When in Rome: April 2012

Being IN the mission field gives you a birds eye view of the work that is going on out here. My hat is off to the missionaries for all of the hard work they do. They are generally a little on the thin side, seem to speak the language well, and have smiles on their faces. It's fun to see them in action and makes me appreciate even MORE, the work my sons, son in law and ALL of the young Elder's and Sister's I have seen go out into the field to do the Lord's work. HAT's OFF to all of you!!

I'd always heard the value of SENIOR couples in the mission field, but watching them and seeing what they give to the mission has given me a whole new perspective! Meet:

The Valentines:

They are at the mission office at 9 am everyday and stay until 5, 6, 7 or 8 pm. Whatever is needed. He is the finance secretary and she helps the missionaries get "legal". They work tirelessly keeping the mission running smoothly and helping people like us adjust, find the grocery store, take us on Saturday afternoon outings and what ever else is needed. When they aren't at the office the missionaries can reach them on their cell phones and can expect a cheerful welcoming hello!! They have been true friends to us. We have already shared plenty of laughs and a few tears together. Hat's off to the Valentine's!! Thank you for all you do for us!

David's birthday lunch... happy 55!

Management Team on Rome Temple Site... We like to call ourselves the A team! :)

Ramon Lopez, assistant site manager, Carl Champagnie, site manager, Elder Fenn, assistant to the managers and Alvaro, Ramon's son... just back from the Priesthood session... Sunday Morning.

This is Ramon's first project with the church, he is newly hired and raring to go! It took 6 month's for Ramon to get his apartment established and his family moved here to Rome... in the meantime he flew home to Madrid, Spain on weekends to be with them... they are glad they are finally set up!

Carl is from Manchester, England and has worked for the church and traveled all over the world being involved with temple building. He was involved with the building of the Hong Kong, Ghana, Copenhagen, Nigeria, and Preston England Temples, also the remodel of the London Temple. Sit with this guy for an evening! He has stories to tell! He just got married in December . He was never in one place long enough to find a girl! His new wife Barbara is lovely.

So with Ramon's Spanish, and Carl's English Accent and the work crews' Italian, David is a big help pulling them all together. His language is getting better all the time!!