May 31, 2015

Dear Family,

Missionaries, while in Nevada a few years ago, mentioned occasionally that days sometimes passed slowly but weeks rapidly.  Such was the case over these past few days.  It seems that there is such a short interval between today and the last time we wrote.  We have stayed very busy. Certainly that has something to do with time passing quickly.  One of the challenges we have repeatedly faced so far this spring has been completing tasks that must be rescheduled due to rainy weather.  The ground has become completely saturated which limits when we can mow.  The mowers used are wide and quite heavy.  It is difficult now to leave marring ruts in the areas that we try to keep manicured and attractive to visitors.  Many of the areas mowed have quite steep slopes also, making the task more challenging due to the risk of sliding into lower bogs.  It is a bit more dangerous at the same time.

The upside, everything is so lush and green – absolutely beautiful.  The drainage ponds are full, some to the point of overflow, others in need of moss control which I am assigned to monitor and treat.  As I arrived early at the work center on a beautiful clear morning, I snapped a picture of the pond across the lane.  The reflection of the trees in the background was striking in the mirror like water.  It is representative of the calmness and serenity of the entire property we are so blessed to feel enjoy each day.  Frosting, I guess, on the cake of our missionary service here.

I have particularly enjoyed watching the cattle feeding in the fenced pastures that border the roadways through the properties.  Having heard for years, from my Dad, of “cattle up to their bellies in feed”, it has been interesting to personally observe.  Their blocky back barely protrude from above the grass, shiny and healthy.  We wonder out loud if they realize how fortunate they are when compared with their cousins in more arid and overgrazed areas in drier climates.  There is a fresh and romping component to the heard of calves that are especially fun to watch.

Monday many members from nearby wards congregated for a “memorial day” breakfast at the picnic area next to the valley overlook area.  Many brought pot-luck dishes – breakfast casseroles, muffins, or fruit salads.  Pancakes were grilled and served warm, which was nice as a cool breeze was blowing.  One member brought a large contained of hard-boiled quail eggs (along with instructions that they could be enjoyed either with or without the shells).  Some people just popped them in their mouths directly from the table.  After the early morning meal a very inspiring patriotic program was presented, reminding of the sacrifice of so many to preserve our liberties.  Following the program we picked some peony blossoms and visited the largest of three pioneer cemeteries on the property.  Ours were the only flowers to be placed. Contemplation led us to realize that probably very few, if any, of the immediate the succeeding generation are still living.  We hoped that the people interred there were not forgotten.

Marilyn helped me spray an area a few days ago by being my tractor operator.  The PTO on the unit will not work (a safety feature) without someone in the seat and I needed to be at the other end of the hose, away from the tank and within a fenced area.  Don’t you think she is a beautiful “farm girl”.  She is such a good sport.  I genuinely and continually appreciate her support. 

We have been experiencing a real invasion of Cicadas.  They coat the branches of trees and nearly all else, and make such an interesting noise.  While mowing in the Pecan Grove, we turned off the engines only to be greeted by a chorus of these winged insects that was just as loud as the diesel and gas motors of the mowers.  Our understanding is that the hatch will be over within just a few days when they burrow into the ground, not to emerge again for several years. 

We were saddened to learn of Elder Perry’s passing, but grateful for his optimistic and enthusiastic nature that was such a blessing to the church membership and others during his exemplary ministry.  We were fortunate to have numerous personal experience with him.  He visited our stake in Idaho Falls, encouraged us while at the mission presidents’ seminar, visited our mission and ate with our family at the mission home, set us apart for our service in Las Vegas, etc. etc.  Elder and Sister Child were schedule to visit us this week but have elected to remain in Salt Lake City for his funeral.  We are certainly blessed with wonder leaders.

We hope that your coming week will be pleasant and productive.  We think of you all often.  We are grateful that you keep in contact with us.  In this way, along with memories, we continue to be beneficiaries of your good examples.  Know that we pray for you daily.

Love,

Marilyn & Kevin, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa

May 17, 2015

Dear Family,

We are happy to report that most of the missionaries are feeling better and beginning to return to more normal work schedules.  Both of us worked the full week.  Most regularly scheduled meetings were again held, although some elected to stay away from group settings a little longer to avoid sharing bugs.  I believe that, as last reported to us, all but three of the twenty-four assigned here had suffered through some sort of infection.  Elder and Sister Christensen had anticipated arriving tomorrow evening for their usual visit but, learning of the contagious nature of the illness, wisely cancelled their flights.  We are glad they’ll not risk exposure.  We will look forward to being with them again in July.  Elder and Sister Child will join us in early June.

