A Baptism and P-Day

Saturday, we were able to attend a baptism. Jessica was introduced to the gospel by her friends. After being taught by several sets of missionaries, visiting Salt Lake and Temple Square, and many gospel discussions with friends she was baptized. There were so many people in attendance that they moved the meeting portion of the baptism to the Chapel. It was wonderful to see her surrounded by so many friends and ward members that love and support her. There was a luncheon afterward. One of the Elders is going home on our next transfer. It's great to see him serving with all his heart to the end.

 

After our very busy 1st week...yes, all the other posts are our 1st week...and President reading weekly letters from the missionaries (such a treat!)...It was  beautiful day out so we decided to visit Garden of the God's. It's on the west side of Colorado Springs.

Gorgeous! But we forgot that it is summer and it was extremely crowded...tourist were every where and the lines to get in the parking lots were pretty crazy. Much to our surprise the temperatures up there are also about 15° higher... so it was 80°in the Springs and 99° up here. We did not dress for hot weather, I was wearing black and Pres. was wearing jeans...so between the two we decided to leave hiking for another day.

 

We did find parking at Balanced Rock so we got out to take a few pics.

It's hard to tell with all of the people around it but the rock sits on a very small base and looks like it could topple over at any second.

The valley around it is so pretty. 💖 Colorado!

This still doesn't exactly show how tilted it is. It's quit impressive in person.

The drive was still pretty amazing.

Pictures from the car just don't quit capture how massive the rocks are. They were towering above us in every direction.

This one in particular is huge!

Can't wait to hike it when the weather is cooler and the crowds a little smaller.

We did stop at the Gift Shop for a late lunch...great choice. Buffalo burger for the President!

That evening, we were invited to tour Fort Carson with one of our Senior couples, Elder and Sr. Fawson. They have been serving as one of our Military relations couples. They have been serving as leadership resources in the ward that meets in the chapel on the post, they volunteer at SOS- a support group for Families of Fallen Soldiers...what an wonderful place! They help families receive benefits after their loss, give them emotional support, it's a place for them to relax with place for the kids to be entertained..The people that work there are remarkable, so caring and funny. They also have served at the USO several days a week. As well as offering support to the families of deployed soldiers. What amazing experiences they have had... unfortunately we lose them in a week as they will return home after a successful mission. They have helped so many, seen families reactivated and friends they have made have been blessed with the gospel and have joined the church. The Fawsons have done so many wonderful things, seen many friends join the church...we are so sorry to see them leave in a week. Senior couples are such a blessing...



(We are looking for a couple to replace them ...any volunteers???) We were just so touched by all the remarkable things they have done. They have been such devoted missionaries. I wish we could have served with them longer. They will be missed. Senior Couples are so important! (hint, hint to our friends: please come join us! We have many needs to fill.)