Nippy November 4, 2013

The recent cold snap finally changed the leaves to gorgeous colors all over the mountains and valleys.  Many of the trees have already lost their leaves, but the remaining are beautiful.  I remember how our daughter loved autumn in Pennsylvania.  This is much the same.  It makes our drives each day ever more beautiful.

We drive ALOT, putting about 2500 miles a month on our car.  One day it started acting strangely, then it got worse.  We decided it should be seen by Toyota mechanics, the nearest of which is over two hours away in Knoxville, TN, so we made an appointment.  We prayed that the car would function okay until we could get it to the repair shop, and we took a day to go to Knoxville.  A coil had gone bad causing the cylinders to misfire.  After $600+
for that repair, new brake pads, tire rotation, and a Costco visit, I got my first haircut since June!  Boy, was I desperate!  We made it back to Murphy safe and sound that evening, relieved, blessed, and tired.

A recently-activated family invited us and the young Elders to a double birthday dinner at their home.  We had a delightful time with food, conversation, guitar music, and fun.  It was a treat for us to expose them all to our favorite birthday song when we sang the Dr. Seuss birthday song to the two celebrants.

Our stake conference was this past weekend.  That required us to make the two-hour+ trip to Asheville for the Saturday night meeting.  Elder Tony Parker of the 70 was our visiting authority.  He was terrific!  We all were inspired and entertained!  He is a tall, imposing black man from Atlanta.  His brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all Baptist preachers.  Many in the congregation could identify with his history.  We gained many insights into how to be better missionaries, now and later.

On Sunday the meeting was supposed to be broadcast to the outlying warehouses.  However, sadly, the feed did not come through for us.  After many failed attempts to receive it, our Branch President finally shut it off.  We had a very wonderful impromptu testimony/missionary experience sharing meeting.  We were sorry to miss Elder Parker's comments and instruction on Sunday, but we were richly fed, nonetheless.

As time goes by, we are becoming increasingly busy.  It has now been a month since we had a complete P-day (preparation day).  They seem to keep getting filled up with appointments that just can't wait.  We are so happy to be of help, though.  Our love for all the people here is growing and growing.  I know we'll want to pack them up and move them closer to home when we leave.

We had FOUR trick-or-treaters for Halloween, and we INVITED them to please come.  Since most people live throughout the hills, Murphy closes off one street in town for all the children to safely come and trick-or-treat.  It's madness and fun for all!  Actually, it's not a bad idea.  :)

Happy November to all!  Remember to thank the Lord daily for another blessing.  
LOVE YU'UNS!!

Elders Egg (Cristani) & Bacon (for real!)