Angie & Jim

Visiting the Stokers in Fresnoby Jim

Hoffmans & Stokers at the Fresno Temple

This weekend, we traveled out to Fresno to visit my former mission president and his wife, the Stokers. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about old times and filling each other in on what we’ve done since the mission. They took us to dinner at a fun steak house called “Tahoe Joe’s,” and then we chatted as we walked around the nearby outdoor mall before returning to spent the night in their beautiful home.

On Saturday, we spent some time sharing pictures from some of our recent vacations and activities, then went to do Sealings at the little temple there in Fresno. President Stoker was recently released as the Fresno temple president, so it was neat to go with them where they are so known and loved. We spent a few minutes in the Celestial room together after the Sealings. Sister Stoker pointed out the textured patterns in the carpet and explained that the carpet was carved by hand, with specialized tools. It is a dying art, but you can find the same detailed work in many temples. The same went for the gold leaf work on the walls and ceiling.

We could have stayed for many more hours to just talk and enjoy each other’s company, but after a late lunch at a special place they like called “Max’s,” we had to leave in the early evening to get home that night.