Halifax Mission

Going Home

2010-12-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

UNDER CONSTRUCTION ! With frequent updates until the blog reaches home in Salt Lake City, jou can look to the right and select the travel segment of interest - just click on it and it will come to the top.

Here is a map of the first week or so of our journey home.

October 16th. Here we are ready to drive away. We are in the Dartmouth Stake Center/Halifax Temple parking lot after President Blake's 'Thank You' party. Richard, our son, was in the area on business and we are headed for the Sterners in Fredricton, then on to Boston where he will complete his business and fly home to Phoenix. Sister Muhn is sharing the back seat with a big pile of our belongings...

Wow, this is going to take forever! I'd forgotten how difficult it is to add more than one picture at a time, then get it in the right place.

Tom & Peggy showed us all around the area and we all picked some Canadian red maple leaves as the countryside was afire with the fall colors!

I wish I could include a hundred more pictures!

Farewell Sterners & Canada! What a wonderful experience!!

Next stop - the border, then Boston.

Boston

2010-12-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

The weather is beautiful and the scenery spectacular with the fall colors.

Here is part of the Boston skyline

Here is Janet at the Old City Hall in Boston. We walked the Freedom Trail through the downtown area and took in many of the sights.

More Boston

2010-12-09T08:00:00.001-08:00

Here is Paul Rever's silversmith shop.

After tromping all over Boston on foot, we visited the Nnahs. Their son, Emmanual, was one of the missionaries we came to know in Malawi, Africa. He is away at school at BYU. Maybe we will see him when we get home.

Enjoy!

Boston to Connecticut

2010-12-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

After Boston, we headed to Connecticut to see Janet's cousin , Amy and her daughter Sophie.

As you can see, the weather is holding out great, the traffic light (except Boston), and the roads clear.

Then on to our longtime friends, Laurel
and Bob George in Danbury, Connecticut.

From Connecticut to Louisiana

2010-12-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a slide show of our trip to Louisiana. After a night at Best Western we dropped in a HERSHEY, then on to visit Kaboni Gondwe in Athens, Ohio where she is working on her advanced nursing degree - she is a friend from Malawi, Africa. It was good to see her and that she is doing well.

Then on to see Janet's cousin, Mike, in West Chester, Ohio. Its about the 21st of October now. She has not seen him for quite a few years. Scott is not in the pictures because he is taking them...

We've tried to leave a little time for unplanned side trips - like going to see Mammoth Cave - fun!

The next night we spent at a Best Western in Mephis, TN. While we were in the area we just had to see Grand Old Opra, Graceland, and then an old time and well preserved plantation in Louisiana (E on the map below). Enjoy the slide show.

A note on the slide shows: The show usually starts before you get to it. You can back it up by clicking on the 'stop' square at the top middle of the slides, then clicking on the back or forward arrow to get to the start or slide you want.

From Louisiana to Texas

2010-12-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Why such a circuitous route back to Salt Lake City? We want to see and get reacquainted with our kids and grand kids! So that will eventually take us to Southern California before the final leg back to Salt Lake City; and then only for a brief layover before we head up to see the last family in Idaho for Christmas (weather permitting).
We stopped at Mammoth Cave in Kentucky then on to the plantation (E) in Louisiana
Here is the next slide show from Marie Kulbeth's home in Lafayette, Louisiana (F) to our daughters in League City, TX (G), just south of Houston.

Taken at our daughter's home in League City -

L to R : My sister, Joann Kearns; with her daughter, Amy Kearns; Alisa Rasmussen; Jewelie R.; Janet Muhn; Kya R.; Riley R.; Nathan R.; Chantry R. Missing: Russell Rasmussen, Alisa's husband. (and me - taking the picture...)

The following slide show includes a birthday party for Chantry, an Eagle Court of Honor for Riley, a trip to Brazos Bend Park (aligators), a ferry trip, and other fun things.

Janet's Mother, Lorene, flew down from Colorado for the Eagle Court of Honor - so a lot of family there!

More pictures from the Houston area.

From Houston, TX to Aztec, NM

2010-12-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

I guess I only get so much storage on the slide show program, so as I add new pictures, old ones disappear. Haven't figured this all out yet - guess I need to go back and read the fine print! So for now, here are some maps of our continuing journey.
From Mikes (A) we went to Mammoth Cave (B) on 22 Oct. 2010, then on to Grand Ole Opry (C) and spent the night at Best Western in Memphis (D).

