[Springfield, MO]

I mention family members' B-days. I should mention today that our families' greatest and most-honored member has His birthday today. I refer to our Eldest Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, the Great Jehovah. So this is a special day. We got up early, quick breakfast in the hotel, and went to Curt and Sandy Nelson's. Curt said he'd take us to the airport, and keep our car for us while we're in Missouri. He took us, and we checked in. Curt and Sandy are so nice. Our flight was at 8:20, United Airlines. The plane was full. A 35 minute delay for fixing an errant compass. Then a pleasant flight to Denver. Boeing 727. Then an hour stopover while changing planes to a 737, and the flight to Springfield. We hoped our luggage would make the plane change, too. We took 7 bags and checked 4 of them. Two totes and a briefcase were carry-on. A nice flight, however a little bumpy and the plane was only half full. Nicer stewardesses, too. Sister Shirley Anderson met us at the little Springfield airport (The airport reminded me of Farmington, N.M.—about that size.). She's a lovely lady with 13 children! She had the 3 youngest with her. She said we'd have an apartment ready tomorrow and we'll need a motel tonight (actually, they offered a room in their home, but we demurred. We're causing them a lot of extra work and expense as it is!). After awhile, Bro. Mike Anderson came home from teaching a class. They've been here about 12 years. Took us to a motel. We had dinner at a nice little restaurant across the street, then Mike came for us and took us to a home study class at the church here. Only 2 of the kids were there, and 5 were not. The teacher was very well prepared and we had a good lesson on family communication. It was very cold and windy when Bro. Anderson got us back to our motel. We were cold and ready to retire.