Sunday, October 23, 2016

Hello Family & Friends.....

OBSERVATIONS & IMPRESSIONS:

Yesterday was our P-Day (Saturday)...we woke to a frigid day (16 degrees)...crystal clear blue skies.....well not exactly when we woke up...it stays dark here until about 9 - 9:15 in the morning!  Each day now the sun is coming up later and going down earlier.  hen the sun finally got up and we could see it was going to be a beautiful day...we headed out on a driving excursion around Anchorage.  Initially, we thought it was about the same size as Boise, however it is much smaller.  The population of Anchorage (which includes surrounding areas) is close to that of Boise's, but its geographical size is much smaller.  My first impression was that the city has not grown or been updated since the mid 80's...some areas appearing even older. The downtown area does have a couple taller buildings such as one of the large oil companies, a Hilton and a Marriott.  There are many of the strip type shopping malls, but none in the downtown area.

We parked and walked around downtown visiting a couple Visitor Centers...which turned out to be delightfully ecentric...one gal, the hostess in this tiny log cabin, only wanted to engage us in her personal dialogue regarding the plight of the homeless in downtown Anchorage...Frankly, there doesn't seem to be much of a homeless issue here...at least not in the winter months.  We got all kinds of information about cutting up veggies at the downtown soup kitchen...but it was impossible to wrangle out ANY information about Alaska!  We finally just gave up and gave her out full attention...and I think we were a pretty goood audience right up until she wanted us to attend a popular gay nightclub especially that evening because they were putting on a production of The Little Shop of Horrors!  I dare not even picture that!!  The next Information/Visitor's stop was most helpful in giving great recommendations for eating out....I hadn't realized that there is a top Culinary School here...Anchorage boasts a large population of great chefs.   Next, we found ourselves walking through the doors of one of Anchorage's iconic little cafes called Club Paris.  Walls and little alcoves were covered with beautiful landscapes of Alaska..each with a picture or drawing of the Effiel Tower superimposed onto it...thus..the "Paris" reference.  Very Strange....The only other decor was the large stuffed fish mounted in between these unique pieces of "art"!  But, we will attest to it being a great place to eat...we are definitely going back...Deliciious!!  Appearances really are decieving aren't they!

We live in an apartment building about 12 minutes from downtown Anchorage and is near the campus of UAA (University of Alaska at Anchorage).  A few streets away from us is a busy street which reminds me alot of Eagle Road.   There are the same familiar fast food places, Fred Myers, Toys R Us, Lowes, Costco, etc.  Picture Eagle Rd. in 15 years older and without the benefit of regular maintainence and general upkeep. 

Apartment and trailer park living is quite abundant...it's so cold here that I keep wondering how they can possible keep the trailers warm enough.  We haven't seen a lot of newer homes; many ppear to have been built a good 30 years ago, although we haven't discovered all the neighborhoods yet.  Lest I give the impression of a cold, rundown and bleak place, let me say, it is not...well, yes it is certainly cold, but not bleak.  The mountains surrounding the city rise up abruptly and majestically creating a vivid and dramatic backdrop.  The mountains boldly overshadow the sometimes faded and aged city.  To outsiders, the city might appear a bit wornout, but its personality is one of strength independence and endurance.

Not the sharpest tools in the shed........

This past week, we had some interesting experiences with a few of the missionaries and it again reminded us how truly young they are...and in some areas, they are just like any kids of that age and experience.  Bless their little hearts! We have laughed and laughed being thoroughly entertained by 2 different experiences...one involving one Elder and the other, the pair of Sister missionaries that just happen to live in the apartment right below us.  Let's do ladies first:  Friday, we woke up to 5 inches of new snow on the ground and snow showers that lasted most of the day.  We had to leave for the Institute way early that Friday morning for the YSA Institute council meeting . We and the sister missionaries park our cars under this basic tin car port...one would expect it to keep most of the snow off the cars, however the way the wind blows and the fact that we are both on the outer, the cars seems to still get covered.  It was extremely cold and the snow had already become very crusty and was frozen onto the windshields.    Stan scrapped our windows and noticing the Sisters' car still there, he went ahead a did their all their windows and windshields.  The following day, we saw the sisters and asked how they did driving in the snow and ice.....one of the Sisters announced they did just fine driving but how strange and weird the snow was.  She then proceeded to say this...."it was really weird...it snowed all over our car except for all the windows and windshields!!  They were SO puzzled how that could happen that way!!!  That kept us laughing the rest of the day!  However this next example runs a close second place on the laugh scale.  One of the Elders came into the Clinic to  "talk to the doctor"...He then tells us, in full detail, about his companion who snores too much and too loud!!  Then in all seriousness, he asked Stan if there was any "operation that could be done" on his companion so that he (meaning himself) could get some sleep!   We are really going to miss our theater tickets, Shakespeare tickets this next year, but as you can see, we are still being thoroughly intertained!