The 23rd, we visited Graceland (Elvis Presley - D) then headed south into plantation country where we saw the Rosedown Plantation (E), then continued after nightfall to see Marie Kulbeth (F). We went to Church with her the next day, then headed off for our daughters in League City, TX (G). We spent the 24th of Oct. through the 8th of Nov. at her home and enjoyed the family.

From League City, TX we headed west on the 9th of November and stopped in to see Alex and Stacey Karuth (he was a missionary in Africa while we were there) in San Antonio, TX (B).

We spent the night of 9 Nov. in Ozona, TX (C), then on to see the Billings at Silver City, NM (D) on the 10th . Their daughter is serving in the Halifax Nova Scotia Mission where we came to know and love her.

11 Nov: From the Billings, we drove to Janet's Brother and family in Santa Fe, NM (E) on the 10th of Nov. We spent a few days there and had a wonderful breakfast at Harry's Roadhouse Cafe (world famous I'm told), had a tour of old town Santa Fe, and headed to Aztec, NM to see our son, Samuel, and his wife, Sarah. While there we shingled a shed and we all pitched in to clean part of their back yard so he could relocate another shed.

We went to a choir presentation that Sarah is part of and flew R/C planes and helo's with Sam one calm day.

Aztec to Phoenix

2010-12-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

20 November we departed Aztec, NM headed for Phoenix, AZ. The weather continued to be beautiful! Along the way we visited the Petrified Forest(B) and the Ghormleys(C) (old friends from our days in California) before arriving at the home of Richard, Lisa & George Muhn in Phoenix, AZ.

Here are some more pictures

Phoenix and Dana Point - CA

2010-12-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

At Phoenix we visited our son, Richard, and his wife, Lisa, and son, George. They live just north of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. While there we helped with his remodeling of his 'new' home - something for the young and energetic; but it was good to help and share in their life. Its also a good time to be in the desert!

We arrived in Phoenix the evening of November 19.

Collin Oxspring is another of the great elders that served with us in the Zimbabwe mission.
Map:
We left Phoenix 30 November to spend some time with our son-in-law, Dan Everett, who has just started his own Medical Hyperbaric Treatment business. Then a visit to long time friends, Ken & Cathy Wilson who are serving in the Redlands Temple. Finally on to our Daughter's home in Dana Point, California. Dan, her husband, commutes to spend the week at Palm Springs. Again - wonderful weather!

2010-06-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is our Home Teaching/Visiting Teaching route (we are 'A'). Between the temple and trying to squeeze this in between is a challenge. To reach the one way out at Port Deffern ('D') on the far right takes about 1-Hr 40 Min if we don't stop at any of the others on the way. There are a man and woman we try to get home at the same time. If we time it right it is a two day affair. We go up, help clean, fix and repair, spend the night, then help with other things and head back the next morning. We often try to catch one or two others on the way - but it seldom works out.

An interesting sight on our way to Port Duffern.

This is one of those sights you whizz by then say, "what was that?!". So this time I stopped took a picture. One picture is worth a thousand words . . . .

Christmas 2009

2010-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

We had a busy and wonderful Christmas here in Nova Scotia. Although we missed family and friends, we have met so many wonderful people here in Nova Scotia and in the future I hope to share a few of their stories. Each one is unique, heart warming, and faith promoting how the Lord will seek out his sheep. (Ezekiel 34:11 KJV).

25 Dec 2009 - Christmas Day. Elder & Sister Muhn opening some gifts:

25 Dec 2009 - Christmas dinner at the Jewer's in Lunenburg:

24 Dec 2009: Both the Stuarts and the Pillings invited us over for Christmas eve dinner and festivities - a wonderful evening with good friends:

23 Dec 2009: The Churches in this area have a yearly live nativity program including live animals (as available). I have mostly movies - but it is likely to take some time to edit those into something presentable, so here are a few pictures. Sorry if some are a little blurry:

Lights and Sights around town:

12 Dec 09 The Temple President and his wife had a Christmas Open House for friends and temple workers. Most of the pictures are of the decorations as I thought I'd talk with people rather than take pictures of them this time :-) :

9 Dec 09: Janet, with testing assistance from Scott), cooked and baked plates of goodies for everyone in our apartment complex as well as friends and missionaries - no small undertaking!

