Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
December 14-25, 2008
Lots of snow and beauty. It is amazing how efficiently Michiganders handle the huge volume of snow. We are thoroughly enjoying it except when it hinders our getting out and doing the work (which has happened many days in this stretch).
Monday – Friday this week we had at least 3 days where we were very limited in our mobility. We did manage to do a lot of service for Angela, apartment hunting and trips to Hartford. Then I must have made 20 loaves of raisin cinnamon bread to take to our friends, so our time wasn’t wasted. We also served at the rehab center. I do plan to go to Decatur to get instructed on these personal histories so I do them in the best possible way, given the handicaps of the elderly I am working with. Also, we got the elders the furniture from South Haven & I saw the chiropractor for my monthly checkup. A miracle there, all is well. We did the 12 days of Christmas for one and helped with a Christmas for another, just increased the Christmas spirit for us.
Saturday after our missionary meeting I taught Myra to make Carmel rolls and we passed out goodies in spite of the heavy snow. Fun Sunday we had a blizzard and all church was called off ( we had planned to go to South Haven) but we got about 14 inches of snow. The elders came and spent the day and we watched “Lehi’s Journey” & “Emma’s Story” fed them and just had fun hanging out. Different Sunday to be sure, but we felt good about how we had spent it.
Monday the 22nd was a bad snow day again and we worried that Greg & Jill wouldn’t make it but they did and it was great! That evening we went caroling and delivered packages with the elders and then came home for cocoa.
Tuesday, my birthday, we had our Christmas with Greg & Jill with our traditional breakfast and all. It as so fun having them here. After opening gifts we watched some DVD’s on Joseph Smith and played some games. Then we went to Mr T’s for dinner. A very nice day. That evening I got to talk to most of the family who all sang me Happy Birthday. Pat emailed me a video sweet Mari had made of our grandkids opening their gifts from us. So GOOD!
Wednesday, Christmas eve, we had another nice breakfast and played scrabble then Greg & Jill left for home. He has to work on Christmas. Very hard to see them go. Visited with more of the family and laid around watching videos. Went to return some things at Walmart and then we went to Red Robin for a nice lunch. Came home and vegged and watched movies. (Doesn’t sound much like a mission does it? ) We look foreword to the holiday being over so we can get back to work!
Christmas day, nice and lazy, it’s snowing again and after noon the elders are coming to play games and have their calls home. Angela is coming for dinner and to hang out for the afternoon since she can’t be with her children until Saturday. The elders have a dinner appointment at 5:00PM so we will have dinner then with Angela too. It is good we can help others alone today.
Monday – Friday this week we had at least 3 days where we were very limited in our mobility. We did manage to do a lot of service for Angela, apartment hunting and trips to Hartford. Then I must have made 20 loaves of raisin cinnamon bread to take to our friends, so our time wasn’t wasted. We also served at the rehab center. I do plan to go to Decatur to get instructed on these personal histories so I do them in the best possible way, given the handicaps of the elderly I am working with. Also, we got the elders the furniture from South Haven & I saw the chiropractor for my monthly checkup. A miracle there, all is well. We did the 12 days of Christmas for one and helped with a Christmas for another, just increased the Christmas spirit for us.
Saturday after our missionary meeting I taught Myra to make Carmel rolls and we passed out goodies in spite of the heavy snow. Fun Sunday we had a blizzard and all church was called off ( we had planned to go to South Haven) but we got about 14 inches of snow. The elders came and spent the day and we watched “Lehi’s Journey” & “Emma’s Story” fed them and just had fun hanging out. Different Sunday to be sure, but we felt good about how we had spent it.
Monday the 22nd was a bad snow day again and we worried that Greg & Jill wouldn’t make it but they did and it was great! That evening we went caroling and delivered packages with the elders and then came home for cocoa.
Tuesday, my birthday, we had our Christmas with Greg & Jill with our traditional breakfast and all. It as so fun having them here. After opening gifts we watched some DVD’s on Joseph Smith and played some games. Then we went to Mr T’s for dinner. A very nice day. That evening I got to talk to most of the family who all sang me Happy Birthday. Pat emailed me a video sweet Mari had made of our grandkids opening their gifts from us. So GOOD!
