March 13, 2016

A very noticeable transformation has occurred in northwestern Missouri during the last several days.  Warmer weather, coupled with spring rain showers, has turned the grass a vibrant green and invited the buds on undergrowth bushes and larger trees to soften and begin to open. 

New buds beginning to open!

 Life of all forms is beginning the immerge from its winter rest.  The song of many birds accompanies the sunrise, new calves stand close to their protective nursing mothers, and much other wildlife is actively moving about.  Even turtles (not seen for several months) are appearing – covered with moss and sluggishly moving away from the ponds. 

Move visitors have arrived in recent days.  Perhaps “spring break from classwork” has provided a few days for families to travel together.  We met one such family (father, mother, and four sons from Texas) Saturday afternoon. 

Esserine Family from Texas

 The father enthusiastically approached us, exclaiming that we were an answer to his prayer, that they had been on the site three times, each time wishing that someone would be present to help them better understand what they were seeing.  As they noticed our missionary tags questions quickly surfaced.  We explained that tour guides were not provided but that we would help as best we could.  As they asked where we were from, common acquaintances were explored.  We will contact the man they asked about and determine if he was the visitor’s missionary companion years ago in Japan. 

Much of the week involved clearing encroaching vegetation from the perimeters of the fields that have been fertilized by the farmers and will, within a month, be planted. 

Kevin and Elder trimming trees

 Our trimming of overhanging branches will allow the crops to be planted on a little more acreage and the equipment be less exposed to scratching and breakage.  We certainly won’t get all fields done, now that spring rains will make the fields inaccessible.  Indeed, we do not even suppose that working every day, all year long, would be sufficient to finish the job.  Even if it did, one would need to begin again immediately.  There are just too many trees and bushes (growing to quickly) when compared with the few of us (working to slowly). 

Ground up remains of pruned limbs

Kevin & Elder Day with Thorny Locust Tree

Thorny Locust 

 We encountered several thorny locusts that need to be entirely removed.  They are covered with very sharp and vicious large thorns that tear both shirtsleeve and arm if you get too close. 

The other major task that has consumed much time has been getting ready for the group of newly called couples who will be arriving this coming Wednesday.  Some have already left their homes, the remainder leaving early Monday morning.  The missionaries, to soon arrive, are: Elder and Sister Brennan (from Hood River, Oregon), Elder and Sister Cox (from Manti, Utah), Elder and Sister Montgomery (from Ogden, Utah), Elder and Sister Roberts (from Salina, Utah), Elder and Sister Saline (from Taylor, Arizona), and Elder and Sister Thompson (from Brigham City, Utah).  Their apartments and trailers are cleaned and ready for occupancy.  Orientation materials are prepared and printed for them and the schedule for training arranged.  Welcome baskets, signs, etc., etc. will soon be in place. 

Elder and Sister Urie with Welcome Signs

 We are anxious to have them here to assist with the spring and summer work.  New friendships will soon be forged; and surely their devotion and enthusiasm will be welcome additions. 

A highlight of the week was the arrival of special visitors.  Earlier in the week we had been informed of their arrival and asked to not even announce it to our fellow missionaries.  They were on a very tight time line that might not have allowed but a short visit.  We felt fortunate to be allowed to greet Elder Gary E. Stevenson (recently called member of the Quorum of the Twelve), Elder Wilford W. Andersen (of the Second Quorum of the Seventy), Elder and Sister Donald D. Deshler (Area Seventy and wife), and President Bill Tervout (of the Liberty, Missouri Stake Presidency and Area Director of Seminaries and Institutes) and assist in providing a tour of the site. 

Left, Pres. Tervout, Bro. & Sis. Bonnett, Elder Andersen, Elder Stevenson, Marilyn & Kevin

Elder Andersen, Elder Stevenson, Elder Deshler

 The nearly two hours spent with them were delightful and inspiring.  We were especially touched by the reverent reflection obvious in Elder Stevenson’s demeanor.  And we were grateful to renew our association with Elder Andersen who we became acquainted with during his service as an Area Seventy in the Southwest while we were in Nevada.  We will now convey to the other missionaries their regards and greetings. 

