July 31, 2016

The sky is darkening at present, indicating (perhaps) rainfall.  This would surely be welcome as the last week has been both hot and dry.  The lawns and crops are in need of a drink.  The roads get awfully dusty which necessitates sprinkling them down early in the morning.  Some help us with this task but each morning it is our turn it is enjoyed.  The stars are out, as are the wild game.  It is peaceful and beautiful.  Near the completion of the task the sun rises from the eastern horizon with vibrant colors.

Morning Sunrise from our Front Porch

Ongoing tasks have progressed this week.  The repairs to the large drainage area are complete and the track-hoe has been repositioned near another damaged culvert further north on the property.  That repair will not be nearly as extensive.  From there it will be taken to as many ponds as time will allow for repair work on the dams and outlets.  If the purchase of a parcel of property is completed in time, upon which a dilapidated house stands, the heavy equipment will again prove useful in demolishing some structures.  We have not been given permission to burn them and may be instructed (as in the past) to merely bury them.

Mowing and trimming consume many man hours each week, as does the indexing process the sisters are engaged in.  Both are enjoyable and important parts of the mission of those assigned here.  Some would possibly consider them routine but somehow each day (full) of these duties seems new and we do not become weary in the “well doing”.

Many tourists visit the site during the summer months, particularly during the Nauvoo pageant.  Busloads and caravans of cars visit the overlook areas.  We are pleased to be able to expand the view of family members and friends during their visits.  David and Linda Jensen (friends and fellow ward members) arrived this week.

David and Linda Jensen at Preachers Rock

 We were glad to see them and share with them the spirit here.  Other local sites were visited such as the Amish community and nearby Church History sites.  The ladies enjoy shopping at the quilt shops in Hamilton.  We have customarily taken the men to the J.C. Penney museum.  During this visit we noticed a copy of the Eulogy of this well know business man.  A portion of the prayerful entry included this complementary notice.

     “Our gratitude to Thee, O Lord, that he was never victimized by success     

       or fame to grow arrogant or selfish.  Rather did he ever become more

       humble with a disarming wonderment about him that these great

       things could have happened to him.”

What a wonderful complement.  We also enjoyed visiting the Far West Temple Site and the Three Witnesses Monument and grave sites of prominent early Church leaders in Richmond, Missouri.  David helped mow lawns during their stay and Linda did some indexing.  They also attended two of our evening scripture study sessions.

Each month a missionary couple arranges a family home evening activity.  Most are held on Monday nights but this week arrangements were made to visit the Johnson Family Farm northeast of Bethany.  The family belongs to the Albany Branch.  Six of our couples attend church services there and have become acquainted with the family.  They have lived on the farm for about sixteen years and have developed a business growing and distributing herbs over a rather large market area.  They kindly took time from their work-day to show us their range of greenhouses and explain the process.  Their largest customer is a chain of grocery stores.  Deliveries are made twice each week of freshly cut herbs.  The family works very hard to grow, harvest, and pack the product. 

Before leaving, a green smoothie was made for each to enjoy.  We watched them be prepared. 

Oh my..... Dandelions?  Purslane?  Red Clover Blossoms?

 Many of the herbs they grow, combined with frozen bananas and strawberries (with hulls) as well as dandelion greens, purslane, red clover, spinach, etc., etc. became ingredients in the recipe.  Some of us wondered about trialing the concoction.  They were described as being very nutritious.  And they were surprisingly quite tasty.

During our Sunday meetings today our Bishop both spoke in sacrament meeting and taught a “fifth Sunday" lesson.  He shared the parable of the sower of different types of soil.  In concluding the lesson, he mentioned the need to remove weeds and nourish the seeds.  And he used both words as acronyms.  Contemplating the word "Weed" reminded us of many worldly experiences every day.  "Seed" invited us to live in a way that we could have more spiritual experiences every day.  Both aspects, of course, are important parts of this mortal period of our existence.

We hope all are well, and that this will be a wonderful week for all of us.

July 24, 2016

This has been a week full of interesting and inspiring experiences.  We have been blessed by the association with many visitors.  The first to arrive (last Saturday afternoon) were Elder and Sister Joe J. Christensen.  We always look forward to their coming, and enjoy their influence.  They are wonderful people who have served so diligently in many callings in the Church.  From this depth of experience, and lifetimes of study, they draw and then expertly teach.  We have learned so much from them during their many visits made during our assignment here. 

Late Sunday evening Brother and Sister Brook P. Hales arrived.  Brother Hales is the Executive Secretary to the First Presidency.  Our first introduction to them was at a dinner Monday evening.

