April 10, 2016

 We awoke early this morning to loud claps of thunder and lots of rain.  A few hours later, looking out our front door, everything appeared clean and bright and smelled so fresh!

We had a fun week with Lynda and Susan.  They left on Thursday to go home.  We were able to see the sights, watch conference together, attend Scripture Study, become acquainted with the missionaries, visit Hamilton (Missouri Star Quilts), had lots of fun visits, etc. etc.  We were glad they were able to come!

On the way back from Hamilton we stopped and took a picture of a field with Purple Fetch.  It is a noxious weed that the farmers don’t like but is so beautiful.  There was also an outhouse in the middle of a field.  You don’t see many of those anymore. (Thank goodness!)

Field of Purple Fetch

Out House on road to Hamilton

 Friday we had a Bar-b-que with the farmers and friends of Adam-ondi-Ahman.  We had about forty-five attend.  It was fun to see everyone and to have the new missionaries meet the farmers and some of the people who live in Jameson.

AOA Fisherman on the left.  AOA Farmers on the right

 The sisters that were in charge of the lunch decorated the picnic tables in the mechanic shop and had the buffet on  both sides of the car lift.  They were

very creative!

Never have used a car lift for a buffet table....
 One of the most touching pictures I took was a picture of Sis. Cox(missionary) and Sue Cox (Farmer’s mother).

Sister Cox with Sue Cox (DelRay Cox,  farmer in background)

When Elder Christensen was here last month he asked it we would choose a couple of missionaries for a special assignment.  With the farmers permission he wanted the missionary couples assigned to help research their family name.  None of the farmers are members of the church.  Sis Cox was assigned to the Cox family and she was telling Sue what she was doing.  Sue and her family are thrilled to see who their relatives are, are the other farmers.

Yesterday Elder and Sister Thompson called and wanted us to take them to an estate auction for Steve Atkinson’s mother (Fisherman of AOA) that had passed away a few weeks ago.  It included her items, her parents’ possessions and those of a sister that are now gone.  There were so many people, including antique dealers and two auctioneers.

Estate Auction

 Many hand made items, quilts, afghans, doilies, household items, various collections, furniture, farm equipment, etc.  etc.  A whole life of “things”.  Things that would have been of great value to the families, but not as much to the buyers, except for the bucks they could collect.   I talked to one of the daughters and she said what a sad day it was for her, with so many years of memories. It really made me realize how these were all “things” and we can’t take any of them with us. All we have is the knowledge we gain here in this life and the ability, if we live worthy, to be with our families together forever.  How grateful I am for this knowledge.

 Hope you all have a great week and know how much we love and appreciate you!

April 3, 2016

Pond at the Duplex (Can you see 3 deer in the background?)

We have been greeted many mornings this week by beautiful sunrises. 

Beautiful Sunrise in front of our home

 Most days have been warm - conducive to outdoor work projects.  The lawn mowing crew has kept busy all week.  Not knowing when rain showers might interrupt we try to mow all the areas that can be covered when weather permits.  Fortunately, we mowed all areas this week.  It appears that, by tomorrow morning, we will need to start over again.  But it looks so nice – a lush bright green. 

 One of the well pumps malfunctioned and was pulled for repair.  The problem was identified and repaired when the parts needed arrived.  When the reset was attempted Friday it was discovered that the well had silted in a bit.  Tomorrow the pump will be lifted again, the pipe shortened, and the pump raised above the sediment.  There are always many jobs on the list for repair and maintenance on a property of such size. 

We continue to upgrade the riding lawn mowers.  An older unit was traded in for a shiny new one during the week.  As the check needed to be presented prior to pickup we traveled across the Missouri River into Kansas to hand deliver it to the Agricultural Marketing building of the John Deere company located west of Kansas City.  It was a large office building, very tightly secured.  We were not allowed past the metal detectors but were assured by the security officer that he would get it to the appropriate office. 

 Soon we were informed all was taken care and that we could obtain the new equipment.  Another two missionaries were dispatched to St. Joseph and later that afternoon returned with the mower.  The mechanics will now ready it for service Monday and by Tuesday it will be on the job.   A giant combine was on display in front of the John Deere office building. 

Kevin in front of John Deere Office Building

 The operator would be well above the crop and could harvest a very wide swath.

We were happy to greet Lynda and Susan Henderson at the Kansas City airport Thursday afternoon. 

Lynda and Susan at the Kansas City Airport

They will be with us for about a week.  We have enjoyed showing them around the property and introducing them to the other missionaries.  We were able to show them the Amish community of Jamesport Friday afternoon after work.

Lynda & Susan by an Amish Buggy

  They have attended a scripture study class with us, and

 have listened to the General Conference sessions with us. 

We have surely enjoyed the General Conference.  We are so grateful for the many blessings of the gospel and church membership, including the comfort and guidance of being led by inspired leadership.  We have learned much and have felt encouraged to strive harder and do better. 

 Last evening, while waiting in the Gallatin chapel for the Priesthood Session to begin, a fellow missionary mentioned that he was going to text his sons (who likewise would be waiting, but in chapels far away).  Thoughts came to mind, and tears to eyes, as I reminisced of those many sessions when we were able to be seated together as father and sons and taught by prophets, seers and revelators.  This has been a wonderful blessing to us, and has always be special to me. 

We are aware that many of you have much to do during the next weeks, with work and family and other activities.  We know that important decisions are being made and new opportunities opening to you.  Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.  We love and appreciate you very much.  We are pleased with your faithfulness and accomplishments.  We are confident that you are seeking to do what is right.  This brings all of us much happiness. Have a great week. 

