Well St. Patrick's Day went well. No one pinched me, first time in 30 years. It is always a favorite holiday at school for the kids, to pinch everyone in sight who isn't wearing green. ;o} I almost got to pinch Elder Olson, but he had picked up a little green tab sort of thing which he quickly pulled out when I was chasing him.
Sunday's meetings were awesome. We attend two wards and both sacrament meetings were great. The Bishop had asked the YW president to speak about her dream for the young women. Her counsel was amazing and the spirit was overwhelming. The 2nd ward meets at 9 A.M. so their RS and 1st ward's sacrament overlap so we went to the sacrament for 1st ward. Two young people with strong testimonies of the gospel shared some of the trials they have gone through. We are so impressed with the way they just say it how it is, no "talks" being shared. They spoke from thier heart and people were touched throughout the chapel.
Desbah Tsinnie, a woman Elder Olson baptized on his mission came into Sunday School. She came over to the duplex and we had a great visit.
On Monday we took the scenic route to her trailer, ending up in someone's field because Elder Olson was sure the road was just over there. Well, we all know Bishop Lamb's "Watch this" que to run, well "just over there" is Elder Olson's que to pack a lunch and get the GPS. Make sure you have plenty of water, sleeping bags, and a tent, just in case. He keeps insisting that "just over there" is truly just over there, perhaps he is taliking about the google earth feature of "just over there" I am sure he will be able to explain it more when he comes home, but be sure you have all the above mentioned supplies if he asks you to come with him and says it is just over there.
When we did finally get to "just over there" a lady who was sound asleep woke up and answered the door. She was not very welcoming and told him to come back later. He persisted a little, but we did not get in and we did not get much of a welcome.
Later he got a call from "the half asleep lady" apoligizing profusely about the unfriendly reception. It turned out to be Desbah's daughter, who had been asleep and was sure that Elder Olson was out there as a "repo" guy looking for information about her neighbors.
She had called her mom who mentioned that we might be coming out and to welcome us. :o] Desbah had a few other choice words for her daughter's reception, but next time I will get out of the truck so she can see me.
Earlier Monday morning we went for a walk with the Meldrums. They took us up to a pond behind the duplex. I think it was about 40 miles, but Grandpa assured me that it was much less, maybe a mile. She asked if I had had the "dog lesson' I was sure that I hadn't. The dogs here are trained. If you carry a rock or bend over to pick one up or even pretend to pick one up, they turn tail and run. It actually worked too. I however prefer the big stick approach. ;o}
Tuesday Ronnie dug out some tree stumps. The church is planting fruit trees to replace the shade trees that are there now. It is more productive to have shade trees that produce fruit. The other couples were a bit surprised at how many he was able to dig out in a day.
Wednesday Haskie and Geneva Black came by to talk about their garden. They live about 15 miles away and their house is on top of rock, not sure what kind, but there are a lot of old volcanoes around Flagstaff. There is very little soil, so he will build 4 foot circles, by using the available rocks and haul in dirt to put in them. Elder Seeley says it is a patio garden without the patio.
They are building a wonderful little home, but do not have running water hooked up, so they haul water in 50 gallon barrels, like many others. They use solar panels and have a small TV which has to be a huge luxury.
During our scenic route trip we were out in the middle of nowhere or so it seemed and there was a dishnet setup by on small home. I am going to assume that's another reason the young people speak English so well.
Friday we drove to Flagstaff. One of the Walmart's is very close to the apts we managed when we lived here. Their Super Walmart is not quite like the ones in Utah or Idaho Falls. It is nice, but has limited groceries, so next time we will go to one of the other stores. The Meldrums suggested Fries or something like that. We did see an Albertson's also.
Today the Meldrums went to Flag. Before they left, a truck and trailer pulled into the church parking lot. They announced that they were cleaning the carpets in the church and our duplex, so we had to put everything in the kitchen, which we did. The wind has blown all day so I am not sure what color the carpet will dry.
Sunday, another wonderful day of spirit filled meetings. Bro. Greeley is the new ward mission leader, very humble and straight forward about "not being lazy and staying home"
A recently released missionary was visiting with his family. They live in Idaho. Wonderful people.
Tomorrow we attend orientation meetings and Thurs we have another garden demo. Tues is one ward's Relief Society birthday party.
The need for piano players is very great, keep me in your prayers.
Elder and Sister Olson
Elder and Sister Olson
I love to read your blog. I can totally visualize everything you describe and I love you two so much. My life has been richly blessed by the gospel and parents who taught me how to live it by example. I'm so proud to tell people my parents are on a mission. I think perhaps people are a little surprised at how much I can go on and on especially about the Gospel.
ReplyDeleteCarter got his first letter and we are going to keep them in a folder/binder for safe keeping. I enjoy so much the relationships I have in our immediate and extended family and the joy I feel in knowing we can be together forever is beyond description.