Week 25: July 29-August 4, 2018

We express our gratitude daily for many blessings.  We are especially grateful for His Gospel and what it means for individuals and families.  We love serving a mission in Orlando.
Sunday after church, Sisters Stratton and Schomaker had lunch with us.  We had baked salmon and salad.  These Sisters love life.  They are disciples of Jesus Christ meeting and lifting others.  They always have a cheery smile, warm hugs, and encouraging words.  They are amazing young women!
Sisters Shomaker and Stratton:


Midweek the mission office couples celebrated the Kroeger's 44th anniversary at a local bakery specializing in pastries and Puerto Rican cuisine.  We tried Mofongo, mashed plantains and a smattering of tasty desserts.  It has rained hard almost every day this week.  One afternoon the entire office took a break and stepped outside under the entryway to watch the downpour and feel the residual mist.  Naturally the foliage is lush and green and often wet.

Saturday we traveled to Melbourne Beach to explore the beach.  We found soft sand and fewer people than we've seen at other beaches.  We watched the high tide come and go.  The waves rolled in at a moderate pace growing as they approached the shore.  While in almost knee deep water, the strength of the waves pushed us over and Sister Faulk caught a little undertow pulling her away from shore for a few feet.  We saw dolphins playing, large sandcrabs scuttling, and pelicans diving for food.  We enjoyed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich picnic under the shade of our umbrellas.  Simple pleasures. God's creations.  Life in Florida.
Melbourne Beach:



 Our friends in the Lake Nona Ward, the Barattiero's moved to Lehi.  We planned to share a dinner together but the timing didn't work out so we brought them Kentucky Fried Chicken instead.  Although we will miss them, we wish them well with their new adventures and plan to get together regularly after our mission!  The Barattiero's are great examples of faith and trusting in the Lord.

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