June 1, 2021- another week another update

Hope all of you are doing well! We don't get updates from you as often as we would like... This week's update will start with input from Dad ---

Mom seems to have a better grasp of the significant aspects of each week, but I'll add my piece. Our focus was on routine activities in both our lanes--she as she develops a better feel for the types of events, groups that will attend, and specific food needs for each of these. We're prepping for Mission Leader Conferences, Transfers, Zone Conferences and (Two week come back training). Her efforts seem more intense as the date draws closer--what to buy, when to get it, how to package it, when to set it out. Her first experience with Subway and their poor support has her leery, and she's casting her net wider for more reliable options. Now that Covid based restrictions on what to serve and where it can be consumed are easing a bit, she may have better options.

Dad's focus is on keeping our cars on the road, and our drivers aware that driving a mission car comes with responsibility and accountability. Driving 93 mph in a rainstorm passing a semi will get your driving privileges pulled in a second. We also have missionaries that, regardless of warnings, continue to drive erratically and too fast. But we are trying to be sensitive and understanding--it can be a bit overwhelming when there are 4 voices competing for the drivers attention--the safety warnings of some of our newer cars, that caution about lane changes and nearby vehicles, the TIWI, which warns of speeds, the GPS, which is giving directions on your route, and your co-driver, who is responsible for keeping you from making dumb mistakes. Perhaps the best advice is to stay calm and listen to the Still Small Voice. Hard to do if you're late or distracted. We pray for the safety of our missionaries everyday.

Our trip to Portland this past Saturday, was perhaps the best of those we did in May. The Head Lighthouse on Fort Williams, an old Coastal Artillery station, is just spectacular. Although we were there on a cold and drizzly day, the waves were stronger and more picturesque than on a calmer day. We could still see two other lighthouses in the distance--missed two others we know were close. We wandered along the shore, took lots of selfies and seascape shots, then suffered through some of the best lobster rolls we've eaten. Pricey, but absolutely worth it. Chips and a soda and we had to find another spot to walk all those calories. That was on the waterfront street in Portland--Commercial Street has plenty of shops, delis, and tour bus and boat options. It's a cruise ship stop, so caters to that clientele.

Headed home, but on a whim pulled over to investigate Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, home of Bush 41 and 43. What a neat area--some beautiful Cape Cod homes, but the communities were quaint and filled with fun shops. The combination of the Lighthouse, Portland and the K's will make this a must-return when we have friends and family visit.

Once I add some pictures I feel like that is a pretty good update. Dad covered info from both of us for the week. So I don't really need to add much.

We had MLC and that was when the Subway experience dad mentioned occured. Order for 35 subs was hand delivered on Friday before. I go to pick up order on Tuesday and there is no manager, and the staff is clueless about the order and not 1 sub has been made. Needless to say an hour later (and an hour late for lunch) I have 35 subs and NO patience. The missionaries were grateful and the comment from the President's wife was, "are we done with them now?" I guess there have been other not stellar experiences and as far as I am concerned - YES! we are done with them

We were glad that we got to participate in Sarah's graduation -Way to Go Sweetie! it was almost like being there except for the personal interaction - miss those hugs

We also got to watch the Morali kids play in their piano recital. Use of technology to create connection is one of the best things that has come from COVID. It may have been available before, but now it is used. Keeps me from feeling quite so far away.

Just a couple of picture explanations -the turkey has been in the yard close to the church where we see him strutting his stuff for the female nearby (I didn't get her in the picture) when we head to the mission office. They are wild turkeys

The grocery store sign is just to show some of the different food availabilities we have here.

The lighthouse pictures are self explanatory and I agree with dad, needs to be seen in real life if possible. A comment (or two) on the lobster rolls -- that was dad's FIRST lobster roll! It was waaay better than the one I had last week and also cheaper. So his pricey comment is a misnomer. We bought that lobster from a food truck that was listed as The Best in the area! and it was correct. Sorry to make this all about the food.....

This week is transfer week! Only 8 new missionaries and saying goodbye to 10 but the overall transfer is a big one. I think the AP's told me there were 80 changes. More food for that. Then more food to come!!! I think I am in training to be a caterer....

I love you all. It would be great to get updates from you. Hope you are each doing well. Know that we love you and pray for each of you every day.

Have a great week!

Love,

Mom