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!