Wednesday, Christmas eve, we had another nice breakfast and played scrabble then Greg & Jill left for home. He has to work on Christmas. Very hard to see them go. Visited with more of the family and laid around watching videos. Went to return some things at Walmart and then we went to Red Robin for a nice lunch. Came home and vegged and watched movies. (Doesn’t sound much like a mission does it? ) We look foreword to the holiday being over so we can get back to work!
Christmas day, nice and lazy, it’s snowing again and after noon the elders are coming to play games and have their calls home. Angela is coming for dinner and to hang out for the afternoon since she can’t be with her children until Saturday. The elders have a dinner appointment at 5:00PM so we will have dinner then with Angela too. It is good we can help others alone today.
Monday, December 15, 2008
December 7 - 14, 2008
Sunday we had a long day. We were at church from 9:30 to 4:30. It was all good, excellent talks & classes which were followed by a baptism for Felix. Then we had refreshments. Following that we met with the branch president, Angela and a few others to “clear the air”. The branch president was great & so was his wife as they gently explained to Angela the perimeters of friendship. How to be one and to have friends. There was a spirit of forgiveness and clarification and love. We felt it was all good. Then we had 3 investigators and 3 new members attending the Book of Mormon class.
Monday, was sort of a P. day, we cleaned, did laundry and then studied around helping Joyce, with the young elders, move out of her bridal business. She moves to Florida on Monday. Then we studied shopped and I finished several Christmas projects.
Tuesday, I made lots of raisin cinnamon bread and we took Angela to Hartford on some business for her. I got my nails done in the afternoon and we dropped in on some investigators. That evening we taught Henry & Candy the Plan of Salvation. It went very well. Discovered some need for Christmas. They had watched the video we had left but no reading. We will work on that. Good spirit there!
Wednesday, we had great district meetings in Allegan and lunch with all the Elders. Then home & I took my neighbor, Lori, Christmas shopping. She has surgery on Monday for a bad knee. Great getting better acquainted. That evening we went Home teaching.
Thursday, after exercise & study, we went to the rehab center and did some work there. I have been asked to work on patients personal histories for the historical society in Decatur, Gerry plays games with the patients. It is fun and interesting to get to know these good people. There are 140 staff members for 120 patients. That does not count the volunteers! That evening we went home teaching.
Friday, I baked again, this time for our neighbors. Then we cleaned the branch building & got groceries. Biggest frustration here is having to go to the store almost every day cuz of lack of self space. If that is our biggest headache, how good can it get? Right!? Tried to get some Visiting teaching done, snow kind of preventative.
Saturday, after our breakfast missionary meeting, I prepared my hot dish for Sunday’s meetings then tried again to visit teach. That afternoon we had an appointment to give a tour of the church building that canceled due to icy roads. We took the Elders to dinner instead.
Sunday was another marathon day but great. We had all the council meeting and meal and then home at 4:30 to go back again for the great book of Mormon class.
It is good recording this weekly journal. It helps me get a realistic view of how we are spending our time. It is a great concern to be productive and doing positive things for the Lord. When I view this it reassures me that even though I can do better, we are accomplishing good, especially when we see the attendance at church constantly increasing. People that are returning after being gone for a while and new faces happily showing up again.
Monday, was sort of a P. day, we cleaned, did laundry and then studied around helping Joyce, with the young elders, move out of her bridal business. She moves to Florida on Monday. Then we studied shopped and I finished several Christmas projects.
Tuesday, I made lots of raisin cinnamon bread and we took Angela to Hartford on some business for her. I got my nails done in the afternoon and we dropped in on some investigators. That evening we taught Henry & Candy the Plan of Salvation. It went very well. Discovered some need for Christmas. They had watched the video we had left but no reading. We will work on that. Good spirit there!
Wednesday, we had great district meetings in Allegan and lunch with all the Elders. Then home & I took my neighbor, Lori, Christmas shopping. She has surgery on Monday for a bad knee. Great getting better acquainted. That evening we went Home teaching.
Thursday, after exercise & study, we went to the rehab center and did some work there. I have been asked to work on patients personal histories for the historical society in Decatur, Gerry plays games with the patients. It is fun and interesting to get to know these good people. There are 140 staff members for 120 patients. That does not count the volunteers! That evening we went home teaching.
