February 21, 2016

We enjoyed having Elder and Sister Child visit us this past week.  They joined us for dinner Monday evening.   Each morning during their stay (and during an evening together as a group) they shared thoughts and encouragement.  Elder Child used an illustration of four cows grazing in adjoining pastures, while reaching under the fence for more attractive feed. 

The Grass is always Greener!

 He spoke of thinking that “the grass is greener on the other side”, comparing it to a statement made by a Book of Mormon prophet wishing that he had lived in the days of his ancestor Nephi.  The wisdom was offered of being content within our own time and circumstances. 

On Wednesday afternoon we rode with Elder and Sister Child to Albany, Missouri to meet with the Branch President of that area.  We were considering assigning the missionaries who will soon arrive to attend there.  It was a nice, clean, town within a reasonable distance.  They have a lovely new “first stage” chapel.  The President was thrilled to be receiving missionary couples.  The drive wove through rolling farmland, partly along an abandoned rail-line (a wooden bridge structure, the only remaining evidence). 

Abandoned Wooden Bridge

The weather was spring-like the last few days of the week.  Temperatures rose to 70 degrees Friday.  Saturday was clear and calm.  One did not want to go inside.  While a technician was here to tune the pianos in the work center and homes, we decided to tackle the task of disassembling the large wooden freight box that was left here by two truckers a week ago.  It had evidently been deemed inadequate for the use it was put to, and impounded for a time.  They were instructed to remove it from the trailer prior to heading home.   We elected to take it apart and recycle the wood instead of   hauling it to the burn pile.  It was a time-consuming chore -  pulling lots of over-sized nails that had been bent over as they came through the 2X4 framing.  But we will make good use of the salvage. 

Salvaged Wood from Shed

As we thought of the task we imagined a correlation to the attitude of our Savior who chastises and corrects when needed with the intent of saving, redeeming rather than discarding.  His motive is to rebuild, thus making us roadworthy for


placement back on the prescribed path homeward.

We mowed the large lawn across the driveway from the Yellow House. 

February Mowing

 It really didn’t need a cutting, but the trim cleaned it up.  You can see a little more of the immerging green blades now.  And, we are keeping the record going of mowing during each month of our stay here in Missouri.  We are grateful for a relatively moderate winter (so far). 

Another weekly project needing attention was the replacement of a directional sign on Highway 13 that had blown over later last fall.  We found where it once had stood, pulled the rotted posts and concreted in two new posts to which we will attach longer poles and the sign this coming week (weather permitting). 

New Sign Posts

Indexing continues for the Sisters.  The magnitude of their accomplishment is wonderful, so many individuals found for whom temple blessings are closer because of these helpers here on this side of the veil.  We also are spending much time and effort getting ready for the new couples who will soon arrive.  Only a little over three weeks remain before their arrival.  Their apartments and trailers are nearly ready for them (just a little final cleaning and minor repairs to be accomplished).  Training booklets are being compiled, along with schedules and many other helps.

We were called extemporaneously to the pulpit today during sacrament meeting to share our testimonies.  The man who spoke between the youth speaker and the choir number and High Councilor should have taken a little longer.  Until class members can be identified and assigned for the temple preparation class we have been asked to teach during Sunday School, we have begun attending the Family History class.  As we search for ancestors for whom temple ordinances are yet needed we are grateful for the efforts of many others within our family.

We hope all is well on the home-front.  We appreciate each contact with you.  Please know of our love and appreciation.