On the Kenai Peninsula

Hello everyone!

Kenai River

Today was a great Sunday. We just returned from the Kenai Peninsula, where we led a discussion in two separate wards in their 5th Sunday church meetings. We quoted extensively from temple and covenant teachings in the April 2024 General Conference. We also discussed the construction progress on the new temple along with some of its design features. It is a challenge to do it all twice -- once for each ward. Kitty and I did both together which also takes some doing to do it all in sync. It turned out pretty good. The Stake President and one of his Counselors were at the first presentation so don't know quite what that will lead to. If they liked it we may get requests from the rest of the wards in that stake. Kitty is already updating/tweaking the last attempt thinking we will do it again somewhere. I did the first original draft and she spent a good full day adding her thoughts. We are getting lots of requests from the wards to talk to YM, YW, and primaries at the Visitors Center. We love that and are having fun. It keeps us busy because we customize it for every group. We also see the young missionaries at the Visitors Center. We do our best to encourage them to talk to their friends about Family History and bring new converts to the temple. While we were down there we attended a meeting directed at future Sr. Missionaries. The two presenting were from Abbotsford, BC where I participated in building a manufacturing plant when I was with my last employer. I had a good chat with them but no direct connections.

 Homer AK

While on this little travel adventure, we stayed from Thursday thru Sunday with another Sr. Missionary couple in Soldotna. They were so gracious and treated us like royalty. The Gailey's are from Farmington UT and have been out about four months. We met them for the first time in Valdez at a mission organized event when they had only been out a couple of weeks. They wondered what they had gotten into because everyone was going halibut fishing. Most came back suffering from motion sickness and the one single Sister came back with the biggest halibut. It was a loosely organized gathering with no formal meetings -- nothing like a zone conference.

Jackson Garden's Strawberry "Patch"

This time they showed us the sights mainly following my interests -- a two day P-Day. Alaska never ceases to amaze me. Alaska people never cease to amaze me. We visited Jackson Gardens. This was like a truck garden/nursery with many assorted vegetables & fruits. The Jacksons (mid 70s) are church members who go a long way back living here--their parents were homesteaders back in the 50's. They have fed their family sustenance style for many years. What they don't grow (which is almost everything) they fish. They have an ocean going boat. We were invited to come back next summer for halibut fishing. They were just a constant stream of essential downloaded pointers on how to do what they have done. Gardening here in Alaska is very different from Utah. I was only about 50% successful this summer with some pots on the back deck. The weather is too cold and the season too short. The Jacksons grow almost everything from transplants except for carrots. They grow potatoes, turnips, cauliflower, zucchini, beautiful onions, beets, cabbage, carrots, parsnips and yes even a few cherry tomatoes. 

Trees in Jackson's Greenhouse

There is more to the story. They grow corn but but only in a cold high tunnel. They have to go in each high tunnel (that they buy from Costco) at noon every day when the pollen is out, with a leaf blower to pollinate the crop (corn is wind pollinated). It is also grown from transplants. That is really strange. I had heard rumors that people up here also grow fruit -- under cover (in unheated greenhouses). I can now confirm that. Apricots still hanging on the tree ripe (usually ripen in early June in Utah), plums, Bosc pears, apples, hardy Artic kiwi, sweet cherries (can grow tart cherries outside). There are very specific varieties that will grow. They use bumble bees for pollination. Honeybees won't work because they need UV light to see the flowers and get direction. The plastic cuts the UV light out of the spectrum. Bumblebees don't have that problem. Roses don't grow well -- unless you self propagate a stock you found 40 years ago growing in someone's backyard. I suspect they are Morden or Rugosa roses. As you can tell, I was in my element and the folks there were so fun to talk with. You should have seen their strawberry patch. End of the season and huge strawberries were still hanging over the edge of the concrete blocks they were planted in. They double stack the blocks. The sun warms one side more than the other eventually causing the blocks to tip over. They go back every season and reset thousands of blocks.

Kenai River

We drove along the Kenai river for miles. It is the premier salmon fishing stream.This time of year, it is a premier rainbow trout stream. I think they are steelhead -- that is ocean going rainbow on the return trip. Unlike salmon, they make the trip multiple times. The locals love this time of year -- the tourists are gone and they have most of the fishing to themselves. I don't really consider catching salmon fishing here. They are harvested by dip nets, snagging, etc. unless you are ocean fishing. The salmon don't eat on their return journey back up river so fishermen don't use bait, just hooks or nets. 

