Michigan Lansing Mission

Coming Home

2011-10-01T01:25:00.013-04:00

Our farewell celebration from the Mission Office staff

Goodbye Relief Society board - St Johns Branch

Christmas celebration at our apartment with President & Sister Jones, Assistants, Sister Rogers,

Sister Fredline, Sister Nelson, Elder & Sister Davis

Christmas at the Mission Home

Great missionaries going home in December

Missionaries to the resuce

Our helping crew to get us out of MI before the huge storm hits

More of our missionary help crew

Saying goodbye to Russ and Tammy Lincoln

On the way home - Carthage Jail

Remnants of the ice storm that recently hit the area

Headed home on streets of ice

Nauvoo Temple

Ice that took us off the road in Wyoming

Miracles: we were not hit by the truck flying past us as we hit black ice and jack-knifed going off the road, we went off the road at a point of gradual, gentle sloping and not a drop-off, we were not hit by other vehicles who hit the same black ice and slid all over the road, the car and trailer did not roll as we spun 180 degrees around and ended up going the wrong direction alongside the freeway, tires pulled off from the force of the impact, we were uninjured, our car and trailer both could be repaired enough to continue traveling the next day, we convinced our children NOT to come out in the storm to rescue us that night, the storm abated overnight and the next day was clear allowing us to drive home in safety.

Towing our damaged car and trailer back to Rawlings, WY

Home!

Kids waiting on the front porch for our arrival, December 23, 2008.

There is no way to put into words our feelings as we conclude our mission. It's been the best of times and the worst of times....thankfully the best has won out in the end. We've gone about saying our goodbyes these last days and weeks, not knowing if we will ever see many of these amazing missionaries and dear friends again. We feel we are leaving part of our hearts here and know that we will never forget the impact these nearly two years have had on our lives. We've said it before and will say it again now, we will never be the same because of the experiences we've had, the incredible missionaries we've rubbed shoulders with and the marvelous people we now call our friends. Serving a senior couple mission is a life changing experience. How blessed we have been to have had it in our lives.

The Changing of the Guard - Step 2

2008-12-05T22:50:00.002-05:00

We just completed the final Zone Conferences of our mission. We traveled to three different locations on three different days. Each conference was wonderful, each was sad.
We were asked to bear our testimonies and we cried as each of these opportunities came. And now, zone conferences are done for another transfer period. We will have returned home when they meet again in January 2009.
We will never again see many of these amazing young, and senior, missionaries. We may never again have the opportunity to learn and be taught in such a setting.
It's hard to have such times come to an end.
It's hard to say goodbye.

We received many letters and notes expressing kindness and love. That's what our mission has been filled with, kindness and love from so many. We don't feel worthy of the love they have so generously expressed. It seems we have not done enough to deserve such kindness. What can one ever do to deserve kindness? Our missionaries are just good to the core, and it shows in every aspect of their lives. How blessed we are to have it overflow onto us.

They will be forever in our hearts. I suppose that we will never be the same. I hope that we will never be the same.
Our gratitude knows no bounds.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T21:21:00.005-05:00

We had a fun Thanksgiving with many of the senior missionaries in Big Rapids today. None of us knew quite what to do with just an assignment to bring, rather than preparing an entire Thanksgiving dinner. But we somehow managed with the extra time and energy that afforded us, and had a fun day of feasting, creating a new Christmas decoration, playing games, and visiting. It's not nearly so hard to be away from family when we have good friends to spend the holiday with.

Baptism Day!

2008-11-26T20:52:00.000-05:00

We recently had a very special day with a gentleman we've been teaching for awhile, Russell Lincoln. Russ was baptized on November 15th, and Ron was able to perform that sacred ordinance. It was an especially sweet experience as we participated with this kind man who has physical disabilities that necessitate being in a wheelchair. A baptism that was very challenging worked out beautifully as we witnessed many special miracles. We are so grateful to have the privilege of being friends with Brother Lincoln. This is a day we will long remember.

Homeward Bound

2008-11-22T12:37:00.005-05:00

We've found that music often portrays our feelings better than words can express. When we listened to 'Homeward Bound' on a Tabernacle choir CD, in many ways it said what we are feeling:

In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red,
When the summer's ceased its gleaming, when the corn is past its prime,
When adventure's lost its meaning, I'll be homeward bound in time.
Bind me not to the pasture; chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow.

If you find it's me you're missing, if you're hoping I'll return, To your thoughts I'll soon be listening, in the road I'll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end, and the path I'll be retracing when I'm homeward bound again.
Bind me not to the pasture; chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow.

And so, our mission journey nears its end. We have less than 4 weeks left in Michigan, and the path to home we'll soon be retracing. The sacrifice of our children and family, in some instances, has been great. But they 'set us free to find our calling' and we'll return to them somehow. What a special journey it has been. Filled with challenges and growth, great joy and love. It has not been easy. We suppose it was not intended to be. Kind of like our journey through life. And when that journey is near its end, we know these years will be treasured, never to be forgotten ones.

A Season of Gratitude

2008-11-16T21:14:00.002-05:00

The past few months we've enjoyed many special blessings. This verse from Alma sums up our feelings “…live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.” Alma 34:38

It's nearly impossible to make a list of our blessings, but here are some we're especially grateful for:

Wonderful missionaries who have become our substitute children, our forever friends, our heroes and examples of what is good and right in the world

Heavenly assitance in the Mission Office helping us do things we do not know how to do and giving us energy we did not know we could have

Celebrating the 36th anniversary of our marriage in the mission field, and being too busy to really celebrate, but being okay with that

Despite all her problems, our wonderful land of America, and so many who have and continue to sacrifice for our freedom and safety

Daily uplifting and spiritually nourishing morning devotionals with our office staff

Recognizing now more than ever, that Heavenly Father knows and loves His children, and hears and answers prayers

Our wonderful, faithful children, who have become our truest best friends, and who are trying so hard to do and be their very best each day

Precious grandchildren who add sparkle and laughter to every conversation, and the announcement of a baby granddaughter to join our family in February ‘09

Missionary miracles – they are everywhere, and testify of heavenly help in the details of our lives

Less active members finding their way back to our Heavenly Father and activity in the Church, and so many seeking for something better in their lives, and finding it in the gospel of Jesus Christ

Observing the faithfulness and sacrifice of senior and younger missionaries serving around the world

Our children’s wonderful blogs that keep us connected with home and family

Webcams, telephones and emails – the modern miracles of senior missionary service

Zone conferences filled with learning, growth, insight and goodness

Safety in stormy weather travel

Appreciating the watchful care, love, and concern of President and Sister Jones for their missionaries and participating as the work goes forward in our mission

The blessings and power of the priesthood - amazing and life changing

Beautiful Fall days and cool Fall evenings and seasons of change

Wonderful members of the Church being 'examples of the believer' as they try to do their best every day in following the Savior

Family visits, phone calls, emails, and packages from home

General Relief Society meeting and General Conference – remarkable men and women providing spiritual insight and direction for our journey on earth

The baptism yesterday of a gentleman we've been teaching, and the miracles that were involved in that

Coming to understand better what life is all about, and what really is most important

Autumn in MIchigan #2

2008-11-03T21:55:00.000-05:00

Dinner at our house with some of the best!