Interesting "Can you believe that...."

• Guess what vehicle you see the most of around here?  If you guessed suburbans you'd be wrong...Pick -Up trucks; getting closer...but the big winner is Mini Coopers....really!!  Crazy with the snow and icy roads.  We also see a good number of Chargers, Mustangs and Cameros and the little Kia type vechicles. We notice them as they slip and slide past us.  Who'd think!
• They love their Dairy Queens and A&W's here...you see them everywhere...free standing buildings as well as being attached to these little gas stations....not exactly my first choice of treat when it's 13 degrees outside.
• Bicycling is big here...ALL year round...personally, I think it's more of a summer sport!  Apparently, it is another alternative mode of travel!  We couldn't believe our eyes; people are actually riding their bikes in 6 inches of snow...even more unbelievable was seeing people continuing to ride as the snow turned into, not only ice, but big and bumpy ice chunks!  Looked pretty crazy to us..then we noticed some bikes locked into the bike rack at Fred Meyers...their tires were very "tough" looking....wide tires with deep treads and completely covered with large spikes!  Way To Go Alaska!!

In addition to our Institute students, our two YSA wards are also functioning well....for the vast majority, the young people are very responsible and dedicated to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are committed and have strong testimonies.  I'm so impressed with their depth of understanding the doctrine...even though small in number, their Sunday School, R.S., and Priesthood classes are excellent.   The class members and students readily share in the gospel discussions as well as their personal application of the scriptures.  It really has been very inspiring...as so often happens, these young people are the teachers and we are the students.  These are smart and focused students...some doing undergratuate studies here at UAA (Universit of Alaska Anchorage), some working on second degrees or graduate programs...most are juggling their classes with working also.  One of the guys in our Institute class is also on the YSA student council...he is a senior playing basketball for UAA on full scholarship.  We are excited to catch some of his home games...his wife also attends our Institute class...she went to school on a volleyball scholarship.  They are both tall and so athletic...it's fun to watch them cross the room...it takes them about 2 strides!!  They juggle work, school, basketball and church service.  They are strong examples of just how committed these young people are.

Oh my, sorry this ended up so long...just so much going on!  We love and miss you all.

Love, Elder & Sister Moss
Mouse & Pops

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Hello Family & Friends.....

OBSERVATIONS & IMPRESSIONS:

Yesterday was our P-Day (Saturday)...we woke to a frigid day (16 degrees)...crystal clear blue skies.....well not exactly when we woke up...it stays dark here until about 9 - 9:15 in the morning!  Each day now the sun is coming up later and going down earlier.  hen the sun finally got up and we could see it was going to be a beautiful day...we headed out on a driving excursion around Anchorage.  Initially, we thought it was about the same size as Boise, however it is much smaller.  The population of Anchorage (which includes surrounding areas) is close to that of Boise's, but its geographical size is much smaller.  My first impression was that the city has not grown or been updated since the mid 80's...some areas appearing even older. The downtown area does have a couple taller buildings such as one of the large oil companies, a Hilton and a Marriott.  There are many of the strip type shopping malls, but none in the downtown area.

We parked and walked around downtown visiting a couple Visitor Centers...which turned out to be delightfully ecentric...one gal, the hostess in this tiny log cabin, only wanted to engage us in her personal dialogue regarding the plight of the homeless in downtown Anchorage...Frankly, there doesn't seem to be much of a homeless issue here...at least not in the winter months.  We got all kinds of information about cutting up veggies at the downtown soup kitchen...but it was impossible to wrangle out ANY information about Alaska!  We finally just gave up and gave her out full attention...and I think we were a pretty goood audience right up until she wanted us to attend a popular gay nightclub especially that evening because they were putting on a production of The Little Shop of Horrors!  I dare not even picture that!!  The next Information/Visitor's stop was most helpful in giving great recommendations for eating out....I hadn't realized that there is a top Culinary School here...Anchorage boasts a large population of great chefs.   Next, we found ourselves walking through the doors of one of Anchorage's iconic little cafes called Club Paris.  Walls and little alcoves were covered with beautiful landscapes of Alaska..each with a picture or drawing of the Effiel Tower superimposed onto it...thus..the "Paris" reference.  Very Strange....The only other decor was the large stuffed fish mounted in between these unique pieces of "art"!  But, we will attest to it being a great place to eat...we are definitely going back...Deliciious!!  Appearances really are decieving aren't they!

