GMM Network 05-08

Reunion Sept. 30, 2011

2011-09-11T14:36:00.015-06:00

Barlows--large toss salad

Costello, Kristopher & Lindsay-- watermelon

Day, Brody and Nikki--chips and homemade salsa

Dilts, Danny and Allie-- chips

Evansons-- waffle cookies

Fuhriman, Trevor & friend--utensils (100)

Gardner, Michael-- cookies

Hoskins, Chris--plates (100)

Hulse, Travis--2 cases of water

Jeppsen, Bob and Patsy-- turkey (5 lbs.)

Koelling, Curtis--mayo

Kunz, Mark & wife--napkins

Lindsays--rolls

Molis, Blake & Jennifer-- chips (2 bags)

Moyes, Allison (see Dilts)

Murdock, April & friend-- salad

Nickle, Melissa-- dessert

Oldroyds (Mission Doctor)--dessert

Parker, Jonathan & wife--dill pickles

Redman, Rachel--cheese (sliced)

Seavers, Eileen--(see Thorpe)

Skousen, Brent & Lacey-- chips

Spendlove, Aaron--sliced cheese (2 lbs.)

Taylor, Jonathan--rolls (2 doz.)

Thorpe, Larry and Eileen--grapes (Eileen Seavers)

VanPatten, Shannon--dessert

Warr, Bryce & Kristie--salad

Wheeler (Favre), Sarah & Joe--beef (5 lbs. sliced)

Womack, Clint--rolls (2 doz.)

Wood, Danny & Jennifer--watermelon

2011 Reunion

2011-09-04T09:16:00.002-06:00

It's time for another reunion! This will be the last GMM 05-08 Reunion for awhile. One of the goals of this reunion will be to gather info for networking in the future. (I know many of you do the Face Book thing, but for those of us who don't take the time to check what everyone is doing every five minutes or update our own page every five minutes (Can you tell Face Book perturbs me?) an old-fashioned, indexed directory of what everyone does and where they live could be a practical way of helping us keep in touch and benefit from each others' areas of expertise. Example: If I move to San Antonio and Elder Hanks is a dentist near me, I want to know so he can do my root canal! If I move to SLC and Elder Womack is a real estate guy, I want him to help me find a house. If I'm in Provo and need flowers I need Sister Nickle. You get the idea. I'll update it periodically, so as you move or start a new business or profession let me know. I'm not sure how this will work, but I will figure it out with your help. We will post it electronically. I'm thinking a blog...maybe we'll keep it on this one. So....

eMail me:

1. Coming to the reunion or not coming to the reunion. If you are coming tell me what you can bring.

2. What you do

3. Where you live with contact info

4. Family status (married, kids, etc.)

Now for reunion stuff. I played with the idea of having a fireside format where we dress up, meet in the chapel and let President Evanson teach for an hour, then have punch and cookies and visit in the cultural hall. However, President says don't break what has worked. So, we're back to everyone bring something. We'll eat and visit and sing the theme song and gather directory info. We'll do the same menu (hoagies, chips, fruit, salad, cookies). I'll start posting what you can bring. Senior Couples and Sisters, will you sign up for meat? We'll see where this goes!

We really are anxious to see you all again. We hope lots of you can make it. If we haven't seen you since the mission, please try really hard to attend...there's just something about seeing your face and feeling your Spirit.

Now, back to you Face Bookers, please help me get the word out. I know with you posting, word travels much faster than just me emailing...I need you!

FRIDAY IS ALMOST HERE

2010-09-28T19:50:00.000-06:00

Maybe Or Sorry...

2010-08-19T12:59:00.000-06:00

Andersen, Brady -- sorry, schedule issues
Ahmu, Adam -- sorry -- too far away... Missouri
Bunker, Trevor -- sorry -- San Diego, grad school, computer engineering
Bailey, Heidi (Moss) -- sorry -- schedules and distance
Brian, Mary and Jensen -- out of town that weekend
Carr, Reed & Donna -- sorry -- Donna is teaching seminary and they're too far away.
Clark, Cameron -- too far, too many commitments
Costello, Kris -- teaching school, can't get off (English teacher)
Daylee, Jolee -- maybe --getting married Sept. 24
Enlow, Alex -- too far...Colorado
Farmer, Dallen -- sorry -- work
Florence, Riley -- maybe -- waiting on schedules
Gawdun, Andrew -- sorry...got to work
Hanks, Ben -- sorry -- too far...Texas
Hord, Seth -- Scheduling
Jackson, Nic -- sorry -- in Hawaii...I'll bet he's not very sorry!
(Jenkins) Randall, Virginia -- too far away, Arizona
Kimball, Michael (Calif) -- maybe
Lambert, Jeff -- sorry -- too far...Colorado
Linsday, Jim and Penelope -- sorry --They are planning on being at the reunion next year, but are currently serving another mission.
Ogden, Seth -- sorry -- Moving into their home that weekend.
Michael, Todd -- sorry -- scheduling issues
Miller, Jon -- sorry -- too far Texas
Nielson, Don & Nay -- sorry, They send their love to all.
Peavler, Nate -- sorry -- in school at the U of New Mexico
Rowell, Justin -- scheduling issues
Saunders, Josh -- sorry -- working for the Hendersen Police Dept and can't take any time off.
Seman, Brad -- maybe -- looking for a ride from Rexburg
Sherberts, Mark and LaVerne -- scheduling issues
Skousen, Brent -- sorry -- work, school, too far away...Arizona
Steele, Michael -- sorry
Rich, Spencer -- maybe
Stewart, Elissa -- sorry -- too far away...California
Teare, Brody -- maybe
Thomas, Aileen -- sorry
Thomas, Ambria -- sorry
Tingeys -- sorry
Wheeler, Sarah -- sorry -- too far Kansas
Wilkinson, Stephen -- sorry -- too far away...Nebraska...med school
Williams, Spencer -- sorry
Wilson, Brooke (Devey) -- sorry, baby Peyton is having open heart surgery Oct. 6
Womack, Clint -- not this year...baby on the way

Food Assignments

2010-08-18T14:58:00.000-06:00

(Needed stuff...buns, meat, cheese, salads, chips, paper plates, napkins, condiments, dessert, ice)
Abbott, Jordan (3) -- cubed watermelon
Atkinson, Jeremy (2) -- 2 doz. rolls
Barnes, Jake (2) -- cubed watermelon
Barnett, Max(3) -- 2 doz rolls and a dessert
Benjamin, Nathan -- 2 dozen rolls
Benson, Lloyd and Sandra(2) -- 5 lbs. sliced cheese
Beverley, Jeff(2) -- dessert (trez leche cake)
Chatterleys (2) --meat
Christiansen, Jake -- napkins (lots)
Crockett, Skyler (2) -- salad
Dilts, Danny and Allie (Moyes) -- 2 bags chips
Eastman, Paul and Illa -- 5 lbs. sliced beef
Evanson, Brent and Dotty(2) -- 5 lbs. sliced ham
Fowers, David -- 2 bags chips
Gardner, Michael (2) -- 2 doz. rolls and ice
Halbert, Ronald -- cubed watermelon
Hall, Jeff -- 2 12-pkgs soda
Hansen, Trace(3) -- dessert
Holmquist, Tyler -- 2 bags chips
Holyoak, Emily(Craw) and Brant(2) -- dessert
Hoskin, Chris -- cups and utensils
Jacobsen, Jordan -- fruit bowl
Jeppsen, Bob and Patsy(2) -- 5 lbs. turkey
Larson, Jeff (2) -- salad
McKee, Jeremiah: sliced cheese
Morgan, Dustin (2) -- paper plates
Perley, David -- 2 heads of lettuce
Poole, Brian -- dessert
Silva, Brittan -- 2 dozen rolls
Skinner, Dallin -- 2 dozen rolls
Slade, Travis -- dessert
Smith, Dan -- big bottle of pickles
Spendlove, Aaron -- pickles
Tanner, Vergene (2) -- large salad
Taylor, Jonathan (3) -- large salad
Thorpe, Larry and Eileen (Seavers) -- sliced tomatoes
Warr, Bryce (2) -- fruit
Wood, Danny (2) -- large salad
Woody, Parker (2)-- mayonaise

Reunion 2010

2010-08-18T13:19:00.000-06:00

It's time for another reunion!!! The info for date, time, place is posted to the right. This year, rather than me making assignments for the dinner, I would like you to email me with what you would like to bring. We'll do the same sandwich, salad, chips and dessert routine. Senior couples, I will need you to help with the meat and cheese. I'll post the list of who is coming and what they are bringing on the blog. I will email everyone I have emails for with the blog address. Those of you who facebook please spread the word, or if you see, write or contact any of our people, please let them know. I need everyone's help here. I'll be in touch! Check last year's list below if you need ideas of what to bring.

Food Assignments

2009-09-04T14:51:00.000-06:00

Please email me if your assignment is a problem. If you want to bring something else with your assignment, feel free. Some of you are "famous" for certain recipes. If you want your assignment switched we'll work on it. Please confirm via email, so I know. (*) means you have confirmed. Thanks! All of you maybes, when you become a yes let me know, and if we're missing some let me know that, too.
*Allen, Kyle--platter of sliced tomatoes
Andersen, Ann--coming
Bailey, Heidi (maybe)
*Baldree, Christian--sliced fruit
Barnett, Max--2 doz rolls/buns
Bench, Karl--big platter of sliced onion and tomato
Benjamin, Nathan--can't make it
*Bensons--5 lbs. sliced beef
*Beverly, Jeff --2 doz rolls/buns
Bonner, Matthew--dill pickles (big jar, sliced for sandwiches)
*Brians, Mary and Jenson--large salad
*Brummage, Alice--salad
Brunson, Cody--2 doz rolls/buns
Bunker, Trevor--maybe
*Chatterleys--5 lbs. sliced turkey
Christiansen, Jake--3-4 lbs. meat
*Clark, Cameron--dessert
*Clark, Jared--2 doz rolls/buns
Clarke, Kevin--2 bags potato chips
*Clinton, Wes--Big jar Mayo
*Conlin, Aaron--ice
Costello, Kris--sliced fruit
*Crane, Joey--2 doz rolls/buns
Craw, Emily--dessert for 20
Crockett, Skyler--sliced fruit
*Devey, Brooke (Wilson)--sliced fruit
*Dilts, Danny--2 doz rolls/buns
*Eastman, Paul--5 lbs. sliced beef
Edmonds, Joe--Bread and Butter Pickles (big jar)
Evans, John--2 bags potato chips
Evansons--10 lbs sliced ham, plastic cutlery, coolers for water
*Farr, Loren--salad
Forbes, Brayden--2 bags potato chips
Fowers, David--3-4 lbs. sliced meat
*Gardner, Michael--2 doz rolls/buns
Garner, Devon--Big jar pickles
Gawdun, Andrew--Banana Peppers (big jar)
Gilberts--5 lbs. sliced cheese
*Greenhalgh, Adam--2 bags potato chips
Halbert, Ron--2 doz rolls
*Hale, Steve--big platter sliced tomatoes
Hall, Jeff --olives (big #10 can sliced, they have them at Sams)
*Hansen, Trace--2 doz rolls/buns
*Hayes, Tim and Kathy--5-10 lbs. sliced turkey
*Hedrick, Julie--salad
Heiner, Michael--maybe
*Hickenlooper, Spencer--paper plates
*Holmquist, Tyler--2 dozen rolls
*Hord, Seth--sliced fruit
*Hoskin, Chris--200 paper cups
Hulse, Travis--100 sturdy paper plates
Hunt, Colton (maybe)
Ilfra, Sam--pickles
Jackson, Nic (maybe)
*Jacobsen, Jordan--sliced fruit
*Jensen, Linsey--dessert for 20
*Jeppsen, Bob and Patsy--table paper, tape, set-up, name tags
Kirk, Adam--2 bags potato chips
*Koelling, Curtis--Big bottle Ranch
*Kunz, Mark--200 cups
Larsens--5 lbs. sliced cheese
Larson, Jeff --sliced fruit
Leishman, Michael --200 sturdy paper plates
*McCarty, Alex--3-4 lbs. sliced meat
McKinley, Aaron--Red Wine Vinegerett Salad Dressing
Martin, Charles--2 bags ice
Miller, Janae--salad
Molis, Blake--1000+ napkins
Morgan, Dustin--3 heads lettuce broken up for sandwiches
*Moyes, Allie--dessert for 20
Neider, Sister--grapes (big bowl)
*Ogden, Seth--dill pickles, (big jar, sliced)
*Orme, Leslie--salad
*Parker, Jonathan--salad
Pecht, Kellen--grapes (big bowl)
*Poole, Brian--sweet pickles (big jar)
*Redford, Tyson--cups
Robertson, Erik--banana peppers (big jar)
Rowell, Justin--200 dessert plates
Skousen, Brent (probably)
Slade, Travis--2 jars Ranch (for sandwiches)
*Smith, Dan--2 doz. rolls
*Stewert, Elissa--dessert for 20
*Stokes, Jaimi--dessert for 20
Takapu, Junior--3-4 lbs. sliced meat
*Tanner, Vergene--salad
Tenney, Annie--5 lbs. sliced cheese
Thompson, Eric--2 big bags of ice
Thorpe, Larry and (Seivers) Eileen (maybe)
VanPatten, Shannon--big platter sliced onions and tomatoes
*Wayman, Jordan--2 bags potato chips
White, Cory--sliced olives (big can)
Wilford, Carter--2 lbs. sliced cheese
Williams, Spencer--2 Mustards (good size, squeeze jar)
*Wood, Daniel--Miracle Whip (big jar)
Woody, Parker--mayo (big jar)

Sister Marge Eastman

2009-08-28T09:58:00.000-06:00

Sister Eastman passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 from complications from pneumonia. She will be missed. All of us in the Georgia Macon Mission learned to love this lady because of her smile, love and constant devotion to each missionary. I can't remember her ever being cranky. Her life exemplified our Savior's teachings in every way. She loved life, she loved missionaries and we all loved her.