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Sister & Elder Gailey

View from dock at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Elders Gailey & Badger walking on path in Refuge

We also stopped by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge -- 1.92 million acres! We didn't see more than a few acres but were impressed by what we did see. You just can't wrap your brain around the vastness. There is one icefield with about 30 named glaciers. You can see some of them looking across the inlet.

Docks on the Homer Spit

If all of this wasn't enough, we trekked down to Homer. It has one of the highest tides in the world--just look at that dock! It is a unique seaside fishing town -- both commercial and sport. I would use the word quaint. I went in one retail/wholesale fish operation thinking I was going to find some local fresh fish. Fish yes, cheap no. We ate lunch out on the Spit which is hugely popular with tourists and is packed in the summertime. 

The Old Inlet Bookshop

We went in a used bookstore. The books were literally stacked to the ceiling. It was somewhat disorganized but I did find a religious section. Sitting right on top was a Book of Mormon. Underneath was "Stories of Boy Prophets". That is, childhood stories of everyone from Brigham Young to George Albert Smith. We did finally see a real beach with waves. Always expecting to see a real ocean. It is real alright but mostly in coves and inlets. Up until now, there is nothing that comes close to resembling the coast of Mexico.

That was a lot to pack into a couple of days. We had wanted to get down to the Kenai but needed a good excuse to make the trip. We will definitely do it again.

The temple construction continues full speed ahead making use of every minute of sunshine. It was muddy again Friday and Saturday and the city requested a temporary suspension in truck traffic due to mud on the road. There have been way over 115 side dump semis hauling base for the parking lot. Even though there are track matts and other mitigation measures it is hard to control. A line of six street sweepers followed by a water truck washing the road resolved the current issue.

We love you all and wish you the best. Please keep in touch. We love hearing from you. #ThinkCelestial

Yours truly, Elder & Sister Badger

Leaves Are Falling All Around

Dear Family and Friends,

Sunset from back deck.

Kitty writing this week:) Fall is in full swing here in Alaska. Lots of gold and yellow with just a touch of red. We have had a few sunny days lately. It is breathtakingly beautiful here, and the sunsets... but we are reluctant to see the warmer weather drift away. It is noticeably colder in the mornings now (upper 30s, days mid 50s). We are waiting for our first freeze. The locals refer to the dusting of snow on the mountains as "termination dust". The fushia on the front porch are so beautiful we ordered some plants stands from Amazon to over winter them inside. Until they arrive, we will start bringing the plants in at night and hanging them on a pull-up bar in the garage. Farrell wants to save the plants at the Visitors' Center, but we both know that won't last long. They haven't looked great for several weeks now. The water was turned off to the flowers at the Temple this week. We assume the existing flowers will be pulled and replaced with spring bulbs during the two week shut down which starts tomorrow.

Trees from deck.

It was the Anchorage Stake Conference this weekend. We went to an adult session last night and the regular conference this morning at the Arctic Stake Center. That session filled back about two-thirds of the cultural hall. Elder Takashi Wada of the Seventy spoke. He told us Takashi means "precious" and he didn't want his schoolmates calling him that as a child, so they called him something similar which meant "brush" instead -- matched his hair style at the time. It wasn't meant to be complimentary. We also enjoyed hearing from two members of the Temple View Ward. Sister Romi Taylor and Sister Melissa Wilson. Romi is 16 and Melissa and family went to the temple for the first time on their 14th wedding anniversary. They have been members for about a year and a half. Our dear Temple President and Matron, the Hobb's, and our amazing Mission President and his wife, the Larsen's, also spoke at both sessions.

Front yard.