Most days were dry enough that we were able to mow the rapidly growing spring lawns.  I spent nearly all of each day on a mower.  One interesting use I put to it was not what I had expected.  While mowing the sides of the road leading to the Tower Hill lookout I noticed in the distance a stray calf.  Somewhere he had found a spot to work himself under the barb wire and he was now separated from the heard.  And so I was off to the roundup on a riding lawn mower.  I found a gate in the far corner from where the rest were grazing.  (The cattle are certainly in plush, green conditions)  After opening the gate that I felt would not be approached by the content remainder of the herd I circled beyond the calf and eventually had him back through the opening and off the roadway.

One morning, with rainy conditions, I was able to treat four more pond for moss.  The sister missionaries, under Marilyn’s supervision, planted all the flower beds Tuesday morning.  Nearly all look very nice, with the exception of one that is quite isolated which has been invaded by deer or squirrels or rabbits (or all).  We are treating it with animal repellants.  Hopefully we can change some grazing patterns and soon re-plant it.  Each couple has a flower bed to maintain during the summer months. 

Other projects are progressing.  The re-tiling on the restroom near the East End Valley Overlook is nearly complete.  Larger groups of tourists are coming each day (even busloads) so two restroom buildings back on-line will surely help.  The second building also needs to be re-done but will have to become one of our fall projects.  Work on the water plant pressure tanks is underway, soon we will begin installing a new large door on the end of the mechanic shop, and then perhaps begin with the base building for the new greenhouse.  Much depends on the weather.

We had been assigned to speak in Sacrament Meeting today in the Far West Ward and so late in the week we spent some time preparing.  Friday afternoon heavy rains and strong winds passed through.  A lightning strike completely skinned the bark from an 80 foot high Hickory Tree and split it clear to the ground.  Saturday morning we took pictures of the damage.  You could see a crack for nearly the entire height large enough to see daylight through.  Amazing power.  Chunks of bark were thrown for a long distance.

Saturday evening the weather turned even more violent.  Several weather notices and watches blared from the radio in our apartment throughout the evening.  Finally at about mid-night a tornado warning was issued.  We were notified and passed the message on to the next on the list we had been given.  Within a few minutes all were in the tornado shelter, many drenched.  Fortunately the tornado did not set down on the property, but consider damage was noticed along the roadways on the way to Sunday morning meetings.  Streambeds and drainages were beyond their banks in several areas, particularly at Shoal Creek near Hamilton.  Lots of farm fields were under water.  We received about four inches of rainfall.  That is a lot for a few hours to those of us from the arid intermountain west where only about twice that amount comes in a whole year.  It will likely be a few days before farmers will be able to get back in their fields to complete the spring planting.  Some are quite concerned.  During one night a large group of neighboring farmers joined forces to help plant soybeans in the fields below us in the valley, but we think they still have many more acres to plant.

Friday afternoon Elder and Sister Whipple road with us to Chilocothe for grocery shopping.  It is about 45 minutes away and is a clean and relatively modern city of about 10,000.  Beautiful murals are painted on some of the older business buildings downtown.  They are so lifelike that they appear to be yet another inviting city street from an earlier era.  This is the town in the country where baked bread was first commercially sliced prior to sale.   There are lots of interesting sites close by.  One couple visited the Pony Express museum in St. Joseph yesterday and reported that it was a very interesting stop.

We will leave in just a few minutes for a Sunday night fireside.  We don’t recognize the visiting speaker.  Monday night for family home evening a non-member historian shared his research on the expulsion of the Saints in the 1800s from the other settlers’ viewpoint.  It was very interesting.  Much misunderstanding prevailed in those days, as well as terrible violence.  We are grateful the neighbors are more cordial and accepting now. 

Back now from the fireside; at which Brother and Sister Patterson spoke of General Alexander Doniphan and of his defense of the Prophet Joseph and his associates.  Both presented very inspiring messages.  On the way home we drove by the tree which was struck by lightning.  The next day’s wind storm broke it completely, with much now toppled to the ground.

We feel so blessed to be here and are enjoying each day.  And yet we think of all of you often, always with tenderness and great appreciation.  Please keep in touch with us, and know of our love.

Love,

Marilyn & Kevin, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa

May 10, 2015

Dear Family,

We are happy to have spoken over the phone with several of you today, or shared messages by other means; and are hopeful that mothers have had a special day.  Thanks for kindnesses extended to Marilyn.  She appreciated the cards and gifts and phone calls.  I remember a college professor commenting, when only positive could be found of a topic, “well that’s like motherhood, nothing bad can be said about that”.  And I would add, not enough good either. 

The sacrament meeting program today honored mothers, with the customary singing by primary children.  It was very nice.  Many wonderfully faithful members attend this ward.  We are enjoying the association and are learning from each meeting and acquaintanceship.  So many travel such great distances for each meeting.  Perhaps it is that they are in such a minority in each community that binds them together so closely within their “ward family”.

