15 April 2011

Ican't figure out how to put them where I want in the text, but I did figure out how to upload them.

Okay on to the good stuff. I am going to try and add the garden plots that people have started and tell a little about a few of them. Before I start, the picture I put on previously is of Coal Mine Canyon which is about 25 miles from here. If you look closely, you will see that the rock in the center is red. That is actually a huge hole in the front rock where the red rock behind is showing through. I did not see it until I was much closer. I will try to post other pics of that amazing place, once I figure out how to add the two things together. Description and pic. The garden plots are all uniquely different based on the terrain. Some are sloped because they are on hillsides. Some are a lot like Star Valley, a lot of rocks. Some are amazingly beautiful. It will be fun to see them progress. We won't plant unitl May. The best story this week is the one that took place in Gap, AZ near Cedar Ridge, AZ. First we went to Wayne Smith's. He is an amazing man who is always helping everyone. The picture doesn't do justice to the one end of the garden which is several feet lower than the east side. He is hauling in blow sand and dirt to build it up. People know that he will come and help them whenever they call or come by. I hope they help him in his garden as much as he helps them whenever they stop by.

The second place was Darrell Maloney who lives across the highway from Wayne. He is on very flat ground. I will try to upload the pics. Darrell's brother lives in a traditional Navajo hogan made from cedar posts and mud. Darrell had the key so he let us go in and take pictures. There is blow sand on the floor which they sprinkle with water in the summer to help keep it cool inside. He has a wood burning stove which he uses for heat in the winter and to cook on. In one of the pics (if I get them posted) you will see a spice rack nailed to a cedar post. There is a metal bed, a couple of chairs and a TV. I did not see any signs of electricity, but many use solar panels. There is no running water inside, but I did not see an outhouse either, but many are quite a ways from their hogans for a reason. :o}

The outside is covered in mud which they mix on site and plaster all over it. It actually turns hard and is very durable during storms because it won't crumble and fall off. They actually built this one from the posts that had been used in one just behind it. Cedar apparently lasts forever, so they can reuse it. The outside reminded me of a no bake cookie. It was very water tight on the inside and quite cozy actually. I was very happy that he let us take pictures.

The third garden out there was put in by a woman and her brother. Their yard, home, and surroundings were neat and tidy. It was so fun to see how well kept everything was. I expect their garden will be one of the best because they have running water in their home. ;o] A luxury you should not take for granted.

Elder Olson is extremely busy tilling gardens for single women and widows. The women are so expressive in their gratitude of his kindness. AND he is busy and working hard which makes him very happy.

Today we went to a District Mtg. which is actually for the senior missionaries in the Tuba City Stake. They are under the Farmington, New Mexico Mission where President Jones is the Mission President. We were invited so we could meet them and of course we found another relative serving. ;o] I have decided Star Valley is actually Eden because everyone can trace someone back to Star Valley. The meeting was great. The spirit is always amazing. The people are humble and hard working. I especially liked their handout, which they are going to send out to new couples. Senior's Item List Number 18 If you need or want to take a daily nap, DO IT! We are actually serving a Welfare Mission, so we aren't in that mission, but they have great guidelines and we have even more flexibility, so perhaps 2 naps would be OK ;o}

Be patient as I figure out how to put pics with the posts or posts with the pics.

Today Elder Mike Prickard of the Seventy spoke at our State Conference. They also had several converts speak. I have decided that it doesn't matter what type of meeting it is, the Spirit is always there. Spiritual feasting goes on at every meeting. Reactivating, fellowshipping and missonary work were really stressed. The people have a strong testimony of Family History Work and how important it is to find their ancestors and complete the work so they can be an eternal family.

Our next garden demo is set for Thurs. the 21st. If people have had us check their gardens to verify that it has been tilled and that their fence is up, they will be able to take their irrigation things with them.

We appreciate all the prayers in our behalf and express our love for each of you.

Elder and Sister Olson