What a full week this has been - from a fun Halloween FHE party on Monday night to the excellent CES Fireside Broadcast Sunday night (both events at the Branch President's home) - and everything in between. Two of the girls in the Branch dressed up as the young Elders for their Halloween costumes. It was pretty cute. Everyone had fun playing "minute-to-win-it" games. On Halloween (Wed.) we left Muncie at 8:20 am for a multi-zone conference in Indianapolis and got home at 7:05 - with a detour to Costco before leaving Indy. No trick-or-treators. President & Sister Collins gave great training. We learned that with the influx of thousands more missionaries in the near future, due to the eligible age reduction, our mission could see 60 - 75 new ones! The President said the 3,000 Senior Missionaries currently in the field are only 1/3 of those needed. So gear up and plan to go! An entomology professor from Purdue, who is a counselor in a stake presidency, taught us all about bed bugs! They've made a huge comeback in the US since the banning of DDT. Some Elders have experienced firsthand the itching from an infestation. (Check out used furniture well - especially beds or sofas before bringing them into your home/apartment!) Thursday was District Meeting here - and our turn to do lunch. Gary taught the Institute lesson Thurday night and Brenda taught the lunch lesson on Friday. (can't even tell you how many hours it took us to prepare - too many to count).

Miranda was baptized Saturday morning. She will be a great member. She was really seeking and joined an on-campus Bible ministry before the Elders found her. Her family is angry about her decision to become a Mormon and demanded she drive home Friday evening (about 3 hrs) to prevent it. After prayers in her behalf, the parents relented. Her sister called and begged her not to go through with it. What a hard thing for a young person who loves her family. The untruths that people hear about our church are astounding. Satan works so hard on people who have embraced the truth and want the saving ordinances! If she had decided on another denomination, I'm sure her parents would have been fine with it. Hopefully her example and continued prayers in their behalf will eventually soften their hearts.

Saturday was the quarterly Senior Missionary gathering at the Mission home - a lovely home in a great neighborhood. Great food, wonderful company, and great instruction made for a well-spent afternoon. Brenda made 6 dozen rolls that evening for our Branch Break-The-Fast dinner at 4 pm on Sunday. It was a turkey dinner this time. Then she baked 2 big batches of cookies before the 8 pm CES Fireside. Gotta have refreshments! Thanks Julie for the cookie stuff! Gary had the Elders give him a blessing on Tuesday night and was able to sit all day at the Zone Conference on Wednedsay. Thursday was another story - his back pain moved to his front. Dr. Anderson, a resident and one of our students, told him it was compensation pain - muscles strained while protecting his back. The exercises have helped and he is nearly recovered - even raked leaves today. We missed the blessing of our newest granddaughter on Sunday - and the family gathering. We are so greatful that she is healthy and growing and the rest of our family is doing well. Technology keeps us close - emailed photos and skype - fantastic! We mailed our absentee ballots on the 30th and are anxious to see the outcome of the Presidential election. We are loving the Mormon Channel with all the "series" options. This week we've particulary enjoyed Why I Believe, Faith in Action, Weekly Edition, and Legacy (great episodes about church history). Check it out!