Joseph Smith Memorial

Yesterday we went to Sharon, Vermont to the Joseph Smith Memorial with Sister Abrams.  It took a bit over 3 hours to drive there.  It was a wonderful visit.  We are so glad we took the time to go.

The monument is one of the largest polished granite shafts in the world.  It marks the birthplace of Joseph Smith the great prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

                               There were many beautiful paintings in the Visitor's Center.

                             The fireplace has the original hearth stone from Joseph's home.

This chair is also from the home and some think it was built by Joseph, but there is actually no proof of that.

                                                              Joseph Smith Senior

                                                            Emma Smith

                                                   Our prophet today Thomas S. Monson

                                            A bust of Jesus Christ, the head of our church.

                                                   Outside there was this manger scene.

This sheep came running up to me when I came near the pen.  He put his head on my arm and stayed that way for several minutes, but I couldn't get a picture of it.

There are two building there.  One is the Visitor's Center and the other had displays of many nativity sets.  This building is also the home of the Director the Center.  All of the couples who are working there were so nice to us.  There was a big grand piano in the living room and they invited me to play a few Christmas carols.  I did and everyone sang Silent Night and also a French song Souviens Toi while I played.  It was such a nice feeling to hear the beautiful music.

To finish off our evening we drove through Montpelier, Vermont.  We stopped at Angelino's Pizza which had the best Italian food.

I had this absolutely delicious Tiger Shrimp with spinach and gnocchi in a white sauce.  It was one of the best dishes I've eaten in a long, long time.

Papa had this huge steak and cheese sub sandwich.  The portions were so big that we both had plenty to take home for another meal.

                                             Sister Abrams had a chicken and pasta dish.

Christmas 2013

 I can't believe Christmas has come and gone.  Time just passes so quickly.  The best part of the day was that we got to talk to all of our children.  This is the second Christmas we are spending on this mission.  It is hard not to be with all of the kids and grandkids, but we know it is what we should be doing, so we are fine with it.  We are happy to serve.
We got together with a few other missionaries and had Christmas dinner together.  We also made it a little farewell for the Bendio's who will be leaving the day after tomorrow.  They have served a wonderful mission.  Just in the past 2 months they have had 3 baptisms and 1 completely inactive woman come back to church and going to the temple.  Of course they have been working with these people and teaching them for some time.  The Vallecalles are the couple that will be replacing them.  The Vallecalles are from France originally, but have been living in California for many, many years.  Interestingly enough, he spent some time in the Basque country so Dad had some fun reminiscing with him.

 This time it was Sister Abrams who hosted the dinner at her apartment.  I made the turkey, the southern style yams and stuffed mushrooms.  The food was so yummy and the conversation was nice, so we had a very pleasant time together.

We were spoiled this year and got all of these wonderful gifts.  We are so grateful for all that we have.  We are especially grateful for our Savior and His great atoning sacrifice for all of us. We are grateful for our family and for the many wonderful friends that we have.  We are truly blessed.