We live in an apartment building about 12 minutes from downtown Anchorage and is near the campus of UAA (University of Alaska at Anchorage).  A few streets away from us is a busy street which reminds me alot of Eagle Road.   There are the same familiar fast food places, Fred Myers, Toys R Us, Lowes, Costco, etc.  Picture Eagle Rd. in 15 years older and without the benefit of regular maintainence and general upkeep. 

Apartment and trailer park living is quite abundant...it's so cold here that I keep wondering how they can possible keep the trailers warm enough.  We haven't seen a lot of newer homes; many ppear to have been built a good 30 years ago, although we haven't discovered all the neighborhoods yet.  Lest I give the impression of a cold, rundown and bleak place, let me say, it is not...well, yes it is certainly cold, but not bleak.  The mountains surrounding the city rise up abruptly and majestically creating a vivid and dramatic backdrop.  The mountains boldly overshadow the sometimes faded and aged city.  To outsiders, the city might appear a bit wornout, but its personality is one of strength independence and endurance.

Not the sharpest tools in the shed........

This past week, we had some interesting experiences with a few of the missionaries and it again reminded us how truly young they are...and in some areas, they are just like any kids of that age and experience.  Bless their little hearts! We have laughed and laughed being thoroughly entertained by 2 different experiences...one involving one Elder and the other, the pair of Sister missionaries that just happen to live in the apartment right below us.  Let's do ladies first:  Friday, we woke up to 5 inches of new snow on the ground and snow showers that lasted most of the day.  We had to leave for the Institute way early that Friday morning for the YSA Institute council meeting . We and the sister missionaries park our cars under this basic tin car port...one would expect it to keep most of the snow off the cars, however the way the wind blows and the fact that we are both on the outer, the cars seems to still get covered.  It was extremely cold and the snow had already become very crusty and was frozen onto the windshields.    Stan scrapped our windows and noticing the Sisters' car still there, he went ahead a did their all their windows and windshields.  The following day, we saw the sisters and asked how they did driving in the snow and ice.....one of the Sisters announced they did just fine driving but how strange and weird the snow was.  She then proceeded to say this...."it was really weird...it snowed all over our car except for all the windows and windshields!!  They were SO puzzled how that could happen that way!!!  That kept us laughing the rest of the day!  However this next example runs a close second place on the laugh scale.  One of the Elders came into the Clinic to  "talk to the doctor"...He then tells us, in full detail, about his companion who snores too much and too loud!!  Then in all seriousness, he asked Stan if there was any "operation that could be done" on his companion so that he (meaning himself) could get some sleep!   We are really going to miss our theater tickets, Shakespeare tickets this next year, but as you can see, we are still being thoroughly intertained!

Interesting "Can you believe that...."

• Guess what vehicle you see the most of around here?  If you guessed suburbans you'd be wrong...Pick -Up trucks; getting closer...but the big winner is Mini Coopers....really!!  Crazy with the snow and icy roads.  We also see a good number of Chargers, Mustangs and Cameros and the little Kia type vechicles. We notice them as they slip and slide past us.  Who'd think!
• They love their Dairy Queens and A&W's here...you see them everywhere...free standing buildings as well as being attached to these little gas stations....not exactly my first choice of treat when it's 13 degrees outside.
• Bicycling is big here...ALL year round...personally, I think it's more of a summer sport!  Apparently, it is another alternative mode of travel!  We couldn't believe our eyes; people are actually riding their bikes in 6 inches of snow...even more unbelievable was seeing people continuing to ride as the snow turned into, not only ice, but big and bumpy ice chunks!  Looked pretty crazy to us..then we noticed some bikes locked into the bike rack at Fred Meyers...their tires were very "tough" looking....wide tires with deep treads and completely covered with large spikes!  Way To Go Alaska!!