I had something funny happen this morning. I took a shower, put on my makeup, watch, earrings, fixed my hair, and went to get dressed for Stake Conference. I had already set my clothes out and put on black slip, blouse, long sweater, and name badge. I went downstairs to put on my black dress shoes and looking down realized I had not put on my black skirt. Luckily I noticed before we left the house and we had a good laugh once we were in the car and on our way. Earlier that day we had just discussed checking each other out to make sure we remembered everything including our high vis vests, hard hats, work shoes, and name badges. Yeah, Farrell didn't even notice. Too funny:)

Cox's, Badger's, Kuerth's

As we were getting ready this morning we had the special opportunity to hear Sister (Carolee) & Elder (Gary) Cox speak at church in Malad, ID via their ward's Zoom link. Their talks were wonderful. I was teary-eyed missing them and remembering the special experiences we shared. Kuerth's were able to attend in person. Gary told the experience of running into Elder Halls who had finished his mission and was back visiting here with his family. He is the oldest son and they had been here all week. He had on a baseball cap, sunglasses, and had started to grow a short beard. They came to the Visitors' Center and we enjoyed a nice visit showing them the progress and an uplifting Temple video. We don't have a chance to interact a lot with the young missionaries so didn't know him that well. I was hoping he could have a closer connection with those he knew while he was here. His parents, along with his many siblings, wanted some pictures in front of the current Temple and asked us to take them. We were happy to oblige. As if on cue, Elder & Sister Cox show up in the otherwise empty parking lot. I called them over and asked Elder Cox if he recognized this young man. He did indeed! They knew this Elder very well. He went to Institute and the YSA ward they attended. With hugs all around his parents were glowing hearing from senior missionaries who knew and loved their son and had shared miraculous experiences with him. It was the reunion I had hoped for this young man and his family. I am so touched that Heavenly Father puts us in unique places and lets us experience tender mercies showing how much he loves us. We are all His children and he wants to bless our lives as we learn to be more like Him.

Drive to Eagle River AK.

During the Saturday evening session Elder Wada shared his experiences as a youngster. His mother was the daughter of a Buddhist monk. He father knelt at an altar in their home and prayed for a half hour twice a day, and clapped at another altar (Buddhist and Shinto). This morning he shared how he joined the church as a teenager after taking the discussions, hearing the missionaries praying for him, and feeling the Spirit. He shared a very honest tender testimony of the truthfulness and sacredness of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

We had the opportunity to hear Elder Takashi Wada of the Seventy speak again this afternoon to all the Anchorage Alaska Temple workers. I met him Friday as I was leaving the Visitors' Center. The Temple recorder and his wife were stopped in the middle of the parking lot. I hugged her and she asked me if I would like to meet Elder Wada. I took off my gloves and shook his hand as I was introduced. They were all in church clothes, suit, tie, etc. Remember, I wear jeans and long sleeve button up shirts in my missionary calling. I felt underdressed. Regardless, Elder Wada wanted a quick look inside the Visitors' Center, so I unlocked the door, quickly turned on the lights, opened up the blinds, and escorted him inside. I showed him the viewing window, told him about the Temple videos we had available, and briefly explained the Temple overlay reconstruction on the wall. Of course afterward I felt like I should have said something more spiritual, but it was a very short spontaneous visit. We were blessed to have several days of sunny weather while he was here.

Drive to Eagle River AK.

There were so many people I did not recognize at the devotional this afternoon. We usually only attend the Temple on Tues. & Thurs. evenings, and we have never met many of them. It was great to see the Temple president and his wife that were just released, Pres. & Sister Metcalf. A beautiful sister gave the opening prayer in Samoan. Pres. & Sister Hobbs spoke again. Afterward, I was able to introduce Farrell to Elder Wada. I don't think he recognized me since my hair wasn't in a ponytail and I was wearing church clothes. Honestly, everyone there looked so different. I am used to seeing Temple workers in white clothing and wearing a name badge. What a great group of  people devoted to serving the Lord. I am so grateful to serve with them. Instead of being a two-week break, I am going to miss visiting the House of the Lord. It is always so peaceful and hopeful. Everyone is so kind, generous, and Christlike. Describing how he felt as he was at the Temple this week Elder Wada quoted 4 Nephi 1:15-16

15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

That perfectly describes how I feel about the other senior missionaries and the wonderful people I work with at the Temple. This week we have a new member of the Mission Presidency. Elder Jenkins was called to be the Second Counselor. They are a relatively new Senior Missionary couple called to work in the  office. He will continue as the Finance Secretary for the mission as well. We met him and his wife several times and they are so kind. We look forward to getting to know them better. They put their picture wearing church clothes on Zoom calls, which is an excellent idea for our late evening Sunday call with the whole mission.

