December 27, 2015

Greetings from Adam-ondi-Aham!  Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  We enjoyed visiting with you by phone or Face Time who we could reach.  What a wonderful way we have to communicate with those we love when we are so far away.

Monday morning we got the news that the Urie’s son-in-law had passed away in Pouslon, Montana.  It was good they were able to go the week before and be there with their daughter and family, especially at this time of year.  As he was the President on the Salish Kootenai Campus his services are being held there tomorrow in the Event Center.

We started the week off by going to court again with Steve Anderson (the one that was in jail for driving with a suspended drivers license).  He had just been released from jail the night before and showed up in court where they set his trial date for Jan. 19^th.  We were able to visit with him and his attorney for a few minutes.  He wanted to leave his car on the property until he returns in January. (He can’t drive because his eye sight is bad and his legs are weak.) He told Kevin if he wanted to keep the car he could as he thought it would make a great missionary car. 

Steve's Missionary Car

Kevin told him it would be best if he could have someome ride back on the bus with him and take the car and Steve back…… He was staying in Bethany that night about 30 mins. away so Kevin and I drove there to take some of his belongings to him; and then another missionary met him the next morning to make sure he made it on the bus.  Hopefully he will be able to get the medical attention he needs and feel welcome in his community.

      

Tuesday we were given the name of a family (from the Relief Society President) with eight children that needed a Christmas.  We scurried and, with the help of the generous donations from the missionaries, went shopping, got everything bought, wrapped and delivered by the end of the day and back to the R.S. President.  It was a great feeling for all that participated.

Thursday the Loves had us over for Christmas Eve Dinner.  Everything was decorated so beautifully and the meal was delicious!

Each place setting had an individual chocolate cake frosted
and topped with a sugar cone, star tipped with green frosting
and topped with silver  edible beads

Afterwards we shared White Elephant gifts.  For one of ours we got a toy dump truck and filled it with Rice Krispie Coal and put it in a box with a mouse trap on top. 

Elder Day has had so many mice in the Duplex that I think he thought there were some extra mice traps in the box and ended up with that gift.

Three of the sisters, me included, had to put a Santa hat on our husbands and then with a can of Shaving Cream make them look like Santa with a big beard.  I got the giggles as most of the beard kept falling off his face into his lap.  We got a surprise visit from Santa (one of the farmers).  He had a very Southern accent that I hadn’t noticed from our Santa in Idaho….

Naughty or Nice?

Early Christmas morning Kevin and Elder Day were out mowing and cleaning up some of the leaves along the road. (I think just to say they were mowing on Christmas Day and of course they had to send pictures to the missionaries that had gone home.) " The only difference  between men and boys is the size and price of their toys."

Elder McCracken & Elder Day Christmas Day!

Christmas evening we went to the Duplex and watched the short and touching videos “He knew my Name” and “The Shepard Boy” along with the DVD Andrew and Kandyce put together on the Living Christ.

We are so grateful for each of you and for the many blessing we have received individually and as a family.  We are grateful to have participated in the challenge Grandma Wilding gave to us in February to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.  We are grateful for its teachings and we know that they are true. We wish each of you a very Happy New Year!

 Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

December 20, 2015

Each month we participate in a family home evening and a fireside as a group of missionaries.  The assignment to lead them rotates among the couples.  Sunday evening Elder and Sister Day hosted a fireside.  The person who we had expected to speak became ill, leaving to Elder Day the responsibility to cover.  He shared with us a special, testimony building personal experience from his boyhood.  A sledding accident left him partially paralyzed and without speech or sight.  A surgery, long lasting coma, and lengthy hospital stays resulted.  He shared what he observed and was taught by the terrible ordeal and remembered vividly from so very many years ago.  We were all deeply touched and very appreciative that he shared a significant part of his life in a way that we likewise could learn from it.

Monday found us both again at customary (but always interesting) tasks.  It always impresses us that when a job needs done someone has the experience and skill to tackle it.  One of the large dozers needed the track removed, cleaned and made ready for pickup and repair and/or replacement by a servicing dealer.  Elder Zeeman had done this type of work during his career.  It was a big job, taking several days and helpers.  Monday afternoon it was picked up. 

Loading the tracks

 Thanks to the effort and expertise of many the repair will be made now at a significantly less expense.

