Brothers and Sisters,

What strange times these are. Laura and I are reminded of the couple of times, for several weeks, we were both in lock-down on our missions. We were both out during the Gulf War. Laura was in the Philippines when Mt. Pinatubo erupted, and I was on the Caribbean island of Trinidad when a group of Muslims attempted a violent government takeover. This time around, we are very happy to have a TV, to be surrounded by family, have enough bread, and to not have ash and gunfire outside our windows.

Laura and I are also lucky to have all five of our kids close by. We love the time we get to spend together as a family. We’ve been practicing Corn-hole, playing board and card games, watching our favorite movies, have tried to be more diligent in our study of the gospel, and have enjoyed taking the Sacrament as a family. Although anxiety runs high, we know we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and is mindful of our struggles. We appreciate the Gift of the Holy Ghost and the experiences of answered prayers. So far, we have been able to find what we need at the stores and have remained healthy.

I know the Sunday School Teachers miss you. It will be a happy day when we can meet together again at church.

Love,
Jared Vanderhoff