It isn't hard going for walks in the AM when you can enjoy this.
View from the island.Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Maple Lake & Island - Swans live here
It isn't hard going for walks in the AM when you can enjoy this. View from the island.
What we see as we go to visit people
Grape harvest is begining! They smell good from the road.
Fields & fields of grapevines near Lawton where they process the juice for Welches.
Most of the corn flowers are darker than these. I've always loved them & they are a definate part of my good memories of MichiganA day in our Mission
Today we taught a year old member her follow-up first lesson. She was very patient as we lectured her from our notes. It is a sad situation. She is a single mom of two little girls, very poor with a questionable boyfriend who is not interested in what we have to say. But she does seem to love the gospel and is eager to have us there when the boy friend isn't there. We taught her and then had nothing to do so we went to Lawton and just started going to members on the roster. My what an experience. We went to a very run down home and said "Hello" to a young woman who had an eleven month old baby boy. We asked to see the lady on the roster and she said that it was her aunt and that she really wasn't fit to see people but she invited us in to see for ourselves. Oh my the house!! And that sweet baby on the floor. The walls had pealing wallpaper and it was SO old!. She took us to a very back room and into a tiny room that had a hospital bed in it and a semiparalyzed lady laying there. She said "Hello" to us and then kept repeating " I love you so much Honey". The room had a little window behind her and the walls had pealing paint and the wall that she could see had pealing paint and 3 mother's day cards tacked up. She smelled of urine. We left her and asked the girl if she was also a member. She said "Yes" and said we could have VTeachers come, when we asked her. She said the woman was her aunt and that her mother cared for her. It was awful and so sad. We hope to get the aunt into a decent nursing home. I hope I can be the girl's visiting teacher. We then saw two women who were quite nice to us. Then we found a teen boy that is interested in the youth activities even though his member mother wouldn't come to the door and greet us. Then a neighbor of one of the women who we’d visited said he was interested and that we could drop by any time they were out on their porch. He was a golden guy very happy and loves his two little kids. That looked promising. Then we found two who no longer live at their address. All that in 2 hours of driving with the Branch list and a map!
It is so beautiful here. We drive around looking for people and take pictures of the beautiful little corn flowers that Pat, Tom & I would love to see when we went for walks when they were one & two. We pass huge grape properties filled with rows and rows of gorgeous and yummy smelling grape vines. The leaves are beginning to turn and it is so pretty. We have beautiful places for our morning walks. It is exciting to work together, even just starting. Dad thinks of things to say when I don't. After many conversations we realize that we should have proceeded differently, or should have asked more or different questions. But heck! We've been at this a week.!!! It is SO great. All of it. And HF knows how badly we want to do it right. I do love it here and we do love the people. Mostly Michiganders are so very friendly. I think you are so right Mari about the charity the Savior gives us when we try and want to do it right for Him.
Guess what we found Monica’s mom! The mom of the little girl I baby sat so very long ago. We are going to look her up and get her active!!!
We had a lot of fun at the branch social in So. Haven. The party room in the back was plum full with the members and we knew almost none of them. They are half way finished with the new building. They hope to be in in January. We are so glad we will be here for the transition. Sadly, there are so many lost single women with little children. I know HF is so concerned about them. We talk Sunday and I sure hope I do okay. Dad had to teach at the last minute last Sunday in Gospel Doctrine. He did great. I really appreciate all your notes and letters. It is terrific. I enjoy too hearing about your similar experiences on your missions.
It is so beautiful here. We drive around looking for people and take pictures of the beautiful little corn flowers that Pat, Tom & I would love to see when we went for walks when they were one & two. We pass huge grape properties filled with rows and rows of gorgeous and yummy smelling grape vines. The leaves are beginning to turn and it is so pretty. We have beautiful places for our morning walks. It is exciting to work together, even just starting. Dad thinks of things to say when I don't. After many conversations we realize that we should have proceeded differently, or should have asked more or different questions. But heck! We've been at this a week.!!! It is SO great. All of it. And HF knows how badly we want to do it right. I do love it here and we do love the people. Mostly Michiganders are so very friendly. I think you are so right Mari about the charity the Savior gives us when we try and want to do it right for Him.
Guess what we found Monica’s mom! The mom of the little girl I baby sat so very long ago. We are going to look her up and get her active!!!
