May 15, 2016

This has been an eventful and busy week.  The weather has allowed many outside jobs to be completed.  The grass is certainly growing well.  Nearly all areas are now requiring two clippings per week.  All is lush and lovely.  The roof of a machine shed with an open face has sagged over time and called for attention recently.  We are grateful that the repairs have been completed without incident.  The new beam (a rail from an abandoned railway that crossed the property) was lifted in place and secured.

The area still planted in native prairie grass that was burned earlier last year could not be similarly treated this spring due to dry conditions and burn restrictions.  We finally made the attempt this week, although the dew was heavy and more green growth was already evident. 

Elder Day lighting the fire & Kevin behind with the leaf blower

 It was not the explosive and frightening raging flame we recalled from our last exposure but, at least, safely proceeded and performed the intended purpose.  It needed much more coaxing but definitely stayed under control.

We drove Elder and Sister Thompson to the town of Chillicothe to introduce them to that part of the area.  It is a very clean and interesting community.  Home of the first commercially machine cut bread, many of the walls of the historic section of town are painted with vibrant murals that depict an earlier era.  The talent of the artists amazed us.  They could make a scene, painted on a flat surface appear so three-dimensional. 

Milbank Mills

Milk delivery from Edge-Mar Dairy

Back wall of the Library

While driving through the rolling hills we saw many newly planted fields of corn and lush pastures with grazing cattle.  Several horses were seen, with many matching teams or work horses and several newly born colts. 

Two day old Colt

 We stopped to photograph one colt which, we were told by the farmer, was only two days old.  Still wobbly on its long legs, it was anxiously trying to nurse as its mother nibbled on a bundle of hay. 

Much wildlife is seen each week on the property.  Recently a few snapping turtles have been spotted, 

Snapping Turtle with moss from the pond

and many snakes (one of which was minced by a lawn mower).  The white tailed deer are numerous.  The son of one our missionary couples visited this past week.  He had driven his motorcycle from Denver.  Soon after leaving for home, not even past the main entrance to the site, he hit a deer that darted in front of him.  The deer was killed and the motorcycle badly damaged, but fortunately the rider walked away unharmed.  We were all grateful for this.

This morning, while at church, a man approached us, introduced himself, and inquired about visiting the property.  He was from Preston, Idaho.  We asked where he had served his mission (as his name sounded familiar).  He responded that he had served in the Guatemala-El Salvador Mission.  He had arrived there about a year before I did.  I had heard of him while serving but had not met him.  It was nice to get acquainted and to show them around Adam-ondi-Ahman.

Wes Beutler & Kevin at Tower Hill

  Earlier in the week we met a couple from Rigby who lived in the same ward as Aaron and Alicia.  It is a small world.

We hope you have a wonderful week.  Our love and best wishes.

May 8, 2016

Happy Mother’s Day to our mothers, daughter-in-laws, sisters, friends; and to all else who have “mothered” us in any way.  We appreciate and love you!  In church today one of the speakers said:  “Our mothers bore us, now they have to continue to bear with us.” Thank you for the influence you have on both of us.

            It has been a good, busy week. Kevin has been mowing lawns full time as well as taking care of his Director’s duties.  The grass is so beautiful and green that it has required “twice a week passes” for the past few weeks.  (That means 400 acres instead of 200!)  They have at least five mowers going every day, plus Elders spraying for weeds, and trimming. The farmers have been planting their Soy Beans.  This week all the crops should be planted. The trees are all leafed out.  It is absolutely beautiful!

    Monday, Elder and Sister Whipple (that were the directors before us, and the Spanglers - another missionary couple that served when we first arrived) came back and stayed with us for a couple of days on their way to Nauvoo.  It was fun to have them here and meet the new missionaries, attend scripture study, etc.

Spanglers & Whipples

            Tuesday, the sisters were given complimentary tickets to Jenny Doan’s Missiouri Star Quilt Co. Trunk Show in Hamilton.  It was fun for the sisters to meet her, and to hear about how she got started in her business. She gave many ideas for laying out quilt blocks.  She has the largest quilting company west of the Mississippi!

Jenny Doan owner of Missouri Star

            Thursday the Elders replaced the old wooden beam in one of the sheds with a railroad rail.

Railroad rail being lowered into place to support front of roof

It was very heavy and required a lot of preparation and welding to put it in place, along with 6 Elders to do the work and supervise.  It is now completed and will be used to store equipment.

            Friday about half of the missionaries traveled to the Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa.  Those who remained were able to visit a company that restores furniture, old trunks, stoves, etc.   It is an interesting process - how the furniture is dipped to remove the old paint, rust, varnish. etc. 

