Elders and Sisters - and Elder Prusse

Every 6 weeks we have Zone Conference in Halifax.  The best part is getting together with the other senior couples in our Zone.  We have dinner together the evening prior.  Sister Olsen always chooses a great restaurant, this time a Greek one.  Elder & Sister Child serve in Greenwood, NS, the Cohens serve waay out in St John's, Newfoundland, the Olsens in Halifax, and us in Sydney.



Last Sunday we were surprised - literally, when a new couple showed up at the Sydney Branch.  They are the Burch's, from Idaho Falls.  We heard vague rumors of them, but nothing solid, and we were very pleasantly surprised when they showed up - in route to Corner Brook, Newfoundland for 23 months.  Elder Burch served in the Halifax Mission 40 years ago, and was actually assigned to Sydney, a couple of the (older) members still recall him.  I didn't tell Sister Burch that Corner Brook has 160 days per year that are below 0C/32F every year, but being from Idaho Falls, they can handle it.  Their assignment is unquestionably the most remote in the entire mission, and they are very brave for committing to serve 23 months!


We took the Burch's to the Miner's Museum on Monday morning after our senior Zoom meeting, where they were welcomed (virtually) by all the senior couples.  They both did the underground tour option of the Museum, with hard hats and rain jackets to protect against the low ceilings and drips.  We were not actually under the ocean where the mines went, but it felt like it.  Sis J has already done the underground, so she opted out of this one, and waited patiently for us above ground.



Elder Burch is sporting his Newfoundland tie, which he got as a young missionary.  The tartans/colors of each region and/or clan are unique and are instantly recognizable by those who know about those things.  On the right are two Nova Scotia ties.  Look closely and you can see the fringed bottoms, which add to their uniqueness.  I have a Nova Scotia flag, but I have decided I need a Cape Breton shawl or flag, as the entire island is our area, and we feel a closer connection to it than the larger province.



Sunday August 14 was a special day for us.  After our usual Sunday meetings, we got to watch the missionary farewell of our oldest grandson Elder Henry Prusse, who will be serving in the California Roseville mission, starting later this month.  We missed his high school graduation and farewell in person, but were glad to have the Zoom.  We know Elder Prusse will be outstanding, and a great blessing to his companions and those he serves.



 

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