The last few days of July we helped pack and load a family we have been home teaching for the past year. The widowed mom and four kids had so much to get rid of as well as to pack that we didn't see how we would ever get it done. They moved from a roomy house to a single-wide trailer. What a challenge! Their bunny and four cats went along. We hope they will be okay in their new location across the state.
July 30 we had Transfer Day in Knoxville, TN. Our local Georgia boy, Elder Watson, left us and Elder Bean from Fruit Heights, UT joined us. He actually came from Laurel's sister's ward. If he had come to Murphy last autumn, we would have had Bean and Bacon. LOL!
Our zone was divided, and we got new zone leaders. We are now in the Asheville West Zone. The zone leaders now attend every District meeting we have. Since they live far away, all our meetings will be held in Franklin (an hour's drive for us). Too bad. The pizza buffet in Murphy and Blairsville, GA will not see our crowd anymore. Nothing so tasty or affordable is in Franklin.
We haven't had success finding new people to teach, but we are focusing on the less-active members of the Branch. We visit many each week, taking them Ensigns, having prayer and often serving in some way. It is enriching and needed work. Some respond well and some don't, but NO EFFORT IS EVER WASTED!
August 6 we joined several of our Food Pantry friends (mostly non-members) for an afternoon of pontoon boating on Lake Nantahala. We brought our lunches for an on-board picnic. At one point we beached for awhile to allow some of us to hike up to a waterfall. It was slippery on the trail, and one fellow made a big splash in a mud hole. We wondered if it wasn't a bear wallow. Laurel enjoyed driving the boat for an hour as we cruised around the lake. One more perk the young missionaries can't enjoy. ;)
Our Avalon has been in the body shop for awhile for a few repairs, so we have been driving a smaller rental car. It's okay, but we miss our own car. The Elders miss our roomy, comfy back seat, too.
We really appreciate the great kindness of the members here. They feed and feed and feed us! Guess losing weight isn't in the plan until after we leave all this Southern cooking. We keep exercising, so that will help, we hope.
Our health is good, our testimonies strong, our blessings innumerable. We are in good shape! We pray for all of you and miss all our family and friends, however, we love the people here, as well, and are grateful to be serving in North Carolina.
Love to all---
Elder and Sister Ogden
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| No explanation needed |
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| Sweet resting spot on the river trail |
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| Lunch break on the boat ride |
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| Tom Flinn from the mud hole |
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| Panaroma on Lake Nantahala |
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| First time captain |
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| Pontoon boats are smooth and relaxing |
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| Elders Bacon, Bean, Gerig |
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| Still in love! |
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| Double Rose of Sharon |
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| Spider web covered holly bush |
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| Sisters Barmes and Ogden have a fun ride to Stecoah Diner |
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| Gorgeous Crepe Myrtle blossoms |
