February 28, 2016

The project started last week, of replacing the sign on the north of the main entrance to Adam-ondi-Ahman, continued this week.  Monday we placed extensions on the posts planted previously and later that afternoon hoisted the 8ft by 12ft sign into place. 

Sign Completed!

 Thanks to the lifting power of the backhoe and four missionaries the nine 4X8’ sheets of ¾” plywood attached to 2X6 boards and faced with a painted metal piece were bolted to the uprights and the job was nearly done.  We were thankful to have the heavy lifting part done and that a calm day cooperated.  Later in the week we brought a little fill sand in to level out the base area.  As soon as the forecast shows several warm days and nights we will finish touch up painting of the sign-face and posts.

We also continued to prepare for the incoming missionaries.  Final repairs were completed on their apartments.  Some plumbing fixtures and stall panels were removed from the trailer where they had been stored during a re-tiling of one of the restrooms by the east-end valley overlook.  By Saturday final cleaning began on the apartments.  We appreciated the generous service of one of the couples who helped clean an apartment for another Sister who had become ill and was unable to help that day.  Our secretary completed typing and copying the training material.  Tomorrow the binders will be prepared, fortunately finishing that detail too.

Other daily responsibilities continue each week, with numerous maintenance jobs for the men and with indexing (and much else) for the women.  It seems like there are always emergency repairs calling for attention – a malfunctioning washing machine, a faulty motion detector light, cold water pointing to problems with a water heater, a burnt out motor in a vacuum cleaner, etc.  Fortunately, there are those (here) with the skills to get things working again.   We are thankful for their talents and willingness.   These type of tasks will face us again during the next few days, some coming to light, and others still needing to be purchased and installed in some cases.

And so, by next Friday when we all return to the workshop for what we call “Tidy Friday” to straighten, sweep and mop, hopefully jobs started and needing finishing (combined with new needs that arise) will be completed. 

Elders Mopping

 Every one pitches in, both Elders and Sisters, to do the many things required on a site as large as the one we are privileged to serve upon.

Each day is a new experience, filled with a sweet spirit, adorned with beautiful surroundings and, quite regularly, framed with splendid sunrises and striking sunset

The sunset looked as if the sky was on fire!

 Even the leafless trees are silhouetted so magnificently by the radiant and warming sunlight.  Comparisons could surely be made to our days being brightened by the light of the gospel.

This past Friday evening we were able to attend the Kansas City temple with the other missionary couples.  We usually go the third Friday evening after the General Authorities are here but the temple has been closed, and just opened last Tuesday.  It is so beautiful as it lights up the sky at night.  What a blessing it has been to be able to attend regularly.

Kansas City Temple

A few miles northwest of this valley (along Highway 13 toward Gallatin) lies a vacant field that occasionally becomes covered with used farm implements in preparation for an auction.  Saturday was a lovely, warm day for the regularly scheduled auction.  On our way to town we noticed a huge crowd assembling, with cars lining both sides of the highway.  On our way home we parked as a spot opened up and enjoyed the chatter of the auctioneer and the excitement of the event

Gallatin Auction

 Three roving vans attracted those who had interest in varying objects.  Only occasionally we discerned a few descriptive words or a recognizable figure – the speech of the seller so rapid; but soon it stopped and the machine had evidently changed hands.  We found it interesting and entertaining. 

Later Saturday evening we delivered a crockpot full of soup to the Jameson Lion’s club for the “Souper Supper”. 

Jameson Residents

Brother. & Sister Bonnett

 Then, joining other missionaries and local residents, we bought back what we had donated (kind of like Relief Society Bazaars of years ago).   People enjoyed a good visit and funds were raised for the planned community projects.  Brother and Sister Bonnett also attended the fund raising event.  He serves as the stake patriarch of the Far West, Missouri Stake.  He and his wife worked with Bruce Hemming in the St. Louis Temple.

One final experience to relate happened to Mom (Marilyn) while she was shopping at a small grocery store in Gallatin.  The proprietor greeted her cordially (as he usually does).  He has a keen ability of remembering names.  But this time he went a little further, commenting that he surely appreciated the missionaries shopping at his market.  He said, “they always have such a glow about them”, and that their store “needed that because some of their customers come in grumpy”. 

It is nice to be reminded of the impact we can have upon others who notice beliefs and behaviors.  We are reminded of your example, in this regard, and express appreciation.  Have a great week.