Squirrels, Sunsets and Gatherings

 The sunsets here are at times spectacular.  As we travel around the mission we often arrive home after sunset which affords us the opportunity to take pictures of sunsets.  As is always the case, the pictures are nice but don't do it justice.

Back a few weeks ago we had an all mission conference.  We recently received the photo from that conference of the entire mission.  

California Santa Rosa Mission - September 25, 2025

We were happy to be there

At that conference we were taught that we should be like the elephant; plodding forward at a steady, determined pace, and not like the squirrel dashing around trying to accomplish too many things at once or the sloth who moves at a sluggish pace.  So Elder Cawley was not surprised when he received a gift from a senior missionary couple clearly indicating what tribe he belongs to.

This past Friday we attended the annual Senior Missionary Christmas dinner at the mission home.  President and Sister Quinn did an absolutely amazing job in decorating their home and providing everyone with little gifts to take home.  The dinner was great and later we played games and exchanged gifts.  We brought with us a small, individual sized crockpot to exchange.  We walked away with the same gift 😄.  We plan to share it at the office - perhaps a queso dip.

President Quinn  - a good sport

Sister and Elder Ritchie (fellow squirrel squad members)

St. Helena (pronounced Ha-lee-na) in Napa Valley is one of our favorite places to visit

This evening we attended a Christmas program that the Santa Rosa Stake hosts.  We were told that this annual tradition has grown over the years and now includes other faiths and community organizations.  This year a local quilting club displayed their quilts.  Many in Santa Rosa say they view it as the official kick off to the Christmas season.  The cultural hall was transformed into something magical with trees, quilts and crèches of many different kinds.  During the musical production there was a choir and a Christmas program narrated in part by the grand niece of our good friends, Bob and Carol French.  We enjoyed the evening very much.

Sister Cawley's favorite quilt (at least one of her favorites)

Kate Bills (on the left) - Grand Niece of our good friends 

Bob & Carol French and Granddaughter of Randy and Robin Bills