We're on the Departure Board :(

Elder Lopez headed home

Elder Brinton celebrating "hump day" - his half mission mark

Sweet friend Sister Rogers serving with us in the Mission Office

Ever faithful, wonderful Sister Fredline serving in the Mission Office

Let's eat!

Elder Brinton and Hermonatt - serving with us in St Johns

Sister power #2

Music & The Spoken Word

2008-10-27T22:05:00.000-04:00

What a great thought from the most recent broadcast of Music & The Spoken Word with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:

Delivered On: October 19th 2008
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

Civility and Respect

Can you recall a time when someone treated you with particular kindness? Maybe it was a stranger, smiling as he held a door for you, or someone who sincerely asked how you were doing, or a person who was patient with you during one of life’s rough days.
Genuine respect is not easy to find, and it surprises us when we encounter it. Today it seems civility is waning, as people push and shove, bark and shout, replacing etiquette with attitude. We are so unaccustomed to the respectful language of eras past that old movies and old letters often seem stilted and old-fashioned.
We can’t turn the clock back and live again in a time when respect was expected, but we can try to stem the tide of rudeness and disrespect, simply by being polite and respectful. Even small acts cause a ripple effect that can inspire others, because those who receive courtesy are more likely to extend it.
It may be something as simple as complimenting someone for a job well done. It may be listening to someone who is down-and-out, granting him the same dignity we would give someone of high social rank. It may be extending extra patience to the elderly, to the disabled, and to children. Whatever the act is, it works best if we try to see others as their Creator sees them: as people of value, people with immense potential, regardless of their current station in life.
An ideal place to start is in our homes, where we can strive to hold back the rudeness of the world and through our example teach our families a better way.
There is beauty in civility and respect, and that beauty is worth preserving. It takes such little effort, yet it can have far-reaching effects. Let us fill the world with these shining, never-to-be-forgotten moments.

Autumn in Michigan

2008-10-26T21:17:00.009-04:00

We've loved the beautiful colors we see each day as we drive to the Mission Office. All but three of these photos were taken within a few miles of our home and the office. Autumn in Michigan is awesome!

The Changing of the Guard - Step 1

2008-10-16T22:01:00.000-04:00

Well, it was inevitable. The day we would be released from our mission seemed so far off. It looms ever closer.

Last night we were notified that it is official. A couple has been called to take our place in the Mission Office when we depart in a little over 2 months. We have a definite mix of emotions. We're very excited to be home with our children and grandchildren. It will be great to see friends and family. But leaving our missionaries and Michigan experiences is not something we are ready for.

Nevertheless, ready or not, December 19th will be here before we know it. We were concerned if we would have sufficient time to train the new couple. There is so much to running a mission office. We knew it would take at least a month. We're ever so grateful that they will be here around mid November. It took us much longer than a month to learn. We're sure they will be much faster learners than we were.

And so, the beginning of the end is in sight. Who knew it would be so bittersweet.

Missionary Miracles

2008-10-15T22:23:00.003-04:00

One of the things we've become aware of the last year are the miracles around us every day, which really feel like very tender mercies of the Lord in our lives.

We are frequently enabled in our Mission Office labors in amazing ways. Having important things brought to our minds that need to be attended to; being able to figure out computer programs or lay out documents or spread sheets in ways that we have no idea how to accomplish, but are able to do; having the right person that knows the right information 'just happen to come into the office' right when needed; having strength and energy to work very long days and nights, very frequently; ...and the list could go on and on.

Recently we've experienced some health related things that are very special miracles. Quite suddenly last month I had alot of pain in my lower back. I recognized the intense pain immediately as I had experienced it once before when I had injured my back and was diagnosed with a bulging disc. I knew it could herniate if I was not very careful. When this happened the last time 4-5 years ago, it took many months of doing almost nothing physically for it to heal. This time, it has improved drastically in only about a month. I've gone to the office every day, and quite miraculously, the longer we are there, the better it feels. There is no explanation for this except for the kindness and blessings of the Lord. How could working and sitting at a desk for 8-12 hours a day make an injured back better? When I am at home, I've discovered that an old chair that we brought with us to use at a desk is the exactly perfect fit for relieving stress and pressure on my spine. I roll it from room to room and am comfortable whenever sitting in it. Who knew when we got this chair at a garage sale, when we tossed it in the moving trailer, when we had already used it for 1 1/2 years here in MI, that it would be such a blessing to an aching back now. Well, we know who...

And, Ron has recently experienced his own miracle. In fact, our miracles happened on the same day. The day I went to the Mission Office even though I could not get out of bed alone, or dress alone, or hardly walk - Ron received word that the recent testing of his heart showed that it was back in rhythm. He has had arrythmia for at least 5 years, had numerous procedures and medications to try to get things back the way they were supposed to be, without success, and has had declining health ever since. Now, out of the blue, his heart is back in proper rhythm. If that is not a miracle, we don't know what is.

This week Ron got a cold. One of those miserable ones that put you to bed and make you wish you could just sleep for a week. These colds usually put Ron down for a week or two. He's had a few crummy days, but the fourth day into this, he is feeling better, not worse. He has just gone to the office and done the best he could each day, and is amazed at how this is turning out. Another miracle.

We know there are times in life that these things are not so apparent. Times when things are just tough. We've had some of those times. But even in those times, there are special miracles and evidences of our Heavenly Fathers love and care. We hope to be more watchful and aware of them in the future. Today, we are extremely grateful for the special miracles He continues to bless us with.

General Conference - Michigan style

2008-10-04T22:57:00.000-04:00

Today was our fourth General Conference in Michigan. We loved it!

It's a bit different than back home. For one thing, we're two hours later, so the first session begins at noon rather than 10 am. That makes for a leisurely morning, of sorts. We were able to complete many of our typical preparation day labors: study, laundry, cleaning, baking, etc.
Another difference is that we travel to our little branch building to view the sessions.

The heating and air conditioning is all the same in our building - cold. So, we bundle up in blankets to stay comfortable. This heating/air conditioning problem is one of the few great frustrations for Elder Brunner. Having worked in the industry and designed heating and air conditioning systems and overseen installation of such in churches for 40 years, he has to bite his tongue every week when he can not solve the very poor heating and air conditioning the saints here have to put up with. But that is another story for another time. Back to conference...

Because it is some distance to get to the church, those of us who do not have satellite transmission at our home share a meal in between the sessions. Today we made a potato casserole (because we were given potatoes from someones garden) and a breakfast cake. Tomorrow we are bringing a squash casserole (because we acquired squash from someone elses garden) and a chicken pasta salad. So, we finish the first session, enjoy a lovely meal, view the wonderful specials in between sessions (which today were on the life of President Monson the first hour, and the Savior the second hour), then we see the second session.