We are both doing well.  We are happy and healthy, and certainly appreciating the great blessing of service in this very special and sacred place.  We share with you our sincere gratitude, love, and testimony.  We appreciate contact from you. It always uplifts and encourages us.  

March 6, 2016

Thinking of you and hoping you all had a great week.  It is so nice to visit with you during the week and to hear of your various activities and involvement.  We are grateful for modern communication - the phone, text, face time, etc.   We always love letters!  Thank you!

It feels like spring is on its way with warmer temperatures and the sounds of many different birds. The little green frogs are even starting to croak.  The white snow geese are starting their migration; some days the sky (as far as you can see) is covered with their perfect formations.  It has really been interesting to watch.

Snow Geese

 Yesterday the farmers were out spraying their fields and were still working after 10:00 p.m.

Kevin and Elder Day fertilized the entire property of AOA this week with 15,750 lbs. of fertilizer.  It all had to be hand shoveled into the hopper on the back of the tractor that held 500 lbs., so it was quite a project. 

Hopper for Fertilizer

We teased them that they were just making work for themselves.  With the spring moisture and warm sunshine they will be out mowing before they know it.  We are anxious for the trees to leaf out and the grass to turn green again as it is so beautiful.

We continue to prepare for the new missionaries.  Their apartments are all clean, welcome signs made, binders with all the schedules, assignments, rules and information included.  Kevin called each of the couples Friday night and they are all set to come.  Can’t believe a year has gone by since we were in that same mode.  It has been a wonderful opportunity and blessing in our life to feel of the spirit that is here as we learn of things that have and will happen on this sacred property.

Friday afternoon Kevin and I finished transplanting the perennial plants (so far received) they are going to use on the property.  While we were planting Chris from Sunnyside Gardens texted me and told me how the greenhouses were filling up and what they were planting, and here we were doing the same thing, miles away.  Little did we know……  The greenhouse is almost full. 

Perennial Plants

Tomatoes and Cucumber

We are just waiting for a couple of back ordered varieties.   We have planted Columbine, Foxglove, Rock Pink, Coreopsis, Coneflower, Silky Aster, Wild Geranium, Amsonia Blue Star, Jacobs Ladder, Barren Strawberry, Prairie Aster, Sedum tenatium, and Garden Phlox.  It will be fun to plant them around the property when they are ready to set out and see how they do.  The cucumbers and tomatoes are also doing well in the greenhouse.  Some will be shared with the couples to plant at their residences and a few left in the greenhouse for the summer.  Everyday Kevin has to open the vents in the morning, keep the plants watered and then close things up in the evening. (Sound familiar???)

Yesterday Kevin and Elder Love shampooed the carpets at the Work Center.  In the afternoon Elder Christensen called and asked if he would give a tour to a group of about 25 that performed at Branson with the Bretts. (Family relative of Elder Christensen)  Kevin said it was a really nice group and that one of the girls sat on Preachers Rock and sang “Nearer my God to Thee” in a soft voice while others spread out in the Pecan Grove and Farmer’s field. Those of you that have been here will remember how well the acoustics are and how far her beautiful voice could be heard.

Wish you each a healthy, happy new week.  Take care.  We love you!

February 28, 2016

The project started last week, of replacing the sign on the north of the main entrance to Adam-ondi-Ahman, continued this week.  Monday we placed extensions on the posts planted previously and later that afternoon hoisted the 8ft by 12ft sign into place. 

Sign Completed!

 Thanks to the lifting power of the backhoe and four missionaries the nine 4X8’ sheets of ¾” plywood attached to 2X6 boards and faced with a painted metal piece were bolted to the uprights and the job was nearly done.  We were thankful to have the heavy lifting part done and that a calm day cooperated.  Later in the week we brought a little fill sand in to level out the base area.  As soon as the forecast shows several warm days and nights we will finish touch up painting of the sign-face and posts.

We also continued to prepare for the incoming missionaries.  Final repairs were completed on their apartments.  Some plumbing fixtures and stall panels were removed from the trailer where they had been stored during a re-tiling of one of the restrooms by the east-end valley overlook.  By Saturday final cleaning began on the apartments.  We appreciated the generous service of one of the couples who helped clean an apartment for another Sister who had become ill and was unable to help that day.  Our secretary completed typing and copying the training material.  Tomorrow the binders will be prepared, fortunately finishing that detail too.

