Wow what an amazing week! It was a packed week with a lot of amazing things that took place. By far the top two highlights from last week were this: the convert baptism that took place from the Kenosha A Elders. The second was the all mission gathering that was attended by 220 missionaries, and Elder Christensen from the Presidency of the 70.

The convert baptism was held on Friday night. Baptisms are always great occasions where hard work pays off and smiles are limitless. We had 50 people attend the baptism, and 20 of those 50 guests were not members. Those are some staggering numbers! The Bishop and Ward Mission Leader were speechless that so many non-members showed up.

L-R: Elder Baird, Me, Elder Thompson, Elder Pounds, Elder Pou jumping in.
Generations of former companions, my trainer, my trainees.

The all mission gathering. This is a one-time deal where the whole mission gets together to receive training at the same time. We were expecting Elder Perry from the quorum of the twelve apostles to come and preside over the training. But due to health and the upcoming General Conference Elder Perry was reassigned to attend to some other tasks. So in his stead was Elder Craig C. Christensen from the Presidency of the Seventy as well as Elder Waddell from the first quorum of the seventy. I simply cannot describe the feelings, emotions, and power that was both seen and felt as you saw 220 missionaries catch up with old friends, stories and memories, and when we all started singing the opening song for the meeting. Wow, that was something special, something I will probably never hear ever again. I was filled with joy as I got to see Elder Thompson my trainer one last time before he goes home on Thursday of this week. I also saw Elder Baird who I trained in Manistique Michigan (U.P), Elder Ferney who I served with in DeForest and Elder Pounds who I trained in DeForest also. I got to see Elder Allen, Elder McMoore, and Elder Stevenson and say goodbye to him because he also leaves to go home on Thursday. I talked with Elder Merrill, the whole nine yards. I talked with missionaries who came out with me who I haven't seen or heard from in a couple months or a couple years. It was so amazing to see so many smiling faces and to just be filled with the spirit together. And if this wasn't a god enough treat. I got to see some Bishops and Elder quorum presidents who I served with in past wards. Such as Bishop Blotter and Ben Chaney from the Marquette Ward. I have never mentioned these people before but when I was serving in the U.P in the Germfask group. I got to become great friends with the Chaney family and Bishop Blotter from the Marquette Ward because I would have to do weekly reporting to them because of the lack of Priesthood in the Germfask group. I also saw Bishop Rhodes and the Priesthood leadership from the Oshkosh Ward. Being able to spend just a few minutes with each of them and catch up with them and how the wards are doing was bitter sweet. It felt like I was on cloud nine all day. Sister Cutler gave the first training in the meeting and she started off her training with this: "This is what heaven is going to look like". The Cutler love is unmatchable, and never ending. Sister Cutler was in tears seeing all of us and you just knew that she was imagining all of us gathered together in heaven with each of our spouses and the Cutler kids and Grandkids. Eternal life is Family life; I am so blessed to have served with the best examples of love and dedication to the Lord that could ever fill the office of Mission President and spouse. As a whole, Elder Christensen gave an amazing training and taught me more on how I can better help my investigators to better understand the importance of the journey that they are taking. He also gave a great training on the Atonement!

 I got my anti-trunky trunky papers this week. That basically means I'm going home soon. L

Guess what! I got to see the Luymes building this week. Thanks to my family and relatives, I know have the address and locations of historic Luymes sites. My Luymes family heritage roots from Kenosha and I was able to make the first stop of many to a Luymes family site. The Luymes building was built in 1927 and was used as a general store. Today the building is a bar (not the best use for a building like this). I didn't go inside but I plan on soliciting the help of some members so that I can speak with the owner of the building. I was so stoked to see the building, Elder Reynolds was really confused why we were standing outside a bar until he looked up and saw the Luymes name on it.

Thanks to Aunt Lorinda for information on the Luymes Family,
Here is the Luymes Building that was once a general store and now a bar.
I think it was built by my great-great grandfather.

It snowed today... but we still went Frisbee golfing. J

Scripture for the Week: Alma 12: 24-25

24 And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.

 25 Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption, which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the dead; but there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, of which has been spoken.

Thank you for your prayers, thank you for your love, love,

Elder Luymes

220 missionaries reconnecting - what joy!
Eternal life is family life, this is what it will be like.