March 27, 2016

     Happy Easter to each of you!  As we reflect on this special day we are so grateful for the life and example of our Savior Jesus Christ. We are grateful for his atonement and that each one of us can be forgiven of our sins and enjoy the blessings of eternal life.  I love the thought:  “He came to pay a debt he did not owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay.”

       Elder and Sister Love, one of our couple missionaries, gathered branches from the Thorny Locust trees and made us a plait of thorns to remind us, this Easter season, of the sacrifice of our Savior.  It was indeed a sacrifice for them also as they tore their clothes and skin with the sharp thorns in the process.

Plait of Thorns made by Elder & Sister Love 

       This week we had the opportunity to have Elder and Sister Christensen here for a few days and to be taught by them.  They were able to become acquainted with the new missionaries and enjoy some of their meals with them in their apartments.

       Elder Christensen meets with the Elders and Sister Christensen meets with the sisters in their morning devotionals.  Sister Christensen always has some fun thoughts to share with the sisters.  One I liked particularly, “Don’t let stress kill you.  Let the church help.”  We can all relate to that!

       Wednesday afternoon a tornado watch came over the warning devices in our homes.  Later that evening we got the word of a “Tornado Warning” and headed for the shelter.  Missionaries were scatted in many directions that evening but all made it to the shelter in a reasonable amount of time.  It was a good practice for all of us and especially the newly arrived couples.  Elder and Sister Christensen had not been to the shelter so that was a new experience for them.  I think Sister Christensen was very anxious to return to Salt Lake following this adventure.

Sky during the Storm

There are many signs of spring this week.  The men have been busy mowing the beautiful lush green lawns, and the flowering Pear trees are in full blossom with their fragrant white blossoms.  Lots of baby calves are appearing in the fields with their mommas. Spring bulbs are blooming everywhere!  I love this time of year!

Blossoms by Kansas
City Temple

New Baby Calf

Daffodils at Tower Hill

           We are grateful for the wonderful opportunity we have to serve here on this sacred property.     We are grateful for each of you and for your love and support.      Have a great week.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

       

March 20, 2016

Another week has passed so quickly.  Nearly all our efforts were expended in preparing for, welcoming, and orienting the new group of missionary couples.  Even the lawn mowing of selected areas was intended to provide a bright and cheery welcome.  The weather cooperated fully, providing a lovely calm clear morning, a perfect backdrop for the countless pictures taken as they were met by other anxious missionaries.  In contrast to the biting cold wind that quickly moved us indoors a year ago, we lingered outside, visiting as long as we could, before entering the work center for our “welcome” meeting. 

Elder & Sister Thompson, couple we are mentoring from Farmington

 It was so pleasant to be in shirt sleeves as we helped them unload their belonging from trailers.  It is amazing how the contents of such a large trailer somehow fit into a relatively small apartment.

Wednesday through Saturday was spent helping the new couples become comfortable in their new quarters and acquainted with the site and surrounding community.  Tours of Adam-ondi-Ahman were provided.  Trips to towns and stores, shopping for groceries, introductions to the farmers and other locals, etc. filled each day.  We were privileged, on Saturday morning, to interview each couple.  We were glad to become more familiar with each of them in this attempt, and especially pleased with their enthusiasm and eagerness to begin doing whatever would be asked of them.  Each bring so many talents and skills, coupled with devotion and choice attitudes.

We will look forward to introducing the couples to Elder and Sister Christensen, who will be arriving Monday evening.  Although they were very instrumental in finding them and recommending that the calls be extended by the First Presidency, none have been met before.  Evidence abounds, upon considering such a scenario, of the heavenly guidance involved in the entire process.  We are ever thankful for the thoughtful, prayerful leadership of those to whom we look for direction.

Tomorrow morning, as a larger group, we will begin doing what we have just been talking about for the last few days.  We hope that we have sufficiently trained and that the welcome infusion of skills will be well put to such a good use.  And we think that the newcomers are anxious to begin a more normal routine.  In some ways it seems as though the work will, in certain aspects, be a rest from the hectic nature of the “welcoming” days.

The weather has been both warm and cold, from mid-seventies to a cool day, Saturday, which concluded with a light snowfall.  My attempt to mow the lawn behind the work center was abruptly altered when the snow fall made sight difficult and blanketed the green grass with a white covering.  But by Sunday afternoon, at least, the green was again the prevalent color.  The forecast calls for a similar weather pattern for the coming week. 

A few more calves are frolicking around the rolling hillsides each day.  One was either killed by predators or died in birth and was soon discovered by them.  Two coyotes have since been eliminated and the hunt continues for more.  Another calf escaped the field and, thereby, became separated from mother and nourishment.  Yesterday he was caught by two of the Elders and returned to the cow.  The “rodeo” was captured by one of their wives on her mobile phone and sent to me. 

Sr. Missionary Rodeo Moment!

 I forwarded it to Ben Cox (the farmer who owns the cattle).  He immediately phoned me, remarking that as he enlarged the image, he thought “I think those men have their hands on one of my calves”.  It seemed that he supposed that we had apprehended a couple of burglars from a distance.  As the photo exposed only the backsides he could not identify the culprits.  We reassured him that they were missionaries he knew and that they were only returning the lost rather than rustling. 

We were asked to help fill a thousand plastic Easter eggs for the Jameson Easter Egg Hunt. 

Sis. Love helping fill eggs

Elder Love & Kevin opening Easter candy

 We were glad several others helped and that in, only a little over an hour, we concluded the project.  Encapsulating each piece of candy in an egg rather that popping one occasionally in our mouth was a discipline building activity. 

We thank you each for contact which is always appreciated.  Please know of our love and gratitude.