Zone Merging



We were late for our Saturday shift at the Library on Saturday for good reason:  The 100th birthday of Elder Challis’ Aunt Ella, his mother’s sister.  A wonderful family celebration!  It was nice to connect with dozens of cousins and see the strength in the “rising generation.”  Many are carrying on the good works started generations ago.   And thanks to the family historians, we know about those generations. 
We went to an endowment session at the Salt Lake Temple on Friday afternoon.  Even as often as I’ve been there since starting this mission, I am still struck by its beauty and its testament of the love of those who built it for God. I know it took them forty years, but still…  I hope in the next four years of renewal that the lights will still shine at night. 
Friday night, we cheered for bikers competing in the “Tour of Utah” as they rode up Capitol Hill on day four.  It was crazy the size of the escort and support teams—and crazy how fast many of the bikers could go up the hill that I walk up almost daily, huffing and puffing. 
            The big news at the Library—as if we needed more change—is that our US/Canada Zone (2nd floor) will be merged with the Help Services Zone (3rd floor) about mid-September, both to be called US/Canada.  That means there will be about 140 missionaries to organize, interview, and help, instead of 70.  More assistant zone leaders?  Lots of questions, not many answers yet.

The flowers are still glorious.

Elder Challis with the Birthday Girl and her brother, Dick. 
   

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