Funeral services: Saturday, August 29, 2009, 11:00 am; 965 N. Locust Avenue, Provo, Utah, South Chapel.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Perpetual Education Fund or Primary Children's Hospital in Marge Eastman's name.
Cards may be sent to Paul Eastman at 474 W. 300 S Unit D, Springville, Utah 84663

Let's Get Going....

2009-08-23T11:48:00.000-06:00

The "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner List" is finally updated. If I've missed someone who has let me know, email me immediately with a reminder. (My life has been a little crazy with school starting and everything.) It is now time for all of us to step up our efforts. All you facebookers get the word out. Hunt down those who served with us and get them to let me know #1. What they are doing and #2. Whether or not they can come. I'd like to start getting food assignments out soon. Give them the blog address. I will start putting food assignments on the Guess Who's Coming To Dinner List soon. We're getting excited!!!

SAVE THE DAY!!

2009-08-07T07:45:00.000-06:00

It's time for this year's reunion. We have talked with many of you and it sounds like there will be a great turnout. We learned some things from last year:
1. We need a little more structure. Hence the proposed schedule, to the right...
2. We know there is lots of talent, so start now to send us suggestions for the program. Feel free to volunteer your talents or those of others.
3. I think the meal went well, so we'll set it up much like last year.
There are also many of you we have not seen. We hope, if it is at all possible, that you will be in Bountiful on October 2 for the GMM 05-08 Reunion....SAVE THE DAY!!

I'm sending emails out to those whose emails I have. I tried facebook once for about two weeks and found myself spending way too much time on it, so I've abandoned that. I need those of you who are on it to get the word out (info is to the right). Refer everyone to this blog. I'll keep information here. Let me know as soon as you know if you'll be coming and I'll start the food assignments. Please, everyone, help me reach out and find every single GMM missionary who served during July 05 to June 08.

Thanks!

An Articulate Discussion about Being a Mormon

2009-03-29T22:06:00.000-06:00

I signed up with Vimeo (free) at vimeo.com and then searched for "Day of Faith, Rachel Esplin." http://vimeo.com/2120177
This is the link to her part of a panel discussion of different faiths. She was amazing. I took the time to watch all of the participants. I was able to access the interview just by clicking on this link from the GMM Blog. My computer would run the video for about 15 seconds and then stop for 15 seconds, then run another 15 seconds. However, I found if I just let the computer run through the stop and starts that when I played it the second time, it ran clear through.
Rachel is a junior at Harvard and "Day of Faith" is sponsored by the University. In my opinion, she was incredible. I learned a lot about presentation and the logical beauty of our religion.

Saturday Lunch

2009-03-28T19:14:00.000-06:00

What a great Saturday afternoon...we're going to have more of these little get-togethers. John Levesque was visiting from Maine and Nathan Schaat was in SLC for the weekend. So, Danny Dilts, Shannon Van Patten and Rachel Redman loaded them up and they all came north for a visit. Trace and Michelle Hansen and Bob Richens came over from Logan. It was a super afternoon. Watch the blog and we'll plan another Saturday afternoon GMM lunch date. You will not get an individual invitation. I'll set a date, you check your calendar and let us know (call, text, whatever) if you plan to come. I'll fix lunch, we'll visit for a few hours and just keep up with what everyone is doing. Spouses and dates are welcome.

Shannon and Rachel in front. John, Danny, Brad, Brent (aka President), and Nathan.

Rachel trying to catch up on some sleep.

John, Danny and Shannon.

Nathan, Brad and Bob.

Trace and Michelle.

Macon Get Together at the Harrisons

2009-03-27T19:07:00.000-06:00

Brent and Brother Harold Harrison

Sister Barbara Burns

Brother Eddie Peacock!

Rachel Harrison and Brother Jack Burns.

Patty Harrison, Shirley Harris, Vickie Smith and Brother Mitch Harris.

I tried Facebook for awhile and was able to connect with several missionaries. It was good to hear about what you all are doing, but I found myself spending too much time on the computer. So, I'm back to blogging. It seems I can post and then be about all the other things that need doing. I may check Facebook occasionally, but I won't be on it much. Above are a few pictures from our Friday night (March 6, 2009) Get Together at the Harrison's in Macon. It was so good to see these Southern friends.

Alma Chapel

2009-03-27T19:03:00.001-06:00

This is the Alma Chapel that was dedicated on March 8. See the story below (March Is Almost Over.) If anyone can get this blog site to Elder Tyler Craig, I would really appreciate it. We have been unable to make contact with him. He needs to see this building and he needs to know we love him.

March Is Almost Over!!!

2009-03-27T18:49:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile. We were able to go to Georgia the first of the month for the Alma chapel dedication. It was an incredible weekend. We arrived in Atlanta about midnight on Thursday. Drove to Macon and stayed with Vickie and Wayne Smith. Brad was with us. On Saturday Brent and I drove down to Douglas and stayed at President Fussell and Tami's Lake House. (Brad stayed in Macon to spend time with school and church friends.) We had dinner with the Fussell's at the Flying Cowboy...a great local restaurant. I had BBQ'd meatloaf and it was delicious! They BBQ everything in the South.

Sunday morning we attended the dedication. It was...just incredible. Brent spoke briefly about the promise his Dad had made 44 years ago..."Alma would have a chapel if they remained faithful." President Fussell gave a beautiful dedicatory prayer. The chapel was filled...lots of visitors. During the Sunday School session, one of the visitors was called to the pulpit. Elder Delores Stokes (currently living in Tremonton (Bothwell), Utah) who was the first missionary in the Alma area 67 years ago. He told of having meetings in the old Rockwell School. People came from miles around in their buckboards. One family, the Boatwrights, testified to Elder Stokes that they joined the church because a member of the family had heard and seen Elder Stokes in vision before he ever came to Georgia. Brother Stokes has remained in contact with the Boatwrights and they let him know of the dedication. As he spoke, he thanked the people of the South for teaching him about service. He said, "I grew up on a farm and knew how to work, but you people taught me how to serve. My life had been full because I have served ever since my mission."

I thought a lot about his statement, "I knew how to work, but you taught me how to serve." I think work + love = service. The Southerners taught me about service as well.

January In Idaho!

2009-01-10T15:06:00.001-07:00

Visiting today from the SLC area...Danny Dilts, Shannon VanPatten, Rachel Redman and Mike Leishman. They are headed up to the cabin with President and Brandon (our son) to do some snowmobiling. It's so good to see them!

Elder Seth Ogden's Homecoming

2008-12-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Trenton, Utah
December 28, 2008
9:00 am
1200 N. 400 W.

It's Been Awhile...

2008-12-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

A huge group recently...like last week...came home. I think the following elders were in the group: Elders Crane, Hutchison, Heiner, Rich, Ogden, Robertson, Sharpe, Manning, P. Smith, Martin, Cottam, Lokhorst and Ilfra. We have heard from Elder Ogden's mother. His homecoming will be December 28. I'll get the time and address posted Monday. If anyone knows of other homecomings, email me.

Elders Levesque, Bingham, A. Hall, Schaat, Dilts, Teare, Spencer, Johanson and Fuhriman were scheduled to go home in October. We haven't heard from any of them except Daniel Dilts. He showed up at one of President's night classes. President says he looks great and is doing well.

I'll do better at keeping this site updated, if you'll do a better job of keeping me updated! Everyone, have a Merry Christmas!

Lee and Vanessa McMillan Baby

2008-10-24T09:53:00.000-06:00

Lee (Elder McMillan) wanted to make sure any former mission companions/buddies were invited to the baby blessing of his first son, Carter, on November 2nd at 9:00 a.m. The church building is located at 56 S. 1300 W. in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He would love to have you come. Also just in case you don't have their blog site it is http://macawesomepants.blogspot.com/ Thanks, Lee, Vanessa, and Carter McMillan

Lee and Vanessa, by sure to send me (Sister E.) some pictures of Carter and his parents on the blessing day and I'll post them for everyone. We will not be able to attend because our neighbors are blessing their baby on that same day. We're anxious to see the pics though. Love to all three of you.

Reunion Pics + A Few Others

2008-10-10T12:15:00.000-06:00

Finally, a look at the reunion. The first few pictures are from other events. I'll try to identify each pic. Thank you so much to all who were able to attend the reunion. We had a great time. The Jeppsens were in charge of set up and getting the building and it was perfect. Everyone brought food...we had plenty, and the night was spent in visiting. I've never seen President so social! He really enjoyed it. We decided from now on we'll have the reunion on the Friday evening of October General Conference. We'll probably have it in Bountiful again, and next time we will organize a program and have President do some teaching. Again, thanks to everyone who helped make it a great night.

Richard Shelman and his wife with the Evansons.

Aaron McKinley (12)....that head of his is good for lots of things!

Kathy Hayes was not able to attend the reunion, but you can get a glimpse of her with Tim Hayes doing their summer job. They are currently serving in St. George on another full-time mission. This pic was taken before their current assignment.

Danny Wood standing beside the Tingeys (they brought us some corn which was great), the Brians, Tim Hayes and the Jenkinses.

Bryce Warr and Jonathan Parker.

Andrew Gawdun, Heidi Bailey and Bryce Warr.

Sam Swenson (who wasn't at the top of his Chinese Checker game that night) and President.

The Girls +1: Alli Moyes, Heidi Bailey, Leslie Orme, Melissa Nickle, Jaimi Stokes, and Tyler Holmquist.

The Girls In Force: Front: Eileen Seavers Thorpe, Heidi Bailey, Rebecca Carter, Brooke Devey Wilson, Leslie Orme; Back: Alli Moyes, Rachel Redman, Shannon Van Patton, Jaimi Stokes, Melissa Nickle, Elissa Stewart

Tim Hayes, Virginia Jenkins, John Evans, Danny Wood, Mark and Nancy Tingey and Steven Hess.

Bob Richins and Kaity and Craig Singleton

Rachel Redman, Danny Wood, Alli Moyes and Shannon Van Patton.

Lurlen and Janet Knight, Betty Gregson and her daughter.

David Howard and Kellan Pecht.

Spencer Hichenlooper and his date.

Tim Hayes, Virginia and Doug Jenkins, Mark and Nancy Tingey.

Tim Hayes, Mary Brian, Doug Jenkins, Jensen Brian, John Evans

The Wilsons (Sister Devey)

Kevin Clarke, Jordan Abbott, Jeremy Atkinson

Zach Cadman (who brought me 200 paper clips!), Zach Kinder and Joe Edmonds with a friend.

Mary and Jensen Brian

Kyle Allen, The Benches, David Howard

The Atkinsons and Larry Thorpe

Clint Womack and Ben Atwood

Kale Tanner and Danny Wood

Michael Leishman

Travis Slade, Carter Wilford, Ben Atwood

Shawn Cobbley, Adam Kirk, David Perley, Andrew Gawdun, Shannon Van Patton, Rebecca Carter

Zach Kinder, Joe Edmonds, John Evans, Parker Woody, Devon Garner, Danny Wood, Zach Cadman

Craig Singleton, Kellan Pecht, Danny Koller, Amber Koller, Michael Leishman, Rachel Redman, Elissa Stewart, Bob Richens, Kaity Singleton

Jeremy Atkinson and wife, Sam Swenson, Steve Hess, Kevin Clarke, Ron Halbert, Jordan Abbott and wife and baby!

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner....

2008-09-10T19:27:00.000-06:00

DIRECTIONS: Exit 317, Turn left at the first light (4th north). At 400 E. (Orchard Dr) turn right. At 1500 S. turn left. The street will jog and you will go right into the Church parking lot!

Who is in the Bountiful area...Adam Kirk??? Can you help the Jeppsens set up tables?? Is Michael Templeman around. Find him, Adam, and anyone else in Bountiful. Will you contact the Jeppsens (email or phone) and see about set up?

**Attended...

**Abbott, Jordan, wife and baby--salad
Arroyo, Richard--2 heads lettuce, broken up for sandwiches
**Atkinson, Jeremy, wife--sliced fruit
**Atwood, Ben, wife--salad
**Bailey, Heidi--dessert
**Bensons, Lloyd and Sandra--Big block sliced cheese (cheddar)
**Bench, Karl and wife--pickles, big jar
**Brians, Jensen and Mary--5 lbs. sliced beef
Bunker, Bryce--Gallon jar dill pickles (slices)
Bunker, Trevor, wife--sliced fruit
**Cadman, Zach--200 paper cups
**Carrs, Reed and Donna--Big jar Ranch dressing
**Chatterleys, Lou and Sandra--5 lbs. sliced beef
**Clarke, Kevin--2 big jars Mustard
**Devey, Brook, husband (Steve)--dessert
Drecksel, Tatum--2 Big bags corn chips
**Edmonds, Joe--Mayo (big jar)
**Evans, John--Red Wine Vinegerett Salad Dressing (it's great on Hoagies) Big Bottle
**Evansons, Brent, Dotty, Brad--5-10 lbs. sliced ham, plastic ware, coolers/punch/water
**Farmer, Dallen--2 big bags potato chips
**Florence, Riley--2 big bags potato chips
**Garner, Devon--Napkins (lots...1000)
**Gawdun, Andrew--Rolls
**Greenhalgh, Adam--Corn chips
Gropper, Taylor--assign when we know for sure he's coming
**Halbert, Ronald--2 big bags corn chips
**Hayes, Tim (Sister Hayes will be with Grandkids)--5-10 lbs sliced turkey
**Holmquist, Tyler--2 big jars salsa
**Howard, David--dessert
**Hulse, Travis--5 doz rolls
**Jenkinses, Doug and Virginia--Big block sliced cheese (something besides cheddar)
**Jeppsens, Patsy and Bob--Table paper, tape, set up
**Kinder, Zach--200 paper cups
**Kirk, Adam--200 paper plates (good quality)
**Knight, Lurlen and Janet--potato salad
**Koller, Danny, wife--salad
**Larsen, Kevan--salad
**Leishman, Michael--Gallon can of sliced olives (Sams has them)
Milam, Evrhet, Jaicy--pasta salad
**Moyes, Alli--dessert
**Murdock, April--5 doz rolls
**Nickle, Melissa--dessert
**Orme, Leslie--dessert
**Perley, David--grapes
**Redman, Rachel--5 doz rolls
**Richens, Bob--2 big mustards
**Singleton, Craig, wife (Kaity)--sliced fruit
**Slade, Travis--Salsa...big jar
**Stokes, Jaimi--possibly coming
**Swenson, Sam--Gallon of banana peppers (Sams has them)
**Thorpes, Larry and Eileen--sliced tomatoes; sliced onions...big platter
**Tingeys, Mark and Nancy--sliced tomates; sliced onions...big platter
**Turner, David and wife--Sliced fruit
**VanPatton, Shannon--5 doz rolls
Vidrine, Nathan and wife--salad
**Warr, Bryce--rolls
West, Eric--2 big bags potato chips
**Wilford, Carter--2 big bags of ice
**Wilkinson, Stephen--Dessert
**Wood, Danny--Ranch Salad Dressing, big jar
**Woody, Parker--3-4 doz. rolls
**Womack, Clint and Erica--Sliced fruit

Those I've heard from who can't make it...
Josh Saunders...He has a test with Henderson Police Dept. that night.
Kris Costello and wife...Both working that night. Baby due in Feb.
Jolee Dayley...She's in the Middle East teaching school.
Randy Bowns....Getting married this weekend.
Aaron McKinley....Soccer game. (He plays for Dixie, I think.)
I've heard from others, but just thought to start posting them so you would all know.

