05-26-2019 - First Sunday in Atlanta

Our Fayetteville Ward is filled with friendly, happy people. We are working at remembering their names. We were welcomed by many, many members including one Sunday dinner invitation, as well as an invitation to join the Stake choir tonight for song practice.  The choir is practicing for a "Freedom Concert" on June 30th. Rod and I committed to go.

We also received an invitation to attend the baptism of two 8-year-olds in the ward. It was a blessing to feel the spirit and visit with more ward members.  We are feeling right at home here.

Dinner with the Stoker family was relaxing and delicious.  Sister Stoker is the Relief Society President.  Her mother is living with her and has lived in Corvalis, Oregon where Andrea is living now.  Brother Stoker is a chemist working in Connecticut and flies home on weekends. I has to ask if he was related to the Pioneer, Bishop Stoker from Bountiful and he was.  My GG-Grandpa Henry Rampton was a counselor in his bishopric - a fun connection.

Choir practice was amazing. Sister Wilcox knows how to lead and has a large selection of difficult pieces of music.  I loved it!  She made it so fun as we just kept moving along through the pieces.  I had to really keep on my toes!

The world is a small place when you are a member of the church.  When Rod and I arrived at choir practice, I found the alto section and sat down. The choir director introduced us as the Merrell's from Tremonton, Utah.  The lady sitting next to me turned in surprise and asked, "Are you Chelsie's mother?"  She then told me she was Emily Hind, Daniel Neiderhauser's sister.  My Chelsie is married to Daniel Neiderhauser!  Emily said that she thought we looked familiar, but she thought she had probably seen us around from other church meetings.  What a surprise!

Tracy & Emily Hind and Sister & Elder Merrell
Stake Choir Practice 26 May 2019