Dear Family & Friends,
We spent the first part of our week continuing to outfit the new visitors' center trailer. Internet was installed on Saturday. We are still waiting for water, sewer, and the handicap ramp before opening. We moved all our computer stuff over as soon as we had electricity for computers and heat. It's nice to have our dining room table serve just for eating. Demolition is finished and there isn't a lot going on yet. The existing Anchorage Alaska Temple was closed again for the second week of maintenance. So with General Conference weekend it was a good chance to get away and try to see the Aurora Borealis with two other senior missionary couples.
There was another big 4" snowstorm on Monday. We saw our first moose in a month nibbling on foliage between the temple and the wall behind our house. It was a little one.
Thursday Sister Norton and I went shopping again to outfit the visitors' center. Some of that time was spent ordering items from Amazon. I felt blessed to be able to find what we needed. She has been wonderful to accommodate us. Her husband is the site superintendent. The Norton's live close by and we enjoy their friendship.
Friday we headed to Fairbanks and North Pole, Alaska for General Conference weekend. We went with two other senior couples and stayed in a cabin. We were able to see Denali. The mountain ranges here are just breathtaking.
We always love sunsets. Kitty would probably love sunrises just as much if she were an early riser:) This is a pic from Murphy Dome near Fairbanks.
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| View from cabin to Fairbanks |
We tried to see the Northern Lights. They are not always visible to the naked eye. Apparently after we went to bed the first night they were amazing from 1:30-3a.m. It's hard to stay up from 11-3 in the evening after a long day. The clouds don't always cooperate, which is why we usually can't see them in Anchorage.
General Conference starts here at 8 a.m. We were able to enjoy four live sessions. They are always uplifting and just what the world needs to hear during that time. I love listening to them over and over during the next six months. I always feel the Spirit as I listen to our inspired leaders.
Saturday after the second session, we headed to off to see the sights. Farrell had to get a pic near Badger Road.
First stop was North Pole, Alaska. It is a cute place with every store decorated festively. The main attraction is Santa Claus House, a great store complete with real Santa and Mrs. Claus. I assumed this was mistletoe and took a cute pic of the Cox's. It's just holly berry:)
Next was Museum of the North located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It has excellent displays. We also saw an interesting movie about the science behind the Aurora Borealis.
After G C on Sunday Farrell had a sibling call and the rest of us went to see the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline. The technology is amazing. It goes all the way from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. Interestingly, the pipeline is one of the reasons ANSCA was signed into law and Sealaska was formed. Kitty along with her three sisters and most of our children are members and get small dividends every year. We really had a good time but Kitty was sorry to miss Farrell's sibling call.
One of the real joys of being a senior missionary is spending time in the company of wonderful people. The other senior missionaries are our age, have similar backgrounds, and have a strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. It's always delightful to be in their presence. The Kuerth's will be heading home in May. They serve with Military Relations. He is such a gentleman and she is just the sweetest. We also love the Cox's. They will be with us until Sept. We were all in the MTC over the same time. It's sad to see them go, but we hope to see them again. We enjoyed eating out with two other senior couples and a young set of sister missionaries in Fairbanks and Wasilla. It really is a treat to see each other and share our adventures.
Another General Conference to strengthen and uplift us. We love our dear prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, who will turn 100 before the next conference in October. So much to learn, pray about, and incorporate into our lives. We invite you to listen to these inspiring talks. We love you all and wish you all the best.
Sincerely, Elder & Sister Badger
We spent the first part of our week continuing to outfit the new visitors' center trailer. Internet was installed on Saturday. We are still waiting for water, sewer, and the handicap ramp before opening. We moved all our computer stuff over as soon as we had electricity for computers and heat. It's nice to have our dining room table serve just for eating. Demolition is finished and there isn't a lot going on yet. The existing Anchorage Alaska Temple was closed again for the second week of maintenance. So with General Conference weekend it was a good chance to get away and try to see the Aurora Borealis with two other senior missionary couples.
Tate would like to know if you got a picture with Santa.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read about Sealaska and why it began.your letters are informative and I enjoy them immensely. Love, cousin Dianne
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