We had a lot of fun at the branch social in So. Haven. The party room in the back was plum full with the members and we knew almost none of them. They are half way finished with the new building. They hope to be in in January. We are so glad we will be here for the transition. Sadly, there are so many lost single women with little children. I know HF is so concerned about them. We talk Sunday and I sure hope I do okay. Dad had to teach at the last minute last Sunday in Gospel Doctrine. He did great. I really appreciate all your notes and letters. It is terrific. I enjoy too hearing about your similar experiences on your missions.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday …Sept. 18, 2008
The air is warm and crisp here and the trees haven't hardly started to turn. We had dinner with Rachel two days ago. Then last night with JoAnn . Friday we have dinner with the T. s Saw a beautiful sunset on Lake Michigan last night and thought of the picture in Pat’s bathroom of the Michigan sunset. Then on the way back to Paw Paw we saw a huge orange harvest moon. It is absolutely beautiful here and we can't believe we get to spend the whole year here. We have the best of the mission. We have no rules and are pretty much left to do what we want. The Pres has asked us to watch over the elders in the three areas. He wants us to work with the LAs we knew and new LAs especially So Haven and Paw Paw. We can spoil the elders all we want. Our first Sunday they called Dad to be the Branch Mission Leader and me a counselor in the Relief Society. Then we were in meetings from 9:30 - 4:30PM. We came home feeling we already knew a third of the branch. Great people and very into Missionary work.
We have put 500+ miles on the car in just 4 days and are really enjoying going around introducing ourselves to people and just gabbing and bonding. It is interesting how nicely people respond to our missionary tags, usually very friendly or somewhat reserved. I am so proud to wear this badge.
Today we went to meet with the mission president for the first time. On the way I found a lady to quilt Joe’s quilt for me and we went to her home to drop off the quilt. She has a lovely home out in the country and I liked her when I met her and after explaining why we were here and telling her what I wanted done to the quilt, I happened to glance into another room and was flabbergasted at what I say. It looked like a bunch of Africian animals were lounging in this family room. I asked if I could look, she agreed. It was astounding. This room, about the size of the Cody cabin living room was full of animals. All around the room and high up on the walls were the most beautifully displayed animals I have ever seen. She let Dad take some pictures and they will be on the blog. Words can’t do it justice. I’m going to make postcards for the children from them. She and her husband like to do big game hunting and this is their trophy room. Notice in front of the fireplace.
Anyway I hope to see her more. She teaches sewing classes at the Viking store. So fun.
President and Sr J. are top notch, first class. We miss you all when we get these letters and we love them. The Branch have set us up so nicely with apartment furnishings. With the quilts I brought we are spoiled.
The air is warm and crisp here and the trees haven't hardly started to turn. We had dinner with Rachel two days ago. Then last night with JoAnn . Friday we have dinner with the T. s Saw a beautiful sunset on Lake Michigan last night and thought of the picture in Pat’s bathroom of the Michigan sunset. Then on the way back to Paw Paw we saw a huge orange harvest moon. It is absolutely beautiful here and we can't believe we get to spend the whole year here. We have the best of the mission. We have no rules and are pretty much left to do what we want. The Pres has asked us to watch over the elders in the three areas. He wants us to work with the LAs we knew and new LAs especially So Haven and Paw Paw. We can spoil the elders all we want. Our first Sunday they called Dad to be the Branch Mission Leader and me a counselor in the Relief Society. Then we were in meetings from 9:30 - 4:30PM. We came home feeling we already knew a third of the branch. Great people and very into Missionary work.
We have put 500+ miles on the car in just 4 days and are really enjoying going around introducing ourselves to people and just gabbing and bonding. It is interesting how nicely people respond to our missionary tags, usually very friendly or somewhat reserved. I am so proud to wear this badge.
Today we went to meet with the mission president for the first time. On the way I found a lady to quilt Joe’s quilt for me and we went to her home to drop off the quilt. She has a lovely home out in the country and I liked her when I met her and after explaining why we were here and telling her what I wanted done to the quilt, I happened to glance into another room and was flabbergasted at what I say. It looked like a bunch of Africian animals were lounging in this family room. I asked if I could look, she agreed. It was astounding. This room, about the size of the Cody cabin living room was full of animals. All around the room and high up on the walls were the most beautifully displayed animals I have ever seen. She let Dad take some pictures and they will be on the blog. Words can’t do it justice. I’m going to make postcards for the children from them. She and her husband like to do big game hunting and this is their trophy room. Notice in front of the fireplace.
Anyway I hope to see her more. She teaches sewing classes at the Viking store. So fun.
President and Sr J. are top notch, first class. We miss you all when we get these letters and we love them. The Branch have set us up so nicely with apartment furnishings. With the quilts I brought we are spoiled.
African Hunting Quilter
This is the trophy room of the lady that is quilting Joe's quilt for me. She and her husband went to Africa several times and came back with this. It blew me away!
Where we live here in beautiful Michigan
This is our Apartment floor plan. It is in an 8 plex in a beautiful spot in the outskirts of town.
This is a view of the valley of Adon-ondi-Ahman where 3 year before his death Adam called his decendents together and prdicted all that would befall this world. The Savior appeared. This is recorded in the book of Enoch. It was absolutely georgeous and peaceful. We sat on a boulder and read the scripture telling the tale.Near Far West
This is actually what is left of the home of the Apostle Charles Rich. Located a few miles from Far West. A private owner is trying to raise the money to restore and preserve it like the Liberty Jail is enclosed in a building. Charles Rich was faithful and eventually went to California and founded San Bernadino and some places in Utah and Idaho. He had 5 wives and has a huge progeny. A good man.