Friday, I baked again, this time for our neighbors. Then we cleaned the branch building & got groceries. Biggest frustration here is having to go to the store almost every day cuz of lack of self space. If that is our biggest headache, how good can it get? Right!? Tried to get some Visiting teaching done, snow kind of preventative.
Saturday, after our breakfast missionary meeting, I prepared my hot dish for Sunday’s meetings then tried again to visit teach. That afternoon we had an appointment to give a tour of the church building that canceled due to icy roads. We took the Elders to dinner instead.
Sunday was another marathon day but great. We had all the council meeting and meal and then home at 4:30 to go back again for the great book of Mormon class.
It is good recording this weekly journal. It helps me get a realistic view of how we are spending our time. It is a great concern to be productive and doing positive things for the Lord. When I view this it reassures me that even though I can do better, we are accomplishing good, especially when we see the attendance at church constantly increasing. People that are returning after being gone for a while and new faces happily showing up again.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Reply to Jacob's great letter
December 6, 2008
Dear Jacob,
What a great letter!!! It made me think of my grandfather Gambee, who you look like in his baby pictures (have your dad show you). When I had to live away from my mom when I was about 12, he would write me letters giving me directions on how to answer all his questions and write a proper letter. You would have gotten a A+!!
Your letter makes me homesick to see and hug you!! Your success in fishing makes me happy for you, camping too. What fun! And it makes me hungry too. Then when I read about the 12# of candy, it made me sick. Just kidding, what a great time you must have had.
I am keeping all the letters you write me too. They sure make us happy when we get one! I liked the book “Indian in the Cupboard” and thought that the movie would be great too. Then I saw the movie and thought it was boring. Have you seen the movie? You’ll probably like it after reading the book. Everyone’s taste in books and movies is SO different. I think you would also enjoy the books I gave Dallin last year for Christmas – the Dan Storm series. He would be happy to lend them to you. All my boys loved them.
Isn’t your Mom still the den leader for you? I loved doing that for your dad & uncles. If I lived there I’d ask to be your den leader!
Was the weather good when you camped? What all do you do on the islands besides fishing? It sounds so very fun!
You know Jacob, it has been snowing here since Nov. 17th ! We are getting 6 inches of snow today! It is beautiful. There is a momma deer and her 3 babies that come and eat the acorns from our oak tree every night. It is cool to watch them.
We have a neat Book of Mormon reading class every Sunday at the church where new members and investigators come and we read together. It surprises me at how hard it is for them to understand the book when they have never read it before. They struggle with the way the sentences are structured and with the visions (especially) and the story. They are very eager to understand and we often stop and explain the verses. You have such an advantage because you read the Book of Mormon every night. Someday you will have the opportunity to help people understand that great, wonderful book. You will then think back to those nights when you gathered as a family and your dad explained what you were reading. By the time you go on your mission you will have cultivated a great love for that book. I LOVE the Book of Mormon. Jacob it is SO true. When I read it I feel Heavenly Father’s love for me and you so very strongly. It is wonderful. Who in the book do you admire the most besides the Savior? It is hard for me. I love the heros for each story. Right now I especially love Alma the younger & Amulek because I am reading their story right now. They were such great missionaries. As a missionary, I study them really hard because I want to be so like them. Who do you especially like?
Must go now. I love you heaps Jake, thanks SO much for the great letter!
Dear Jacob,
What a great letter!!! It made me think of my grandfather Gambee, who you look like in his baby pictures (have your dad show you). When I had to live away from my mom when I was about 12, he would write me letters giving me directions on how to answer all his questions and write a proper letter. You would have gotten a A+!!
Your letter makes me homesick to see and hug you!! Your success in fishing makes me happy for you, camping too. What fun! And it makes me hungry too. Then when I read about the 12# of candy, it made me sick. Just kidding, what a great time you must have had.
I am keeping all the letters you write me too. They sure make us happy when we get one! I liked the book “Indian in the Cupboard” and thought that the movie would be great too. Then I saw the movie and thought it was boring. Have you seen the movie? You’ll probably like it after reading the book. Everyone’s taste in books and movies is SO different. I think you would also enjoy the books I gave Dallin last year for Christmas – the Dan Storm series. He would be happy to lend them to you. All my boys loved them.
Isn’t your Mom still the den leader for you? I loved doing that for your dad & uncles. If I lived there I’d ask to be your den leader!
