June 28, 2015

Dear Family,

         Hope you are all enjoying your summer and the various activities you are involved in.  With the 4^th approaching I am reminded of our annual breakfast and then going to watch the parade together.  We will miss getting together with you; but look forward to Andrew, Kandyce and the boys coming on the 3^rd.

We are in charge of a breakfast for all the couples here at the 4 plex on the 4^th followed by a flag ceremony and program.

The weeks are going by fast.  It seems like it’s Monday and then “Tidy Friday” when we clean the work center.  This week has been filled with mowing and spraying, and some wood chopping (during rain storms) for Kevin and I have been indexing, working on school records.  Thursday evening it rained 3” in just a couple of hours.  There is still water sitting in some of the fields.

Elder and Sister Childs were here during the first part of the week.  They attended our prayer meetings, gave spiritual thoughts, had lunch at our apartment on Tuesday, and then a formal dinner with all the missionary couples Tuesday evening.  It is always nice to have them here.  Sister Child quoted Pres. Monson in saying, “Find Joy in the Journey and then said, “If you miss the joy, you miss it all.”  That is so true. 

We can find joy in all that we do with a proper attitude as we count our many blessings.

         Yesterday Kevin made some “Killer Beans” and gave all the Elders in the 4-plex samples.  They all loved them so I think I will let him take that recipe over like he did with the Clam Chowder.  Whipple’s      invited us over for Ribs and we took the beans and some salads.  It was a great trade!

         Today we left for church at 8:00 and returned at 3:00 p.m.  After our block of meetings we met a man at the Caldwell County Historical Society and he shared with us many stories about the community from when the saints left here and during the Civil War years.  It was very interesting. We then went and visited the cemetery where John Whitmer is buried.  After returning we had one of the couples in the complex over for dinner.          

     We are really enjoying the ward we attend.  The Sunday school gospel doctrine teacher is wonderful.  She called during the week to ask Kevin to take a part in the lesson and share a couple of spiritual experiences.  Elder Day (one of our fellow missionaries at AOA) taught the High Priest group.  Several of the couples have received callings and spoken in sacrament meetings.  We have met many fine people whom we will miss when we are transferred to the Gallatin ward in mid-September. 

         It is Sunday night and tomorrow is Monday again…        .

We miss you all, love you, and remember you in our thoughts and prayers.  Have a great week.

Love,

Marilyn & Kevin, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa

June 22, 2015

Dear Family,

During the Sunday evening hour normally devoted to writing to family, we were attending a fireside that we had not anticipated.  Sister Doxey, whose husband oversaw the development of the Adam-ondi-Ahman properties for nearly 40 years prior to his passing away two years ago was visiting the area with three of her children and their spouses.  She offered to share her family’s experiences with us so we were naturally excited to learn of them.  For many years she (with those of her 12 children who were still at home) spent summers here assisting with maintenance and beatification projects. 

One interesting experience, shared by her oldest daughter, involved the first service missionary called here.  He was a retired farmer and served alone.  His responsibilities included cleaning up and removing trash from the property.  He was blind in one eye.  During his daily regimen he was struck in the blind eye by an object and was transported somewhere for medical attention.  During the ordeal his sight in that eye miraculously returned.  That, with many other experiences, showed the hand of the Lord in the work proceeding here. 

We were pleased that we could even attend the meeting with Sister Doxey, as during most of the afternoon and early evening hours repeated alerts were appearing of hail storms and tornado watches.  Fortunately the damaging hail storm went around us.  We felt fortunate (and grateful) with the corn crop so vulnerable to damage.  Nearly all the crops are finally in, although some soy beans might need to be replanted. 

We have started getting quite hot weather, with the heat index over 100 a couple of days.  It is interesting to see the temperatures early in the morning at around 74 degrees with humidity usually about 94%.  Quite different than what we are accustomed to.  With much rain, everything is green and growing. 

Saturday we had an interesting experience, visiting the Amish community.  We were able to tour one of their homes and had many questions answered about their beliefs and customs.  The young lady who lives there has consented to our taking the balance of the missionaries back for a family home evening on the 6^th of July.  They had propane for cooking, heat, and lighting.  Other appliances such as the washing machine, ringer and dryer were powered by air lines that were pressured by a wind-powered generator.  We will send (at some point) pictures taken.  All was fascinating.  Watching a real four horsepower tractor, walking abreast with a teamster at the reigns was, it seemed, a snapshot from a former era.

