Missionary Reunion (Missionsammenkomst)

And in case you're wondering, yes, that's how it's spelled in Danish. You can take all the words apart, but it would sound weird (as if pronouncing it isn't weird enough). This mission reunion was special because my mission president and his wife, Gary & Marsha Hudson, had just returned from a 12-month CES mission in Athens, Georgia last July. We had a really good time, and the turnout was pretty good. Sister Hudson brought her mission quilt for us to see. Before we return home, each missionary does a quilt block, and finally remembered to take a picture of mine on the quilt. Only two former companions I worked with in Denmark attended the reunion, and here's a picture of one of them, Jonathon Klindt, with his wife Kayley. Lots of good times were shared, and it's always nice to hear how friends are doing nowadays. Hopefully we can have just as good a reunion next October.

It's been a while, I know...

For those of you who have wondered if I've decided never to blog again, you're wrong. It's just been a while before I had anything worthwhile to post. I do still read your blogs, so please keep that up, but it is time to give you an update as to what has happened since my last entry.
First of all, I'm back in Lake Point, and have still been looking for a job since the move. But, there have been a few events during my time back home that are worth mentioning here. I'll start with my good friend Dustin. For the past couple of years, he'd been an excommunicated member of the church, for reason I don't know. But, he's been trying for a long time to get back into the fold of Christ. Last summer, we thought he would be good to go, but I turns out that he had to wait longer. However, at that time, he asked if I would be willing to rebaptize him when the time came. Then, a year later (last August), he was finally cleared to be rebaptized. It was a very special day for him, and I really didn't do anything special. When he needed someone to talk to, I listened and gave him the best advise I could. I didn't realize how big an impact I had until the day came, and we chatted a bit before and after the baptism. He's well on his way, and I know I'll be talking with him again.
Next up is the Lake Point Fall Festival, held the 1st weekend in September. This was the 1st one I've attended, since the first couple have been while I was at college, but this one was really fun. We had a 5K race, lots of games and food, a parade down Center Street, and lots of talking with town members. My calling now in the ward is a Primary Teacher for the 4-5 year olds (CTR 4), and I love it. My class had fun letting me chase them all around the playground in the park, and they had fun laughing and running away from me.
Finally, last weekend, we had some fun as a family. First off, we went to watch Stuart and Ethan play in their soccer game at West Point, and their team won 3-1. After lunch at Crown Burger, we went to the Utah State Fair. This, too, was the 1st time I've been to this event. We saw all the fun displays, booths, showcases, and animals. Mom treated all of us to a funnel cake, and they're so good! I wonder if they sell them anywhere nearby, because I wouldn't mind another one. We also had some fun with putting our faces in the cutouts (Emily and Vanessa in one picture, Stuart and his friend Kiersten in the other). Lots of good times. There are a couple of other events coming up that you'll hear about in the future. Stay tuned!

EFY in Logan.

This past week, I served as a volunteer counselor for EFY. I went twice as a participant in my teen years, but I knew it would be a completely different story as a counselor. I was really nervous, but I spent the week before getting & going over all the info I needed to, went over the line dances we do, and prepared for the devotionals and lessons I would be teaching. The first day was obviously the hardest, as you meet your group, as well as your company. I had a group of 14-15 year olds, and they were really shy at first (understandably so). But, as the week went on, they opened up and they really had a lot of fun. I had six boys (one was sick the day of pictures), and we were part of the company To Every Nation. My favorite parts were the dances, the games, and of course, the fireside & testimony meeting. They were really good kids, and the company was very fun to be around. I wish that I could have done this more during the summer, because I know I could've taken some weeks off of the job search to do this. But, I do and will treasure the week I just had at EFY in Logan.

Wind Caves in Logan Canyon

Yesterday for F.H.E., we combined as a ward, carpooled up Logan Canyon, and hiked up to the Wind Caves. I had heard of them before, but had never visited them, so it was a new experience for me. Many of my friends said it was a nice, short hike. But when we got to the trail head, and found out that a "short" hike consisted of 1.8 miles with a 900 feet climb. Still, I really wanted to see the caves. The hike was a little tough, but it was well worth it. The view was very pretty, and I enjoyed seeing all the trees and mountains. Most of the group from my ward made it up as well. We didn't stay too long, since had to make it back down before it got dark, and we arrived back just before then. Overall, it was a good experience, and another hot spot in Cache Valley that I've now visited.

Boating at Newton Reservoir

Last Friday, our ward had an all-day activity at Newton Reservoir, west of Smithfield. Our bishop brought his boat, and many of the ward members got the chance to do some wakeboarding being pulled behind the boat. I didn't try that, but I will the next time we have a day at Newton in July. It was the first time I've ever been boating, and the first time I've been on a boat since the mission. The weather was perfect, and the water a cool 70 degrees to keep us cool. I'm glad the weather is finally getting warmer, and hope to have more fun in the sun as the summer rolls on.

Logan has a zoo.

So last Saturday, my friends and I were discussing what we could do to help pass the time. One of them mentioned that we should go to the zoo. I've lived in Logan for two years, and had no idea that a zoo existed here in Cache Valley. So, we all went to the zoo. It's not a huge one, but it's pretty good. There's no admission fee, but people who come are encouraged to make a small donation to keep the zoo going. Most of the displays were of birds, but there were a few other animals to gaze at. We also got to feed some of the ducks, and got a kick out of trying to get the attention of some of the other animals. All in all, it was great.

Fun and busy Memorial Day weekend

Although I didn't head home for Memorial Day, I did manage to have lots of fun with friends and members in my singles ward. On Friday, we played Ultimate at nearby Adams Park in Logan, with more than 20 people attending, making the game very fun. On Saturday, a couple of us went for a hike up Smithfield Canyon. We drove up to the trail head, then took the hiking path up for about 45 minutes. We did have to cross a few small streams, either by walking through them or crossing some make-shift bridges. The water was cold, but the hike was worth it, seeing all the trees and mountains. On Memorial Day, for F.H.E., we met at Lyon Park in Hyde Park, and played a big game of soccer, which lasted until the dark set in. Once it did, we had s'mores and a fire to keep us warm. It was a really good time.

A new beginning

Well, it appears that I'm joining the 21st Century by starting my own blog. Hopefully I'll catch on to this really quick, and update it enough so that people will continue coming back. I"m sure I'll learn quickly.
Of course, as most of you know, I graduated recently from Utah State University with a BA in Accounting. The commencement services were great, especially with Elder L. Tom Perry in attendance to receive an honorary doctorate. To make it even better, I was able to get a picture with him and a few of my friends from college. We've been in school since we were freshmen, and it's wonderful to see all of us graduate at the same time. One year of graduate school remains, and once I get my Masters and pass the CPA exam, I'll be ready to take on a career.