Another beautiful week here in South Carolina.  The temperatures have been up in the low 70's all week.  Today it is overcast, but still warm.  After church this afternoon I was sitting in the car waiting for Doyle and saw a bunch of bugs flying around outside the car.  Very odd to see any bugs in December. At home there are no bugs, flying or otherwise in December.

This past week, I began focusing on getting bids on new twin beds for the mission.  In 2011 an assessment of mission beds was done.  The decision was made to replace them starting with the worst ones in January 2012.  It is time again to buy the next 50 beds and get them placed with the missionaries.  The vendor last time has gone out of business so I have the task of getting a new vendor lined up.  I actually found a manufacturer in Columbia where we can buy factory direct, so this week I will go to their showroom.

On Friday night we got together with the current office staff plus a couple who worked in the office before we came and we out to dinner at Olive Garden and then went through Saluda Park. 


Sister Decker, Sister, Bowman, Elder Bowman

They have a huge display of Christmas lights throughout the entire park.  You stay in your car and drive through very slowly.  We all got together and used the mission van.  It was really wonderful to all be together.  Picture taking from the back seat of the van did not lend itself to one good picture, so last night Doyle and I went out together in our car with the windows down and we both managed to get a few good pictures.  On Saturday night the traffic was backed up for a couple of miles to get into the park.  Many of the cars were stuffed with people and had kids sitting up on the window sills enjoying the lights and shouting "Merry Christmas!"



Elder France, Sister France, Sister Rothman at the Olive Garden.

I thought of our grandson Ezra when we saw the dinosaurs.

Thinking of my father and stepfather who both served in the Navy during WWII.



Doyle served in the Army during Vietnam.

This one was beautiful and made me think of all the peacocks that my Mom and step dad had on the farm.

This bridge was awesome.

A train with a special car for naughty kids.

 

We are so privileged to be able to be here and take part in the Lord's work and do so many wonderful things for others and with others.  We have a wonderful branch with some very inspiring people who teach, share and support one another.  Next month we will be attending the baptisms of a couple who are being taught by the missionaries and are attending the gospel principles class with us.  It is so wonderful to see the enthusiasm new converts have.  We know that they will be blessed for their efforts as they learn and grow in the gospel.

 

It's hard to believe that another year is coming to a close, but 2013 is right around the corner. For us it has been a year of sorrows, challenges, adventures, growth and a year of many joys.  As we press forward with faith, we send a prayer of thanks for all of you, our much loved families and friends.