Hi wonderful family,
We had a busy week last week, but what a lot of spiritual experiences.
The little young mother that we keep talking about with cancer died.  We went to see her about 1 hour before she passed away.  She had withered down to just skin and bones.  I've never seen anyone that poor.  Her family is having such a hard time-we have been there three different times to see if we could help with funeral services.  The branch pres. can't get off work so dad thought he better get something going.  Every time they would say the mom is to upset to think about it, so we just kept going back and waiting.  Sun. we went over there with the missionaries and her sister told us that the Catholic church was taking care of it.  They have been members about three years but in times of trouble they do what they know best.  Dad still has to dedicate the grave, we are doing the meal after. All the R.S. sisters work so guess I'm doing it!  The family wants chicken wings (which I've never cooked in my life). I hope they like my kind.
I may have told you that she has two little boys.  They don't have a father so I guess the grandma or sister will raise them.  I wish I could have sent them home to Andrea, they are so darling.
Anyway, I want to remember all my life how tender two of our missionaries were with the brokenhearted mom.  She is really having a hard time, and Elder Timmerman and Elder Koffor just got down on their knees and loved that mom.   They read to her out of the Book of Mormon.  I've never seen anything so tender.  Elder Koffer was just crying and was so very helpful to all of them.  The Spiritual part to me was that an 18 year old boy had so much maturity and love that he would even do that.  Most 18 year old boys are too wrapped up in appearances! He was really doing what the Spirit told him to do. I’m so impressed with these wonderful , young people that go out and make such a difference in people's lives. I will write about the services next week.
The picture is of a darling little family we visit.  They have been baptized since Aug. The dad always works on Sunday’s and she has a hard time watching them all at home let alone bring them to church.  All four of them are in diapers.  Talk about darling little kids.  Each time I hold the baby because he is only 1 week older than Ashley.  (By the way, we saw her for two seconds on skype last night, she is  such a doll, it made me miss all the Grand kids, including the greats.)
It was so wonderful to talk to most of the grand kids last night on the phone.  They are all so wonderful to us!  How did we get so blessed with such a wonderful family?  I realize more every day how blessed our family has been.  You are all so awesome and trying so hard.  We are grateful for all your accomplishments, for the safety of Kristine getting home, and pray for her safety as she leaves again. Thanks to all of you for making her so welcome in your busy lives.
The gospel is true!   It is the most important thing we have besides each other. Thank you for being so supportive of our mission and by letting us stay in such close contact with all of you. We feel like our blessings just keep coming!!!
                                    We love you so
 Elder & Sister, Mom & Dad, Grandparents, &Great grandparents

(picture hasn't arrived yet... hopefully soon)