Certificates

Last week, we were recognized for completing all seventeen lessons in US/Canada training.  It was one of those times when you wish you could just quietly put the sticker in your book without anyone noticing, knowing that the sticker doesn’t mean you know what you are supposed to know.    But all week long, mention was made in all of the twice daily prayer meetings—so, hard to hide. 

            We did find the DNA lesson interesting—and realized we have a lot more to learn.    Sister Challis had her DNA tested at the request of a fifth cousin who lives in England whom she collaborates with on her maternal grandmother’s line.  No match, which was disappointing, but sometimes fifth cousins don’t share enough DNA for a match.  It could be a fulltime job keeping track of all those matching cousins.

It is doubtful that DNA will break through any of my “brick walls,” but maybe we can help someone else do that. Maybe.

            Elder Challis has wondered aloud if the computer will soon do all of our research for us.  The record hints that the computer gives us are amazing blessings--and sometimes a curse if not matched properly.  Last week, while trying to sort out a “tangle” in a family, I saw two record hints that led me to missing children in two families.  Years ago, I had made a note about the missing children, but wasn’t sure how to find them.  Then “wah-lah,” the computer presented me with their christening records. Those two little girls will soon be sealed to their parents.  Blessings.

            Away from library life, we celebrated our granddaughter, June’s second birthday in Alpine.  She loved the animated monkey we gave her.  Too bad, she didn’t know it was from us.  After all, it was our mission to “win her over.”   One evening, we got to tend Jaynie’s two kids, Henley and Hal.  We played in the apartment for a while—Elder Challis is very good at pretending with Henley, even though he mostly plays the part of “Mr. Contrary.”  We also went to the children’s play place at the Church History Museum.  Henley could draw there for hours and Hal could run up and down the ramp to Noah’s Ark, chucking stuffed animals as he goes.

            Lindsey’s “high risk pregnancy” doctor said on Friday that the babies are still looking great, but Lindsey needs to go in twice a week for stress tests.  Although an inconvenience, it’s a relief for her to know that the monitoring isn’t all up to her.  Babies will probably come the first week in February.  Thanks to all who have expressed concern for them.  Autumn’s Seeley should come about the same time. Anticipation!    

            We sat in the balcony of the Tabernacle this morning for MATSW, so had a good view of the orchestra. Orchestras never ceases to amaze me, each instrument doing its part for an inspiring-move-you-to-tears whole.   When you stop to think about it, there are a lot of things like that—small parts making a wonderful whole.

Zone leaders, Elder and Sister Robinson and Elder and Sister Rudy with newly trained "helpers."