Introduction

   On November 20th, 2016, we had an appointment with our Stake President, Reid Stephan.  We were issued a mission call to serve in the 13th Ward of the Nampa Idaho North Stake.  We were told we would be released from all of our callings in the 16th Ward and our records would be sent to the 13th Ward for the duration of our mission.
   Our mission begins on January 1st, 2017, but we are in Cookeville, Tennessee helping Amy in her recovery from recent surgery.  Our first day in the 13th Ward will be Jan. 15th.
   I am creating this blog to record our experiences and be able to share them with family and friends who might be interested.
   We are excited about this calling.  We will still serve at the temple on Wednesdays and Jim will still work at the Family History Center on Friday afternoon.  We have been given permission to keep three of my visiting teaching sisters.  One of them Jim & I visit together as home and visiting teachers. This may change if we feel promptings from the spirit that a change would be good.  We have visited Sister Janet Lee for so long we can't remember.  There was a change once and she didn't like it.  Her husband was a non member but he would let us come as a couple.  I always took treats and that might be the reason he liked us and they accepted us.  I may be making a lot of treats as we go to visit less active, inactive and part member families.
   When we were set apart for this mission Pres. Stephan counseled me to keep in touch with our friends and associates of the 16th Ward so that when we return after our year of service it will be a smooth transaction,  I have been surprised at the reaction some of our friends have had.  They are happy for our call but sad that we will not be in the ward for the coming year.  We plan on still having good times with them and keeping in touch.
   We met with the Bishop, Boyd Kent, on Sunday, Dec. 18th.  I didn't write down the numbers but they had a lot of youth and a large Primary.  He gave us the number of endowed members who do not have current recommends and that will be one of the lists we will work with.  We will work with members who are struggling, who need caring and support.  We realize that we will have to do the things that will invite the spirit to be our companion so that we know how to work with those we will be assigned to work with. There may be times we will ask for the faith and prayers of others to help us in accomplishing our goals.