Japan Sapporo Mission - The Daniels era

2012-02-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday basketball with Elders Christensen, Allen, Dickson, Kinard and Fetters. Unfortunately, I hurt my back and will be on injured reserve until I heal
We have a Saturday Morning basketball outing with the missionaries. This time Elders Rohlfing and Poulsen (kneeling) and Geslison, Ackerman, Fetters, Dickson, Allen and Kinard joined.
Sister Midori Matsuki (2nd from left) recently returned to Tokyo from her mission.

President and Sister Yokoyama had a reunion in Tokyo with some of their missionaries. On the back row, Sister Mayama, Mimaki and Mizoguchi Matsubara served with us.

2012-01-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

Sister Makise and Ellie Hansen
Andrew Sorenson with Alex and Natalia Bigelow
The Jankowskis and soon to be Handys
The Lottermosers, Andy Geslison, soon to be the Lemmes, James Hilton, Robert Fry, Ray Clinton and Daniel Gandy
Ray Clinton and Parker Ackerman with the Robinsons.

2012-01-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

Elders Christensen, Hilton, Park, Dickson, Crompton, Jones, Kinard, Leatham
THe Gremmert brothers and Andrew Leatham
Just Dance continues to be a favorite form of entertainment for Sister Blyle and Elder Poulson and Clinton
Deep conversations with Elders Christensen and Hilton
The gamers with the Lottermosers and Elders Lemme, Todd, and Gandy

2012-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

Our missionaries' cut ties
Sister Makise was in town for the birth of her granddaughter. It was great to see her again with Sister Hansen and Elder Sorenson
We had a 33 of our RMs and with spouses, fiances and friends, we hit 45 people. The mission tradition of one funny photo still continues
We love being surrounded by our missionaries
Sister Daniels not so surprise birthday party

2012-01-23T18:28:00.000-08:00

Sister Kaori Saito was married in the Tokyo Temple over the holidays. We are very excited for her.
Shinji Naganuma and Mariko Tsuji were both missionaries in the Sapporo Mission and students at BYU Hawaii. They were also recently married in the Tokyo Temple
Alicia Drasso, Ellie Hansen and Robert Fry joined us for a session at the Provo Temple

2012-01-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Sister Daniels' younger 38 year old brother recently passed away leaving his wife and five young children. I was asked to speak at the funeral and to focus my remarks on the non-members that might be in attendance. Below is the basic message that I delivered:

Whenever we hear of a tragedy or premature death, the first question that comes to our minds is Why?

And the answer is: We don’t know. We know that God is omnipotent, omniscient and could easily prevent these types of trials and challenges. We don’t understand the reasons why he doesn’t intervene but we place our faith in him as stated in Mosiah 4:9 “Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend”.

We do know that none of us are immune from these challenges and that eventually each one of us will die and continue our eternal journey towards immortality. Other great men whose names started with J also died in their 30's: Jesus Christ was 33, Joseph Smith was 38, J.D. Park was 38.

Spencer W. Kimball said in Faith Precedes the Miracle

“If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure,and short life would be a calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the pre mortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective.

Is there not wisdom in his giving us trials that we might rise above them, responsibilities that we might achieve, work to harden our muscles, sorrows to try our souls? Are we not exposed to temptations to test our strength, sickness that we might learn patience, death that we might be immortalized and glorified?

If all the sick for whom we prayed were healed, if all the righteous were gathered and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith.

Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death, and if these were not, there would also be no joy, success, resurrection, nor eternal life and Godhood.

Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long suffering, and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education. Hebrews 5:8-9 though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

What is the purpose of suffering in our lives?

Elder Harold B. Lee observed: "There is a refining process that comes through suffering . . . that we can't experience any other way than by suffering. We draw closer to Him who gave His life that man might be. We feel a kinship that we have never felt before. He suffered more than we can ever imagine. But to the extent that we have suffered, somehow it seems to have the effect of drawing us closer to the Divine, helps to purify our souls and helps to purge out the things that are not pleasing in the sight of the Lord" (Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996],188).

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted,” said Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God” (quoted in Faith Precedes the Miracle, 98).

In order to gain the comfort associated with the perspective of our eternal existence that President Kimball mentioned, we need to look at mortality as one realm of our eternal existence. We need to remember that we lived prior to mortality and that we will continue to live after this earthly existence.

We know that God’s purpose is clearly defined in Moses 1:39 “ Behold, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of Man”

Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits. As spirit children, we lived with our Heavenly Father and Mother and progressed in becoming like him. As we reached certain limitations in our progress as spirits, Heavenly Father devised a plan that would allow us to continue to progress towards immortality and exaltation and become more like him. This plan was called the Plan of Happiness or the Plan of Salvation. The Plan of happiness provided a path for us to come to earth, to gain physical bodies, to exercise agency, to gain experience and to perform sacred ordinances that qualify us to return to our Heavenly Father.

To assist us in our mortal journeys, God gave us recipes for happiness called commandments, prophets to teach us, scriptures to direct us, the Spirit of Christ to help us discern right from wrong, the Holy Ghost to protect us to comfort us and to help us recognize truth, families to support us and most importantly, the sacrifice of his only begotten Son to atone for our mistakes and lead us back to him.

From the words of Christ at critical junctions in his life, we gain insight into Christ's purpose: To do the will of the Father. The first recorded words of Christ take place in the pre- existence as found in Moses4:2

“ But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me -- Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”

Christ’s Ffrst words in mortality are recorded in Luke 2:49;

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?”

Christ’s last words in mortality are in the JST of

Matt 27:50 “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, saying Father it is finished, thy will is done, yielded up the ghost.”

Christ’s first words as a resurrected being to the ancient American people are recorded in 3 Nephi 11:10 “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.”

How did Christ complete the will of his Father? Through what we call the atonement. The nature of the atonement is explained in

Alma 22:14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king.

Alma 33:22 If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.

The New Testament provides glimpses of what happens after death. We read the words of Christ on the cross in Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

We also read of a realm of existence called the Spirit World in

1 Peter 3:18,1918 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

Fortunately, we have another testament of Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon, that provides more detailed insight after the glimpses of the New Testament.

In Alma 40:11, we read: “ Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection -- Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.”

The Book of Mormon also sheds insight into the resurrection

2 Nephi 9:13 O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect.

Alma 11:43 The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.