More at Far West
This is a view of the site where Joseph Smith & Hyrum Smith had their family log cabins.
At Far West
The temple site.
Far West, a church historical site. A small community was started here and apostles were sent to England from here. The cornerstones for a temple were laid here for the Far West temple, still to be built.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thursday……… September 10 – Friday September 12, 2008
Thursday morning we got up and headed for our town in Michigan. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep the night before! A beautiful drive once we got into Michigan and the memories stared coming fast. We arrived in town just before noon and found the church building which was brand new and very, very nice. Then we met with the branch Presidents counselor who had already gotten a list of better places for us to consider renting. So we looked at those and chose one nice place. Got our application in and checked out some other things, like chiropractors and used furniture places. The branch had even lined up a bed, dining room set and living room couch and lamps. So we will be in great shape. It smells SO good here and is so beautiful!
Friday we got up and I got my nails done after study hour. Then we went to see the Relief Society President who has the furniture for us and scheduled when we would get it tomorrow. The Elders quorum is going to move it to our apartment for us on Saturday. A very nice and busy lady. Then we went to the apartments and checked in there and found that our credit check was done and that we could finish the rental process in a couple of hours. So we drove to Kazoo and did some preliminary shopping but were very limited because of our car bursting at the seams. Then back to the apartments and finally moving in all our stuff form the car. Then Gerry went to take a nap and I went grocery shopping. Got it unloaded in a rain storm and it felt good. Now we are ready for the movers and furniture tomorrow. I should be adequately prepped for Sunday and sleeping at the apartment Saturday night.
Thursday morning we got up and headed for our town in Michigan. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep the night before! A beautiful drive once we got into Michigan and the memories stared coming fast. We arrived in town just before noon and found the church building which was brand new and very, very nice. Then we met with the branch Presidents counselor who had already gotten a list of better places for us to consider renting. So we looked at those and chose one nice place. Got our application in and checked out some other things, like chiropractors and used furniture places. The branch had even lined up a bed, dining room set and living room couch and lamps. So we will be in great shape. It smells SO good here and is so beautiful!
Friday we got up and I got my nails done after study hour. Then we went to see the Relief Society President who has the furniture for us and scheduled when we would get it tomorrow. The Elders quorum is going to move it to our apartment for us on Saturday. A very nice and busy lady. Then we went to the apartments and checked in there and found that our credit check was done and that we could finish the rental process in a couple of hours. So we drove to Kazoo and did some preliminary shopping but were very limited because of our car bursting at the seams. Then back to the apartments and finally moving in all our stuff form the car. Then Gerry went to take a nap and I went grocery shopping. Got it unloaded in a rain storm and it felt good. Now we are ready for the movers and furniture tomorrow. I should be adequately prepped for Sunday and sleeping at the apartment Saturday night.
Monday Sept 8,2008 – Wednesday September 9, 2008
Monday we got up and left the hotel about 8:00AM and had a nice drive all the way across Colorado and Kansas to Kansas City and Liberty, Missouri. Another beautiful day of travel across beautiful country. When we got to Liberty we had dinner then toured the Liberty Jail, where Joseph Smith had been so wrongfully imprisoned and had the marvelous revelations in answer to his prayers. The next day we went to the Far West temple site and then on to Adam-ondi-Amon, the site where Adam last addressed his posterity and the Savior appeared. What a beautiful place!! The day was perfect and it was marvelous to sit on that beautiful hillside and try in such a small way to invision the vast throng that must have assembled there and all that occurred.
We went on then and traveled to Des Moines and on to Moline, Illinois for the night. Each day has been beautiful and the travel so very pleasant. This is such a huge country and so beautiful and rich.
Each day we studied our scriptures for a couple of hours and marked favorite scriptures. A nice study time. Then listened to great music and stopped every hour and walked around the car for our backs and legs. (It’s nice when Gerry needs the stretching too.) It constantly amazes me at how well my back is doing. Almost two weeks now and no Chiropractor. HF is really blessing us.
Wednesday we traveled to Chicago. We got there early afternoon and we stopped at a huge outlet Mall and I got a few things I needed. Then on to the Holiday Inn near the airport so we’d be near Greg. It was expensive since it was near the airport but we felt it was worth it to be near Greg & Jill for the evening. Then the next day we found out that it was even more ! That night we went to dinner with Greg & Jill and had a lovely time. Then we visited for a while at their place that they have fixed up so very nice. It was hard to leave them so soon but we hope to see them soon in Michigan.
Monday we got up and left the hotel about 8:00AM and had a nice drive all the way across Colorado and Kansas to Kansas City and Liberty, Missouri. Another beautiful day of travel across beautiful country. When we got to Liberty we had dinner then toured the Liberty Jail, where Joseph Smith had been so wrongfully imprisoned and had the marvelous revelations in answer to his prayers. The next day we went to the Far West temple site and then on to Adam-ondi-Amon, the site where Adam last addressed his posterity and the Savior appeared. What a beautiful place!! The day was perfect and it was marvelous to sit on that beautiful hillside and try in such a small way to invision the vast throng that must have assembled there and all that occurred.
