Sister Johnson and Sister Saunders

The delightful lady pictured with Sister Johnson is Sister Geneene Saunders of the Starkville branch.  She has graciously opened her home to us weekly, so we can hold Temple preparation classes in Starkville, without having to drive the 28 miles to the West Point chapel. 

She makes treats for us an the class (1 couple) every week, even though we told her that she doesn't have to.  The husband of our teachee makes such a fuss over the treats, that I'm sure she will continue to delight us with something new each week.

The members here are very faithful and diligent.  They are in a very small minority here, but are very strong and determined.  As an example, in Starkville, a town about the size of Layton, UT, there are 131 churches of all denominations.  Our chapel is in West Point, so all the members in Starkville have a long drive every week.

We also got invited to teach a Temple class to the Starkville relief society.  There was about 12 sisters there, I was the only man.  Have hardly been around so much estrogen in my life.  Nearly the same experience as walking by the makeup counter in Nordstroms - I can feel the testosterone draining out of me as soon as I get in visual distance.  I had to hit the snack tray extra hard just to regain my strength.  Anyway, it was a great experience to meet with these sweet ladies, and talk about preparing children and youth for the blessings of the Temple.  They are young and old, and are good faithful members in this branch.  Sister Johnson is such a gem, she is loved by everyone who meets her.

Sister Saunders reminds us of Janet Cox, one of our dear friends at home.