Terrific Talbots in Iowa

President and Sister Talbot invited us to attend and teach at their March zone conferences. Elder Schooff, Area Seventy, was presiding. We traveled to West Des Moines on Monday and stayed at the mission home.

The Tuesday conference was held in a church only a few blocks away. It is difficult to describe the love and admiration we feel for the Talbots. What great people of faith and devotion! We enjoy meeting the elders and sisters, some of whom Elder Mendenhall has given medical advice. We shook hands with all the missionaries. They really are changing the eternities for good.

Tuesday evening we traveled about two hours to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Downtown Cedar Rapids is home to a large Quaker Oats plant. We drove past the manufacturing plant along with three other lanes of traffic going our way and four lanes going the opposite direction. Huge cement silos were in front and in back of the plant. As we drove by, the air permeated with the smell of oatmeal! I couldn't help but think of Quaid because he's loving called "Quaker Oats" by Pat.

The Wednesday zone conference was especially spiritual. Prelude music in the chapel gave us the opportunity to reflect and ponder the majesty of heaven. Sister Talbot shared the Easter story with the 12 eggs like we have done in our family for years.

After each of the conferences, Elder Mendenhall examined and gave advice to missionaries. We have a lot of dictation to catch up on.

The drive back to Chicago was relaxing. We drove along the flight pattern for migrating geese. Waves of geese made us feel like Spring was on its way.