44 Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.

We know that as we pass from mortality, we enter a state of peace and rest called Paradise. We then wait for the resurrection where our spirits and perfected bodies will be reunited, where we will be judged for our actions and then permitted to return to our Heavenly Father and live eternally with our families.

Having this understanding assists us in establishing our priorities in mortality. In modern day revelations given to Prophets of God, we learn about our priorities in D&C 130.

In verses 1 and 2, we learn “ When the Savior shall appear we shall see him as he is. We shall see that he is a man like ourselves.

2 And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy” We know that sociality is interpreted to mean our eternal families. Therefore, our most important priority is serving and loving our spouses and children.

In verses 18,19

“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”

In addition to building strong family relationships, we need to constantly seek knowledge and learning. Our experiences in mortality provide us wisdom, knowledge and intelligence. As we have the right priorities, we can prepare for the next phase of our existence and maintain faith and hope in mortality.

Moroni 7:41 And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.

Now I would like to close my remarks with some words to Symmony, Avery, Isaac, Sam and Josh. Two of the most important and influential people in my life experienced what you are experiencing: my mother's mom died when she was 8 and my wife's mom died when she was 10. Both of these young girls used this experience to solidify their faith in the plan of salvation, to strengthen their testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ and to live worthy to be reunited with their loved ones in the presence of God. They both have mentioned that at different times in their lives, they have felt the presence of their mothers just as you will feel the presence of your father. Heavenly Father promises us in

D&C 84:88 “And whoso receive you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”

My mom and your Aunt Terry, Uncle Mike and Aunt Laura used this experience to prioritize their lives and keep a unique perspective about the purpose of life. They lived their lives so that they were worthy to go on missions and marry in the Temple. Their actions have blessed the lives of generations as their children have gone on missions, married in the temple and been blessed by performing the necessary ordinances to prepare to return to their Heavenly Father. Their grandchildren are being raised in the gospel of Jesus Christ. You will have the same opportunities to bless future generations by the refinement that takes place from overcoming this trial in your young livews. As we continue our earthy sojourns, we can look forward and anticipate a wonderful reunion someday with your Father and our other loved ones who preceded us in death. Families are Forever.

2012-01-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Mission P-days revisited with the Great Dalmutti card game
Elders Taniuchi, Nelson, and Kinard at just dance 3
Elders Lottermoser, Gremmert, Ackerman and Sister Drasso
Elders Shurtliff and Nelson
The billiards gang, Elders Lawler, Kinard, Taniuchi, Ackerman, and Miller

2012-01-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

Elder Lottermoser, Gremmert, and Sister Drasso waiting for their turn.
Just Dance 3 was one of the favorite activities
Elder Nielson came to town from Canada and we decided to have a get together with our Returned Missionaries
After basketball, we were joined by Sister Drasso and Elder Clinton who had also recently returned from their missions and were in Provo to start a new semester
This was a good week for seeing missionaries. Elders Lawler and Taniuchi were here from Hawaii, Elder Miller and Elder Ackerman are just starting BYU and Elders Shurtliff and Thurber are back.

2012-01-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

Elder Gandy reported on his mission today. He did a wonderful job. We were joined by Trevor Todd, Rob Lemme and Dallin Christensen
Elder Dadivas and Fukuyasu were passing through Provo so we put together a quick lunch with Elders Allen, Fetters, Jones, Christensen, Fry, Robinson,Taniuchi, Lawler, and Sister Hansen.
Elders Christensen, Fetters, Allen, Taniuchi
Elders Taniuchi, Lawler, Sister Hansen, Elder Robinson and his wife.
Elder Taniuchi and Elder Jones and his wife DaRae's baby, Ty

2012-01-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas lights with our oldest daughter Jordan and her family
Our family photo in our field behind our house
Our library family photo
Basketball with Dallin Christensen, Andy Geslison and his brother (who was called to the Sapporo Mission)
We were able to attend the Manti Temple with all of our children (with the exception of Shannon who babysat). It was the first time I had been inside the temple since I was a little boy and was sealed to my family after my father converted. My great great grandfather also worked on the Temple after he immigrated to Utah from Denmark.

2011-12-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day after church with the entire family
The future BYU football team
Christmas morning
The traditional stair photo prior to opening presents
Our Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve.

2011-12-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

Our entire family were able to visit the lights at Temple Square
The nativity at Temple Square
Elders Rob Lemme and Trevor Todd joined us for a card game.
Kristen's birthday party at the rock climbing wall
Sisters Imoto and Ishida and Elders Kobayashi and Fukuyasu at the Fukuoka Temple.

2011-12-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

Tyson, Brennen and Easton having fun in our bathtub
Entire family with the exception of Megan and Tanner's family. They will be here this week. We are excited to all be together for the first time in over three years.
Jacob Gremmert joined one of our family dinners.
Kristen's birthday is on the 20th and my birthday was on the 13th. We had our joint family dinner today.
McKay Jacobson and his wife Kim came over on my birthday night. McKay gave me a BYU football signed by the members of the football team. It was a great birthday.

2011-12-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

My son, Ryan, and I were able to attend a BYU basketball game with Elder Ackerman. It was fun to catch up about the mission and hear what a wonderful job the Evans are doing.
Elder Bryan Anderson got engaged this week. They are getting married in April.
Sister Saito's engagement photos are beautiful. She will be getting married in January. Elder Naganuma and Sister Tsuji will also be getting married in January.
Elder Tashiro and Sister Nozomi on a double date with two of our other missionaries: Sister Ujike and Elder Kaneko
Elder Tashiro's grandmother was baptized. Sister Ishida and Nozomi are also in the photo. Wonderful news for the Tashiro family.

2011-12-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Elder Mauai and his wife Jasminn With Elders Sakahashi and Christian.