We went on then and traveled to Des Moines and on to Moline, Illinois for the night. Each day has been beautiful and the travel so very pleasant. This is such a huge country and so beautiful and rich.
Each day we studied our scriptures for a couple of hours and marked favorite scriptures. A nice study time. Then listened to great music and stopped every hour and walked around the car for our backs and legs. (It’s nice when Gerry needs the stretching too.) It constantly amazes me at how well my back is doing. Almost two weeks now and no Chiropractor. HF is really blessing us.
Wednesday we traveled to Chicago. We got there early afternoon and we stopped at a huge outlet Mall and I got a few things I needed. Then on to the Holiday Inn near the airport so we’d be near Greg. It was expensive since it was near the airport but we felt it was worth it to be near Greg & Jill for the evening. Then the next day we found out that it was even more ! That night we went to dinner with Greg & Jill and had a lovely time. Then we visited for a while at their place that they have fixed up so very nice. It was hard to leave them so soon but we hope to see them soon in Michigan.
Sunday September 7, 2008
It was fast Sunday today. We got up and attended sacrament meeting with an international branch there at the MTC. This means we attended with the missionaries who had come only from International countries and who were there at the MTC partially to learn English and would be serving only in the USA & Canada. There were also some of us Senior Missionaries. It was very spiritual listening to the testimonies of young missionaries from the South Seas, Sweden, France, Germany, Japan & the Philipines. We were in tears most of the meeting.
Afterward Gerry & I changed clothes and packed up, said our “good byes” and left for Denver all excited that we were finally on our way and very grateful for an amazing experience there. It was a beautiful day and even the desert mountains were still green. We got into Denver about 6:30PM and tired but happy and grateful for a good day.
It was fast Sunday today. We got up and attended sacrament meeting with an international branch there at the MTC. This means we attended with the missionaries who had come only from International countries and who were there at the MTC partially to learn English and would be serving only in the USA & Canada. There were also some of us Senior Missionaries. It was very spiritual listening to the testimonies of young missionaries from the South Seas, Sweden, France, Germany, Japan & the Philipines. We were in tears most of the meeting.
Afterward Gerry & I changed clothes and packed up, said our “good byes” and left for Denver all excited that we were finally on our way and very grateful for an amazing experience there. It was a beautiful day and even the desert mountains were still green. We got into Denver about 6:30PM and tired but happy and grateful for a good day.
Saturday………September 6,2008
Was invited to go with another senior couple to the temple this morning. Must remember to be sensitive like that to the single sisters. Didn’t want to walk there al;one and almost didn’t go. What a loss that would have been. I haven’t been in the Provo temple in years and it was wonderful to be in this beautiful house of the Lord again. I decided to help another senior couple with sealings of their family ancestors ad it was wonderful. Then I went and sat in the Celestial room for a while and it was such a joy. No pressures to leave and get on with things. I just sat and pondered this wonderful week and begged the Lord to help me remember all the great instructions. So very much to be grateful for. Prayed for Gerry this afternoon. Then had a beautiful walk back to the MTC.
It is quite humbling to wear this name tag. It announces to the world that I am a special representative of Jesus Christ. When I put it opn each morning I am reminded that it announces this and that I need to keep in mind constantly that all I do will reflect on the Lord and His Church. I was at the Mall the other day. My first time out in the world with the tag on. I had told Gerry that I would meet him 10 minutes ago and the checker was SO slow! I started to get after her a little and then I remembered what my tag said and I had to bite my tongue. Then she asked if I’d met a certain sister missionary and I had to say yes I’d sat with her at dinner an hour ago. The checker got all excited and begged to write her a short note. Of course what could I do but smile and say fine. Three people were watching too. When I got to the car Gerry was a little unhappy until I told him my story. My, my have I got a ways to go. It is a huge honor and responsibility to watch myself. I must leave EVERYONE I meet feeling happier than when I arrive. This was a good learning experience, and good for me. I should think like this all the time name tag or no! Well, one day at a time.
I spent the afternoon with laundry, scriptures, cleaning our little room and packing. Then went to dinner with Gina to a great Italian restaurant. A nice farewell. Gerry got home from Seattle without a hitch. The funeral was good and the trip well worthwhile.
Was invited to go with another senior couple to the temple this morning. Must remember to be sensitive like that to the single sisters. Didn’t want to walk there al;one and almost didn’t go. What a loss that would have been. I haven’t been in the Provo temple in years and it was wonderful to be in this beautiful house of the Lord again. I decided to help another senior couple with sealings of their family ancestors ad it was wonderful. Then I went and sat in the Celestial room for a while and it was such a joy. No pressures to leave and get on with things. I just sat and pondered this wonderful week and begged the Lord to help me remember all the great instructions. So very much to be grateful for. Prayed for Gerry this afternoon. Then had a beautiful walk back to the MTC.