Elder Christensen, Kevin and Bro. Hales

 Several other visitors joined us, making the affair the largest (in terms of number fed) during our mission.  Elder Christensen compared so many coming at the same time to the six- inch rain fall which came within just a few hours recently. 

 The sisters had organized the table settings to accommodate such a large group and prepared a delicious meal.  We had never eaten turkey breasts seasoned so deliciously and barbecued over a charcoal fire before.  Along with the many side dishes and dessert it was a great meal.  None of the nearly fifty at the tables had any excuse for leaving hungry.

Following the meal both Brother and Sister Hales and Elder and Sister Christensen spoke.  While introducing Brother Hales, Elder Christensen spoke of the great trust the First Presidency have in him; and that no other person on earth spends more time with this governing council.  He would be entrusted with much confidential information and with the duty of preparing the agendum for each meeting held.  As items need consideration for the Adam-ondi-Ahman site, Brother Hales is the man through whom those concerns are brought to their attention and from whom their deliberations and decisions are relayed to Elders Christensen and Child.

Brother and Sister Hales were given a tour of the property and returned the following day to spend more time alone here as well as to see some portions of the site that were inaccessible, because of a rainfall, during the previous day.

Elder and Sister Neil L. Andersen and Sister Anderson’s brother and sister in law arrived Monday morning.  We had hoped they would be able to join with the other missionaries for lunch following the tour they would take but had been advised by his office that their schedule was too tight to fit that in.  At last minute, however, Elder Andersen overruled that limitation and the sisters rallied and prepared a great lunch in record time.  What we had anticipated would be about an hour and a half with them expanded to nearly six hours, including lunch and a brief message that Elder Andersen shared with all the Elders and Sisters.  They were so kind and thoughtful.  He, of course, was immediately recognized by other visitors.  He patiently greeted them, humbly introduced himself as Brother Andersen, asked their names and where they were from, and offered to pose with them for photographs.  This was all accomplished without a feeling of annoyance or rushing.  We used two pickups for the tour, with the Andersens riding with the Christensens and their family members with us.  We stopped frequently at various places on the property, always visiting as a group. 

Elder Anderson sitting on one of the Lawn Mowers with Sis. Anderson at his side

Right, Sister Anderson's brother, sister-in-law, Elder & Sister Anderson

 This was a choice experience for us, one long to be remembered.  We were especially grateful to be with the Andersens again, having enjoyed several experiences with them during our time in Nevada. 

Continuing with the visitor’s theme, Friday afternoon we hosted the Director of the Independence Visitors Center and his family (Elder and Sister Toronto from Farmington, Utah).  While walking the pathway to Tower Hill we were pleased to meet Elder Edward Dube of the Seventy, his wife Naume Keresia, and their children.                                         

 He is from Zimbabwe, but currently lives in Sandy, Utah.  He was sustained in 2013 to the First Quorum of the Seventy.  The conversation with them was brief but very pleasant.

  

Later in the evening, due to finding the purse his daughter had left near the main entrance sign, we had two other conversations over the phone.  Fortunately, the church operator in Salt Lake City was able to connect us with his cell phone.  They had already driven to Kansas City for the night and had plans to leave Saturday morning early and so we obtained their address and have since mailed the lost item to them.  The only identifying item in the purse was her limited use temple recommend. 

Lest you think that all we do is visit with those coming here, we mention that other duties continued during the week.  The grass continued to grow and needed its weekly (or more frequent) clipping.  Earlier mornings and later evenings, as well as day-off involvement are required to stay current with responsibilities.  The large equipment needed to tackle the task of repairing the damage to the large drainage that occurred during the heavy rainfall began in earnest. 

Elder Christensen in front of one of the Culverts

 Much soil has been moved and saturated soil dredged.  Many truckloads of rock have been hauled, dumped and packed into place.  The large culverts that had washed away have been collected, with two back in place.  Early next week the balance will be adjoined and the job of rebuilding the dam will begin.  Three or four Elders will be assigned to the project until completed. 

 In addition to these jobs, our turn came again (and for the last time) to clean the restrooms by the valley overlook.  With busloads of visitors regularly coming, these room have lots of use this time of the year and lots of garbage is packed into the cans that needs to be hauled away.  It has been very hot and humid.  We are drenched with sweat by the time the nightly task is completed.

Nearly all of the hay has now been cut and baled.  It is interesting to see the turkey vultures sweep down for the prey killed in the mowing process.   Most bales have been hauled away, leaving the fields so beautifully lush and green.