Homecoming Pictures

2008-09-09T19:46:00.000-06:00

Finally!...Some pictures from the Homecoming. I'm not even going to try and identify all of the parents, but I'll put names of Elders and Sisters who served in the Georgia Macon Mission.

Mary Brian, Scott McClellan, Bob Richens. I think that's Tony Lake and his girlfriend at the end of the table.

Matt Florence and Jeremy Atkinson (background), Fluckiger Family.

Jared Fluckiger, Matt Florence, Michael Lay, Tyler Holmquist.

Adam Kirk, Spendloves, Knutsens, Ann Andersen.

Ann Andersen, Jenkinses, Tingeys, Christian and Rachel Baldree.

Karl Bench (background), Dallen Farmer, Matthew Brenning, Lee and Vanessa McMillan, Jimmy Stewart.

Stephen Wilkinson, Landon Brown, Stephen Dixon, Kris Anderson, James Willard, Karl Bench.

Elissa Stewart and camera!

Adam Greenhalgh, Bob Richens, down the table a ways Zach Kinder, Mark Tingey (standing).

Bob and Patsy Jeppsen, Riley Florence, Brett Allen, Brooke Devey (standing in background).

Rachel Redman, Elissa Stewart, Jaimi Stokes, Alli Moyes, Melissa Nickle, Heidi Bailey.

Rachel Redman (background), Elissa Stewart, Jaimi Stokes, Sister Moyes, Alli Moyes, Carter Wilford. Standing in the background...Trace Hansen, Rachel and Christian Baldree, Tyler Holmquist.

Some parents...The Craws in the foreground.

Our Elder Russell Talbot's brother, Rebecca Carter, her parents, Matthew Brenning and I can't tell from the back...it might be Travis Hulse and his mom.

Tatum Drecksel, Adam Greenhalgh, Zach Kinder, Kellan Pecht and Bradley Boy!

Parker Woody, Tatum Drecksel, Aaron McKinley.

New Purpose For An Old Blog

2008-08-31T22:11:00.000-06:00

The blog...it is a changing!!! I received word from Elder Eastman last week that the church does not want missions to publish blogs. Therefore, we are changing this Georgia Macon Mission blog from a mission blog to Sister Evanson's blog to keep connections with those who served in the GMM from 05 to 08. The purpose of this blog is to keep us in touch. Please let me know what you are doing and where you are. I'll post pictures, info about businesses you are involved in, whatever that will help each of us to grow and stay connected. So email me at: evandott@sd351.k12.id.us with your news, happenings and ideas of what to put on this blog.

Evanson Homecoming

2008-07-23T21:46:00.000-06:00

July 20 was a great day! The Evansons got to see a bunch of returned missionaries! Our bishop's wife said to me, "We're being taken over by missionaries." Can you think of a better fate?? The musical number was the highlight of the meeting. The front of the chapel and all the choir area was filled with missionaries singing the Georgia Macon Mission Theme Song. It was stirring. I took several pictures at the dinner after and will get them posted next week(my last posting)...we're off to Canada in the morning to see President E's family. Along with seeing many of our missionaries, we were able to meet many parents of missionaries still serving. It was a very tender day. Our prayers are with the mission, may each of you realize your own personal goals by working hard and moving forward with faith. We love all y'all! Brad says, "Hi."

The Evansons Leave - The Bowmans Arrive

2008-06-28T20:15:00.000-06:00

The Georgia Macon Mission welcomes Sister Teresa Bowman, President Mark O. Bowman and their daughter Tawni and bids a fond farewell to President R. Brent Evanson and Sister Dorothy Evanson.

Transition Day Is Here!

2008-06-27T08:54:00.000-06:00

Dear Families and Friends of GMMissionaries,
June 27, 2008 has arrived and the Bowmans will be here in a few hours. We just want to say thank you for sending us the missionaries we have had the privilege of working with these past three years. This missionary work is a miracle. The converts, the members, the investigators and the missionaries have blessed our lives in ways we really can't express. Georgia and South Carolina will always hold a special place in our hearts, along with "our missionaries." We've told the elders and sisters they better stay in touch or we'll hunt them down. We expect great things from each one and they'll continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We love them and we're grateful to each of you.
With love,
The Evansons

Cutting Them Loose on June 24...

2008-06-26T12:46:00.000-06:00

Cutting them loose is never easy, but this time it was really tough because we are also getting cut loose! The pictures below show some excellent missionaries who have reached the point where we can say, "Mission Accomplished!" Thank you for letting them be part of our lives.
Standing: Elders Woody, Barnett, Godfrey, Mortensen, Warr and Sister Moyes. Seated: Sister and Elder Larsen, Sister and President Evanson. I insisted on holding the hydrengias...they are from the mission home yard and although I can't take credit for growing them, I just wanted to show their beauty off. Georgia does do flowers really well.

Elder Woody and Elder Tanner.

Elder Warr and Elder Tanner.

Elder Godfrey and Elder Morgan.

Sister and President Evanson.

Elder Barnett and Elder Morgan.

Elder and Sister Larsen.

Sister Evanson and Sister Moyes.

Elder Mortensen and Elder Tanner.

What a great looking group. They spent the day boxing up and loading all of our stuff. We had a moving van arrive and it must have been the movers' lucky day because they had never seen so much help. J.R., the head mover, said this was the best crew he'd ever worked with. I was grateful they were there or we'd have still been wrapping and boxing! Below is the whole crew with J.R. (who has on a suit jacket that goes with a suit President gave him...he's going to wear it to church) and Bryant. Both agreed to have the Warner Robins missionaries come and teach them. Who could turn down getting to be with more missionaries???

Look Who's New...

2008-06-25T19:16:00.000-06:00

June 25 started very early for Sisters Clark and Jenson, along with Elders Weaver, Bytheway, Taylor and Merriam. They were up by 3:00 am, checking in at the travel desk at the MTC at 4:00 am and arriving in Atlanta about 1:00 pm. (It was pretty hot today...about 95 with humidity.)We brought them to the mission home which is about an hour and 15 minutes from the airport. They rested, visited, wrote letters home and then we had dinner about 5:00, and had a devotional afterward. They are now on their way to bed. Thank you, families, for helping them prepare and serve. We are anxious to get them out in the field tomorrow with their trainers. They will be sharing their testimonies, visiting with Georgians and beginning an experience that will be foundational for their lives. We're glad to have them!
Sisters Clark and Jenson.

Elders Weaver, Bytheway, Taylor and Merriam.

The Elders and Sisters with President and Sister Evanson.

At the airport, with the assistants, Elder Morgan and Elder Tanner.

Meet the Haymores...

2008-06-19T14:47:00.000-06:00

What a great couple! Elder and Sister Haymore come to us from St. David, Arizona. They arrived in the mission on June 19 and stopped in Macon long enough to say hi. Then, they were off to their assignment in Swainsboro, Georgia, where they will serve in the Swainsboro Branch. We are grateful to have them here.

Savannah Zone Conference...

2008-06-19T13:43:00.001-06:00

The Savannah Zone Conference was on June 18, 2008. First, I've posted some candids from lunch, which include some of the Savannah Relief Society sisters who fed us. We so appreciate all of the members who do so much to help the missionaries. The pictures are small, but you can double-click to enlarge them. I've labled the larger pictures at the bottom which show each missionary in the Savannah zones.

Sister and Elder Harper, Sisters Tanner and Trappett.

Elder and Sister Larsen.

Elders P. Smith, T. Wayman, Beverley and Martin.

Elders Skinner, Hale, Foster and Fowers.

Elders Schaat, Sharpe, Molis and Collings.

Elders Manning, Wall, Price and Blackmer.

Elders Barnett, Wood, Heiner and Bingham.

Elders Benjamin, Koelling, Alvord and Conlin.

Elders Levesque, French, Brunson and McKee.

Augusta Zone Conference...

2008-06-19T12:28:00.000-06:00

The Augusta Zone Conference was held June 17, 2008. I've posted some candids from lunch and then pictures of the elders and sisters right after training.

Elders Tanner, Randall and Warr. Elder and Sister Nielson.

Names starting in front and moving clockwise around the tables...Table 1: Elders Nelson, Poole, D. Smith, K. Nielson, Murray, Christiansen and Fuhriman. Table 2: Sister Neider, Elders Cottam, Spencer, Fister, Morgan, Thompson and Sister Thomas.

Table 3: Elders Barnes, Snow, Jackson, Corbridge, Kimball, Bell and Slade.

Seated: Elders Fuhriman and Randall; Standing: Elders Spencer and K. Nielson.

Sister and Elder Nielson, Elders Kimball and Nelson.

Elders Bell, Cottam and Warr.

Sisters Thomas and Neider.

Elders Jackson, Thompson, Snow and Barnes.

Elders Christiansen, Corbridge, Slade and Fister.

Getting To Know Some Missionaries...

2008-06-16T11:24:00.000-06:00

Sister Zaun arrived on Saturday, June 14. She comes to us from Hamburg, Germany. What an asset she is going to be. She carries a very strong spirit and is so anxious to be useful to her Heavenly Father. Sister Brumage, her companion, picked her up Saturday evening and they were off to Albany.
Sister Brumage and Sister Zaun.

This picture is primarily for President and Sister Bowman. These are the office people...and what a great group they are. Elder Murray (cars), Elder Morgan (assistant), Elder Poole (referrals), Elder D. Smith (training Elder Poole and then going back out in the field), Sister Eastman (mission secretary), Elder Tanner (assistant) and Elder Eastman (financial secretary...along with anything else that needs doing). The young elders work in the office part time and then proselyte. The Eastmans are in the office full time. We couldn't get along without any of them....and the young elders are working on keeping a neat office! Progress is being made.

Douglas Zone Conference

2008-06-13T13:00:00.000-06:00

The Douglas Zone Conference was held on June 12. During this round of Zone Conferences President trained on being a disciple of Christ. I spoke on learning by faith. Augusta and Savannah Zone Conferences will be next week. I'll post pictures of them toward the end of the week.
Elder Takapu gave President and me each a lava-lava. I can't wait to see President in his! Also, pictured is his companion Elder Robertson.

Elder Clark has a weakness for cookies. He's pictured here with the assistants, Elder Morgan and Elder Tanner, who did a great job with training. Elder Tanner spoke about making sure we don't allow Satan to poison us by degrees...see Alma 47; and Elder Morgan reviewed with us some of the attributes Captain Moroni possessed...see Alma 48.

Elders Summerhays and Holyoak with J.W. Gibson, a member who is preparing to serve a mission.

Sister and Elder Barlow with Elders Faux and Jacobsen.

Elders C. Clark, Silva, Stoddard and Ogden.

Elders Gardner, Gawdun, Jeff Hall and Kimbal.

Elders Robertson, Takapu, White and J. Nielson.

Macon Zone Conference...

2008-06-13T12:32:00.001-06:00

Macon Zone Conference was held June 10. Somehow, Elder and Sister Eastman evaded my camera. I'll get them later.... All these pics were taken at lunch time and the missionaries were all into "posing."
Elders Lokhorst, Crane and Rowell.

Elders Murray, Talbot and Day.

Sisters Miller and Orme.

They all brought ties for our missionary quilt. Elders Horan, Lokhorst, Beacham and Pettingill.

Elders Horan, Mortensen, Poole, Woody (hidden), Jenson, Beckman; front Elders Stallings, Hoskin and Morgan.

Sister Orme, Elders Rich, Hoskin, Morgan, Tracy, Williams, and Horan.

Elders Ilfra, Mortensen, Crane, Jenson, Redford, Moon and Tracy.

Elders Mortensen, Beckman (hidden), Poole, Woody, Jenson, Hoskin and Morgan.

Albany Zone Conference

2008-06-13T11:34:00.001-06:00

The Albany Zone Conference was held on June 11. After I got these pictures posted I realized I didn't have Sister Chatterley or Elder Hutchison in any of them. You can see Sister Chatterley in the background on one of the lunch pictures, but I don't know where Elder Hutchison was...usually he's right in front of my camera! I will find an older pic and get it posted! He was there and he did a great job in skills practice...... Guess what...I found him, and it's not an older pic, it was taken on June 11.Elders Rice and Hutchison.
Elders McCarty, Joseph Hall and Diaz....with Elder Spendlove in the background.

Elders Chatterley, Hickman and Kunz.

Sister Moyes and Elder Spendlove.

Elders Joseph Hall and Carlson.

Sisters Green and Drinkall with Elders Genck, Spendlove and Hartley in the background.

We had them all bring a tie for us to add to our missionary quilt. We didn't cut any of them because they're not going anywhere...for awhile at least. Elders Cadman, Park, Ramsten, Diaz, Garner, Godfrey and Sandoval.

