THIS WORK IS TRUE-IT IS DIVINE

 Last weeks moving story continued:

Tuesday morning bright and early we were at the real estate office to get a key for the house and drive the sister to take a look inside. Before getting the key we were told it would take 24 hours to run a credit check, the renter must make three times the amount of the rent each month and never been evicted. We just turned around and left dejected, this was our last hope. We called the sister and she too was disappointed but said she would go out and check another lead. By 2 PM Elder Berry and I were on pins and needles until we heard from the sister, no luck. The only thing left to do was rent a storage unit and move all her furniture into it as time had run out and we needed to get the furniture out of the house before Thursday morning. We made it to the storage company just before they closed and rented a unit then learned the gate would be locked at 9 PM sharp so that meant we really had to work fast. Several times we asked this sister if she had any family or friends that could help but she always said no. When the men from church arrived Tuesday evening with two trucks and a trailer we worked like crazy to get them loaded and to the storage unit before the gate was locked. When the trucks arrived at the storage unit they were three minutes late and the gate was locked so they just took the trailer to a members house that lived nearby and unloaded the trucks and covered everything with a tarp to be take to the storage unit the following evening when everyone got home from work. Elder Berry and I weren't able to help any Wednesday because we were gone most of the day to Columbia for transfers but when we got there that evening nothing had been done. After frantically calling ward members we were told the scout leaders with their scouts would help after unloading the trailer from the night before. While waiting Elder Berry loaded up our car and a nephew loaded up the sister's station wagon and made a trip to storage. The scouts arrived but only had a short time to load up what they could, drive to the unit and get there before it closed. There was still furniture in one bedroom and boxes in the living room that  needed to be moved and they must be out by nine o'clock the following morning.

 Once again we asked if she had anyone to help because we didn't think we could get anyone during the day and it would take lots of help to get her out before her deadline. Thursday morning we did get a ward member with a truck to help and when we arrived early that morning the sister had a brother there to help and said a friend with a truck and trailer would come but hadn't arrived yet.. The members truck was loaded and off to the storage unit we drove hoping the friends would arrive in time to finish loading up the furniture and boxes. When we arrived back at the house the Marshall had arrived and what was left in the house was being put in the yard by two young men who had been hired by the real estate company. The Marshall let us go in and the workers let us choose what we would take but it had to be removed immediately and we just didn't know how it would be done and just when we were about to loose hope the sister's friend came with his truck and trailer. The truck and trailer were loaded but there were still things in the front yard the lady wanted so she remained at the house while the trailer was unloaded and a return trip could be made. Elder Berry and I had appointments and had to return to other duties. Later we learned the Marshall remained at the house with the sister until she had removed all she wanted. He was very kind to this lady in such a sad situation and once the house was empty his job was over. We learned that once the Marshall left what was in the yard was considered public domain and could be taken by anyone passing by. While the house was being emptied people drove back and forth waiting for the Marshall to leave. One lady even stopped her car, rolled down her window and asked if she could have some pictures. Our hearts ached for this sweet sister and her sad circumstances which led to this situation. As we searched and prayed that this sister could find a home it seemed that everywhere we turned the doors just wouldn't open. After the decision to put her furniture in storage was made there was peace and we knew we had done all we could do and all was not lost. The lady says she is staying with her sister and hopefully will soon be placed in a home by the housing authority. This is the harsh reality of life. Mercy had been shown for a year and now justice was satisfied.

TRANSFERS
Wednesday was our last transfer and we will miss these meetings therefore it was a very bitter sweet day. . These meetings are always so exciting as everyone is eagerly awaiting to learn who their new companion will be and learn their new area. Two Elders and three Sisters we had served with in Augusta were returning home. The testimonies of  the arriving 12 Sisters and 6 Elders were very brief and sweet. They are all excited and ready to get to work The Elders and Sisters returning home gave such beautiful and strong testimonies. One of the returning missionaries emotionally made this true statement, "This work is true, It is divine"  We are all engaged in the most divine work on earth and what a blessing and privilege it has been to join in the ranks of service with some of the Lord's most elect. President Holm told us last week was a history making week in the church because for the first time more Sisters entered the MTC than Elders. President Holm also made the remark that by lowering the age for sisters the Lord wants mothers to raise children who are returned missionaries. These young sisters are so excited and eager to be about our Fathers work and yes, they look like babies so out of the mouth of babies the gospel will go forth. It is divine. Good luck office staff in securing apartments and preparing for all these missionaries. They are working so hard and doing such a wonderful job.

 Elder Ultra - last transfer - returning to Canada

Last transfer- Elder Abankwa - going home to Africa 

 Last transfer - Elder and Sister Benedict & Sister and Elder Berry  

Elder Tippetts - transferred to Greenvile Zone and will be a district leader

Sister Brand served in Augusta is now serving in Columbia

 Elder Lee served in Augusta - always a joy to see him

 Elder Cardon served in Augusta, came out the same time we did, is now an AP

 SISTERS. SISTERS, SISTERS - TWELVE NEW SISTERS

 LOADING UP HEADING BACK TO AUGUSTA

Augusta District 

Elder Berry, Elder Pack with new companion Elder Faleao (district leader), Sister Berry, Elders Meyer and Bailey (zone leaders)

Returning home we stopped at McDonald and treated the Elders to lunch. Hallie and Blake get ready!

