Winter Whites (and Blues)

On a snowy day a few weeks ago, we were doing apartment checks in the Buffalo area of our mission, and decided to see what Niagara Falls looks like in the winter. 

 It was such an amazing white winter wonderland, that we didn't mind the frigid temperatures.

 Last month, we finally got to see our first ice hockey game at Brockport College. I love the sound of the hockey stick hitting the puck and the sight of it flying over the white ice.
                           


Carl loved getting dressed in whites to perform JoAnne's baptism. Sister Torres and Hawkes taught this wonderful woman about the restored Gospel, and we enjoyed getting to know her when we had her over for dinner in our missionary apartment. We felt an instant bond of friendship with her.

 

I love the whiteness and warmth of the temple on a cold winter day. 

Palmyra Temple

  We are loving the whiteness of winter here in upstate New York, however there is such a thing as winter blues.

Winter blues are things like driving through a fast approaching snow storm (Nemo)...

(If it weren't for a zone meeting, we wouldn't have even ventured out.)

 

.... and for this Texan to have to shovel snow for the first time in his life.

We feel the winter blues when dear friends finish  their missionary service and leave to go home. These two very wonderful couples have served with us on the mission office staff since we arrived here last January, and have welcomed us with open arms.

Elder and Sister Servoss left in January, heading back home to Utah. This was their 2nd mission, the first one was in the Netherlands, where Elder Servoss served when he was a young man.  We miss you!

 One week later, Elder and Sister Jensen also headed home to Utah, leaving more broken hearts in the mission. We miss you!  It is really hard to go into the office each Monday for our staff meetings, and not see them there.  The only consolation is that we will see them (and the McVea's -- another dear office couple) when we are in Utah.