We had one day last week on the temple site that had to be coordinated to the last little detail to fit everyone and everything onsite. It was organized chaos. There was just no room at all to spare. In the middle of it, we received the first load of steel beams and columns from Vancouver Canada, immediately followed by another major load of rebar. That all took several hours to unload with long beams being manipulated around a front end loader, skidsteer, people erecting an ICF wall and another concrete crew pouring a couple of large walls with concrete trucks coming and going to access the pump truck. This description is about as convoluted as real life. With the Temple closed for cleaning for two weeks the parking lot will be used for worker and equipment activity. The plan is to level the large area between our trailer and the new Temple, grade, bring in gravel, compact, and put recycled asphalt on top. They want to have a surface that can be plowed and get rid of all the mud. This will become the new permanent parking lot. Next year they will add a layer of fresh asphalt. It will be a major advancement to have all that room for trade trailers and laydown of materials. It's going to be interesting. There is always something new to see and learn. We enjoy the people the most. Here is the latest picture.  

https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/anchorage-alaska-temple/photographs/

Have a wonderful week. Please keep in touch. We love hearing from you! #ThinkCelestial

Love always, Elder & Sister Badger

One Year Anniversary

Hello All!

Farrell writing this week ... 

Denali 9/8/2024. Not our pic;(

We crossed the year mark for our mission this last Wednesday -- Kitty mentioned that it was coming up in the last blog. We took our good friends, the Cox's, from Malad, ID, to the airport that day for their trip home at the conclusion of their mission. We were in the MTC with them. What an adventure! Leaves are falling everywhere. A little further north, Fall is on full display. A couple from Clinton, Utah at church today said they were astounded by the colors and the miles and miles and miles of trees they saw as they have been traveling the state. The picture to the right is Denali on Sep. 8th. -- not mine. Unfortunately, don't have the time to drive the four hours north to see it. Will wait for it to arrive further south. We might find some opportunity for a small plane trip there someday. The scenery is truly magnificent and untamed here in Alaska.

Sunset from back deck.

Alaska goes on forever. Tourist season is coming to a close so the demographics of the people we see is changing. We were thinking that the Visitors' Center might be dead during the winter but a local gave us a different perspective. He expects the visitors to increase -- everyone is looking for something to do in the winter. Many find the winter the best season -- snowmobiling and X-country skiing. We heard that Alaska has eight months of winter, two months each of fall & spring with two days of summer. Not sure we had a full two days:) We did see and smell a reblooming lilac Friday evening! The fuchsia, hydrangeas, and potentillas are loving this cool moist weather.

Kitty dressed for rain & mud.

What I didn't know about Alaska was the extent of the "rainy season" -- August thru September. It rains almost everyday. Boy does it know how to rain here. There was another flood warning this last week. Gratefully it didn't develop quite like they expected. There was 1 1/2" of rain followed by another 3/4" a couple of days later. Too bad we can't send a little of it to put out the fires in CA. The construction site has been a muddy mess. Picture 40 workers, five different trades, all working within a small area, along with a couple of skid steers, a couple of mini track hoes all actively laying conduit and pipe in the pouring rain, in the mud. As the civil contractor would open a trench, the water would buildup on the sides until the bank wouldn't hold and then the water would cascade over the side in a small waterfall. Amazingly, they managed it. The saving grace was the bedding gravel they placed in the trench which would raise the level to make the footing solid enough to continue working--that is as long as they placed their popup canopy over it. The other positive factor is that the ground is more sand than clay.  We were jokingly making plans to go get the hip waders. (Which they no doubt use for fishing on their days off.) The weather broke a bit on Friday, the sun came out, and they poured 80 cubic yards of concrete into massive footings for a set of retaining walls. We were out there all week with them taking pictures and encouraging them on. I was amazed by their generally pleasant demeanor.

.

Elder Gailey & Elder Badger.

The Gailey's from Farmington, UT are a missionary couple serving in Soldotna, AK on the Kenai Peninsula (here they just say the Kenai). They came up on Friday to do some temple work for his late brother. I had the opportunity to baptize Elder Gailey who acted as proxy for his brother. It was a sweet experience. We claim this as the first baptism of our mission.

