Xristos ḵux̱ woodigoot

Dear Family & Friends,

Sunset Easter Sunday

We hope you had a wonderful Easter Week. We really enjoyed listening to all the podcasts, videos, talks, and programs celebrating the life and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It's been uplifting to think of all the people that saw him after his resurrection. It gives me such hope and joy knowing we will be with our loved ones again in the eternities. In the Tlingit language of Kitty's ancestors, we proclaim with all of Christianity, Xristos ḵux̱ woodigoot - Christ is risen.

President and Sister Smith invited us over for an incredible salmon dinner last Sunday with and one of their daughters and her husband and infant son. She married one of Patriarch Light's six sons. When Pres. Smith filets the salmon there is always a lot of meat leftover near the backbone. He learned to use a big spoon to get all that extra meat. They either eat it fresh or freeze it to make salmon patties later. I could eat those twice a week. They served it with a delicious dill sauce, broiled asparagus and potatoes, and a chilled corn dish. I need to get those recipes. We brought the dessert, brownies that Farrell made. We love hearing all their stories and look forward to their association while we are here.

We have been cleaning and filling holes in walls and obtaining things for the Visitors' Center. Last Friday we were so excited to get electricity, so we don't have to use the propane buddy heater to take the chill off. Kitty was able to frame three more documents for display late Saturday - The Proclamation to the Family, Jesus the Christ, and an overlay of the new Anchorage Temple on the current site. We will be able to hang them today. 

We have begun to experience Anchorage daylight so sometimes it is hard to tell what time of day it is -- hence our late night at the Visitors' Center. Sunrise is at 7:21 AM (6:37 AM first light) with Sunset at 8:46 PM (9:31 PM last light). That is 13:24 hours of daylight -- more than anywhere else in the US. It increases about 6 minutes a day.

Easter lily

We were able to have eight other senior missionaries over to our home for Easter dinner. It's a great motivation to deep clean. Along with delicious food it is always a joy to visit as they share their experiences. Meeting wonderful people has been the highlight of our mission. Our minds can't help but travel to all the wonderful nostalgic memories of Easter's past with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings. Then the next generation with our own children and all the traditions filled with Easter egg hunts, uplifting programs, dressing up, and dinners. We feel truly blessed to know that those associations will continue again one day. 

Kitty's paternal grandmother always had an Easter lily and the smell brings her back to her youth. She grew up Catholic and palm Sunday was also special. Even though it's hard to comprehend the sacrifice our Savior made for us, it's always been a time filled with deep gratitude. Knowing we can be made pure again not only in body, but in spirit because of the Atonement is truly incredible. No wonder the whole wide world rejoices.

Have a wonderful week. We love you and appreciate all who reach out to keep us a part of your lives. Thank you for letting us count you as family and friends.

Love always, Elder & Sister Badger