Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Hello all!

Temple Square in SLC Utah.

This is a two for one blog (two weeks). Farrell writing this Sunday evening. It is a little different than the norm -- lots of personal stuff. I put it here because it is all part of our mission experience -- leaving home. We have had a busy 12 days in Utah visiting family for Christmas, and returning back to Anchorage early this morning, a little before one a.m. 

Joel holding nephew.

It was my first time holding our new almost two month old grandson. He's such a sweet baby. He is so attentive to the people around him and will shift his focus from one to another as they talk. On top of that, he smiles a lot. Of course, he has a wonderful mother (Heather) and father (Branson). So that was a real treat. It was easier for Kitty leaving him last time because she was coming right back in December. He will be crawling when we see him next.

Nephew smiling for Aunt Laurel.

We saw 24 of our 27 grandchildren. Of those missing, one was in Montana with her family, her twin sister lives in Georgia with her husband (both grand daughters are our oldest son, Jared's) and one 16 yr. old grand daughter (Ryan's) in Oklahoma. We did have communication with all of the grandkids. It has been a year since I saw any of the them in person. Really enjoyed them on a personal level -- amazing kids. The oldest grandson will probably be on a mission long before next Christmas. We celebrated Sophie's 14th birthday, Tabitha's 16th birthday, and a band concert with Kaylee. Kitty keeps up with all this...takes some effort -- very grateful for her. 

Texas grandkids playing at the park w. cousins.

The Texas cousins drove all the way up to visit cousins, in-laws and others. Unfortunately Amy and Addy were sick, so the best we could do was meet them at a local park a couple of times. We felt bad about not giving them the attention they deserved. Had to look back at all the years they have stayed with us on their forays to Utah that we have enjoyed. 

Some grandkids doing crafts at Christmas party with Uncle Jesse.

Anna & Daniel on Temple Square in SLC.

We were able to go to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert with Anna & Daniel after a dinner in downtown SLC at PF Chang's. The consensus was that we were able to get tickets because we were from Alaska. As we were getting seated I heard someone yell "Badgers!" I turned around to see a couple from Anchorage with whom we have become good friends. They had rented an Airbnb and were hosting their family in Utah. He is a physician and a "cowboy" from Montana where they raised their family. As they say "small world". It seems more and more that it is shrinking. We have met so many from near and far and they all feel like treasured friends.

Kaylee after band concert.

I did stop by our home in Mapleton or as we call it, "The Ranch". Our oldest son, Jared, gave it that name. Joel came down with me and we had a good time working together upgrading & cleaning up a few things in the shop. It was good to see the place, but at this stage I had no desire to do everything that could/should be done. I was grateful for his help -- it made it so much easier.

Light the World tree.

Our Christmas celebration included the whole family at Rachel & Patrick's home. We had a wonderful ham dinner, played games, laughed, sang, and opened presents. Kitty also arranged to involve all the grandkids in Light the World giving. Each child picked a card with attached flashlight off the tree, opened, and read what they were giving - clean water sources, chickens, polio vaccines, soap, goats, etc. Then they all turned on their flashlights. The one that had the batteries exposed received a Light the World Alaska cap.

Fancy Christmas dinner.

We ate way too much on this trip. I knew Rachel was a good cook but we will now move her into the chef category. We ate mostly homemade Chinese for Christmas Eve at Rachel's and a fancy prime rib dinner at Jesse's Christmas evening. He's another son in the chef category. Several kids are amazing roll and sourdough bread makers. And that doesn't begin to scratch the surface. We stayed at Rachel's the whole time because it was a central point. Sweet grandson Parker surrendered his spacious bedroom to us. One side is full of computers and electronic projects. We appreciated the comfortable accommodations.

Kitty playing Alaska Alaska with our kids.

I smile at our kids and the skills they have picked up. You should see the catamaran net Aaron has suspended inside their entry at about 12' for a relaxing hangout spot -- kids and adults included. That goes with the chameleon who just laid a large clutch of eggs. Oh and then there is the ceiling suspended swing at the top of the stairs. The daughters seem to be the defacto electricians. I gave them one rule -- be very careful doing it (i.e. don't electrocute yourself). They all have and know how to use voltage testers. Kitty's dad was an electrician, so it must run in the family. All the kids learned how to garden, camp, cook, and build. Doing projects is one of the ways we bond. Kitty is the game player in the family. She only cheats at Candyland and Chutes & Ladders:) If they beat her they are very excited.

