News from "The Frozen Chosen" in Sapporo

Monday morning, Nov. 19th, 07. Hi everyone. Sorry to say it's been awhile since we've written and here it is almost Thanksgiving. Hope you all have a wonderful one. There are Christmas decorations in all the stores and they are just BEAUTIFUL! There is music of Christmas in the stores and malls, even traditional carols. But that is the only sign of the "real meaning of Christmas." Santa Claus, snowmen, lights, trees, but no Christ child, or mangers, or shepherds and wise men. Soooo Christmas is commercial here too but we've been told presents primarily are for the children.

We had dinner last evening at the Packard's apt. (office couple) and the other two senior missionaries came, the Kowamoto's and Nishijima's (one couple a lives at home) plus President and Sister Yokohama. There were 10 of us crowded around the table. The two Japanese couples speak no English. President Yokoyama speaks good English and I am blessed that Dick communicates well or I would be lost. We had a great time, especially after everyone else left and the four of us played cards, "14 in the corner" and Trump." NO FACE CARDS! Anyway, it is the Packard's idea (they are a great game playing family) and HE said it is okay. When we left their apt. at 10 p.m., it was snowing hard. This is the 3rd time it has snowed since last Thursday. Luckily, we knew the snow was coming so we had snow times put on the car Friday.

Saturday we had a wonderful missionary conference. Elder Evans, the area president and a member of the first quorum of the seventies spoke. It was as expected uplifting. These young missionaries here are great. I am so impressed with them. No wonder one always here that a mission is a life changing event.

Yesterday we spoke in the Higashi Ward. It was the first time we attended that ward and it was fun to meet new saints. It is a very vibrant ward, with lots of children and members of all ages. Afterwards lunch was served (pot luck) before a ward planning meeting. Yummy!

We've canvassed Shiroishi Ward and are now concentrating on about six families/individuals (mostly converts since 2000 who have actually invited us into their homes at least once) and will now concentrate anew on Toyohira Ward. We visit with these 6 contacts, like home teaching, and have decided that we will go Christmas Caroling to these homes. We always present them with a CD, invitation to ward activity and/or Liahona magazine. We just went over the 7000 kilometer mark on our Corolla.

All is well here but alas the snow has arrived big time and I am not looking forward to that. We need some more long john thermal garments. We have written Janelle to send us some. It is bitter cold when we walk to our car parked at the church. We can't say its not invigorating!!!!

We heard all the wonderful reports about Lottie's 100th birthday party. What a great time you must have all had. Dick couldn't say enough about all the "cousins" and Paul, everyone is raving about the honey you brought from the "farm." Dale, we got the pictures. Thank you! Speaking of our brother Dick, we haven't heard how he is doing since his surgery. We were happy we got to talk with him the day before. We will call him this morning.

We pray for you daily and our thoughts are with you. Love from the Sapporo Mission, more aptly named, "The Frozen Chosen."

Elder and Sister Detton

Elder Peirce Comes Home !!!

Elder Cade Peirce arrived home from the Tallahasee Florida Mission on Thursday, Nov. 15th. Everyone from the Peirce family was on hand, including, grandma Hazel, Great Grandma Lottie, Kristen and kids and Lydia and daughters. We all had a great time holding up huge banners and signs and balloons! Not sure what Cade thought about all of that. Jim, Cade and Gregor promptly left on Saturday morning for Bishop so they could all go climbing together. When the kid who won the U.S. National Bouldering Championship in Maryland last February (that would be Gregor) says "we have to go climbing" then that's what you do !!! Scott stayed behind to concentrate on swimming, but everyone will be together this week for a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast. Cade gives his mission report to the ward this coming Sunday and Sydney, Melissa and KC will all be singing. Uncle Dick has returned home from the hospital still attached to all kinds of bags, but he is able to walk around a little, work at the desk and is hopefully getting his 27 stomach staples removed this coming Wednesday. Grandma Hazel is playing nursemaid to everyone in her house and is looking forward to some healthier days ahead!!! We send our prayers and good wishes to all of you this week and we hope that all of us remember to count our many blessings!!