7 Dec 09 The Church in Sackville has a yearly creche display where church members and others in the community bring their nativity pieces for display:

Thanksgiving in Nova Scotia

2009-11-27T06:23:00.000-08:00

Before serving in the temple the evening of Thanksgiving, the Mission President and his wife invited all the senior missionaries to their home for a Thanksgiving feast. In Canada they celebrate thanksgiving on the 2nd Monday in October (12 Oct this year). So it was nice that they helped all us from the 'States' to remember our tradition.

Bay of Fundy Tides

2009-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just for Fun Go to THIS webcam and watch the dramatic tide variations at Hall's Harbour. Its about 6 hours between high and low tide.

Then you can look around Halifax Harbour

Enjoy!

She's Called Nova Scotia

2009-11-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

This music and slideshow well sums up our love of this country and the people.
- We hope you enjoy this few moments of God's beauty. CLICK HERE

The week beginning 24 August 09

2009-08-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Most of Monday was spent inspecting the elder's apartments. We've just taken on this assignment and have four apartments to inspect. Each different but all have a similar feel to those we took care of in Malawi, Africa - there is just something special about a missionary apartment.

On Tuesday night (8/25/09) we went over to Halifax with Elder & Sister Tait to see an updated version of "Jack and The Beanstalk" put on by a theater company called Shakespeare by the Sea. The location was Point Pleasant Park, ('A' on the map) once the location of several artillery batteries and 18th century fortifications. The play was located at one of the old artillery sites (the Cambridge Battery) as can be seen in one of the photos. Jack was a 'boy' of 25 still living with his mom. The story develops rather humorously and instead of the golden harp, Jack steals the GOLDEN ?? which is actually a long acronym for a stock market ticker-tape machine that spews out the future market conditions. We were no more than 6 to 10 feet from the actors which made it all the more enjoyable. See also SBTS. Watch the slideshow:
click to enlarge and read the Halifax Memorial ->

Wednesday: Another wonderful day in the Temple. After returning home we went grocery shopping and bought some pizzas for the elders whom we had over for dinner.

Thursday was a beautiful sunshiny day. We took a walk in the woods looking for berries. Most weren't quite ready for picking but we managed about a pound.

Big Blow Bill

2009-08-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

On the picture above, notice the couple by the pine tree to the right of the picture for some perspective of size.

Hurricane Bill just blew through here a few hours ago - after all the media hype, it was a bit of a letdown. We've had regular rainstorms that left more water than Bill did. But upon visiting the beaches, the waves were quite picturesque and an awesome sight to see.

We met for our regular Sacrament meeting this morning but they dismissed Sunday School and all other meetings so people wouldn't be out in the thick of it, so we spent a liesurly afternoon. Enjoy the video clip. . .

.. (right) same location, calm seas.

Whats Going On Around Halifax

2009-08-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is a quick way to show you what is going on here that we've seen lately. Its easier than downloading and organizing a bunch of pictures, although I will continue to do some of that.

This is The Chronicle Herald picture website. The latest is the "World Canoe Championships", also see "Canada Day" and my favorite "Tall Ships 2009". On the Tall Ships, look closely at 5/37 and see the sailors on the yardarms - Great!

Prince Edward Island

2009-08-03T02:46:00.000-07:00

! Currently Under Construction ! Expect updates as I figure it out and add more pictures...

On Saturday the 25th of July we left the temple a little early to travel with President & Sister Blake and Elder & Sister Tait (the other couple serving in the temple) to Prince Edward Island, or PEI as it is known around here. We were going to an open meeting at the Montague Branch to explain more about the Church and the Temple.

We left our apartment in Dartmouth (A), traveled up through Truro (B), then to the right to the ferry at Pictou. It was about a two hour ride over to the island where we then headed up to Montague for our meeting at 7:30 PM. After the meeting we drove to Charlottetown where we spend the night in a cottage.

See slide shows below - just click on a picture to do something.

2009-06-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we traveled with the temple president and his wife to Miramichi, New Brunswick and Bathurst, New Brunswick. Miramichi is labelled 'C' on the map, Bathurst is labelled 'B'; our home in Dartmouth is labelled 'A' down at the bottom.