Anne & Kitty.

We loved visiting with our siblings and their spouses. We drove to South Jordan to see Norman, his wife Barbara, and Carolyn. I admire them with their faith and unique talents. Karla missed out because she lives in Texas although we do a monthly video chat. Our parents would be proud of them. Can't help but think they are aware … I treasure their association at this stage of life. Kitty was also able to visit with her two younger sisters who live in Utah. She admires their talents, too. They enjoy getting together when they can and try to stay in touch. Right after we left on our mission one of her sisters moved to Mapleton. She has another younger sister living in Minnesota. She loves them all dearly. Seeing everyone made us homesick.

View from aircraft.

It is still quite amazing to me that you can leave SLC late in the afternoon and end up back in Anchorage just a few hours later. Those feelings of amazement still persist after years of traveling the world. Thinking of what is on the ground/water on that transit is even more amazing or I should say humbling. I always think of the pioneers crossing the plains and their level of effort. What would it take to travel on foot the distance to Anchorage? We really appreciated friends taking us to and picking us up from the airport. One member of the couple is pushing 90 (and a temple sealer). He drove us home and she drove us to the airport. Baby it's cold out there - 18 degrees when we landed. Not too cold but the added humidity (60-90% usually) cuts to the bone.  A warm car and friendly faces were greatly appreciated at 12:30 Sunday morning. Church is at noon, so we were still able to make it. Next year it goes to 9 a.m. I love that early meeting time, Kitty not so much.

https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org 27Dec24

So what happened mission wise while we were gone? We don't know for sure, but we have spies in all the right places:) I checked in on the live camera occasionally and looked at pictures others were taking. Some of the crews were off some of the days. One cookie day was supported by the wife of one of the Westland employees. We set it all up ahead of time. One cookie day was on Christmas so we skipped that one. We do have a devotional to present and two reports to write tomorrow on Monday. That will keep us busy.

We are reprioritizing some activities. We realize health needs to be a top priority -- we're not getting any younger. We did all the doctor and dentist visits necessary while in Utah. They were all routine annual events. No bad news is good news. Just eat healthier, exercise more, lose weight, and keep busy.

We wish we could have visited with all of you this Christmas season. We love you and pray that you will have a Happy New Year filled with love, peace, and joy. #ThinkCelestial

Love, Elder & Sister Badger

Light the World

Dear Family and Friends,

Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Christmas Concert

The holidays are here, we've had a light dusting of snow, and Christmas carols
are playing. Our minds are turned more fully to the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ as our hearts are turned to family, friends, and our fellow men. Kitty writing this week. We pray you are enjoying this wonderful time of the year. We are so grateful for our dear family and friends. We are after all just walking each other home. We wish you a Merry Christmas from our home to yours.

Broadway Aladdin & Jasmine

We've really enjoyed watching Joy: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir concert. The music is heavenly and the production is amazing. Michael Maliakel sang (he looks like Aladdin and sure enough that's who he plays on Broadway) and British actress Lesley Nicol (television cook from Downton Abbey) narrated with her great accent. It's really a wonderful hour and a half program that's very entertaining and uplifting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gnwWsyDfkk&t=22s

It's been a week of festivities. We had a table laden with cookies this week for Cookie Day/Worker Appreciation Day. We had a group of Activity Days boys come to the Visitors' Center that evening. It is always a fun experience to be with the youth and their leaders. They love to see the temple being built up more each time they come.

Thursday evening we were able to attend the temple and do sealings. There were only two sisters and three brothers besides the sealer, so we were busy. It's always a special feeling to be in the temple. I love serving there on Tuesday evenings.

Light the World at Dimond Mall Anchorage Alaska.

Friday morning we were able to enjoy the festivities and ribbon cutting of the Light the World Giving Machines at the Dimond Mall in Anchorage Alaska. We go walking at this mall several times a week. It was decorated beautifully. Behind the machines, hundreds of chairs were set up as they had speakers and organizations represented. There were balloons, decorations, music, and a lot of positive energy.

Ribbon cutting by Elder Parks of left.