After this we went to visit one of our less active families, had a great visit, and then back for the Priesthood session. The branch provides pizza before that session begins. Which we were too late for Elder B to enjoy any of, darn.

I headed to the little nearby strip mall and filled up the car with gas, got a couple things at the dollar store (which there are a zillion of in Michigan), a few groceries, and then home. I started working on our food for tomorrow, and then Elder B got home and told me about the wonderful Priesthood session, and now we are preparing for bed as the hour is approaching 11pm. And that is our conference Saturday.

The talks were just what we needed to hear, the spirit was strong, the feelings and insights many and powerful. It is always a delight to participate in General Conference. That is no different in Michigan, just a different setting, but the same amazing spiritual feast. We look forward to another wonderul day tomorrow!

Family Visit

2008-09-30T21:43:00.001-04:00

September brought the special blessing of having some of our family visit us. Ron's brother Fred, and his daughter Deborah and husband Cory made a quick jaunt to Michigan for the weekend. We loved having them here and catching up on the family. Unfortunately, it rained the entire time they were here, so our planned trip to see Lake Superior, lighthouses, musical water fountain, rollercoasters and submarine, were all tossed aside in the torrents. But, we had fun anyway, and ate our way around the Lansing area!

Cory and Deb were fabulous as they sang for our church on Sunday, with Fred's expert accompaniment. Fun family time for a whole 1.75 days!

More Cool Michigan Stuff

2008-09-23T22:16:00.002-04:00

A walking path in a park. Places like this are everywhere.

Look closely and you will see a heron making his way to the water,

right off our patio. We love to watch him catch fish in the pond.

Deer are everywhere, because there are trees everywhere. Even in the city it is not uncommon to see deer, squirrels, rabbits, etc around businesses and homes. There were 6 deer in this group, and some wild turkeys who just happened to saunter across the yard at the same time, close to dusk.

Just some of our great missionaries,

unarguably one of the coolest of Michigan "stuff"!

What is this? We have no idea, but the trees everywhere have these yucky looking things in them - like giant spider webs wrapped around some poor defenseless prey. Gross!

A common Michigan scene - lake, houses built around lake, ducks, geese and swans swimming in lake: beautiful!

We were headed back home from zone conference in Muskegon and decided to take the scenic route. We happened across a park with a bunch of these old fashioned bridges, moved all to one location so people could see how they were built in the days of yore.

We're driving to church, and there is a field filled with geese, just hanging out, eating and visiting; at least 75-100 geese, right next to the street, businesses in the background. Very cool!

This is a cool silo that is unique to Michigan (well, at least we've never seen one like it anywhere else). It's made of tiles and is very unique.

We loved it.

Thought for the Day

2008-09-19T21:51:00.002-04:00

A few words of wisdom, worthy of sharing:

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world your best and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It never was between you and them anyway.
~Mother Theresa

Senior Missionary Gathering

2008-09-15T21:14:00.011-04:00

We recently had all the senior missionaries together for a picnic in Cadillac (several hours north of Lansing). We gathered together at a beautiful park setting overlooking a pretty lake (which there are a million of in Michigan). We prepared dutch oven steak rollups (basically a steak that is filled, rolled and baked). It was a fun change from our normal missionary labors; and a happy day with great food and great friends!

Missing You

2008-09-10T22:00:00.001-04:00

Tonight I am missing my family. A few things happened tonight that brought my thoughts more than ever to home and family. Not bad things, just remembering and wishing and thinking, seeing photos and hearing music that makes me remember them. I hope I never take them for granted.

In the midst of those thoughts are those of September 11, 2001, when the world changed forever. Thousands of families will not be together again in this lifetime because of this day. I hope I never forget those who have, and are still, paying the price for this tragedy. I'm more grateful than ever for America, the land of freedom and goodness. Sometimes there is great reason for concern for our great country and its people. Still, it stands as a beacon and light for the rest of the world. I honor those who have sacrificed for our safety and freedom. My missing of family is small in comparison to theirs.

A sweet childs song comes to mind "I have a family here on earth, they are so good to me. I want to share my life with them through all eternity. Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Fathers plan. I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can..."

How grateful I am to know that families can be together forever because of the great love of our Savior and His sacrifice. We truly are a blessed people.

Sister Power

2008-09-05T22:41:00.004-04:00

These are some of the amazing and wonderful "sisters" in the Michigan Lansing Mission. Our t-shirts have "MLM Sisters" on the front, and some of the words of a favorite hymn on the back "The errand of angels is given to women...". A fun momento of the great women who are serving in Michigan in 2007-2008.
Sisters Porcaro, Pryzbyla, Strawn, Dietzel, Aitken, Polidario, Fredline, Me, Jones, Tunblom, and Cordner.

Zone Conference

2008-09-01T00:05:00.009-04:00

One of our favorite times of each transfer (a 6 week period of time) is zone conference. All the missionaries from several areas meet together in one location and receive instruction and direction on how to do the best and be the best they can be. It is always a time of great inspiration, and a fun time too. Here are a few photos of our last zone conference. You can get the feeling right away of the myriad different personalities of our missionaries. They're lined up to get lunch in these first photos.

These are some of the good women from the St Johns Branch, where we serve, who had prepared lunch for this zone conference. Also pictured here, our elders who serve in St Johns. Elder Franklin, Sister Holm, Sister Hinckle, Sister Hill, Sister Zimmerman, Sister Nicholson, Sister Draut, Sister Hernandez, and Elder Emery. They are THE BEST!

Another of our favorite's from zone conference occurs following lunch. The missionaries make a big circle around the women (and sometimes men) who prepared lunch for us, and express their appreciation, in part, by singing "Called to Serve". It is a wonderful reminder to us, and to the people who have served us, why we are here and what we are doing. It never fails to touch us and help us remember what it is we are doing here in Michigan, and really, what we all are doing as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ with our Heavenly Father's children.

New Mission President

2008-08-31T23:53:00.003-04:00

Here we are with President and Sister Jones a few weeks after they arrived. They had lunch for the new missionaries who had arrived the night before, and there was so much food, we were invited to join them for lunch. Tough break for us! President Jones is doing a wonderful job as Mission President. He is a get-it-done-now kind of leader, and is helping our zone leaders take on many new challenges and responsibilities. We expect much good in the coming months.

Sister Fredline turned 74. She is a local Michigander/Michiganian who serves with us in the Mission Office each day. She comes in every day from around 8:30 am-12:00 noon, and has been doing so for the last 4 years. She is amazing!

UGH!

2008-08-27T21:35:00.002-04:00

Each week we watched gas prices increase...

We're watching our pennies, trying to save $ wherever we can...

How much worse can this get???

We've decided we're done tracking prices - just holding on and hoping things change soon.

Michigan Summer #2

2008-08-27T21:23:00.003-04:00

Chipotle! Favorite hangout for great lunch

Some of the best of the best going home

Mission Office fun

Some of our favorite wall art

Picking wild raspberries at Tom & Stephanie Smith's

Elders Emery & Franklin

Sister gathering

Our great zone leaders enjoying lunch break during training

Not an unhappy face in the lot!

