October 28, 2015

Sorry we are so slow in getting this written.  We had a busy fun filled week….

       Monday we had two men from the church financial department come and train Kevin, myself and the secretary on a new computer program, Tuesday and Wednesday for entering invoices and paying bills.

Gordan Madsen & Mark Hammond

       Wednesday afternoon my mom, sisters LaNona and Ann and brother Bruce and his wife Annette came for the weekend and left yesterday morning.  This is the first time we have been together as a family (minus my sister's husbands) since 2007. 

Marilyn, Ann, Mom, Bruce and LaNona

It was so fun to be with them and share in the spirit that is here at Adam-ondi-Ahman. 

  LaNona, Mom, Annette, & Ann at Preachers Rock

Deer on Tower Hill

Pecan Grove

We were able to see all the sites here on the property, plus visit the Amish community,  the little town of Jamison, Hamilton, city where Jenny Doan has many of her quilt shops (See her on U tube), Viking Lake, Danny Collette’s Orchard, and Far West.  Between LaNona and Ann they took over 800 pictures.

       Sunday morning we met Judy (Morgan)  and her new husband Larry at church and then they came with us to Far West, lunch afterwards and then we gave them a tour of the property.  It was fun to see Judy and to get acquainted with Larry!

Larry and Judy

This evening we were able to view the DVD Marsha made for Grandpa McCracken's 88th birthday.  She did a wonderful job with pictures of each of his children plus each child and spouse with their children and children's children.  Wow!    We loved the piano music played by Marsha and Andrew and the fiddle music by Anika.  What a treasure now and for years to come.  Thank you for all your efforts!  The theme of the DVD was from the song: "The Family Is of God" 

" Our Father has a family.  It's me!  It's you, and all others too: we are his children.  He sent each one of us to earth, through birth, to live and learn and live here in fam'lies   

A father's place is to preside, to love and teach the gospel to his children.  A father leads in fam'ly prayer to share their love for Father in Heaven. 

A mother's purpose is to care, prepare, to nurture and to strengthen all her children. She teaches children to obey, to pray, to love, and serve in the family.

I'll love and serve my family and be a good example to each family member.  And when I am a mom or dad, so glad, I'll help my fam'ly to remember.

God gave us families to help us become what He want us to be--This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God.

So grateful for the love, support and example of a wonderful family.  We love you and hope you have a wonderful week!

Happy Halloween to all the little Trick-or-treaters!  Be sure and send pictures of your costumes!

October 18, 2015

This week has been full of interesting and uplifting experiences.  Elder and Sister Sheldon Child arrived mid-afternoon Monday for their bi-monthly visit.  We always look forward to their coming, and the opportunity to be taught by them.  Each visit includes time for interaction with all missionary couples.  Some are assigned to host them for lunch.  We prepare dinner for them on Monday evenings.  Elder Child had committed, when last here, to go fishing with Elder Nilsen.  This became the first priority this visit, followed by spending the later evening with us.  We prepared clam chowder which fortunately could be re-heated as fishing was good, resulting in a late arrival for dinner.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them.  Both Elder and Sister Child attended the morning devotionals each day (he with the Elders and she with the Sisters).  Each shared messages during the respective meetings.  All were very informative and inspiring.

Usually the visiting authorities ask to be taken to see portions of the property and to visit with some of the farmers who lease portions of the property.  During an afternoon meeting with Ben Cox (one of these farmers) Elder Child thanked him for his wonderful “care of the Lord’s property”.  Ben, a husky and hard-working man, was obviously very deeply touched by his comment.  After a time to compose himself he replied that he was thankful to be trusted to care for a land which he knew to be sacred.  Although not a member of our church, he yet feels the specialness of his stewardship.

Some of Elder Child’s family joined them Wednesday.  He planned on touring the property with them and asked that I give him a tour the previous afternoon. 

Elder Child standing by post that marks the well

Well dug by Joseph Smith

 This was a very special time together, seeing special spots and sharing sweet experiences.  Later that evening we all joined for a delicious Dutch-oven dinner, complete with chicken, potatoes, and peach cobbler (and fresh salad).  All enjoyed the time together which concluded with wonderful messages by the Childs.  There are always items of business or plans to pursue, or progress on projects underway to discuss.  The wisdom and perspective offered are always appreciated.

A group of sister missionaries from the visitors centers in Independence arrived on Thursday morning for a tour that was conducted by Brother Bonnett (our Stake Patriarch).  Before leaving they utilized the meeting room at the work center for a luncheon.  We were grateful to have the opportunity to greet each of them personally.  Shortly before they arrived at the work center Elder and Sister Dennis Neuenschwander also arrived, along with Sister Neuenschwander’s sister and parents. 