Both machines were brought down from Fairbanks after their time up there at the Santa House. We saw so many people we knew - Elder Parks (Area Seventy cutting ribbon), President & Sister Newman (Temple Presidency),
the Fishers (Area Communication), Tammy Hogue (talented singer), Treg & Jodi Taylor (Alaska Attorney General & ward members), friends from the Anchorage Alaska Temple and ward members, along with members of the community. 

Refilling machine.

All of the local & international charitable organizations like Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, UNICEF, Care, WaterAid, etc. took part. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors and organizes the effort. Since 2017 the machines have raised over $32 million. One-hundred percent of all donations go to the charities. My favorite purchases are goats and chickens. This is the first time they have been in Alaska. After only about 30 minutes the machines had to be refilled:) Afterward we went to Costco to pick up a few things for the weekend. When we came out it was totally foggy. It was better closer to the temple.

That evening we were invited by the Anderson's to attend the Rabbit Creek Ward Christmas party. They had food from all over the world and we learned about the Christmas traditions from Italy, the Philippines, Alaska, and others. Sister Anderson, who is from Italy, is beautiful but she dressed up like a Halloween witch representing "Befana" from Italian folklore, who delivers gifts to children on the eve of Epiphany (January 6th), often including candy and sweets, similar to Santa Clause. She is depicted as an old woman riding a broomstick, often with a shawl and a basket full of treats. It was fun to learn about all the different traditions around the world. The desserts were amazing, of course.

We attended Swensen's Game Night again where I played Alaska Alaska again. This time Elder & Sister Kraut were there. They are senior missionaries serving the Young Single Adults in the Seminary & Institutes program. President Smith (mission presidency) & Sister Smith also joined us. We had finger food and then enjoyed the evening visiting and playing games. The Swensen's invented Alaska Alaska. I just found out last night that each of the cards has a different fact about the animals on them. We stayed later than usual, but since church is at noon on Sunday I wasn't worried about the time. Not sure what time it will be next year. We did see an accident on the way home involving at least three cars. Thankfully we made it home safely. I appreciate Farrell's careful driving.

We found out part of Elder Kraut's story of finding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was looking for two things. He wanted to know where the churches he investigated found their authority and he believed Christ had visited the America's and wanted to find a church that believed that. He found his answers on Temple Square in the North Visitors' Center. Christ did indeed visit the Americas and we know exactly when and where the priesthood was restored again upon the earth. We are excited to hear more about his journey. 

Cafe Rio for dinner at Maisey's tonight.

Well we are off to have dinner with our friends, the Maisey's. It's always a special treat to spend Sunday evening with their family and friends. The group is a little different every month. Everyone has been so welcoming and inclusive. We feel privileged to serve here in Alaska. It's already dark out now at 4:40 with the sun setting at 3:40 p.m. We had Cafe Rio at Maisey's tonight. Sister Maisey goes all out decorating and setting beautiful tables. Many friends have lived in Utah, including them. There are no Cafe Rio's in Alaska:) It was also Sister Anderson's birthday. 

Please keep in touch, stay safe, and know you are loved. For unto us a child is born, Unto us a son is given. #Think Celestial

Love, Elder & Sister Badger

Blessings from Heaven

Dear Friends and Family,

Farrell writing this week …

First Light 9:02 a.m. Sunrise 10:03 a.m. Sunset 3:44p.m. Last Light 4:44p.m. Some variation of this sunrise and sunset beauty most days.

How do you build a temple in Alaska in the middle of winter? Since Thanksgiving, we have had unseasonably warm weather i.e. mid-30s during the day. There has been a high level of activity on site from five different trades -- Wednesday almost equaled the busiest day I remember on this project. On the other side, we did have a couple of days of early morning rain or should I say ice storms. As long as you had ice cleats on all was well but don't try walking anywhere without them. The sun would come out around noon and life went on as normal. It slowed down the steel workers a bit -- how do you walk on elevated steel beams covered in ice? It didn't last long and the next day they made tremendous progress. There was also a concrete pour on that Wednesday. Last year, by this time, the road in front of our house was compacted snow and ice a foot thick -- but we had little trouble driving. This year, the inch of ice is clear and shiny with a layer of water on top. I was going about 5mph at the top of our road and sailed on by our driveway 4 or 5 houses down, still going 5mph even with the antilock brakes fully engaged. We were planning to visit the Eagle River Seminary to give a little temple presentation on their pizza Friday, a drive of about 30 minutes north. It was a no-go … reschedule when the roads are better.

