We have enjoyed the recent visits of several family members. As mentioned last week, Bruce and Sandi, Jake and Rose, and Dean and Marsha stayed a couple days with us. Marilyn’s sister Ann, with husband Mike and son Allen, arrived Tuesday night for a visit.
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Earlier today (Sunday) they left for Nauvoo. Knowing that we have been quite busy with both with missionary responsibilities and hosting guests, they questioned whether they should have included a stop here within their broader itinerary. As they left today (as has been the case with all others who have included visits here within travel plans) we felt to express to one another, “no, not an intrusion, rather and infusion”. We have welcomed family with open arms, and treasured the time spent with all.
Between the two visits, and even within them, the work continued normally and enjoyably.
Weather was cooperative with outdoor activities early in the week. Monday morning the Sisters planted the many flower beds with colorful annuals that brighten the property.
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| Sister Day at Tower Hill |
Their work will be appreciated all summer by the many tourists who come. They had a good time together. Breaking into small groups, each assigned to specific areas, they finished shortly after noon. Several mentioned that muscles which hadn’t been put to use in such an effort for a while (now) reminded each of the tasks they had accomplished. One sister jokingly asked if they could index (from home and in bed) the next day.
We were concerned that the rather extreme weather that came so soon after planting would overly dampen (or even destroy) their efforts. And we were relieved when drive-by inspections revealed that they young transplants had fared well and seemed to be flourishing.
All of the other couples, except for us (and Ann’s family) travelled to Bethany Wednesday evening for an appreciation dinner hosted by the “Toot Toot” restaurant for Seventh Day Volunteers. Not soon after they departed an emergency alert blurted out a tornado warning, advising that all seek shelter immediately as they storm was quickly coming “our” way.
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| Mike, Allen, and Ann hanging out in the storm shelter.. |
We quickly headed for the shelter on the property, calling the other missionaries to ascertain that they were okay. We were glad the storm was headed in a different direction than the one they had taken. Lightning strikes were bright and frequent. The thunder rolled continuously for over an hour. The winds blew violently. Heavy sheets of rain came, with some small hail stones. We were glad that the stones were much smaller than the grapefruit sized that pelted a neighboring state. After nearly an hour at the shelter we were advised the warning had been lifted and we left for a drive of the property.
The winds ceased and the sun began to shine. It was a lovely evening. The storm did no damage here but did touch down in the small community of Altamont just a few miles away.
The day before heavy winds did topple some trees and lightening did splint one large Walnut tree. Five trees were destroyed. The job of cutting them up and hauling debris away took nearly half of the next day.
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| Tree hit by lightning |
The tree so severely damaged by lightning had been struck before, but this newer strike definitely became the nail in its coffin. It is inspiring to consider the power of the elements and to observe the results of such a strike, with evidence of bark scattered about for some distance, that exposed the inner wood and left it in a cleanly polished state.
During Ann’s stay she and Marilyn made a couple trips to visit the quilting shops and fabric stores at Hamilton - which seems to have become the mecca of the industry in this area. Busloads of anxious ladies arrive to browse and enjoy one another’s company. At least two checkbooks were glad that more looking than buying occurred. And the men joined them for lunch at the local hamburger dive (Mike and Allen twice – they so enjoyed the sandwiches)
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| Ann checking out Missouri Star Quilt Retreat |
As we were taking one last ride around Adam-ondi-Ahman with our visitors Saturday afternoon we noticed a lone cow with what appeared as a motionless calf near to her. We drove into the field to explore further, and there encountered the recent addition to the herd as he first struggled to his feel and was coaxed next to mother to begin nursing. It was a tender sight, new and special to those who termed themselves “City-slickers”. While the calf laid without movement, the cow ingested the afterbirth and waited for the calf to approach her. Finding the wrong end of the mother, the newborn was soon positioned correctly, exposing his first source of nourishment. All seem so instinctively natural – a miracle of life, observed firsthand and close-up by marveling eyes.
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| New born calf |
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| Calf standing for the first time |
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| Calf looking for dinner after taking a few steps |
We enjoyed an inspiring fast and testimony meeting this morning. The concluding testimony was offered by a deaf member. It was the first time we had seen “signing” motions testifying, and a helper (a full-time missionary) translating the message into words we would understand. It was very touching and inspiring. We couldn’t help but feel that the Spirit functions similarly in helping us believe what it, with spiritual eyes operating beyond our capacity, beholds.
We hope, for you all, a great week ahead. We hope it will be a happy week.
We express our love and thanks to each of you!
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