July 21, 2024

God Bless America

July 4 celebration with senior missionaries.  Note Uncle Sam who appeared to liven the event.

Good, old-fashioned burgers on the grill.  Thanks to Elders Farrell, Tanner, and Saunders for braving the cold night to cook.

Sister Archibald created a delicious, festive fruit plate.

Potato salad and baked beans.  Who could ask for a more traditional dinner to honor the USA.  We finished dinner with apple pie ala mode.

Elder and Sister Dayton, front left and right, organized and executed the evening. They certainly went upon and beyond.

Sister Saunders and Sister Truman enjoy a photo op with Uncle Sam

Elder Dayton talked of “One Nation under God.”  We felt touched to recall our nation’s humble beginnings.  Certainly, those congressional members were guided by God.

Sister Truman’s brother, Dan Truman, plays keyboard for the group “Diamond Rio”. She presented a video of the group singing their creation, “In God We Still Trust”. Radio stations wouldn’t play the piece because it mentioned “God”.

Group sing-along with these fine accompanists.  Our senior couple from Australia joined in vigorously singing every song.  Our couple from Canada was also honored as we sang their national anthem. 

 

A previous outing.  This was the scene trying to cross the Auckland Bridge when an accident occurred there.  We waited an hour.  Thankfully, another wonderful couple was driving.  We enjoyed social time with someone who knows the Auckland roads well.

We discovered a lunchroom surprise when we entered the employee kitchen and found an entire buffet honoring Samoa Language Week.  Our sack lunch was immediately stashed as we partook of delectable Samoan samplings.  Cocoa Samoa looked dark and gritty.  Amazingly, one detects a roasted and subtle chocolate flavor in this famous beverage. 

Five weeks passed quickly.  We bid our BYU legal intern “farewell”.  Jenna (back row, tall, dark hair) proved to be helpful and delightful.  She repeatedly hung out with the older crowd and enjoyed the experience.  She shared endless titles from her long reading list.  I admire anyone who can read 2-3 books a day.  Kari Gali may have met her match.