They stayed the night with us before heading out for some sightseeing the next day on their way home. It is about a 2 1/2 - 3 hour drive back to their area. We always eat good when they come up -- salmon on the grill. He was a project manager for a medical devices company. We enjoyed their company, and will return the favor at the end of the month by going to their part of the state. We will make it to the towns down that way all the way to the Homer Spit which is a very narrow neck of land that extends out into the Cook Inlet (part of the Gulf of Alaska). 

View from De Armoun Road.

We are speaking in two wards that Sunday at the invitation of the two respective Bishops. It is a 5th Sunday in the church building where the men and women all meet together during the 2nd hour of the services. That is an informal setting allowing us to use a screen making the job a lot easier for us. Both of the wards (congregations) meet in Kenai. One is the Kenai ward and the other is the Kalifornsky ward. We wondered where they come up with those names. We know now thanks to Google AI.

Beautiful sunset in Anchorage.

The name of the Alaskan village of Kalifornsky comes from the surname of its founder, Qadanalchen, a Dena'ina Indian who took the name after working in the Russian American colony of Fort Ross in California. The name "Kalifornsky" is the Russian equivalent of "Californian". Believe me though it has no resemblance to the Southern state.

We enjoyed listening to Pres. Nelson's 100th birthday party celebration last Monday.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=247cZrmpFyU

I mentioned today in church that it was a little intimidating. Just a man who has been blessed with so many talents and such a long life. We are so grateful to have him leading our church with all his experience and wisdom. Hope he lasts a few more years. What amazes me the most is his mind is still sharp. He is truly a humble servant of God.

Just saw this on YouTube about the new Anchorage Alaska Temple renovation!    http://youtube.com/watch?v=A4f1_UL_x8U

Well, that is the state of affairs here. Keep in touch! #ThinkCelestial

Love you all, Elder & Sister Badger

The Fireweed Has Turned to Cotton

Dear Family and Friends,

Another beautiful sunset over our Visitors Center trailer.

As of September 11 we will have been on our mission one year. We went into the MTC in Provo UT for two weeks then spent ten days driving to Anchorage, Alaska. So our mission is about 1/3 over. We were in the MTC with our dear friends, the Cox's, and they will be leaving this week. We will miss them dearly. Their leaving makes me think about our time here and what it will feel like when we head home. I knew it would be a sacrifice to be away from family and friends back home. It didn't occur to me that we would grow so close to senior missionaries, ward members, friends, and neighbors here. We sorely miss our loved ones back home, but are grateful that there is an everlasting association for us to enjoy that relationship through the eternities. We wish we could always be surrounded by all our beloved family and wonderful friends.

It's President Russell M. Nelson's 100th birthday tomorrow! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomes all to view a special birthday broadcast in honor of Church President Russell M. Nelson on Monday, September 9, 2024 - his 100th birthday - at 4 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/event/president-russell-m-nelson-100th-birthday-commemoration

Sister & Elder Gailey, Elder & Sister Badger

It's obvious that we are getting older and our interests have changed. A 30 mile walk, taking a college gymnastics class, a multi day backpacking trip, remodeling our home, or taking care of the needs of a large family seem like distant memories. Time marches on and I just hope when we get home to have the energy to spend time serving our family. We hope to renew our associations and find things to do to give our life meaning. It's harder to stay in shape on a mission. That has been one of the biggest challenges. I miss walks with girlfriends, bike rides, yoga class, and water aerobics.  I am trying to eat healthier, exercise more, and avoid sugar. My maternal grandmother had diabetes and I would like to avoid that. I hit a milestone last week though. Every pictures needs to be labeled with the location, direction, room, etc. I finally have the directions memorized so I don't have to look at the cheat sheet Farrell made. So far my brain hasn't totally failed me:)

Fireweed turned to cotton.