Activity #6 The BYU UofH football game with Elders Lawler, Nakama and Taniuchi

Elder Eror with his wife Brittney

2011-12-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

Elders Nakama, Lawler and Taniuchi with Elder Christian's girlfriend Christy?
Josh and Sister Uchida Bennison with one of their friends (future date of Elder Nakama). I helped him with his commitment and planning skills.
We have known Casey and Derrick Boss since they were born. Our families have been intertwined ever since. They are both preparing for their missions and studying at BYU H
Activity #5 of the reunion. 8 of our missionaries, three spouses and two girlfriends.
Our last activity of the reunion was a dinner hosted by Jason Mauai. Elders Sakahashi, Christian, Mauai, Taniuchi Sister Uchida Bennison and Elder Nakama sitting. Elder Lawler and Eror standing. We missed Elders Urata, Naganuma and Sister Tsuji at the dinner but we were able to see them at other activities.

2011-12-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

Mission Reunion activity #4 Beach and surfing with Elders Taniuchi, Lawler, Nakama, Christian and Elder Christian's girlfriend, Christy.
The ocean in front of the Temple at Laiei
Mission Reunion Activity #2 (#3 was basketball but we forgot to take a picture) Elder Naganuma and Sister Tsuji (who are engaged) Sister Uchida now Bennison with husband Josh and Elders Nakama and Taniuchi. Great hamburgers and coconut/macadamia shrimp at Kahuku Grill.
Activity #1 Temple session with Elder Nakama, Sister Uchida Bennison and Josh
Pearl Harbor with Shannon. USS Missouri in the background

2011-11-27T22:46:00.000-08:00

With our wonderful friends, Jerry and Cindy Pratt. While we were serving in Hokkaido, we kept thinking how nice it would be when we could just relax at a nice beach with a good book and wonderful friends. Four months later, we finally realized the dream. We are looking forward to Friday when we get to see all of our missionaries that we served with in Sapporo who are currently in Hawaii.
Shannon with Alexa Pratt
Dinner at the beach with the Pratts and Siedels.

2011-11-27T22:37:00.000-08:00

The view off the balcony of the Ko Olina Beach Villa Condos. We are the guests of our friends, the Pratts, and it is wonderful to be back in Hawaii.
One of the typical sunsets in Hawaii
Ko Olina beach with Shannon
First evening after we arrived in Hawaii

2011-11-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

Since we have been home, we have been joined by many of our missionaries returning to their homes: the first group was Shaya Muir, Chelsea Blyle, Taylor Taniuchi and Bryce Shurtliff . The next wave included Rie Imoto followed by Ryo Kashima and Naoto Takashima. This month, Parker Ackerman, Raymond Clinton, Reece Butler, Hironori Kobayashi, Yurika Niiyama and Katherine Gingrich returned. You see all of the wonderful missionaries come home and you wonder how the work will continue. It is amazing to see the younger missionaries step up and fill the void. The work moves on and the Lord is always preparing his next group of leaders. We are looking forward to having a reunion with our returned missionaries.

We have a number of mission engagements and we are excited to see so many of our missionaries move on with the most important decisions in their lives. This week, Elder Luke Brown from Australia announced his engagement. We also received an invitation to the wedding of Heidee Beaven - Australia is on a roll. In the USA, Steven Raymond was recently engaged. We also have another mission couple: Shinji Naganuma and Mariko Tsuji are engaged and will be married in Japan and then return to BYU Hawaii. Kaori Saito will be getting married in January and Sayako Kaneko will be married in March. We are excited for all of these engagements and look forward to the weddings.

2011-11-20T21:13:00.000-08:00

Elder Daniel Dickson joined us for the last BYU home football game of the season. It started at 8:15 at night and the temperature was 30 degrees at kick 0ff. Despite the cold and lateness, it is always fun to spend time with our missionaries and support our other Elder, McKay Jacobson, in his last home football game. I will be able to see him play in Hawaii for his last regular season game. I was also able to have lunch with Sister Ellie Hansen this week but we forgot to take a photo.
Since we are leaving the day after Thanksgiving for Hawaii and that is usually when we put up our Christmas tree, Sister Daniels got an early start this year.

2011-11-20T21:05:00.000-08:00

We received another winter snowstorm this week. We will be going to Hawaii this coming week so that will provide a short reprieve from the cold.
Lauren and Ryan are teaching at the MTC and did not get off work in time to make the family dinner. They did join the party festivities afterwards.
We had a birthday party to celebrate Shannon's 18th birthday. She was accepted to BYU and will enroll in January.
Shannon loves nothing bundt cakes from SLC so she was happy with her birthday cake
Terry presenting the birthday cake to Shannon.

2011-11-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

This weekend we drove to Southern California. We listened to "The Hunger Games" on tape and it seemed like a very short drive. We spent Friday and Saturday in Santa Barbara with the Eltons. It was rainy on Friday but Saturday was nice enough to play tennis and ultimate frisbee. We then drove to Laguna Beach on Saturday and met up with our dear friends, The Allens. As you can see from the photo after church, the weather has been beautiful. It is always nice to get away from the cold weather in Utah.

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Our little boy Ryan, turned 22 on the 10th. We are into our birthday week in our family: We celebrated Ryan's birthday by having lunch at Tucanos, Megan will be 26 on the 15th. We came to California to celebrate ( Although I am flying back to Utah before the party) and Shannon will turn 18 on the 17th. Hopefully, she and Terry will drive home safely so we can celebrate her birthday. She was recently accepted to BYU and is going to began her university education in January.
Lauren took these photos of our oldest daughter, Jordan, and her family in our back yard (field)
Daughters #3 and 1 (Megan and Jordan) went to the premier of Twilight in Los Angeles this past week.
Kristen and Will went on a temple excursion to the Frankfurt temple this past week
Another mission grand-daughter. Congratulations to Tom and Yasumi Shrack on the birth of their daughter

2011-11-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Since I didn't have Halloween pictures of Terry and Kristen, we inserted this photo from their recent trip to Portugal
Dallin Christensen uploaded his profile of mormon.org with I am a mormon campaign
Ellie Hansen enjoying Halloween with some of her friends
Brett Smith's halloween costume
Chelsea Blyle with her ward at a Halloween party (or food fight)

2011-11-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

Our oldest daughter, Jordan, with our only grand-daughter Camryn.
Our third daughter, Megan, with Tanner, Eli, and Isaac
Our son, Ryan (the fortune teller) and fourth daughter Lauren with the lets do lunch sign
Our fifth daughter, Shannon, getting ready for the Halloween festivities
Grandpa Daniels with Camryn, Easton, Tyson and Brennen. We accounted for most of the family at Halloween. I am not sure if they celebrate in Paris since I couldn't find any photos of Kristen and Will.

