April 17, 2016

The expression often shared, of our appreciation for the blessings enjoyed during our assignment to this special place, comes again and invites an addition attempt.  There is a very special spirit present on this sacred site.  It is one of serenity and beauty.  Perhaps, especially in the springtime of newness of life, it combines with a remembrance of many thousands of such seasons passing since our first parents walked and worked and worshipped here.  And yet this special parcel of earth has miraculously been preserved in a quiet and peaceful state as compared with many other parts of the earth.  The sunrises seem especially bright and welcoming, the sunsets spectacular benedictions to yet another day of her continuing splendor. 

Sunset by the Windmill

 The wildlife, although at times startled, often appears nearly tame as they calmly graze.

Deer grazing by the Duplex 

As we contemplate the scenes ahead for this special place, of such eternal significance, we are especially grateful for this special opportunity to assist in (but) a small way in the property’s maintenance and beautification.  We are wonderfully blessed.  We feel it nearly every day, and with the numerous experiences that being here has brought.  This past week Elder and Sister Child visited.  Even these regular visits never seem routine.  Each is full of association that uplifts and encourages and enlightens.  At least four times during each visit they share formal thoughts and instruction.  All the missionaries appreciate the warm of their friendship, the sincerity of their expressions of support, and the strength of their conviction and testimony.

Elder Child had expressed an interest in visiting a large Church owned farm property in Independence, Missouri.  We made arrangements with the appropriate people from “Farm Reserves” to schedule a tour of the farmland.  Located in Jackson County, the farm consists of a very productive 5400 acres.  It is protected from the nearby Missouri River by a large levee, seven miles of which we rode upon within the farm property.  We have been told that the area it covers is larger than the island of Manhattan.  Differing from much of the rolling hills of the surrounding area it is relatively flat with a sandy loam soil.  Many portions of the property have supplemental pivot irrigation systems in place.  The lead farmer who leases the land spoke of the yield being substantially higher of soy beans and the varieties of corn able to be grown more highly sought and therefore, more profitable. 

Listening to Darry Wright left, Elder Child center, Andy Springer Right

Five of these 60 ft. Planters,  capable of planting 1500 acres per day!

The property was purchased from the Community of Christ Church approximately five years ago as a part of a larger transaction that included the Hahn’s Mill site, a pioneer cemetery in the Far West area, and two homes located in Kirtland, Ohio where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his father once resided.  We were impressed with the scale of the project, the innovative approaches applied and the efficiency of such large farm equipment used.  But especially touching to us was a demonstration made by the farmer who led the tour.  He drove down from the levee into a recently planted field to check the status of the farm crop which had been planted only a few days before.  He carefully revealed the tender plant, lifted it to investigate and then (to our amazement) replanted the single young seedling which had yet to sprout above ground level.  We had been hearing of the business acumen and economies of scale for much of the tour but, now, saw the “farmer” in him, the steward of the soil.  And we likened it, upon returning home, to the injunction of the Savior to look to the one. 

One of the reasons we had visited the location was to become acquainted with the gentlemen leasing the property from the Church, as he will be taking care of the farming of a large parcel across the Grand River from where we reside which is also owned by the Farm Reserve arm of the Church and that provides a buffer zone for Adam-ondi-Ahman.  He will also grow soybeans and corn on the mentioned property, in addition to grazing a portion of his purebred Charolaise cattle. 

All the outdoor projects underway moved along smoothly during the week.  Each day was lovely.  Some windy conditions limited our spraying for weeds but, overall, temperatures were ideal and very comfortable.  Trees are leafing out, the Red Buds are beginning to bloom, and the farm crops are being planted.  The spring has been much drier than last year’s, although the forecast for the next few days indicate several storms with needed moisture. 

The first Stake Conference of the Far West, Missouri Stake was held Saturday and Sunday at the Gallatin building.  Sessions were well attended and wonderfully prepared and presented.  The building was completely full this morning.  The chapel was packed and the other rooms to which the proceedings were transmitted were likewise full.  Even the hallways were lined with people.  Following the session all were invited to step outside and onto the sloping north lawn for a photograph of the occasion that was being sent to Church headquarters.  A large boom truck had been positioned across Highway 6 that lifted two photographers very high to take the pictures. 

We are on the far left 1/3 of the way up, second to the end,  a yellow sweater.

 The children were told that for the fifth picture they could make funny faces.  In addition, a camera toting drone approached after this, hovering in place and recording the event in yet another way.  We were all pleased to participate in such a momentous meeting.  It has been nearly 150 years since the Far West Stake of Zion had met in conference.  Not since the extermination order forcing the saints from Missouri had such a gathering occurred in this place of such importance in the history of the Church. 

We mention, along with our gratitude for being here, our thankfulness for each of you.  We appreciate hearing from you and learning of your activities and feeling of your love and support.  We think of you all often, and always pray for your guidance and protection.  In just a few more months we will have to say goodbye to this special land.  This will be a sad day, but equally happy as it will bring us home to all of you who we have missed.  Sister Child shared a family motto while here this week, saying “If you miss the joy, you miss the journey”. Perhaps we should more often all think of that caution.  Please keep in touch, and know of our love.