Well, fall is here. The leaves on the deciduous trees have started to turn yellow. "When fireweed turns to cotton, summer is soon forgotten." Summer and hot used to always go together in my mind. Not here in Anchorage. The hottest day here was 78° when we went to the JBER Air Show on July 20th. I'm not complaining at all, but I sure didn't need to bring two pairs of capris up here. I haven't worn them once. I started wearing silk long johns under my jeans and flannel shirt again a couple of week ago when it was in the low 50's in the morning. It rains here a lot and we often wear raincoats. One day last week the sun came out while we were taking pictures on the construction site. We were wearing high vis vests, white hard hats, and boots. I apparently overdressed and started sweating and it was only 62°. We must be true Alaskans now:) On the bright side, the women up here have a lot less sun damage on their hands, neck, and face... just saying. 

Wednesday evening I attended a special Movie Night at the Institute. Elder & Sister Cox and Sisters Watanabe & McKell were there along with several new friends. We watched, "Escape from Germany." It was very inspiring. My great great grandparents, Ludwig & Barbara Kinzel, were both born in Germany. Both our fathers served in WWII and we know the atrocities and how it all played out. They had such faith and courage. In August 1939, Hitler's army was closing their borders, and 85 American missionaries were in Germany serving the church. The escape of these missionaries from Nazi Germany is one of the most dramatic events to occur in modern church history. It's rated PG and I would recommend it. The Lord takes care of the faithful.

We had a wonderful fall social Saturday night with most of the senior missionaries in the Anchorage Alaska Mission. It was potluck and the food was great as usual. It was held at the Institute Building and we brought a fresh fruit salad. Back home at our third Sunday dinners that is always assigned to our daughter-in-law, HaLee:) We really enjoy visiting with these wonderful faith-filled people from many parts of the country and such varied occupations. We met another new couple, the Dexter's, and look forward to getting to know them better. He was a full Bird Colonel in the Air Force. We are surprised at how varied our assignments are. 

President Larsen always gives us such kind, loving counsel. He let us ask questions, told us some funny stories, and reminded us of a few things. He deals with a lot of challenges with well over 200 missionaries. Only about 30 are seniors, most of those are married retired couples. The rest are young single Elders and Sisters ages 18-21. I asked him if his loving correction came naturally or if it was part of his calling. He said it was his calling and he has been blessed with an abundance of patience. They are from West Jordan UT. He and his wife were called and set apart by President Nelson and arrived here five weeks later. The previous mission president's wife had cancer and a replacement was needed quickly. They plan to be here until July 2025. We have a mission wide Zoom meeting every Sunday evening called Larsen's Lessons. The senior missionaries are usually invited. It's fun to feel the enthusiasm as these young missionaries share the Gospel with new found friends. We feel such joy seeing how the Gospel changes peoples lives, gives them hope, and brings them closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our loving Heavenly Father.

Have a wonderful week. Keep the Faith. We love you and miss you. Keep in touch. We love hearing from you. #ThinkCelestial

Love always, Elder & Sister Badger

Temple Construction & Alaska State Fair

Dear Family and Friends,

Farrell writing this week.

Wow!!! What happened this week? It seems like it just started and then it was over.

Gorgeous sunset Thursday from Temple entrance.

Temple construction continues. We are busily engaged on site with simultaneous efforts and usually come home tired & most days happy. I think about all the people who have passed on who will benefit from this new temple. Those are our mission baptisms. On Monday I had the chance to share a devotional on prayer with all of the lead subcontractors and general contractor employees. I mentioned that when they pray they are talking to Heavenly Father, who is a real person, (to some that is a new concept) and that there is never a need to feel ashamed to pray (humility is a good thing). Think of saying that to a group of construction workers. We thoroughly enjoy those we get a chance to know. They are the best. Most are always on the run. They always appreciate that we pray for them and their families.

Botanical Garden
at Alaska State Fair.

It rains almost every day. They work in the rain -- sometimes a sprinkle but usually a pretty steady downpour. In a Utah rainy week a quarter inch was a pretty big storm. In Anchorage a rainy week is a quarter to half inch of rain a day. There are blessings. The temple is being built a few feet higher than the old church parking lot so the rain tends to run off. The soil is compactible and has suitable characteristics to support a heavy building but looks and feels like sand. You would think it would be one big mud bowl, but no, it still provides a solid walking surface, heavy equipment transport and a place to erect 40 foot high scaffolds. Much of Anchorage was originally Muskeg, that is a low lying swamp or bog. All the gravel gets hauled in by train from about an hour away. It is not usually obvious but there are large areas where the spruce is stunted due to the ground conditions. Sometimes it is blamed on permafrost but I think it is more likely wet ground. The Temple site miraculously doesn't have any of those problems. The ground is free draining. No foundation piers needed, just standard footings.

