"Reflections"

Did I say I really like the weather this summer? Wow! It has been really great. While these Arkansasan's complain, I keep smilin' knowing what I have to return to. This morning the reflection on the lake was TOO good to pass up. It was like a mirror because there was literally no wind, so this is a collection of "Reflections".

Finally! New Elders in Ash Flat!

After 15 and a half months as the only missionaries in Ash Flat Branch, a new area opened up (due to the increased number of missionary applicants brought about by the lowering of age requirements), we received 2 new Elders into the branch one week ago. Great! They are working very hard to make things happen, and we are excited. We were the principle seekers for a place for them to stay, and as it turns out, it was mostly a disaster. The house had so many problems, and the realty had so much resistance from the owner that we almost started looking for a new place for them. Then on top of it all, last night, after we got back from Searcy, the cold side supply hose for the washing machine sprung a leak, and had to be replaced! Any way, here are some pictures of the new Elders: Elder Morgan (senior companion), and Elder Taylor. Elder Morgan is from Idaho, and Elder Taylor is from Mesa, Arizona (imagine that!).

 The Elders are just big kids, but they had fun working with the games.

Left to right: Elder Morgan, Elder Taylor, Bob Bassham, and Kathy Bassham.

 Sisters Kristie Ochoa, Sister Sandra Christman, and Sister York.

 The children were having a lot of fun playing the games provided by Brother Child.

 Just a random photo.

 This was some kind of obstacle course game, but the kids loved it!

 Who would have guessed that Sister Buchanan would be working on a quilt, showing the children the joy of quilting?

 Kathy talking with Sister Harrison.

 President Ochoa preparing food in the kitchen with Sister Knapp.

 Little Nicky Jensen coming through the front door.

 Finally the food was ready to be served. Everyone was hungry!

 The Elders roaming around to meet the members of the branch.

Boy Scout troop 439 from Houston, Texas came to our branch Sunday to participate in the Sunday service. They helped by blessing, and passing the Sacrament. So glad to have them here. There is a Scout Camp called Kia Kima near here in Cherokee Village, so we have these great scout troops during the summer coming and going.

 Elder Morgan dressed down for P-day. The Elders spent some of the day using our computers to write home to family, and report to President Petersen, our mission president.

 Elder Taylor trying to crochet a prayer rug! 

 Tuesday we traveled to Searcy for a Zone conference. The Elder in the middle is Elder Rushton. His mother had asked Kathy if she would get some pictures of him, because he is real lax in sending any home to family. We obliged by gathering several of the Elders together, and snapping a picture. 

Along with Elder Rushton (from Oregon) are Elders Bell (L), and Elder Jones (R). Elders Bell, and Jones are our Zone leaders.

The Joy of a Late May Rain

We are so grateful to be here in the Ozarks this Spring. Last year wasn't as robust, as there was a drought going on. That was all changed this year, as we had snow, ice and more snow, plus thunder storms and heavy rain throughout March, April, and May. The result is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL Spring of flowers, trees, shrubs, and ground cover that is just simply mesmerizing! These are a few of those captured on DSLR.

 This is the waterfall near the Cherokee Town Center. It is called Papoose Park. Quite a water feature for the community.

Thousands of these flowers in the backyard.

 I took this zoomed-in shot from the deck, so it was just slightly out of focus, but you get the point.

Another zoomed-in photo of a flower hiding inside these beautiful plants.

 Not sure what kind of flower, or plants these are, but there are very effective!

 Another zoomed-in shot of the flower up close.

 Purple-Crownflower, or Echinacea wild flowers across the street.

 Close-up of the Purple Crownflower (echinacea).

 Beautiful purple flowers growing on a vine/shrub on a picket fence in the front yard.

Redish-purple bushes on the south side of the house.