It is quite humbling to wear this name tag. It announces to the world that I am a special representative of Jesus Christ. When I put it opn each morning I am reminded that it announces this and that I need to keep in mind constantly that all I do will reflect on the Lord and His Church. I was at the Mall the other day. My first time out in the world with the tag on. I had told Gerry that I would meet him 10 minutes ago and the checker was SO slow! I started to get after her a little and then I remembered what my tag said and I had to bite my tongue. Then she asked if I’d met a certain sister missionary and I had to say yes I’d sat with her at dinner an hour ago. The checker got all excited and begged to write her a short note. Of course what could I do but smile and say fine. Three people were watching too. When I got to the car Gerry was a little unhappy until I told him my story. My, my have I got a ways to go. It is a huge honor and responsibility to watch myself. I must leave EVERYONE I meet feeling happier than when I arrive. This was a good learning experience, and good for me. I should think like this all the time name tag or no! Well, one day at a time.
I spent the afternoon with laundry, scriptures, cleaning our little room and packing. Then went to dinner with Gina to a great Italian restaurant. A nice farewell. Gerry got home from Seattle without a hitch. The funeral was good and the trip well worthwhile.
Friday ……September5,2008
Another great quote.
“ Get investigators on their knees. That is the only way we will double baptisms.”
M.Russell Ballard
Note. Always use the prayer pamphlet and if the investigator hesitates become the rock.
Today was original and good. Today we did the lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and taught new members a “follow up” lesson. Our “new member” was so convincing I really believed him. I didn’t realize until afterward that he wasn’t. He’d been a member for 50 years!! Then we got to visit with some more senior missionaries and learned how to work with local councils and wards and branches without offending. We did case studies and it was excellent. The returned missionaries in our group shared experiences and the RMs shared. My, did they have amazing times and they accomplished SO much. This couple managed to teach groups to read, using the B of M, they taught whole groups FHEs, they arranged car pools for Sundays and did three groups of car pools themselves each Sunday. All that and more on top of teaching individual investigators and attending their Zone meetings etc..!
I am SO happy being here and doing all this! I am SO excited and anticipating getting to MI and going to work. It is SO nice this feeling of being really needed and useful.
Gerry flew to Seattle this afternoon. I hope he has a good time being with Joe & Jordan and Joan and her family. I hope he is able to say & do the things HF wants him to there. I know that is really his desire also. I hope Gerry also has good feelings and is able to have a sweet closure with Elmer. He tried to plant the seeds Elmer would let him. I miss him and eagerly look foreword to seeing him tomorrow night.
One huge blessing I am seeing happen already is that Gerry and I REALLY CAN WORK WELL TOGETHER AS MISSIONARY COMPANIONS. Just like with my best VTeaching companions, he thinks of things that I don’t and visa versa and we both have developed gifts that are such nice assets in this work. We are so unified in our desires we are supportive of each other. The teachers here have told us over and over not to worry about being perfect in our teaching but focus on the individual and the Spirit’s promptings that we do that and it flows between us. I enjoy that SO much. He really is the best companion!!!
After class today I got ready and Jan Johnson picked me up and we went to dinner downtown Provo and then for a lovely walk in the beautiful weather. I enjoy her so much. It’s funny we really weren’t friends in Montana. She is wonderful.. Then she drove me to her home so I could see the landscaping she had done on her home. It was lovely and I loved the pondless waterfall. I will have one of those at my next home!!
I got home about 9:00PM and showered and hit the hay. The walk had pushed my back to it’s limits and I was beat. What a blessing, I have gone an entire week, sitting in classes 8 – 10 hours a day and have just gotten stronger. My back feels good and I haven’t been adjusted in a week!!
Another great quote.
“ Get investigators on their knees. That is the only way we will double baptisms.”
M.Russell Ballard
Note. Always use the prayer pamphlet and if the investigator hesitates become the rock.
Today was original and good. Today we did the lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and taught new members a “follow up” lesson. Our “new member” was so convincing I really believed him. I didn’t realize until afterward that he wasn’t. He’d been a member for 50 years!! Then we got to visit with some more senior missionaries and learned how to work with local councils and wards and branches without offending. We did case studies and it was excellent. The returned missionaries in our group shared experiences and the RMs shared. My, did they have amazing times and they accomplished SO much. This couple managed to teach groups to read, using the B of M, they taught whole groups FHEs, they arranged car pools for Sundays and did three groups of car pools themselves each Sunday. All that and more on top of teaching individual investigators and attending their Zone meetings etc..!
I am SO happy being here and doing all this! I am SO excited and anticipating getting to MI and going to work. It is SO nice this feeling of being really needed and useful.
Gerry flew to Seattle this afternoon. I hope he has a good time being with Joe & Jordan and Joan and her family. I hope he is able to say & do the things HF wants him to there. I know that is really his desire also. I hope Gerry also has good feelings and is able to have a sweet closure with Elmer. He tried to plant the seeds Elmer would let him. I miss him and eagerly look foreword to seeing him tomorrow night.