The Sisters always remain busy with their indexing and other responsibilities.  Wednesday night we met with the Jameson Betterment Committee to make plans for our involvement in their annual picnic.  We will enter a float in their little parade, work in the cook shack deep-fat frying pork loin sandwiches, mow the city park before the three-day event, bake pies and buy at least a piece or two back also.  This will be the 125^th annual picnic held.  If true to form, many who have long ago left the village will return to their home town and reminisce with friends and family.

We were saddened to learn yesterday of Marilyn’s aunt LaVern Lindsay passing away.  We always enjoyed visits with her.  She was an optimistic, cheerful and energetic person, and a very gracious hostess.  We will miss her. 

Mom Wilding and Aunt Lavern (2013)

Happy Pioneer Day!  As we have served here we have grown to appreciate the devotion and sacrifice of those who passed through such trials as were faced in the Missouri era of the Saints' migration.  We owe much to those who have gone before and, of course, to those who will follow our examples.  May we likewise exhibit devotion, faith, and perseverance.

Have a great week!  We love you!

July 17, 2016

This shortened workweek began with rainfall and concluded with blistering heat.  There were more days of mowing than we had available, but all worked hard to accomplish all that we could.  Nearly all lawns were mowed at least once (some twice) before we left for a two-night trip to Nauvoo.  Two couples remained on the property for security purposes, and to keep the public areas clean and welcoming.

Thursday morning the balance of the missionaries travelled through the state of Missouri and arrived at Carthage, Illinois at around 11:30 a.m.  We thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and tour.  This was the third time we have had the opportunity of feeling the spirit of that special place and of rehearsing the events that occurred there.  While standing below the window through which the Prophet Joseph had fallen and upon contemplating the sealing of his testimony through the martyrdom, we thought of how the persecutors must had suspected a fatal blow had been made to the movement his calling had begun.

Top window where Joseph fell to his death

 But as during a previous visit fallen oak leaves were intermingled with acorns, suggesting that the although the parent plant had died yet the seed had been sown.  We felt our testimony of the Prophet of the Restoration strengthened and our resolve to follow those who succeeded him in presiding over the Lord’s kingdom on the Earth renewed.

A visit to Old Nauvoo is always impressive.  We joined thousands (it seemed) of others in enjoying the sights and activities of Nauvoo the Beautiful, the City of Joseph.  There were hundreds of missionaries (both the young and agile and the more mature and slower moving).  All were so busy touching other lives with their talents and testimonies.  We attended three performances that moved us to tears and lifted us in laughter and amazement.  The obvious organization needed to keep all running so smoothly was equally impressive.  

We attended both pageants provided.  They collectively taught of the restoration and populating of Nauvoo, and of the establishment of the Church in Great Briton and the immigration of thousands to America.  The message was powerfully conveyed through inspired script, stirring music and dancing.  All was done to a massive scale, by individuals and families gathered from throughout the world.

Nauvoo Pageant

We walked by the home of Joseph Smith and to the monuments marking his grave and those of his wife Emma, his brother Hyrum and his parents and other family members.  All are in a beautiful tranquil setting on the bank of the Mississippi River. 

Joseph and Emma's Home

We elected to take the southern route home, via Hannibal, Missouri.  We stopped by Mark Twain’s boyhood home and some went through the motion of whitewashing the famed wooden fence.  Names and places reminded of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer and their youthful escapades.

Steam Boat on the Mississippi

Sister Day painting the Fence

 From Then we headed northwest toward Jameson.  Adrian had mentioned an interesting stop that his family had enjoyed while here recently which we likewise viewed.  Automobiles of an earlier era were parked at a filling station, complete with the inviting sign of gas for about 15% of what we now pay. 

Day's welcoming the travelers from California

Can you believe 31.9?

Guarding the Cemetery

Taxi driver with a Skelton in front and Ma and Pa in the back seat

Gas Station Attendant

 Inside the cars (lined up for service) were mannequins that appeared so life-like.  Even behind the counter stood an attendant who was dressed the part of the station operator.  Adrian mentioned a car waiting in line for a fill-up, unaware that the scene was staged.   Unfortunately, we (too) had to pay today’s prices at another station but it was interesting to recall days and experiences familiar from years earlier. 

We were glad to be home and to have a couple of hours to prepare for Elder and Sister Christensen’s arrival.  They joined us for dinner Saturday evening.  We immensely enjoy each of their visits.  They (with some of their family members) will be here for the next few days.  And so, along with meetings with them, we will be back to the normal routine to which we have become accustomed.  We have a little catching up to do, coupled with continuing major work to repair storm damage to drainage areas.  The large equipment that we have rented for that purpose is to arrive tomorrow.   

Two additional highlights of the coming week will be visits from Brother and Sister Brook Hales (Executive Secretary to the First Presidency) and Elder and Sister Neil L. Andersen (of the Quorum of the Twelve).  We have been asked to help give them a tour of the property.