It is about 5+ hours from Dartmouth to Bathurst. We went to Bathurst where we spent the night at the Atlantic Host - somewhat pricey, but the bed was great and it was very quiet. We were blessed with wonderful weather which is a blessing up here.

The next morning we checked out of the hotel and went to the Bathurst Branch for their regular Sunday meetings and President & Sister Blake taught a lesson to the men and women, then stayed after to answer questions and renew friendships.

Bathurst Chapel

A few of the members at Bathurst

At the Bathurst meeting part of it was in French, part in English: The branch president would conduct in French, then again in English; the opening hymn was in French, the closing in English. The choir sang the interlude with part in French, part in English. It was a beautiful service and unique in our experiences. As it was Fast & Testimony Sunday, both Sister Muhn and I gave our testimonies and briefly related our conversion stories. Many of the members in the Maritimes (this part of Canada) are fairly new in the Church, but there are those whose ancestors were rooted in the Church since its restoration.

We then drove to Miramichi for a special meeting with the members there. President Blake travels every weekend to one or more of the units and has these special firesides to teach the members about the temple and answer questions. Many lives have been blessed by President & Sister Blake as they have done this.

Miramichi Meeting house

This is the Atlantic Host Hotel where we spent the night at Bathurst.

The three flags of New Brunswick. The one on the left is the Canadian flag, the one in the middle that looks like the French flag is the Acadian flag, the one on the right is the New Brunswick flag.

As shown in these signs, snowmobiling is big in Bathurst.

A few of the sights at Miramichi

Sunset at Bathurst

After the meeting at Miramichi we drove to Brother & Sister Lanoue's home for dinner. They live in an old victorian style mansion that was previously used as a bed and breakfast. He is an orthapedic surgeon; they also have a restaurant in St. George, Utah. A long story . . . .

Also at the dinner were two other doctors with their wives and another couple from Miramachi. I kick myself that I didn't take any pictures as it was a most interesting home.

We then drove back to Dartmouth, arriving about 12:30 at night. We slept well!

31 May 09 - Sunny Sunday

2009-05-31T12:29:00.001-07:00

After a week of cold, rain, fog, and clouds, we welcomed the sun once again today. After Church we went to our favorite park and explored another trail. Our new friends the Sterner's will be moving away Monday. They live in the same apartment building and we will miss them. Enjoy the pictures. Here is a repeat of a previous picture of the Peggy's Cove lighthouse for comparison to the one above during a hurricane - yep, they have hurricanes here. . .

Anything above 60 is SUMMER!!

Spring in the forest

Thurs. 5-28-09

2009-05-28T10:20:00.001-07:00

This is a shot of Halifax Harbour from downtown Halifax.

Yesterday after our service in the temple we went to the genealogy library in our stake center just next to the temple, and were able to get on Ancestry.com. We were excited to find some more names on the US Census and other documents. This morning Sister Muhn was able to find one line and extend it back into the 1500's. Tonight we are at the temple from about 4 pm until shortly after 10 pm.

Address and Phone

2009-05-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Elder & Sister Muhn - - - -902-462-7069
10 Cumberland Dr., Apt 104
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2V 2C7
Canada

Sunday 24 May 2009

2009-05-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

Being able to spend time with the temple president and his wife has been most rewarding. His absolute dedication to the work is inspiring. They are also kind and uplifting. Whenever something needs to be corrected they do it in a gentle and encouraging way.

Ever since General Conference, President Blake has been inspired by Elder Bednar's talk on the Temples (Honorably Hold a Name and Standing); particularly his remarks regarding taking upon us the name of Jesus Christ. That in baptism and partaking of the Lord's Sacrament, we indicate our willingness to take upon us His name, but in the Temple and the covenants made there we actually do so. Each day, before engaging in the work of the temple, we have a preparation and training meeting. Since we have different workers each day, the same thing is presented several times to ensure all temple workers receive the same information. That means Sister Muhn & I get to hear it multiple times. Rather than boring repetition we find that it is a little different each time and we learn more each time. As I take minutes in the Presidency Meetings, I often receive yet more there. Of course the great challenge is to live up to the revelations and council given by the Lord's prophets.

Last night we walked over to the stake center where the youth of the area were putting on the Road Show; for those of you unfamiliar with these, each unit writes a script and presents a play; usually lighthearted and always entertaining. I think this is the first time they have done it in this area. Anyway, they were quite long and very well done. For judges they brought in several high school teachers from the local area. That was also enjoyable to hear their remarks as they presented the awards. We had a most enjoyable evening.