Was the weather good when you camped? What all do you do on the islands besides fishing? It sounds so very fun!
You know Jacob, it has been snowing here since Nov. 17th ! We are getting 6 inches of snow today! It is beautiful. There is a momma deer and her 3 babies that come and eat the acorns from our oak tree every night. It is cool to watch them.
We have a neat Book of Mormon reading class every Sunday at the church where new members and investigators come and we read together. It surprises me at how hard it is for them to understand the book when they have never read it before. They struggle with the way the sentences are structured and with the visions (especially) and the story. They are very eager to understand and we often stop and explain the verses. You have such an advantage because you read the Book of Mormon every night. Someday you will have the opportunity to help people understand that great, wonderful book. You will then think back to those nights when you gathered as a family and your dad explained what you were reading. By the time you go on your mission you will have cultivated a great love for that book. I LOVE the Book of Mormon. Jacob it is SO true. When I read it I feel Heavenly Father’s love for me and you so very strongly. It is wonderful. Who in the book do you admire the most besides the Savior? It is hard for me. I love the heros for each story. Right now I especially love Alma the younger & Amulek because I am reading their story right now. They were such great missionaries. As a missionary, I study them really hard because I want to be so like them. Who do you especially like?
Must go now. I love you heaps Jake, thanks SO much for the great letter!
December 1 -6,2008
We had our first Sunday evening Book of Mormon reading group yesterday. We had 3 nonmembers and 3 new members there and it was good and went well. Obviously this is a needed group. We were pleased. We won’t have it the first Sunday’s of the month due to the “mix & Mingle” activity.
Monday was our “Prep day” we cleaned, shopped and I went to the chiropractor. Then we took Elder Hiatt out for dinner for his birthday for Mexican.
Tuesday after our study time we went to work at the rehab center for the afternoon. I am going to be recording personal histories, Gerry wants to play board games with the men.
That evening we were supposed to teach Henry & Candy but they called and canceled until next week. Snow day.
Wednesday, I got some more groceries for the weekend and we took baked goods to the new families we’ve been asked to Home Teach. Took dinner to Lori, our neighbor who has an injured knee. Fun, snow day.
Thursday , in the afternoon we took Darlene to lunch then we cleaned her home and took her shopping and then I gave her the Visiting Teaching message. That night we had dinner with our old friend Rachel in South Haven. She is giving our elders a love seat and dresser. We’ll get them Sunday when we go there for church.
Friday was our Christmas Zone Conference. We took our Elders and had teaching & inspirational stuff in the AM then a great lunch put on by the Ward members of Kalamazoo. Then we had the Christmas program(I shared our Christmas in Brazil), sang Christmas carols and then they gave us our mail. We got some surprise love letters from some of our family that really touched our hearts. Then we had some more mixing and then home. We got home just in time to get ready for our branch Christmas party which was fun too. Very tired that night.
Saturday we had the elders to breakfast & for our weekly meeting. Some reading stuff to our neighbor Lori. Then caught up this blog and got ready for a open house party for an investigator this afternoon. Heaps of snow. We worry that it will be too bad to go to South Haven on Sunday.
Monday was our “Prep day” we cleaned, shopped and I went to the chiropractor. Then we took Elder Hiatt out for dinner for his birthday for Mexican.
Tuesday after our study time we went to work at the rehab center for the afternoon. I am going to be recording personal histories, Gerry wants to play board games with the men.
That evening we were supposed to teach Henry & Candy but they called and canceled until next week. Snow day.
Wednesday, I got some more groceries for the weekend and we took baked goods to the new families we’ve been asked to Home Teach. Took dinner to Lori, our neighbor who has an injured knee. Fun, snow day.
Thursday , in the afternoon we took Darlene to lunch then we cleaned her home and took her shopping and then I gave her the Visiting Teaching message. That night we had dinner with our old friend Rachel in South Haven. She is giving our elders a love seat and dresser. We’ll get them Sunday when we go there for church.
Friday was our Christmas Zone Conference. We took our Elders and had teaching & inspirational stuff in the AM then a great lunch put on by the Ward members of Kalamazoo. Then we had the Christmas program(I shared our Christmas in Brazil), sang Christmas carols and then they gave us our mail. We got some surprise love letters from some of our family that really touched our hearts. Then we had some more mixing and then home. We got home just in time to get ready for our branch Christmas party which was fun too. Very tired that night.