In addition to our Institute students, our two YSA wards are also functioning well....for the vast majority, the young people are very responsible and dedicated to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are committed and have strong testimonies.  I'm so impressed with their depth of understanding the doctrine...even though small in number, their Sunday School, R.S., and Priesthood classes are excellent.   The class members and students readily share in the gospel discussions as well as their personal application of the scriptures.  It really has been very inspiring...as so often happens, these young people are the teachers and we are the students.  These are smart and focused students...some doing undergratuate studies here at UAA (Universit of Alaska Anchorage), some working on second degrees or graduate programs...most are juggling their classes with working also.  One of the guys in our Institute class is also on the YSA student council...he is a senior playing basketball for UAA on full scholarship.  We are excited to catch some of his home games...his wife also attends our Institute class...she went to school on a volleyball scholarship.  They are both tall and so athletic...it's fun to watch them cross the room...it takes them about 2 strides!!  They juggle work, school, basketball and church service.  They are strong examples of just how committed these young people are.

Oh my, sorry this ended up so long...just so much going on!  We love and miss you all.

Love, Elder & Sister Moss
Mouse & Pops

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Hello Family & Friends.....

OBSERVATIONS & IMPRESSIONS:

Yesterday was our P-Day (Saturday)...we woke to a frigid day (16 degrees)...crystal clear blue skies.....well not exactly when we woke up...it stays dark here until about 9 - 9:15 in the morning!  Each day now the sun is coming up later and going down earlier.  hen the sun finally got up and we could see it was going to be a beautiful day...we headed out on a driving excursion around Anchorage.  Initially, we thought it was about the same size as Boise, however it is much smaller.  The population of Anchorage (which includes surrounding areas) is close to that of Boise's, but its geographical size is much smaller.  My first impression was that the city has not grown or been updated since the mid 80's...some areas appearing even older. The downtown area does have a couple taller buildings such as one of the large oil companies, a Hilton and a Marriott.  There are many of the strip type shopping malls, but none in the downtown area.

We parked and walked around downtown visiting a couple Visitor Centers...which turned out to be delightfully ecentric...one gal, the hostess in this tiny log cabin, only wanted to engage us in her personal dialogue regarding the plight of the homeless in downtown Anchorage...Frankly, there doesn't seem to be much of a homeless issue here...at least not in the winter months.  We got all kinds of information about cutting up veggies at the downtown soup kitchen...but it was impossible to wrangle out ANY information about Alaska!  We finally just gave up and gave her out full attention...and I think we were a pretty goood audience right up until she wanted us to attend a popular gay nightclub especially that evening because they were putting on a production of The Little Shop of Horrors!  I dare not even picture that!!  The next Information/Visitor's stop was most helpful in giving great recommendations for eating out....I hadn't realized that there is a top Culinary School here...Anchorage boasts a large population of great chefs.   Next, we found ourselves walking through the doors of one of Anchorage's iconic little cafes called Club Paris.  Walls and little alcoves were covered with beautiful landscapes of Alaska..each with a picture or drawing of the Effiel Tower superimposed onto it...thus..the "Paris" reference.  Very Strange....The only other decor was the large stuffed fish mounted in between these unique pieces of "art"!  But, we will attest to it being a great place to eat...we are definitely going back...Deliciious!!  Appearances really are decieving aren't they!

We live in an apartment building about 12 minutes from downtown Anchorage and is near the campus of UAA (University of Alaska at Anchorage).  A few streets away from us is a busy street which reminds me alot of Eagle Road.   There are the same familiar fast food places, Fred Myers, Toys R Us, Lowes, Costco, etc.  Picture Eagle Rd. in 15 years older and without the benefit of regular maintainence and general upkeep. 

Apartment and trailer park living is quite abundant...it's so cold here that I keep wondering how they can possible keep the trailers warm enough.  We haven't seen a lot of newer homes; many ppear to have been built a good 30 years ago, although we haven't discovered all the neighborhoods yet.  Lest I give the impression of a cold, rundown and bleak place, let me say, it is not...well, yes it is certainly cold, but not bleak.  The mountains surrounding the city rise up abruptly and majestically creating a vivid and dramatic backdrop.  The mountains boldly overshadow the sometimes faded and aged city.  To outsiders, the city might appear a bit wornout, but its personality is one of strength independence and endurance.

Not the sharpest tools in the shed........

