March 2013 in Missouri

 Going to lunch at the Salty Iguana restaurant in Independence.  From left to right, Sister Wilson (Bellevue, Washington), Sister Gines (Tabiona, Utah), Sister Aldous (Beaverton, Oregon), Sister Atkin (Logan, Utah), and the Pyne's.

 Some of the Senior Sister Missionaries displaying their awards from the "VCBB Bake-Off".  VCBB stands for "Visitor Center Bad Bananas".  These women took over-ripened bananas from the Visitor Center kitchen and prepared various baked items.

 Eight of the Sister Missionaries with Sister Pyne.

 A photo of the Sister Missionaries on transfer morning.  Many of these missionaries are being assigned to new areas of service within the mission, departing the mission to other international missions upon receiving their travel visas, or returning home after completing their 18-month mission.

 The senior missionaries who serve at the visitor center being photographed by the paparazzi!

Superb leaders of the sister missionaries -- from left to right, Sister Sant (Virginia), Sister Atkin (Utah), Sister Lewis (Utah), and Sister Hansen (California).  Sister Hansen is returning home to San Diego.  We will miss her!!

 The Pyne's with Sister Hansen.

 The Pyne's with Sister Grange, who is being transferred to a full-proselyting assignment.  Sister Hansen is from the great state of Washington and is studying nursing at BYU, along with several other sister missionaries who are serving in the Missouri Independence Mission.

 A photo of the general landscape of the Woodlawn Cemetary located just north of our apartment, where we often take walks.

 The tombstone of General Samuel Lucas, a military general who played a role in forcing the early Latter-day Saints from Missouri.

The tombstone of Samuel Weston, a community and business leader in the city of Independence, who profited from Independence being the starting point for many frontier trails to the west, including the Santa Fe, Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.  Samuel Weston owned a blacksmith and wagon-making business.  He was also one of the community leaders who allowed the persecution of Mormons during the early 1830's.