Can you eat too much corn on the cob?

2008-08-23T22:53:00.003-04:00

We're enjoying a new summer tradition here...well, a repeat of our last summers new tradition. Multiple times each week (like every other day)Ron determines we should have some fresh corn for dinner.

So, we stop at this farm that is on the way home from the Mission Office.

$4.75 a dozen, or $2.50 for a half dozen.

Such a small price to pay for a simple pleasure that is good for us.

We've decided that freshly picked corn

makes even the simplest dinner wonderful!

JT

2008-08-21T22:55:00.005-04:00

Katherine shared this sweet story:

Tonight Donovan taught our Family Home Evening lesson which was on recognizing the Holy Ghost. At the end I chose the closing song "I Know That My Redemmber Lives." The kids learned this song at church this last year, and it was perfect to go along with our lesson. Donovan told us to see how we feel when we sing the song and to see if we recognize the Holy Ghost, and then we would talk about it after the song. Well, after the first phrase, JT says "Okay, Okay. I felt it." Donovan said did you feel happy? And JT says "No, I felt like my heart was getting so big inside of me, like it was shining or something." We decide to sing again so we can finish the song, and I could barely sing because I was so emotional. Now whenever I sing that song, I will remember that is when my son learned to recognize the Spirit. Such a testimony to me that Family Home Evening is such a powerful tool in raising children today.

I love this special experience JT, and all of his family had. The fact that an almost 6 year old could put into words what the Holy Ghost feels like is amazing to us. And so precious. One of those wonderful moments that one can never plan for, but that are never forgotten when they occur. I love Family Home Evening, and that at least once each week there is a special time to talk about things like this, and help little ones, and not so little ones too, learn and grow and be together. And I love that Heavenly Father blessed a special little boy with this beautiful experience, that he and his family will never forget.

Let the lower lights be burning...

2008-08-15T22:58:00.009-04:00

President Edwards spoke one time about the significance of lighthouses. Michigan has more shoreline than any state in the union, so there are many lighthouses here. We've been able to visit only a few, but we loved the story he told, which is the basis of the song "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy".

Many years ago, in a dark and ferocious storm, the captain of a sailing vessel approached land and signaled the lighthouseman that he must find a port. He was signaled back to come along the shore as close as he dare and try to make the channel, that was the entrance to the safety of the bay. Once again a signal; "I will, but where are the lower lights", and the answer, "they've all gone out for the night - can you make it"?
The captain answered that he must, or they would perish. He tried to find the channel, but without the lower lights, the ship crashed upon the rocks, and all on board were lost. We learned that the "lower lights" spoken of were the houses built along the shore of the channel. All the people had gone to bed, so all the lights were out. The writer of the song, Philip Paul Bliss, was so touched by this story that he penned the music and text to the song we've heard and sung for years, but have never fully understood.

"Brightly beams our Father's mercy

From His lighthouse evermore,

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

"Dark the night of sin has settled

Loud the angry billows roar,

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore.

"Trim your feeble lamps, my brother,

Some poor sailor, tempest tossed,

Trying now to make the harbor,

In the darkness may be lost.

"Let the lower lights be burning,
Send a gleam across the wave,

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

What a very simple but beautiful reminder to each of us how important we are to those around us. So many are lost and "tempest tossed". Those of us who know and love the Lord can help them "make the harbor" through our encouragement, love, and guidance to Him. And in the end, how wonderful if we could be the means of rescue and saving.

We've had impressed upon our minds more than ever before how very much our Heavenly Father needs His children here to watch out for and care for one another - to be His hands and His voice. By small means are great things brought to pass, and lives are touched and blessed in ways we often do not know.

Today though, it seems so clear...we pray we may each keep the "lower lights" of our testimony and love of God burning brightly to be "the lights along the shore".

Reminiscing

2008-07-27T00:21:00.003-04:00

Tonight we had a Branch Pioneer Day Celebration at the park. We had crazy pioneer games and activities (panning for gold, stick pull, tug-0-war, log sawing, nail pounding, pioneer relay race, wagon rides, great food, and lots more). It was fun and busy and reminded us of home and the big deal that pioneer day is at home in Utah. A special remembering day of the pioneers who sacrificed so much to come to a new land, where they would be free to worship as they pleased. It's always fun to share this day with our children and grandchildren, and often extended Brunner family too.

We came home and Ron headed off to bed, but I had other plans. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Day Commeration Concert was being broadcast live on BYU TV, and I knew our computer would bring that great event into our home! So, for the last 2+ hours I've been enjoying the concert, complete with guest artists, the Osmond family. It's been such a spiritual high, and also so much fun, crying one minute and laughing the next. I've loved it so much, I'm watching it for the second time as I write this post. The Osmonds are amazing. How could so much talent and goodness come all in one family? And, I have a serious love affair going on with the choir. They are fabulous, and I miss seeing or hearing The Spoken Word each Sunday, and getting into at least one or two concerts a year. But tonight, I'm in reminiscent heaven! Such a little thing, but such joy it has brought. Life is good!

Michigan Summer

2008-07-23T22:32:00.012-04:00

We are amazed at the huge Michigan yards. Everyone has a riding lawnmower. We are more grateful than ever for Donovan and Katherine, who are watching over and taking care of our yard and home so we can focus on other things during this season of our lives. It will be hard going back to all that yard work in 2009!

Corn, corn everywhere!

We're driving along a country road and much to our surprise, realize there are airplanes out in that field! Upon further inspection, we discover this is a rural St Johns, MI airport (of sorts). Those ingenious farmers are always looking for another means of revenue!

We love the unexpected wildlife surprises in Michigan. One morning as we were leaving for the Mission Office, these geese sauntered across the parking lot and onto the grass beside one of the apartment buildings. We grabbed the camera and watched and clicked away as they made their way to their destination of choice - the pond outside our back patio. There are geese, ducks, frogs, muskrats, heron, squirrels, birds, and lightning bugs that frequent this pretty setting. We love it!
(click on the photo to see the little ones they were leading to the pond)

Wildflowers grow everywhere.

This is a pretty meadow view near our apartment.

Neat Stuff in the Land of the Amish

2008-07-16T22:12:00.005-04:00

A week or so before President and Sister Edwards left, we took a journey back in time as we visited Shipshewana, Indiana. This is a small Amish community, on the very outskirts of our mission. We saw reminders frequently of the lifestyle that our fathers fathers lived. The horse and buggy era where life was simpler, but more challenging as well. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at The Blue Gate Restaurant, where our "Amish" dinner was served. We enjoyed the Amish farms and travel conveyances, the slower lifestyle and a great change of pace from the busy Mission Office. A fun afternoon with our missionary friends!