Thursday afternoon it was good to get back to our regular schedule of visiting ward members since we had been unable to do this for over a week. We love these people and are so eager for them to return to activity and claim their blessings. Friday and Saturday was also spent visiting although Saturday we had a short day in order to get some packing done. Elder and Sister Gowans dropped by for a visit and we played some games. We had an enjoyable time and wish them many, many blessings as they continue their service.

Sunday our ward filled the chapel and most of the cultural hall due to ward boundary changes.The ward finally has many children. Elder and Sister Gowans are now assigned to Augusta ward as our ward takes in Ford Gordon and they are military relations. They are wonderful hard working missionaries and are trying to be "flexible". Immediately following the 3rd hour the Relief Society hosted a meet and greet time with light refreshments in the cultural hall. This was an enjoyable time and it gave everyone involved in this change an opportunity to get reacquainted and make or renew friendships. The Relief Society had three huge thank you cards and had the ward members sign them then presented them to us and thanked us for our service in the ward. Elder Berry and I also bore our testimonies in Sacrament meeting. Some tears were shed and love was expressed for the people, for us and for the love of the gospel that brought us together.Today we learned that Nick's grandmother was in the hospital. Nick was baptized last week and his grandmother attended his baptism and was very touched and took the first discussion after his baptism. The grandmother and her family have always been a member of another church but she feels the truth and spirit of this church and is excited for Nick and eager to learn more. After dinner Elder Berry and I visited her in the hospital. She is a tall thin lady and weighs only eighty pounds. As we sat and visited she told us several times that she loved us. This filled our hearts because we love her also although we have only known her for a short period of time. The spirit of love whisperes the truth to the heart. She is eager to learn and appreciated our visit. Elders Bailey and Meyer came in while we were there and the three Elders gave her a blessing. As Elder Berry and I left the Elders began teaching her. These Elders are so focused. This work is true, it is divine.

Love Elder & Sister Berry

A FEW PICTURES FROM MEET AND GREET

 Sister Fry and two of her children

 The Salisburys

 Brother and Sister Sandala

 Cliett family

 Brother and Sister Robinson ward stalwarts 

 Brother Sly never misses a Sunday

 Sister Williams Relief Society president

 Adrain and children

Sunday at meet and greet Elder Berry and I thought the Elders looked hungry after a long day of service so we rushed home, checked out our frig and pantry, then called the Elders and invited them over for       dinner-breakfast. Thanks Elders for helping us use up excess food before our departure date. 

HOW BLESSED WE ARE

 While out apartment searching we saw our Elders and fell behind them and took this picture. If you notice there are three bikes, our Elders are a three companionship because one Elder got very sick and had to return home. This week is transfers and we will get a new Elder or should I say two new Elders. Elder Tippitts will be transferred and Elders Pack and Meyer will be split and they each will get a new companion. So Wednesday we will all go to Columbia with the aid of a ward member to help transport Elders and luggage. This will be a sad transfer for us not only because we will be loosing Elder Tippitts but because this will be our last transfer. It is tradition for new Elders and Sisters to bear their testimonies as they arrive and the "seasoned" Elders and Sisters to bear theirs as they prepare to depart the mission field. Elder Berry and I will have the opportunity to bear our testimonies.

 Spring is finally arriving to  Augusta, trees are in bloom or budding, bushes and flowers are blossoming. The live oak trees are yellow and dropping their leaves and soon will be green again. The live oak trees line the streets and make a canopy.

  

Last Sunday the Bishop gave us an assignment. Help a Sister find a place to live. This sister will be evicted from her home on the 28th of April but before the week was over she was informed they have moved the date to be out to the 20th.This lady is on a list for public housing which provides housing for low income families and seniors but the waiting list is six months to a year. We were given a list of apartments that rent is based on income. It's difficult to find a place to live when the person can't even afford to pay four hundred dollars a month. Last Monday morning early we started calling the apartments on our list but to our disappointment learned there were no vacancies plus they weren't even taking applications as the waiting list for an apartment would take over a year to get in. We went to the store and bought a community magazine, got on line and searched, then started calling and hunting down apartments or houses, then spent every day except Tuesday afternoon and Thursday apartment searching. Several apartments were the right price plus they were ready to be occupied but she didn't qualify because she didn't have enough income. So we just started driving around the areas we thought she could afford and when we saw a for rent sign in a yard we made a phone call but still had no luck. While driving through one neighborhood we noticed we were following a car around doing the same thing we were doing.A mobile home and a house were found in Grovetown but they were too far away so that wouldn't work. This Sister and her nephew were out looking also plus she had many doctor appointments during the week. We did find an apartment building for seniors that was taking applications but only on Thursday during certain hours and the Sister needed to come in person with legal documents to fill out an application..This sounded promising but they didn't provide emergency housing. This Sister had a doctor appointment at the same time she needed to be filling out an application for the apartment and she didn't change her doctor appointment in order to apply for housing. Finally after a long exhaustion day Friday and traveling many miles we had to call and tell her we were sorry but just couldn't find a thing. She told us she thought she found a little house but needed to talk to the Bishop Sunday and Monday would go rent it.  Sunday at church the Bishop asked us to work with her Monday, collect all paper work bring it to him and he would take care of it and we could rent the apartment.. We were all hopeful everything would work out because she only has two days left to be out of her house otherwise Wednesday she would be locked out. Today about one o'clock we got a phone call from this Sister telling us the house had already been rented and she had put a deposit on an apartment that wouldn't be ready until two days after her eviction date, plus it was more money monthly than she can afford. Elder Berry and I became frantic, looking over all the papers from housing we had and calling anyplace we thought that might help, nothing. Out of desperation we drove to an apartment building for low income but their office was closed. We thought of a real estate company that works with low income people, got a list of rentals, and off we drove hoping for something. Finally two houses were found, we picked up the Sister and drove her to the two properties, she liked one but by this time the real estate office was closed. We collected papers from the Sister, met the Bishop at church and tomorrow morning when the real estate office opens we plan to be there bright and early and hopefully rent the house, then tomorrow evening priesthood can move her..We hope and pray this plan will work.