27 August 2024 Photo Bart Quinby via ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org website.

Note the just barely tinged yellow tops of the trees to the left in the picture above amid a beautiful lush green background. Two big construction news events this week. Number one was the first flat slab pour on site over the yellow vapor barrier in the picture above. They had to wait until Thursday for a break in the rain. It turned out beautiful. I have never seen such a well done concrete floor. Not everyone I realize is interested in a concrete floor in a basement, but to us it was pretty exciting. Kitty labels lots of pictures with their description and geo frame of reference. Now that all of the perimeter wall footings are in place she can say with certainty whether the picture was taken from inside or outside the temple :-). That was the second big construction news. Kitty mentioned last week what a beehive of activity it was on the site. I think this week tops that one as the walls go up and they get ready for steel showing up. There is a focus on the coming winter. It is a big deal to get asphalt in place around parts of the temple and get some kind of roof in place. 

Show under the Big Top at the Alaska State Fair

As usual we found time for associations with others. We persuaded the Gailey's, who are serving as a Sr. Couple in Soldotna about 2 1/2 hours from Anchorage, to come up and spend the night. We went to the Temple together and had a fine experience. Next day we all (including the Cox's who had a last minute change of plans) went to the Alaska State Fair in Palmer. They head home in a couple of weeks. We will miss their kindness and enthusiasm (and fresh baked goods). Kitty kept saying going to the Fair was like going back to the 1940s. We saw a mixed equestrian/acrobatic type show in a big top. Beautiful horses galloping at high speed in a little tiny ring while performers slid off the sides in various positions, including running inches from the wall of the ring. One even slid off the saddle underneath the horse and back up the other side at a full gallop. Later outside a magician stopped Kitty and Sister Cox and pulled a white dove out of a small purse. It was a lots of fun to spend time with friends.

Elder & Sister Badger, Cox, & Gailey. Some of our favorite peeps.

As you do at a fair, we ate some delicious less than healthy food. I came away with a pint of fireweed honey. It's almost crystal clear, very mild and almost sweeter than normal honey, if that is possible. Kitty bought a handmade wildflower barrette and another magnet. We were stopped many times by people who saw our missionary badges. We enjoyed talking to all of them. One couple lives in the "Bush Branch" of the church. That is they live about 2/3rds of the way down the Iditarod trail by a no doubt stunning river. They call in for church meetings. One fun young man (say 14) stopped us and we heard the whole story on his pig entry in the fair. He intended to sell it (as most 4H participants do). I expected him to say he was going to sell it for a few hundred $$ not realizing that there are many corporate sponsors that support the 4H. He was going for $5000. We did find the pig later. Looked like a very happy, well cared for, expensive pig.

Largest 2,035 lb. pumpkin.

Huge cabbage.

Display of prize winning produce.

I have heard for years that Palmer, AK was known for large vegetables. So we went looking for them -- and found them. Large because of the 20+ hours of daylight in the summer. The prize pumpkin was 2,035 lbs. and the cabbage was 72.8 lbs. I saw a turnip growing in a show garden about the size of my head. All kinds of other crops growing that I don't usually associate with this time of the year. I have learned with my limited pots on the back deck that you really have to pay attention to germination temperatures. We have only had just a few days over 70° this summer. Bees are also successfully raised in Alaska. In addition to seeing them at the Fair, I noticed a neighbor has a hive on their roof. One Fair bee expert told me it is the best place to keep them there -- no bears. I grew a summer squash but none of the blossoms were pollinated resulting in small immature fruit that never grows.

Life is an adventure!! Kitty and I really miss family & friends. We realize we could be sitting at home enjoying ourselves. But …. what an opportunity it is to serve here for a few years. It is a very unique mission. We are enjoying each other's company and are making the most of it. We love the wonderful people we have met.

Until next week. #ThinkCelestial

Love from Farrell (Dad, Grandpa) and Kitty (Mom, Grandma)