Bed frame made from the outside trim of Sherry's Grandpas Home

The Amish rebuild broken pieces on the furniture and restore it to its original condition.  The owner also gave us a tour of her home and showed us many items she had restored.  It was a fun tour.

            Saturday was the Semi-Annual Amish Auction in Jamesport. 

Amish sold lunch to their guests(Can't take pictures of their faces)

Horses getting ready for Auction

There were hundreds of people, especially the Amish auctioning off horses, buggies, flowers, furniture, quilts, etc.  Many of the missionary sisters bought quilts, while the men wanted to buy horses, but didn’t know if they would get along so well with the cows in the pastures until they were ready to go home…  It was fun to see customs, clothing, and the community these great people represent.

            Have a good week!  We love you!

May 1, 2016

We have enjoyed the recent visits of several family members.  As mentioned last week, Bruce and Sandi, Jake and Rose, and Dean and Marsha stayed a couple days with us.  Marilyn’s sister Ann, with husband Mike and son Allen, arrived Tuesday night for a visit.

•     Allen, Mike & Ann looking out of the barn .          

 Earlier today (Sunday) they left for Nauvoo.  Knowing that we have been quite busy with both with missionary responsibilities and hosting guests, they questioned whether they should have included a stop here within their broader itinerary.  As they left today (as has been the case with all others who have included visits here within travel plans) we felt to express to one another, “no, not an intrusion, rather and infusion”.  We have welcomed family with open arms, and treasured the time spent with all.

Between the two visits, and even within them, the work continued normally and enjoyably. 

 Weather was cooperative with outdoor activities early in the week.  Monday morning the Sisters planted the many flower beds with colorful annuals that brighten the property. 

Sister Day at Tower Hill

Their work will be appreciated all summer by the many tourists who come.  They had a good time together.  Breaking into small groups, each assigned to specific areas, they finished shortly after noon.  Several mentioned that muscles which hadn’t been put to use in such an effort for a while (now) reminded each of the tasks they had accomplished.  One sister jokingly asked if they could index (from home and in bed) the next day.

We were concerned that the rather extreme weather that came so soon after planting would overly dampen (or even destroy) their efforts.  And we were relieved when drive-by inspections revealed that they young transplants had fared well and seemed to be flourishing. 

All of the other couples, except for us (and Ann’s family) travelled to Bethany Wednesday evening for an appreciation dinner hosted by the “Toot Toot” restaurant for Seventh Day Volunteers.  Not soon after they departed an emergency alert blurted out a tornado warning, advising that all seek shelter immediately as they storm was quickly coming “our” way. 

Mike, Allen, and Ann hanging out in the storm shelter..

We quickly headed for the shelter on the property, calling the other missionaries to ascertain that they were okay.  We were glad the storm was headed in a different direction than the one they had taken.  Lightning strikes were bright and frequent.  The thunder rolled continuously for over an hour.  The winds blew violently.  Heavy sheets of rain came, with some small hail stones.  We were glad that the stones were much smaller than the grapefruit sized that pelted a neighboring state.  After nearly an hour at the shelter we were advised the warning had been lifted and we left for a drive of the property. 

 The winds ceased and the sun began to shine.  It was a lovely evening.  The storm did no damage here but did touch down in the small community of Altamont just a few miles away.

The day before heavy winds did topple some trees and lightening did splint one large Walnut tree.  Five trees were destroyed.  The job of cutting them up and hauling debris away took nearly half of the next day. 

Tree hit by lightning

 The tree so severely damaged by lightning had been struck before, but this newer strike definitely became the nail in its coffin.  It is inspiring to consider the power of the elements and to observe the results of such a strike, with evidence of bark scattered about for some distance, that exposed the inner wood and left it in a cleanly polished state.

During Ann’s stay she and Marilyn made a couple trips to visit the quilting shops and fabric stores at Hamilton - which seems to have become the mecca of the industry in this area.  Busloads of anxious ladies arrive to browse and enjoy one another’s company.  At least two checkbooks were glad that more looking than buying occurred.  And the men joined them for lunch at the local hamburger dive (Mike and Allen twice – they so enjoyed the sandwiches)

Ann checking out Missouri Star Quilt Retreat

As we were taking one last ride around Adam-ondi-Ahman with our visitors Saturday afternoon we noticed a lone cow with what appeared as a motionless calf near to her.  We drove into the field to explore further, and there encountered the recent addition to the herd as he first struggled to his feel and was coaxed next to mother to begin nursing.  It was a tender sight, new and special to those who termed themselves “City-slickers”.  While the calf laid without movement, the cow ingested the afterbirth and waited for the calf to approach her.  Finding the wrong end of the mother, the newborn was soon positioned correctly, exposing his first source of nourishment.  All seem so instinctively natural – a miracle of life, observed firsthand and close-up by marveling eyes. 

