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