Lunch time!...Elders Rice, Diaz, Park, Hickman, Forbes, Hartley and Parker.

Elders Teare, Shelman, Kunz, Poole, McCarty and J. Wayman.

Elders Cadman, Johanson, Dilts, D. Smith, Murray, A. Hall, and Genck.

Sisters Barnes, Green and Craw. Elders Carlson, J. Clark, Spendlove and Ramsten.

Elders Tanner, Garner, Godfrey, Jospeh Hall, Sandoval and Morgan.

Evanson Info...

2008-06-10T15:19:00.000-06:00

Permanent Address:
381 N. Main
Malad, Idaho 83252
208-766-4918

Homecoming:
July 20, 2008
Malad 3rd Ward (200 W. 400 N.)
Sacrament 2:45

Taylor Gropper...

2008-06-10T15:12:00.000-06:00

Finally...a full time car with unlimited miles! (Only Elder Gropper)

More Alumni...

2008-06-04T10:41:00.000-06:00

Jonathan and Alicia Taylor

Shannon Van Patten and Rebecca Carter. It is so hard not putting Sister and Elder in front of their names!

Brad Evanson Receives Eagle

2008-05-29T07:43:00.000-06:00

President and Sister Evanson's son Brad received his Eagle Scout award May 21, 2008.
Brad has been a very positive influence on the young men and women of the Macon Ward as well as in his school and community.

Last Zone Leader Council...

2008-05-28T17:11:00.001-06:00

...for Evansons and Elder Barnett. I'm a little slow in posting. This council was held on May 20. Standing: Elders Wood, Fister, Forbes, Silva, Levesque, Dilts, Morgan, Tanner, Slade, Rich, Crane, Shelman, D. Smith, Murray and French. Seated: Elders Parker, C. Clark, Sister Evanson, President Evanson and Elder Barnett.

Sister Trappett from Smithfield, Utah

2008-05-28T16:38:00.000-06:00

May 24, 2008: Sister Verna Trappett arrived in Georgia ready to go to work. Below she is greeted by Sister Tanner and Sister Brumage.

President Evanson and Sister Trappett in front of the mission home.

More Alumni Shots...

2008-05-28T16:24:00.001-06:00

Elder Hunt and Kindra...

Sadie Hanks and her parents and friends...

Sister Redman and Sister Devey at Sister Redman's Homecoming...

We love seeing what you are up to. Keep sending pictures and information.

Sister Hedrick...Our California Girl

2008-05-24T07:51:00.001-06:00

Sister Hedrick is heading back to California. Georgia will miss this West Coast girl. She has touched lives and loved people. Sister Tanner and Sister Brumage are pictured below with Sister Hedrick.

Sister Evanson cuts her loose. We'll miss her smile.

Macon Tornado Damage & Helping Hands

2008-05-21T08:14:00.001-06:00

President Evanson, Brother Grigsby giving out assignments as Mormon Helping Hands gets underway Saturday May 17 at the Macon Chapel. Mormon Helping Hands at a member's home and at other homes in the community.

Macon Tornado Damage & Helping Hands

2008-05-21T07:47:00.000-06:00

The tornadoes that hit south Macon about 5 AM on Mother's Day Sunday, May 11, 2008 caused extensive damage to homes and businesses but no death or injury. The chapel was only slightly damaged but many trees were blown over and had to be removed.

Yellow shirted "Mormon Helping Hands" missionaries and members chip up branches at the Macon Ward. The big logs were taken away in a big dumpster by the Peacocks.

A member family's apartment was severly damaged -- she was in the bathtub and he in a closet when this occurred.

Welcome To Elder Tracy and Sisters Neider and Drinkall

2008-05-14T18:51:00.001-06:00

The Georgia Macon Mission has three new missionaries. Arriving this afternoon were Elder Tracy, Sister Drinkall and Sister Neider. They will stay in the mission home tonight and then be out in their new areas by tomorrow evening. We look forward to working with them. Welcome!

Transfer Week After The Storms!

2008-05-14T08:03:00.000-06:00

From the pictures below you can see we've recovered nicely from the tornadoes that hit Macon on Sunday morning. The sirens started about 5:00am and we (President and I) turned on the TV to track what was happening so we could alert missionaries. We found the major part of the storm right on us. By 8:00am the major force had passed and it was time to assess the damage. Church had been canceled and so we started out, under the direction of our bishop, to check on ward members. The missionaries had already been alerted and were fine. What I saw Sunday as we made our way from address to address reinforced my belief that we are not in charge. When two EF2 tornadoes are let loose in a forest (with lots of houses and businesses between the trees) it was truly a miracle there were no deaths or major injuries in the Macon area. Trees snapped like toothpicks, power lines were down everywhere, roofs collapsed, shingles flew and yet everyone was OK. When we got home Sunday night we were really grateful, and we wished we'd taken a camera...oh, well the memory of what we saw will remain for a long time. The pictures below are much happier!
The departing group...Sisters Van Patten, Redman and Stokes; Elders Rogers, Morgan (assist.), Gropper, Tanner (assist), Wood (assist). (Elders Morgan, Tanner and Wood are staying.)

Last day in the mission. They're in the yard at the mission home. You can see our part of Macon missed the tornados. We did have high winds, rain, lightning, thunder, etc.

On the porch...

Elder Tanner cutting Elder Gropper loose.

Elder Rogers and Elder Wood.

Sister Redman and Sister Evanson.

Elder Morgan and Sister Van Patten.

Sister Evanson and Sister Stokes.

Augusta, Savannah North and Savannah South...

2008-05-08T11:18:00.001-06:00

We finished the zone conference tour yesterday in Savannah. What a great group of elders and sisters.
I'm sure you are all looking forward to the Mother's Day call. Let me just quote what the missionary handbook says, "You may telephone your parents on Christmas and one other time during the year (usually Mother's Day), according to guidelines from your mission president. Take care that these calls do not pull your thoughts away from your service.... Keep them short (preferably no longer than 30 or 40 minutes). Other than these calls, do not telephone family members or friends unless you have permission from your mission president." We're grateful that they are able to visit with you, and hope you will do all you can to help them stay focused on their work. We love them and the mission needs their attentive service. Thank you for all of your support. Augusta Zone: Top: Elders Slade, Corbridge, Jackson, Randall, Beard, Ogden, Snow, Thompson, Rowell, Beverley, Morgan; Middle: Elders Fister, Wood, Poole, Jeff Hall, Rogers, Warr, Conlin, Fuhriman, Spencer, Bell; Seated: Sisters Thomas and Barnes, President and Sister Evanson and Sister and Elder Nielson.

Savannah North Zone: Top: Elders Gardner, Fowers, Blackmer, Foster, Bingham, French, Koelling, Benjamin, Kimball, Beacham; Middle: Elders Wood, Morgan, President and Sister Evanson, Sister and Elder Harper; Kneeling: Elders Alvord, Manning, Skinner, Tanner, Price, Martin and Takapu.

Savannah South Zone: Top: K. Nielson, T. Wayman, P. Smith, Brunson, McKee, Forbes, Wood, Bingham, Morgan, Heiner; Seated: Elder and Sister Larsen, President and Sister Evanson, Sisters Hedrick, Tanner, Brumage; On the floor: Elders A. Hall, Sharpe, Molis, Collings.

Zone Conferences...Macon, Albany, Douglas

2008-05-03T13:09:00.001-06:00

Zone Conferences began in Macon on April 29. We were in Albany on April 30 and then on to Douglas on May 1. The emphasis was on finding and sacrifice. The missionaries will be helping the ward missions focus on key indicators and then setting goals for the next month based on those indicators. We'll be in Augusta on May 6 and Savannah on May 7. Watch for pictures from those zones next weekend.
Macon Zone: Top: Elders Wood, Horan, Talbot, Pettingill, Mortensen, Woody, Morgan, Jenson, Spendlove; Mass in the Middle: Elders Ilfra, D. Smith, Murray, Wall, Moon, Garner, Rich, Crane, Beckman, Hutchison, Stallings, Hoskin, Day, Jacobson, Redford, Williams; Seated: Sisters Orme, Miller, President, Sister Evanson, Eastmans.

Albany South Zone: Top: Elders Hickman, Kunz, Sandoval, Joseph Hall, Hartley, McCarty, Teare; Middle: Elders D. Smith, Cottam, Gawdun, Shelman, Lokhorst, Godfrey, Johanson, Nelson, Murray; Seated: Elders Wood, Morgan, President, Sisters Evanson, VanPatten and Moyes.

Albany North: Top: Elders Ramsten, Genck, J. Wayman, Carlson, J. Nielson, Rice, Diaz; Middle: Elders D. Smith, Silva, Cadman, J. Clark, Sisters Craw, Green, Redman, Elders Dilts, Parker, Murray; Seated: Elders Wood, Morgan, President, Sisters Evanson and Chatterley and Elder Chatterley.

Douglas Zone: Top: Elders Levesque, White, Hale, Morgan, Kimbal, Holyoak, Barnes, Stoddard; Middle Elders: Elders D. Smith, C. Clark, Robertson, Schaat, Park, Summerhays, Christiansen, Faux, Wood, Gropper, Murray; Sisters in the middle: Sisters Jenson and Stokes; Seated Elder and Sister Barlow; Sister and President Evanson, President and Sister Fussell (Douglas Stake President and wife). For some reason this photo is real grainy...sorry about that.

You may have noticed a few faces in every picture...Elders Morgan and Wood are the assistants and train at each Zone Conference; Elders D. Smith and Murray also travel to each zone and inspect the cars during the Zone Conference...that's why Elder Smith's jacket and pants don't match in one of the pictures. They don't like to wear their good suits when they're checking fluids, etc.

More Alumni...

2008-04-28T14:10:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone, it's Melissa Nickle, I've been staying busy with school, work, and my flower business I started. Check out my website: www.blossomsweet.com. Love and miss everyone- I've got Georgia on my mind!

Brooke Devey sent the picture above and the one below. Above: Rhet Milam and wife, and then on the right Anna Stringham and Brooke Devey. Below: Tana Hall, Brooke Devey and Rebecca Carter.

This Is Going To Be Great...

2008-04-27T13:17:00.000-06:00

Today, President and I were in Tifton and one of the members there (Sister Seamons) told me they loved to look at the blog. The members here in the South want to know what's happening in your lives, so take time to send me a pic so we can keep everyone updated. Have you called any of your converts recently??? It's always a good idea to stay in touch.
Joe Edmunds and Zach Kinder: I (Sister E.) posted this. They sent it right after they got home and I saved it. They are bear hunting and even got a bear.

April Murdock: (This is not one of the pictures she sent, but one I had from an earlier correspondence. I couldn't get either of the more recent ones to load.) There's too much to say in one sentence besides I LOVE LIFE!, so you can email me at lirpadawnm@yahoo.com. The first pic came from Uganda the summer of 2007 when my neighbor kids started playing school with a blackboard and the books they borrowed from us. Pic 2, Jared Hamilton is in my San Diego YSA ward and celebrated with me at my golden 26th b-day on March 26th. Love the 80s. (Sister Murdock, try sending those pictures as jpg...I think they wouldn't load because they were bitmaps, also send me Jared Hamilton's email...please.)

Christian Baldree: Christian and Rachel are super busy as most newly weds are. He's finishing school, working full time and getting ready for Law School while Rachel teaches music at a local elementary school, they both love being married and are excited to have children soon!

Jolee Dayley: I live and teach high school in the Washington, DC area and just got back from two great weeks in Europe. (This picture was taken from the top of the Duomo in Florence, Italy.) My time in DC is coming to a close though, because I got a new teaching job for next year and will be moving to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) in August. I'll be there for 3 years and would love visitors! I'm excited to travel the other half of the world! Maybe in the process I can meet some rich oil sheik who wants to convert and make me his wife :-) joleetdayley@gmail.com

Tim and Kathy Hayes: The Gilberts and the Hayes' hanging out at the St. George Temple. What a beautiful way to share with friends you love than go to the temple together. hayes7811@yahoo.com.

Allison Bair: Jon and I were married Feb 16th 2007. Doing well, living in Colorado Springs. Hello to everyone!

Ben Hess: Hey moving to Arizona soon so if you need to get in contact with me my e-mail is benh@wwdb.org or there is a call me feature on my website http://gottabee.mychoices.biz/ (if you use that, don't be obnoctious or I'll make it so you always get the answering machine).

Adam Kirk: "None of you are the least bit surprised, you all knew I'd end up like this."

Alumni Accounting

2008-04-26T10:25:00.000-06:00

We're going to try a new feature on the blogspot. I've emailed the alumni (those whose emails I have) and asked them to send a picture and a few words to post on the blog. This will give those who have returned from their missions an idea of what's happening in their fellow-missionaries' lives. For parents of current missionaries you might come across someone you know. For any returned missionaries whose email I don't have, please email me (evansonrb@bellsouth.net) with your information.
Spencer Hickenlooper (on left): I am attending Utah State and playing on the hockey team. I didn't get to play much this last year because I tore my meniscus in my knee and had surgery. I am moving back to Colorado Springs for the summer to work and to drag race with my dad. We recently registered and were accepted to be on a TV show on the seed channel called "Pinks All Out." They are coming this August to Denver and the show will air shortly after that.

P-Day Activities

2008-04-15T13:17:00.000-06:00

When you think P-Day you probably think basketball, laundry and vaccuuming. I think twisted ankles (Monday nights I usually get calls concerning all kinds of injuries). But Elders Shelman, Gawdun, Kunz and Hickman, along with Sisters Moyes and VanPatten took time out to illustrate the Plan of Salvation at a park in Valdosta. Their art work is pretty good! Elder Shelman recorded the video and Elder Eastman condensed it so it could be loaded on the blog spot. Believe me, this technology is beyond my ability. Just click the play button and hopefully you'll be in business.