2011-10-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Obviously, the biggest news of this past week was the groundbreaking for the Sapporo Temple. As you can see from the map, the new mission home will also be located on the temple grounds.
What a blessing for the Saints in Hokkaido. We were so excited when the temple was announced approximately two years ago. We thought for sure that we would be there for the groundbreaking and hoped for the dedication as well. Unfortunately, we had already returned when they broke the ground. We were able to assist with the preparation and site selection which was an experience that we will always treasure. We do plan to return for the dedication of the temple. Each missionary who served in Sapporo help lay the foundation of this temple. I am grateful for all of the young men and women that we had the privilege to serve with us as well as all of the Mission Presidents and missionaries that preceded us.

2011-10-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

Since Shannon was out of school for a couple of days this past week, Lauren and Ryan worked their schedules to join us on a hike in Zions National Park
Although it was a beautiful Fall day, most of the narrows hike is in the water and unfortunately, the water was freezing. It was still an amazing hike and one that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Zions National Park
Lauren, Shannon and I went to see KA in Las Vegas. We highly recommend it.
Since Terry, Megan and Kristen were all together in Paris this past week, the rest of us didn't want to be left out. Kristen can see the Arc de Triumph from her apartment in Paris. Amazingly, we could see it from our hotel in Las Vegas.

2011-10-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Elder Miller and his date, Tiffany, came and had dinner with us
four of our children four of our grandchildren and our son in law enjoying Sunday evening together.
Shannon and our only granddaughter, Camryn.
Our view off our back deck.
Our backyard with some of the natural wildlife.

2011-10-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready to finish our barn
Sister Daniels and I planted fruit trees on Saturday.
Although we miss the Fall colors of Park City, Mapleton isn't too bad either.
Our Okinawa missionaries on an outing: Elder Dadivas and Elder Yoza
We aren't sure what Sister Kyoda and Elder Dadivas are doing

2011-10-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

Many of our missionaries are pursuing their education at BYU Hawaii. Sister Kitayama is from Hokkaido but served in our mission for a transfer (She is in the middle). Elder Naganuma (back row 2nd from left and Elder Urata (back row 2nd from right) are also our returned missionaries in Hawaii. We are excited to see them next month.
Thomas and Yasumi Shrack are expecting our mission grandbaby. We are anxious for the arrival.

2011-10-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

One of our missionaries, Jacob Gremmert getting the details of Shannon's homecoming date as she is explaining the event to her siblings.
Shannon's first homecoming dance
A surprise birthday party for our daughter Jordan.
Our oldest daughter Jordan turned 30 this past week. Shannon, Ryan and my mother joined the birthday celebration.
Our theater room provides a pretty good way to watch General Conference

2011-10-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

Elders David Chang and Paul Handy (with his date) at our mini reunion
A wicked billiards game with Elders Rob Lemme, Trevor Todd, and Kevin Thurber. Congratulations to Elder Todd who joins Sisters McIntyre and Hansen, Elders Thurber and Gremmert teaching at the MTC.
Elders Hilton, Fry, Lottermoser and Sister Lottermoser (formerly Sister White)
Elders Crompton and Jensen in a dance off
Sapporo mini-mission reunion. Sitting: Elders Thurber, Gremmert, Crompton, Lemme, Jensen. Standing: Sister Hansen, Elders Lazenby, Chang, Hilton, Park, Pehrson, Leatham, Fry, Handy, Todd and the Lottermosers

2011-10-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Stephen and DaRae Jones and the birth of their son
We were able to attend the Saturday morning session of conference with our daughters, Shannon and Lauren
We were able to meet Sister Saito from Tomakomai at the Conference Center. She was with Elder Todd and Robinson (Trevor and Scott). We attended her baptismal service over a year ago. She mentioned that when she was first contacted by the missionaries, she was extremely busy and couldn't meet. Although she was curious about their message, she informed the missionaries that if they would contact her in May (six months later) she would have time to listen. In the interim, she wondered if she had made a mistake by not listening to them but she was confident that these were the type of young men that would keep their commitment. Fortunately, they kept the record in their area book and contacted her in May. She was attracted by the light she saw in the eyes of the missionaries. When she attended church for the first time, she found the same light in the faces of the members. She was subsequently baptized, went to the temple and is now on a church history tour in the United States. It is wonderful to see members blossom in the gospel.
Our pirate shot from inside the conference center
We were able to play golf with Sister Alicia Drasso's father, John. He was representing his company recruiting at BYU. They have a wonderful family with seven children and three are currently serving missions: Alicia in Sapporo and twin sons in Russia and Ukraine.

2011-09-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

Better late than never. Brandon Allen and his wify Amy.

2011-09-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tyrie Vella and the birth of his daughter Jaycee.
Another photo courtesy of Dan Nelson. Kumamoto Castle with Sisters Mimaki, Kyoda, Ikari and Elder Yoza
We went atv riding up Maple Canyon outside of Fountain Green, Utah
The fall colors are just starting to change

2011-09-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite Utah activities is to watch BYU Football games. We especially enjoyed the game against UCF since we were able to watch the game with Ellie Hansen and Brett and Caitlin Smith. One of our other missionaries was playing on the field: McKay Jacobson
At the Utah game with our three daughters: Lauren, Shannon and Megan.
Provo has beautiful sunsets and this was no exception.
Lunch with Megan and Tanner and our oldest daughter Jordan. We had five of our six grandchildren (Tyson was still in school).
The first BYU football game with Lauren, Shannon, Megan, Tanner. Too bad we were embarrassed by University of Utah on our home field

2011-09-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Since this blog entry is dedicated to weddings, I thought I would include a photo taken 31 years ago today at the Los Angeles Temple when I married the girl of my dreams. It has been a wonderful 31 years.
Some of the Sapporo Missionaries gathering prior to Elder Tashiro and Sister Kawachi's wedding. Brothers Yoza and Nielson and Sisters Kyoda, Mimaki and Ikari
We wish we could attend all of our missionaries' weddings. This one is uniquely special since both Elder Tashiro and Sister Kawachi served in our mission. Some of our missionaries in attendance were Elders Nelson, Hattori, Suzuki, Yoza, Semba, Sisters Kyoda, Ikari, Ishida, Mimaki.
If I could have arranged marriages, this is one that I would have arranged.
A little late post from Jonathan and Bree Taylor's wedding at the Mesa Temple in Arizona.

