Running a marathon.

Tell me again why we are doing this?  I sometimes forget why we are here and don't always stop to appreciate all the good things happening around us.  Yesterday we had to go to Leiden for a Senior Couples meeting.  The meeting only lasted about two hours and we all pitched in and brought a lunch which took about an hour to eat but the rest of the day was spent on the road.  We left at 6:30 in the morning and did not get home until 6:15 at night.  A long long long way to drive for a meeting if you ask me. I took about three lines of notes and the rest of the time was spend visiting which was fun and informative.

We did find out that we are really spoiling our JoVos here in our center.  I cook and cook and cook all the time for them and they love every bite they get.  The other centers don't have a dinner on family home evenings, but just put out some store bought cookies and drinks.  On institute night different members in the wards are asked to cook and the couples take a turn once in a while.  The problem with that is that the kids don't like eating the same things they get at home when they come to the center, they want American food instead.

Now the dilemma, do we keep spoiling them or do as the other centers do?  I love cooking and I want the youth to learn how to cook so maybe I should just involve them more.  Any mother knows that it is much easier to do everything yourself than to ask for help because when they finally do get around to helping they make such a mess of things that it actually becomes more work for mom. I thought once my children moved out on their own I would stop being a mother but now I am right back into the old boat.  I just hope it doesn't sink.

I really do have to end this with a good note and stop rambling.  We have some great kids here.  They have strong testimonies and are always very open about sharing with the less actives and investigators.  If we can keep them coming and encouraging them to bring their friends we can really make this center grow even more.  The other night we had 27 people there.  Four Elders were there with investigators and it was really a great time for them to rub shoulders with some strong warriors.  Being a member here is very difficult for the youth and dating is just not done by most of them.  They prefer hanging around with each other and planning wholesome activities. They love learning more about the gospel and are always picking Ben's brain and asking him questions. Thanks to him they will really be exposed to the scriptures and doctrines of the church.  They want him to also teach more about church history so it will be fun to watch them grow.



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