One huge blessing I am seeing happen already is that Gerry and I REALLY CAN WORK WELL TOGETHER AS MISSIONARY COMPANIONS. Just like with my best VTeaching companions, he thinks of things that I don’t and visa versa and we both have developed gifts that are such nice assets in this work. We are so unified in our desires we are supportive of each other. The teachers here have told us over and over not to worry about being perfect in our teaching but focus on the individual and the Spirit’s promptings that we do that and it flows between us. I enjoy that SO much. He really is the best companion!!!
After class today I got ready and Jan Johnson picked me up and we went to dinner downtown Provo and then for a lovely walk in the beautiful weather. I enjoy her so much. It’s funny we really weren’t friends in Montana. She is wonderful.. Then she drove me to her home so I could see the landscaping she had done on her home. It was lovely and I loved the pondless waterfall. I will have one of those at my next home!!
I got home about 9:00PM and showered and hit the hay. The walk had pushed my back to it’s limits and I was beat. What a blessing, I have gone an entire week, sitting in classes 8 – 10 hours a day and have just gotten stronger. My back feels good and I haven’t been adjusted in a week!!
Thursday……September 4,2008
Had breakfast with Cindy Tanner again this morning. Really love that lady already. Gave her my email address and she shared this great quote from her stake President.
“There are no coincidences just minor miracles in which the Lord wishes to remain anonymous.”
That began a great day that was nicely different. We practiced using the Book of Mormon to teach less actives. It was great. We role played a less active that we knew for a couple then they role played for us. We used prayer and picked a scripture that we felt would help them after an initial interview. We both did well. Then we went to the referral center and answered calls for the free items the church gives away. Classes ended and we listened to two partnerships of senior returned missionaries. One couple had been to Jordan and another country that I’d never heard of before, and the other couple was two sister seniors who had served in Finley, Australia. Amazing stories.
Gerry & I then went to the bookstore and the Mall where I got some clothing I wanted\. We then came home, studied for Friday, made some calls to the children, and went to bed.
Had breakfast with Cindy Tanner again this morning. Really love that lady already. Gave her my email address and she shared this great quote from her stake President.
“There are no coincidences just minor miracles in which the Lord wishes to remain anonymous.”
That began a great day that was nicely different. We practiced using the Book of Mormon to teach less actives. It was great. We role played a less active that we knew for a couple then they role played for us. We used prayer and picked a scripture that we felt would help them after an initial interview. We both did well. Then we went to the referral center and answered calls for the free items the church gives away. Classes ended and we listened to two partnerships of senior returned missionaries. One couple had been to Jordan and another country that I’d never heard of before, and the other couple was two sister seniors who had served in Finley, Australia. Amazing stories.
Gerry & I then went to the bookstore and the Mall where I got some clothing I wanted\. We then came home, studied for Friday, made some calls to the children, and went to bed.
Wednesday…… September 3, 2008
Last night Gerry talked with our mission President and found out we will be living in Paw Paw. It is about 30 miles west of Kalamazoo. There is a tiny branch of the Church there. They have two Elders working there now and we will work with them and also the Elders in St Joseph and South Haven ( the two cities we used to live in). South Haven also has a branch and St Joe has a Ward. I think we will be very busy. I am so excited. It’s so great there are already Elders there to work with. Paw Paw is a town about the size of Centralia. We can hardly wait.
I wish I could learn and internalize faster. We will have NO trouble studying the scriptures 2 hours a day together. There is SO much we want to brush up on and have at our fingertips. But it’s okay. The most important thing is being worthy of HF’s Spirit and He will do the important part if we do that. Everything we are reviewing and studying though is SO interesting. We truly are feasting. Even though I have taught these principles and doctrines for 40 years I am learning amazing things I never realized before. This gospel is the most fantastic and brilliant thing and I am constantly amazed and excited by it.
I had never before realized that the dispensations of time were distinguished by a prophet (or prophets) being called by HF to teach his children the gospel of Jesus Christ, then they have chosen to accept or reject it and all eventually came to reject it so much that HF removed it and his priesthood from the earth. Then after a while he sends another Prophet and the priesthood back again and the cycle happens again. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Enoch, Moses, to name a few. And that the Old Testament and Book of Mormon are the history of this cycle repeating. I had never put it together like that. Now we have the “dispensation of the fullness of times” and the prophet sent to begin it was Joseph Smith.
Another truth about the Atonement that I realized is that the Savior’s crucifixion and the gift He gave all men, referring to that of immortality, was given in part so that all men could stand before HF to be judged. I knew that we were given this gift for other reasons but had never realized that in order to stand before Him at judgment we have to be immortal.
Today we worked on the lesson on the Plan of Happiness doing pretty much the same thing we did yesterday with this subject. A nice surprise was that our investigator was Gina P. from home. She got such a kick surprising us. It was so good seeing her and seeing how happy she is. We did better today managing the information, and of course the subject is such a great one.