Elder & Sister Newenschwander center,
parents on left and sister on right

 I had previously had been asked to show them the property (according to their interest and timetable).  We spent a delightful afternoon together.  He is an emeritus member of the seventy with the current responsibility to serve as Patriarch to Easter European countries.  He travels there multiple times during the year to bless the saints residing in several countries.  Prior, during his service as a general authority, he assisted in the opening of several of these countries to the church.  Professionally he was employed by BYU as a professor of the Russian language.  As I recall, he is also fluent in several other languages.  Our conversation was very interesting.  Often he would pause, view the surroundings, and then comment upon the special nature of his feelings.  He was very gracious (as were his travelling companions) and frequently expressed appreciation.

Quilts to donate

The sister missionaries completed piecing and tying two quilts that will become part of a donations of many more to military units.

 They enjoy times that allow visiting and sharing.  The previous week a large auction was help in Jamesport that became quite expensive to several of our couples.  Three of our couples (in combination) purchased twenty-three Amish quilts.  (Quite grateful Marilyn didn’t accompany them)  One of the sisters won a raffle and was awarded yet another quilt. 

During the week the soybean harvest continued. 

Kevin & Keith

Soy Beans

 A large combine was utilized by Keith Sutton which cuts a thirty foot wide swath.  Many acres can be covered in short order.  The large hopper holds sufficient crop to fill an entire truck in less than two dumps.  Marilyn rode for a few minutes with him.  The farmers are very friendly and seem to enjoy a companion in the cab to visit with.  They generously respond to questions about their profession.  It is so interesting to us.  We are grateful for our friendship with them, and for the cooperative spirit we enjoy with them.

The fisherman!

The gentleman who cares for the ponds is equally enjoyable.  Fishing several days a week is rough duty, but someone has to do it.  He is ever ready to share a tall tale or two, generally including a big one that got away and of how is awaiting another hook being tossed his way. 

The weekend brought very special opportunities. 

 Friday evening was date night to St. Joseph for shopping.  Saturday afternoon we attended a session in the Kansas City Temple, followed by the adult meeting of the Liberty Stake Conference.  Sunday morning’s general session included the realignment of the stake boundaries of that stake and the Platte City Stake, and the creation of the new Far West Stake (within which we reside).  It was an historic conference.  The last stake presidency was Thomas Marsh, David Patton, and Brigham Young who served 177 years ago. The Sunday session was held in the Mabee Center on the campus of William Jewell University.  Over 4,000 were in attendance.  A strong spirit was present.  Powerful testimonies were shared and wonderful teachings by Elder Mervyn Arnold who presided, and the Area Seventy who accompanied him.  We were fortunate to meet (while leaving the center) on of our missionaries from Las Vegas who is now studying history at the college campus.

We look forward this coming week to visits by two men from the controllership office in Salt Lake City who will offer training for three days.  Wednesday Marilyn’s mother and two sisters (LaNona and Ann) and her brother (Bruce) and wife (Annette) will also arrive.  We are anxious to see them and grateful they will spend several days here. 

We think of you all often, and express to you our love and appreciation.  

October 11, 2015

Each day we enjoy the beautiful sunrises and sunsets of Missouri.  The other day I read a thought that said:  “Morning is God’s way of saying one more time.  Go! Make a difference, touch a heart, encourage a mind, inspire a soul and enjoy the day.

We had one last day to enjoy with Art, Melanie and their kiddos before they headed back to Omaha. 

We went to Liberty Jail, Kansas City Temple grounds, lunch, Community of Christ Church, and the Independence Visitors Center. 

Liberty Jail

Art, Melanie, Chyllia, Kensley & Rylyn

We enjoyed their visit so much as well as Aaron, Alicia, and their family the week before.  We look forward to a visit from Grandma Great, LaNona, Bruce & Annette, and Ann a week from Wednesday.  We love having visitors and sharing with them the wonderful spirit that is here in Adam-ondi-Ahman.

     This past week we had Bathroom duty which consists of cleaning the public restrooms at the Overlook.   They don’t take as long to clean now as during the tourist season in the summer.  However we had an infestation of yellow bugs, that look just like Lady Bugs on Tuesday. 

Ready to clean the bathrooms...

Yellow Bugs of Bathroom Floor

They were everywhere in the bathrooms as well as all over the property here.  In a day they were almost all gone (thank goodness!)  There are many interesting bugs and critters here we don’t have at home.

     Wednesday we were able to celebrate Kevin’s birthday with a dinner and cake at Elder and Sister Urie’s. 

Kevin turns 63!

We have a great time when we all get together!  Thanks for all your birthday wishes for Kevin.  He really appreciated it.

     Friday I went with another sister and we cleaned the Doxey Trailer getting ready for Elder and Sister Child that will be visiting this coming week.  Later in the day Kevin and I went and got their groceries.