Please have a good week, and remember our love and appreciation.

July 9, 2016

The welcome rainfall has certainly and miraculously transformed this special parcel of property into the lush green that greeted visitors earlier in the spring.  The parched lawns are growing rapidly, necessitating two clippings per week again.  Much of the damage that resulted from the very severe storms written of a couple of weeks ago has been repaired; the exception being the northeast drainage that will require larger equipment to restore.  A rental agreement has been entered into with delivery of the track-hoe expected around July 18^th.  We will have the unit for a month.  It will be put to many uses during that time period.

Two smaller storms since have been much more manageable, softly and slowly soaking the soil.  All of the crops are currently flourishing.  The farmers will soon conclude cutting, raking, baling, and stacking the grassy hay.

Loading the Bales of Hay

 Yield, we are told, is down but quality superb.  One of the Elders has been gathering the randomly spaced large bales into groups of seven to help the farmers load them more efficiently.

We enjoyed a memorable celebrating of Independence Day with our fellow missionaries.  A breakfast was hosted by those of our group living in the four-plex.  All were assigned food items to bring.  We had a flag raising ceremony, including the singing of a patriotic hymn and the pledge of allegiance. 

                               Elder Saline & Brennan Raising the Flag

 Following the invocation and meal more songs were sung and stories told.   Later in the evening the customary fireworks were displayed.  They were shot from the far side of the pond near the east-end overlook.  Some of the men had collected a large arsenal and had devised a method of launching them in rapid succession.  They were very colorful; and enjoyed by all. 

It seems that a larger number of white tail deer can be spotted grazing than earlier in the season.  Lots of does (many with fawns) are seen from the roadways.  We have even spotted a few bucks who are sporting the velvet beginning of antlers.

Antlers beginning to Form

 Rabbits and squirrels scurry about.  We often see raccoons also, and many other animals – especially early in the morning and during late evenings.  This special site is lovely, serene, and (at the same time) a very happy place.  Even two puppies and a stray cat have now made (at least temporary) homes here. 

It is an easy place to see broad smiles on the faces of both occupants and visitors. 

Smile!

We are expecting many visitors over the next few days.  Yesterday Elder and Sister Love’s daughter arrived.  She will stay for the weekend.  One of Elder and Sister Cox’s sons, Kyle, (with wife and three children) just walked in the door.  They will be here for more than a week and will travel to Nauvoo with our missionary group this coming Thursday.  Sister Mary Lou Doxey (who accompanied her husband, Elder Grahm W. Doxey, in presiding over this site for many years) arrived earlier this morning with her son and three other fellow travelers.  We had met her about a year ago and felt then of her sweet spirit and love for this sacred area. 

Elder and Sister Joe J. Christensen will arrive a week from today, with some of their children and grandchildren arriving shortly thereafter.  Brother and Sister Brook P. Hales (Executive Secretary to the First Presidency) will arrive Sunday night.  We will have a large group for the dinner meeting to be held a week from Monday.  We have just been invited to provide a tour for Elder and Sister Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve later that same week.  We will look forward to seeing him again as we had been privileged to have enjoyed more frequent association with him and his wife Kathy during our time in Nevada.   Needless to write, the next two weeks will be busy and wonderful.

Yesterday, following an errand that took us to the Visitor Center in Independence, we were able to tour the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. 

                                                Oval Office

                                Headstones for President & Mrs. Truman

 It was very interesting.  Exhibits told of the tumultuous period of wars and other difficulties his administration dealt with.  We were previously unaware of how quickly he rose to such a prominent position, serving only a very few months as Vice President to President Roosevelt.  One narration spoke of the conversation with Mrs. Roosevelt immediately following the President’s passing.  Asking how he (Vice President Truman) could help, the first lady replied “No, how can I help, you are now the one in trouble”.  The tour was a wonderful history lesson. 

One the way home to Adam-ondi-Ahman we stopped at a hardware store in Cameron to pick up items needed for an upkeep project at the Doxey Trailer.  While there we noticed the results of a city-wide project to paint fire-hydrants in interesting fashion. 

One of many Fire-hydrants in Cameron

 It has been enjoyable to sense the personalities of many of the small communities that surround us. 

We find the number of weeks remaining shrinking but the list of jobs to accomplish growing.  We will do all we can, of course, but are grateful for those who will remain longer to beautify and maintain a place we have grown to love. 

We are grateful for the contacts enjoyed with all of you.  We are especially thankful for many who have been with and helped Mom Wilding during these past few challenging weeks.  Please feel of our love and gratitude.