May 30, 2016

Weather forecasts predicted a rainy week, but several days were relatively dry.  This allowed us to mow each day of the week.  By Friday mid-day all of the areas we normally groom had been mowed, some twice.  Later that day heavy rain fell.  Sometime shortly before our return from an excursion to Kearney a real gully washer must have rolled through as water was running in all the drainages more heavily than we can remember since last summer. 

Many of the fields are terraced and fitted with drains in low points which are connected to drain pipes.  This helps to minimize soil erosion when coupled with proper tillage and planting practices.  One of the farmers prefers “no-till” methodology rather than disturbing the soil each year numerous times.  Ultimate yields seem to be quite similar between the two methods.  We have enjoyed our association with the farmers who lease the property.  They are all fine men with a reverence for the property upon which they grow their crops.  They work hard for long hours, with high expense and the ever present risk involved in farming. 

The sister missionaries are diligent in their indexing.  The work they are involved in, with such regularity and faithfulness, is of such eternal significance.  They also find much enjoyment in their time together.  They share experiences and highlights (especially on Monday mornings) that each hear from their children and grandchildren.  They enjoy a special sisterhood.  All are concerned for each other to an exemplary degree.

Some of the sisters have become acquainted with a lady by the name of Rose Hamer who operates a quilting business in Cameron. 

Rose Hamer, machine quilter

 She delivered some of her handiwork to Sister Day one morning this past week and spent a couple hours sharing her life experiences with the ladies.  She is very artistic and so part of her presentation included the development of that interest and talent.  She also shared personal experiences of her youth, especially of her locating her father who had been absent (even unknown to her) during early years.  With persistent effort she located him and met regularly with him after the discovery.  She also shared her keen interest in family history.  Much good will was built.  We were grateful that she became more familiar with the Church though this visit, and that she accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon.  

Andrew and Kandyce and their boys arrived for a visit Thursday afternoon.  We have enjoyed having them here for the weekend and will be sad to see them leave.

Kandyce and Grant

Andrew and Hayes

  Although the visit has been brief we have enjoyed seeing some of the sights around the area.

Andrew, Kandyce, Hayes and Grant got to pose in an Amish Buggy

 They joined the missionaries Friday afternoon for a tour of a woolen mill (no longer operational). 

Andrew, Kandyce, Grand & Hayes at Watkins Woolen Mill

 The facility operated in the latter half of the nineteenth century.  Now the business buildings and home are part of a state park.  The tour guide who explained the process did an excellent job.  He was dressed in the clothing of the period and shared very interesting information.  He told of wool being delivered to the mill from a large area and of it being cleaned, colored and prepared for either yarn or finished cloth.  The work was difficult and dangerous.  A large steam engine that had been recovered from a sunken steamship that was fueled with timber provided the power (through a large flywheel and leather belting) to the numerous connections with machinery.  Our tour lasted about two hours.  Towards the end Grant said to our guide: "I rode an hour to get here. I didn't have a nap.  I have a kinked neck and I am bored!"  Out of the mouths of babes.

Saturday afternoon some friends Andrew and Kandyce had at BYUI came and spent the evening, went to church with us Sunday and then left in the afternoon. They are the Stewart family from Bentonville, Arkansas.

Andrew, Kandyce, & boys with Stewart Family

As soon as they left a couple more family of friends of Andrew and Kandyce arrived from St. George for a tour and visit on their way to Nauvoo.

Schwendiman & Harrison Family

We have enjoyed teaching a temple preparation class during Sunday School for the last several weeks.  Three of the class participants have received their mission calls, two of whom have already attended the Temple.  The fourth member (who is a little older) will hopefully soon be ready to attend for the first time also. 

We are thoroughly enjoying the wonderful mission experience here on such a sacred site and among such wonderful friends.   The calendar reminds that in just a few months we will have to bid sad goodbyes.  Of course the offsetting joy of a reunion with loved ones at home softens the sting.  We look forward to those times of togetherness.  Please know of our love and appreciation.  Have a great week!