365

It's still uncertain why it was that when we entered the MTC the Monday after October conference last year, full of excitement to be returning to our previous mission land of Finland, things out of our control were going to change our course. After the passage of that much time, there are a few things we do know better, however.

We know we don't know everything. We trust there is One who does. We know that if we do our best to do good, there are multitudinous ways for us to do so. We know that our mutual Father loves His children everywhere. We know that what gives the most meaning to our lives is less about the location, the culture, the climate, and more about the individual people we get to interact with.

It's strange that because our recent reconnecting in-person with our children, family, and friends was known to be short, the connection was more strong. Certainly more intentional.

Correspondingly, for several years I was intensely involved in the logistics of the spoken words at general conference. Days before the conference began I had read and re-read all the talks, some several times. And I often had profound personal impressions from that privilege. Being now removed from that daily connection to the words that are intended to inspire, the 35 messages coming all at once felt like a flood. They also became very cherished.

To you it might have become a worn-out, over-trode theme, Jean and I constantly sharing bridges in pictures. They're intended to remind us that bridges don't exist except to connect and to overcome some obstacle.

We feel your love.

An impressive public works project

Unimpressive bridges also serve their purpose

Serene country setting we happened upon