2011-09-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon at the Daniels watching the BYU/Texas Football game and celebrating Brennen's birthday. Front row: Tyson, Easton, Brennen, Jordan, Camryn and Matt Merrell. Back row: Amber and Scott Robinson, Stephen and Madison Lottermoser, Bryan Anderson and friend, Frederick Rohlfing, Dallin Christensen, Andy Gesslison, Paul Handy, Taylor and Cameron Collins.

2011-09-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Provo Temple with Scott and Amber Robinson, Erika McIntyre and Dallin Christensen
Our grandson, Brennen's fourth birthday party with many of our returned missionaries
Zuppas after the temple with Stephen and Madison Lottermoser, Frederick Rohlfing, Erika McIntryre, Scott and Amber Robinson
Outside of the Provo Temple
Morgan Willis and Dallin Christensen visited my office at BYU. Morgan is getting ready to start school at BYU Idaho. Dallin attends BYU Provo

2011-09-04T20:10:00.001-07:00

In addition to photos, I will try to keep our sight updated with news of our missionaries. This will be good English practice for our Japanese missionaries. We were able to spend a lot of time with many of our missionaries this week. On Friday, I played golf with Andrew Poulson and John Fetters. I then went wake boarding with Rob Lemme. On Saturday, we watched the BYU Football game at our house and had a barbeque. I should have taken a photo but I forgot. I hope I remember everyone who attended: Daniel Lawler, Miles Nelson and wife, Daniel Jankowski and wife, Stephen Jones and wife, Bryan Anderson and girlfriend, Rob Lemme and brother, Tommy Crompton, Naoki Akasaka, Braden Kinard, Dallin Christensen, Paul Handy. Jacob Gremmert and his mother and brother and Chelsea Blyle came to the barbeque. It was great to see everyone. We excused Jonathan Taylor since he was getting married in the Mesa Temple. We wish we could have been there.

We were able to go to the temple wedding receptions for Scott Robinson and Brandon Allen. It is wonderful to see our missionaries move forward with their lives with education, marriage, work and a continued dedication to the gospel.

2011-09-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

I still love to go wakeboarding whenever I can.
Our daughter Kristen, and her husband Will, visited us from Paris. Ryan joined us to watch Tyson's football game.
McKay Jacobson invited us to go four wheeling with him at Fountain Green. It was a great time.
We were able to attend the temple with Rob Lemme, Frederick Rohlfing, Dan Nelson and his mom.
We added a library to our house when we moved in.

2011-09-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

Our unsuccessful boat outing with Bryan Anderson, Taylor Taniuchi, Andrew Poulson, Nainoa Christian, Frederick Rohlfing. The boat died in the middle of Utah Lake and we had to be rescued by the coast guard. It was still wonderful to spend time with the missionaries.
One of our boating excursions to Utah Lake
Sister Daniels parents and their entire posterity minus our third daughter Megan and her family.
Our family loves Lake Powell and we were able to take a trip there this summer.
Playing golf with McKay Jacobson

2011-09-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

Our family (minus Kristen and Will in Paris) a couple of weeks after we returned home
family fun at the park
The first of many Sapporo Mission Reunions. We are fortunate to be close to BYU and UVU where many of our missionaries attend school.
Our Utah family (our oldest daughter, Jordan and her husband Matt), live about 10 minutes away
The Daniels Family gathering our first weekend home

2011-07-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

Serving in the Japan Sapporo Mission for the past three years has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of our lives. It has been an honor and privilege to work with the wonderful missionaries that were called to serve with us. Each one of them touched our hearts and contributed to our happiness. We are grateful that relationships are eternal and we will be able to continue our association. It is sad to say goodbye to all of our missionaries, church members and friends in Hokkaido. However we are excited to be reunited with our family and begin writing the next chapter in our lives. We appreciate all of the prayers, love and support over the past three years. Our love and prayers will always be with you.

President and Sister Daniels

2011-07-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome home in SLC with four of our six children and four of our six grandchildren
Joyful reunion at SLC Airport
Wonderful to see our children again
Family welcome
First greeting at SLC airport by Brennen and Easton

2011-07-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning mini zone conference in Tokyo with our returned missionaries and some of our missionaries' families
Friday evening Returned Missionary reunion in Tokyo
Friday afternoon trek to Kamakura
Friday morning sports at Kichijoji
Volunteer work in the Sendai area

2011-07-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

Dinner with the Sendai Missionaries
A warm welcome to President and Sister Evans
President and Sister Evans began the next era for the Japan Sapporo Mission
Final dinner with the missionaries at the mission home
Sad farewell to our wonderful missionaries

2011-07-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

Our Missionaries serving in Sapporo
Our final devotional at the Temple site
Farewell send off from Elders Ashimine and Takahashi
Last p-day activity with the missionaries serving in Sapporo
Elder McKay Jacobson came back to visit with his family

2011-07-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Final fireside with the Sapporo Nishi Stake Presidency: Presidents Funajima, Domon, Morita
Current and former Stake Presidents in Hokkaido
Morning Sports
Tonkatsu lunch with the office staff: Elders Takeda, Christy and our temps: Sisters Niiyama and Onoue
Hakodate Zone on top of Hakodate yama

2011-06-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hakodate night view
Hakodate Zone at the top of Goryokaku tower
The last samurai fort with a moat in the shape of a pentagon
Lunch with the Rosses
Sisters tackling a Hakodate burger

2011-06-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Missionary lunch at Lucky Pierrot
Elder Kakishita's bean shower with Elder Taniuchi
Morning football with the Hakodate Zone
Sister Masuda inflicted a serious flesh wound on President Daniels
Sisters Saito, Masuda, Taneda, Gingrich

2011-06-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Receiving a Father's day present from Sister Taneda
Elders Butler, Kawasaki and Sisters Masuda and Taneda making Father's day dinner
Hakodate Ward
Hakodate meal
Elder and Sister Ross with Sisters Masuda and Saito

