Sunday, April 5th, 2026: Easter Sunday & General Conference, Darrel & family here, Easter lunch together, Goodbyes and lots of crying, James & I find little Jesus's around our house

 

Johannesburg, South Africa

Temple #36

James and I made breakfast for anyone who wanted it this morning, ham, scrambled eggs, omelets, and pancakes. 

We spent the day with Darrel and his family and watching General Conference. Here is a brief summary of the morning session:

President Uchtdorf : "Christ has risen, and He lives. That testimony has made all the difference in my life. That encounter at the tomb will do the same for all who earnestly seek Him. It will make a difference to you."

President Emily Belle Freeman: " From Peter's story we learn that our understanding of eternal truth is not forged in a single moment - testimony is built over time, day after day, both best days and worst."

Elder Pedro X. Larreal: "During the sacrament, members should strive to remove worldly thoughts; be prayerful, be reverent and seek to feel His love and remember Him."

Elder Edward B. Rowe: "The Savior consistently invites all to follow Him. Jesus Christ denieth none. No one need walk alone."

Elder Ronald A. Rasband: "May we testify of Him by the way we live and what we love. May we feel to our very souls these stirring words:'He is risen! He is risen! Tell it out with joyful voice' and 'Let the whole wide earth rejoice'".

Elder Dale G. Renlund: "Focusing on the Savior, His infinite Atonement and what He has done will bring joy and clarity. Celebrate the message of Easter every day by reflecting on the blessings that come because of Him."

Elder Thierry K. Mutombo: "Without Jesus Christ's infinite Atonement, no one would have hope to return to our Heavenly Father. And without His Resurrection, death would be the end."

Elder Alan R. Walker: "As we choose to follow prophetic counsel, even when it stretches us or when it feels inconvenient, we demonstrate our love for the Lord and show that we cherish Him above all worldly desires."

President Dallin H. Oaks: "As followers of Christ, let us follow Him by forgoing contention and by using the language and methods of peacemakers. In our families and other personal relationships, let us avoid what is harsh and hateful."

Between sessions Darrel, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola went for a ride in Darrel's truck. Rowan got some pictures of elk and antelope last night and I think they were looking for more wildlife. Trina and Addy went for a walk. James went outside to do some watering and I made mashed potatoes to go with the lunch I was preparing. 

When everyone returned we turned conference on while we ate lunch: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, salad, beans, and rolls. 

Afternoon Session of General Conference

President D. Todd Christofferson: "Three desires of Christ's heart that each person should carry in their own heart are the pure love of Christ, lifting and ministering to others, and devotion to the will of God."

Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong: "Remember, remember the Savior, especially in this Easter season. He wants us to come unto Him. Let us pray unitedly that we will keep His commandments, use our moral agency wisely every day and prepare for His glorious return."

Elder Aaron T. Hall: "Draw near unto Him through a covenant relationship to receive direct access to His power. I invite us to glory in Jesus Christ. He is my Jesus and yours."

President Susan H. Porter: "Just as Jesus fed thousands of people with a young boy's five loaves of bread and two fishes, Heavenly Father can provide miracles when individuals simply offer what they have. When you say, 'Here am I, send me,' Heavenly Father can take something small and simple and make it great."

Elder Neil L. Andersen: "The sealing ordinance binds couples together with God for eternity. Within this bond, spiritual development and 'the very character of Christ ... can become a greater part of us."

Elder Quentin L. Cook: "All can have a confirmation by the Spirit that our Savior accomplished the Father's plan. He atoned for our sins and broke the bands of death so that we might return to the Father and the Son in the celestial kingdom."

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo: "Heavenly Fahter and Jesus Christ know the prayers of family members waiting for a family member to accept the gospel and be baptized. Conversion is personal; agency is sacred. The Savior never forces. He invites. He blesses. He fulfills promises according to faith and faithfulness."

Elder Gerrit W. Gong: "Christ promises to abide with His followers on their darkest days through the First Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost; and through the Second Comforter, which is Himself."

President Dallin H. Oaks: "As we treasure up and act upon the teachings of this conference, the Lord will continue to teach and inspire us with personal revelation and guidance. I promise this to each of us as we follow the directions of the servants of the Lord and look to God and live."

After conference was over Darrel and his family got ready to leave. Darrel packed up his truck. Everyone else was going back to Mesa in Starla, Trina's Suburban. It was a teary departure for all of the girls, including Trina. 

Happy Easter!

The Christus statue for the Easter Walk in

Snowflake.  A Brother Farr constructed it.

Addy had 100 small Jesus figurines. She put one in Darrel's truck and hid the rest around the cabin. So far we have found less than half.