Check out the temple construction progress here (notice all the beautiful steel -- at least beautiful to us:) https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/assets/img/temples/anchorage-alaska-temple/anchorage-alaska-temple-55766.jpg

Christmas tree.

As you have noticed, we eat really good up here (way too good). It was a ward Christmas Party Friday night with soups and salads, etc. Our donation was clam chowder (personally made by me while Kitty did the missionary stuff we needed to do). There were at least 15 other varieties. Kitty's favorite was made by Pres. Smith - a thick soup with big chunks of salmon and halibut. Our Senior Missionary Christmas Party was Saturday night. The Mission Presidency makes the most of it. Surf and Turf … King Crab all you can eat with specially prepared delicious medium rare steak on the side. The chef and the acquisition expert, Pres. Smith, is the 1st Counselor in the Mission Presidency (same man that was mauled by a grizzly last year). We did the same thing last year and Kitty and I remember it was a feast but not all the scissors used to cut the shells were great. She was all prepared this year with two pair of new kitchen scissors from home set on the counter to take with. In our haste to get ready I turned off all the lights and we forgot them. They had set aside a pile of them in the Institute Building where this event was held so that rescued the feast. We even made it out with some leftover crab and salad.

Kitty keeps things beautiful …

At the end of the dinner, Kitty was called on, along with three other Senior Sister missionaries, to share her feelings about the Savior. She was first up. I was very proud of her because she shared the feelings of her heart that testified strongly of the divinity of the Savior and His role in our lives -- her personal experiences. They moved on to playing some games and I moved into the kitchen to help wash dishes (much better than playing games for me :-). All the Sr. Missionaries in the mission were here except for those in Whitehorse who had another ward party they were hosting. That is we had 12 couples and one sister attend. These people have become dear friends. We have already lost four other couples who have completed their missions. Of the remaining group, one couple leaves in February, and about 5 more leave mid-summer, including the mission president & wife. Come mid-summer, we will far exceed anyone else here in tenure.

Saturday is our preparation day. It is also the day that Kitty likes to get an extra hour or two of sleep in. Not this last Saturday! She again crawled out of bed early, with only minimal complaint, to host another seminary group from Wasilla who came to the temple early morning to do baptisms. The Visitors' Center was pretty much wall to wall packed with 30 young people -- the brightest eyed happy teenagers you can imagine. Think about that … these are teenagers up early on a Saturday morning. We sure enjoyed them and hopefully said something of worth to them. It is always about the Savior's love for them and His personal knowledge about each individual. No doubt about it.

Ice rink in mall.

Ice rink in mall.

Health has been on our minds lately. Two of the seniors who finished and returned home not too long ago have been dealing with some serious health issues. One has some kind of internal cancer and is in the middle of chemo (we hear she is doing OK) and the other has skin cancer. Part of it was removed while he was here and the rest after leaving. It's a 3-4 months recovery if all goes well. We really love these folks and are praying for their full recovery. We realize we are getting older and as M. Russell Ballard said that means the, "rivets are getting loose". I've had two weeks of poor sleep due to night time asthma problems. It has settled down a lot with the right meds from the doc I still use in Utah. We are walking or going to the gym every morning for an hour plus. I really enjoy that and look forward to it. The walks are in the local high-rise mall. It's clean, safe, warm, and uncrowded with lots of space. I particularly like the stairwells just because I can stress the workout as much as I feel like. The gym is the usual with any kind of equipment you care-to-get-sore-on place.

One other sweet experience I will mention from this week. We have an older friend here. He has been married for 24 years and been a church member for about 14 years. So he decided, with his wife, to go to the temple to be sealed, which means make their marriage eternal. We were able to be there for their sealing. This is the man who has run the Iditarod three times, was a pipeline worker, and used to have a tour boat company. He is also the one that got shot in the neck and had his heart arrest three times on the way to the hospital several months ago. It was a miracle for many reasons to see them together there. She doesn't like the cold weather so lives in Wenatchee, WA (near my old town of Chelan) while he lives here in Anchorage, AK. They travel back and forth at random times and seem to make it work.

We love you. Keep in touch! #Think Celestial

Love, Elder & Sister Badger

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Dear Family & Friends,

Manger scene outside Anchorage Alaska Temple.

