August 7, 2016

It seems as though the last customary weekly letter writing occurred just yesterday.  The time is flying by so rapidly.  We have been very busy, with daily duties and evening meetings.  Some of the assignments that are given to all the missionaries on a rotating basis have come our way for the last time, signaling that the weeks remaining are few.  Tonight (for instance) we will take the lead in family home evening for the last time.  We will attend at least one more but not in the capacity of arranging for the speaker, leading the discussion, or serving refreshments.  We have elected to discuss with the group this evening the “mission and ministry of Jesus Christ”.  We will make reference to Elder Russell M. Nelson’s address on that subject that was printed in the Ensign a few years ago; and show a modified series of slides on the Savior’s life we first utilized while in Nevada.

Work has continued during this past week on the repair of drainages and damaged culverts caused by the last two very heavy rain falls.  Soil erosion is a serious threat with heavy storms. 

7 1/2" of Rain Fell Early Last Monday Morning

This is the Large Culvert that was  just put in and Buried. 

Due to the Heavy Rain all the Soil and Rocks were Washed Away!

 The large culverts that will handle even a larger runoff are ordered and should be arriving mid-week.  As we wait for these materials repairs will commence on the dam that was weakened on one of the larger ponds on the property.  We hope that the many jobs necessitating the rental of larger equipment can be completed in the few days remaining on the lease. 

A part of the greenhouse building project that has finally been finished was the replacement of a chemical storage shed.  With a new facility now in place and stocked with herbicides and insecticides used here we were able to haul the older structure to the burn pile. 

Burning the old Chemical Shed

 Now only a pile of metal sheets remain which can be hauled to an area recycling company.  All such jobs help (we hope) in maintaining and beautifying the site, which was our calling.

A tradition was begun many years ago of each missionary couple creating a brand.  Each has, for many years, been burned into group and individual plaques for display either on the work center walls or in our individual homes.  This past Friday we participated in this ritual for the second time.  We enjoyed watching the more recently arrived group of elders and sisters design, make and first use their brands.

Lots of Measuring Going on.....

  All we needed to do this time around was burn the year “2016” into the wood we first placed our brand upon a year ago.  Our presentation at home will include both the branded mark and the tool used.

2015-2016 AOA Brand

Plans for the coming week include a trip to the Kansas City Temple with another missionary couple.  We will look forward to this.  We were pleased to receive notice from “Family Search” of a family member with ordinances needing to be performed and are anxious to begin on the several needing to be completed during our time at the temple Wednesday.  Two weeks later (if all goes according to plan) we will complete the ordinances while on a group excursion with all of the missionaries serving here.

Elder and Sister Child will arrive for their customary visit on Monday the 22^nd.  We assume that they will announce during their stay the calling of a new director and that the work of training and the eventual transferring of all responsibilities be underway.  We are confident that those called will serve well and that the work will proceed seamlessly. 

As our time of departure draws near we reminisce of the wonderful experiences we have so thoroughly enjoyed and of how much we will miss the wonderful spirit felt on this sacred site and the association with dear friends made.  And yet we do look forward to being home with you all again with equally tender emotions.