Other daily responsibilities continue each week, with numerous maintenance jobs for the men and with indexing (and much else) for the women.  It seems like there are always emergency repairs calling for attention – a malfunctioning washing machine, a faulty motion detector light, cold water pointing to problems with a water heater, a burnt out motor in a vacuum cleaner, etc.  Fortunately, there are those (here) with the skills to get things working again.   We are thankful for their talents and willingness.   These type of tasks will face us again during the next few days, some coming to light, and others still needing to be purchased and installed in some cases.

And so, by next Friday when we all return to the workshop for what we call “Tidy Friday” to straighten, sweep and mop, hopefully jobs started and needing finishing (combined with new needs that arise) will be completed. 

Elders Mopping

 Every one pitches in, both Elders and Sisters, to do the many things required on a site as large as the one we are privileged to serve upon.

Each day is a new experience, filled with a sweet spirit, adorned with beautiful surroundings and, quite regularly, framed with splendid sunrises and striking sunset

The sunset looked as if the sky was on fire!

 Even the leafless trees are silhouetted so magnificently by the radiant and warming sunlight.  Comparisons could surely be made to our days being brightened by the light of the gospel.

This past Friday evening we were able to attend the Kansas City temple with the other missionary couples.  We usually go the third Friday evening after the General Authorities are here but the temple has been closed, and just opened last Tuesday.  It is so beautiful as it lights up the sky at night.  What a blessing it has been to be able to attend regularly.

Kansas City Temple

A few miles northwest of this valley (along Highway 13 toward Gallatin) lies a vacant field that occasionally becomes covered with used farm implements in preparation for an auction.  Saturday was a lovely, warm day for the regularly scheduled auction.  On our way to town we noticed a huge crowd assembling, with cars lining both sides of the highway.  On our way home we parked as a spot opened up and enjoyed the chatter of the auctioneer and the excitement of the event

Gallatin Auction

 Three roving vans attracted those who had interest in varying objects.  Only occasionally we discerned a few descriptive words or a recognizable figure – the speech of the seller so rapid; but soon it stopped and the machine had evidently changed hands.  We found it interesting and entertaining. 

Later Saturday evening we delivered a crockpot full of soup to the Jameson Lion’s club for the “Souper Supper”. 

Jameson Residents

Brother. & Sister Bonnett

 Then, joining other missionaries and local residents, we bought back what we had donated (kind of like Relief Society Bazaars of years ago).   People enjoyed a good visit and funds were raised for the planned community projects.  Brother and Sister Bonnett also attended the fund raising event.  He serves as the stake patriarch of the Far West, Missouri Stake.  He and his wife worked with Bruce Hemming in the St. Louis Temple.

One final experience to relate happened to Mom (Marilyn) while she was shopping at a small grocery store in Gallatin.  The proprietor greeted her cordially (as he usually does).  He has a keen ability of remembering names.  But this time he went a little further, commenting that he surely appreciated the missionaries shopping at his market.  He said, “they always have such a glow about them”, and that their store “needed that because some of their customers come in grumpy”. 

It is nice to be reminded of the impact we can have upon others who notice beliefs and behaviors.  We are reminded of your example, in this regard, and express appreciation.  Have a great week.

February 21, 2016

We enjoyed having Elder and Sister Child visit us this past week.  They joined us for dinner Monday evening.   Each morning during their stay (and during an evening together as a group) they shared thoughts and encouragement.  Elder Child used an illustration of four cows grazing in adjoining pastures, while reaching under the fence for more attractive feed. 

The Grass is always Greener!

 He spoke of thinking that “the grass is greener on the other side”, comparing it to a statement made by a Book of Mormon prophet wishing that he had lived in the days of his ancestor Nephi.  The wisdom was offered of being content within our own time and circumstances. 

On Wednesday afternoon we rode with Elder and Sister Child to Albany, Missouri to meet with the Branch President of that area.  We were considering assigning the missionaries who will soon arrive to attend there.  It was a nice, clean, town within a reasonable distance.  They have a lovely new “first stage” chapel.  The President was thrilled to be receiving missionary couples.  The drive wove through rolling farmland, partly along an abandoned rail-line (a wooden bridge structure, the only remaining evidence). 

