September 27, 2015

Weeks pass so quickly, each full of enjoyable activity.  Our association with our fellow missionaries is very beneficial to us, remarkably rewarding.  We have grown to love and appreciate each couple.  All of them are so talented.  They are each devoted in exemplary fashion. 

Monday evening we joined for family home evening.  Margaret Burns, a delightful lady who has lived her long life entirely in this community (but not yet a member) consented to share her memories with us. 

Margaret Burns 

 She possessed a treasure trove of fascinating information and a keen sense of humor.  Her father drove the team of horses that pulled the school wagon during her early school years.  It was difficult (she mused) to sluff school with this daily interface.  Nevertheless she and her close friends once did, but soon after learned that their unexcused absence had been discovered.  Each were called to the principal’s office to offer an explanation of where they had been.  She followed her close friend who had lied that she had been at home.  Margaret said only that she had been with her friend.  When their real episode became known and each was to be disciplined and punished for their dishonesty, she objected by stating that she had told the truth and indeed had been where she had said – with her friend. She chuckled these years later that she felt that she had been (technically) true to what her parents had taught her regarding the importance of honesty.

She spoke of two particular experiences very tenderly which illustrated the reverent regard she and her husband held for Adam-ondi-Ahman.  During her school days she (with her friends) would walk from the small village of Jamison to a high point on this property quite regularly.  She stated that they always felt special while there and that their days seemed to go better following these excursions. 

Overlook of the Valley

 For many years, she also stated, a proposal of the placement of a dam and the resulting reservoir was considered in the state legislature that would have covered much of the area with water (including the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman and their own farm land).  Many of the locals were selling out with the assumption the project would proceed.  She was worried about their livelihood.  Her husband assured her with his insistence that they would remain and plant crops.  He felt that the neighboring land was holy and that (because of that) the dam would never be built.  After twenty-five years of consideration the federal proposal was finally dropped and removed from further discussion by decree of the same governor of Missouri who had also formally rescinded the extermination order issued by Governor Lilburn Boggs so many years before.

Monday through Thursday we went about our normal daily duties.  Most days began with early morning sprayings of the roads. 

Early morning water spraying crew
Grandpa, Owen & Taylor

 Midweek the water level of the main pond from which water is extracted to fill the tanker fell below the submersed pipe used.  This resulted in taking more loads from the secondary pond used.  If more heavy rainfall doesn’t soon come the daily task of spraying will have to end for the fall.  We both meet with the other missionaries for morning devotionals at 8:00 (Kevin a bit earlier at 7:30 for a planning meeting to organize work assignments for the men).  Then we begin mowing, extracting, etc.

Taylor mowing lawn at AOA

  Two of the elders have spent the majority of their working hours repairing the home that one of the couples is anxious to move in to before their family arrives for a visit.  When that urgent need is met other tasks will then be able to resume.

Kevin has been in frequent contact with church authorities and attorneys during the week who are negotiating a new contract with the local gentlemen who stocks fish on the many ponds on the property.  The final contract has now been prepared which will soon be presented to the man for his signature.  Hopefully he will agree to the new details contained and continue to be involved. 

Thursday evening Aaron, Alicia, their children and Alicia’s grandmother arrived for a visit.  We are so glad they came.  We enjoyed seeing some of the church history sites and other points of interest with them Friday afternoon touring the property here Saturday morning, and visiting the Amish community later in the day.

East End Overlook

Liberty Jail

While the girls attended the Women’s Conference broadcast that evening the boys went fishing in one of the ponds.  It was good there were three older men to stay ahead of the younger boys who had a great catch.  Many worms were placed on the hooks, casts made, lines untangled, some snags freed, and many fish extracted.  The four boys reeled in 34 fish (mostly blue gills).  After dark they watched the filleting process.  A great and memorable time together was enjoyed!

Preston, Owen, & Taylor with two fish on each line

The Big Catch!

Taylor, Taner & Anika

Aaron & Preston

Today we attended sacrament meeting together and then drove to see the Far West temple site.  A member of the stake presidency was present.  He announced the creation of the Far West Missouri Stake, to be formed on October 18^th from units of the Liberty and Platte Missouri stakes.  A portion of the letter read which was given to me by the Bishop stated: “With the creation of the Far West Missouri Stake, all three of these stakes will provide even greater strength and refuge to all who will gather.  These are truly days never to be forgotten!”  We agree, and are thankful.

Please have a great week, and always remember you are in our thoughts and prayers.