Tuesday was a very full day too.  Elder and Sister Urie had airline tickets to fly to their daughter’s home in Polson, Montana.  The condition of their son-in-law had deteriorated to the point that hospice felt little time was left for him.  We dropped them at the airport and headed home, but had not travelled too far when they called to ask that we return as their flight had been cancelled.  Because little hope was seen in catching another flight soon they decided to drive, leaving as soon as we got them back to their home.  The drive was long, dangerous and tedious.  Finally they arrived in Montana late Thursday night.  We have not heard many details of what they found since, but all continue to remember them and their family in our prayers. 

We have had a lot of rainfall in the last couple of weeks.  We have never noticed the Grand River run as high. 

Grand River

Flooding of the Grand River

 To flood stage in many areas,  by Wednesday morning it had fortunately dropped nearly ten feet.  Hopefully a levy did not give way downstream to cause such a drastic drop.

As we have mentioned several times, a lot of work has been done to trade in some older used riding mowers for newer models.  Tuesday afternoon they were delivered.  It was like Christmas morning (especially to one of the operators, who quickly taped a large bow to the delivery).  

Elder Day looking forward to mowing Christmas Day!

We are hopeful that the long term purchase agreement will make future dealings less burdensome and, at the same time, less expensive for the Church. 

Tuesday and Thursday evenings are reserved for group scripture study, which we always enjoy (more of course when it is not our turn to lead the discussion).  Elder and Sister Love will soon finish their turn which leaves us next.  And so probably after Christmas we will lead the discussion on the 138^th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

As we were about to conclude our Thursday morning devotional one of the Elders (who desires to remain anonymous) asked if we thought the sisters would like to join us for lunch.  He then explained that the afternoon before, while returning from Gallatin, he saw a wild turkey lying along the side of the road that he had not noticed as he drove by just a few minutes earlier.  Thinking first that he would stop just to pluck a few feathers for some arrows, he discovered it was still warm and decided to throw the thirty pound bird in the back of his pickup, take it home, skin it, and make a pot of turkey soup.   Surprisingly the sisters accepted the invitation and we all tried this road-kill delicacy.     He mentioned that his wife had enjoyed it the evening before, however she was ill and not at work that morning. (?)  We had not anticipated this experience, but it was definitely “something to write home about”. 

Turkey Road Kill Soup.... (Didn't know missions included this)

Friday was a short day, mostly spent in cleaning and organizing efforts, along with arranging for purchases of materials that must be invoiced by the end of the yearly budget period.  Some contract hauling of road materials continued, which we hope will conclude early this coming week.  Friday afternoon, evening and all day Saturday were spent with household chores.

Sunday meetings were very uplifting today.  The ward choir provided a wonderful program during sacrament meeting that was concluded with a great message from our Bishop. 

Similar to all other weeks, the one ahead will be busy and enjoyable.  Another hearing is scheduled at the court house to consider the case of the man we have previously written of that we plan on attending.  We will join   the other missionary couples in providing gifts for a needy ward family early in the week. Other activities are planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

We wish to you all a very Merry Christmas!  

December 13, 2015

Thinking of you and hoping you all had a great week.  The weeks seem to pass so quickly!

We had a busy week with Elder and Sister Child coming Monday afternoon.  They had dinner with us that night and a great visit afterwards.  Tuesday Elder Child met with the elders and Sister Child with the sisters.  She gave a great message about individual worth and compared it to the snowflakes and how they are all so different and unique.  She had crocheted each of us a snowflake ornament, all different and unique.  That evening we met as a group for our dinner.  Sister Day was in charge, all the sisters participated, and we had a wonderful evening together.

Sister Day Decorating

     Wednesday evening we were planning on going to dinner with the Childs and farmers, but one of the farmers had hurt his back.  It was too late to ask another missionary couple to feed them so we took Childs on a drive to see the Mill Stone from Hawn’s Mill at the city park in Breckenridge,

Mill Stone

Elder and Sister Child

 to Far West, Mirable to see the Charles Rich Cabin site, (the cabin is currently being restored), Kingston Cemetery to see the headstone of John Whitmer and then back to Hamilton to Jay Dives for hamburgers. They had not seen many of these sites before.