Abandoned Wooden Bridge

The weather was spring-like the last few days of the week.  Temperatures rose to 70 degrees Friday.  Saturday was clear and calm.  One did not want to go inside.  While a technician was here to tune the pianos in the work center and homes, we decided to tackle the task of disassembling the large wooden freight box that was left here by two truckers a week ago.  It had evidently been deemed inadequate for the use it was put to, and impounded for a time.  They were instructed to remove it from the trailer prior to heading home.   We elected to take it apart and recycle the wood instead of   hauling it to the burn pile.  It was a time-consuming chore -  pulling lots of over-sized nails that had been bent over as they came through the 2X4 framing.  But we will make good use of the salvage. 

Salvaged Wood from Shed

As we thought of the task we imagined a correlation to the attitude of our Savior who chastises and corrects when needed with the intent of saving, redeeming rather than discarding.  His motive is to rebuild, thus making us roadworthy for


placement back on the prescribed path homeward.

We mowed the large lawn across the driveway from the Yellow House. 

February Mowing

 It really didn’t need a cutting, but the trim cleaned it up.  You can see a little more of the immerging green blades now.  And, we are keeping the record going of mowing during each month of our stay here in Missouri.  We are grateful for a relatively moderate winter (so far). 

Another weekly project needing attention was the replacement of a directional sign on Highway 13 that had blown over later last fall.  We found where it once had stood, pulled the rotted posts and concreted in two new posts to which we will attach longer poles and the sign this coming week (weather permitting). 

New Sign Posts

Indexing continues for the Sisters.  The magnitude of their accomplishment is wonderful, so many individuals found for whom temple blessings are closer because of these helpers here on this side of the veil.  We also are spending much time and effort getting ready for the new couples who will soon arrive.  Only a little over three weeks remain before their arrival.  Their apartments and trailers are nearly ready for them (just a little final cleaning and minor repairs to be accomplished).  Training booklets are being compiled, along with schedules and many other helps.

We were called extemporaneously to the pulpit today during sacrament meeting to share our testimonies.  The man who spoke between the youth speaker and the choir number and High Councilor should have taken a little longer.  Until class members can be identified and assigned for the temple preparation class we have been asked to teach during Sunday School, we have begun attending the Family History class.  As we search for ancestors for whom temple ordinances are yet needed we are grateful for the efforts of many others within our family.

We hope all is well on the home-front.  We appreciate each contact with you.  Please know of our love and appreciation.  

February 14, 2016

Sundays must be coming more than once a week.  It seems to me that we wrote just a few hours ago.  But the week was full of activities for which we are grateful and that we feel important, to record, to remember and to share. 

Work assignments varied, depending upon the weather.  We continued the repair and maintenance of the apartments and trailers which must be completed prior to the arrival of the newly called missionaries.  One task took on a new dimension when the Elder, while insulating above the ceilings in apartment 3, stepped where he should not have and inherited a sheetrock repair job also.  The one-day job turned into three, but is now finally complete.  We can soon complete the final cleaning and fumigating.

The long list of other details needing attention to prepare for the next group of missionaries are being attended has a few more boxes checked of each day.  We are anxious for their arrival.  The heavier workload of spring and summer months will be shared among these good people with so many talents and skills.  As we visit with them we can also feel of their deep commitment.

We also have been preparing for the visit of Elder and Sister Child.  They will be here tomorrow afternoon.  We look forward to the great spirit they bring and for the instruction they always share.  They will be with us through Thursday morning.  During their stay each couple will have the opportunity to either host them for a meal or receive personal interviews.  A few questions arise that we are looking forward to their perspective on.

The few vegetable seedlings planted in the greenhouse received some company this week.  The first shipment of native perennial flowering plants arrived.  They are very small (just coming out of dormancy) and will be transplanted into larger containers and grown on until warmer weather allows their placement elsewhere on the property.  It seems like “old times” having our fingers in the soil in the early spring in this fashion.

Unpacking Perennial Plants

  Some of the sister missionaries have expressed an interest in the transplanting.  We will take them up on their offer just as soon as the plants are to that stage.