2011-06-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Morning sports with Elders Ackerman, Kawahara, Christy, Takeda, Sisters Blyle, Onoue, Masuda, Arashiyama, Saito
Lunch with the sisters at Sisters exchange.
Morning sports with Sisters Blyle and Willis
Dinner with the Rosses, Sisters Etchu, Arashiyama, Saito, Masuda, Elders Powell, Hatch, Takeda, Christy
Morning sports at Maruyama

2011-06-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

Baptismal Service for Brother Hashimoto. Missionaries: Sisters Nishimura, Matsuki, Elders Kobayashi, Ashimine, Ackerman, Clinton, Newton, Kawahara
Sisters Nishimura and Matsuki fixed dinner for us.
The Asahikawa Elders saying their last goodbye to us (very sad) We are not sure why they are all smiling
Badminton outing with the Asahikawa Zone
Elders Tamashiro, Gandy. Sisters Muir, Kishi. Standing: Elders Kobayashi, Morimoto, Tomura, Takatsuka, Ackerman, Endsley, Kashima, Kawahara, Kogure, Maejima

2011-06-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Life doesn't get much better when Baskin Robbins is involved.
Asahikawa Zone Dinner with Sisters Kishi, Muir, Elders Ackerman, Endsley, Kogure, Maejima, Kashima, Tamashiro, Moritmoto, Gandy
Elder Kashima and Maejima made dinner for everyone.
Obihiro Zone; Sisters Drasso, Imoto. Elders Kobayashi, Shiki, Shurtliff, Haraguchi, Huefner, Ackerman, Kawahara
Brothers Uehara, Kawakami, Elders Ackerman, Kobayashi

2011-06-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

Elders Shiki, Shurtliff, Winegar
Elders Haraguchi, Kawahara, and Sister Drasso
Sisters Kado, Imoto, Elder Huefner
Obihiro Zone P-day park golf outing
Real Golf Outing - what a great p-day

2011-06-23T22:25:00.000-07:00

Sister Drasso showing compassion to Sister Imoto on the golf course
Naze Fireside in Obihiro
District Relief Society presented us a gift of hand stitched cranes on a blanket
Kushiro Branch Conference
Summer Dance festival in Sapporo

2011-06-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

Early morning seminary scripture mastery challenge with the Kotoni and Teine Wards
Atsubetsu Zone
New missionary shower with Sisters Willis, Nishimura, Blyle and Matsuki
Specialized training meeting photo op
Early morning sports Ackerman, Kawahara, Takeda, Christy, Arashiyama, Masuda, Saito, Etchu

2011-06-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Sister Etchu, Elders Yanez, Clinton, Kobayashi
Whoops
Sister Arashiyama, Elders Newton, Ashimine
Elder Tuttle , Sister Saito
Sister Masuda, Elders Ackerman, Kawahara, Stoddard

2011-06-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

P-day bowling
lunch with Sisters Onoue, Willis, Nishimura, Niiyama, Matsuki, Blyle
Lunch with Elders Shibata, Hatch, Powell, Lawry
Sisters Nishimura, Onoue and Elder Hatch
Sister Daniels favorite part of golf

2011-06-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

Another P-day golf outing
Free golf instruction
Dinner with Elders Hatch, Powell, Lawry, Shibata
Elders Takatsuka, Endsley and Sisters Imoto, Arashiyama, Nishimura, Matsuki
Iwamizawa Branch

2011-06-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sisters Niiyama and Onoue had us over to their apartment for dinner
early morning volleyball
Zone Leader Council Meeting
The Zone Leaders showing the ties of all of the missionaries who have served with us these past three years
bicycle safety and Elders showing off the latest in mamacharis

2011-06-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Flowers at Maruyama Park
Early morning exercise with Sisters Saito, Masuda, Elders Kawahara, Shiki, Butler, Shurtliff, Ackerman, Kawasaki
I am not sure what was going on there
Morning Football
Lunch with the Shinoro District: Elders Jensen, Roberston, Stoddard, Yanez and Sisters Willis and Blyle

2011-06-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

Real golf outing with Sisters Saito, Masuda, Arashiyama, Etchu Elders Ross, Kawahara, Ackerman, Takeda, Christy
Some one needs to tell Elder Ackerman that cell phones are not allowed on golf courses
First time golfers
The first tee
group lesson before teeing off

2011-06-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

P-day volleyball
Elders Hatch, Powell and Dadivas
Sisters Arashiyama, Etchu, Nishimura, Matsuki
The Rosses with Sisters Onoue and Niiyama
Elders Clinton, Ashimine, Ackerman

2011-06-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

Sisters Matsuki, Nishimura and Elders Nishijima and Bellows at a Naze Fireside
Chris Dadivas and his mother came to visit us. Elder Dadivas returned to Okinawa in December
Elders Kobayashi, Lawry, Kashima, Sisters Masuda, Saito, Kishi, Muir
Asahikawa II Ward after our atonement fireside.
After four years of attending church, Memu finally turned 20 and was able to be baptized

2011-06-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

Morning sports with Elders Powell, Ackerman, Hatch, Christy, Kawahara, Takeda, Sisters Etchu, Arashiyama, Saito, Masuda
Brother Kobayashi was baptized in the Kotoni Ward. Sisters Niiyama and Onoue taught him.
Sad airport farewell to Sisters Hori, Kado, McCready and Elders McCready and Woodrow
Missionaries helping us sort through ties
The McCreadys receiving their going away present from the missionaries

2011-06-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

Farewell dinner for Sisters Kato, Hori, Elder Woodrow and Elder and Sister McCready
Lunch at one of our favorite restaurants that just opened a store in Hokkaido - Osho no gyoza
Missionaries with the McCreadys at the transfer spot.
Sisters Imoto, Kado, Elders Haraguchi, Woodrow, Yanez, Stoddard, Sisters Muir, Nishimura, Matsuki

2011-06-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

Transfer spot with Elders Taniuchi, Yanez, Kakishita, Tamashiro, Haraguchi, Ackerman, Kobayashi, Ashimine, Clinton, Lowry, Kawahara, Turner, Takatsuka
Elder and Sister Ross, McCready and the Danies with Sisters Hori and Drasso
Morning exercise with the new missionaries, trainers and some of the local missionaries
Morning ultimate football
Another beautiful morning in Sapporo

