5+ down and a few days to go

   I had just about decided not to do a blog this week as there really isn't much to talk about.   But then I remembered how disappointed we were whenever Tracy would miss a week while he served his mission in Finland.  It was a mission rule for him to send letters weekly, but as Senior Couples we have no rules like that. 
     We had a pretty quiet week.  Monday we attended the Spanish Family Home Evening because it was held at the Murri"s apartment just beside us and the English was held at the Pitcher's, across the street and much harder to get me to.  Let me explain our Family Home Evenings.  As there are 27 Senior Missionaries here, 12 couples and 3 single sisters, we can't all fit in one apartment for Family Home Evening together unless it is at the President's house.  We are divided into two groups, one Spanish and one English.  We are assigned to attend the English group, which is nice since Sundays are completely in Spanish and it is nice to study the gospel in our own language.  Each couple, or sister takes a turn hosting the FHE at their apartment, gives a lesson and has dessert.  It is a fun way to get to know the other missionaries better because we are also divided in two groups for our shifts at the temple and don't get to serve with everyone.  This week it is the Svensen's turn but their apartment is across the street and up a flight of stairs and the Spanish group is meeting at an apartment even farther away so we were just not going to attend.  But the English group has agreed to come to our apartment and hold FHE here.  I will attach a photo tomorrow after FHE to show you just how crowded our little apartment is with 13 people in it. 

  Elder Thompson stood on a chair and put the camera above his head to get everyone in, except poor Sister Dick didn't get her whole face.  Elder y Hermana Olson on the couch, Elder Svensen in chair beside Hermana Thompson.  The back row:  Sister Svensen, Elder y Hermana Pitcher, President y Hermana Burk, Elder y Hermana Barlow. 
 We were on the morning shift this week and found that a bit challenging to get us there on time.  But we made it and enjoyed serving.  I only went Tuesday though Friday and stayed 4-5 hours each day except Friday.  The temple engineer and guard brought me home each day.  Then on Friday I stayed the whole shift, feeling pretty "proud" of my accomplishment.  But you know the saying, "pride goes before the fall" and I paid the price on Saturday.  I spent the day in bed totally exhausted.  But after sleeping most of the day and night, I was ready for church on Sunday.  Again President Burk arranged for us to be taken to church in the temple van.
     Elder Thompson is taking such good care of me.  He mastered mashed potatoes this week and is finding out how hard it is to keep up with the dishes.  He is enjoying the cooking but with no dishwasher, he is constantly doing dishes.  I told him that as soon as I can stand on two feet, he can keep cooking and I will do the dishes. 
   Well, that is about all for this week.  We go to the doctor on Thursday morning so next week we should have some news.  We send our love to all.  You are in our prayers always.  Thank you for your prayers in our behalf.  We definitely feel the power in our lives.  Love Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma, Lon and Nancy