Zone Leader Council

2008-04-09T14:28:00.000-06:00

Zone Leader Council came just in time for Elder French's birthday. The poor Elder only got a birthday pancake, but he was a good sport about it all, and his wish had something to do with baptisms!
Standing: Elders Eastman (serving in the office with Sister Eastman), D. Smith, Murray, Barnett, Levesque, Fister, Morgan, Rich, C. Clark, Dilts, Wood, Pres., Bingham, Parker. Scrunched or kneeling: Elders Crane, French, Forbes, Gawdun, Slade and Shelman.

There are some beautiful azaleas behind the Elders. My plan was to have both in the picture, but they just didn't fit.

You'll notice a few missing faces...Elder Warr and Elder Woody. President is rotating zone leaders back into the field to help train and prepare other missionaries. Also, this will allow more Elders to serve in leadership positions. During this council the focus was again on accountability and helping to mobilize ward missions.

Sister Green is Here!

2008-04-02T19:14:00.000-06:00

Sister Green arrived safe and sound this afternoon. Coming to us from Portland, Oregon, she will be a great addition to the Georgia Macon Mission. We look forward to working with her!

We Have A Loving Heavenly Father...

2008-03-31T08:55:00.001-06:00

...and He has blessed us with an incredibly beautiful world. Elder and Sister Eastman took some pictures this last weekend, and I just want to share them with you. The amazing thing is you see these kinds of scenes everywhere you look. The cherry blossoms, wisteria and azaleas are the best we have seen in our three years in Georgia. Enjoy and be grateful...

Downtown Macon...The Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing this week. Macon sports thousands more cherry blossom trees than Washington D.C.

A typical residential view...

Notice the "tree chopper"...he's up there starting to humble "the brother" of the pine that fell on the office. Both trees were totally grounded this last weekend in order to save us from further crashes.

In Macon, residents put pink bows and wreaths on doors and mailboxes to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival.

In case the cherry blossoms don't take your breath away, wisteria hangs everywhere.

And the azaleas come in all sizes and colors.

Could it be any more beautiful?

How would you like to take your daily walk down this path?

Senior Picture from February, An Azalea from March and A Horse Pasture from Heaven!

2008-03-27T12:58:00.001-06:00

SENIORS FROM FEBRUARY....

We had a seniors' conference in February and I was supposed to post a picture then...I forgot. I've been reminded and here it is. This is a great bunch of missionaries. Top: Me and President, moving down...Elder Harper, Sister Hedrick, Sister Tanner (part of her face is covered), the Bensons, Elder Eastmans; moving down again and to the left...Elder Chatterley, Sister Harper, Elder Larsen, Sister Eastman and Elder Nielson; the sisters in front are Sister Chatterley, Sister Tenney, Sister Larsen, Sister Brumage and Sister Nielson.

AZALEAS FROM MARCH....

This six foot azalea will get you Northern Green Thumbs itching. This particular bush is in Statesboro.

AND A HORSE PASTURE FROM HEAVEN!!!

Savannah and Augusta Zone Conference Pics

2008-03-27T09:09:00.001-06:00

Well, I did it again. Somehow, I always manage to miss a few missionaries when I just take candids. So, if your missionary is not here, please know he/she is on my list and will be on next round.
The weather in Augusta and Savannah was beautiful. The flowers are out, the birds are singing, the temperature is in the 70s and the missionaries and members are working hard. Zone conferences are always a blessing for us because we get to see the missionaries.

Elders Sharpe, Alvord, Koelling, Benjamin, Molis, Gawdun, K. Nielsen, Forbes, Manning and Beacham in the kitchen before Savannah Zone Conference.
Elders Kimball, Tanner and Price out in the parking lot after zone conference.

Elders Murray, Poole and Jeff Hall.

The Savannah South Zone Leaders surprised the missionaries with breakfast. Above you see Sisters Tanner and Hedrick and Elders Molis, Diaz, Heiner and Morgan.

Elders J. Clark, Gardner and French.

Standing Elders J. Clark, D. Smith and Murray. Seated: Front, Elders Rich and Thompson; back Elders Spencer and Robertson. Sisters Thomas and Barnes; Elders Rich, Beverley and D. Nielsen talking with President.

Elders Takapu, Price, Beacham, Manning and (seated) Foster.

Elders M. Kimball, Diaz, Skinner and Sharpe

Front: Elders Rogers, Fister and Slade. Back: Elders Ogden and Snow.

Elders Heiner, Morgan, D. Smith, Molis and A. Hall Elders Jeff Hall, Thompson, Robertson, Snow and Ogden

Elders Foster, Skinner, M. Kimball, Fowers, Price and Blackmer.

Cookin' up some breakfast...Elders Forbes, Martin, Bingham, Murray and Gawdun.

Seated: Elders Conlin, Talbot, Beverley. Standing: Elders Randall, Rowell, Wood, Rice, Beard and Bell.

Goin' for the good stuff...Elders Foster, Morgan, A. Hall, Fowers, Beacham, French, Skinner, Blackmer, (I think that's Elder Heiner's nose), Bingham and Gawdun.

Elders Blackmer and Fowers

We can't say enough about our senior couples. Here are two of them...the Bensons and the Nielsons.

Elders Beverley, Bell, Thompson, Ogden and Snow

Macon, Douglas and Albany Zone Conferences

2008-03-21T12:13:00.000-06:00

We returned home last night from the Douglas Zone Conference. We were in Albany on Wednesday and Macon on Tuesday. We are continuing to train the missionaries on working with the ward missions and being Preach My Gospel missionaries. President and I focused on accountability, Elder Wood trained on humility and Elder Morgan on bearing testimony. Next week we will be in Augusta and Savannah. I'll post pictures from those meetings next week. I took lots of pictures in Macon, Albany and Douglas, but I still managed to miss a few missionaries. I'll try to get them next time around. Douglas: Elders Summerhays, Redford, Hartley, C. Clark, J. Clark, J.W. (a young man from Vidalia preparing to serve a mission), Elders Faux and Holyoak.

Macon: Front: Elders Stallings, Pettingill, Collings, Williams; Back: Sisters Miller and Orme, Elders Hoskin (hiding) and Corbridge.

Albany: Elders Brunson, Ilfra, McCarty, Joseph Hall, Jacobsen.

Macon: Elders Ramsten, Woody and Crane.

Albany: Elders Stoddard, J. Wayman, Barnett

Albany: Sisters Stokes, VanPatten, Redmond, Craw and standing Sister Chatterley. Grinning in the background...Elder Brunson.

Macon: Front: Elders Hutchings, White, Day; Row 2: Elders Beckman, Spendlove, Jackson, Mortensen; Back: Elders Garner and Horan (hiding); Elders Wall and Moon.

Albany: Elders Parker, Hickman, Silva, Murray, Kunz, Teare

Douglas: Elders Hale, Wood, Sister Barlow, Sister Oldroyd, Doctor Oldroyd (Area Medical Advisor), Elder Barlow.

Macon: Elders Horan, Garner, Ramsten, Williams, Hoskin, Collings, Jackson, Stallings.

Douglas: Elders Kimbal, Schaat, Levesque, Gropper, Redford, Hartley, C. Clark, Morgan, Wood, Barnes.

Albany: Elders Barnett, Morgan, McCarty, Joseph Hall

Albany...coming back from lunch: Sister Chatterley, Elder Godfrey, Elder Lokhorst, Elder Teare, Elder Carlson, Elder Fuhriman, and Elder Dilts. (I'm not sure who is standing in front with the back of his head to the camera, but he has a nice neckline on his haircut.)

Macon: Elders McKee, Hutchison, White, Day, all others have been identified in other pics!Douglas: President (back), Stake President Timothy Fussell and his wife Tammy; Elder Jenson, Sister Jenson, Elder Park, Sister Moyes.Albany: Elders Chatterley, Warr, Johanson and Nelson.Douglas: Sisters Jenson and Moyes; Elders Kimbal and Barnes.

Springtime in Georgia

2008-03-17T09:05:00.001-06:00

It's springtime in Georgia. President was in Waycross yesterday and said South Georgia has even more flowers than Macon. The flowering pears and the azaleas are beginning to bloom in Macon, but are really gorgeous farther south. We will be in Albany and Douglas later in the week so I'll get some pictures and post them this weekend. Macon will be in full bloom by the end of the month. There are literally tens of thousands of flowering cherries in Macon. They are just starting to bud. Macon hosts the annual Cherry Blossom Festival starting on March 28 to April 8. It is the most beautiful time of the year. Add to the cherries, pears, and azaleas the dogwoods, wisteria, magnolias, and a ton more I don't know the names of and Southern Georgia turns into heaven. From now until the end of July there will be lots of flowers in Georgia.
The mission home is starting to turn green. You can see the azaleas beginning to bloom.

A flowering pear down the street from the mission home.

A close-up of a pink azalea in our flower bed. Notice the "pine straw" which is used as a ground cover in most flower beds in Georgia. The pine needles are slightly acidic and keep the weeds down. They actually bale the pine needles and then you shake out the bales around the flowers.

A deeper pink azalea...the home you see is our neighbors'.

Welcome To The Barlows

2008-03-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Elder Joseph and Sister Connie Barlow arrived in Macon, Georgia on March 7. We welcome them and look forward to serving with them. We attended a baptism on March 8 and Sister Barlow met Loretta Mizell, a member of the Macon Ward, who went to school with the Barlow's daughter-in-law...it's a small world!

Zone Leader Council

2008-02-26T14:16:00.001-07:00

Zone Leader Council was held at the mission home on February 26. Below are the zone leaders, assistants and office elders. When Elder Zwick did the mission tour he suggested we hold zone leader councils every month right after the 4th Sunday, rather than every transfer (6 weeks). The reason being so we could be more supportive of the local units by discussing their goals which they are to establish each month in ward council on the 4th Sunday. The direction from Elder L. Tom Perry is for the full-time missionaries to support the ward missions in every way. We are working to coordinate our efforts more fully with the ward's efforts. Discussion today focused on the missionaries working with each auxiliary to help them in their responsibility to have at least one convert baptism per year. The missionaries are in a sensitive position...they do not have the keys to direct the ward in their labors, but they can encourage and support. The wards are to get their training from the stake president, who has been trained by our Area Seventy (Elder Posey). The missionaries will then work with the wards and the individual auxiliaries. They will be talking with the auxiliary leaders about getting families to fellowship investigators and encouraging the auxiliaries to find people for the missionaries to teach.
Top: Elder Barnett, President, Elder Fister, Elder Bingham, Elder Levesque.

Center Section: Elder Slade, Elder D. Smith, Elder Warr, Elder Morgan, Elder Crane, Elder Woody, Elder French, Elder Forbes.

Bottom Section: Elder Parker, Elder Gawdun, Elder Wood, Elder Shelman, Elder Murray, Elder J. Clark, Elder C. Clark.

Brother David Webb

2008-02-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Transfer week is over and I have a few minutes this morning and felt I needed to let the returned missionaries who have served in Milledgeville know about Brother Webb. He passed away on Valentines' Day from a heart attack at age 59. We were so saddened. Brother Webb was the high councilman over missionary work in the Macon Stake. He was a people magnet and loved by all those who knew him. He lived missionary work. He could have written a book on how to share the gospel. He was also very involved in family history and temple work. On February 5, he gave what became his final talk in a church setting. He spoke to the Macon Zone at Zone Conference. What a blessing for the missionaries to hear him speak of the importance of the work they are doing.

President and I were able to attend his funeral Monday which was Presidents' Day. One of his sons said he must have chosen Valentines' Day and Presidents' Day because he loved his wife and he loved his country. His family decided they wanted to have a missionary funeral, and it was incredible. Elder Corbridge and Elder Teare offered the prayers. Brother Nathaniel Balckom, who serves as a councilor in the bishopric, gave the life sketch. Marcus and Michael, his sons, spoke about how family was their dad's first priority, and how his life changed after joining the church. Then Bishop Jared Johnson taught the Plan of Salvation within the context of family. It was a missionary funeral.

Let me share just a couple of points made by the speakers. Brother Balckom talked about a day, shortly after his baptism, when he had slipped back as far as keeping the commandments go. He was out on his porch smoking when Brother Webb pulled up in his car. Brother Balckom didn't know Brother Webb very well, only that he was a member of the church. Brother Balckom tried to hide the cigarette. (He said at that time he thought the Word of Wisdom was a suggestion, not a commandment.) Anyway, in order to save his fingers from getting burned he had to drop the cigarette and put it out. Of course, Brother Webb saw it, but all he said was, "Brother Balckom, you come to church with me." That was the beginning of a great friendship and renewed activity for Brother Balckom. There was no judging, just support and love. I might add that Brother Balckom has been at every baptism I've attended in Milledgeville. He is a great person who is continuing Brother Webb's legacy of support and love.

Bishop Johnson told the congregation (the chapel and cultural hall were filled, many were non-members) that as bishop he had the responsibility to teach his ward members the doctrine, and he did so on occassion. He said every time he taught, Brother Webb would thank him afterwards for feeding them, and he always asked Bishop Johnson to feed them more often. The Bishop looked out over the congregation and said, "Brother Webb got you all here today, and now I'm going to feed you, because that is what he would expect me to do." The Bishop then gave a powerful lesson on the Plan of Salvation with family as the focal point. All I could think of during Bishop Johnson's talk was that I am so grateful for family and for The Plan of Salvation. Since the funeral I've been more conscious of my blessings and the need to help others know what their options are. May we all judge less and support more. And thank you, Brother Webb, for teaching us all.

Elder Genck!

2008-02-21T04:15:00.000-07:00

What a great day! We call Elder Genck the Lone Ranger, because he came in by himself. We haven't had a single elder in a long time...about two years (Elder Gropper)! Elder Genck arrived about 4:00 pm yesterday, Feb. 20. We had dinner and then went to Warren Ellington's baptism, which was incredible. Then it was back to the mission home for devotional and then outside to watch the lunar eclipse. It was beautiful...another reminder of the blessings our Heavenly Father gives us. We were glad to get that blessing after the Sunday night tree incident! Welcome to Georgia, Elder Genck.
Elder Genck is front and center with President and Sister Evanson, Elder Wood, Elder C. Clark, Elder J. Clark, Elder Genck, Elder Morgan, Elder D. Smith and the Eastmans.