Tuesday we made a quick trip to the Kansas City airport to see Melanie and Chyllia for a few minutes.  They were on their way to Branson, Missouri for a clogging performances and a competition.  It was a surprise to Chyllia.  We had lunch together and visited the Liberty Jail visitor center.  In just a few days Andrew, Kandyce, Grant and Hayes will be coming to visit also.  We are always excited to have family here.  And it was so nice to converse with others during the week over the phone. 

Our garden is doing well but the fence panels are not tight enough to keep the small bunnies out.  They wiggle through the 2 X 4 inch mesh and dine on the peas, beans, and sweet potatoes.  We have found that they are not the easiest animals to herd through corn patches and vining crops.  If we only had brought a 22 we could make a nice vegetable stew with rabbit meat.  Snatching “our veggies” should be a capital offence, shouldn’t it?

Please keep in touch.  We look forward to each contact.  Know of our love and appreciation.

Love,

Marilyn & Kevin, Mom  & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa

June 15, 2015

Dear Family,

Yesterday was so packed with activities and involvement that we didn’t get to our letter writing.  Sorry for being late, but I guess one more day’s events can be reported on this way.  Earlier this evening we were just about to put our rubber boots on and head out to weed the garden when a heavy down pour came.  Our neighbor, Elder Love, was already hoeing and kept it up for a few minutes.  He said it was only wet, not cold.  We teased him later that we should have at least thrown him out a bar of soap.  Off and on, all week, heavy rains have been the norm.  The Grand River is running both high and muddy.  There were a few openings that the farmers took advantage of to plant their soy beans. 

Mom continued her indexing all week.  She has now indexed over 25,000 names. Dad has been either on a lawn mower or a spray rig, mostly spot spraying in the fields for thistle.  Initially, it was assumed that just the weeds closest to the lawns would need treated but it was difficult knowing where to stop.  The grassy hay was nearly shoulder high and the thistles above that and in full bloom.  They seem to show signs that the spraying was effective, hopefully the seed will not blow and start a new crop.

We both were involved in a community service project for the betterment society of Jameson.  Annually they sponsor a fish fry, with fund raising in mind.  The missionaries helped move the bleachers and mow the city park for the event.  It had been neglected a bit so two passes (in opposite directions) were necessary to make it presentable.  The sister missionaries each baked and donated two pies which we then bought back as dessert with the meal.  Sounds a little like the old Relief Society Bazaars.  We were asked to arrive a couple hours earlier for setup and meal preparation duties.  Tables were washed down, pies sliced, and 130 lbs. of fish squeezed dry for breading and deep-fat cooking.  There was a band playing and a quilt raffle, along with lots of visiting.  When I asked if I could sit next to a local man he replied yes, and so could my lovely daughter.

A few days ago a waitress asked, “Now, you are, (what’s the word?)  Mercenaries, aren’t you?”  We chuckled and replied, “no, missionaries” which was then followed by, “Oh, yes, that’s what I meant.”  Saturday a lady was picked up near the property by a local famer, who he then brought (by her request) to Adam-ondi-Ahman.  She had her dog at her side, along with a couple suitcases and reported upon arrival that she was here to stay until God came.  We haven’t been told where she had come from but that she was not a member of the Church.  The local police escorted her away.  Many in the area are referred to as “gatherers”.  Most leave after a while, not having found adequate employment.

We are surely enjoying the opportunity to serve here.  We have become well acquainted with the other missionary couples, growing to appreciate them so much.  They are devoted and very talented.  It seems that whenever a need arises someone is experienced in that task, whether it be for building, electrical, plumbing, road grading, etc., etc.  And most of the sisters are really good cooks.  Perhaps we’ll soon have to go shopping for longer belts.

The ward we are assigned to (Far West) meets in Cameron, a little over 30 minutes away.  It is a large and active unit.  So far we have not been given a calling, other than home and visiting teaching.  We visited a newly assigned sister Wednesday evening.  The home she resides in was built 165 years ago.  She was widowed at 21, married a second time (giving birth to 10 children) before a divorce.  The last six children were still at home when that happened.  Now all are out of the house; but all are getting together for a reunion in a few days.  We enjoyed getting to know her.  She welcomed us very warmly.

We will try to include a few pictures in next week’s letter, wanting now to get this in the mail.  Hope you are all doing well.  Please keep in touch; and know of our love and appreciation.

