It’s been another great week in Texas. Our weather has been amazing, low humidity this week, which means it, feels more like Utah because it is dry. It made my morning run so much more enjoyable because I actually felt less tired and I was faster. Happy dance! One other notable, we were toilet papered last night so I think it's safe to say that we're right at home at this point. :)
The kids had a great first week at school and we are thrilled that they're doing well. Zac has started early morning seminary and for a kid that can sleep with three alarms attached to his head and not wake up he's doing really well. Seminary is at the ward building we attend and there are about 40 kids across all grades that go. He has eight freshman in his class and he's really enjoyed it so far. He has a very energetic teacher, Robin Major, and we're hoping she'll keep his spirits up throughout the year. Insert Mom Happy Dance! Mom minus is that it is me that makes sure he doesn’t sleep through the 3 alarms and drives him to the church at 5:45. I am happy that we arranged for him to carpool with Trevor to school after Seminary. School starts at 7:20. He's in an all basketball class for PE and he is supposed to find out on Monday if he makes the school team or not. Sports are serious business in Texas, every team has a dedicated PE class where they practice throughout the year. He's made a lot of new friends, at least 20 he tells us in one class. Zac says he's one of only 3 blonde kids in the entire school. He said his first day they were reading a list of names and the first three pages were Chinese kids named Chang or Lin. Aaron and I think he'll have a hard time leaving home for his senior year when our time comes to and end. Last night we drove by one of our local high school football stadiums last night and it is like small college football. There were several big rigs to hold team gear and band equipment, the band is one of the biggest draws for people to go to the games.
Bode had a good first week and he started playing football with the team on Tuesday. We thought there was going to be a meeting about tryouts on Monday but basically he just needs a physical to tryout. This whole week they have had each boy try every position. Bode feels like he did really well when they had him play receiver, corner, and kicker. They have an 8th grade team and then two 7th grade teams (A & B). They all get to play so we're hopeful he has a good experience. One of his coaches is LDS so we were excited to hear that he at least has someone that knows what he's all about. Bode is the only LDS kid in his entire grade, it will be a good experience for him. He's made a few new friends and we hope that through the football team he'll make a few more. He has some very strict teachers so this will really stretch Bode Hall; he needs it. His school doesn't start until 9 and ends at 4; he's back home around 6 each night after football. Makes for late nights with homework still to do.
Jessica Kate had a good first week and has several Chinese kids in her class. She's been fairly quiet so far about friends, but she's become very good friends with our Bishop's daughter and they're together a lot. We also have the Chinese Elders coming to the house twice a week to help her with Chinese. Her only desire is to play with friends everyday after school like she did in Utah. It just doesn’t happen like that here. So she has some adjusting to do.
The kids all say they've never heard so much swearing in their life, from both teachers and students. Mostly they use the Lord’s name in vain, which is quite shocking for them to hear. They really do stand out not only for being the minority of caucasian , but spiritually. We're praying for some missionary experiences as a family so they can see the gospel taught by the missionaries here at the house.
I am trying to figure out what my role will be in the mission during the day. I went to a district meeting on Tuesday that I really enjoyed. I then went to lunch with the two sister companionships afterwards. It was great to get to know them better. I plan to meet with a few of the Sister companionships a couple times a week for lunch. So on Thursday, I had 4 more sisters over to the house for lunch. I really feel like this will benefit the sisters and me. We have 65 sisters at the moment and they are a real strength to the mission. For the most part they are more consecrated and dedicated than our Elders.
We had our departing temple trip on Friday for the Elders leaving this next transfer. Our Temple President is truly amazing and very involved with the missionaries. After we complete a session he meets with us in the training room and Aaron and he teach our missionaries. It is incredible to hear President Crane talk about different details in the endowment that leave me wanting more each time we go. He's also called Aaron and set him apart as an ordinance worker at the veil so I can now bring our missionaries through the veil when we go to the temple. Our temple experiences are so incredible that it is hard to express in words.
Jessie went to a birthday of her friend Emme at Build a Bear this afternoon. She was very excited to go. It is great to see her making more friends. Tonight I am speaking at the Bay City Stake on making the Sabbath more Joyful. Aaron attended the priesthood session earlier today and will speak tomorrow at the Sunday sessions. He will be speaking on standards. This stake covers the biggest geographical area of our mission and can be a 2-3 hour drive in any direction to get everyone to the meetings. The stake president has decided to have two sessions to get more members out so it will make for a very long day for Aaron.