Sunsets and Snow

Dear Friends & Family,

We started our mission six months ago tomorrow. We entered the MTC on Sept. 11, 2023. We attended uplifting classes & meetings for 2 weeks and met wonderful people there. Afterward, we drove up to beautiful Anchorage, Alaska. It has been an incredible adventure full of growing experiences. We were in the MTC with two other couples serving here - Cox's & Kuerth's. We were able to have dinner with them Friday night at a Mexican Restaurant. One of the best parts of our mission has been our association with other senior missionaries.

When Farrell asked me where I would like to serve a mission I listed: London, England Temple, Washington D.C. Visitor's Center, and Rome, Italy MLS (Member Leader Support). I grew up Catholic, so I thought that one would be a perfect fit. All of these would be places where I could meet people and dress up. I realized we would be able to do all of those here. I have the opportunity to attend the temple twice a week. We will soon have a visitor's center, and we just finished the MLS portion of our mission before demolition began. I requested not to be called anywhere excessively hot or humid. Farrell didn't want to wear a suit and tie. The Lord really has answered our prayers. 

We are learning the nuances of MS (Microsoft) Publisher. We have had many training sessions, but all the difficulties pop up as you're actually doing it. After watching dozens of online tutorials, we were finally able to submit our first weekly report to the church. Another one is due right on its heels, so it's been a steep learning curve. Farrell has been very patient with my countless questions and maybe some complaints. I would like all the computer programs to be easy to use but perform intricate tasks. It's impossible to have both. I realized whenever our computers have problems I expect Farrell to solve them as though he invented computers and the internet. He did introduce them to our family and his workplace back in the day, so it's ingrained. It's really a back-handed compliment to his genius. 

The Brayton Stake Center demo continues. Alaska Demolition separates out the metal for recycling in dump trucks and hauls off semi after semi of all the rest. It's been interesting to watch, but kind of sad, especially at night when the site is completely dark over there. We are looking forward to the start of the new Anchorage Temple.

We had another 2 1/2 inches of snow last night. That brings our total this winter to somewhere around 120". We are not included in the National Weather Service snow totals:) It truly is a winter wonderland. The snow-covered mountains remind us of Utah and we love the clean air. If I lived here permanently I would have to get a home gym. The driveways and sidewalks are rarely dry and snow/ice-free unless they are heated. We walk inside the local mall for exercise and lift weights etc. at the gym. I usually listen to Follow Him or catch up on the news with my daughters. We are really looking forward to the weather getting nicer with no ice so we can exercise outside and enjoy nature. 

We discussed a recent General Conference talk in Relief Society this afternoon at church. Elder Stevenson suggested four ways to seek the promptings of the Spirit: Stand in Holy Places, Stand with Holy People, Testify of Holy Truths, & Listen to the Holy Spirit.  

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/25stevenson?lang=eng

He quoted President Russell M. Nelson, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” I testify that there is a prophet on the earth today and we can pray to know the will of Heavenly Father for ourselves. We are all His children and our Savior Jesus Christ made it possible for families to be together forever.

We love you all. Have a wonderful week. #Think Celestial

Elder & Sister Badger