Sending Four More Home...

2008-02-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Last night was Elder Jonathan Lanman, Sister Elissa Stewart, Sister Rebecca Carter and Sister Annie Tenney's last night in the mission. These missionaries will be missed. We had dinner, a devotional, cut ties, had dessert...birthday cake for Elder Wood...and then got them up very early this morning! We send them back to be strong member missionaries...keep them busy! Elder Lanman, Sister Tenney, Sister Stewart, Sister Carter.
And the ties are cut!!!
The quilt is growing.
With Elder Morgan, President, Elder Wood and Elder Clark before the birthday cake is cut.

Weather Watch!

2008-02-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Well, high winds + high trees = big problem! I questioned whether or not to post these pictures...I was a missionary's mom once...but I decided it was best to let you see a little of Georgia weather and to let you know Heavenly Father watches over us. The tree fell when the office was empty. We had tornado sirens going in Macon and a few other areas of the mission last night (Feb. 17), but none of the missionary apartments or the mission home were touched. The office, however, didn't fare so well. Luckily, though, the tree (Satan's fiery dart) fell on the back conference room...away from all the computers, files, etc. The church rents the office so the landlord is responsible for repairs. The interesting thing about this "tree on the roof" is that it is only the very top of the Georgia pine. Below you can see the major part of the tree which is still standing. This tree was taller than those around it...I guess we learn from this experience that being taller (or more proud) isn't the way to be! Elder Eastman estimated the tree to be well over 100 ft. high, before it was humbled.From a lofty beginning...

To a humbled end...with Elder D. Smith dancing in the background! Actually, he is tiptoeing through the puddles...lots of rain during the storm.

MUSIC STANDARD FOR GEORGIA MACON MISSION

2008-02-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have received a request to clarify the music standard for the GMM Missionaries. One poor mom sent her son a CD she thought was great, only to have him return it saying he wanted to be exactly obedient and this CD didn't fit the music standard. What a great young man! This mom is going through what I went through when we first came to the mission....there's lots of great songs, but I learned most aren't appropriate for missionaries. The Lord's missionaries have to teach with the Spirit if they are to be effective. The Spirit is very sensitive and we want to do everything we can to keep the Spirit with us. Here's the guidelines from the GMM Handbook:

Georgia Macon Mission Music Standard:
1. During the week (Tuesday-Sunday)
-Mormon Tabernacle Choir
-BYU Choir recordings
-Instrumental Hymns (Piano, orchestra, guitar)
-Classical Music (100 year old classics)
-Hymns by other artists that would be appropriate for Sacrament Mtg. (This was just added.)
-Talks on tape (CD) that have gone through correlation, i.e. talks by the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, The First Quorum of Seventy...any other talks on tape should be cleared by the President or Assistants.

2. Preparation Day Music
-All of the above listed, plus...
-EFY CDs
-Any other music that would be appropriate for Sacrament Meeting

3. Christmas Music
-Mormon Tabernacle Choir Music
-BYU Choirs doing Christmas Music
-Instrumental or Orchestra Christmas Hymns
-Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Music
-Classical Christmas songs by other artists (use good judgment and common sense; no groups that do not represent our standards). Examples of such songs: Do You Hear What I Hear; Were You There; Little One; White Christmas, O Holy Night. Please, no rock and roll or hard western music.

I hope this helps as you select CDs to send to your missionary. I also hope your missionary has been writing you about the direction missionary work is going. Elder L. Tom Perry, who now heads up the missionary department has directed us and members to focus on:
1. All full-time missionaries being Preach My Gospel Missionaries, which includes working closely with the members.
2. Every member being actively involved in the Ward Mission. He has specifically asked that each organization represented at the ward council (HP, RS, EQ, YW, YM, Prim, SS, Ward Missionaries) be responsible for at least one convert baptism per year. Members are to find the people and the missionaries will teach them.

It's my hope that we'll all seriously consider our own responsibility in helping the world to understand our beliefs. Have a great week...hope Valentine's Day was full of love for you all.

Mission Tour With Elder and Sister W. Craig Zwick

2008-02-02T15:51:00.001-07:00

The Georgia Macon Mission was blessed with a mission tour by Elder W. Craig Zwick of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Sister Zwick. They arrived in Macon on January 27 and visited with the zones on Monday the 28th and Tuesday the 29th. They strengthened, uplifted and encouraged us in this great work. President and I had learned the week before at the Mission Presidents' Seminar with Elder L. Tom Perry and Elder Walter Gonzalez, that the focus in missionary work is going to be on the "ward missions." Elder and Sister Zwick reinforced the need to work closely with the members and to commit ourselves to being Preach My Gospel Missionaries. Sister Zwick encouraged us not to limit ourselves, but to allow Heavenly Father to expand our capacities. Elder Zwick asked us to consider what we are willing to change. He then talked with us about the blessings of living the Law of Sacrifice and being perfect in our use of time. He also counseled us to build a sure foundation of faith and to cleanse the inner vessel. He also, left us with some personal experiences he had had with President Hinckley. Our hearts were full and our desire to double convert baptisms was increased.
The time went so fast, but they left us with so much to ponder and incorporate. Our missionaries are grateful and motivated. We look forward to increasing our efforts and helping those around us to come unto Christ.
Below are pictures of each zone with the Zwicks.
Savannah South Zone: Top: Elders Snow, K. Nielson, P. Smith, Sister Stewart, Elder Kimbal, Sister Barnes, Elder Diaz, Sister Larsen, Elder C. Clark, Elder Larsen, Elder Wood. Seated: Sisters Tanner and Hedrick, Elder and Sister Zwick, Sister and Pres. Evanson. Floor: Elders Manning, A. Hall, Gawdun, Forbes and Randall.

Savannah North Zone: Standing: Elders C. Clark, Fowers, Price, Tanner, Takapu, Foster, Bingham, Murray, Blackmer, Kunz, Skinner, Kimball, Gardner, Wood. Seated: Elder and Sister Harper, Elder and Sister Zwick, Sister and Pres. Evanson. Floor: Elders White, Parker, Beacham, Benjamin, and Heiner.

Macon Zone: Top: Elders D. Smith, Corbridge, Garner, Skinner, Crane, Hutchison, Moon, Jackson, Wall, Pettingill, Williams, Godfrey. Middle: Elders Horan, Collings, Day, Hoskin, Woody, McKee, J. Clark, Teare, Fister, Spendlove, Sisters Orme and Stokes. Seated: Elder C. Clark, Sister and President Evanson, Elder and Sister Zwick, Sister and Elder Eastman, Elder Wood.

Douglas Zone: Top: Elders C. Clark, Hartley, Gropper, Park, Molis, Jenson, Mortensen, Levesque, Bro. Roberson, Elder Wood. Middle: Elders Faux, Summerhays, Christiansen, Hale, Barnes, French, Redford, Schaat. Seated: Sister and Pres. Evanson, Elder and Sister Zwick, Sisters Moyes and Jenson

Augusta Zone: Standing: Elders Talbot, C. Clark, J. Hall, Poole, Conlin, Martin, Spencer, Beard, Robertson, Ogden, Rowell, Sister Thomas, Elder Koelling, Sisters Carter and Benson, Elders Beckman, Benson, Rich, Cadman, Wood, Lanman. Seated: Sister and Elder Nielson, Elder and Sister Zwick, Sister and Pres. Evanson. Floor: Elders Beverley, Bell, Shelman, Rice, Slade, Alvord.

Albany South Zone: Top: Elders C. Clark, Morgan, McCarty, Thompson, Stallings, Lokhorst, T. Wayman, Cottam, Carlson, Wood. Middle: Elders Barnett, Rogers, Nelson, Brunson, Sandoval, Stoddard, Hickman. Seated: Sister and Pres. Evanson, Elder and Sister Zwick, Sisters Miller and VanPatten

Albany North Zone: Top: Elders C. Clark, Fuhriman, Ilfra, Nielson, Silva, Holyoak, J. Wayman, J. Hall, Wood. Middle: Sisters Tenney, Brumage, Elders Sharpe, Dilts, Jacobsen, Johanson, Warr, Sisters Redman and Craw. Seated: Sister and Pres. Evanson, Elder and Sister Zwick, Sister and Elder Chatterley.

Transfer Day, Temple and Ground Breaking Pics

2008-01-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

January has been a wonderful month! Below you see the long-awaited ground breaking for the Alma, Georgia chapel. When President Evanson's father was the mission president for the Southern States Mission 40 years ago he had to gather up the money that all the individual units had saved for various purposes and send it into Salt Lake. Those of you who were in the church that long ago remember how hard it was to give up the "Relief Society Bazaar Money" and the "High Priest Activity Money" so that funding for the church would all take place in a central location. Anyway, Alma had a fund that was ear marked for a building. It was very difficult to hand that money over to a mission president they hardly knew. When President Evanson (senior) collected the funds he promised them that if they would be faithful the day would come when they would have their own building. It was a tender mercy for President Evanson (junior) to be involved in the ground breaking on January 12, 2008 for the new Alma building.

Brother J. Boatright (a member of the branch 40 years ago), President Evanson, Elder Barnes, Elder French, Elder Redford and Elder Schaat.

All of the missionaries were able (or will be able) to attend the temple in January. Above the Macon missionaries are at the Atlanta Temple. The Eastmans, Elders D. Smith, J. Clark, McKee, Hutchison, President, kneeling Elders C. Clark and Wood.

Daisy and Victor Golding are members who couldn't wait to meet Sister Barnes who is from their native Jamaica.

Elders Collings, Forbes and Ogden, along with Sister Thomas welcome Elder Foster on transfer day.

Elders Jacobson, Spencer, Hutchison, Slade, Alvord and Barnes enjoy lunch.

Standing at transfer meeting Elders Collings, C. Clark, Ogden, Fuhriman, Fister, Conlin, Godfrey, Dilts and J. Clark.

Having the "mission famous" lasagne...Elders Nelson, Silva, Wood, Bell and Schaat.

Don't forget you can double click on the pictures to enlarge them.

They're Here...and it has been quite a day!

2008-01-09T16:15:00.001-07:00

It has been quite a day! We were anxious to get the new missionaries to Macon because a baptism was scheduled for 7:00 pm and we wanted them to witness that. Well, their plane was about 45 minutes late...they had to de-ice in SLC. However, the usual Atlanta 4:00-5:00 traffic was not bad. We made it to the mission home in time to eat and immediately left for the baptism at the stake center. The baptism was great. Two young men from a part-member family were baptized. The new missionaries were able to meet some real Southerners. We headed right back to the mission home for devotional and bed. However, a deer found it's way into the front of the mission van and delayed the elders on their ride home. Everyone was fine. The sisters were with President and I, so they missed the excitement. During the devotional, Elder Clark told the new missionaries that we don't provide this much excitement on a regular basis. Well, they're all on their way to bed. Their training begins at 7:45 in the morning. We can tell already we've got a good bunch. Thank you, and we'll be in touch...

Left: Elders Barnes, Wood, J. Clark at dinner.

Right: Elder Wood, Michael, Clarence, Elder Slade, Elder C. Clark at the baptism.

Left: Elder Foster, Elder Jenson, Sister Jenson, Sister Craw at dinner.

Right: Assistants kneeling Elders C. Clark, Slade, Wood; New missionaries standing Elder Foster, Sister Craw, Elder Jenson, Sister Jenson, Elder Barnes, Elder Alvord.

At the mission home with President and Sister Evanson

Standing: Elders Jenson and Foster, Sisters Jenson and Craw, Elders Alvord and Barnes

Their Last Day in the Mission

2008-01-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

January 8 was the last night in the mission for Elders O'Rullian, Clinton, Greenhalgh and Reed (seated) and Sisters Poulstrup and Nickle. We cut their ties for my quilt, had dinner and a devotional and enjoyed visiting. They had to get up extra early this morning to catch an 8:00 flight for one of the elders, leaving the mission home at 5:30a.m. The rest will wait at the airport until the regular 10:00 flight times, so they'll probably be worn out when they arrive. Enjoy them at home. They know how to work, so keep them busy. We will miss them a lot.

Left: Elder O'Rullian and Elder Wood

Right: Elder Reed and Sister E.

Left: Sister Poulstrup (I can't figure out how to rotate a picture on this blog...sorry!)

Right: Sister Nickle

Elder Clinton

For some reason we didn't get a picture of Elder Greenhalgh's tie-cutting. Hopefully, it is on his own camera.

On the Mission Home Porch! Georgia/South Carolina will miss these missionaries.

More Pictures From December Meetings

2007-12-30T19:26:00.001-07:00

Here's a few more pics. We had them wave in the zone conference shots and one of the elders had a serious Savannah South Zone. I've also included the costumed missionaries for the Savannah South Christmas Program. Sorry, no wave for Augusta or Macon.

Left: Savannah South Costumes

Right: Savannah South serious

Left: Savannah North wave

Right: Douglas wave

Left: Albany South wave

Right: Albany North wave

Another Try with Macon!

2007-12-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

For some reason the Macon Zone Conference Picture would not enlarge when double clicked. So I'm trying it again. I thought I did everything the same, but evidently not. I couldn't enlarge it from my computer when I logged on and all the others enlarged just fine. Oh, well.
It works now!! Sorry, it's sort of fuzzy.

The Day After...

