Hi everybody!  It seems like so much has happened the last few weeks here.
Last night we had a Stake Meeting involving four wards where two new wards
were made.  About 25% of our ward was taken away to make a new ward.  Also,
Clair was released as bishop.  Spencer Rencher was put in if any of you know
him.  (I know at least mom and dad and Scott and Leanne know him).  He is a
quiet guy, but very nice and would do anything for anyone.  He was a high
councilor and will be great.  There is always mixed emotions, but it is
time.  It will be interesting to see what new calling he gets.  He would be
happy to teach a Sunday School Class, but we will see.
I am so excited, I just called Brian's mission office to get his address
because I wanted to get a valentine's package in the mail to him.  This is
how she gave it to me.  I have no apartment number, so I don't know what
that means.  Here it is:

Elder Brian Buchanan,
239 Saint George Street - Apt.
Sudbury, Ontario
P3C2X1

Sudbury is located about 5 hours north of Toronto, above Lake Huron.  It is
a majoy nickel-copper mining area.  Today I looked at a weather map to see
what the weather is like there and the high is -11 with a wind-chill factor
of -35.  Wow, I hope his companion got him set up with a good pair of boots
and whatever else he needs. I sent a good coat and gloves and scarf, but
that sounds cold.  His companion's name is Elder Oien.  The sister I talked
to said she met Brian last Thursday after her arrived and she said he was in
good spirits and had a very nice companion.  A short recap of his MTC
experience is that he had a wonderful time.  The spirit was awesome and he
got to hear from Elder Oak, and Elder Ballard.  His district included 6
elders and 4 sisters all going out to the same mission.  His companion was
from Pocatello, Idaho.  He had the opportunity to work in the Referral
Center several hours while there and he seemed to enjoy that because he had
the chance to bare testimony to some who watched TV commercials and wanted
more information.  He said he had a few great experiences and some who swore
at him and hung up.  Anyway, his group was excited to head out at 3:00 a.m.
last Wednesday for Ontario. He was getting a little tired of the MTC food.
We can't wait to hear from him and hear about his experiences in Sudbury!!!
He did send a tape and some pictures before he left, which we really
enjoyed.

Melanie has had a month full of different emotions.  She didn't do as well
as she would have liked in her state swim meet, but she did get excepted to
BYU next fall.  So, now she will have to be busy saving some money to help
in the cost!!  She won Sterling Scholar at her school for the Family
Consumer Science category and hopes to win at a  regional level which would
win her a little scholarship.

Derek is having a ball playing city league basketball and has one more game
left.  He will be excited to start playing for a boarder league/school team
in March when the High School season is over.  His best friends dad is over
the city sports and so Derek has a job of being a referee on Saturdays for
the younger kids.  He enjoys doing that and earning some cash!

Not too much is new with Heidi right now.  She is just a good sport to go
with us to everyone else’s events.  She is a good support to her family!  She
is working valiantly on her new personal progress book and excited that she
can work as fast as she wants now with the new program.

Things are going good here.  We are very happy.  There is a very special
spirit in your home, like they say, when you have a missionary in the field.
The letters we receive bring a special spirit and you want to live a better
life.  I hope all of you young men out there are preparing.  It will be the
greatest thing you ever do.  We love you all and pray for you continually.
We can't wait to hear what is new with all of you.  How is Heather doing in
basketball?  Did Amy have her baby?  When are the baby blessings?  How is
Kyle?  We love hearing about everyone!!

February 2002