Today in Church one of the talks was also on Elder Bednar's address and next week we will be discussing it in Relief Society & Priesthood meeting. They are very temple minded here - all the members of the High Priest's group that are able, serve in the temple.

If you want to see what is going on in Halifax Harbour as well as another spot in Nova Scotia ( I haven't figured out where yet) go look at these webcams.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Monday, 18 May '09

2009-05-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is a quick review of the past week. We took a quick trip to Peggy's Cove, and another to Fisherman's Wharf, then the weekend we went with President & Sister Blake to Yarmouth and Greenwood, pausing along the way to see homes and countryside where some of the Mack's settled (ancestors of Lucy Mack - the mother of Joseph Smith and a cousin in Janet's line). The village is called Milltown. It was a busy week at the temple with some members coming in from Newfoundland and bringing with them a lot of records for printing and temple work. This temple is self sufficient and all the work done here is supplied by people within the temple district. We also had a special session for young married couples and young single addults, oh, then another for missionaries. So we were not cooling our heels at any time and lunch mostly sat in the sack in the refrigerator. Here are some pictures, but a little short on explanation due to time.

11 May - Preparation Day

2009-05-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

11 May 09: We are getting out of shape so decided to go on a walkabout. The picture to the right is of a power box along the way - a nice touch.

We saw some walking trails just over a mile from our home. We walked to them and explored. Sister Muhn is in heaven - there is a red barn at the beginning of the trail (she has this thing for red barns). The water in the pictures is a bay leading to the ocean. It ended up a nice 4 mile walk.

... <-Elder Muhn enjoying the sun!

Here is a view of the Temple from our walk; it is just below the horizon a little left of center - the Stake center to the left. Our apartment building would be to the right of the temple if it were visible.

We thought some of the pine trees were dead. But they are deciduous - they lose their foliage in the winter. Here is a closeup of one budding out. Wait until the fall - the colors should be amazing!

Getting 'Lost'

2009-05-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

10 May, Sunday we walked to Church (starts at 9 am), thoroughly enjoyed it all, then accepted an invite to the Bishop's home for dinner. He also teaches Institute of Religion here and supervises early morning seminary for the high school age youth for this region. We stayed to play some games and got to know his wonderful family better.

Surfers at the beach - not much action........... A Little Church by the sea............ The Atlantic Ocean

As we left the bishop's, we took a wrong turn and got lost (well . . . maybe not), and took some picture on the way back to our apartment. It's less than a mile to his house, but took us about 15 miles to take the scenic route back home. It was a bit blustery, but that has its own special beauty.

Our Apartment

2009-05-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Our apartment from the rear parking lot; just to the left of the black car.

From the parking lot, the temple is up a little hill to the left.

The left picture is looking toward the hall entrance from the outside entrance.

To the right is looking back from the hall entrance. Janet is talking with her mother for Mother's day.

Behind the blue couch (left picture)in back of the divider and to the right is a coat closet.

To the left of the hall entrance door is the kitchen. Everything is electric ($$).

Here is the kitchen with the hall to the left. At the end of the hall is the water heater closet.

To the left are the 'den' followed by the bedroom.

On the right, past the kitchen, is the bathroom.

Here is the bedroom from the hall, then looking back towards the closet.

Here is the den or computer room. To the left and hidden is another closet.

The bathroom, or as they call it here; the 'changing room'. Nice big tub with shower, long counter - but only one basin. All in all, we are growning to like it. The people here are friendly and the apartment is quiet. The manager or 'super', Claud Keeping is friendly, attentive, and takes good care of the apartments.

It takes a little getting used to the 100% humidity - things don't dry out like they do in the desert! This week has been overcast with occassional light rain or drizzle and fog one morning.
We also have a small storage cage elsewhere in the apartment complex.

