February 28, 2000 Farmington, Utah

I just read a letter I received from the Halls who are presiding over a mission in Russia and they told about the icy roads and sidewalks. Cherri Hall said she couldn't even walk to the market because of the icy walks. I had a letter from a teacher in Thailand who said it was SO hot that even the Thai people were complaining of the heat. It is SO interesting to learn of the different climates throughout the world - we had a beautiful snowstorm early this morning but now it is just cloudy with a little bit of rain. I just came home from "Curves" and it is WONDERFUL to have such a warm comfortable place to live.

I believe Jessie is doing good. I have talked to Annie and she is hoping Jessie will take it a little easier than she has and get more rest. I got her cell phone number but she didn't answer so I left a message - I won't call her again because I believe it is expensive for the owners of cell phones. Jeannie tells me that Barji keeps up with her and she says she is much better. Jessie and Barji are going to Chicago the middle of March to perform with the Utah State dancing team. They are going to perform the leprechaun number and Jessie is the leprechaun playing her violin. I am excited for them - they will pay them and everything. I don't know where they are going to perform - I keep forgetting to ask.

I have talked to Claire this week and they are doing fine. She told me that Bob and Michael are going to Little Rock in March to visit with Roy and Patrice and their family and then they will go to Memphis and visit some of the places where they lived while there. It has been a long time since they have been there so it will be very special for them.

I had such a fun time last night. Mary Ann and Sarah played their violins for the prelude music at a fireside in Bountiful and Jeannie invited me to go with them. The speaker was Michael Ballam and it was just excellent. The leadership of the Young Men and Young Womens' auxiliaries of that stake had planned the program that featured the challenges of special needs members. I'm sure Roy and Patrice don't know Michael Ballam but he is a professional musician and has sung in operas nationally and now teaches music at Utah State in Logan. They have a seven year old son who was born with spina bifida (sp?) and he told about their experiences - they also have five other children. He told about his birth and the anxiety he and his wife felt when they first learned the news but how much they have learned about love and compassion from him. He gave part of his talk from the piano and he would sing special songs as he told his story. Jeannie and I sat right behind a young mother who had her little handicapped daughter next to her and I am sure the fireside meant a great deal to them - it did to everyone there.

I went to the temple last Thursday for some training and I couldn't help but see the great improvement in it. They showed the proper ways of the temple ordinances on videos instead of leaving it up to the workers. Technology has surely made its way into all facets of our lives hasn't it? I am very impressed with President Stanley - I had never met him before but he and his wife are outstanding. I guess I am especially interested in seeing them "at work" because of my friendship with two Presidents of temples here in Utah - Marian and Malcolm in St. George and Frances and Dee in Mt. Timpanogos. I start to work this coming Saturday at 5:15 a.m. - one thing for sure, there won't be much traffic on the road - Ha!!! They have also asked me to collect all the money and buy gifts for those members in our ward who are getting married - that will be fun if everyone cooperates. Maybe I will become acquainted better in my ward. I am SO excited - we will begin meetings in our new chapel on March 12th and it is so close to where I live that I could walk to it. BEST OF ALL - Our meetings don't start until 10:30 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m.

Ricky - I saw some of the recent pictures you have sent home. You are having a WONDERFUL mission. It is good to see you with some of your companions having such a good time - missions should be fun along with the hard and discouraging work.