August 28, 2016

Elder and Sister Sheldon Child arrived Monday afternoon and ate  dinner with us at our home later that evening.  Tuesday night we were joined by all the other missionaries for another nice dinner-meeting.

Sister Urie does an amazing job with her table decorations!
She used Corn, Soy Beans, Cat Tails and Flowers from the Fields.

A delicious Dutch Oven dinner  was served!

 We always enjoy their visits.  They encourage, support and instruct in an exemplary fashion.  All of the missionaries feel uplifted while in their company.  We were aware that a primary purpose of this month’s visit was to announce the selection of a new director.  Following interviewing each of the couples, Elder Child informed us that Elder Alma Saline and his wife Marilyn would succeed us.  Later that evening the balance of the missionaries were also informed.  The Salines are from Taylor, Arizona and are well acquainted with the Whipples who proceeded us as directors.

Passing the Baton...Kevin with Elder Saline

We have begun training the Salines in their new responsibilities.  He is now joining us in our early-morning planning meetings.  During the next week we will introduce him to those in the business community we deal with and register him in systems that will permit his access to bookkeeping functions within the Church financial system.  Sister Saline will begin preparing the calendar and familiarizing herself with the new duties she will also assume, with the Sisters, following our departure.  We are very pleased with their selection, and confident that they will lead the work well.

It has been a great blessing for both us to work so closely with both the Christensens and the Childs.  They are great examples of devotion and faithfulness.  With the constant turnover of church service missionaries who are called to serve here, they provide great stability and continuity.  This past week’s visit from Elder and Sister Childs was their last before our group goes home.  The goodbyes were a little more final than previous departures.  We will certainly miss this couple whom we have grown to admire and appreciate so much.

Final picture of our group with Elder & Sister Child
(L) Loves, McCrackens, Uries, Childs, Nilsens, Days, & Zeemans

Elder Christensen called the day after the Childs left to begin preparations for his arrival on September 9^th.  Following his suggestions, we immediately began preparing a tentative schedule of activities that we will enjoy with them.  We were surprised when he mentioned that he would be driving rather than flying, and a bit worried too until he followed up with an e-mail later in the day stating that his daughter and son-in-law would be accompanying them.  He mentioned that they planned on leaving Thursday afternoon and arriving the next afternoon.  When we reminded him of the distance he assured that he would alter the departure date, if needed, and still arrive as initially planned.  The level of their activity constantly amazes us when we recognize their ages. 

During their visit, exit interviews will be conducted, final time together with them enjoyed and release letters given to those who have completed their missions.  The Christensens are wonderful teachers with a wealth of experience and wisdom to draw from.  We have been wonderfully blessed by what they have taught us, both in word and deed. 

All of the missionaries travelled to Kansas City Friday afternoon to attend the Temple.  Beginning this month, a new endowment session was available in mid-afternoon.  Some participated in that session, others assisted with initiatory or sealing work.  Following the time at the temple we socialized together and did a little necessary shopping.  Trying to deplete rather than supplement our pantry, we needed very little as compared to the newer couple we travelled with who will remain here longer.  The drive home was definitely a “white knuckle” experience as we drove the entire distance through a torrential downpour, including (for some) alerts of tornado watches blurting frequently from their radios.  Vision was difficult, even with the wipers waving as fast as they could.  And it is always alarming how fast some continue to drive in such conditions, especially the large rigs who continued their passing and splashing despite the downpour.

We enjoyed Church meetings today in Gallatin, and the opportunity to be with many wonderful friends made during the year we have been assigned to that unit.  One of the young men who had attended the Temple Preparation class we taught spoke in sacrament meeting prior to departing for his full-time mission.  Several fellow ward members have begun reminding us of our leaving and bidding farewell.  And so, along with the joy of association, we are beginning to also feel the sadness of departure.

Much remains, however, to accomplish during the weeks remaining.  And so we will be at work again during the week ahead.  Each day here is counted as a blessing we never dreamed would be ours.  Between rainfalls, the lawn continues to grow and need to be mowed.  Many additional names will be indexed and other involvements enjoyed.  We know that all of you will be equally busy and involved, and we wish you the best for the days ahead.  Thanks so much for your contacts and much appreciated examples and influence.