Brett has a new calling. Just over two weeks ago on a Sunday morning, he got a phone call. The voice on the other end said "This is Greg. But, I'm calling as President Mott. Can you and your wife meet with me this afternoon at 3:30?" Of course Brett said yes. We've been around long enough and done this often enough that we knew it was probably more than just the release from the bishopric we knew would be coming in the next months. At least in this stake, if you are called into the stake president's office, something big is lurking.
So, we had all day to stew about what was coming. As it turns out, when we went to President Mott's office, he said something to Brett that made us both feel much better. "The Bowdish Ward is getting a new bishop and it isn't you." Brett was much less solemn after that.
So, just over a week ago, Brett was sustained and set apart as the new first counselor in our Bishopric. The previous first counselor, Gary Percival, was sustained, set apart and ordained as the new bishop. Peter Hawkins, who was a counselor in a previous ward where Brett was the executive secretary, was called as the second counselor. They will do well together.
We hosted an open house for Bishop Garner and his wife yesterday evening. We invited those that had worked closely with the bishop over the last five years. It was a good turnout. We had more than forty-five people in our house at one time. We actually all fit in our house just fine. People had a good time. I think the shortest stay was about half an hour. Some stayed for nearly three hours. Everyone ate, relaxed and had a good time. The most important thing was the look on Bishop Garner's face. He was smiling, relaxed and having a good time reminiscing with good friends. I think it gave him a happy sense of closure.
It has been a busy few weeks. Getting ready for Christmas, an activity days party at my house, shopping, decorating and other preparations for two birthdays and Christmas, all within a two week window. In addition we have replaced our old computer and are trying to get everything transferred to the new one and get our wireless up and running. And we've been perpetually ill this year for some reason. So, as of today, other than the illnesses, the computer, a couple of school parties, baking, visiting teaching and one more birthday, we're on the downhill slope now to Christmas. The advantage of the party is that my house is spotless and beautiful. The prospect of having so many people in my home who haven't been there before forced me to put a bit more work into the decorating, which isn't my strong suit on the best day. It looked really nice for the open house and helped contribute to the nice atmosphere that was here.