2007-12-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Well, hopefully, you've had a great Christmas and were able to talk to your missionary yesterday. We had a wonderful Christmas at the mission home. None of our "home family" was able to be with us, but we had the Macon missionaries over for dinner and we truly enjoyed our "mission family." I wanted to give you an idea of what the Christmas Program before Christmas was like. For the Savannah and Augusta Zones, it was during Zone Meeting and for the Macon, Albany and Douglas Zones it was during Zone Conference. Augusta and Savannah have Zone Conferences after the first of the year so that's why we did their Christmas Program at the Zone Meetings. Are you confused?? Anyway, I gave each zone a bare bones Christmas Program outline with the only absolute being everyone must participate. Oh, my goodness...They added to the outline or changed in any way they wanted. Savannah South had the "Primary Version" with costumes, etc. Many of these elders and sisters are very talented. All of them brought the Spirit as they gave it their best shot. They aren't able to practice much, because of the demands on their time, but each one helped us feel the true Spirit of the Season. There's nothing like missionaries and Christmas to help you remember what life is all about. We heard beautiful singing, instrumentals, recitations of original poetry and scriptures. All in all it was wonderful time. Below are just some candids from the last transfer in order for Elder Sandoval's and Elder Joseph Hall's family to see them a little better than the zone pictures showed, along with a couple other candids. Enjoy the holiday season and don't forget to include some missionary work resolutions for the new year! In fact, I have a suggestion...Have you had the missionaries and some investigators (or recent converts or less actives) in your home for dinner and a lesson. If not, why not?? It's a blessing to them, but also to you. If you're not sure who to invite, ask the missionaries.

Left: Elders McKee, Schaat, Levesque, A. Hall, Lokhorst, Dilts.

Right: Sisters Orme (arm), Stewart, Elders C. Clark, Gawdun, Murray, Slade, K. Nielson

Left: Elders Godfrey, Ogden, Warr, Johansen, A. Hall, Holyoak, Rogers

Right: Elders J. Clark, Gropper, Joseph Hall, Slade, Barnett, Heiner (Elder Stoddard is in the background) He and Elder Fuhriman were at an appointment when we took the zone pic, so they are missing from the large group.

Left: Elders Sandoval and Cottam

Right: Elders Fuhriman, K. Nielson, Fister

You can double click pictures to enlarge them. There are more elders than those I've identified in the background. So, doubl-click, you may see someone you know!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2007-12-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas to you all. We just got home from the last Zone Conference/Meetings with the missionaries prior to Christmas. They are all in the Holiday Spirit. I'll add some more candids and get names on these pictures later (probably after Christmas), but I wanted you to at least "see" your missionary. We are so thankful for them and grateful to you for your support. We couldn't ask for a better group. They're happy, they're hard working, they're grateful and we love them. We all wish you a very Merry Christmas...and remember that phone call is only for 40 minutes!!
Macon: Top: Elders Pettingill, Clinton, O'Rullian, Spendlove, Wall, Spencer, Jacobsen, Slade, Wood; Standing behind chairs: Elders Takapu, Corbridge, Teare, Woody, Skinner, Godfrey, Hoskin, Fister, Collings, Garner, Schaat, Dilts, McKee, J. Clark, C. Clark; Seated: The Eastmans (office couple), The Evansons and Sisters Nickle and Stokes.

Savannah South: Elders Gawdun, Diaz, Snow, Manning, A. Hall, Slade and Wood; Behind chairs: President, Elders C. Clark, K. Nielson, C. Kimbal, Greenhalgh, Blackmer, Randall, Murray; Seated: Sisters Tanner, & Hedrick, The Larsens and Sisters Stewart and Orme. Savannah South gets the "Waving Picture" because the more serious verson had a glitch.

Savannah North: Back: Elders C. Clark, Moon, Kunz, Heiner, Ramsten, J. Nelson, Reed, M. Kimball; Standing directly behind chairs: Elders Price, Bell, Beacham, White, Parker, Jackson, Gardner; Seated: Elder Slade, President, The Harpers, Elders Bingham, Tanner and Wood

Douglas: Top: Elders C. Clark, Mortensen, Molis, French, Silva, D. Smith, Faux; Middle Mass: Elders J. Clark, visitor (white suit), Slade, Hutchison, Levesque, Hartley, Hale, Park, Summerhays, Dilts, Christiansen, Wood, Redford, Conlin; Seated: Evansons and Sisters Barnes & Moyes

Augusta: Top: Elders Shelman, Rice, Slade, Horan, Talbot, Benjamin, Martin, Williams, Cadman, Wood, Lanman, Day; Middle Row: Elders Jeff Hall, Beverley, Poole, Koelling, Beckman, Fowers, Rich, Beard, P. Smith, Crane, C. Clark, Robertson, President; Seated: The Bensons, The Nielsons, Sisters Carter and Van Patten.

Albany South: Standing: Elders C. Clark, Rogers, Hickman, Dilts, J. Clark, Thompson, Stallings, Sandoval, Lokhorst, Barnett, McCarty, D. Smith, Brunson, T. Wayman, Cottam, Slade, Wood; Seated: Evansons, Elders Carlson, Morgan and Sisters Miller and Poulstrup.

Albany North: Standing Mass: Elders Ilfra, Sharpe, J. Nielson, Rowell, J. Clark, Dilts, Forbes, C. Clark, Ogden, Chatterley, Holyoak, Sister Chatterley, J. Wayman, Johanson, Warr, Joseph Hall (I'll try to find a pic of him in the candids and get it posted), Gropper, Slade, Wood. Seated: Evansons, Sisters Brumage, Tenney, Thomas and Redman.

If there are any mistakes (spelling) or confusion of who is who just email me at evansonrb@bellsouth.net. I've gone through this rather quickly.

Savannah Zone Conference, November 20

2007-12-01T15:12:00.001-07:00

The Savannah Zone Conference includes the Savannah North and the Savannah South Zones. It is a large group. Pictures were taken just prior to zone conference beginning, except the couple that show missionaries in the cultural hall. Those pictures were taken at lunch time. Be sure to double click and open if you want to see the pictures enlarged.

Left: Elders Nelson and J. Wayman
Right: Sisters Orme, Stewart and Harper with Elder
Harper

Left: Elders White, M. Kimball, J. Nielson, Reed
Right: Elders Murray, Randall, Cottam

Pictures at lunch time: Left: Sister Evanson, Elders
M. Kimball, Nelson, Reed, Park, Parker, Dilts (kneeling)
Right: Elders Murray, C. Kimbal, Cottam, Randall

Left: Larsens and Sisters Tanner and Hedrick

Right: Elders Gawdun, Greenhalgh, Park

Left: Elders Jackson, Poole, Moon (back)

Right: Elders Beckman, Kunz, Bell, Lambert

Left: Elders Tanner, McKinley, Moon, Parker, C. Kimbal

Right: Elders M. Kimball, J. Nielson, Reed

Elders Pettingill, Manning, Beard, Snow

Augusta Zone Conference, November 16

2007-12-01T14:38:00.001-07:00

Generally, the Augusta Zone Conference is held the same week as Savannah, which is usually the week after Macon, Albany and Douglas. However, this time we did four conferences in a week. I must have been tired because I missed getting pictures of Sisters Carter and VanPatten and Elders P. Smith and Barnes. I'll do better next time...they were there. If you double click on the picture and then choose "open" it will enlarge the picture so you can see it better. You can then right click and save or print.

Left: Elders Lanman and Horan

Right: The Bensons and the Nielsons

Left: Elders Koelling, Rich, Talbot, Benjamin, Redford

and Cadman.

Right: Front: Elders Jeff Hall and Faux; Back Elders

Bingham, Day and Shelman

Left: Elders Petersen, Fowers, Rice, Diaz

Right: Elders Jeff Hall, Faux, Talbot, Koelling

Elders Martin, Williams, Petersen, Fowers, Rice, Diaz

Douglas Zone Conference November 15

2007-12-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Douglas Zone Conference is always an event.
After the conference, while traveling to Augusta
we found six missionaries out in a cotton field, so
we stopped and took President's picture with them.
Also, during the Douglas Conference, Elders Hoskin
and Hutchison had a "surprise" for the President....
his very own Chuck Norris-variation t-shirt...
"There is Nothing To Fear, But President Evanson
Itself!" I understand we have Elder Hoskin's dad
to thank for providing the shirts for the whole
zone! Douglas is our smallest zone, but they are
energetic.

Left: In the cotton field: Elders J. Clark, Crane,

C. Clark, President, Slade, Molis and Dilts

Right: Sister Barnes, Elders Wood and Mortensen

Sister Moyes is at the piano and I didn't take a

picture...sorry, I'll make up for it next time!

Left: Elders Hoskin, Conlin, Richens and Hutchison

Right: Elders Lokhorst, Christiansen, Molis, Crane

Elders Hartley, Silva, Hale and Price

Background: Elder Tingey

Albany Zone Conference November 14

2007-12-01T13:29:00.001-07:00

Remember Albany Moms, you can double click on the picture
to get it enlarged so you get a better view! I got pictures during
lunch in Albany. Albany North and Albany South Zones attend
the Albany Zone Conference.

Elders Thompson and Holyoak at left. I think they look like
brothers.
Right: Sisters Tenney, Brumage, Chatterley, Elder Chatterley
and President.

Left: Elders J. Clark, Gropper, Joseph Hall, Slade, Heiner
and Barnett.
Right: Elders Stallings, French, Rowell, Howard, Brunson
and T. Wayman.

Left: Elders Ilfra, Forbes, Carlson, Garner.
Right: Elder Sharpe, Sisters Thomas, Miller, Poulstrup,
Redman, Elders C. Clark and Morgan

Left: Elders Godfrey, Ogden, Warr, Johanson, A. Hall,
Rogers and Holyoak
Right: Elders Stoddard, Thompson, Dilts, D. Smith,
K. Nielson, Beverley

Elders Johanson, A. Hall, Rogers

Macon Zone Conference, November 13

2007-12-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

Macon is where we begin zone conferences.
Somehow I missed Elders Fister and Hickman, but
they were there, alive and doing well. I'll get
them next time.

Macon Zone Conference: Sister Nickle

Macon: Sister Stokes, Eastmans, Elders Fuhriman and O'Rullian

Macon: Elders Levesque, Teare, Gardner, Takapu

Back: Elders Spendlove, Corbridge, Robertson

Macon: Elders McKee, Schaat

Background: Spendlove, Corbridge, Robertson, Levesque
Teare, Gardner

Macon: Elders Spencer, Wall, McCarty, Jacobsen

Back: Elders Dilts and J. Clark

Macon: Elders Clinton and Woody

LOOK WHO'S NEW...

2007-11-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

They're here! Arriving right on time were Elders Sandoval, Blackmer, Skinner, Summerhays, Collings, Beacham (kneeling left) and Ramsten (kneeling right). Above they are at the mission home with President and Sister Evanson.

At the airport with the assistants.

Picking up luggage...Assistants are kneeling.

We got to the mission home about 4:00 pm and then had dinner together at 5:00. President interviewed and then we shared a devotional together with the Eastmans (office couple) and the office elders. It was a great way to start a mission. These elders all participated with sincerity and with the Spirit. We're grateful they are here. Don't they look good!

Next week I'll post pictures from zone conferences that were held just before Thanksgiving.

It's Been Awhile...

2007-11-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

It has been quite awhile since I added anything to the blog, but tonight I've got to post a couple of pictures for the families of the elders leaving us tomorrow. Here they are....Elders Howard, Richens, Barnes, Lambert, Petersen and McKinley. We'll miss them. Tonight's devotional was excellent. These elders will be strong additions to their home wards. Put them to work!

Tomorrow I'll post with the new elders and then hopefully next week I'll get lots of pictures on from the last zone conference. Sorry, I haven't been able to get to this sooner.

The ties are cut! That means they're homeward bound.

Apples to Apples while dinner is cooking.

Zone Leader Council

2007-10-24T14:14:00.000-06:00

Zone Leader Council was held on Tuesday, Oct. 23. The zone leaders and a companionship of sisters met to receive instruction for the upcoming zone meetings. New zone leaders are Elder Gawdun, Elder Barnett and Elder Woody. The sisters for this council are Sister Redman and Sister Thomas. The bulk of instruction centered around helping the members get involved in missionary work. We start the morning with breakfast and then go to work. At the end of the day they decide how they want their picture taken...this one was a little extreme. We snapped fast and got the "higher ups" down as quickly as possible. I'll identify them by companionship starting on the left with the "standing" elder's name first: Elders Greenhalgh/Gawdun, C. Clark/Slade; Clinton/Woody; Dilts/J.Clark; Warr/Johanson; McKinley/Tanner; Mortensen/Wood; Barnett/Morgan; Shelman/Bingham; and Sisters Redman/Thomas.

Breakfast at the kitchen table, starting with the elder with his back to us, looking over his shoulder: Elders J. Clark, Barnett, Sisters Redman and Thomas, Elders Wood, Dilts, Bingham, Gawdun, Morgan, Shelman.

Dining room table starting with elder on the left: Elders Slade, Warr, Johanson, C. Clark, Greenhalgh, Mortensen, Tanner, Woody, Clinton and McKinley.

Senior Conference

2007-10-20T13:47:00.001-06:00

It's been a busy week. Senior Conferences are held about every four months. All of the seniors in the mission usually meet at the mission home in order to get better acquainted and to share ideas about the work. We gathered on Friday evening, Oct. 19, had dinner together at the mission home and then President directed a discussion centered on the gathering and using Preach My Gospel more effectively. Saturday morning we had a devotional and listened to Elder Holland's conference talk and then traveled to Perry to the Mossy Creek Festival. The Sisters really enjoyed the crafts and artwork. The Elders humored us. Mossy Creek has a huge variety of mostly "Southern" crafts and food. The weather was perfect...about 75 degrees and clear skies. Everyone left for home from the festival in the early afternoon.

The Eastmans and Chatterleys at the mission home.

Sister Tenney and the Harpers.

Sisters Hedrick, Brumage, Tanner and Tenney at Mossy Creek.

The Bensons

The Nielsons

President, the Eastmans, Sisters Tenney and Brumage

Top: Elder Eastman, President, Elder Benson

Next: Sister Eastman, Elder Chatterley, Sister Benson

Next: Elder Nielson, Sister Chatterley, Sister Tingey

This is going to be confusing: Elder Harper, Sister Nielson, Sister Harper, Sister Brumage, Sister Tanner, Sister Hedrick, Sister Tenney, Elder Tingey, Sister Evanson

Seated: Elder and Sister Larsen

Transfer Day

2007-10-18T12:39:00.000-06:00

Transfer Day rolls around every six weeks. The members bring trucks, trailers and SUVs to transport our missionaries out to the five stakes. Following are some pictures. They're small, but you can double click for enlarging.