Bullfrogs and Fireflies

2008-07-12T10:25:00.003-04:00

There are many differences between our Utah home and Michigan...one of those being our fun summer visitors of bullfrogs, green frogs and fireflies. The pond directly outside our apartment is prolific with both. We go to sleep each night with the sound of frogs filling the night air, and have been enjoying the last few weeks the appearance of hundreds of fireflies in the night sky. They skim over the surface of the pond, and along the banks, as well as the surrounding fields and yards in the communities. It's part of the fun of our Michigan adventure!

Goodbye President and Sister Edwards

2008-07-05T23:12:00.005-04:00

Our wonderful Mission President and his wife completed their mission this week and departed for their home in Heber City, Utah. Their examples of Christlike service, faith, patience, kindness, and a hundred other traits will be sorely missed. They've become special friends and we look forward to future days when we will see them again.

Each Zone Conference had a special farewell from that group of missionaries. Here they are with one of their goodbye cakes.

These are missionaries from several areas, meeting in Lansing for Zone Conference. They had special gifts, songs and shared lots of goodbye love.

And our last senior missionary dinner together at the Mission Home. Elder and Sister Porcaro are Church Education System missionaries serving at Michigan State University, President and Sister Edwards, and Sister Fredline serves in the Mission Office with us. It's hard to say goodbye, but how grateful we are for opportunities to know and love some of the very best people on the earth.

A Child's Prayer

2008-07-05T14:05:00.008-04:00

Night time, quiet time,
Loved ones gather at day's end.
I hold them close, I help them know
That God will always be their friend.
Then just before I say goodnight
My little ones kneel by my chair.
I close my eyes, I dim the lights,
And listen to this simple prayer:

Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer every child's prayer?
Some say that heaven is far away,
But I feel it close around me as I pray.

Heavenly Father, I remember now
Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
"Suffer the children to come to me."
Father, in prayer I'm coming now to Thee.

Pray, He is there. Speak, He is list'ning.
You are His child, His love now surrounds you.
He hears your prayer, He loves the children.
Of such is the kingdom, the Kingdom of heav'n.

Heavenly Father, are you really there?
He hears and answers every child's prayer.
Please hear my prayer.

Our family has asked that question a few times in the last month...Heavenly Father, are you really there?

It has been a month of sorrow, heartache and challenge. Heidi's sweet friend and love, then her little companion pup were taken from her. And to us it all seemed unfair and wrong. Too much of pain and too many tears following so closely after previous bitter challenges. And as parents a long ways away, unable to do anything tangible to help, our thoughts and pleas often went heavenward. And therein has come our peace. For though we anguish with our daughter and her siblings, and the family of Shaun, we know from whence cometh our strength. "He hears and answers every child's prayer." And what seems wrong and unfair is not for us to determine. What we know is that He loves us, and we have confidence that all things will work together for Heidi's good. We have faith that there will yet be peace and great joy in store for our daughter, and our family. We were reminded of that in the words of this simple children's song, and in this promise, "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers." (Doctrine & Covenants 112:20).

We're grateful for the blessings we, and our family, continue to receive and acknowledge the Lord's tender mercies at work in our lives. And we have felt first hand the promise given in Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."

God Lives and is in His Heavens

2008-06-12T21:41:00.002-04:00

There is comfort in the words of the prophets...

“We have a commitment to serve our Lord. We have an assurance that the cause is just and worthy. But, above all, we have a knowledge that God lives and is in His Heavens and that His Son Jesus Christ has laid out a plan for us which will bring us and our loved ones eternal life if we are faithful. That life will be a busy, purposeful life with accomplishments and joys and development.”
President Spencer W. Kimball
“The Cause Is Just and Worthy,” Ensign, 1974

Shaun Lunt

2008-06-10T21:03:00.011-04:00

"Nothing you love is lost, not really. Things, people, they always go away sooner or later. You can't hold them, but if they've touched you, if they're inside you, then they're still yours. The only things you ever have are the ones you hold inside your heart."

Our beautiful daughter Heidi has been blessed to know and love a man of goodness and light. He left this world for a better one on Friday, June 6, 2008.

We were never privileged to meet Shaun. We know him from our daughters heart. Through her we know of his kindness, spirituality, desires to make the world a better place, and of his love. And although we do not understand his tragic and untimely passing, we have faith that the Father of us all does, and that he did not leave so soon by mere chance.

"Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3

A wise man once said, "in the grammar of the Gospel...death is a mere comma, not an exclamation point" (Neal A. Maxwell, Moving in His Majesty and Power). We know that Shauns forever has moved to a different realm and that through the principles and ordinances of the Gospel, families and loved ones will be together again, forever. What a blessed thing to know and understand that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected, we will all live again. Shaun lives. The Savior of us all made that possible.

We know that Heidi's world will never be quite the same. She no longer has in her life the one who made her whole. But we're grateful for the beautiful impact he has made, and will continue to make on her and all who knew him. The world truly is a better place because Shaun was in it.

Willingness to Wait

2008-06-06T22:34:00.008-04:00

A young woman decided to plant a flower bed, determined to make it lush and overflowing. She planted numerous seedlings side by side until the bed was full. But instead of thriving, her garden died. If she had given her seedlings room to grow at their own rate, eventually they would have filled her garden with glorious flowers. But because she was not willing to wait for her plants, she lost their potential.

How often we try to rush our own growth—and the growth of those around us—instead of letting time bring the desired results. Too quickly we get discouraged, forgetting to take the long view, forgetting that all of us are works in progress. As our own worst critics, we sometimes give up on ourselves just as we reach the brink of progress.

Patience is essential if we are to enjoy the best life has to offer: happy marriages, fulfilling careers, developed talents, peace and contentment. Without patience, we rip open the bud, forever robbed of a blooming flower. Without patience, we fail to forgive and deny ourselves loving relationships. Without patience, we cannot conquer our own weaknesses and wind up avoiding anything we can’t do easily or quickly.

Patience is the loving restraint with which we watch a child try a new task—and try again. Patience with others is a form of charity, a loving willingness to wait. When we show faith that improvement will come, children and loved ones blossom with hope. Patience is giving power to others, letting them grow at their own pace.

When we choose to hold back a hasty judgment or pause before reacting, we step into a calmer sphere of peace and contentment. Our stress levels drop; our joy levels rise. And everyone around us feels the warmth of acceptance that allows growth to occur.

All beautiful gardens began as patches of soil. They became glorious only because someone was willing to wait.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Music and the Spoken Word
"Willingness to Wait" June 1, 2008 Broadcast

One of the things we miss are the weekly broadcasts of Music and the Spoken Word. We love the Tabernacle Choir, and though we just read the messages online now and listen to their cd's, this message shared at the most recent broadcast seemed especially applicable. It seems we have been impatient most of our lives. Wanting life to be more what we think it should be, right now. So, these words of wisdom struck home. Perhaps when things aren't working out the way we wish they would, right now, we can have a little more patience and "willingness to wait".

Understanding Sacred Things

2008-06-04T23:26:00.003-04:00

We recently read this thought, and it is a too accurate description of so many. It's a heartbreaking truth that is difficult to get across to someone who is not seeking for "holy things".

