Here is a letter written to John and Korinne, who are in Australia, on a mission. We just returned from a wonderful road trip after school got out and here are the details: Hi guys, It's so good to get your letters and know you're getting along and the work is progressing. We are cruising through summer quickly. The wind still comes up every afternoon but the hay looks good and is getting ready for its second cutting. The water is always critical and we're praying for enough. In spite of a freak snow storm on the 17th, there isn't anything but a little line of snow at the tops of the Uintas. We discovered again what the real color green looks like when we drove back to the Midwest. Through Iowa we saw miles and miles of lush rolling fields with wind turbines pulling in the breeze. At Doyle's in Kansas City, MO, we had Den's siblings all there. We even took a tour of the town on segways and had a blast. Our guide was the patient mother duck with his senior citizen ducklings strung out behind him. That is a really top notch bunch of people. The missionary work is really humming there and had included several from the Church of Christ (RLDS). They can feel the Holy Ghost and recognize truth. So so cool. Natalie lives where the trees and underbrush grow fast and tall. She lives in Bedford, which we think compared to the size of Vernal, because of the accessibility to Target, WalMart, Costco, etc. they live on 5 acres but only about 1/2 acre is usable because of the forest around them. They are trying to push it back but it's backbreaking work. Their trees are over twice the height of Utah's. So beautiful. Their rain is frequent and hard, but not too cold. And their ground is slippery clay. When our shoes got muddy, I held mine under the tap where the water ran right off. A brush and rubbing was the only way to remove it. The chiggers and ticks thrive and often the kids prefer to stay inside rather than playing out and risk being eaten. Janika is three now and told us how important it is to stay hydrated. She also spends most of her day riding her stick horse and swinging her magic rope telling it to "do your thing", as it rounds up bad guys. John is 9 going on 30. He loves school and is quite the brainiac. He's learning some beginning computer programming and understands binary code. They have angel faces and sweet spirits. Nat works as an OB nurse for a Catholic hospital and really enjoys the atmosphere of prayer meetings every morning and throughout the day. Shawn can see potential for growth and challenges at his base where he works in computer security. He is second in command. I'm so proud of those kids. We couldn't go that far without jogging over to Nauvoo to see Dave and Elaine, who seemed right in their element as temple workers. Their temple is beautiful and runs smoothly. The people think highly of them. We were able to meet Rachel Wheeler's parents who are on a mission there. He is the doctor for all the missionaries there. My hip is getting stronger every day. I'll feel better in another week when I can stop taking Warfarin. It not only thins my blood but thins my thinking too. Dennis is the best nurse ever. He's a great cook and ice water manager. He's become a real pro at putting on my TED hose since I can't reach my foot. We are on our way to meet Keith and Cherie. We are keeping their two girls for a week and Suana will keep them a week. Ryan Krissman won a week for four in Maui. Then they'll hop to Oahu and stay in some military bungalows for a week. Sounds rough. Suana and Dallas sold their house in Roosevelt. They are in somebody's basement apartment until they find what they want. Sad to lose them. Some other news, Woolstenhulmes moved to Logan. Todd and Christy Larsen got moved to Georgia. Brad and Julie LeBaron moved to Provo where he took over the MTC and BYU clinics. Our new Stake Pres is Brent Hales with Robert Alexander and Kyle Snow as counselors, leaving two wards needing new Bishops. Shauna Ogden still has FUO - Fevers of Unknown Origin. But she isn't contagious so has begun to rehab her body by swimming. Then it takes her the rest of the day to get rid of the chills. She has lost a ton of weight and has felt lousy for over a year now. What a weird trial this has been for their family. My counselors are Julie (Buxton) Wilkins and Deb Richards, wonderful ladies. The ward is still functioning and people are still bearing their testimonies since I was put in. :) Alands farewell to Tonga came about because they've been moved to New Zealand. Give a hearty wave and they might see you. Well I've talked your ear off and have actually run dry. Shock! We love you and are so thrilled with your work. Mom and Dad are so proud of you, and I know Korinne's family is too! Keep those letters coming. Love, Amelia Garner