Fur Rondy

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     It is beginning to get lighter each day and feel more like Spring is coming. But with a lot of snow on the ground, I think we have still have some winter left. Elder Robinson is wondering where all the water from the melting snow will go. We’ll have to see in April.



     This week in Anchorage was The Fur Rondy (for Rendezvous). It is held the week before the Iditarod with a lot of outdoor activities. Usually they have carnival rides and games, art shows and booths, food trucks, talent show and other contests. With Covid most of the activities were canceled but they did have the Snow Sculpting Contest to determine the winner from Alaska who will  compete in the National Snow Sculpting Contest (held in Wisconsin) next year. It was a beautiful sunny day and fun to see the entries. Since it is cold the crowd doesn't linger much so we were only there for about 30 minutes. I think there were about 25 entries. Elder Robinson really liked the sculpture of the Ice Fisherman. He had a small fish on top of the ice and a huge fish underneath the ice. We liked the detail from every angle. 





     I liked Jack and the Beanstalk with the giant's huge hand reaching down the stalk. 



     The oyster that had the world inside was clever. I couldn't figure out the half-man in the van because it only said Onward. It's from the movie! 



       Next week we will be in Fairbanks. Scott is coming to visit this Tuesday, March 9, through next Monday, March 15, and we will be going to  Fairbanks to hopefully see the Aurora (Northern Lights). There is also an Ice Sculpting Contest there that ends this week. Even though it is below freezing the sun causes the detail on the sculpture to melt. So it doesn't last too long. It will be really cold but clear this week so that is good for travel and seeing the lights. We just have to dress very warm. The high will be -2 and the low -20 when we go on the Aurora tour.

     It was transfer week this past week so very busy for Elder Robinson. Lots of moving around and making sure the apartments have enough beds and household goods. Some apartments are getting closed down since we have fewer missionaries. When we first came there were 234 missionaries. Now there are 189. By May it may be down to 160. We will really miss those who leave but it is good to see the younger missionaries take on new challenges and become leaders too. It still amazes me that they can stand outside in 20 degree weather and not feel cold. It must be young blood. 




     It was Pres. King's birthday so they sang Happy Birthday to him before leaving. Sis. Lokotui provided candy leis (with their favorite candy) for those who were leaving. 




     There is a bin for the missionaries who are leaving to leave notes to friends who are staying and can't come to say goodbye. You can tell they have made good friends. Pres. King tells them you have 18-24 months on a mission and a lifetime to remember it. He also reminds them that they come on a mission not just for the people they meet and teach but also for those they meet and serve with as companions. That is how Elder Robinson and I met, through my brother who also served as a missionary in Denmark. Good thing! 


     We had orientation with new missionaries on Friday. It was funny at the end of the meeting (young) Elder Johnsen, who was conducting the meeting, talked about how good the senior missionaries are to take care of the missionaries. He said "Don't worry about Elder Robinson, who seems intimidating and macho, he'll take care of you". So Elder Robinson will work on that intimidating "manager" voice, at least with new missionaries.

     Talking about new missionaries, I saved the best news for last. Summer Hall (Dan and Lisa's daughter) has received her mission call. She is going to Chicago, Illinois and will start MTC training on May 12 (Lindsey's BD). I am hoping she can go to the Provo MTC but it will likely be online training. And then she will start the beautiful summertime in Chicago. We are so happy for her. There will be opportunities as well as challenges. I know as I help the missionaries here, I am glad to think there will be someone in Chicago just as concerned about helping Summer. I am especially grateful for the chance she will have to find joy in serving as a missionary. I am not an outgoing person but I feel more interested in the welfare of other people as a missionary. It feels good to talk with them, learn about them and help them. Most days are happy days.

     That was the good news. Now for the bad news. Poor Max tore his ACL while skiing and will have surgery on Thursday, Mar 11. He was supposed to go to Florida with LeAnn and Scout that day to help Ben with a construction job. Instead he is having surgery and Ben will have to go alone. We'll pray for a quick recovery.

     Since Scott will be here next week the blog will be a couple of days late. We are so excited to show Alaska to him. He may even help me learn to paint beautiful sunsets without the power lines and cars.


      Spiritual Moment: I want to share something I learned this week. It was from Pres. Oaks. He said, "Don't wait for happiness to be thrust upon you. Seek it out in service and learning." I think it is natural to wait for things outside of ourselves to make us happy. Happiness really comes from the things we do that build ourselves or others. I am glad for our mission to learn more about ourselves, together and individually, and what we can do to make a difference for others. It feels good when the missionaries say "Thank You", not because of ego but to know we have helped them. I love how hard they work. It is nice to give encouragement or help. It is usually just a small thing that is easy to give but is just what was needed at the time. They are all so wonderful! I hope each of you will see how you have helped someone or have grown in learning something new, and feel happiness for the effort. And “Thank You” to you for your kind messages of encouragement and support. 

     Have a good week. Happy Birthday to Alex on her golden birthday. She will be 10 on March 10th!

Love,

Elder and Sister Robinson

                    I don't know what this sculpture is. Do you have any ideas? Good detail on the teeth





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