September 11, 2016

As we have concluded, during this past week, the customary and enjoyable tasks of maintaining and beautifying this special land of Adam-ondi-Aham and indexing records, tears of gratitude have often moistened our eyes and lumps in our throats have made it difficult to speak.  We have enjoyed visits from special friends made within the community and have said way too many "good-byes".  A ward picnic, that served as a farewell gesture to the departing couples, was very enjoyable.  The little town of Jameson hosted us at a cake and ice cream social.  Special moments with the farmers with whom we have closely and regularly dealt were especially appreciated.  

It is hard to grasp how quickly the year and a half we have been serving has passed.  Although we shall miss what we have been doing and the many friends made, we are surely anxious to be with our loved ones at home again.  A portion of a message given in the Provo Tabernacle by President Joseph F. Smith in December of 1882 articulates our present sentiments.  He stated, speaking of missionary assignments, "... I am willing to go and labor among them and do all the good that I can; but when I get through with the labor that devolves upon me, by virtue of that calling and appointment, I feel ... most grateful for the privilege of getting home..."

We will spend the next couple of days making final preparations to leave.  Elder and Sister Christensen are visiting and so some time will be spent with them and the newly called director and his wife in transferring responsibilities.  A luncheon is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, during which release letters on behalf of the First Presidency will be presented and after which we will begin the long drive home.  

Sign Elder Urie made to remind us
 how far away we were from home....

We are certain the last drive through the valley will tug at our heartstrings and that the conversation, focusing on times and associations enjoyed, will (with the passing of miles) turn to thoughts of the future and of happy reunions with family and friends and of beginning again the life that preceded this mission.

Having been asked to submit a parting testimony for inclusion in the mission history, we conclude by sharing the same with you.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here at this sacred and serene site.  We had never imagined receiving such a special assignment, and have counted the privilege

as a blessing every day while serving.  As we contemplate portions of that blessing, we think foremost of the delightful associations enjoyed.  We have learned from each of the couples with whom we have served, both within scripture study sessions as we have been enlightened by knowledge gained by so many during previous experiences, and by the applications seen in righteous living and acts of generosity and kindness of such special saints.  Our appreciation for prophets, both ancient and modern, has grown, as has our testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ each has proclaimed.  To have walked where our first earthly parents toiled and were divinely schooled and where the prophet of the restoration visited, presided and received revelation regarding both the past and future of this special place has been a blessing beyond description.  We will long remember and be edified by the sacred reverence sensed so frequently while here.  Our testimonies, which we bare, are that we have a loving and living Heavenly Father and a Savior who atoned for our sins and continually exemplifies and illuminates our way homeward.  Although we shall now leave, our sincere hope is that the spirit of Adam-ondi-Ahman will never leave us."

                                                     - Elder and Sister McCracken

We are so grateful for each and all of you.  Many have visited us during our stay here.  We are thankful for those visits and for the support felt from all.  Several have hauled portions of our possessions home.  As we pack the remainders in our small car we are especially thankful for that help.  We are looking forward to seeing you all within just a few days.

September 4, 2016

Much of the time during this past week was spent in training the Salines who will succeed us as directors.  There are many tasks best learned in their doing and so we have let them shadow us and begin practicing what soon will be their sole responsibility.  And, of course, with just a few days left lots of activities are proposed and frequent last contacts and good-byes to make.  It seems like everyone has to take one more photograph and, so, we have posed a lot too.  Trying the cheerfully smile when sad to depart, and with a lump in one’s throat, is challenging.

One such photo-op includes the four Marilyns currently serving together.

(L) Marilyn Nilsen,  Marilyn Brennan,  Marilyn McCracken,  & Marilyn  Saline!

 Interestingly, while the majority of missionaries are from Utah, none of the four are.

We continued with normal daily duties, including spraying the roads early in the morning for dust control.  Arising early and enjoying the tranquility, the abundance of wildlife, and the crystal clear skies and vibrant sunrises has been delightful.  Both of us enjoyed the ride Friday. 

Filling the Water Truck

 Tomorrow morning will be the last opportunity to enjoy that assignment.  Tuesday will be our last day with work assignments and to participate in morning devotionals and planning meetings.  We will continue to meet together for scripture study sessions and for other social functions. 

While returning from Trenton one afternoon, we stopped to let a snapping turtle cross the road at his own slow pace.

Snapping Turtle

 He stopped as we approached him and let us take his (or her?) picture.  Another such creature was plodding along the side of the road last Sunday.  Mom mentioned that at the pace of his travel he would be late for church.

Friday afternoon and Saturday we spent some time organizing our effects and beginning to pack.  Keven and Diane Snell (and their daughter Tabbie) will arrive tomorrow evening and spend a couple nights with us.  They have offered to transport some of our boxes home.  We are grateful for their help.    That evening we spent a couple hours with Brother and Sister Meyers from the Gallatin Ward with whom we have developed a strong friendship.  They moved here from eastern Washington.  Two of their married children are currently attending BYU Idaho.  One of them married a young man who had served with us while we were assigned in Nevada.  Hopefully we will be able to have future contact with them all after returning home.

