and it seems that most guests that come into the library know what they are doing and don't need much help. However, we have been busy attending classes on Irish and Scottish research as well as mentoring two new Missionaries.  In addition, we still have been working on our own research and tree cleaning.  I have learned that I can make myself about busy as I want to be without too much effort in finding things to do.  There is so much information on line now that can help put families together that it can almost be overwhelming at times.

I have discovered the truth in the adage that those that don't learn history from the past are forced to repeat it.  A few weeks ago my flash drive crashed and I lost a lot information that I had put on it. Through the expertise of others I was able to recover most of what I had lost.  However, not being too bright, I didn't use that experience to remind me the importance of backing up my files.  This week it happened again with the same flash drive and again someone else had to come to my rescue. However, I don't think all that was lost was able to be recovered this time.😞  I went out yesterday and bought a portable hard drive so that I can backup my files.  Now I need to learn how to use it so that I don't have to go through this type of anxiety again.

Lorene:  I feel that I have grown so much on this mission. I started out feeling so happy, then went through a rough period when I wondered why I'm here and whether or not I had the fortitude to continue.  Through fasting and much pondering and prayer, I have received the strength to not only continue, but do so happily.  The Lord has truly blessed me with comfort and peace, and I have grown closer to my Heavenly Father, the Savior, and the Holy Spirit.

I am looking forward with anticipation to going home.  I miss my grandchildren terribly and I'm looking forward to some much needed rest and "down time."  However, I also am sad to leave the many wonderful friends we've made and experiences we've had while here.  I'm so grateful for the prompting to come on this mission and for the help and guidance of the Lord.  I love this Gospel and am amazed at the blessings I've received because of it. I am so glad to be a part of this wonderful work!

Love you all!
Steve and Lorene aka Elder and Sister Walker