There is a new ward mission leader in Springboro. I have been trying to line up schedules with him for a number of weeks. We have not connected but today was their ward conference so we finally connected. It was great to see his enthusiasm and energy for the work of salvation. He is doing so many things I hardly had to train him on anything. He is already on the mark. He really has already #embark ed in the work there. During our conversation it turned to where he served his mission because he saw my flag pin. So drum roll.........he says "southern Brazil." So of course I have to ask more. And he says "Porto Alegre,.......South!" Amazing small world. So Kieren, when you are home he really wants to get with you. Maybe we could have his family over. He named a few places in excitement but none seemed familiar from where you have been but who knows!
And Gavin, so many people today at church in Springboro asked about you and how you are doing. I told them how happy you were and how much you love all the interesting foods! Kaitlin Carlisle gave her farewell talk also as she is heading out this week. And I heard of 3 other YW in just the last 24 hrs that have started their papers. It's amazing.
As I have been pondering my talk this coming week I had two amazing experiences this week. Both times I heard things and immediately I was told to write them down, that they were given to me specifically for the talk. Very specifically. One was a radio story about a man who faced his fears and overcame challenges. He used something he coined "rejection therapy" and the other was a specific thing that Kaitlin said in her talk. Both of them help us see how we need to be better and sharing the light we have with others in normal and natural ways. So others can find the lasting peace that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I have two stories as well from my two favorite missionaries! Both of you have unknowingly shared experiences that fit so well. I even wrote to some missionaries serving from the Ward I will speak in and they shared experiences also. I hope it will make it personal for all the members there.
I have a week long training this coming week with homework and tests each day. I didn't know of the tests when I got signed up! This is week one of four during the year. It also includes a capstone project I have to complete for work. So this is like a graduate capstone seminar. It is all about lean. The effort to remove waste and make some effort, process, or product better and smarter for all. My charter is about training and removing confusion in our new product process for tons of users. Not just one group but many functional groups. It is intended to reduce time, expenses during the process, and our speed of bringing new things to market. I am doing it with a director of engineering in another group. He and I have been discussing similar things the past while so we are combining our efforts.
Gavin, I love the belt you sent Ty. It's way cool.
We got to see Skjelse and Jeff Friday. It was wonderful to hear about their holidays and travels. Ty was at a late night science Olympiad and Lys was at the temple. So we just ate dinner and then chatted for the evening. It was nice! Then Saturday was Lys birthday and also just happened to be the stake dance. So it was her first. Guess who caught her for her very first dance? ME! It was so nice. I can't believe she is 14 already.
I love your letters, texts and visits. Thanks for being my kids forever. I hope we can all do what is required to be able to cling to the covenants we have made and be together forever.
Dad
3 John 1:4
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