Burmingham Alabama Mission

     Stake Conference was sent to several buildings electronically, so we didn't drive the hour to Sylacauga and attended in Birmingham.  It was really fun to enjoy the Stake President, his counselor's wife and President Sainsbury spoke(we had no idea!)        He shared a wonderful story about two of our Elders at Christmas who felt inspired to visit a less active family on Christmas Eve.  There were no gifts under the families tree and when the elders commented on it, the family replied, "Oh, we are not getting Christmas this year, we are giving Christmas to our neighbors who have had some hard times.  We don't have any way to get them all these gifts, could you deliver them for us?"  The elders were thrilled to take the car load of prepared gifts, so the generous neighbors could remain anonymous.  The recipient neighbors were more than thrilled with all the surprises and were very happy to let the elders visit them later on....

     Elder and Sister Barfuss enjoyed wonderful entertainment for an early Anniversary gift.   The Chinese classical ballet really was amazing with acrobatics never before seen.  There was an integrative backdrop with performers being transformed electronically on the screen flying through the air to heaven. The orchestra and performers were excellent and the finest of clean choreography! We also enjoyed Kymulga covered bridge and working Grist Mill tour and DeSoto Caverns tour and lazer-water light show!!  This was such a great day for both of us visiting  Historic Childersburg!!

     The nurses interview all the new missionaries and fill out release of information and become case managers for some of the missionaries with pre-existing conditions.  It turns into a great deal of work sometimes, but helps the medical and mental health care flow well later.  All four nurses have been really busy facilitating missionaries, insurance cards, IDs, previous doctor notes and making appointments.      Sister Barfuss handed out bookmarks to the new missionaires and told them each knot represents a trial that they learn something from.  At the end of their mission, they will have a beautiful part of their life to look back on.  Rosie helped Sister Dillard with nursing orientation.  Sister Sainsbury's cook became ill, so Rosie enjoyed helping with the dinner for the missionaries headed home at the Sainsbury 's home.      During the Mongomery Zone Conference, one of our Elders sat at the lunch table with ...