Beginning the Home Stretch

We passed the year mark almost a month ago.  It seems like a long time but we wonder where the time has gone.  Thirty-thousand miles of driving and so many visits.  New friends and relationships.  The opportunity to minister.  We miss our family but know it will be difficult to leave those we have grown to love.

 Missionary pictures.  P-day outing to the Florida Caverns State Park.

Quick visit from our son Tim.

Missionaries always up for a photo-op.  We welcome new missionaries, say goodbye to others, and meet old friends at transfers.

 Early morning peanut picking in preparation for the annual Peanut Boil.  This is a big deal all over the area.  They grow tons of peanuts and they love their peanut boils!

Folks are busy eating their peanuts.

The Kramers, a family we love.  Out for dinner in Sneads!

So many churches in these parts.  We were going to check out the Biker Church but hear they closed it down.  As Molly prepared to turn in for the night, she discovered a large guest on her bed spread.

We took a day and walked along the beach again.  Molly needs a break now and then from all the phone calls from sick missionaries and traveling with me.  Below is a rather tame fellow waiting for a handout from the fishermen.

Vanessa and Tara at their baptism.

Cotton and peanuts are the biggest crops in this area.  To the right is a cotton field getting ripe; below, after being sprayed with just the bolls ready for harvesting.

Peanuts just after turning and below pictures of them after they have been picked and dumped into trailers for shipping.

Cleaning out a goat barn. Plenty of service opportunities.

Wayne took me on a kayaking adventure down the Chipola River.  So much wildlife...and floating over some pretty big fish!

 Elder and Sister Sitati at a recent zone conference.

 Walter and his daughter Wendy at the chapel.  He is preparing for baptism; a wonderful man.

 Ethan is an extension agent and took us on a nature walk through the Hinson Recreation Area.  He was kind enough to identify the many unique plants and trees for us.

Jack and Luke.  My hand is on Jack.  They belong to a dear friend who I visit frequently.  Jack's my buddy.

Finally saw some gators, at Wakulla Springs

 This guy was finishing up a turtle.

 Stopped by St. Andrews Lighthouse to see wildlife and the Monarch Butterfly migration.

Picking Satsumas (a type of citrus) at the Scotts.  Good times.

Group of seniors at Wakulla Springs.

 We lost all but one of these girls this last transfer.  Such is missionary life.  They come and go; we stay.

With the Kramers at Cavern's State Park.

 The church has a booth at the National Peanut Festival.  They make and sell "Elephant Ears," a type of scone.  Guess who got to work the booth one night?  It was busy!

I took a break from the booth and watched some midway acts.  This fellow was great!

We have our moments!

HOT Times In the Summer

We are into August now.  Everyone is conscious of the weather, each day a blueprint of the day before; mid-90's with high (and I mean high) humidity.  Scattered thunderstorms many afternoons and some impressive lightning displays.  The work goes on.  We feel a part of the family and travel from one end of the county to the other visiting and sharing.  We have met many wonderful folks and learned much.  So grateful that we were sent to this unique area with its unique landscape and culture.

Moving day for the missionaries.  We found a better apartment.

We get plenty of opportunities for service.  Lots of sweat!

 These twins are growing up before our eyes.

Elder Tracey, who we are quite fond of, at a zone conference.

Getting ready for a group shot above and a last picture with President and Sister Smith before the sign off the mission.  We miss them!

Elders Brewer and Jackson  at our last meeting before their departure.

Just after giving Ballard a haircut.  Picture on right is of Phyllis being sworn in as Mayor of Greenwood, town of 300 where she made her debut in local politics.

The following are all shots at the 4th of July celebration in the little town of Greenwood.

Posing with the "Buffalo Soldiers"

 Elder Hansen trying to get a little more oxygen to the brain.

Peanuts, peanuts everywhere!

We had another opportunity to go to the temple.  This time we took Marsha to the Birmingham, Alabama Temple.

With Sister Cobart.  She is a seamstress for Civil War reenactments.  Below we help set up her tent.

We had a guest for two weeks in July.  Elder Olson fell over his handlebars and shattered his collarbone.  He hung out with us until ready to hit the road again.  We love the missionaries.

The missionaries keep teaching even though lightning blew out the power.

Celebrated our 45th anniversary while out here.  Its a great experience.  Not always easy, not always bliss but a great time of learning and gaining perspective.  Life is rich and we are grateful.  Still crazy after all these years!