2011-06-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

The final tie cutting - our own
A warm welcome to our new missionaries by doing their departing tie cutting
New Missionaries and trainers
Sisters Nishimura, Arashiyama, the Rosses. Standing: Elders Hatch, Nishijima, Kakishita
Our new office couple, the Rosses. They are both RMs from Japan and a wonderful addition to our mission

2011-06-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

Coming back from our orientation hike
Beautiful view of Sapporo behind us
Maruyama hike with the new missionaries

There are little statues on the hiking trail

2011-06-02T05:34:00.000-07:00

New Missionary Orientation with Trainers: Sisters Arashiyama, Etchu, Nishimura, Matsuki, Elders Bellows, Nishijima, Ackerman, Kakishita, Kawahara, Taniuchi, Hatch, Powell
Bonding time for Sister Daniels and Sister Matsuki
Heading off for their 8 hour train ride back to Sendai
Elders Robbins, Fukuta, Powell, Kameya
Saying goodbye to our remaining Sendai Missionaries

2011-06-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

A sad goodbye to our missionaries returning to Sendai
Elders Ikeda, Aiura,Kobayashi, Andrus, Dick, Ellsworth, Taniuchi
We welcomed five new missionaries to our mission: Sisters Arashiyama, Nishimura and Elders Nishijima, Kakishita and Hatch
Elders Narita and Holbrook were the first to leave in this wave of missionaries.
Sisters Tanaka, Willis, Erika, and Saito with a departing present song

2011-05-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

Morning sports with a lot of missionaries
Tie cutting of the Asahikawa Zone
Another nourishing meal at specialized training meeting

The Asahikawa Zone p-day excursion

2011-05-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

1,000,000 tulips

Elders Maejima, Kashima, Taylor, Morimoto, Tomura
Elders Gandy, Ikeda, Stoddard, Kogure
Sisters Muir, Dotson, Imoto, Kado

2011-05-27T01:35:00.000-07:00

Tulip Farm with 1,000,000 tulips. P-day activity with the Asahikawa Zone
P-Day basketball with Sisters Saito, Tanaka, Willis Semba and Matsuda. Elders Robbins, Kameya, Holbrook, Powell, Fukuta
Volleyball with Sisters Saito, Taneda, Elders Holbrook, Taniuchi, Yamatani, Shinno. Standing Sisters Niiyama, Onoue, Elders Lay, Kawahara, Lawry, Christy, Ackerman, Ovard
Who said you can't touch the net
Sapporo Nishi Stake President Domon and his family.

2011-05-27T01:27:00.000-07:00

Part of the Moiwa Ward
Bishop Irie hosted a meal for us and asked us to answer questions from the members
Sisters Matsuki and Maki's investigator, Brother Watanabe, was baptized in Ebetsu
Sisters Matsuki, Blyle, Murase, Maki demonstrating their talent at the ward talent show
Double date with Mai Hattanda and Brother Nishio (who has a baptismal date)

2011-05-24T03:03:00.000-07:00

Park Golf with Sisters Semba, Tanaka, Willis, Saito, Hori, Matsuda, Etchu and Elders Clinton and Page
Sisters Tanaka, Saito, Matsuda, Willis and Semba with their desert.
The Chuo Sisters invited us to their apartment for dinner.
Lunch with the Obihiro Zone
Obihiro Zone lunch restaurant specialized in eels. As you can see, they were very fresh. We opted for the pork dish.

2011-05-24T02:57:00.000-07:00

Bean shower for Elder Oikawa at the Obihiro Training Meeting
Obihiro Zone tie cutting: Sitting: Sisters Tauira, Drasso, Elders Ellsworth, Endsley, Ackerman, Second Row: Elders Hiltbrand, Winegar, Oikawa, Kobayashi, Aiura, Shiki, Top Row: Kobayashi, Huefner, Shurtliff, Mitsuda, Peterson, Bigger
Early morning sports with Elders Oikawa, Aiura, Winegar, Huefner, Kobayashi, Ackerman, Kobayashi, Sisters Drasso, Tauira.
Teine Zone Tie Cutting
Odori Zone Tie Cutting

2011-05-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

Odori and Teine Zones signing ties
Sisters after tie cutting: Hori, Tanaka, Etchu, Sumikawa, Sato, Onoue, Kishi, Saito, Taneda, Niiyama, Semba, Matsuda
Breakfast guests: Sister Etchu and Hori
Tulips are in bloom
Check out Sister Semba's face and then notice where the ball is. I think you can put the pieces together.

2011-05-24T02:42:00.000-07:00

Morning football at the park
The Eniwa Elders: Ashimine, Tamashiro, Lundell, and Turner had us, the McCreadys and the Rosses over for dinner
The Elders fixed taco rice and thai food. It was delicious.
The Atsubetsu Zone tie cutting aftermath: Front row: the Fujis, Sisters Blyle, Murase, Second row: Elders Turner, Ashimine, Lundell, Ellis, Sister Matsuki, Maki. Back row: Elders Kobayashi, Kawahara, Narita, Dick, Tamashiro, Takatsuka, Dowdy
Atsubetsu returning Sendai Missionaries: Elders Dick, Dowdy, Ellis, Lundell, Narita, Sisters Murase, Maki

2011-05-24T02:36:00.000-07:00

Sad sayonara to two returning missionaries: Elders Benson and Allen
Beautiful view of Sapporo a walking distance from the mission home
Sendai Missionaries returning back from the Hakodate Zone: Elders Benson, Kendall, Woodrow, Yuasa, Lay and Sister Bennett
Tie cutting ceremony for the entire zone
Signing ties

2011-05-24T02:29:00.000-07:00

Hakodate Zone Specialized Training Meeting
Elders Kendall, Ackerman, Yuasa, Shibata playing 500
Hakodate Zone P-day. Elders Kawasaki, Shibata, Yuasa, Ackerman, Kendall, Woodrow, Brother Saito, Elders Endo, Taniuchi, Butler, Migita, Sisters Bennett, Gingrich
Park Golf with the Hakodate Zone
Park Golf with some of the Sendai Missionaries before they return next week: Elders Holbrook, Fukuta, Kameya, Allen, Ovard, Robbins, Allen, Shinno, Lawry, Sisters Tehei, Sumikawa, Kishi, Kumagai

