Day 3, from Nauvoo to Hays, Kansas

 On our 3rd day we drove through my mission. I got home from my mission 3 years ago from April, so I was excited to see "my people"

On the way I decided we would take a detour to see the up and coming Kansas City, MO Temple. Just an exit away from Liberty Jail. I'm just hoping to go back for the dedication. 

It was on beautiful land.

Here's my dear dear friends The Paz's and Fetcher (minus Miranda, and Bro. Paz) both had to work. The kids loved playing with Joe and Champ. They were my Topeka family for a whole 6 months and helped me through my shingles on my mission. Just being in the home makes me feel so happy. They will always put a smile on your face. While I was there I was lucky to teach Brad (the dad to those happy 5 children) the gospel. He was a stubborn man, but the night before I left to recover from Shingles he was baptized and it was such a wonderful night. My mission President and his wife came out (partly because they had to take me to the airport the next day). The spirit was so strong and he made some life changing habits. 

Next, I served in Manhattan Kansas...the home of K-State!! I was in the singles branch for 6 months and knew that so many of the singles that I taught with or taught were gone, married, school, army..etc.. So I wasn't sure who was still around the area. I made plans to meet up with Steve (man on the far right) He was a golden contact on a blizzard day with no one out walking around and me and my greenie companion were pushing our shoulder to the wheel and praying to find someone to teach. We ran into him and he wasn't interested until the next day, he felt prompted to call us and meet up with us. By then I was getting transferred to another area and wasn't able to stay in contact until after my mission. He is now serving in many callings including ward missionary.  Doug( far left) was taught and baptized by some sisters before me and was a GREAT missionary. We taught and baptized his roommate and his deaf girlfriend (they are so happily married still) Lee (the right of me) is a fabulous ward missionary and just happened to be home visiting and going on a run to the institute building when I saw him. It was great seeing all these members. Wish I had more time in Manhattan.

 And then, their is Hays, Kansas. Their is no "real" mall, or even a target, but I could seriously move here and be happy because the people in this ward. I made some long lasting friendships here and I come over thinking of when I can go back. Gracie feel in love with Champ and didn't want to see him go.

 She got every last "pet" in

 Kristen and I both marry the two BEST Joe's in the world. One is behind the camera and the other had to get to work. They are two awesome men and they both have taught me so much. Joe Sloan grew up in the church, and married Kristen. I and many many many missionaries had the chance to teach her the lessons over and over again. It wasn't until Jan. 2010 I was in the grocery store shopping when I got her phone call telling me she is getting baptized, and a year later they were sealed in the temple. They are awesome!

The Bernal Family does not live in Kansas anymore, but they were a huge part of my missionary experience there. They were both from AZ and when they were sealed Joe and I drove out to AZ to attend their sealing.
I am so grateful I got to have this amazing experience to visit my mission. The spirit is still strong in the promise land.  I feel sooo blessed and lucky to have been called there at that time, still to this day I know I was sent their to have these people in my life forever!! (as well as my MIMissionaries)

After we were off to see Mt. Rushmore....