Welcome 2013!  We are off to a very busy start with so much going on!  Even though Tuesday was a day off from the office, the week has been full to overflowing!
Monday was, well, Monday.  Very full day at the office and then we (the office staff) got together with the newest senior missionaries in our area and had a very fun evening of food, games and conversation.  We were safely tucked in our 5th wheel by about 8:30 and listened as lots and lots of fireworks went off.
Tuesday was a shopping day for me.  I had a few things to pick up for the office and then off to Dillard's.  A lady in our branch works there and she told me about their once a year sale that is crazy good and crazy full with shoppers.  I got there at a few minutes after 10 and went straight upstairs to check out the suits.  I had been in there a few days earlier to look only with this sale in mind.  I found the particular suit I liked and it was on the front of the rack saying, "Take me home!"  So..I did..at 85% off the original price!  I found a couple other items at similar savings.  By this time, the lines at the cash register were about 6-8 people deep and they were serious shoppers!  One woman brought a box that she had filled up and was scooting it along on the floor.  I decided it was time to go...besides my feet hurt!  Doyle had finished his repair man issues at the office and he was ready to go home.
Wednesday we said goodbye to an excellent group of 11 missionaries.  We always go to the temple with the departing missionaries and then go to the mission home for dinner with the President and his wife.  It was such a wonderful experience.  We had gotten to know a few of these Elders and it's hard to say good-bye.  They were such a great group.

Departing Elders and Sisters.

 

Columbia South Carolina Temple. 

 

 The next day was transfers, which is by far my favorite thing to do.  The incoming missionaries are all assigned to their trainers and exchanges are made with the other missionaries.  The love and enthusiasm in the chapel is overwhelming.  The spirit is there so strong and the singing is incredible.  Thursday was a move day for a senior couple to a new area.  On Friday there were so many baptisms to do that Doyle worked on entering those all day.  I went out to find furniture for a new apartment that we rented in a new area. It was far more tiring than I thought it would be.  Furniture has gotten very expensive and it seems hard to find just those specific items that we need. 
Today we helped to move missionaries from the Augusta area into the new apartment in Barnwell, SC.  I was very excited to go and see new areas we haven't travelled to yet, plus I didn't have to drive.  I really liked that!

This picture shows the long moss hanging from the trees.

The apartment was great!  Older townhouse style, but it had a built-in vacuum system!

These trees are right across the street from the apartment and behind them is a lake.  It's hard to see, but there's long moss hanging off the trees.

 The Elders love to pose for pictures and needless to say, I love taking them!

From left to right, Elder Lash, Elder Ultra, Elder Billiter, (who are the new residents), Elder Cardon and Elder Olsen.

 

A brief trip to the local Walmart to pick up a couple of items for the new apartment and off we go to the missionary food of choice.....pizza!!  It was very good.  Doyle's favorite is Pizza Hut, stuffed crust pepperoni, so he really like their decision.  

 

 It was a wonderful day with beautiful blue skies, wonderful company, and delicious pizza.  We are grateful for the opportunity to get to know these wonderful young men better!  They are remarkable!

WE LOVE OUR MISSION!