Stuff

There are many reasons to serve a mission but one result of living away from home for an extended period of time is that it provides an opportunity to reflect on how much 'stuff' is collected over forty years and how much one really needs to get by and be happy. We came with only 6 suit cases and some of what we brought we haven't even used since we arrived. Honestly, the things we miss the most are people and places.

President and Sister Maughan were on Bohol most of the week doing interviews and giving flu shots when they found out that their shipment of personal items from the states was due to be delivered Friday. They have been living out of suitcases for the last month. We were asked to be at the Mission Home to take delivery and went over Friday afternoon to meet the truck. If you've ever wondered how much mission presidents take with them for three years, here is a visual representation.

The middle box is for Maughans.

This is it. 23 boxes for three years.

Our appreciation for mission presidents and their wives increases every day.

After all this talk about stuff we don't need we managed to go out this week and buy a new camera. It was a want more than a need but the pictures this week are the result.

Knock, knock. Who's there?

You've heard of Kermit the Frog? Well, here's...

Hermit the Crab

A side door to the Mission Home is now called the Crab Door because of the number of crabs that like to hang out there. We didn't realize that hermit crabs could climb like this.

These pictures were taken walking along the beach below the Mission Home.

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See the starfish?

Thought for the week:

 “As we confront our own … trials and tribulations, we too can plead with the Father, just as Jesus did, that we ‘might not … shrink’—meaning to retreat or to recoil (D&C 19:18). Not shrinking is much more important than surviving! Moreover, partaking of a bitter cup without becoming bitter is likewise part of the emulation of Jesus.”
Neil Maxwell - General Conference, October 1997