We experienced our first blizzard a couple of weeks ago and it wasn't as bad as we had anticipated. Maybe it was because the worst of it hit in the middle of the night. However, it was super windy and very, very cold. All the schools closed and even MSU cancelled all classes. We were told that was very unusual for MSU to cancel classes. The classes at the Institute were cancelled as well. The stores were jammed the night before the storm and everyone made plans to just stay put during the storm. Here in Michigan the road crews are amazing, but I guess with the volume of snow, it was pretty difficut to keep the streets clear. We woke up to about 14 inches of snow in our area, but some areas got much more. I don't think I have ever seen that much snow except in the mountains at a ski resort. We had a great day all cozy in our apartment.
Since it was a "snow day" and everybody was off and couldn't go anywhere, the kids spontaneously organized a brunch at the Institute. There were probably about 40 kids there including some of the elders. It was like a holiday for us all.
I am nice and warm for our first snow day ever.
There is lots of snow!!!!!!
Our days lately have been filled with lots of inspirational opportunities. We had Zone Conference last week. We have attended a fireside or other meeting almost every Sunday night since the first of the year, and we also had the opportunity to attend a lecture at MSU sponsered by the LDSSA organization on Book of Mormon Economics by Lindon Robinson, an MSU Economics professor. We have had the privilege of getting to know he and his wife Bonnie, and have a lot of respect for his background and experience. His insertion of "Social Capital" into the normal economics model was very interesting. We also had the opportunity to attend a baptism this week for Lauren Szymanski, a college student here at MSU. She is a wonderful young woman and we are very excited for her decision.
Our institute classes are going great and it is wonderful to have time to fully study the Book of Mormon as I continue to teach the Book of Mormon class. I have never loved that book more and I am truly learning so much about this wonderful gospel. We are now going to Hillsdale College to teach a Doctrine and Covenants class. Craig teaches and he really enjoys the students there, but it takes us 1 1/2 hours each way to get there. The gorgeous drive easily makes it worthwhile, though. Craig also teaches a class at Cooley Law School as well as a Missionary Preparation class here at the institute.
I had a great time at the Relief Society tubing activity. I'll have to admit I was a little scared to go down the hill, but I didn't want to wimp out so I braved it and went down several times. Those darling girls were always right there to make sure I didn't fall out and crash. We had a great time and then had 'Smores' around a fire. I am turning into a real Michigander.
Kathryn Shearer and I at the snow park.
This is a picture of our missionary district.
Today started extra early with a missionary district breakfast. I was at the Institute just after 7:00 AM with griddles ready to go and frying pans on the stove, ready for the gang of elders to arrive with their dozens of eggs, pounds of bacon and sausage, etc. It is always a little extra work so early in the morning, but a great opportunity to get to know the elders better and help them have a good start for the day. They all work so hard and such dedicated missionaries.
Sunday we were treated to breakfast before Church by the girls in the apartment down the hall, Ashley Fox, Emily Smith, and Klea Juhl. It was a great breakfast and so sweet of them to take care of us.
On our preparation day this week (Saturday) we were able take a drive west to Lake Michigan and add a couple lighthouses to our collection. Pictures are of the St. Joseph North Pierhead Light and the South Haven Pier Light. Had we been there a couple weeks earlier would have been able to capture them covered in ice!