Elders Ilfra, O'Rullian, Fowers, Parker, Dilts.

#2: Elders Park, Gawdun, Sisters Nickle, Moyes, Elder Forbes, Sisters Miller and Thomas.

#1: Elders Fister, Brunson, Ogden

#2: Elders Gardner, Takapu, Forbes, President, Warr and Larry.

#1: Elders Manning, Cadman, Barnett, M. Smith

They're Here, We're Happy

2007-10-17T19:15:00.000-06:00

They arrived right on time and we were waiting to welcome them to Georgia!
The picture below shows President, Elder Slade (assistant), Elder McKee, Elder Carlson, SisterThomas, Elder Wall, Sister Miller, Elder Hale, Elder Stallings, Elder Thompson and Elder Clark (assistant).

When we got to Macon we stopped at the Mission Office.

Then on to the Mission Home. We had dinner and then a picture with President and Sister Evanson.

President doing some informal teaching prior to devotional.

They will start training tomorrow at 7:45 in the mission home and then will go to the Macon Stake building for the transfer meeting. At the meeting they will learn where their assignment will be, and members will transport them to their new area. We are so grateful to have them here. Thank you and we'll keep you posted!

Heading Home...

2007-10-16T13:05:00.000-06:00

Today (Oct. 16) is our son, Brad's, 16th birthday. The Elders helped him party with cake and ice cream just before bed.

The picture is a little fuzzy, but the ties have been cut. That means they're heading home. We'll miss them.

Elders Holmquist, Fitgerald, Pepper, President, McClellan and Hunt.

They will leave the mission home at about 6:45 am tomorrow, Oct. 17, headed for the Atlanta Airport.

Savannah Zone Conference Oct. 10, 2007

2007-10-11T14:05:00.000-06:00

We finished Zone Conferences on Wednesday, October 10. The last one being held in Savannah. The missionaries now must go to work updating and using their Area Books daily. They were taught that their Area Books reflect how they feel about their area. They will be coordinating with the Ward Mission Leader and Bishop to keep the Area Books up to date and a true reflection of the inspired service the missionaries and members give to the area. We also reviewed Preach My Gospel DVDs that illustrated helping members become more involved in finding people to teach.

There were a few missionaries I missed for pictures. I'll be watching for them down the road. I hope you enjoy these pictures. I won't be posting as many in the future. I got caught up in learning how to make the captions stay by the pictures. I must admit they are a good looking group, but more important they're good. We are grateful to be serving with them.

Elders: Carr, Beckman, Bell, J.Wayman, Cottam, C.Kimbal, O'Rullian, Parker

Elders Stoddard, C.Kimbal, Murray

Elders Moon, J.Nielson, White

Lunch: Elders Cottam, Parker, Ilfra, Fowers, J.Clark

Standing: Elders Bell, Lambert, Beard

Seated: Elders Poole, Jackson, Gropper

Lunch Time: Elders Nelson, Reed, J.Wayman, Poole, Slade, Jackson

Sisters Orme and Stewart, Elders Cottam, Murray and Beckman

In the hall after Zone Conference: Elders Fitzgerald, Parker, Greenhalgh, Ilfra, Lambert, Snow, Tanner, Bell (I think), J.Clark, White.

Seniors at Lunch: Standing The Carrs; Seated: Sisters Hedrick and Tanner, The Harpers and The Larsens.

Augusta Zone Conference, Oct. 9, 2007

2007-10-11T13:15:00.000-06:00

Pic #1: Elders Rice, Hutchison (Taken at a previous zone conference. Somehow I missed getting Elder Rice this week.) Pic #2: Rerun of a larger picture you'll see below, except Elder Diaz is in this one...kneeling. Pic #3: Kunz, Talbot, Faux, Barnes, Koelling, M.Smith. Pic #4: Elders Shelman, Bingham, Sisters Carter, VanPatten, background: Parker, Day, Talbot.

Sr. Couples: The Bensons and The Nielsons

Standing (by heads): Elders Randall, P.Smith, Day, Barnes, Shelman, Horan, Manning, Dilts, Williams, ghost(who knows, C.Clark I think), Parker, Martin

Kneeling: Elders Kunz, J.Clark, Bingham

Pic #1: Elders Williams, Redford, P. Smith

Pic #2: Elders Kunz, Martin, Petersen, Horan

Pic #3: Elders Faux, Petersen, Barnett, Koelling

Pic #4: Barnes, Shelman, Dilts, J. Clark, Barnett

Experimenting With Pics and Captions

2007-10-06T18:03:00.000-06:00

On left: Elders Benjamin, Dilts, T. Wayman, P. Smith.

On Right: Elders Barnett, Gropper, Hulse, Parker.

Sisters Andersen & Tenney.
Elder Clinton leading a song.

This is a better effort on captioning the pictures. I'm learning.

Zone Conferences: Macon, Albany, Douglas

2007-10-05T13:21:00.000-06:00

OK, When I posted the little pictures and added captions, they were all over the place and you couldn't tell what went where. So, I'm trying to explain them all in one spot. Hopefully, you can figure this out. #1: Pouring Punch: Elders Hickman, McCarty, Jacobson, Forbes, Teare. #2: Lady in Blue: The Chatterleys and one of three Elder Halls. #3: Smiling Trio: Elders Heiner, Morgan, Pepper. #4: 5 Elders Posing: Schaat, Clinton, Warr, Corbridge, Fuhriman. #5: Pink Ties on Big Boys: Hunt, Rowell, Johanson, D. Smith, Godfrey. #6: At Computer: J. Clark, Dilts, Parker, Levesque. #7: Smiling Elder &Papers on Table: Elder Howard and Ogden, Sister Brumage in background. #8: Reading Elders: Molis and Crane, Pres. in background. #9: Foursome: Spencer, C. Clark (front), Slade, Robertson (back). #10: Sisters and One: Sisters Redman and Poulstrup, Elder Godfrey behind. #11: Table: Hutchison, Hartley, Richens, Silva, J. Clark (standing), Price, Woody. #12: Talking with Pres: Elders McClellan and K. Nielson. (Maybe I could get a job naming great art!) Hopefully, I've learned some things and I'll have captions closer to pictures.

After we eat, the missionaries line up and sing a song for the ladies who have provided lunch. Above, Elders: Corbridge, Clark, Teare, Slade, Takapu, Robertson, Schaat, Spendlove.

The Ward Relief Societies provide lunch under the direction (assignment) of the Stake Relief Society President. The meals are wonderful and much appreciated. Missionaries above are: Elders Conlin, Slade, Hoskin (thumbs up), Lockhorst, Parker, Mortensen, Cadman. Menu for this day was chicken pot pie, salad, rolls and cake.

Signing the Thank You Card after lunch: Elders French, Beverly (background), Brunson, Rogers (background), K. Nielson, Lanman, Gawdun, Rowell (seated).

Albany Stake Elders: Rich, Garner, Heiner

Missionaries in Albany prior to Zone Conference beginning: Elders Rogers, Gardner, Fister, Holyoak

Douglas Zone Conference: Studying before the meeting begins. Pictured: Front: Elders Silva, Hartley, Wood, Mortensen; Back: Tingeys, Woody, Price; Standing: Sisters Barnes, Nickle, Elder Slade.

Zone Conferences in Macon, Albany and Douglas were held this last week. We will be out in Augusta and Savannah next week. Instruction centered around the new DVDs for Preach My Gospel. Missionaries learned how better to work with members in a variety of ways. The Area Books will now be kept by the missionaries and the Ward Mission Leader. This is new direction from Elder L. Tom Perry who is the new director of missionary work. Up until now only missionaries have kept Area Books. Hopefully, this will help the members be more involved in this urgent work. I'll post pictures from Augusta and Savannah next weekend. Enjoy conference!

Medical/Auto Insurance Information

2007-09-27T18:07:00.000-06:00

I have recently received questions from parents wondering about health and auto insurance. Following is information you may find helpful.
Health Insurance Info:
The church strongly recommends that you continue to carry health insurance on your missionary while he/she is in the mission field. We do have some missionaries who are not covered by a health insurance and in those cases the church (Missionary Medical) will act as primary insurer for any illness or accident that takes place out here. They will not cover any pre-existing conditions (such as allergies, acne, knee trouble, etc.), eye care or dental care. The way insurance works out in the mission field is...if a missionary needs to be seen for whatever reason (as long as it isn't pre-existing, dental or eye) I call and get it cleared and Missionary Medical will cover the initial visit with a $10 co-pay by the missionary. Any medications are covered with a $5 co-pay. If the condition ends up being a major medical expense...broken arm, kidney stones, appendix, etc. the home insurance becomes the primary insurer and MM will act as secondary. In the case where missionaries are not insured the church will cover if it is not pre-existing, eye or dental. However, keep in mind all missionary costs including medical are covered by voluntary church donations...primarily tithing. That's why it is so important to continue carrying insurance on your missionary if possible. Thanks.
Senior missionaries must have their own insurance plan. Missionary Medical does not cover seniors.

Auto Insurance Info
Automobile insurance is taken care of through the church. You do not need to carry any auto coverage on your missionary.

Medical FYI
We have a medical doctor (Dr. Bryce Hansen) who has been called on a mission to oversee 13 missions in the Southeast. Whenever we have a medical issue that I can't handle (I'm good at prescribing band-aides, ice, heating pad, drink lots of water, take two aspirin and call me in the morning!) I call Dr. Hansen and he advises or calls the missionary himself. Dr. Hansen lives in Atlanta and is out of our area so isn't able to treat our missionaries himself. He is also Canadian and doesn't have prescription rights in the states so can't prescribe medications. But he does lots of telephone interviews with sick missionaries and that helps us a lot. If he thinks the missionary should see a doctor, I call Missionary Medical, explain the situation and get an appointment cleared. I then check the First Health Network providers and find a doctor, call the missionary and he/she then calls the doctor and makes an appointment. We have some member doctors in the mission who are wonderful. They do all they can to help the missionaries and often they donate their services. I always tell the missionaries if they are going to get a cavity they must get it in Douglas, Valdosta or Waycross. We have member dentists in those areas who have saved you a lot. If possible we will transport the missionaries to one of these areas, but that isn't always possible.
When we have a major medical issue (appendix, kidney stones, broken bones, etc.) we will contact you if at all possible. Time permitting, we also contact the home stake president and Missionary Medical before the procedure takes place. If any kind of surgery is required that isn't emergency, the missionary will usually go home for that, and parents are generally aware long before it gets to the "going home" stage.
Our goal is to go through each day healthy and happy, but that doesn't always happen. I hope this epistle answers some of your questions and is somewhat clear. Thanks again for all you do.

Zone Leader Council and Zone Meeting

2007-09-13T08:43:00.001-06:00

Macon Zone Meeting is held at the Macon Stake Building in Macon.

Zone Leader Council is held at the mission home. This picture was taken in the back yard.

Zone Leader Council is held every six weeks on the Tuesday following transfer week. The 14 zone leaders from the seven zones travel into the mission home for a day of training. They then take the training to their zones on the day the President does individual interviews. This takes place over a two week period. Zone Leader Council was held on Tuesday, September 11, and the first zone meeting was in Macon on Wednesday. The focus of Zone Leader Council this time was on finding, as it says in Preach My Gospel, "Nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach." We hope all of you are helping the missionary effort by helping the missionaries in your area find people to teach. A companionship of sisters is also invited to Zone Leader Council because the sister's input is so valuable. The assistants and the car and media elders from the office also attend. The pictures above show those attending Zone Leader Council (seated in the back yard) and some candids of the Macon Zone Meeting (held at the church) during break time. President is on the road traveling to the other zones (Douglas, Albany North, Albany South) the rest of this week, and then on to Augusta, Savannah North and Savannah South next week.

Transfer Day

2007-09-06T11:57:00.001-06:00

Transfer meeting is held at the Macon Stake Center. All missionaries being transferred (there were 40 this time) are driven into Macon by members. They share a lasagne lunch in the cultural hall and then meet in the chapel for announcements of where they will be serving. Then it's out to the parking lot to load and be on their way. Lunch is served about 11:30 and they are usually on their way by about 1:00. We are so grateful to the members for getting the missionaries to and from the far-flung areas!

Training meeting started at 7:45 am. They all look excited and ready to go!

They're here safe and sound...

2007-09-05T18:36:00.000-06:00

Having arrived at the mission home pictures come before dinner!!!

The assistants welcome the new elders and sister at the Atlanta Airport.

September 2007...Heading Home

2007-09-04T16:53:00.000-06:00

Tie cutting is a tradition the last night in the mission home. The ties will find their way into a quilt that will be used in the Evanson home.

The last night they try to beat Sister Evanson at Fast Scrabble!

We will miss them...

Enlarge Pictures

2007-08-27T10:38:00.000-06:00

Families,
I just learned a new blogging skill...you can double click on the pictures and they will enlarge. This will help you see your elder or sister better. Also, if you want to leave a comment just click and follow the directions. Be aware that anyone going into the blog can see your comments. If you need to contact us for anything personal just continue to go through email.
Sister Evanson

New Missionaries in July

2007-08-11T15:57:00.000-06:00

A New Adventure!!

2007-08-11T15:48:00.000-06:00

I'm new at blogging, but have been told this is the way to communicate these days. As I learn my way around this new technology (to me anyway), please be patient. You may want to mark this as a "favorite site" because I'm going to use this for the monthly newsletters. I will try to update monthly, but may not always be on time. So check periodically. This will save me time in sending out blanket emails for the newsletter. Any communicating I do on a personal level will continue to be done through emails, but this will be the site for the newsletter....at least for now. We'll see how it goes. The Georgia Macon Mission has five stakes: Augusta, Albany, Douglas, Macon and Savannah. The pictures below show the missionaries serving in each stake in July. Hope they're big enough for you to see your missionary. We do love these elders and sisters.
Sister Evanson

Albany

2007-08-11T15:44:00.000-06:00