Sunday 3 May 2009

2009-05-05T02:21:00.000-07:00

This week has been quite an experience. Last night and today we heard from Stake and General Authorities as part of the Dartmouth Stake Conference. The special occasion was the release of President Smith and his counselors and the sustaining of the new stake president and his counselors. Each was unique and had a special testimony that was shared in the talks of Saturday evening and Sunday. The meetings Saturday were held in the Stake Center adjacent to the temple and was quite well attended; the Sunday meeting was held in the Halifax Forum in downtown Halifax due to the great number of people expected. Elder Daryl H. Garn of the Second Quorum of Seventy served in Canada as a young missionary and commented on the extrodinary growth and progress of the Church in Canada resulting in five temples across Canada at present. The other visiting general authority, Elder Walter C. Selden told some of his experiences growing up and his personal testimony of the Savior.
The new Stake President, Brother Evans, is a native of England and a convert to the Church. He related how he had received the impression that he would be called as the new president and who his counselors would be; one of them he knew, the other he did not. So he visited the Cole Harbour Ward a week ago (our Ward) to see who this man was. He was our High Priest Group Leader and gave one of the most outstanding lessons I have ever seen.
President Blake (our Temple President) spoke at the Saturday evening session and promised us that if we would ask the Lord, and seek to know, He would confirm in our hearts that this new stake presidency was called of God, not of man. To know that this is a divine process, not a political one, and to see the beautiful manner in which the mantle of leadership transfers without any animosity or bantering for position occurs is in itself a strong testimony of how the Lord guides and directs His Church.

Arrival at Dartmouth

2009-04-26T03:24:00.000-07:00

We spent Friday night at Fredricton after driving into the night. Towns here are far and few between and gas is about $3/gal U.S., so we are sure glad we don't have a gas guzzler! The price is set by the government, so there isn't much sense shopping around.

You can also tell you have arrived in Canada by the MacDonalds signs - notice they have a little oak leaf in the center of the 'M'!

The day was beautiful and the warmest of the year so far. As you can see, it was blue skies and smooth sailing as we entered Nova Scotia.

Here was our first glimps of the temple through the traffic! We found it!

We arrived at the temple and found the couple we will be replacing, the Alder's, and began training right away.

Saturday evening we went to President & Sister Blake's home to stay until the Alder's leave and we are able to move into the apartment.
Also that evening we were invited over to the Stewart's home for a farewell/welcome party with many of the people in the ward and even the Stake President and his wife showed up there. We played a fund game until around 9PM and then headed back to the Blake's. in intermittant rain.
The Blake's are at Fredricton at a Stake Conference and will return Sunday night. More pictures to follow as time permits. Love You ALL!

WE MADE IT

2009-04-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

We finally found a place to cross the border (we tried once and couldn't because they didn't process visa's there) and spent our first night in Canada. We then headed out early the next morning and arrived at the Temple in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia about 12:15 PM on the 25th of April. We met Elder & Sister Alder there and received our first half-day of training. The weather was beautiful most of the way and nice and balmy in Nova Scotia - we drove under blue skies all day.
I hope to be able to load some pictures of our drive over in the next year . So I'm not promising anything immediately, and we have to decide which of the 500 'red barn' pictures that Sister Muhn took to put on the blog. We are in HEAVEN here.

On The Road - Day 2

2009-04-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

On our second day we traveled from Cheyenne, WY to about 45 minutes past Omaha, NE. It was rather windy but clear and a good trip today. We stopped at the Winter Quarters temple and attended an endowment session, then took some pictures (later I hope) and got a good night's rest at a Motel 6. Nothing fancy, but it was quiet, clean, and comfortable. We appreciate all your prayers and interest in our safe journey.

On The Road - Day 1

2009-04-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Day-1 Salt Lake City to Cheyenne, Wyoming

Packed to the roof!

. Goodby Salt Lake

Meeting Katie (our niece) at Little America - we were heading east, she was heading west!

Cheyenne welcoming committee (vultures). Well, seems like they are migrating just like us...

Wyoming Capitol Building - Cheyenne.

We stayed with Janet's cousin, Dewey Long, in Cheyenne.

2009-04-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Wait a day or two. . . . and the weather will change. And it did! We received snow the middle of the week. We headed home from the Provo Temple about 4 PM on Thursday 16 April 09, to pack and head out Friday morning for Nova Scotia. We arrived home OK, but it was folly to head East only to get clobbered by yet another winter storm. So we will wait until it clears and try Monday morning.
At least the car is packed - opps no room for the driver! We may have to pack again....

Temple Training Week

2009-04-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

This week we are receiveing our temple training at the Provo, Utah Temple.

Monday was a beautiful sunny warm day, as you can see by the pictures. Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy and overcast followed by snow flurries on Wednesday and Thursday!

