April Fool!

If we were clever like Arline's mom, we'll pull off some fantastic story that you'd believe because you don't know enough about Russia to know it's not true. But we're not, so we won't. Mom and April Fool's Day were made for each other--she comes up with great tricks. For example, one year she bought several extra newspapers and held on to them. The next year she went out very early in the morning and swapped out the papers at several homes, so her friends reread year old news.

Instead of trying to match her talent for pulling pranks, this week we'd like to talk about another legacy she's given us.

Just before leaving on our mission we found out we're the fifth in a line of senior couple missionaries, all through the women. What a great heritage! Here's a brief synopsis of the service given:

Mary and James Davis were called to settle the San Juan and were some of those who went through Hole in the Rock. They were mentioned in the book Undaunted.

Their daughter Emily Ellen Davis Wallentine and her husband Robert Wallentine served two missions, both in California. Her daughter wrote this in her journal about it:
"In the last three years of Mama's life her health became increasingly worse, yet she went uncomplainingly on two short term missions to California with my father, always saying she wasn't really capable of doing much good, but if she went Papa could go and she was sure he could serve capably and well. I am sure he did, but that is not to belittle her service. After she passed away we visited both areas where they labored and heard glowing stories of her influence in gathering up children and getting primaries started. Her love for children was the key to many doors."

Emily Wallentine Brewer and her husband George Stanley Brewer also served in California. They lived in a small trailer home in Clearlake Highlands and were well loved by the the people the served.

Maralyn Brewer Johnson and her husband Frank Johnson filled a humanitarian services mission. They worked out of the regional church headquarters in Frankfurt but were responsible for relief efforts in the former Soviet bloc countries. After returning home they served two more part-time missions, one at the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake and another for the 2002 Olympics as the liaisons between the Church and the Olympic committee.

What a great heritage! Thanks Mom and Dad for setting the example to continue the legacy.

This week in Russia:

Mary continues to come up with fun ideas for FHE. After the lesson last Monday she divided the group into two sections, passed out newspapers, tape and scissors, and had them "build" a suit for the missionaries. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. And Dave made cinnamon rolls to die for.

Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures this week. Something has happened to our camera.