Pittsburgh Mission Memoirs

Here comes another story about food. This time, our cuisine comes from the deep south - New Orleans. Sister Southern, a less-active member in the Washington Ward, had us over for dinner. The dish: Yah-Yah Gumbo. I'm not sure if I spelled that right, but that's what she was saying over and over as huge billows of steam came billowing out of her kitchen from the great pot bubbling...

Here I am! Writing this time from Washington, Pa, a medium-sized community south of Pittsburgh. It's nice here. I'll be honest, I loved the city and especially the people there, but I'm glad to be out of it. It's much nicer out here. Right before I left, we got to say goodbye to Brenda...again. Her husband, William, had hurt himself, so we went over to offer comfort to both of them....

Transfers are tomorrow. President Topham called me last Tuesday. As usual when the President calls, I didn't even realize the phone was ringing until after he leaves a voicemail. I hastily found shelter from the noise of the traffic, called back, and was greeted by the cheery, friendly voice."Elder Anderson, I have news for you!""What's that President?" The anticipation was killing...

Whew. Where to start. I think I'd better start at the end, and go backwards.General Conference. Wow. Wasn't that great? If you didn't get the chance to watch it, make sure you do. Digest it in some way, whether it be though the text, audio, or video. It really was excellent, and answered many of my questions.I suppose one thing that would be best to cover right away is my thoughts...

I know I write long. Sorry about that. I sometimes wish I could be like the Stake President here in Pittsburgh who bore his testimony in our sacrament meeting as such:"I just want to testify that God does answer our prayers. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."Beautiful. I could write about just Saturday and Sunday, and would be totally satisfied. But, I'll give a brief recounting...