     We were excited to hear that Marsha and Dean received their call to serve in the Ft. Lauderdale Mission!  They will be leaving  August 29th

     We are still mowing lawns and enjoying the green grass, and the beautiful clear ponds on the property. 

Pecan Grove in December

Pond at the Dulplex

The weather has been very mild for this time of year.  We are really enjoying the warmth and the beautiful sun rises.....

Sunrise Thursday morning

 We attended the temple last evening and when we came out at 7:00 it was 60 degrees.  Don’t know if we will have a white Christmas or not.

While waiting in the chapel of the temple for the session to start who should we see but one of our sister missionaries from Las Vegas, Sister Heather Aulick.  She was a wonderful missionary.  Now married, her husband is doing his residency to become a Radiologist.  They have a three-year old son.  Sis. Aulick and her husband and her parents were there together so it was fun to visit with them afterwards for a few minutes.

     Saturday we went furniture shopping and bought a dining room table and chairs for our dining room.  Elder Whipple and Child said to get one before the end of the year.  It needed replacing as it was pretty tipsy and had been repaired many times.

     Saturday evening our ward had their Christmas Party.  It was a wonderful program with songs and a narration of the Saviors birth.  Afterward the Primary children went to the Primary room and Santa read the story:  “I Believe In Santa Claus” comparing him to the Savior and explaining why we celebrate Christmas with Santa.  I thought the Santa was very good looking!

Santa, Joseph, Mary and the baby

Someone is watching you!!!

     We are enjoying this Christmas season as we remember and celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy so much sharing and pondering the words of the Prophet, Apostles and other General Authorities from our past General Conference in our morning devotionals with the other missionaries.

     Have a great week as you participate in you various activities and feel the joy of this special season.  You are always in our thoughts and prayers.  We love you!

    

     

December 6, 2015

We have just returned from the broadcast of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.  We met at the little chapel joining the Duplex missionary apartment.  It is a wonderful little intimate meeting room where a few can meet and feel the spirit of the messages together.  The talks and music were wonderful, so encouraging and uplifting – a great way to commence the Christmas season.  We are grateful for this choice tradition we have all enjoyed for many, many years.

It is such a busy time of the year, but a happy type of busy too.  Yesterday we helped the little village of Jameson with their annual Christmas festival.  It was held at the local school which houses grades 1 – 12.  Our visit there was a first (at least to be within the school proper) for us.  The building’s 100 year anniversary was celebrated this summer.  Structurally, it reminded us of grade school buildings in our home town that were abandoned long ago.  The history of the community was, in a revealing way, inscribed throughout the interior (especially so in the trophy cases).  Just imagine, 100 graduating classes whose formative years were largely spent under teachers’ influence there.  The local school board seems thrilled to comment that this year’s graduates are double of last year’s, all the way up to two.

The betterment committee sponsored a booth that we took a turn manning.  Donated craft items and baked goods that had been locally produced and donated were offered for sale.  The funds raised will be used toward community building projects.  A special room for children also displayed small, inexpensive gifts for sale, and within a young student’s budget.  Santa visited, to the delight of the little ones.

A visit with Santa

 The master of ceremonies kept asking if the visitors were on the list of boys or girls who had been naughty or nice before asking what they wanted for Christmas.  A group of three burly old cowboys, when asked what they wanted, replied they wanted the list of the naughty girls.  That brought a chuckle from the onlookers.

It was enjoyable to spend time at the event and meet more of the local residents.  Many are so very supportive of community sponsored events. All of the Elders and Sisters made items to donate.

Some of the items donated to Jameson

 An area farmer had donated old gunny sacks – priced at $ 3.00 each.  The older students were dressed as Santa’s Elves.  They seemed to be enjoying their assignments.  You could sense that there were many good feelings among the small student body of such varying ages.

Earlier in the week we mowed more grass which, we believe, is greener now than a month ago. 

Kevin mowing on December 3rd

 But the early morning temperatures are dipping lower quite regularly now and hinting of winter being not too far away.  One morning’s road condition’s merited a call to state road crew members with sand and ice melting equipment. 