I have little to report regarding work progress this week as I was (along with about 80 percent of the other missionaries in our group) ill, and eventually quarantined.  Most meetings that would gather us in a small room together were cancelled for the week.  The sisters did not go to the indexing center, rather worked from their home computers.  Still many are not feeling well.  One couple has been diagnosed with walking pneumonia.  Others, who have become discouraged with the length of their illnesses, are going to clinics for help.  We are hoping the bugs will soon fly away and leave us alone. 

Jobs (especially maintenance projects) and stacking up.  Depending on weather patterns we may get to some this coming week.  One more urgent need is a repair to a leaking pressure tank in the water treatment plant.  I think this is a priority.  I believe I mentioned a week ago of some of the other projects.  Parts are here for many, just waiting for time.  Between rainstorms it is usually back to the mowers – necessary to not get behind.  It would be awfully difficult to catch up if the grass got too tall.   I am anxious to get the ground work ready and begin constructing the greenhouse. 

Marilyn has been doing so well with her indexing.  I know of her concern before coming and her feelings of apprehension.  She had not done very much before coming.  Now she is genuinely immersed and really enjoying the assignment.  She is still doing obituaries.  We joked the other day that one of the incentives to my eventual trip to the doctor was her indexing an obituary of an individual whose services were conducted by the McCracken Mortuary.

We had a surprise visit from an old missionary friend from Guatemala years.  Although we had never been companions we were friends and have had occasional contacts in recent years.  He had been travelling on the east coast for several weeks, visiting the communities of his ancestors.  His family has been very involved over the generations in leadership of the church.  Two of his cousins and his older brother either are currently or formerly of the Quorums of the Seventy, his grandfather (LeGrande Richards) an Apostle, both his Great Grandfather and Great, Great Grandfather Apostles and Presidents of the Quorum.  His Great, Great Grandfather’s brother was Willard Richards who accompanied the Prophet Joseph to Carthage Jail and was the only unwounded after the terrible attack by mobs.

Our garden, planted only a week ago tomorrow, is surely sprouting quickly.  So far the fence we erected is keeping out the critters.  All is so green and lush around the valley.  The farmers, crops, planted just below our apartment have immerged very uniformly (and quickly too).  The new born calves are romping in the fields close by.  The songbirds, so vividly and uniquely colored are delightful to watch.  Little hummingbirds are just outside our windows on the columbine plants.  Spring here is just beautiful.  We understand from those who have been here longer that each season is likewise glorious in its only special way.

This week will mark two months here.  The time is passing so remarkably fast.  Busy days and pleasant association with those whom we are blessed to be with help with this.  We both feel so very grateful for this wonderful blessing we have been given to be involved here.  As the summer travel season begins we assume we will see even more visitors from our home town.  It amazes us so often how many drive up to where we are working and strike up conversations, which usually lead to the discovery of common friends somewhere previously known. 

We thank Marsha again for the blog she has been so faithfully and proficiently been sharing.  We encourage you to follow it.  We sense its great potential to bring our family ever closer together as we become better acquainted with those whose placement in our family tree has made ours not only possible but our present standing also more easily understood.  We owe them tremendous credit, gratitude and honor.  We feel that Marsha deserves our repeated thanks for her effort; and we suspect she would appreciate input in terms of stories we are aware of too.

Please keep in touch, and know of how much we admire and love you all.  Until next week, hopefully with more to report of resumed activity in what we have enjoyed in previous weeks’ involvement.

Love and best wishes,

Marilyn & Kevin, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa

May 3, 2015

Dear Family,

The wind is really howling this afternoon, and the air is dryer and warmer than we have experienced here in Missouri since arriving.  Yesterday (with other couples of the housing unit) we fenced a small area and planted a vegetable garden.  We began the day with a breakfast that Marilyn prepared for all and then went to work.  I had previously rototilled.  Soon the rain started.  By the time we finished we were really drenched; but the garden was in – a common area with sweet corn and a plot for each of the couples with tomatoes, peppers, squash, peas, beans, carrots, etc., etc..  As the plants were a little lanky with small root balls, they are struggling in this warm, dry wind.  And so I have just given them a good spraying.  Once they are established (we are told) little irrigation other than that nature provides will be needed.  But till then we will watch all closely and hope that the fence will keep out the deer, raccoons, and rabbits away from our little farm.

We are blessed to work with wonderful people.  All are very dedicated and faithful.  They are all thoughtful of the rest of the group, ever helpful and encouraging.  There has been a little bug floating through the group that we hope soon moves elsewhere.  One man has been away from meetings where he might share the illness, and a sister was unable to attend church meetings with the rest of us today.  As we are all on the “older side” (depending on the jobs assigned) new muscles, not used for a time, remind us the next day or two of limitations.  But smiles and good natures usually prevail.  We are very blessed, and very grateful.