Lydia

Update on Uncle Dick

My dad is continuing his recovery. I have been to the hospital every day to see him, because his surgery was right here in Danville. Hopefully he will be coming home tomorrow. They haven't let him eat any solid food yet, and I think that he is probably dying for an In-N-Out burger. He says that what really hurts is his shoulder and his knee, but he has been able to walk around and sit up. He is off all the major pain medication. Last night he was watching the Democratic Presidential Debates and he had plenty of opinions to share. That part of him has not slowed down. He is supposed to really take it easy for the next 2 weeks and hopefully he will listen to his doctor. I believe he will go for follow-up the day before Thanksgiving. Cade and Jim went to see him yesterday afternoon and I know that seeing his grandson was a real lift. Dad wrote to Cade every single week of his entire mission. We really appreciate all the prayers that have been offered on his behalf and you can probably call him at home on Sunday if you'd like to talk with him. I know how much he loved seeing so many nieces and nephews at Grandma's party and I know how grateful he was that so many of you came. Now he says that he has to live long enough to have great-grandchildren!!!!

Lydia

Great Party

Hi Everyone -
Just wanted to say what a great time the Young sisters had at Lottie's 100th
B-day party. It was great to see everyone.

Also a big thanks to Lydia for setting up the blog. Hopefully I'll be able to get Mom set up on it. It shouldn't require tooooo.... many hours of over the phone instruction.

Hope you all have great turkey day.

Liz

Dick doing well . . .

Lydia went to visit her dad today. He is in a fair amount of pain and is taking advantage of the medication to keep him comfortable - but it is also making him pretty sleepy. He will be in the hospital for at least a couple of days more. Hopefully he will be home for the weekend.

Lydia says now her dad knows what it is like to have a C-section, and it is not very fun! I have included a picture of Dick from his younger days . . . he has not changed much!

Thanks for all your calls and prayers.

Uncle Dick's Surgery Update

I have just gotten home from the hospital. It is almost 10 PM. My dad's surgery did not take place until 6 PM tonight. The surgery was a little more complicated than they thought so it went a little long. They took him into recovery at about 9:15 PM. I got to see him just for a moment before I left the hospital, through the recovery room doors. His vitals were pretty stable during the entire procedure and the surgeon said he tolerated the surgery well. He is awake and they are moving to the ICU tonight.

I will go see him first thing in the morning and let all of you know how he is doing. He is going to be in the hospital until at least this Friday. The family is going to welcome Cade home from his mission on Thursday at the Oakland Airport and we are all going to see dad in the hospital after that. We know that many prayers have been said on dad's behalf and we so appreciate your love and concern for Uncle Dick. I will keep everyone posted on his recovery. If any of you need to reach me, please call me at home or on my cell.

My love to you all, Lydia

Tribute: Barbara Jean Wilcox Goodale

Three years ago today, my mom, and oldest child of Morris and Cora Wilcox, passed away. I wish you all could have known her; she was (and still is!!!) a great woman! I have posted a brief tribute to mom on my blog (click to read).

Steven Faulkner - The Ultimate U of Wisconsin Badger Fan!

This is Steven Faulkner on the right in the red suit and tie. He and his roomate Josh are diehard Wisconsin Badger fans and they wear these matching togs to all the football and basketball games. Earlier this fall, Steven added bleached white hair with a red faux hawk stripe down the center to complete the look !!! It is now growing out and he only has some white hair on the top. The Faulkner clan was hoping for a Wisconsin-Cal match-up in the Rose Bowl. Both sides were equally disappointed when their respective seasons fell apart. Oh well - it's now on to basketball. Both Steve and Josh have scrolling LCD belt buckles that scroll out GO BADGERS. Steven has managed to make it on center court for a dance competition thanks to the suit. He is a big hit with U of Wisconsin Alumni !! Steve and Josh are known as "The Grateful Red Brothers!"

Thanksgiving Plans in Northern California

The Faulkners are hosting Thanksgiving at their house this year to celebrate Cade's return from his mission. All the Faulkners and all the Wilcox (older and younger) and Peirce clans are getting together at Ken and Lydia's for a sumptuous feast. We were very lucky to have Marion and Dick with us for Thanksgiving last year. If any of you who are in Northern California want to join us that day, just let us know. We'd love to have you !!!! The food is outrageously good !!! And thanks to Aunt Marion we have a new sweet potato dish in the repertoire ! Just let me know if you'd like to come. Our door is always open !! (And we'll hide the dog)

Goodale Family

Here is the most recent picture of our entire family. This was taken atop the Space Needle in Seattle, at the tail end of a 10-day, 9-state(?), 2-country church history tour. We had an awesome time. For details, click here.

I can't wait to see pictures of lots of family here, so please post post post!