During the late summer months, as you may recall, the majority of the nearly 4,000 fence posts were given a fresh coat of white paint.  The many metal gates had the same need but, due to the challenge of attending to that duty with cattle still in the pastures, we elected to hold it until winter.  We have been involved with that project this last week.  Each set is removed from its place, taken to the shop, stripped and sanded, and then re-painted and reset.  We have several more sets needing this procedure.

After returning from a trip to the grocery store yesterday afternoon we noticed a large cargo trailer parked (without its tractor) in the parking lot between the yellow house and the work center.  After a few hours its owner returned to retrieve it.  The story they shared was that their business partner had intended on using the large plywood box on it to haul skis but that the state officers had deemed it inadequate for commercial traffic and had impounded it.  Its driver had returned to Utah without a load and they had been dispatched to extract it from the pound and return it to Utah.  The box needed to be disposed of.  We now have the structure which will be dismantled and the materials stacked for use in other projects.

Unloading Plywood Box

We had a wonderful block of meetings today at the Gallatin Ward.  Bishop Marble, his wife and daughter spoke of “searching after the one”.  Each prepared and shared very insightful suggestions.  Here (as elsewhere) there are so many who have fallen away and are in need of attention and rescue.   They spoke of some who may be feeling alone or abandoned.  Several stories were shared of others sensing their needs, either through sensitive observation or other miraculous means.  They noted that our efforts and involvement might be the answer to their longings or to the fervent prayer of loved ones.

We are so thankful for each of you.  We acknowledge the positive impact your examples have had upon us.  We look forward to your calls and visits.  Please know of our appreciation and love.

February 7, 2016

The weeks are flying by and it seems as if I am writing every week instead of every other now.  Some how Kevin doesn’t agree to that!  We hope you are all doing well.  We think of you everyday and feel so blessed to have each of you in our life.  Thanks for being YOU!

       With Valentines Day approaching and our minds turning to hearts I decided for my spiritual thought in Prayer meeting

   this last week I would talk about the heart.  Just a few thoughts….What does it mean to serve with your whole heart?  We often use phrases about the heart to describe a total person. Big hearted, heartless, selfish heart, understanding heart, heart of gold, good hearted, etc.  The measure of our hearts if the measure of our total performance.  We usually measure with a tape measure;

but the Lord has a different measurement.  He doesn’t measure the outside of a person but rather his heart.  In D&C we read:  “For I, the Lord will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.  How are we measuring up?  By devoting our Whole heart to the Lord’s service, and by having the characteristics of a whole heart we will be an instrument in the Lord’s hands as we strive to measure up to our eternal potential.

On the church web site there is a 14 day challenge to “Love One Another”.  There is something to do each day to show our love for each other. (You might want to check it out)

       We are busily preparing for our new missionaries.  This past week we had on the list to stencil the names of the new missionaries that are coming in March.  These names are put on large boards in the work center, numbered according to when they are called.  They date back to the first missionaries that served here.  We are #225.

Kevin preparing the straight lines

Sister Love and I stenciling names on the board

Now that the greenhouse if completed, Kevin has ordered some native plants. Elder Christensen gave Kevin, as part of his assignment here, the building of a greenhouse and the starting of some native plants (to later transplant on the property).  While waiting for them to arrive Kevin has planted some tomatoes and cucumbers to get started.  A couple of times a day he waters his “babies” and now has twelve cucumber plants and sixteen tomato plants!  We miss this time of year at Sunnyside, watching everything grow in the greenhouses.

Kevin watering his new plants  

Yesterday we stopped and visited with the farmers that were cleaning and loading the last silo of Soy Beans that they were prepared to take to market. The farmer’s faithful dog that goes everywhere with them, got hit while following too close to the truck. The dog has a broken jaw that has been wired  but is still in good spirits.  Do you think he has to drink out of a straw?

The last of the Soy Beans...

Farmer's dog with a broken jaw

While filling the car up with gas Kevin wanted me to be sure and include this picture in the letter

this week.  I think this is the lowest price we have seen in a few years!!!!!

$1.39!  Are you out of your mind?

May you each have a great week as you are involved in your many activities.  Remember you are loved with all our heart!