"The importance of having a sense of the sacred is simply this--if one does not appreciate holy things, he will lose them. Absent a feeling of reverence, he will grow increasingly casual in attitude and lax in conduct. He will drift from the moorings that his covenants with God could provide. His feeling of accountability to God will diminish and then be forgotten. Thereafter, he will care only about his own comfort and satisfying his uncontrolled appetites. Finally, he will come to despise sacred things, even God, and then he will despise himself.

"On the other hand, with a sense of the sacred, one grows in understanding and truth. The Holy Spirit becomes his frequent and then constant companion. More and more he will stand in holy places and be entrusted with holy things. Just the opposite of cynicism and despair, his end is eternal life."
D. Todd Christofferson, "A Sense of the Sacred," CES fireside for young adults, Nov. 7, 2004

Michigan Spring #2

2008-05-29T22:02:00.002-04:00

Missionary trailer problems

Map we mounted on the wall in Mission Office with pins for where every missionary's home is

Teaching with object lesson at the Melzer home

Elders Emery and Franklin - serving at St Johns with us

Just another day in the Mission Office...

Sister Fredline, Pres Edwards, Us, Assistants - Elders Paxman & Jacobson

Zone Conference Activity Day

2008-05-28T22:43:00.013-04:00

Our recent zone conferences were a yearly fun day for recreation, good food, and the reconnecting of missionaries. We were able to borrow a grill locally and prepared steak and everything sandwiches for about 85 at each location. It was almost like cooking for our youth conferences and stake gatherings back home.

Elder Brunner still has his great softball skills. He just borrowed a younger set of legs to run the bases for him!

Our "Spanish" elders

Our beautiful "sister" missionaries

The end of the day.

So much fun, so little time to play.

Michigan Spring

2008-05-28T22:28:00.008-04:00

Check out this tree. Double click on the photo and you'll see the tree trunk is blooming. Only in Michigan!

Spring in Michigan is beautiful! There are hundreds of flowering trees, more than we've ever seen at home. As we drive around the state for zone conferences, the countryside is greening up and beautiful homes and barns abound. There are many small lakes and ponds, with wild geese and ducks on most of them. Deer are often grazing in the fields, undisturbed by the passing cars. The only thing missing are mountains...and our kids and grandkids.

Women's Conference

2008-05-23T22:59:00.003-04:00

In April I was asked to present a class for the Lansing Stake Women's Conference. We titled it "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission...When I Have Grown to 62". A play on the words of a popular children's song. It was a great opportunity to share insights we've gained on the importance and blessings of service as senior missionaries.

Duck on a Rock

2008-05-22T22:18:00.010-04:00

This is Jake. He frequents the pond outside our apartment building. We watch him every morning and evening as he perches majestically on this rock. We think he is suffering from a broken heart. There used to be three ducks. The other two left, and have not returned. Jake appears to be waiting and watching every day for his true love to return. We surmise she was kidnapped and is trying to return to him now, and so he waits, patiently and forlornly...

These are our two geese, who also frequent our pond. As you can see, they have a happy union and find great joy in each others companionship. We're searching for the perfect names for them. We've tried Romeo and Juliet, David and Jezebell, Lucy and Ricky, Ethel and Fred, Antony and Cleopatra, Scarlett and Rhett, but they just don't quite fit. Any suggestions?

Anyone Need a Car?

2008-05-22T20:46:00.007-04:00

Here he is, the Car Czar of Michigan Lansing Mission. We recently received nine new 2008 Malibu's and two 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. Consequently, Elder Brunner had to sell the 11 old ones. Two weeks later...7 Malibus and 1 van sold. Who knew with all those other talents, there is now car selling added to the list!

Is Holland in Michigan?

2008-05-21T21:19:00.005-04:00

Our sister Nancie came to visit in April and we took a little journey to Holland. Who knew it was right here in Michigan! We had a fun day learning about windmills and enjoying the beauties of a Michigan spring. It was great to have Nancie here, if only for part of two days. She's making her way around America to visit all the family. Mom and Dad would be pleased.

Family Visits in March 2008

2008-05-04T22:47:00.005-04:00

Donovan and Katherine made our Easter very happy this year by coming to visit and bringing JT (5) and Nathan (20 mo.). We wondered if we would be able to find anything for them to do because it was still cold and snowy outside, but just being together was the best! We went to the park and froze our nose and toes, the Children's Museum and learned about water, bubbles, music, dinosaurs, moving heavy things, and tons more. We colored eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide, and had fun hanging out at our little apartment. In between they entertained themselves in very creative ways while we carried on with our responsibilitites in the Mission Office. It was hard to see them leave, but we felt very blessed to have 5 1/2 days of happy family times!

Children's Museum Fun for JT and Nathan

2008-05-04T22:40:00.008-04:00

More Family Fun

2008-05-04T22:26:00.012-04:00

Musical Link to Home

2008-04-25T10:20:00.005-04:00

We discovered the most wonderful thing last week. We can listen online to FM100 "Soft Sunday Sounds" 7 days a week, anytime of day. This has been such a blessing and brightening to our days. We love to have music playing in the Mission Office, but have played the CD's we brought from home so much, we have every hymn and song memorized. Even the ones the family have sent have been played for hours, between our vehicle, apartment and Mission Office. But, now we have a fresh and unending supply of beautiful Sabbath day music at our fingertips. We love it! Sometimes the small and simple things truly are the most significant!

Telephone Messaging Dilemma

2008-04-21T22:48:00.002-04:00

We have a real problem at our house. There is no space left on the phone answering machine for messages. After 14 months in Michigan it doesn't seem unreasonable to me that there are 14 months of precious phone messages that absolutely CANNOT be deleted. The 18th undeletable one came tonight from JT. Now what's a gramma to do...so little message space, so many people calling to fill it up with unimportant facts and details. The next 9 months may be interesting!

Family Visits

2008-04-20T22:09:00.005-04:00

In February 2008 Heidi came to visit. We had too few days with her. Because we were short handed in the Mission Office, we celebrated not by discovering some wonderful Michigan winter destination, but by taking her with us each day and working her fingers to the bone! Apparently we were so preoccupied with our labors that we didn't even take pictures. What a couple of fun hosts we are! So come on everyone, visit Ron and Mary on their mission and see how you can be put to work!

Thought for the Day:

2008-04-19T22:24:00.002-04:00

Regarding missionary work, President Hinckley said:

"You will bless the lives of those you teach, and their posterity after them. You will bless your own life. You will bless the lives or your family who will sustain you and pray for you.

And above and beyond all of this will come that sweet peace in your heart that you have served your Lord faithfully and well. Your service will become an extension of gratitude to your Heavenly Father. You will come to know your Redeemer as your greatest friend in time or eternity. You will realize that through His atoning sacrifice He has opened the way for eternal life and an exaltation above and beyond your greatest dreams."

Celebrating Birthday #70 in Michigan!

2008-04-09T21:38:00.001-04:00

2008-04-09T21:34:00.003-04:00

2008-04-09T21:29:00.001-04:00

Celebrating Birthday #70 in Michigan!