I went all day without pain meds. Two more days and we are done with our classes. I stay here Friday alone while Gerry fly’s home to Seattle for his brother’s memorial service. Jordan and Joe are going with him. Then Saturday he fly’s back here to SLC and Sunday we head out to go to Michigan. We plan to stop at Independence and see the church historical sites there and then we will spend Tuesday or Wednesday night with Greg & Jill in Chicago before we go to Paw Paw and find a place to live. Then the mission really begins!!
Last night Gerry talked with our mission President and found out we will be living in Paw Paw. It is about 30 miles west of Kalamazoo. There is a tiny branch of the Church there. They have two Elders working there now and we will work with them and also the Elders in St Joseph and South Haven ( the two cities we used to live in). South Haven also has a branch and St Joe has a Ward. I think we will be very busy. I am so excited. It’s so great there are already Elders there to work with. Paw Paw is a town about the size of Centralia. We can hardly wait.
I wish I could learn and internalize faster. We will have NO trouble studying the scriptures 2 hours a day together. There is SO much we want to brush up on and have at our fingertips. But it’s okay. The most important thing is being worthy of HF’s Spirit and He will do the important part if we do that. Everything we are reviewing and studying though is SO interesting. We truly are feasting. Even though I have taught these principles and doctrines for 40 years I am learning amazing things I never realized before. This gospel is the most fantastic and brilliant thing and I am constantly amazed and excited by it.
I had never before realized that the dispensations of time were distinguished by a prophet (or prophets) being called by HF to teach his children the gospel of Jesus Christ, then they have chosen to accept or reject it and all eventually came to reject it so much that HF removed it and his priesthood from the earth. Then after a while he sends another Prophet and the priesthood back again and the cycle happens again. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Enoch, Moses, to name a few. And that the Old Testament and Book of Mormon are the history of this cycle repeating. I had never put it together like that. Now we have the “dispensation of the fullness of times” and the prophet sent to begin it was Joseph Smith.
Another truth about the Atonement that I realized is that the Savior’s crucifixion and the gift He gave all men, referring to that of immortality, was given in part so that all men could stand before HF to be judged. I knew that we were given this gift for other reasons but had never realized that in order to stand before Him at judgment we have to be immortal.
Today we worked on the lesson on the Plan of Happiness doing pretty much the same thing we did yesterday with this subject. A nice surprise was that our investigator was Gina P. from home. She got such a kick surprising us. It was so good seeing her and seeing how happy she is. We did better today managing the information, and of course the subject is such a great one.
I went all day without pain meds. Two more days and we are done with our classes. I stay here Friday alone while Gerry fly’s home to Seattle for his brother’s memorial service. Jordan and Joe are going with him. Then Saturday he fly’s back here to SLC and Sunday we head out to go to Michigan. We plan to stop at Independence and see the church historical sites there and then we will spend Tuesday or Wednesday night with Greg & Jill in Chicago before we go to Paw Paw and find a place to live. Then the mission really begins!!
Tuesday …..September 2, 2008
Today, having done our homework we practiced giving the lesson for investigators on the 8 points of the restoration. Great young returned missionaries taught us and encouraged us and inspired us. The Spirit is fantastic here. The happiness and sense of eager purpose bounces off the walls. We never felt overwhelmed or discouraged. Gerry & I practiced making sure we touched on all points of doctrine and didn’t get bogged down with too much detail so that an investigator could get the basics in a 45 minute session, be challenged to make commitments and also learn of at least 2 commandments. The biggest challenge is to not go on and on. We keep reminding ourselves that they will get more on the same lesson after baptism. If we keep in mind to teach the basics on the principle like we would to Olea, or Cortlynn, Chloe or Tanner we are teaching just about the right amount in the overview. That is 8 minutes. Then we can take 30 minutes to answer the questions on the doctrines that most interest the investigator.
We visited at meals with more of the senior couples many of whom are here for their 2nd & 3rd mission. It is always exciting and amazing to learn of their history on missions and their lives. They have had fantastic experiences and are going to more. We are excited for them and the people they go to. We get even more excited about our mission.
My back has been amazing. The trip here went great, no back problems. Yesterday and today I sat 8 and 12 hours,( with hourly breaks) and I did have to take Advil a couple of times the two days because my back got tired sitting. Otherwise, no problems. I feel HF has really blessed me. I would have been sick to miss anything!
Last night was a highlight. We had the regular Tuesday devotional and all the missionaries here came together and sang wonderful hymns then we were addressed by the new apostle Quentin Cook and his wife. He talked about how the new Preach My Gospel manual came about. It was fascinating. He also shared some special moments he had with the prophet and bore a powerful testimony. Absolutely wonderful. We really enjoyed the missionary choir and Cody Lambert was there singing with them. It has been neat running into him and seeing his enthusiasm. He is getting the language and has already memorized the first discussion and the first vision in Spanish. It’s hard not to hug him!