I enjoyed finding these and look forward to finding the rest.

Saturday, April 4th, 2026: BBQ roast & rolls, Solemn Assembly & General Conference, Sue Hubble and Kaylynn and Sky, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola arrive, pictures of Addy, Ruby, Lola dinner & Trivial Pursuit

 

Chicago, Illinois

Temple #35

I put a roast with barbeque sauce in the crockpot this morning and put 12 rolls out to rise and then sat down to watch the first session of general conference. 

James and I both participated in the Solemn Assembly to sustain President Dallin H. Oaks as prophet, seer and revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a solemn and sacred experience. 

These were the speakers in this session of conference. 

President Oaks gave an introductory speech then Elder Patrick Kearon spoke about the importance of our callings in the Church.

Next was Sister Kristin M. Yee who spoke about ministering. Elder Gilbert, our newest apostle, spoke about Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Repairer. Elder Bednar spoke about charity and enduring valiantly. Elder Michael John U. Teh talked about following the prophet. Elder Jorge T. Becerra talked about putting God first in our lives. President Henry B. Eyring was the last speaker and he spoke on prayer. My three favorite speakers from this session were Sister Yee, Elder Bednar, and President Eyring.

Between this morning and afternoon session I had a visit from my friend Sue Hubble and her granddaughters Kaylynn 9, and Sky 7. 

I sent Sue directions on how to get her but she got lost and I had to go rescue her. 

This afternoon's session of conference:

Elder Gary E. Stevenson - Ministering is Christlike caring. 

Elder Eduardo F. Ortega - A Personal Testimony of Jesus Christ

Elder Wan-Liang Wu - I will give away all of my sins to know God.

Brother David J. Wunderli - Jesus Christ is not the burden, He is the relief.

Elder Gerard Causse - Love all and love each.

Elder Brian J. Holmes - Walk with the Savior

Elder Clement M. Matswagothata - Jesus Christ will heal broken hearts.

Elder Ulisses Soares - Abide in Jesus Christ, the true vine. 

My two favorite talks were Elder Wan-Liang Wu's and Elder Ulisses Soares.

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola arrived around 4. I realized that the small roast and rolls, carrots and celery was not going to be enough for dinner so I began making my Easter beans. Trina helped me and we had a nice visit. I told her about our cancer settlement and she told me about Addy's date with her return missionary McKay. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy dinner and I am glad we had the beans. 

Lola, Rowan and Trina played a game of Junior Trivial Pursuit. I guess Trina was the winner.

Darrel had the college basketball tournament on and I noticed that Arizona was getting beat by Michigan. It is great that Arizona made it to the final 4 even though they didn't win.

Addy in a box

Is this Ruby or Lola

Lola

Lola and a friend

Go Ruby!

Friday, April 3rd: Kathy Crane & I visit Chelsea MacArthur, lunch @ Bandido's w/ Kerri Halcomb, Millie & JoAnn @ home, Good Friday, James on ladder, sleeping Tom, moon launch, Jenifer & kids, Snowflake temple

Stockholm, Sweden

Temple #34

When I opened the door to feed the kitties both Tom and Scooter came in. I went out to pour the food into Sammy's and Scooter's bowls and when I came back in Tom was chasing Scooter out of the bathroom. Tom rules, Scooter drools.

Kathy Crane and I visited with Chelsea MacArthur this morning. Chelsea came out of her house to meet us as we sat in the car. She said they had all been sick with stomach issues and it was very contagious. Chelsea looked exhausted. We had one of the best visits we have ever had with her. She opened up to us about her recent health issues. She had signs of M.S. but after doing some tests they decided that is not what she has. She has occasions when she has numbness in her neck and feet. She said she has stress related anxiety and it was especially bad when Jarred was in Alaska and she had the kids by herself. I need to find a way to serve Chelsea better.

Kathy gave Chelsea a goodie bag with cinnamon rolls, and pecan pretzel Rollos. She gave a bag to James & I and she gave me one to give to Kerri.

I took Kerri Halcomb to lunch today for her birthday. I told her we would go wherever she would like. She chose Bandido's Mexican food. Kerri's birthday was yesterday but she teaches school Monday - Thursday's. The Grombach's took Kerri to dinner last night at Charlie Clark's. She said she loves her steaks medium but because of her kidney transplant she has to have it well done. It ruins a little of the fun and celebration.

Kerri made a comment as we were talking about her mother's recent death. She said that many times the spirit has a difficult time leaving the body because the body is such a precious gift. She said it is too bad we abuse our bodies like we do. This gave me pause to think and realize I need to appreciate more the gift of having a body.