This past week, we had some interesting experiences with a few of the missionaries and it again reminded us how truly young they are...and in some areas, they are just like any kids of that age and experience.  Bless their little hearts! We have laughed and laughed being thoroughly entertained by 2 different experiences...one involving one Elder and the other, the pair of Sister missionaries that just happen to live in the apartment right below us.  Let's do ladies first:  Friday, we woke up to 5 inches of new snow on the ground and snow showers that lasted most of the day.  We had to leave for the Institute way early that Friday morning for the YSA Institute council meeting . We and the sister missionaries park our cars under this basic tin car port...one would expect it to keep most of the snow off the cars, however the way the wind blows and the fact that we are both on the outer, the cars seems to still get covered.  It was extremely cold and the snow had already become very crusty and was frozen onto the windshields.    Stan scrapped our windows and noticing the Sisters' car still there, he went ahead a did their all their windows and windshields.  The following day, we saw the sisters and asked how they did driving in the snow and ice.....one of the Sisters announced they did just fine driving but how strange and weird the snow was.  She then proceeded to say this...."it was really weird...it snowed all over our car except for all the windows and windshields!!  They were SO puzzled how that could happen that way!!!  That kept us laughing the rest of the day!  However this next example runs a close second place on the laugh scale.  One of the Elders came into the Clinic to  "talk to the doctor"...He then tells us, in full detail, about his companion who snores too much and too loud!!  Then in all seriousness, he asked Stan if there was any "operation that could be done" on his companion so that he (meaning himself) could get some sleep!   We are really going to miss our theater tickets, Shakespeare tickets this next year, but as you can see, we are still being thoroughly intertained!

Interesting "Can you believe that...."

• Guess what vehicle you see the most of around here?  If you guessed suburbans you'd be wrong...Pick -Up trucks; getting closer...but the big winner is Mini Coopers....really!!  Crazy with the snow and icy roads.  We also see a good number of Chargers, Mustangs and Cameros and the little Kia type vechicles. We notice them as they slip and slide past us.  Who'd think!
• They love their Dairy Queens and A&W's here...you see them everywhere...free standing buildings as well as being attached to these little gas stations....not exactly my first choice of treat when it's 13 degrees outside.
• Bicycling is big here...ALL year round...personally, I think it's more of a summer sport!  Apparently, it is another alternative mode of travel!  We couldn't believe our eyes; people are actually riding their bikes in 6 inches of snow...even more unbelievable was seeing people continuing to ride as the snow turned into, not only ice, but big and bumpy ice chunks!  Looked pretty crazy to us..then we noticed some bikes locked into the bike rack at Fred Meyers...their tires were very "tough" looking....wide tires with deep treads and completely covered with large spikes!  Way To Go Alaska!!

In addition to our Institute students, our two YSA wards are also functioning well....for the vast majority, the young people are very responsible and dedicated to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are committed and have strong testimonies.  I'm so impressed with their depth of understanding the doctrine...even though small in number, their Sunday School, R.S., and Priesthood classes are excellent.   The class members and students readily share in the gospel discussions as well as their personal application of the scriptures.  It really has been very inspiring...as so often happens, these young people are the teachers and we are the students.  These are smart and focused students...some doing undergratuate studies here at UAA (Universit of Alaska Anchorage), some working on second degrees or graduate programs...most are juggling their classes with working also.  One of the guys in our Institute class is also on the YSA student council...he is a senior playing basketball for UAA on full scholarship.  We are excited to catch some of his home games...his wife also attends our Institute class...she went to school on a volleyball scholarship.  They are both tall and so athletic...it's fun to watch them cross the room...it takes them about 2 strides!!  They juggle work, school, basketball and church service.  They are strong examples of just how committed these young people are.

Oh my, sorry this ended up so long...just so much going on!  We love and miss you all.

Love, Elder & Sister Moss
Mouse & Pops

Monday, October 17, 2016

Hello Family & Friends....

We had our first full day going back and forth between duties at the Institute Building and the Mission Office.  We helped teach a new investigator lesson at the Institute...Set our office up there and worked on getting tech things worked out so we can utilize the various media resources such as videos and talks etc. to use in our lessons.  We teach a double class each Thursday evening.  In January, when the new semester begins, we will add a Tuesday night class as well.  The afternoon was spent at the Mission Office doing our medical clinic.

We had a busy yet fun weekend.  Friday night we were in charge of "Waffle Night" at the Institute...I think I already mentioned this..but we had a good time getting to know some of the kids....Sunday, we attended one of our YSA wards...We have a second YSA ward we will also participate in...they were having Stake Conference Sunday, so we only had the one ward to attend...thus 3 hours instead of the normal 6 hours that we will normally have.  Actually, I think we will trade back and forth on attending the 3 hour block and then perhaps just the last 2 hours at the second ward.