Today we were taught by Elder Rex D. Pinegar (emmeritis Pres. of 1st Quroum of the Seventy)and his wife, Bonnie (far right, back row in the picture below). We were also taught by Bro Eddinger, the Temple Dept. Area Director. We will be receiving instruction from them periodically throughout this week. It was another wonderful day. At the end of the day we all shared a little about ourselves, where we are from, which temple we are going to. Each was a story of trials and miracles, joys, experience, dedication and a willingness to go wherever the Lord sends them.

It is True - He Is Risen

2009-04-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

On this Easter Sunday, I would like to share this message given by one of the Lord's apostles, a member of the Quorum Of The Twelve Apostles: EASTER

Also available here in Spanish: EASTER

1st Week In The MTC

2009-04-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

There were about 50 senoir missionaries in our 'class'. For part of the day we would separate into smaller groups for instruction and workshops. This is our group. One of the instructors, Sister Pinegar, in the grey sweater, is one of our teachers. She volunteers at the MTC and also works as an elementary school teacher. She served her mission in Italy.

This is the MTC dinning room. Usually the tables are pretty full. The food is great, but its hard to get small portions and its hard to thow away uneaten food - so I probably have gained a little weight.

Janet at one of the Call Centers answering requests for Church information. There are several call centers; others cover requests in multiple other languages. This was a great experience!

The world map in the MTC hallway. Sister Muhn is pointing to our previous mission in Africa, Elder Muhn to our current mission location - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

This picture is from a window in one of the classroom buildings. Although there is snow on the mountains, it is still pleasant outside (when the sun is shining). It looks like these pictures take a little time getting them into the blog. Please be patient. . .

Some of you have asked for some detail about what we are doing so I've included the ‘cut & dried’ outline below. This has been a wonderful experience. We are instructed mostly by return missionaries in their early to mid 20’s; both men and women from all over the world. As we work together the spirit is often strong, a feeling of love and support pervades, and we get to meet and talk to people going all over the world serving in all different capacities. We like to break away from the senior missionaries and eat with the young missionaries and hear about their lives and how they are doing; I think it invigorates us all. The Preach My Gospel is quite a guide and we spend many hours in the evenings with that book and studying the referenced scriptures as well as those brought up in class. It sure beats TV!

As senior couples and sisters, our training is greatly condensed due to our many years of experience in the Church. We get in 1 week what the younger missionaries get in 6 weeks or so. Longer for both if a foreign lanquage must be learned.

Monday
11:30: Arrived at MTC, check in, get room key, and meal/building card, pay for room/board.
11:30-12:45: Lunch, go to mail room & get mailbox, go to bookstore purchase needed materials.
1:00-2:00: Senior missionary welcome by MTC Presidency
Break
2:10-2:45: Health/Medical Presentation (wash your hands)
Break
3:00-4:00: General overview of training schedule and activities for the week
4:30-6:00: Dinner
Assignment: Read P 1-15 of Preach My Gospel (PMG); What is My Purpose as a Missionary.
Read P 29-46 of PMG ; The Message of the Restoration.

Tuesday
6:30: Get up, shave, shower, etc. – Dress.
7:00-8:00: Breakfast
8:00-9:00: Large Group Instruction: The Message of the Restoration and practice.
Break
9:15-10-15: Continued
Break
10:30-12:00: Small Group Study, practice, share experiences, etc.
Lunch
1:30-2:30: Small Group Study, continued
Break
2:45-3:30: Appointment: Teach Lesson 1 to Church Service Volunteer
3:30-4:15: Large Group Summary and Conclusion: Evaluate, conclude for the day.
4:15-5:00: Immunizations if needed.
5:00-6:00: Dinner
6:45-8:00: Devotional with emeritus general authority, Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone
Assignment: Read P 47-59 PMG; The Plan of Salvation.
Read P 71-81 of PMG ; The Commandments.

Wednesday
Same as Tuesday, except working with The Plan of Salvation
4:45-5:45: Dinner. This is the day the young missionaries arrive.
No Devotional – that is only on Tuesday.
Assignment: P 213-217 PMG; How Do I Work with Stake and Ward Leaders?
P 103-114, What is the Role of the Book of Mormon?