It's hard to believe it's already December 1. We pray you and your family are safe, warm, and find peace in the Gospel. The Nativity was put up outside the existing Anchorage Alaska Temple last week. I went with Sister Foote, Westland's general contractor's wife, to purchase some Christmas decorations for the Visitors' Center trailer. It's a small space and we used lots of battery operated lights, but it looks very welcoming and cheerful. Join us for the First Presidency Christmas Devotion next Sunday evening! 

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/event/first-presidencys-christmas-devotional-2024

Thanksgiving Blessing Klatt Ward Building.

After taking pictures and working on our weekly report to SLC, we started out Monday afternoon helping out again with Thanksgiving Blessing, organized by the Food Bank of Alaska. One of the locations was the Klatt Building where we hold Sunday services. Our ward was assigned to donate hundreds of boxes of stuffing. Volunteers helped those that signed up to "shop" for food for their Thanksgiving meal, others kept the tables filled with food. I was a shopping assistant and Farrell was a stocker:) They were given a large box and could choose from free cans of corn and beans, a variety of stuffing flavors, a choice of cranberry sauce, and a bag of red or green apples. Everyone also received gravy mix, butter, a sack of potatoes, fresh rolls, and a large cooking tin. Then we escorted them out to the foyer where young missionaries gave them a turkey and helped them carry their box to their car. 

Klatt Ward Building solid ice in parking lot.

We had lots of volunteers and it was a welcoming atmosphere. Some played the piano or sang up on the stand in the Chapel. The volunteers were treated to a variety soup, fresh bread, mandarin oranges, and Rice Krispy treats. The salmon chowder was especially delicious. The night before volunteers filled two classrooms to the ceiling with prefolded boxes donated by Lowes. We enjoyed the feeling of community and helping those in need. I was even able to use my Spanish a little. I especially appreciated the men who directed traffic in the freezing temperatures and helped outside. The parking lot was very icy. 

Angel Moroni statue on Anchorage Alaska Temple.

I was able to serve in the existing Anchorage Alaska Temple Tuesday evening. It was my first time sitting at the recommend desk. I had an assistant who showed me exactly what to do and it went smoothly. Many of the youth forget their recommends and we just have the clerk look up their names. It gets a little busy at times in that position but we are always welcoming with quiet dignity. The Temple is a place to set aside all your worldly cares. I am so thankful for the privilege of serving in the House of the Lord.

While I was at the Temple, Farrell was waiting at the Visitors' Center for cookie deliveries for the next morning. The sign-ups are well organized. The Anchorage Stake has taken over for the next several months and they are very excited. This week we had an over abundance of cookies and now our freezer is almost full. We planned to use the extras in case some didn't show up. We may have to rethink that plan. We spoke with Sister Johnson in the Stake Primary today and the children will be making cards for the workers starting in January. All the pictures and cards in the past have come from individual families. They are very sweet and heartfelt in their gratitude. The pictures and cards are displayed on two large cork boards in the Conex building.

Senior Missionaries for Thanksgiving.

We hosted the senior missionaries serving near us to Thanksgiving Dinner again this year. A few weeks ago Sister White, the secretary, sent around a sign-up sheet. I did the majority of the house cleaning and Farrell made the turkey and gravy. He brined, spatchcocked, and smoked the turkey. The flavor was excellent. President and Sister Larsen were even able to attend this year and we had an enjoyable afternoon visiting and eating delicious food. There were thirteen of us gathered as Sister McKell left after the completion of her mission the day before. She has an older newlywed daughter living in our ward back in Mapleton in Adeltraud Lawrence's old home. These people have become very dear to us and it is a pleasure to serve with them.

Thanksgiving decor.

We spent Friday working on things at home, cleaning up, and relaxing. On Saturday we had another invitation to dinner, this night at the Smith's. It was his wife's birthday and we had a wonderful evening. He made smoked prime rib, shrimp, assorted meats, with all the trimmings. It was interesting to find out more about Barb's family and how her mother joined the church. It was fun to hear the kids watching Home Alone loudly in the livingroom next to us. I had been humming the ending music, Somewhere in My Memory, all week. It's a Christmas music classic. I will change out our decorations here tomorrow from Thanksgiving to Christmas. 

Enjoy this beautiful time of year as we celebrate the glorious birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Families are Forever. We miss you. Please keep in touch. #Think Celestial

Love always, Elder & Sister Badger