Sunday, January 30, 2011

Did You Know. . . .

Broadleaf mistletoe (Phoradendron macrophyllum) is an evergreen parasitic plant that grows on deciduous trees in winter when leaves are off the trees, we have been told that several years ago local people would use a 22 riffle to shoot a mistletoe clump out of the tree to hang in the doorway for those magical kisses. It is everywhere and I couldn’t resist taking a picture on our way back to Jackson.

Sister Dustin and Sister Goodin in Slidell

Sunday afternoon we drove to Slidell, Louisiana where we were greeted by Sisters Dustin and Goodin. Sister Dustin returned to the mission home with us and on Tuesday morning she returned to her home and family in Utah.IMG_0857

Waveland Ward

We traveled to Waveland for Church on Sunday. Along the way we passed a marker that shows the water line after the hurricane Katrina hit this area back in 2005. Many people in this ward lost their homes as a result of the storm. The meetinghouse had over two feet of water inside the building and up to four feet of water in the parking lot. We had a wonderful day and were greeted by our missionaries Elders Manning and Neunswander. After church we joined the Bishop and his lovely family for lunch at his home.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Leadership Training

We met Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for Leadership Training in Brandon. We spend the day learning how to be more effective teachers and then go and practice what we learned in evening. The Spirit is a great teacher for those who come prepared to learn. IMG_0842

Leadership Training Lunch

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Greenville Ward

On Sunday we drove two hours to attend the Greenville Ward. We were greeted by Elders Willis and Hinckley. The Monroe Stake Presidency was also in attendance for Ward Conference. Our testimonies were strengthened by the messages of the Stake Presidency2011 Greenville.CIMG0108

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Welcome Elder and Sister Ryan

We have truly been blessed! Elder and Sister Ryan join the Mississippi Jackson Mission from Utah. They will serve in the Columbia Ward.IMG_0823

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Welcome Elder and Sister Atkinson

Elder and Sister Atkinson have joined us from Wyoming and will serve in the Jonesboro Hodge Branch in Louisiana. What a wonderful addition to the Mississippi Jackson Mission. IMG_0822

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Clinton Ward

IMG_0812

We attended church in the Clinton Ward. We were greeted by Sisters Wright and Bishop and Elders Lawrence and Piggot. After the meetings we attended the baptism of IMG_0815Sierra Samples.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Welcome Elder and Sister Wilson

Elder and Sister Wilson have begun their service in the Bishops Storehouse in Slidell, Louisiana. Elder and Sister Earnhart will return home as soon as they share their knowledge with the Wilsons.IMG_0808

Week of Interviews and Commitments

During our week of meeting with the missionaries, President Tucker shared with them our Goal for the year and encouraged them to sign a Banner created by the Assistants as a reminder of their commitment.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Conference in Shreveport

Each of the Stakes in our mission participated in a Broadcast Stake Conference, featuring President Monson, Elder Perry, Bishop McMullin and Sister Dalton. We were invited to participate in the Priesthood Leadership Meeting on Saturday so we spent the weekend in Shreveport. On Sunday we were able to teach with Sister Allen and Hanley after the meeting. IMG_0783

Friday, January 7, 2011

January Zone Leader Council

Welcome Elder Hoffman and Elder Belden our newest Zone Leaders. We had a Great day together reviewing planning and goal setting, and establishing some new goals for the upcoming year. We also talked about sharing the website mormon.org and helping ward members create profiles.IMG_0779

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Home In Time for School

We are grateful for the wonderful service of Elders Jensen, Barnum and Ryan who will soon return to their homes and families. They each have contributed their own talents and gifts to strengthen the church in the MJM

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Visiting the Elders in the Florence Ward

IMG_0757

We attended church in the Florence Ward and were greeted by Elder Lopez and Elder Sommer and the newest member of the Florence Ward Justin.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Starting 2011 Right

We returned to Laurel on Saturday the 1st of January for another baptism. What a great way to start the new year. We look forward to another wonderful year in the MJM.IMG_0756