We have been blessed with beautiful summer weather this past week. Although warm and humid, we have been able to stay on task and accomplish many jobs. The project of repairing damage caused by the two heavy storms has now been nearly completed, at least to the degree that we have been able to return the large excavator. Seeing it pull away was a relief as the rental rate was so high.
On its Way.........
But we could not have accomplished the work without it or the missionary operators who came with such skills.
Such a huge volume of soil and rocks were displaced with the flooding that restoring them was also a very expensive proposition. Fortunately, an old quarry was located (that we did not previously realize existed on the property) in a wash that was not seen from the main roadways.
New found Quarry
We obtained permission to extract limestone and soil from it at tremendous savings over local prices. In the two days prior to the machinery being picked up we were able to extract in excess of 400 tons of rock from the site and haul it to the various drainages needing repair.
We are hopeful that the upgrades will prove sufficient for heavier than normal rainfall, should it return in the unusual volume of the two storms that caused so much damage. A claim will be made to the Risk Management Division of the Church for reimbursement of allowable expenses, although the larger culverts placed will be covered only for the portion that the removed smaller sizes would have cost. Any help in defraying expenses will help us stay within the previously allocated budget.
We have also continued to work with the local community of Jameson in better defining the boundary between our two properties. Some of the city fathers have evidently felt for many years the fence line encroaches upon their property. It has been challenging to interpret the old deeds and to explain them to the representative of the city. Two attorneys have read them and remain confused to the point that a new survey is being contemplated. We remain hopeful, however, that we will be able to bring the issue to rest prior to our departure. Perhaps in next week’s letter we will share steps taken with heaven’s help that will settle the matter in the minds of all concerned.
Brother and Sister Hancock,
members of the Gallatin Ward, spoke at our Family Home Evening Monday night. Sister Hancock’s parents provided the animals used in the production of the temple films. They shared stories of many miracles that occurred in the production process. One experience related was of the request for a deer in the filming. The fawn already on their wildlife farm unexplainably died the day before the scheduled scene. Miraculously another fawn was seen up the canyon by a relative and able to be easily captured and taken to their home. It, too, died before being taken to the filming site. A third deer (a doe) also died while in the trailer outside the studio. Finally, (as instructed to do by President Hinckley) a buck was hauled inside the dedicated facility and then filmed. Opposition was overcome and the project completed as planned through persistent effort and heaven’s help. We had previously listened to a recording of a fireside her father had presented on his involvement. We were pleased to be reminded again of the inspiration and guidance of a loving Father in Heaven, ever involved and constantly leading His work here upon the earth.
Two couples have been visiting us this weekend.
Marilyn’s college roommate Ranae Prestwich (now Boggus) and her husband Rick arrived from Omaha, Nebraska yesterday afternoon, spent the night with us, and will attend church meetings and then return home later this afternoon. We had visited them at their home during our trip to the Midwest about a year before our call to serve here. It has been pleasant to have them here. Dale and Connie Handy from Idaho Falls arrived Friday evening and will be here until Monday. We lived in the same ward at home for many years. Dale served in the Bishopric with us for about a year and a half. His background in civil engineering and surveying has been helpful in clarifying the maps and descriptions earlier referred to. We have been grateful for their timely visit and for the opportunity to renew friendships and recall past times happily spent together.
(Left) Rick & Ranae Boggess, Dale & Connie Handy
We anticipate Elder and Sister Sheldon Child arriving late Monday afternoon and look forward to them joining us for dinner tomorrow night. While visiting they will call a new director who will assume his post when we depart in a little over three weeks. Much will need to be shared with our successors during the next short period of time. With the lawns still green and growing and the indexing continuing (along with other ongoing activities) all will be very busy. It has been a remarkable blessing to have served in this capacity on this sacred site. We will long cherish the friendships forged and feel uplifted by the many faith promoting experiences enjoyed during our time here.
We express our admiration and appreciation to you all. Have a good week.
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