Saturday we had the elders to breakfast & for our weekly meeting. Some reading stuff to our neighbor Lori. Then caught up this blog and got ready for a open house party for an investigator this afternoon. Heaps of snow. We worry that it will be too bad to go to South Haven on Sunday.
November 24 -30
Monday, after study & exercise, we took the Millers to lunch. Got acquainted and learned how we might help them with their concerns. Nice couple. Then I ran errands and prepared for Angela’s birthday dinner. That night we taught Joyce about the Restoration. She promised to read & pray. It went well. That night when we got home Angela had left a message canceling her birthday dinner. We took her cake and gifts and left them for her on her doorstep. She got a better invitation. We have to remember that she has never been taught social skills.
Tuesday, after our morning routine of study & exercise, we went to Tara’s & read the Book o0f Mormon together. It was good. That evening we taught Henry & Candy the lesson on the Plan of Salvation. That went well. They had a friend there listening too.
Wednesday, we got a letter from Joyce politely backing out of further lessons. That is okay, but we still want to help her in a couple of weeks to pack & clean up her business. I was really disappointed that she won’t be continuing. Then we went to district meetings in Allegan,& to lunch with the Elders. Afterward, we went to the rehab center where we will be doing volunteer work each week and got oriented. Picked up my baked goods for Thanksgiving and came home and finished my prep for Thanksgiving.
This morning we met the Harris’s and drove to Big Rapids for a feast with 6 other senior couples. Very nice group. We had a lovely dinner and then the women made ornaments and the guys played Uno. A nice time. Pictures follow. This is a group which has served multiple missions each. This is Harris’s 3rd. Amazing people!
Friday, Chris & Rachel & Allie came for the weekend. The elders & zone leaders came for dinner and we took Chris & Rachel to meet our investigators. A fun weekend. I still looked foreword to getting back to the mission work.
Sunday, Chris & Rachel left after sacrament meeting due to snow. Myra & Bob came and ate the dinner with us. Today is our 40th anniversary of our baptism!! How overwhelmed we feel when we contemplate the blessings we have received as members of the Lord's true church. How grateful we are to Jesus Christ for the blessings of His gospel and our testimonies. WE know better than ever before that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of the Lord and did translate the Book of Mormon, true scripture and another witness that Jesus is the Christ. How I love that book and it's teachings. How it compliments the Holy Bible! How grateful I am for all the ancient prophets and our prophet on the earth today, Thomas Monson.
Tuesday, after our morning routine of study & exercise, we went to Tara’s & read the Book o0f Mormon together. It was good. That evening we taught Henry & Candy the lesson on the Plan of Salvation. That went well. They had a friend there listening too.
Wednesday, we got a letter from Joyce politely backing out of further lessons. That is okay, but we still want to help her in a couple of weeks to pack & clean up her business. I was really disappointed that she won’t be continuing. Then we went to district meetings in Allegan,& to lunch with the Elders. Afterward, we went to the rehab center where we will be doing volunteer work each week and got oriented. Picked up my baked goods for Thanksgiving and came home and finished my prep for Thanksgiving.
This morning we met the Harris’s and drove to Big Rapids for a feast with 6 other senior couples. Very nice group. We had a lovely dinner and then the women made ornaments and the guys played Uno. A nice time. Pictures follow. This is a group which has served multiple missions each. This is Harris’s 3rd. Amazing people!
Friday, Chris & Rachel & Allie came for the weekend. The elders & zone leaders came for dinner and we took Chris & Rachel to meet our investigators. A fun weekend. I still looked foreword to getting back to the mission work.
Sunday, Chris & Rachel left after sacrament meeting due to snow. Myra & Bob came and ate the dinner with us. Today is our 40th anniversary of our baptism!! How overwhelmed we feel when we contemplate the blessings we have received as members of the Lord's true church. How grateful we are to Jesus Christ for the blessings of His gospel and our testimonies. WE know better than ever before that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of the Lord and did translate the Book of Mormon, true scripture and another witness that Jesus is the Christ. How I love that book and it's teachings. How it compliments the Holy Bible! How grateful I am for all the ancient prophets and our prophet on the earth today, Thomas Monson.
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