We have mentioned several times of an ongoing saga with a man from out of state who has caused concern by his repeated visits here and his state of mind.  During the week we received a very lengthy and detailed letter from him.  It was a two page (much more than single spaced – three very tiny written lines between each line on the page) letter, detailing the conditions of the jail where he is still interred.  Portions of the letter were kind and legible, the majority of sentences revealing a very confused mental condition.  His attorney contacted us for information during the week.  Tomorrow morning a hearing will be held before the judge that we plan to attend.  We feel for this man and hope that he can receive the help needed to be stabilized and find his way home. 

Monday evening we were pleased to travel to the Kansas City Airport to pick up Andrew who arrived for business there.  We had a great time with him, visiting and going to dinner together. 

Andrew with his JUMBO Onion Rings

 His hotel was in an area of downtown that we had not visited before.  We took a taxi for a few blocks to a restaurant that Andrew ordered over his cell phone.  We watched on the phone display as the driver drove our way, climbed in when he entered the courtyard, and then sped for a few minutes.  Soon we were at the destination and left the car, all without money even changing hands.  All had been handled electronically and the bill was on Andrew’s company charge card.  A different world than the one we are accustomed to, but a fun experience. 

This coming week will be a busy one with Elder and Sister Child arriving tomorrow afternoon.  We always look forward to their visits.  They are a delightful and faithful couple, so kind and caring.  They will be here through Thursday morning. 

We think of you all often.  One of our fellow missionaries gave us a board to hang on the wall with the message inscribed “Idaho Falls – 1154 miles”. 

Three foot long sign Elder Urie made

It reminded us of the distance from those we love but also of the closeness in other ways that brightens our day and lightens our loads.  We thank you all, and express our hopes that during the weeks ahead your holiday season will be wonderful. 

November 29, 2015

Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!  We thought of you and the fun times we have shared as family and friends.  We are so grateful for each of you and for the influence you have had and do have on us.  We love and appreciate you so much!

We woke up Thursday to 60 degree temperatures.  Kevin took advantage and washed both vehicles and mowed around the house, pond, and work center. 

Freshly mowed lawn Thanksgiving Day!

The lawn is still growing with all the moisture we have received.   He is afraid they will still be mowing into December. ( Since then it has been raining and has cooled down quite a bit.)   We had Thanksgiving dinner at Elder & Sister Uries with three other couples.  It was fun to get together and share the afternoon. 

 A few months ago I decided I would like to make a quilt from fabric scraps. (I think I got the bug when everybody was buying quilts at the Jameson Quilt Auction!)  I had bought a few little bags at 7th and then a few weeks ago  a lady that works at 7th Day Adventist Thrift Shop gave me a big bag of scrap fabric she wanted to get rid of.  I have been working on it off and on and completed it this week.  I just have to get it quilted now.

7th Day Scrap Quilt

Close up of quilt blocks

Friday morning Kevin got a call from one of the missionaries that a cow had died on the property.  He and Elder Nilsen went in the pouring rain and buried it with the back hoe.  That is the second burial they have had.

Friday afternoon Sandi (Kevin’s sister) and her husband Bruce Hemming and their son Jake and wife Sarah and daughters Rose and Ruby came and stayed for the weekend.  It was so fun to be with them!  We spent some time on the property and then went to Jamesport yesterday.  Jake, Sarah and the girls left Saturday afternoon to go home (Lincoln, Nebraska) and Bruce and Sandi left this afternoon after lunch. (St. Louis)

Bruce and Sandi Hemming

Jake and Sarah, Ruby and Rose Birch

Jake, Sandi, Sarah, Bruce, Rose, & Ruby

Next weekend we are having a Jameson Christmas Craft Fair  to raise money for the Community Center.  They have asked the missionaries to donate items to sell as well as baked goods.  We have all been working on sewing and craft projects the past few weeks, men included.  We will finish all our items up and then the missionaries are scheduled to work in their booth on Saturday.

Andrew has meetings in Kansas City tomorrow through Wednesday.  We are planning on meeting him tomorrow afternoon in Kansas and spending a few hours with him.  We are excited to see him!

Hope you each have a wonderful week in all your various activities and as you prepare for the upcoming Christmas Season.  We are so grateful for this special time of year as we celebrate the Savior’s birth.  We are grateful for his life, his sacrifice, his love and his example for each of us to follow.  We are grateful for the opportunity we have to serve here at this time in such a special place.

We send our love to each of you!