Thursday
Similar schedule but today we focus on working with the less active member in the morning.
In the afternoon we receive orientation to the Referral Center, the work in the Center from 2:45-4:00.
4:15-4:45: Evaluate the days activities, conclude.
Assignment: P 60-70 PMG The Gospel of Jesus Christ
P 138-145 PMG Key Indicators, Area Book planning & reporting
P 217-223 PMG How Do I Work With Stake and Ward Leaders?

Friday
Morning: Instruction and practice The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then appointment is with less active members and applying the Gospel of Jesus Christ; followed by evaluation and discussion.
Afternoon: Instruction and discussion on working with stake and ward leaders to strengthen new and less active members. Work with case studies with focus on councils and counseling together. Summary & conclusion.

Saturday & Sunday: We will head back home to Salt Lake City and return on Monday.

This second week, those of us that will be serving in temples will be receiving our training specific to the temple in the Provo Temple just east of the MTC.

Zimbabwe Mission Reunion, Etc.

2009-04-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Friday night we drove to Orem, Ut for the Zimbabwe Mission reunion. We so enjoyed seeing many friends there and the planned activities. There was a great slide show that brought back many memories; it included a movie President Bester and his wife sent - what a wonderful way to close the evening. He is being replaced by President Eddie Dube of Zimbabwe - another wonderful and spiritual man! One of the great experiences of a mission is being able to serve with such spiritual giants.

We very much enjoyed the messages and spirit of General Conference Saturday and Sunday - especially the counsel and instruction on the temple: it set a special tone for our setting apart by our stake president and our entrance into the MTC tomorrow morning.

Also at our setting apart were Jeff & Megan Muhn, and Nina Austin. President McConkie set us apart assisted by President Barker.

NP3rd Ward Farewell

2009-04-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful farewell at our church (Northpoint 3rd Ward) on the 29th of March. We thank all those who braved the winter weather to come and show their support. Here is a picture of some of those we served with in the Zimbabwe Africa mission who came.

A special thanks to Jeff & Megan Muhn and Becky & Travis Holman for all their help with the refreshments, as well as others who helped.

Picture (L to R): Gil Naisbitt, Nick & Jamie Hansen, Jean Naisbitt, Lyn Swan, Jarica Newitt, Dale Swan, Brett Hanson (Jarica's fiance), Juelee (Vander Meyden) with husban Nick Grundvig and baby Abbie, Janet & Scott Muhn.

Getting Ready

2009-03-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

What to take, what to leave, what to toss, what to store. A million decisions. . .
Scott is figuring out what to buy and take along to keep the car running, the computer running, etc. and what to take to keep WARM.
Janet is trying to figure out what to pack from the kitchen. Scott occasionally shows her the car and reminds her it is a Toyota Corolla, not a Suburban with trailer. She consoles him with assurances that it will ALL fit... a picture will be sure to follow!
What to do for health insurance, how to pay bills, how to keep in touch with family, etc. It is somewhat stressful but we think we are doing pretty good.
Mission Schedule (Tentative!): Report to the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) - 6 April between 10 and 11:30 am. We will be at the MTC Monday through Friday, then back to home for the weekend and back Monday the 13th where we will be 'living' at the MTC and catching a shuttle each morning from there to the Provo Temple (across the street almost), eating lunch at the Temple, then returning to the MTC for the evening or doing something special in the temple if we so desire. Scott's thinking he may want to familiarize himself with some of the ordinances in French since the Nova Scotia temple offers several sessions in French.
Anyway, we think we will be returning back home the afternoon of April 16th, packing the car to the gills, and heading out for Nova Scotia on the 17th - weather permitting.
Total mileage to Halifax is about 3015 miles. It may be longer if we have to avoid blizzards.

In The Beginning

2009-03-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hi family and friends!

We plan to update this page regularly on our mission to the Nova Scotia Temple, then send a group email to everyone notifying them of an update - you can then 'click' the link on the email to see what we are up to. If anyone out there is more experienced or blog savy, let me know if there is an easier way.

Go click HALIFAX to learn about the area, TEMPLE to learn about the temple.

We enter the Provo MTC on 6 April - we figure that is a good date.

Our mailing and physical address while in Nova Scotia will be:
10 Cumberland Drive #104 Phone: 902-434-9211
Dartmouth, NS B2V 2C7
Canada

Goggle Earth Coordinates:
44 Deg 40' 14.89" N
63 Deg 29' 18.90" W