We've located our grocery store...A Fred Meyers set up just like the one I used at home...also the Costco.  We live near a main street much like Eagle road with lots of familiar eating places, movie theaters, shopping and grocery stores.  We live kinda in between the Mission Office and the Institute building.  Takes approximately 10 minutes or less to each of our buildings.

Currently, we spend about 1/2 of each day at the instiute with teaching and also with preparing snacks, sandwiches, etc.  Apparently, a Senior Missionary's main calling is to feed these young adults!!  Well, not really, however, there are many days we do a set up of food...Twice monthly on Fridays, we alternate Waffle night and also Soup & Spirit night.  This Friday, we are in charge of both having the soup and will do the "spirit" portion as we do a speaking introduction of ourselves...and testimonies etc.

Our apartment is really just right...the main challenge is sharing one very small bathroom...We have lots of windows which I can see will be a big plus with the short and darker days soon to set in.  The apartment is furnished and the kitchen has most things we will need.  Our cooking for the Institute will actually take place right at the Institute building...They have a great kitchen stocked very well...plus we will never have to cook and then transport food...so our space here is quite comfortable.

We have 2 moose that live in this little forest across from our parking lot...a VERY large Mama Moose and her smaller calf.  They were our welcoming committee as we unpacked our car last Wednesday evening!!  We had heard about all the wildlife we would see on our cross country drive here....Moose, buffalo, mountain goats and of course, my personal favorite, Bears!  We were anxiously waiting to see all these animals....I was totally prepared...Bear Spray cans poised and ready!  However, despite searching the fields, meadows and mountains as we drove, we didn't see anything...Well, nearly nothing.  We do claim to have seen 1 scrawny fox, 1 deer (in someone's yard..so I think if was probably a pet deer, and 2 little chipmunks...one of which we proceeded to run over and smash!  That was the extent of our "wildlife adventure" on our way here!  So you can imagine how excited we were to see the 2 moose after arriving here...Right there 20 yards from our parking lot!  We have seen them everyday since.  They don't seem to be bothered with people and cars coming and going!

It's rather cloudy and cold today...the wind has come up so it feels even colder.
We have this funny heating system in our apartment...Hot water going through the pipes...so it's rather tricky to control...either way too hot (imagine that in Alaska) or way too cold.

We are about to head over to one of the YSA wards for Family Home Evening.  They are playing toilet paper dodge ball...sounds just like home!

We hope this finds everyone doing well...we miss you all...miss seeing our little kids...it was fun yesterday being able to talk to most of the families and FaceTime with some of you...Brooklyn remembered how we loved it when she'd make us laugh during dinner; so she proceeded to make her silly faces and had us laughing so hard...she closed with her "wiggle bum" dance...it provided some laughs today and we reminded each other of her antics!  Too cute!

The front of our fridge is bare...so we'd love to get any and all pics of the kids!  Here is our mailing address here at the apartment:

Elder & Sister Moss
7211 Meadow Street  Apt. B
Anchorage, Alaska  99507

Our Mission Office Address is:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Mission Office
3250 Strawberry Rd.
Anchorage, Alaska  99522   (This would probably be a better address if sending any larger packages etc. as we have only a small box here)

Love,
Elder & Sister Moss (aka Mouse & Pops)

Missionary Training Center/MTC

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Hello Family & Friends...
Its been a busy yet amazing couple of weeks...This is my first attempt at using the Blog Katie set up for us...So here goes!

We've been in training for the past nearly 3 weeks...the first being learning the Missionary Medical program for us to take care of medical needs of the missionaries in the entire Alaska Mission...approximately 200 Elders and Sisters combined.  It's a very impressive system..and we can see how much effort the church goes to in taking good care of their missionaries.  The first day, however, I was totally overwhelmed...there was so much information and learning to do and I coudn't see how we could ever do all that and have the timme to do our main calling of teaching and taking care of the Institute kids and the 2 wards consisting of the young adults.  That was a brief outburst...meaning I cried and then got over it...knowing the Lord will guide us and we wll know what needs to be taken care of first...etc.  We will have to prioritize our time and just do our best.

