Pine Valley Picnic Was A Cool Event

The weather was absolutely perfect at the 2^nd annual B7 Ward Pine Valley picnic and overnight campout on Friday, August 23, 2019.  The turnout was amazing and the food was delicious and plentiful (except for the absence of pickles and onions for the burgers).  Scott Ford and Pat Swansborough entertained with their guitars and enthusiastic singing.  On Saturday morning lots of happy campers in tents or trailers enjoyed hotcakes / flapjacks before heading home after another successful and fun ward event.   

Velkommen hjem, Søster Aspen Bair

Søster Aspen Honey Bair was welcomed into the waiting arms of her family - Bishop Mike and Sister Lori Bair, sisters Brianna Teddie Bair Lovell and Cara Cinnamon Bair, brother Dakota Black Bair and brother-in-law Selwin Lovell on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at the Salt Lake International Airport - after 18 months of faithfully serving the Lord and His children in the Norway Oslo Mission.

The 2nd daughter / 3rd Bair offspring served in a variety of wards and branches including "a small branch in North Norway to stronger wards in the Oslo area" where she blessed many with her strong testimony, enthusiasm and willingness to serve.  Specifically, she served in Tromso, Oslo, Arendal (made famous in the Disney movie "Frozen"), Stavanger and Lillehammer," seeing most of the country during her year and a half of missionary service.  She served as a trainer, a sister training leader, was involved for several months with the mission leadership council and baptized many in this challenging country.

Her mission President Wayne and Sister Patrice Tew say, "we have been impressed with her work ethic, her optimism and her ability to find good in everyone and in any circumstance.  She knows how to work, to have fun in the work and to create enthusiasm and light into anything.

"She comes home prepared to work and to make positive contributions to the church and to her community. She has a good plan for when she returns home and we are confident she will have a successful life."

According to Aspen, her "good plan" begins with a part time job coaching volleyball at Dixie High School and another part time job - this one online at home - translating information into Norwegian for customers of an American-based company with holdings in Norway.  All this, while waiting for the arrival of her first niece - baby daughter of Brianna and Selwin Lovell in late December - and saving up money to attend Utah Valley University in Provo beginning in January.

Calling her mission, "the best experience of my life" Aspen, like countless missionaries before her, will, for awhile at least, grieve the loss of her association with the amazing people with whom she served.  But, this spunky young woman promises to always do her best to influence people for good as she moves forward in a new phase of her life.

Welcome home, Aspen.

Hannah is Home from the Washington DC North Mission

Hannah Kerr arrived at the Cedar City Airport on Thursday, July 25 and was welcomed into the arms of her parents Charlie and Sarah Kerr and siblings Sidney, Charlie and Olivia, who have waited 18-months for their oldest's return from the Washington D. C. North Mission.  

As a full-time missionary in this part of the Lord's vineyard, her call letter indicated she would serve in the Washington D. C. Temple Visitor Center with additional opportunities to “knock doors” every other day in search of those the Lord has prepared to hear the gospel message.  Another assignment was as one of the Church’s online representatives, teaching those who call Church headquarters for more information, before passing them along to missionaries in their own area.

“I didn’t really have a burning desire to serve a mission,” said Sister Kerr, 18-months ago before leaving for the MTC.  Upon her return, she calls the opportunity to serve the Lord and His children in this part of the vineyard, "the best decision I've ever made in my life!"

Of this amazing and life-changing spiritual experience, she stated in her final letter home, "I can't adequately put into words my gratitude and love for this mission.  I am extremely grateful for the things I have learned and experienced.  This place is sacred and the people here in DC are special.  I am grateful for God's timing and His perfect plan!  It has been a privilege to teach people the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them make beautiful changes.  I know it doesn't stop here!  I have a deep and abiding love for Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  He is what makes this work possible.  He is the source of my joy and I love Him.  I know this is His church.  For the knowledge of these things, I will be forever glad!

The future feels very bright and Hannah is excited for what is to come!  "The things I have experienced will influence the rest of my life!  These are days never to be forgotten."

Her immediate bright future finds her living at home for the next six months after which she will decide whether to attend hair school, LDS Business College or take business-related classes at Utah Valley University toward a goal of eventually owning her own salon or wellness center.

Welcome home, Sister Kerr.