June 1, 2011

Well, everyone, we are reporting to you from Tomsk and want to report that all is well in Tomsk and the work of the Lord is moving forward.

#3   FIRST PIANO RECITAL:  Sister Aland finished up the keyboard classes and had a recital last Tuesday.  It was a great evening to hear these young people play the hymns of the church and now are ready to serve the branch.  There have been 5 keyboards placed in members hands for practicing and they have come SO far already.  Thanks to the Harman Grant and to the members of the Roosevelt 2nd Ward who have helped contribute to this success. 

#2 MISSION PREP:  Elder Aland is finishing up the missionary preparation classes tonight.  Of the 4 youth attending this session, one left on a mini mission a few weeks ago.  One has her papers filled out and submitted.  One has to wait until November when she will have been a member for one year, but wants to submit her papers this fall.  And the other one has to decide what to do, but is going through the temple this summer. So he has been able to teach a super batch of young adults.

#1 FOND FAREWELL:   We have had a shift in plans and the church missionary department is granting us a medical leave to go home and be with our dear, sweet loved ones stationed in Denver at the hospital.  We have had a tug of war going on with our focus here while wanting to be there.  And, family won out because it comes first.  Right now we are planning to return here again.  But for now, we are very excited to be able to be of support and help to the Canty family.  As you probably know, little Mylee has some heart issues that need to be addressed so that she can get strong enough to operate on her eyes for the glaucoma issues there.  Andrea is in Denver and Ryan has to go back to Grand Junction to work much of the time.  We want to remain in Denver with her and the other 2 children back with her so that they can have a bit more of a family life and go to the hospital in shifts. 

When one chapter closes, another opens in our book of life and the story continues.    We are forever changed because of our experience here, and hope we can share it with others the rest of our life.
We appreciate hearing from many of you along the way and hope you've enjoyed this chapter as well.  We thank you for your prayers in our behalf and hope they will go with us to Denver.

Our love and blessings to you all,
Elder & Sister, Pa & Ma, John & Marsha Aland