Some Results of Service...

I remember once when someone at church did something for our family and I wanted to do something in return to say thank you....they told me to "just pass it on and do something for some else who might need help". Well, it seems that Marylyn and Andy's Kindness Service Project is being passed on: "Annika's swim teacher was one person we gave the 'kindness: pass it on' cookie plate to. She told us tonight that she decided to finally meet a few of her neighbors on her street and give them treats to. She was very appreciative of the 'pay it forward' and said it made her think outside of her comfort zone. Mary also mentioned she keeps our little card on her fridge to remind herself to show more kindness and serve others more often."

Marv and I just came back from a family home evening dinner and program here at the temple apartments. Two of our friends had just returned from a church mission in Ghana and shared slides and stories with us. It is hard to believe that there are people on this planet living in such poverty when we have just way too much! In reading the scriptures about this subject, I cannot help but believe we, who have so much, will some how be held accountable one day. Anyway, it was a wonderful fireside and made us grateful for what our Stake Youth are doing for their service project this summer....collecting school supplies to send to Africa. Madison and Brooke have been helping their mom get supplies to send there...that is so needed.

When this couples started their mission they were sent to an area that had not had missionaries before, really out in the Bush. There was only one member that had been to the temple...then they showed one of their latest pictures with 20 or so members from their area standing in front of the temple. Another picture they showed was the roads after a big rain storm...sometimes clear up to your waist and more. It was a Sunday and everyone was trying to get to church. One of the elders came across a road that had turned into a river...he took off his shoes and slacks, put them over his shoulders and swam through the water to get to church. The people, young and old always come to church with their close clean and pressed for the Sabbath day...sometimes walking miles and miles to arrive on time. Their iron looks like one the pioneers used, except inside the iron are hot coals that keep the iron warm. Families live together in one small room, their food is very meager. Apple? how do you eat it...never heard of them. Mortality rate for children is very low. That is one area the church is trying to help train them in caring for one another...and also have put in water pumps. Think for a minute of all the toys your children have...then picture in your mind these little children sitting on the dirt road playing with bottel caps as their toys. Oh, you should see what they carry on their heads...lots of very heavy stuff. But the people are happy and the children always have a smile on their faces.

Becki's family is still giving service to that lady by also painting her fence. Becky goes over there regularly to help with the horses where she is learning to ride and care for them. Service with a blessing!