Dear family and friends, no I have not dropped off the face of the earth. Just been caught up in the daily stuff and trying to keep up. I am still using one crutch, which is a huge improvement over two. Still, I am kind of slow at doing the most mundane everyday tasks. The eagles have gone. The pelicans are back. Our magnolia tree has outdone itself this year. Wish I could figure out again how to show you a picture. We have had some wonderful experiences with visiting general authorities.

Elder Richard Hinckley, son of Pres. & Sister Hinckley came and spoke to us. Sister Ludwig spoke first. She told of her grandson who was given a CTR ring and said it was "specialer" than a diamond. Pres. Ludwig told of a time when he was Stake Pres. down in Arizona and then Elder Hinckley was coming to speak. They had crammed thousands of youth into the Stake center. They received a call that Elder Hinckley was sick and may not be able to come then a call that he was coming. This happened twice, but Elder Hinckley came and gave a wonderful fireside to the youth. He said he could not disappoint the young people.

Sister Hinckley took a few minutes talking about her ancestor Joseph Young that was here in Nauvoo, and the miracles that occur in family history work. Then Elder Hinckley suggested that we all stand up and stretch before he started speaking. We did and he said we sounded like a great big bowl of Rice Crispies. After giving some great training, he told of a time when his mother was asked what she had done to contribute to a happy marriage. Her answer was " I lowered my expectations." It's a funny answer, but maybe one we all should think about when things are not going quite like we hoped. He also mentioned that he thought the health requirements for senior missionaries were too strict. He said " If you have a pulse and can recognize yourself when you look in the mirror in the morning, we need you."

A week later Elder Holland came and spoke to us. After talking a little about Sec. 121 - 123 of the D&C, he told us some statistics. Currently we have 3900 senior missions serving. we need 6500. He told us of a sign on Pres. Hinckleys desk "DOn't QuIT" with the first two and last two letters in red. Do It! and Don't quit! good advise. He also said that Apostle are to go forth and bear witness and all missionaries are apostle's the difference is the capital A and the small a. Well, I've got to get to my site. We have been really busy the last few weeks, just a preparation for the crazy summer months that are coming fast. Love you all. Hope you are all preparing to serve a mission in the future. God Bless you with His very choicest blessings.