New born calf

Calf standing for the first time

Calf looking for dinner after taking a few steps

We enjoyed an inspiring fast and testimony meeting this morning.  The concluding testimony was offered by a deaf member.  It was the first time we had seen “signing” motions testifying, and a helper (a full-time missionary) translating the message into words we would understand.  It was very touching and inspiring.  We couldn’t help but feel that the Spirit functions similarly in helping us believe what it, with spiritual eyes operating beyond our capacity, beholds. 

We hope, for you all, a great week ahead.  We hope it will be a happy week. 

We express our love and thanks to each of you!

April 24, 2016

This has been a very busy week, with spring projects and friends and family visiting.  The weather pattern seems to be changing to resemble last year a bit more in recent days, with the forecast calling for continuing instability.  Rain storms are beginning to come more frequently.  The lawns are bright green and growing rapidly.  Many areas are now requiring a mowing twice a week.  Fortunately breaks in the weather, with sunny days, have allowed us to stay caught up so far.

One evening’s sky was adorned by a beautiful double rainbow.  The air was so clean and fresh and the view – spectacular!  It seems that for each such an occurrence someone captures a beautiful picture which is then shared with everyone else. 

We have enjoyed visits during the week from Bruce and Sandi Hemming and Dean and Marsha Burdick. 

Left, Dean, Marsha, Sandi, and Bruce

 Sandi was the winning photographer with her capture of the bright rainbow.

Rainbow from our front yard

 We had a great time with all of them, touring the property and visiting other church history sites and the Amish community.  Friday was especially enjoyable and memorable.  Dean and Bruce helped mow the missionary grove.  We should sign them on full-time. 

Dean Burdick

Bruce Hemming

We enjoyed a visit to the Kansas City temple in the early afternoon. 

Kevin with sisters Marsha & Sandi

 That evening Dean treated us to tickets to a professional baseball game.  This was the first time we had ever been to a sporting event so large.  We really enjoyed the evening. 

Kansas City  Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles

 The home “Kansas City Royals” won the world series last fall and continued on their winning way that night, defeating the Baltimore Orioles.  One amazing thing was how quickly the thousands of cars were able to exit the parking lot and enter nearby freeways. 

Sandi’s son Jake and her granddaughter Rose joined them here at Adam-ondi-Ahman Saturday. 

Rose with Grandpa Bruce & his fish

 We surely enjoyed their visit.  We also welcomed Brother and Sister Steiner who are from Rexburg.  They had served here approximately ten years ago.  You could readily sense how their return had brought sweet memoires and enabled joyful reunions with friends from the area whom they had grown to love.   

We have so many projects underway or needing attention.  This makes us keenly aware of our gratitude that the new missionary couples have arrived with such diverse talents.  Each are very devoted and all seem determined to what they can to assist in maintaining and beautifying this wonderful site. 

We helped the residents of the adjoining community of Jameson with their spring neighborhood cleanup project Saturday morning. 

Jameson Cleanup

 Twenty-two of the missionaries combined with a few local folks to make the job go quite quickly.  Other involvement with them will be frequent over the summer months as we help with numerous fundraising functions.

We have not learned well enough how to outrun approaching Bishopric Counselors, we guess, as one approached recently and requested that one of us speak in today’s Sacrament meeting. The topic assigned was “feasting upon the word of the Lord”.  All who spoke were assigned the same topic.  Many inspirational suggestions were shared.

The coming week will be equally busy.  It seems that the weeks pass as though they were days.  We hope that we are adequately accomplishing what we were called to do.  As we have heard, “so much to do, so little time”.  And yet we take comfort in the fact that others will succeed us and continue with the work ever at hand.

Please know of our love and appreciation.  And, keep in touch.  We always enjoy every contact.   

April 17, 2016

The expression often shared, of our appreciation for the blessings enjoyed during our assignment to this special place, comes again and invites an addition attempt.  There is a very special spirit present on this sacred site.  It is one of serenity and beauty.  Perhaps, especially in the springtime of newness of life, it combines with a remembrance of many thousands of such seasons passing since our first parents walked and worked and worshipped here.  And yet this special parcel of earth has miraculously been preserved in a quiet and peaceful state as compared with many other parts of the earth.  The sunrises seem especially bright and welcoming, the sunsets spectacular benedictions to yet another day of her continuing splendor. 