2011-05-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

Elders Ackerman and Clinton with members and investigators at the naze fireside
Sisters Onoue, Niiyama and Semba
Sisters Matsuki, Willis, Matsuda, Onoue, Taneda, Saito, Semba
Meeting with new converts at the Sapporo Nishi Stake Conference
Morning sports

2011-05-20T23:34:00.000-07:00

Morning sports with Sisters Hori, Etchu, Elders Holbrook, Ackerman, Robbins, Allen, Fukuta, Kameya
We were able to see two of our returned missionary sisters when we attended the Mission Presidents Seminar in Tokyo: Sisters Mayama and Saito
Elder and Sister Costa and Elder and Sister Stevenson greeting our missionaries
Missionaries preparing to sing "Called to Serve" when the General Authorities arrived.
Mission Conference with Elder and Sister Costa and Elder and Sister Stevenson

2011-05-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

Sisters Niiyama, Matsuki, Blyle, Taneda, Saito, Etchu, Drasso, Tehei
Sisters Conference eating hawaiian haystacks
Sisters' dinner at the mission home
Maruyama Park
President and Sister Daniels

2011-05-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

Sisters Drasso, Tehei, Kishi, Gingrich and Saito enjoying the views of Sapporo
The Japan Sapporo Mission Sisters at the top of Maruyama
Sisters Kishi, Tanaka, Sumikawa, Kado, Imoto, Semba
Sisters Hori, Etchu, Saito, Willis, Matsuki, Taneda, Taiura, Bennett
Sisters Tehei, Gingrich, Dotson, Drasso, Blyle

2011-05-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

Sisters Bennett, Sumikawa, Hori, Semba, Etchu
Sisters Murase, Maki, Sato
Sisters Saito, Onoue, Matsuda, Niiyama, Kumagai, Tanaka
Sisters hike up to the top of Maruyama
Enjoying the cherry blossoms.

2011-05-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Sisters P-day at Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Jinja
Cherry Blossoms are finally out in Sapporo
The large tori gates designate Shinto shrines through out Japan
Elder and Sister McCready made tacos for all of the missionaries, their friends, and members.

2011-05-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

P-day sports with Sisters Sato, Taiura, Taneda, Drasso, Niiyama, Onoue, Elders Shinno, Taniuchi, Lawry, Ovard, Ackerman, Allen
Ice cream with Sisters Gringrich, Drasso, Taiura, Bennett
Sister Daniels receiving some love from the missionaries for Mothers Day
Obihiro Missionaries: Elders Kobayashi, Aiura, Winegar, Sisters Drasso and Taiura
Obihiro Ward

2011-05-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Sister Watanabe's baptismal service at the Higashi Ward
The cherry blossoms finally arrived
Leadership training photo
Sister Semba, Tanaka, and Saito with their version of morning exercise
Maruyama park with the cherry blossoms and morning exercise

2011-05-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

Morning football at the Leadership Training Meeting
Breaking the signs during our football game
Leadership Training Meeting
Role Playing at leadership training meeting
Morning basketball with Elders Kobayashi, Kashima, Ovard, Lawry, Taylor, Winegar, Shurtliff, Shiki, Taniuchi, Kawasaki, Butler

2011-05-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Zone Leader Council. Front row: Bella, Elders Ovard, Kawasaki, Takashima, Andrus, Shiki. Back row: Elders Shurtliff, Taniuchi, Woodrow, Taylor, Ackerman, Lawry, Kawahara, Narita, Kashima
Life is good. Cafe Rio pork tacos
Morning sports with Odori Sisters and Moiwa Elders
District lunch with Sisters Willis, Saito, Tanaka. Elders Takeda, Holbrook, Taniuchi, Ackerman, and Urata.
Spring cleaning with Elders Ackerman and Taniuchi

2011-05-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

P-day volleyball
Bowling with two of our returned missionaries: Brothers Urata and Shoji
Our second wave of returning missionaries to Niigata. First row: Elders Ruefenacht, Juchau, Taniuchi, Suzuki, Ackerman, Sakamoto. Top Row: Sisters Yoshida, Beaven, Elders Price, Takei, Guevara, Carthew
Tie cutting for Sisters Beaven and Yoshida
Tie cutting ceremony in the airport.

2011-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Our first group of Sendai Missionaries returning to Aomori. We will miss them. Front row: Sisters Furukawa, Onda, Yoshizawa, Asato, Elders Kaneko, Kurita. Back row: Elders Cannon, Taylor, Warren, Suzuki, Tanaka, Shaw
Improvised tie cutting ceremony and Sapporo Train Station
Sisters on their way home to the Sendai Mission.
Morning Sports
Morning sports with the tough missionaries

2011-05-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

We had over 80 people attend our last naze fireside
Sisters Tanaka, Murase, Masuda, Blyle, Saito, Onoue
Elders Kobayashi, Narita, Allen, Takeda, Kaneko, Ackerman
Sisters Yoshizawa, Semba, Asato, Masuda, Sumikawa, Kishi
Lots of missionaries and investigators at the last naze fireside

2011-05-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

Elder Taniuchi and Sisters Maki, Matsuki
Elders Robertson, Carthew, Andrus
Sisters Niiyama, Murase, Blyle, Saito, Tanaka, Onoue, Koyama
Sunday Dinner Sisters Onoue, Niiyama, Sato, Taneda and Elders Robbins, Christy
Sisters Kumagai, Tehei, Sumikawa, Kishi, Niiyama, Onoue Elders Ackerman, Holbrook, Takeda, Allen

2011-05-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

Shinkotoni Ward Visit
The Ebetsu Sisters invited us to their apartment for a delicious meal. Sisters Maki, Matsuki, Blyle and Murase
First park golf outing of the year with Sisters Onda, Furukawa, and Elders Taylor and Shaw
Elder Kaneko's last morning sports with the Sapporo Missionaries
Surprise birthday party for Sister Etchu with Sisters Hori, Onda, Furukawa

2011-05-12T05:52:00.000-07:00

Elder Kawasaki enjoying a small hamburge

Elders Migita, Endo and Yuasa
Sisters Yoshida, Bennett, Butler. Kaneko, Sakamoto, Kendall
Sisters Gingrich, Beaven, Yoshida and Elders Butler, Takei, Lay and Benson