Elder Alviso - October 2011

 Elder Cook and Elder Alviso

 Recent Zone Conference

Alex is thriving in the mission field!  He absolutely loves the people of El Salvador!

I cannot believe how fast time has flown by.

His letters and emails definately show his growth in both testimony and maturity.

In a recent email Alex shared the following experience:

"This last weekend was amazing. General Conference was soo inspiring. I was given advice prior to the conference by a friend.  She told me to think of 3 personal questions that I need answers to help your life and to receive the revelation from the prophets of our day. So, I put it to the test this weekend. I have to say it made conference so much more spiritual. I was actually looking for answers instead of just watching and waiting for it to come divinely. All of my questions were answered!"

I love it when I learn things from my kids!

Alex and a new "friend".

Miss Michelle!

Looking back, I cannot believe how fast the past 23 years have flown by.

Michelle at 9 months old

Michelle - August 2011

Last month my amazing daughter celebrated her 23rd birthday.

She was a beautiful, sweet and loving baby.

Now, she is an amazing, loving, compassionate woman!

Sister - Friend

As far back into my childhood as I can remember, I always wanted a sister - older or younger - it didn't matter to me. If I had a friend at school or church who had a sister, I would be so jealous. Whenever I would see a TV show or watch a movie that depicted a sister's relationship I would yearn for that "sisterly" connection.

I was so fortunate that when I choose my sweet husband, he came with a very large and loving surrogate family - The Turner's. Robert and David had grown up together and have always referred to each other as "brother". (Which has garnered some very puzzled looks from people). And I was fortunate to gain a sister - Annie!

Over the years our love and friendship has grown to the point where I no longer yearn for a sister. I have one. We have been there to love and support one another - sometimes from a distance - for over 25 years now! She has always been a great example to me of a great wife, mother, sister and friend.

We are so blessed to have this family! We have been together for the good-times as well as the trials. 9 babies, 9 baptisms, 2 Missionary (at least 2 more to go) and 4 weddings (so far).

One Year Down!!

Celebrating one year down! I guess it is a tradition to take an old shirt write all over it and then burn it. I don't really get it, but what the heck, I am not a 20 year old missionary in El Salvador.

Alex with his first companion, Elder Nick Reid. They were able to go eat after working at the El Salvador Temple Open House. It has been fun for him to re-connect with Nick after Alex's last transfer.

Elder Alviso and his new companion Elder Mejia with recent converts.