INTERVIEWS, TRAINING  & NO MORE STRANGERS FIRESIDE

Sister Berry's favorite missionary

Thursday was a busy day. The Augusta district had interviews with the President at 11:30 so we picked up our three Elders and drove to North Augusta for interviews then returned home for about two hours then drove back with our Elders for training then the No More Strangers fireside. Elder Berry and I had a brief interview with the President because we will have another interview before departing the mission field. The plan is to go to Columbia on April 2nd for our interview, have senior training that afternoon, then dinner at the mission home with all senior couples that evening. After this meeting we will be officially released to return home. Can't believe that is only two weeks away. First we will go to Florida to visit our dear friend Marie then return to the apartment pack up and visit our daughter Jana, brothers and sisters as we return home. Thursday was such a special day as are all meetings when the missionaries gather. We learn so much and are always inspired by such wonderful Elders and Sisters and are in awe of their strong testimonies and leadership abilities. We were asked to read 2 Nephi chapter 31 and 3 Nephi chapter 27 then write one sentence describing what we felt the chapter was about. These Elders and Sisters wrote the most profound sentences. After listening to their sentences I hated to read mine. The fireside was truly inspiring. Two sisters who had not been baptized but were scheduled for baptism this past Saturday bore testimony and told their conversion story. President and Sister Holm spoke, a group of Primary children sang a song and a member of the Stake Presidency spoke. This was a blessed day and this is only a brief outline.

We are so thankful for Sister Hill because she is helping us get family names temple ready for Sister Lynch  Sister Hill has poor eye sight and isn't suppose to drive so we picked her up and went to visit Sister Lynch. We loved watching them talk genealogy and it was surprising to see how much information Sister Hill could gather, plus this is transferring the responsibility for helping back to ward members. Also Sister Hill decided she liked the place where Sister Lynch lives and we waited for her while she talked to the manager and got an application. Now she needs to sell her house.

Our Relief Society lesson was taught  by Sister Owens. She was baptized about two years ago and studies and reads and loves to learn. She was nervous but did a wonderful job. Sunday evening a special meeting was held in the stake center for the Augusta, Harlem, Grovetown, and Martinez Wards for a boundary change. Augusta ward now has Fort Gordon and all the families that live on post plus other areas. This will give our ward more priesthood plus lots of changes especially with the missionaries. Grovetown and Harlem with be meeting in the Harlem building. Augusta ward will be the only ward in the Augusta building and the meeting times will change in April. Changes, changes and more changes we will be made and we won't be here to experience them. As we reflect back over the past eighteen months we realize how blessed we have been to serve in Augusta. We have seen how the people's lives have changed when they are obedient and live the commandments and receive blessings. Our heart aches for those who could have received but choose not to follow their baptismal covenants. We are blessed because we are financially able to support ourselves as we serve and although we do budget we don't have to worry about having enough money to meet our needs. The hymn Count Your Many Blessings is a favorite. Some days more than others we count our blessings but this past week has been a counting week.

Saturday Nick was baptized. His grandmother attended his baptism and was very touched and felt the spirit. Before leaving to return home the Elders gave her the first discussion. What a blessed day!

Helped out in the nursery one Sunday. Entertained the children by taking their picture then letting

 them look at themselves.

Waffle House is almost on every corner her almost as many of therm as there are churches and gas stations. Sorry about that David

The apartment complex is doing lots of renovations here. The buildings are all getting new roofs, the apartments are getting updated, and many pine trees on the grounds are being cut down. It is fascinating watching as the trees come down.. 

Nothing could be finer than to be in Augusta Georgia! Spring is busting out all over.

Love Elder & Sister Berry

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS Hymn 241, 4th Verse: So amid the conflict,whether great or small. Do not be discouraged God is over all. Count your many blessings angels will attend. Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. Chorus: Count your blessings, Name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God hath done. Count your blessings . Name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God hath done.

Alma 34: 38
"That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doeth bestow upon you."