September 6, 2015

Last Sunday evening, after completing our journal of the previous week’s activities, Elder and Sister Whipple met us for a walk in the valley.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our association with them.  They have certainly fulfilled their role as mentors to us, always with such kindness and understanding.  Little did we realize that upon their departure we would be asked to assume their responsibilities as directors of the Church properties at Adam-ondi-Ahman.  We first drove slowly along what we refer to as the lower road that borders the row-crop land in the valley. The status of the crops of both corn and soybeans was checked, noting how much dryer the soil had become with such less rain than we had become accustomed to.  The heavy dark soil was parched and cracking, the cornstalks yellowing and crisp, and the kernels nearly dry enough for harvest.  From the distant lookout, high above the valley, the corn crop has the appearance of a giant “amber field of grain”.

 The beans were growing well but not as close to harvest as the corn.  Each stage of the crop-land, from bare beautiful soil, through straight rows of small seedlings and successive growth to maturity, has been so interesting to observe.

Throughout the week following, our schedules were varied and hectic.  We spent much time shadowing the Whipples and assuming limited duties that could best be learned in the doing.  Each motion of the “baton passing” has been accompanied with mixed feelings of apprehension, expression of relief on their part, and pangs of sadness upon contemplating the imminent departure of friends we have grown to love and admire.  It seems that each experience has invited a photo-op for other missionaries (particularly the Sisters who record the mission history).  The Sisters (departing and staying) are captured as a group and separately. 

AOA Sisters 

Sisters leaving

Sister Staying

 The Elders are caught doing daily tasks.  One brought a mushroom he had found while in the woods working.  

Mowing for the 1st time at the Yellow House

Huge Mushroom 15" across

We met with two of the farmers one evening to have them sign their contracts.  Another farmer’s fields were toured.  None are members of our Church.  These are all good, hardworking, men who (in nearly each case) hold other day jobs.  Framed pictures of the father of two of them were presented the same evening.  It was indeed touching to see the tears of gratitude for the gift which represented the only picture of their father while in a tractor working the fields of this land which is also very special to them.  They are powerful men, with bulging muscles and broad shoulders, and faces and hands reflective of years of hard work and the risks of farming, yet tender and loving and respectful.  We were in white shirts and ties, they in coveralls; and so we shared our ties with them, which broke the ice and invited chuckles.  

Keith Sutton & Ben Cox

 They have promised Marilyn a ride in the combine during corn harvest if she pays the entrance fee of a plate of cookies.

Jobs needing attention for some time are finally being accomplished.  A large tree, dead for several years has been removed.  It had been the corner post of an abandoned fence line, unknown before dulling a chain saw blade.  The project took the equivalent of a full day’s labor for two by the time the small branches were chipped and the larger limbs and trunk blocked for firewood and hauled to the woodshed.  And then, of course, there was the newer fence close by that needed repair following the crash of the tree upon it.  Fortunately I had detached the barbwire from the posts and they could be lifted back in place following straightening a T-post.  It was a very hot and humid day; we were drenched with sweat by the time the job was done. 

Thursday we enjoyed an afternoon visit from Kaleb and Kasey Snell.  We visited a neighboring Amish village, enjoyed dinner together in our apartment, attended Scripture Study Class, and toured the site with them.            

 As it was nearing dusk, we attempted to save time touring by dropping them (with Marilyn) at the parking lot to Tower Hill.  I drove through a gate close by, and on to a service road, intending to meet them at Preacher’s Rock which overlooks the Pecan Grove.  Arriving a bit ahead of them, I started up the path in their direction.  Not far from the base I encountered a large rattle snake which, when interrupted, coiled immediately. (Picture not included!) I called to them (in warning) and the plan to see that section of the path was understandingly aborted. Other than this needed alteration, the balance of the evening together was great, spent enjoying their company, the beautiful scenery; and observing lots of wildlife.  

We made home/visiting teaching visits during the week to those families assigned to us (while attending the Far West ward) for the last time.  Today’s Sunday meetings were our last there today also.  This coming Sunday a Sacrament Meeting will be held, with Elder Christensen presiding, here on this sacred land which will include testimonies of the departing couples.  The following week we will begin attending the Gallatin Ward which is much closer to our homes.  We are becoming acquainted with wonderful people whose lives enrich ours.  We are very grateful for this special blessing.

The departing missionaries have now completed their work assignments and will spend the coming week packing, cleaning, and preparing for departure either next Sunday or Monday.  Fortunately they will still be available for questions as we now assume more of their duties.  We will both begin conducting morning meetings, and coordinating daily tasks.  The group will be just half the size we a used to, probably a little quieter too. They will still join us for scripture study classes.  We will greet the Christensen when they arrive with a dinner at our apartment that will include our friends, the Whipples.  Meetings and interviews, a tour of the adjoining farm properties, a social with the Jameson community, and numerous other activities will fill our week.