On Saturday, January 23, 2010, Jacob Quick, 21 yrs, received his endowments at the Washington DC Temple, accompanied by his parents, relatives and fellow members of the Bedford Branch. He has received his call to serve a full-time two-year mission. He will leave for the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah the second week of February.

It was our opportunity and pleasure to be asked to help Jacob prepare for the Temple by having him come to our home where we presented the six Temple Preparation lessons. He was a most enthusiastic participant. When he gave us the assignment our Branch President, President Scott, told us he wanted Jacob ready for his Temple recommend interview in two weeks time. With Jacob's cooperation we were able to conduct all 6 teaching sessions within 10 days. He was interviewed by President Scott the same evening his finished lesson 6 and he had his interview with the Stake President the following Sunday.

We had a very fine experience being with Jacob at the Temple and seeing him go through for the first time to receive his own Temple endowment prior to departure for two years as a missionary in the Nevada Las Vegas West Mission.

This picture was taken at about 5:30 p.m., in front of the Temple, immediately following the session. Eight (8) members of the Bedford Branch attended the endowment session with Jacob. His Uncle acted as escort. His parents were waiting for him outside and took this picture.

The heavy snowstorm of mid-December blocked roads and driveways and forced postponement of our Bedford Branch Family Christmas dinner and Fireside. In fact, all church meetings were canceled the weekend before Christmas because of the snow.

But, on New Year's Eve we did gather as a branch family for dinner together. Our Relief Society President, Evelyn Deel, told us later that over 100 people were present. We had a very nice time together!

The snows of winter stay with us as the tempertures plunged downward all over Virginia and this part of the eastern seaboard in early January 2010.

"Red sky in the morning, Sailors take warning. Red sky at night, Sailors delight."

this was another of those early morning sunrises through the bare limbs of the trees that surround our yard on the east. The temperature in the teens! Pretty nippy!

We certainly knew we weren't forgotten, here on our mission assignment in Virginia at Christmas time! As Christmas cards arrived Linda began taping them to the wall in the front entrance of Bedford home. Before it was all over it became quite a display! Beside the many Christmas cards we received a great many Christmas newsletters from friends and family as well.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year!