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