Sunset by the Windmill

 The wildlife, although at times startled, often appears nearly tame as they calmly graze.

Deer grazing by the Duplex 

As we contemplate the scenes ahead for this special place, of such eternal significance, we are especially grateful for this special opportunity to assist in (but) a small way in the property’s maintenance and beautification.  We are wonderfully blessed.  We feel it nearly every day, and with the numerous experiences that being here has brought.  This past week Elder and Sister Child visited.  Even these regular visits never seem routine.  Each is full of association that uplifts and encourages and enlightens.  At least four times during each visit they share formal thoughts and instruction.  All the missionaries appreciate the warm of their friendship, the sincerity of their expressions of support, and the strength of their conviction and testimony.

Elder Child had expressed an interest in visiting a large Church owned farm property in Independence, Missouri.  We made arrangements with the appropriate people from “Farm Reserves” to schedule a tour of the farmland.  Located in Jackson County, the farm consists of a very productive 5400 acres.  It is protected from the nearby Missouri River by a large levee, seven miles of which we rode upon within the farm property.  We have been told that the area it covers is larger than the island of Manhattan.  Differing from much of the rolling hills of the surrounding area it is relatively flat with a sandy loam soil.  Many portions of the property have supplemental pivot irrigation systems in place.  The lead farmer who leases the land spoke of the yield being substantially higher of soy beans and the varieties of corn able to be grown more highly sought and therefore, more profitable. 

Listening to Darry Wright left, Elder Child center, Andy Springer Right

Five of these 60 ft. Planters,  capable of planting 1500 acres per day!

The property was purchased from the Community of Christ Church approximately five years ago as a part of a larger transaction that included the Hahn’s Mill site, a pioneer cemetery in the Far West area, and two homes located in Kirtland, Ohio where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his father once resided.  We were impressed with the scale of the project, the innovative approaches applied and the efficiency of such large farm equipment used.  But especially touching to us was a demonstration made by the farmer who led the tour.  He drove down from the levee into a recently planted field to check the status of the farm crop which had been planted only a few days before.  He carefully revealed the tender plant, lifted it to investigate and then (to our amazement) replanted the single young seedling which had yet to sprout above ground level.  We had been hearing of the business acumen and economies of scale for much of the tour but, now, saw the “farmer” in him, the steward of the soil.  And we likened it, upon returning home, to the injunction of the Savior to look to the one. 

One of the reasons we had visited the location was to become acquainted with the gentlemen leasing the property from the Church, as he will be taking care of the farming of a large parcel across the Grand River from where we reside which is also owned by the Farm Reserve arm of the Church and that provides a buffer zone for Adam-ondi-Ahman.  He will also grow soybeans and corn on the mentioned property, in addition to grazing a portion of his purebred Charolaise cattle. 

All the outdoor projects underway moved along smoothly during the week.  Each day was lovely.  Some windy conditions limited our spraying for weeds but, overall, temperatures were ideal and very comfortable.  Trees are leafing out, the Red Buds are beginning to bloom, and the farm crops are being planted.  The spring has been much drier than last year’s, although the forecast for the next few days indicate several storms with needed moisture. 

The first Stake Conference of the Far West, Missouri Stake was held Saturday and Sunday at the Gallatin building.  Sessions were well attended and wonderfully prepared and presented.  The building was completely full this morning.  The chapel was packed and the other rooms to which the proceedings were transmitted were likewise full.  Even the hallways were lined with people.  Following the session all were invited to step outside and onto the sloping north lawn for a photograph of the occasion that was being sent to Church headquarters.  A large boom truck had been positioned across Highway 6 that lifted two photographers very high to take the pictures. 

We are on the far left 1/3 of the way up, second to the end,  a yellow sweater.

 The children were told that for the fifth picture they could make funny faces.  In addition, a camera toting drone approached after this, hovering in place and recording the event in yet another way.  We were all pleased to participate in such a momentous meeting.  It has been nearly 150 years since the Far West Stake of Zion had met in conference.  Not since the extermination order forcing the saints from Missouri had such a gathering occurred in this place of such importance in the history of the Church. 

We mention, along with our gratitude for being here, our thankfulness for each of you.  We appreciate hearing from you and learning of your activities and feeling of your love and support.  We think of you all often, and always pray for your guidance and protection.  In just a few more months we will have to say goodbye to this special land.  This will be a sad day, but equally happy as it will bring us home to all of you who we have missed.  Sister Child shared a family motto while here this week, saying “If you miss the joy, you miss the journey”. Perhaps we should more often all think of that caution.  Please keep in touch, and know of our love.