FEBRUARY NEWS!

We are gathered in the mission office putting together valentines with messages from the missionaries to give to President Tilleman.  Miracles are happening!  On February 3rd, President and Sister Tilleman, along with a missionary companionship, were teaching an investigator. After the lesson was over and everyone was leaving, the investigator's dog attacked the President biting both of his hands.  He knew that he needed to get to the hospital but as he tried to leave he blacked out and hit his head on a cement wall knocking him unconcious for about 6 to 7 minutes.  He was severly injured with  spinal cord damage that left him initailly unable to move or feel anything below his neck.  He recieved a Priesthood blessing from Elder Christiansen where he was promised a full recovery at an accelerated rate.  On Sue's Birthday, February 20th, he was released from the hospital with all feeling and movement restored.  He is still wearing a neck brace, recieving physical therapy, and has started conducting mission business again from his home.  He still has a way to go but miracles are happening daily in his recovery and his spirits are good.  His 7 year old daughter, Sarah ,said the next time he got bitten by a dog he should wear a helmet.  Good idea!

FEBRUARY 15TH Kelle was able to come to Vancouver to visit for 5 days while her husband Chris and sister in law, Jessica, took care of the 5 children. We had her all to ourselves. We spent one morning in the office where she could help out and see what we did on a daily basis.  She typed baptisimal records among other things. She types way faster than I do.

As we were going down to see some of the Vancouver sites, we stopped by the old Mission Home that the Church owned to house the president, some of the missionaries, and the office.  It is a huge house that has a full ballroom, many bedrooms, etc.  Back then they had to have a cook, cleaning staff, and help because the president and his wife were busy with mission business and all of the missionaries.  They usually had the AP's and incoming missionaries stay with them during transfers.  The church sold it about 15 to 20 years ago to buy a smaller house and put the office with one of our Ward buildings in Richmond.

Here is mother and daugter in Stanley Park at the Totem Pole exhibit which honors the 1st Nation (Indian) people.  Of course it is raining and cold. I am on my 3rd umbrella because I keep losing them.

Here is father and daughter with matching Canadian hats in front of the BC flag in our small apartment kitchen.

Kelle decided to buy a few memories in the form of sweatshirts and wore one of them as she traveled back to Chicago.  We had such a great time with her.  She is a wonderful daughter and we are so glad she made the effort to come out.

Elder and Sister Lewis bought an ice cream cake for Sue's birthday that she shared with all of the missionaries who dropped in the office on P-day. 

Nothing like a treat to draw missionaries  in  from no where.  They can smell food much like a shark can smell its prey.  We enjoyed the cake at about 10:00 am.  I like starting with dessert first!