HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 The big event this week was Elder Hawkins's SEVENTIETH birthday.  Here he is at our ward family home evening counting all the candles and cupcakes prepared in his honor.  The YSA's were amazed that someone could be THAT old!

Here is Elder Hawkins with our awesome Institute secretary, Gayle Soule, and our amazing Institute Director, Eric Bacon.  They plastered the Institute building with colorful birthday posters expressing
gratitude for Elder Hawkins's missionary service in Alaska. We continued celebrating through the week at each Institute class with birthday songs and well-wishes on this MILESTONE.   

Hard-Working Missionaries

These are three of our favorite elders here in Anchorage.  They have been serving in the small Spanish Branch where they work hard, and we enjoy filling them up for dinner about once a week.  There are about 140 missionaries in the Alaska Anchorage Mission which covers this huge state plus part of the Yukon Territory in Canada.  We have elders serving from Nome to Barrow to Delta Junction to Juneau.  Those in "the bush" fly to their assignments and "attend meetings" via Polycom or Skype. 

Hmong New Year

 We attended the Anchorage Hmong New Year celebration with two of our favorite "kids."  Xiong, standing here on the right with a Hmong Branch member, was born in a refugee camp in Thailand.  His family settled first in California, and then in Alaska.  He is just returning to BYUI for his last two semesters to earn a BS in accounting.  When he is home, he is a faithful support to the small Hmong branch here, and often joins us for YSA events, too.  

 Johanna, here pictured between two Hmong dancers, has been called to help with the Hmong Branch as a pianist and Primary teacher. She loves serving with the branch members and considers them "family."   It is inspiring to watch these young single adult members offer such generous service.