Sorry all of you snow people, we had 57 degrees here today.  A bit of rain last night and over cast today but very pleasant.  We are sure it is coming and will probably happen all at once. 
We just completed our first week here at the Johnson Home with a total of 2 tours and lot of studying and a bit of indexing.  We have enjoyed the slower pace so it has been nice.  We have worked at getting things organized and put away and are feeling comfortable and at home.  Below are a couple of pictures, one before and one after. 

 

Last night, Saturday, we went to the Rootstown Ward Party.  They had a big crowd and lots of great food.  They also did a program which was really good.  They then presented each of the missionaries with gift bags.  We have Sisters living in Kent and another set in Ravenna and then us that serve with that ward. In our bag was crackers, cheese, choc milk mix, candy, cookies, apples, oranges and pears.  Yummy!!!  They are so good to us.  Then of course today we got our loaf of warm bread.  We think we like this ward and the great people.  Will be nice when we get to know all of their names better but they are patient with us.  We have been given the assignment to call each of the members on their birthdays so that should be fun.  Called our first ones today.  At first the sister I called was rather hesitant but when I told her 'Happy Birthday' she laughed and told me thanks for calling.  Will be nice and a way to let them know we care about them.

 

These are a couple of pictures of the Johnson Home.  It was built in 1828, New England Style and very well preserved.

 

 

 

Thursday we had the special experience of an open house and tour of Lorenzo Snow's home built in 1816.  A couple who are not members purchased it because they love old homes, especially those with history.  They knew it had connections with the Mormons and so involved historians from our church in the history of the home.  They were so very gracious and love to have members come and tour the home and take pictures of it.  I forgot my camera, can you believe that.  I won't next time.  It was all decorated for Christmas and just beautiful.  He took one group and she took the other and they told all about the history of the home and the Snow family that had lived their.  They also believe that Eliza Snow is close by watching over the home. They also served sandwiches and a light lunch.  We then all gathered and sang songs and they told us more of their history.  It was truly delightful and they invited us back at any time, especially bring our families they said. President and Sister Valinga, Elder and Sister Edman, most of the couple missionaries and sister missionaries were there and it was a really special evening.  We definitely plan to go back.   

This next week will prove to be a wild one so will see how it all plays out.  We are taking it one day at a time, learning to get around and finding things.  We did break down and buy a GPS and that certainly makes things easier.  Have a great week,will check in again next Sunday.  LOVE YOU!!!