Today, having done our homework we practiced giving the lesson for investigators on the 8 points of the restoration. Great young returned missionaries taught us and encouraged us and inspired us. The Spirit is fantastic here. The happiness and sense of eager purpose bounces off the walls. We never felt overwhelmed or discouraged. Gerry & I practiced making sure we touched on all points of doctrine and didn’t get bogged down with too much detail so that an investigator could get the basics in a 45 minute session, be challenged to make commitments and also learn of at least 2 commandments. The biggest challenge is to not go on and on. We keep reminding ourselves that they will get more on the same lesson after baptism. If we keep in mind to teach the basics on the principle like we would to Olea, or Cortlynn, Chloe or Tanner we are teaching just about the right amount in the overview. That is 8 minutes. Then we can take 30 minutes to answer the questions on the doctrines that most interest the investigator.
We visited at meals with more of the senior couples many of whom are here for their 2nd & 3rd mission. It is always exciting and amazing to learn of their history on missions and their lives. They have had fantastic experiences and are going to more. We are excited for them and the people they go to. We get even more excited about our mission.
My back has been amazing. The trip here went great, no back problems. Yesterday and today I sat 8 and 12 hours,( with hourly breaks) and I did have to take Advil a couple of times the two days because my back got tired sitting. Otherwise, no problems. I feel HF has really blessed me. I would have been sick to miss anything!
Last night was a highlight. We had the regular Tuesday devotional and all the missionaries here came together and sang wonderful hymns then we were addressed by the new apostle Quentin Cook and his wife. He talked about how the new Preach My Gospel manual came about. It was fascinating. He also shared some special moments he had with the prophet and bore a powerful testimony. Absolutely wonderful. We really enjoyed the missionary choir and Cody Lambert was there singing with them. It has been neat running into him and seeing his enthusiasm. He is getting the language and has already memorized the first discussion and the first vision in Spanish. It’s hard not to hug him!
Monday……….September 1, 2008
Arrived at the MTC just before 11:00AM. Very exciting to finally be here. Only about 40 senior couples came this day but the leaders were very pleased with the number and treated us so very specially and gratefully. The orientations were well organized and inspiring and very interesting. You wouldn’t guess by their program that they do this over and over and over. Everything runs absolutely smoothly even feeding 2500 people in an hour good food and plenty of it . The classes for the rest of the afternoon were inspiring and taught so well by young returned missionaries (for the most part). We were inspired, fed, touched to tears, appreciated and excited.
At 4:15PM we were finished for the day and went to our rooms, relaxed and enjoyed mingling with all the young missionaries. So fun! At dinner we sat with a couple going to New Delhi to open and start a neonatal clinic for women. They stay here 2 weeks then go to New Delhi and continue a brief orientation and then are on their own setting this up. They are not doctors! The language is English. She had 8 children. He was a public motivational speaker. They live here in Utah. Her parents served a mission in India about 40 years ago. They are so excited. She shared with me some amazing stories. She was told when she was set apart that she would be able to handle the emotional stress that working with such downtrodden people would bring and still be able to have a cheerful spirit and uplift them. HF is so very kind and good to us women! Another thing she shared that I am eager to share with Frances at the Family History Center is that they are transcribing family histories there in India from old records recorded on PALM LEAVES no less. She related that they were very old and disintegrating! Her mother worked with a man there who was the first native missionary in India and now this neat couple is going to be working with him setting up this clinic. All this and more the first day!
Arrived at the MTC just before 11:00AM. Very exciting to finally be here. Only about 40 senior couples came this day but the leaders were very pleased with the number and treated us so very specially and gratefully. The orientations were well organized and inspiring and very interesting. You wouldn’t guess by their program that they do this over and over and over. Everything runs absolutely smoothly even feeding 2500 people in an hour good food and plenty of it . The classes for the rest of the afternoon were inspiring and taught so well by young returned missionaries (for the most part). We were inspired, fed, touched to tears, appreciated and excited.
At 4:15PM we were finished for the day and went to our rooms, relaxed and enjoyed mingling with all the young missionaries. So fun! At dinner we sat with a couple going to New Delhi to open and start a neonatal clinic for women. They stay here 2 weeks then go to New Delhi and continue a brief orientation and then are on their own setting this up. They are not doctors! The language is English. She had 8 children. He was a public motivational speaker. They live here in Utah. Her parents served a mission in India about 40 years ago. They are so excited. She shared with me some amazing stories. She was told when she was set apart that she would be able to handle the emotional stress that working with such downtrodden people would bring and still be able to have a cheerful spirit and uplift them. HF is so very kind and good to us women! Another thing she shared that I am eager to share with Frances at the Family History Center is that they are transcribing family histories there in India from old records recorded on PALM LEAVES no less. She related that they were very old and disintegrating! Her mother worked with a man there who was the first native missionary in India and now this neat couple is going to be working with him setting up this clinic. All this and more the first day!
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