This past week, we have learned the same lessons as the young Elders and Sisters as they prepare to prosolyte...Using Preach my Gospel which most of you are familar with...it has been an extremely spiriitual and inspiring week.  I thought they would be "easy" on the old missionaries...but we begin at 7:30 each day in class...we have lectures, small group studies, group teaching...we prepared and taught lessons...taught investigators that came into the MTC.  We had a couple short 10 minute breaks during the day and about 1 hr. for lunch.  We would then go back to classes until about 4:45 each day.  Plus attending an evening devotional after dinner.  ...he learning curve was quite steep but we enjoyed the challenge and the work.

One funny thing that happened on our second day, I was sitting down just outside a classroom waiting for it to begin when another Senior sister missionary came up to me smiling to show me we were both wearing the same skirt...I told her that we just both had good taste...as we were laughing, a third gal came up to us wearing the same skirt!!  Oh my...we took a pic and had a good laugh...later that day, I saw one of the young sister missionaries walking between classes...Yes, She too had on the same skirt...At that point, I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry!  We are a rather boring sight....fashion wise!

The highlights during the week were our nightly devotionals...the first one begins a talk by President Bednar entitle: The Character of Christ...it was one of the most amazing talks I've ever heard.  Another one was solely on the 10 Commandents.

This weekend, we had off and traveled to Bountiful to visit with Stan's parents.  It was a nice break.  Eric, Kim and the kids came down for the weekend and it was so fun to spend a day with them.  We watched Conference and just relaxed a bit.  Loraine (Stan's mom) fixed a big Sunday dinner...Carolee and her family came over for dinner....then we watched the last session of Conference and drove back down to the MTC.  We got here in time to catch a quick dinner at the cafeteria and then head to the Sunday devotional...which was a fun experience...they had the group Vocal Point come and do the devotional...they
sang wonderful hymns and each of the 9 guys game a short message...they must be a popular group as the young missionaries were quite excited.

This is an amazing sight to see...over 2000 young men and women prepare for their missions...we hear many languages spoken in the hallways and during the large cafeteria mealtime.  there are only 81 of the Senior missionaries here right now, so we are quite the minority...however, the young kids seem to enjoy us being around...reminds them of their parents...or rather their grandparents!  Pops and I usually eat our meals sitting down next to some Elder or Sister missionaries.  Yesterday, we randomly met the grandson to one of Pop's best friends from High School!

Lastly...we miss you all and love you all so much.  It is indeed a sacrifice to leave you all yet we are grateful to be able to do this mission ...we have so many blessings in our lives and have experiences so many blessings that we feel this is a very small way to show our gratitude for all that has been given to us.

We have 3 more days here at the MTC...all involving the CES...the institute training program...so we are excited about seeing all the things we will be using to teach Institute.  I'm sure we will learn about many teaching aids to enhance our lessons...more computer learning I'm sure!

Love, Mouse & Pops   (Elder Stan Moss & Sister Diane Moss)

PS:  It has taken 2 days to even finish this one and only posting!!  Therefore, we've already completed 2 of the 3 days of Training for teaching our Institute classes at the University.  Even though we have both taught many lessons to this general age group, we both learned so much more to tap into more fully using and teaching from our scriptures.  We each had turns preparing and teaching from a certain scriptures...we really valuable information...but of course, being led by the spirit is one's greatest asset and power behind providing a true learning experience for the students.

Hello Everyone...

We have been in Alaska now for 3 days...we just got set up with wifi...All is going well..we are busy already.  We have classes and assignments at the institute to teach and do already....last night we were in charge of a "Waffle Night"....met kids from one of our Wards...The institute building is set up with a great kitchen...so it all went off ok...despite me usually ruining the waffle iron...they have 6 waffle irons...I had some of the missionaries helping and we were just churing out the waffles....
We also have a schedule we have set up to take care of the Missionary medical needs...4 half days per week..plus Pops (Stan) is on call 24/7 for emergency calls...we will see how that all goes.  It's hard to tell how both these responsibilities (Institute and Medical) will mess together....but we'll just go forward.
Our apartment is just fine...apparently it is the "coveted" apartment because it has so many windows...2 Elders came to help us move in and said.."oh you have the apartment with all the light"....getting enough light is a big deal here when the dark season sets in.  We've had clear blue skies since arriving...cold but ok.

I will write more later...we are still getting settled in and being thrown right in with assignments...this is our P-Day...our only day so we are getting lots done today.

We love you all.

Mouse & Pops