2008-04-09T21:08:00.009-04:00

Thought for the Day

2008-04-07T22:05:00.002-04:00

"A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race."
Joseph Smith

A week in the life of Elder and Sister Brunner

2008-04-06T23:04:00.010-04:00

It has a been awhile since we have blogged! Missionary work is very time consuming!
To catch up a little I thought I would tell you about an average week for us.

Our typical day starts at 6:30 am. It should be 6:00, but that is really early for us oldies. Especially since our time zone is 2 hours different than our kids. That means we talk to them late at night and don't get to bed until VERY late. So 6:30 feels plenty early. We begin our day with scripture study. This has become our favorite time of the day. We often become so absorbed in what we are studying and learning that we lose track of time. The time goes faster than at any other time of the day, and we often find 7:30 has come and we must start racing through the shower, eating breakfast, making lunches and pulling it all together before we race to the Mission Office by 9:00.

While at the Mission Office, Ron usually works on apartments and cars and cell phones and problems with cars or oil changes or utility problems, why those heating bills are so high, what to do with that flat tire.... You get the picture. Oh, and he just got 10 new cars, so they need to be switched with the old cars, sent to the most responsible missionaries, then sell the 10 old ones. After that, it is back to teaching young men how to remove mold from a bath tub (yes, it involves a scrub brush and some soft scrub) and ordering new glass doors that missionaries have shattered, by playing darts, or working through yet another car accident and all that paperwork. There is always something new and interesting. Then he moves on to reports that need to be filled out on all 60 vehicles. The only problem is that he has to wait for the information to come in from 60 missionary companionship's. You know where this one is going, right? He enters in every oil change and gallon of gas spent and all this information gets sent to Church headquarters. These are a few of the things that keep Ron busy during the day.

My day is spent answering all the calls that come into the Mission Office, and trying to direct, fix or assist with that call. I start my day by doing the Media Referrals. An average of 5 to 25 referrals come in every day. People request items or want to know more after visiting lds.org, viewing our TV spots, attending a pageant or stopping by a visitors center. The information is entered into the computer and then we determine which area and missionary companionship the referral should go to. I print them a referral, then I text message the missionaries. (Yes, I text message!!) My goal is to accomplish all this within 24 hours from the original request. Someone who looks at mormon.org on Sunday night will have missionaries visit him the next day. Isn't that amazing. The Lords work is moving onward so quickly, literally! After referrals, I work on the mail. Anywhere in the world the Church has a mission, the missionaries mail comes to the associated Mission Office so those precious letters and packages from home aren't lost when the missionaries transfer to a new location. This can be a huge job, especially during major holidays. But it is a rewarding job, as we've learned the very most favorite thing for every missionary are those letters and packages.

We do all the ordering of missionary and office supplies, name tags, and other issues. We also do all the communicating with the missionary families. Every six weeks there are brand new missionaries leaving the MTC, excited and scared and anxious to begin the work they've been preparing for so long. And every six weeks we say goodbye to the most amazing, valiant young men and women, who we've come to love. Over the course of 18 months for the sisters, or two years to the elders, they truly become saviors on Mount Zion. We marvel at their abilities, goodness and testimonies. We have more hope than ever that the Church and the world are in good hands as this rising generation makes itself known. We send home with them a gathering of as much information possible from their 2 years of service, a letter from the President and we make a nice packet for them to leave with. Of course we have a special dinner the night before they leave, which Ron and I have been blessed to be apart of. The next morning they leave and later that same day our new missionaries arrive. They need information and an orientation of what to expect regarding their cars, apartments, phones, mail, supplies, etc. More letters to moms and dads back home. This all occurs the day after transfers, and we send letters to parents who's missionaries are being given leadership positions. More letters to those missionaries and training information. All of this is really a lot like running an office, but it is an office for 150 missionaries. We just try to take care of every need we can. Financial, transportation, housing..... Helping to make it easier for them to function and serve in their work.

We have a wonderful senior missionary sister who serves with us in the office. Sister Fredline has been the financial and travel secretary for 4 years. She is there every day until around noon, and we're so grateful that we don't have to do all that she accomplishes each day.

We leave the Mission Office between 5:30 and 8:00 pm. If we have time, we try to visit the 12-16 less-active and part-member families we are working with. We find ourselves frequently purchasing more food and preparing meals for functions or struggling families. It's a lot like what we all do at home, we just do it more frequently now than we usually did at home.
It is good work and it is busy work.
Time just doesn't always allow for us to do journaling and posting the way we had planned.
We love our missionaries. We love the work and we love serving our Heavenly Father at this time and in this capacity.
We also love and miss all of you!

Grandchildren's Comments:

2008-01-20T22:35:00.000-05:00

May 13, 2007 - Three year old Kyler told us he wants to "be a missionary and come to Missigun to be with you"

January 13, 2008 - Five year old JT was saying goodbye to us on a recent phone call. He reminded us of our daily charge when he said "have a good week teaching the people about Jesus".

2008-01-19T00:23:00.000-05:00

The Hump

2008-01-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

January 20, 2008 is our 1/2 mission mark. Insights and observations to this point:

The gospel is the answer to all of lifes complexities. It brings joy and meaning, comfort and solace, direction and strength

Missionaries are some to the most amazing people on earth - we still don't feel worthy to be counted with them

Miracles happen every day, every hour, every minute

People are wonderful in every location

The Church will go forward with or without us - we are overwhelmed with the magnitude of goodness and strength it demonstrates on every front

Families bring sweetness and goodness to life

Michigan is beautiful in all seasons

Missionary service is a blessing to body and spirit, brings purpose to each day, and makes us want to do more and become better

When we're engaged in a worthy cause, the hours and time expended becomes less important than accomplishing the task at hand

Mail and phone calls from friends and family have never been so appreciated

Simple things we took for granted have become much more appreciated

Life is good

The Lord is very kind to us

"The task ahead of you is never as great as the Power behind you"

Merry Christmas!

2008-01-12T13:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Holiday Greetings from the Michigan Lansing Mission!
We hope you and your family are well and enjoying a beautiful Christmas season.

We’ve been serving in Michigan for almost 10 months now, and are busily engaged in all that is involved in keeping things running in the Mission Office. Our days are never dull and are filled with phone calls and visits from our missionaries needing help with apartment issues, car problems, referral questions, mail concerns, needed supplies, and a hundred other such details. We’ve become quite attached to the 138 plus missionaries we serve with in Michigan, and have daily reminders of the great work we are involved in and Whose it is. Our recognition of the very personal and intricate involvement our Heavenly Father has in the detail and affairs of our lives has increased substantially. There is not a day that goes by that we are not ever more aware of His great love and concern for each of us. How privileged we are to, in a small way, be part of sharing His love with His children. No matter where we go in the world, there is great need and many who are seeking for a better life, for peace and contentment and happiness. All this and much more can be found through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For two years we are able to spend all day, every day, trying to help people find that peace and happiness. There will never be another time like this in our lives. It truly is an amazing blessing and miracle to be so engaged.