The Far West Ward that we have been assigned to attend is a large ward (both in members and area covered).  To give a feel of the size of the ward area, our visiting/home teach assignment took two trips to complete, and about 160 miles.  Many of the members are farmers, and there are those who are life-long Missourians as well as a substantial percentage who have moved here from the Intermountain West.  I was amused with a discussion that followed an introduction of a fellow high priest.  The instructor mentioned that he had heard that he was a pig farmer.  This accusation was followed by a quick rebuttal that he did not raise pigs, rather hogs which was followed by a lesson on the distinction.  After the block of meetings I overheard the same man making arrangements to join a friend early the next morning for the beginning of the annual turkey season.  He explained to me that they call the birds in and that he would be carrying a 12 gauge shotgun, with a potent pack.  He said that his gun is big enough to cause great harm at each end of the gun, to the operator with an awful kick as well as the game at the other end of the shot.  He said “it’s a gun that kills at both ends”.

We had several dry days this week which provided an opportunity to catch up on the spring mowing and weed spraying.  I was on the tractor each day, feeling more at home and covering lots of acres.  One morning was spent rebuilding a diverter valve twice.  First I sealed each joint with pipe compound which lasted only a couple hundred yard path before shooting streams in every direction.  And so the next rebuild incorporated Teflon tape which seems to be holding much better and keeping me considerably drier. 

Friday, the work day ended at noon for the annual fish fry, sponsored by a neighbor who stocks the ponds on Adam-ondi-Ahman property.  He is an avid fisherman.  We don’t know how many pounds he provided, but it took a large, large pot to carry them all in.  They were breaded and deep-fat fried – really tasty.  Other famers who lease parts of the property were with us – all very hardworking men, and very pleasant to converse with.  Brother Atkinson, the fisherman, showed pictures of a 70 pound catfish that he caught last summer.  It lapped over both sides of the pickup that it was hoisted into by a backhoe.  And imagine this, it was caught on 17 pound test line, with a large hook loaded with calves’ livers. 

Marilyn is doing very well with her indexing and growing to enjoy it a great deal.  I am very proud of her determination.  She was fearful when anticipating the assignment but has surely become much more adept and involved.  Nearly every day she shares the names or circumstances found in the records before her.  One day she excitedly informed me that she had extracted from his own obituary the name of the man who had entertained children on the television years ago, know to his audience as Captain Kangaroo.  Several of his quotations regarding the importance of the family and children were included.  One was “play is the work of children, it is important business”.  Another, speaking of the parental role, eluded to the fact that there is no adequate substitute.  Marilyn recorded his actual words – “Parents are the ultimate role models for children, every word, movement and action has an effect.  No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than a parent” which, we felt, paralleled the “Family, A Proclamation to the World” remarkably.  We are both very grateful for our parents.

Two other interesting experiences we had this week were 1) encountering a shed full of artifacts found either on or near the property by former missionaries, old farm implements, etc. and 2) having to dispose of a large turtle that walked much slower than car traffic.  The former sighting was, understandably, much more pleasant that the later.  There are so many different critters here.  This last week others have mentioned seeing deer, raccoons, a bobcat, turtles, and lots more.

A wonderful spirit is present on this sacred parcel of land.  Great event both have and will occur here.  You can sense when the noise of the mower or tractor stops for a moment and reflection begins.  When we notice someone close to where we are working we try to pull out of sight and stop the engine so that we don’t interfere with the silence allowing them to meditate or read uninterrupted.  And then you can think also and usually feel as they must also be feeling.  On an early morning this week I went to the overlook at Tower Hill to check on a project underway before any others would be there.  It was so nice to be there alone for a few minutes of thought and private prayer – a great way to start a day.  We hope that all whose situations permit will come for a visit and be exposed to this same spirit.

I thought this afternoon that although it is nice to walk where Adam and the Savior walked, it is so very much more important to walk, “as” they did, Adam in obedience and faithfulness, and Jesus in perfection and purposefulness that includes and reaches each of our eternal lives.  As you will recall from the lyrics of one of our special hymns, “remember what was done”.  And, of course, the sentiment that should follow is one of gratitude and resolve.

Well I did not intend to preach, but I do hope that you can feel what I am inadequately attempting to express in a spirit of love and encouragement.

We have surely been enjoying Marsha’s blog entries.  If you haven’t accessed them, you should.  They are very interesting and can be found at www.kindredtales.blogspot.com.   

We will, time permitting, try to include a few pictures.  Please keep in touch.  We look forward to each phone call, text message, and letter.  Aaron has reported that the Nursery’s spring season is in full swing and doing well.  We are so thankful for his efforts.  We would not be able to serve without his involvement.  Nor could we leave home again for a period of time without the reassurance that our entire family is protected and guided in their lives by a loving Heavenly Father.   Please stay close to one another – be with and strengthen each other.

Love,

Marilyn & Kevin, Mom and Dad, Grandma & Grandpa