Millie Scott and JoAnn Patrick both came home from the hospital today. We are so grateful that they are doing better.

"It is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children."

2 Nephi 25:13

Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Wherefore, my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him, for I have seen his day, and my heart doth magnify his holy name.

Jenifer and her kids: Lizzy, Sammy, Jenifer

Bettylea and Amanda
  

 

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026: Mail notes to Sheri for Alex, Walmart, Taco Bell, China Buffet, Call from JoNell - our check is in - Yay!, 10 Talks for a bad day

 

Freiberg, Germany

Temple #33

Today we received some great financial news. We went into town to mail the handwritten notes we wrote to Alex for his birthday. We mailed them to Sheri and then she will mail them to Jazmin in Hawaii so she can put them in a book and bring them to the party on the 16th. It should be a nice surprise for him.

After mailing the notes, we went to Walmart to pick up a few items I forgot yesterday, including a big bag of cat food. After leaving Walmart we went through Taco Bell where I got my chicken cantina soft taco and James got a crunch wrap. In the same parking lot we drove up to China Buffet where James went in to buy a quart of hot and sour soup to take home. I got a phone call from JoNell from Tom Thompson's law firm. She said our check had come in and did I want her to mail it to me. I told her we were coming down next Wednesday and we would come by and pick it up. She was glad, she says she doesn't trust the mail anymore. When James came out I told him the news and he asked how much the check was for. I said I didn't know but I expected it would be for $50,000. We were both curious so I texted JoNell. She texted back and said the check was for $100,000 and that we would owe the law firm $2,000. James and I were elated and so grateful! The Lord really is watching over us.

Kim sent out a family text around 1:20 today saying that she and Brian were at the Easter Pageant and did anyone else want them to save seats. They go at 1:00 every year and the pageant doesn't start until 6 or 7. Now that's dedication!

"As we feast upon the words of Christ, they will open the door to revelation and show us what we need to do."

- Elder Ozani Farias

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Wednesday, April 1st, 2026: Rain makes for a lovely morning, Trip to town, Culver's, Grombach's, Wlmrt, Verizon, Book Barn, "And I Partook", D's family @ Disneyland, Millie in hospital w/ RSV, Razr not worth fixing

 

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Temple #32

A beautiful, rainy morning. 

I am so enjoying the "Come Follow Me" Easter lesson this week and The Holy Week study. Wednesday of Holy Week is the day that Mary anointed Jesus with spikenard.

James finished his note to Alex for his birthday but I still have mine to write so we will have to mail them tomorrow. 

We made a trip to town today and had lunch at Culver's. James went to order while I found a place for us to sit. Willy and Janna Grombach waved me over to sit with them. We always enjoying visiting with the Grombach's. They are taking the YM/YW to the Easter Walk this evening.

While I was at Walmart doing some shopping James went back to Verizon and I thought for sure he would come back with a new phone, but he didn't. He said he just didn't feel right about it and would like me to be there with him. We will either go back later or get phones at Costco when we are in the valley. I'm not sure I am going to get a new one.

I stopped at the Book Barn to look for something about Easter to give to the MacArthur's. I didn't find what I was looking for but I did by a print of the picture that Sister Yee painted of Christ.

Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men, - D&C 19:19

You may feel at times that it's not possible to be redeemed, that perhaps you are an exception to God's love and the Savior's atoning power because of what you are struggling with or because of what you've done. But I testify that you are not beneath the Master's reach. The Savior "descended below all things" and is in a divine position to lift you and claim you from the darkest abyss and bring you into "his marvelous light." Through is sufferings, He has made a way for each of us to overcome our personal weaknesses and sins. "He has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance." - Sister Kristin M. Yee

More news on Millie Scott. She is now in the Show Low hospital with RSV. Oh dear, this is not good. 

Kathy Crane texted me about taking Easter goodies to the sisters we minister to. She said she had made cinnamon rolls for them. I texted her back that Pat had a spider bite and wanted to hold off on a visit.

We could possibly visit Chelsea but she is quite busy with her work schedule and the kids ball schedules. 

Kerri's birthday is tomorrow and I am taking her to lunch on Friday. I invited Kathy to come. She said she couldn't but she would send a goodie bag for me to give to Kerri.

I texted Chelsea and set up an appointment with her on Friday morning on 10.

Willy Grombach says that the frame on the Razr is so bent up that he does not recommend us ordering a transmission to fix it. He thinks we should just get rid of it. The only problem is that we already have an engine to put in it. We paid about $3,000 for this engine.

"Embedded in the Good News Recipe is the 'secret ingredient' to ensure you always get it right. ... The answer is always Jesus Christ."

- Elder John D. Amos

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it.

Trip to Disneyland