Remote Mission Week 9

¡Feliz cumpleaños élder Simmons! (Happy Birthday, Elder Simmons!)

Through the wonders of technology we were able to fulfill our mission responsibilities this week from Lane’s mother’s home in Idaho. We wish we could have stayed longer and seen more family and friends, but we’re back in Lehi now.

When we were called to be office specialists missionaries, we were informed that it was not mandatory (just recommended) for us to learn Spanish; however, I (LeAnn) don’t think we could do even half the things we are doing now if Lane didn’t know Spanish. It is so helpful to have at least one of us understand what is going on in meetings! Lane not only served a mission in Bolivia, but he also spent a year living in Argentina with his family when he was 12…and having that Spanish language background has been invaluable.

We still don’t have a set departure date for Peru, but 3 more American elders entered the mission on Friday (they had been serving in Lima before the pandemic) which is a good sign.

 Thought: While we were in Idaho, we were able to look at some old photos of our parents and grandparents. We love seeing these old pictures and hearing stories of their lives. In his 2017 RootsTech presentation, President Nelson stated:

“It’s wonderful to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers by telling important family history stories in ways that are accessible and memorable. Perhaps having family history documents, stories, photos, and memorabilia always before our eyes can strengthen our testimonies … As we place them on our walls, our tables, our computers, our iPads, and even our cell phones, maybe we will be prompted to make better choices and draw closer to the Lord and to our families.”

¡Que tengan una semana fabulosa! (Have a fabulous week!)

Love,

Lane & LeAnn

LeAnn teaching English via Zoom with one of our Lima, Peru sister missionaries 

(and LeAnn learning Spanish!)

As we visited with Lane's mom this week in Idaho, we felt a little like these ducks 

casually squatting in front of her house -- enjoying time together.

And these geese honking in her back field... enjoying their freedom.

Touring the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival with Alair and grandson.

Grandma holding Alair's son who is reaching out to Grandpa.  He's a grandpa's boy!

Tulip Festival walk at the gardens.

Lane turned ancient this week with another birthday.

Because Lane is so old now, LeAnn thought it comical to reflect on 

how long ago were his young mission days in Bolivia (1978-1980).

Lane on his mission in Bolivia (~1979) doing the required self-injection "peanut butter" shot.

At least we don't have to do this for the Peru mission!

Thinking old.... Lane holding his brother Craig looking out over lake Nahuel Huapi in 

Bariloche, Argentina, ~1973, where his family lived while his dad was working for the United Nations 

evaluating sheep ranch management practices.

Lane's brothers, Craig and Brett, toured some family history sites in Arizona 

on Harley motorcycles and took the following photos.

How many of you know the history of where your parents grew up?

 Resting their Harleys at the open pit copper mine near Bisbee, AZ, 

near where Lane's mother's family lived for awhile.

Bisbee, AZ, open pit copper mine where Lane's grandpa Young worked 

managing heavy equipment operations.

Bisbee, AZ home where Lane's mom and family lived for some years and she finished high school.

Bisbee, AZ High School where Lane's mom graduated in 1953.

Jerome, AZ where Lane's dad was born in 1933 and grew up in his younger years. Lane's grandpa Simmons was a mining engineer in Jerome.

Douglas, AZ, on the border of Mexico, where Lane was born.