In fact, this is our Christmas of miracles. It seems that miracles abound, once we start looking for them. Health concerns that we worried might be an ongoing challenge, have, to a large degree, improved. Though our days, and often evenings, are filled with much activity, there almost always seems to be the energy and strength to do all that is before us. That truly has been a miracle and a great blessing. And though our family at home have had challenges and great difficulties at times, they and we have felt the love of the Lord in our lives, and know that He is aware of and blessing each one in special ways. We see miracles in all we are involved in, every day

We wish you great happiness and many special blessings at this beautiful time of year.
We’re grateful for your love and kindness to our family and to us. Please forgive our shortage of communication with you in the last year.
We treasure our association with you and express
our love and warmest wishes for a wonderful
Christmas and a blessed and peaceful coming year.

Elder and Sister Brunner
(Ron and Mary)
1060 Aaron Drive, Apt 406
DeWitt, MI 48820

More Pictures from Michigan!

2008-01-12T12:50:00.001-05:00

Our 35th Wedding Anniversary

Thanksgiving Day with senior missionaries from all over the mission.

Our homemade Christmas tree!

Assistants to the President and Zone Leaders at the Mission Office - decorated for Christmas

Favorite walking trail near our home.

We love this walking trail near our home!

Our attempt to grow tomatoes in a pot on our patio

Our apartment

More pictures of our apartment.

Trees grow in the water everywhere in MI!

Beautiful MI home. They have HUGE yards!

Lake Michigan

Walking the line!

Mackinaw Lighthouse

Golf Pro's The family together at our farewell.

Michigan Seasons

2008-01-01T22:20:00.000-05:00

Michigan Seasons

2008-01-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

Visit from the family!

2007-11-05T20:10:00.001-05:00

Mmmmm...We love ice cream!

"I'll never let go Jack... I'll never let go!" - Ode to Titanic

Heidi runs into a leech problem.

We love lighthouses! (Old Mission Peninsula Lighthouse - Traverse City)

Building castles at Mackinac Bay

2007-11-05T19:14:00.000-05:00

Kyler and Emma singing Josh Groban in the van. They wanted to make sure daddy could hear them back in Utah. How do they know Josh Groban, you ask? Becky and Heidi have an obsession - it's true. It's even worse since they saw him in concert this August. Apparently he actually IS better than sliced bread.

2007-11-04T23:44:00.000-05:00

Kyler discovers acorns... Hmmm, what can I destroy with acorns? Nothing? Worthless!

2007-11-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

Emma tries to give Grandma a push!

Summer in Michigan 2007

2007-08-15T22:42:00.001-04:00

Elder Staley is training a greenie - just arrived missionary - Elder Baker.

We have lots of fun with them!

Zone Conference with the senior missionaries serving in the

far northern areas of the mission:

Elder & Sister Mobley, Elder & Sister Benton, Elder & Sister Murri,

Elder & Sister Jeske, Sister Edwards, the Goodfellows, and Us!

We volunteered to make 24th of July come to life for the Branch this year!

Here are some of our guests on the wagon ride, a very popular feature.

Of course any 24th of July celebration must have authentic dutch oven cooking,

and indians with teepees!

We also had log cutting race, sack races, stick pull, button sewing contest, pie contest, pioneer games for the kids, story-telling and lots more. It was a fun day and very well attended.

Wow giant cows at the Elsie Dairy Festival.
Everything in MI is bigger!

Some of the wildlife in our pond that we are able to enjoy every day.

Many of the homes in MI are decorated with geese.

March & April Fun

2007-04-29T20:40:00.002-04:00

It's March in Michigan and although the pond outside our apartment is still mostly frozen over, the sun is shining and there's a hope of Spring...so, we had our first meal on our wonderful little deck! No table, folding chairs for our seating, but we had a great time.

Elder Sheffield and Elder Hurst are the Assistants to the President who have been so kind to us and helped us get oriented to Michigan life, led us home from Zone Conference, helped us get furniture for our apartment, and much more. We think they are amazing!

Elder Staley and Elder Mineer are serving in the St Johns Branch, where we also serve. They live about 10 minutes away from us and have been our guiding light as to how missionaries here do anything/everything. We have them to our house for dinner and anything else we can think of as often as we and they can. They've become our substitute kids and we love them to death!

We took a break from our labors for a few hours and went to the Maple Syrup Festival in one of the little towns not too far away. It was a fun few hours learning where maple syrup comes from.

Another little town, another short diversion...antique car show!

These are the senior missionaries we get to see frequently: Elder and Sister Peterson serve as CES missionaries on the campus of Michigan State University here in Lansing. Elder and Sister Goodfellow are training us in the Mission Office.

Elder Stock and Elder Lovett are also currently serving in the Mission Office, along with their normal missionary responsibilities. They're great and keep us laughing and having fun every day.

Elder Hurst and Elder Meeker are the current Assistants to the President. They brought balloons and poster to celebrate the wonderfulness of the office missionaries. So fun!

The Mission Office

2007-04-24T21:58:00.002-04:00

We're settling in and learning and working as hard as we can. We have wonderful missionaries to work with for several months as we learn the ropes, and great Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Edwards.

We're Here!

2007-03-01T22:03:00.003-05:00

We did it! We conquered the MTC and left wondering if we would remember a thing we learned about how to run a mission office. But the MTC spiritual high is what we know will get us through the hard beginning weeks . We're grateful for a few more days with our family and all their help as we pack up a UHaul trailer to bring a few important needs with us: our wonderful pillow top mattress, Ron's recliner, and since there's room, a few other must haves for the next two years. We bid our family a tearful goodbye and head off for the 3 day, 2000 + mile drive to Michigan. The next step in our adventure begins!

And here we are...in our new home! It took several days to find an apartment we liked, but the looking was worth the effort because our new home has all the comforts of our old home, but with much less space to keep up. We love having two bedrooms that allows us a place to set up a desk and computer and we even have covered parking and a deck overlooking a pond with wildlife. Home sweet home!

MTC

2007-02-13T21:55:00.002-05:00

These are our cute MTC trainers and other senior couples who will be serving, as we are, in a mission office. Some will be in the USA, some in far-away lands. We're in classes all day, with wonderful devotionals and firesides and spiritual highlights mixed in everywhere. We're loving it, and being scared to death all at the same time. Study time each morning and evening and meeting so many wonderful missionaries. What a choice experience the MTC is!

The Adventure Begins!

2007-02-05T21:45:00.002-05:00

At the Stake Center prior to being set apart as full time missionaries.

At home the evening of our mission farewell.

Study group friends at our last gathering before we leave.

Today we said goodbye to our beautiful children and grandchildren for 23 months as we embark on a new adventure as senior missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We're headed to Michigan...but first, learning at the Missionary Training Center for the next 11 days. We're excited, sad, nervous, happy...and a ton of other emotions all wrapped up together. Day one as missionaries!