Love,

Marilyn & Kevin, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa   

June 7, 2015

It is so nice to receive your phone calls, letters,  & texts.  We look forward to hearing from you each week and of the various activities you are involved in.  School is out!!!  I bet the kiddos are excited for summer vacation!

We have had a busy week with our usual assignments.  Kevin was moving lawns when it wasn’t raining and chopping wood when it rained.  He figures they have over 100 cords of wood chopped and stacked in the wood shed.  Most of this wood is used for needy families in the area, and to heat the shop at the Work Center in the winter.  

I worked on weeding the garden and flower beds at

Tower Hill.  Kevin bought me a pair of high Rubber boots to protect me from the chiggers, wood ticks, snakes, rabbits,  etc, etc,  I love them!

I have been indexing obituaries, but mostly school and photo lists this past week.  It is so interesting to read the obituaries.  A coupe of quotes from ones I indexed: “She was a lady, not that she was standoffish, but always appropriate.” Another one was from a wife of a Pastor, she wrote: “ He asked for Corn Bread and I fixed it, he asked for Popcorn and I popped it, he wanted Ice Cream with Chocolate topping and I scooped it.  I knew the end was near.”

This last weekend we traveled to the Kanesville Tabernacle where Brigham Young was sustained as the second President of the church.  While there we saw members of the General R.S., Primary, and Young Women Presidency, got hugs, hand shakes and visited them for a few minutes.  We then went on to the Winter Quarters Visitor’s Center. It was so nice to feel the spirit that is there and see the many displays.

 

Kevin was able to find a map showing where some of his ancestors had lived as well as the ancestors of Elder Whipple, the director of AOA,  (our mentor and my shopping buddy).  Kevin was so happy to know those relatives may have been acquainted so we had to take a picture (Reminded me of the Missionary Board at the MTC.

I was so blessed to have a wonderful “tender mercy”. Amanda Brower, a girl that worked for us at Sunnyside Gardens for three summers (as well as her father after returning from his mission, her mother, and now her little sister) was called to serve a mission at the Winter Quarters Visitors Center as well as surrounding areas.   

Last September when we were visiting at Winter Quarters she was not working so I left her a note.  I had a little prayer in my heart that I would get to see her this time.  We went in and she was not scheduled to work until the next afternoon at 3:00 p.m.  We were going to the temple the next morning and leaving at noon to drive home so I knew I wouldn’t get to see her.  I felt sooooo disappointed, but again left her another note.  Kevin was in the Visitor’s Center looking up some of his ancestors and I went outside.  Everyone except another couple had gone over to the temple grounds to look around and who should come up but Sister Brower!!!  (She is the one in the purple)

She had been to a Zone meeting and was dropping some sisters off.  While in the parking lot she saw a car with an 8B license plate and decided to go in the building and see if it were someone from I.F. she knew.  If we had not driven,  she would not have seen the license  plate; if I had been at the temple grounds with the other missionaries,  a few mins. later,  etc. etc. etc. Sister Brower is a wonderful missionary.  You can just feel her sweet spirit and love for the gospel. Totally a tender mercy I was so thankful for.  I felt my Heavenly Father had answered my simple prayer.

After dinner that evening we drove to see the Bronze Statues at the downtown City Park.   Statues surround a whole block that are 1 ½ time  actual size of Wagon Trains, Pioneers, Buffalo, etc.  Kevin got a little too close to one of the Buffalo…..

  After attending a temple session Saturday morning, and a little shopping in St. Joseph we returned back to AOA.

This afternoon we have had two siren warnings for heavy rains and flooding this evening.  The farmers have been hoping for the last few weeks to get their Soy Beans planted.  If the Soy Beans are not planted by the 15^th the farmers are not covered by their flood insurance.

In R.S. today they talked about Sis. Reeves ( from the General R.S. presidency) message last evening to the sisters in Kansas City.  She said, “Slow down and listen to the spirit.   Don’t be driven by your agenda, but by the spirit. When you don’t feel like your prayers are getting answered, look around and count your blessings.  Life never goes according to our plans.  The Lord has his own timetable.  We are strengthened by our trials.  Sometimes Plan B gets us to Plan A”.

I know the gospel is true.  Our Heavenly Fathers loves us and is in charge of his Eternal Plan!

We love you and pray for you each day.  Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Kevin, Marilyn, Dad, Mom, Grandma & Grandpa