     Friday night we all watched the Cokeville Miracle at the Duplex.  It was a wonderful movie and such a miracle that all the children's lives were saved.  I know we do have angels from the other side that watch over and protect us.  I’m sure we don’t even realize the extent of all they do in our behalf.

     Saturday was spent in preparing again for the upcoming week. That evening our Water Heater started leaking and so Elder Love and Kevin unhooked it.  (Luckily there are two so we still had hot water.)  Kevin moved it out of the basement this afternoon and we will replace it tomorrow.

     Adrian just called and I was able to listen in by way of speaker phone as Aaron ordained him a High Priest before getting set apart to the High Council in his stake.  We are proud of him and his worthiness to serve.  We know he will do a great job!

Autumn Leaves at Adam-ondi-Ahman

      Just this past week the leaves are starting to turn and fall is in the air.  We wish each of you a great week.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Sending lots of hugs your way!

October 4, 2015

Not far from the director’s home, along the side of Koala Road, is a slightly visible concrete survey marker.  Were it not for mowing and trimming it would long ago have disappeared from view.  Fortunately, immediately adjacent, a witness post has also been driven deeply into the soil upon which an important notice is prominently positioned. 

Witness Post

Survey Marker

 It courteously asks that the nearby survey marker which defines a certain point not be disturbed. From this certain point one could confidently measure to discern the proper placement of fence lines or property divisions.  One’s own location could even be shown (as compared to the true witnessed point).

We have thought of this true point, and of witnesses declaring it so, during the last two days of General Conference.  How similar in principle the two are.  Those who spoke from the pulpit in the conference center likewise served as witnesses of true revealed doctrine to which we may wisely determine guidelines and our own present position in relation to them.  How truly fortunate we are for the truth sincerely witnessed of during the conference.  The faithful men and women who spoke authoritatively testified of what they knew to be true.  They sincerely cautioned that the declared points are not moveable, and that we will remain safe and secure as we position our thoughts and actions appropriately in relation to them.   

We have also been so fortunate to have enjoyed visits from two of our sons and their families since last writing.  Aaron and Alicia and family returned from Nauvoo and spent another night with us before heading west again. 

"I Love Mormon Girls"

 Less than two days later Melanie and kids arrived, to be joined Saturday by Arthur.  We have surely had a great time with both families.  We are so grateful they both came.  We are hopeful that they all felt the sweet spirit of the sacred land that we are privileged to temporarily reside upon.  Each family allowed us to join them as they visited other church historical sites and other areas of interest.  To be with them again (even if but for a few hours) was very special to us.  We enclose a sampling of many pictures taken to document the experiences we shared.

In the seat of the Bat Wing Mower

 Ride in the Water Truck

Rylyn, Kens, & Chyllia tour an Amish Family at Graber Farms

Rylyn, Art, Melanie, Kensley, & Chyllia at Far West

Beginning last Saturday, and concluding just yesterday, Ben and Del Ray Cox (brothers who lease and farm and ranch a large portion of the land of Adam-ondi-Ahman) harvested the many acres of the valley planted in corn.  Marilyn had mentioned she would like a ride in the combine, to which came the reply that a plate of goodies would serve as the set admission fee.   So, with “chocolate-pumpkin” muffins in hand we approached the field.  They held true to their commitment and soon she was sitting beside the operator of the combine and seeing firsthand the process.  It was fascinating to both of us. 

Harvested Corn going into storage.

Well worth the treats!

A great ride cutting the corn...

Dal Ray Cox (farmer)

 Eight rows were harvested in one swath, producing a constant heavy stream of husked and shiny dried kernels which then cascaded into an accompanying wagon and were later conveyed into large trucks and hauled to storage.  They worked until long after our bedtime and started very early each day until they finished to huge task.

We have been asked to now repair a fence line so that the cattle can be moved to an adjacent pasture area, to close gates leading to the valley, and allow access to other roads in time to commence the soy bean harvest.  They will soon be dry enough for that next farming step to be taken.  Completing these steps (so critical to their farming enterprises) must be accompanied with a huge sigh of relief by these hard-working men. 

Several of the grandsons were excited to see the wide variety of wildlife living on the property.  They counted the different animals seen.  Rylyn made a list of each and tried to keep count also. 

 Both families also enjoyed visiting the Amish community nearby.  And we do not tire of seeing these industrious families, tilling the soil and pursuing other careers with simple means and ways. 

Horse and Buggy waiting for its riders

We continue to be very busy with the daily tasks assigned to us in maintaining and beautifying the land, indexing, working on humanitarian and community projects, and coordinating the efforts of the other missionary couples. The sisters have most recently been involved in tying quilts (along with the Relief Society of the Gallatin ward) that will be sent to military posts.

We hope that all are doing well.  Please remember that you are thought of and prayed for regularly.  Please keep in touch.