We travelled to St. Joseph Saturday afternoon with another missionary couple.  We had not yet visited the Walter Cronkite memorial housed at Western Missouri State University.  It was a very interesting stop.

Beautiful, Fragrant Mimosa Tree on the Campus

  Mr. Cronkite was born in the community and grew to be so notable within his distinguished career in broadcast journalism. 

Walter Cronkite

CBS Camera on Display

The displays were very interesting.  They brought back many memories of news reports seen on the CBS Evening News for many years.  It was mentioned that he became one of the most trusted men in America.  One of the more interesting keepsakes displayed was the baton he used while conducting the Tabernacle Choir during one of their broadcasted Christmas Firesides.    A replica of the news room from which his thousands of news broadcasts emanated was part of the memorial.  There, we sat in his chair and became (as it were) the anchor for that evening. 

Kevin, Anchor for the Evening News

 A picture was snapped while seated there and given to you.  We could even end our time in his chair with his memorable phrase, “And that’s the way it is”.  It was a very interesting self-guided tour.

We will be very busy for the next week, cleaning, packing, and trying to tie together all lose ends.  The many experiences enjoyed here have been blessings, indeed, that will fortify us in remembering them for a life time.  

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.

August 21, 2016

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. 

(Left) Rick & Ranae Boggess, Dale & Connie Handy

 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. 

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.

August 14, 2016

We had mentioned in an earlier letter the generosity of the small community of Jameson, Missouri in responding to requests for donations to reroof a protestant church building.  The contract was given to an Amish family who, after the setback of a tragic traffic accident which claimed the life of their driver, have been busy with the project.  The steep roof, with multiple valleys, has kept the three workers busy.

Re-roofing of Church in Jameson

 The hope was to have the building reroofed in time to be enjoyed by the many visitors who “come home” during the annual picnic.  Although not quite complete, the transformation is impressive as has been the effort expended during such extremely hot weather.

This year’s celebration was the 125^th consecutive annual get together.  We are constantly amazed at the efforts the community minded volunteers make in trying to preserve their hometown.  The sign welcoming visitors lists only 133 residents (and that would seem to have been a snapshot not take too recently).   And yet, hundreds from the surrounding area volunteer to spend many hours staging the event that brings thousands to their city park for a three-day affair filled with entertainment, food, dancing, riding lawnmower pulls, games, vendors, an auction and a parade.  As we recall, the missionaries built the only float in last year’s parade. 

AOA Missionary Float in Jameson Parade

 Our repeat entry was joined by others this year.  Perhaps an election year brought a few more participants.   Young and old lined the parade route, some especially glad for the handfuls of sweets thrown their way.

Three evenings concluded with bands providing entertainment and accompaniment for those willing to dance in front of the crowd on a concrete pad about the size of a tennis court.  We were pleased that many of the senior missionary couples with whom we serve set inhibitions aside for an hour or two and danced (even with less than the agility of former years).   While driving home and being reminded of muscles unused in the same way for a long time we reminisced of first dancing together at stake dances fifty years ago.  My how the time has flown.  Memories were made, as well as friends within the community.

We continue repairing the damage two heavy storms caused.  With one rather heavy downpour setting back the project temporarily, we hope to continue the projects tomorrow morning.  We have had to extend the lease on the heavy equipment (a costly decision) but remain hopeful that we can complete the majority of the work this week.  On the positive side, with the rainfall all remains beautifully green.  With the moisture, heat, and ample food supply the insects in Missouri apparently grow to enormous size!

Trick Photography (Picture taken by Kevin from the
 Inside of his Pickup of a Bug on the Outside of his Windshield)

We will mow again each day to keep the lawns cropped nicely.  And we are also grateful that the forecast suggests that the stifling heat wave is giving way to more comfortable working conditions.  The sisters work each day (perhaps without the heat while in an air conditioned office but with challenges specific to the complexity of the work of family history).  We have grown to more greatly appreciate that all aspects of service are equally noticed and appreciated by an ever kind Heavenly Father; and that each assists in the fulfilment of his wishes for his family whether collectively or individually.

While driving to Weatherby Friday afternoon we passed by a grain silo that has obviously been retired from use as a tree was growing out the top and vines down its sides. 

Silo with Tree Growing Out of the Top

 Not far from it was an interesting sign hanging from a gatepost which entitled the property the “Rancho Bankruptcito”.   

We substituted teaching a Sunday school class this afternoon for one of the missionary couples who had been enjoying visiting family members and who needed to drive them to Kansas City for outgoing flights home.  The lesson was a sharing of family history stories, some given by young class members and others from the lesson material and our own records.  We are grateful for the heritage that has be left, and the standards of devotion set, from those who preceded us. 

Often we share experiences from the journals of those who lived long ago and who lived under very trying circumstances; and yet, how often we both have only to look a few years back to the example of our own parents who lived their lives as we now strive too.  We are so very grateful.  And now, with such faithful siblings, children, and grandchildren we are triply blessed.   Thank you to you all.  Have a great week.

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.  

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.