This morning at 0500 the alarms rang and out of bed we jumped to ready ourselves for a long drive down to Columbus, Georgia to be taught and instructed by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Just two days ago, the news broke that we were invited to mission wide conference Elder Andersen; we had to rearrange our schedules so we could free up the day; also transportation issues needed to be resolved. We were asked to drive to Thomson, GA and from there drive our Sisters who work that area down to Columbus in their car. Elder Andersen gave permission for all the missionaries to drive their own cars down. Our Sisters didn't feel up to making a drive of the length on their own, so we were asked to drive them down. We didn't mind that, it saved us a lot of gas money, plus we had the pleasure of the Sister's company. The drive, one way, ended up to be around 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Freeway all the way, however, it has been very rainy for the past several days, so the entire drive was in rain and drizzle.

The conference with Elder Andersen was wonderful. He encouraged the Elders to help everyone progress as much as they would allow, even if they didn't progress enough to be baptized. If we can help them increase their faith, repent of sin, be better fathers and mothers, be better sons and daughters, be better citizens, whatever it may be, then we will not have failed that day. He also encouraged each of us to be patient. Patients is one of the missionaries best friends, an attribute worth developing; it will bless our lives, especially as missionaries. 

A few days ago at our last Zone Conference, we were challenged to read the Book of  Mormon with a specific topic in mind prior to our next zone conference which will be in 90 days. Sister Gowans will study on the topic of prayer, Elder Gowans was going to study on the topic of Faith, however, after our conference today with Elder Andersen, he decided to study on the topic of "The Nature of Discipleship".  This topic was briefly mentioned at the beginning of the conference and so intrigued him, that he felt it appropriate to change. Here are some photos of the other Senior Couples who serve with us in the Georgia Macon Mission: 

 Our Neighbors, the Meachams 

 The Sperlein

 The McCoys

 The Castletons

The Fosters

 The Bushs

 The Johnsons

The Butlers