Where we started to where we are now.

Dear Family and Friends,

The picture just above is where it started and the top is where we are now. The one to the right shows what can happen in the middle of the rez.

When we first started it was difficult to envision what could actually happen. I could not find the picture for the starting point of the one on the right, but I think I posted it previously, so look for a Manygoats pic.

The title puppy herds and Garden Demos is what happened this week. We were asked to go to Lukachukai, where Elder Olson and I met, then on to Chinle where I was baptized on 14 Feb 1969. Both places have changed tremendously, but it was very fun to go back and check things out.

We started out at 7 am, planning to arrive at Lukachukai around ten, checking places out and meeting Brother Clement at 3. Well that didn't quite happen the way we planned. We had several people stop by to visit, so we left around 9, but still had plenty of time.

I was reading scriptures outloud as we were driving. Check out Helaman 58:10-11. The truck started to shimmey, so Elder Olson checked under the hood and under the truck hoping he could see something that would indicate what was wrong. Neither of us could really see anything except a dripping liquid. He touched it and smelled it and said it was probably water. After tasting it (a really smart move on my part) I verified that it was water.

We decided we had better turn around and limp our way back which we did. We called Brother Butler and he recommended Barlow Towing and Repair. We drove about 45 mph and everyone was passing and giving us "the look" We explained what had happened and handed John Yazzie the keys so he could take it out on the road, which he did. He drove right back and into his shop. Then he put it up on the rack thingy. ;o} He showed us the back left tire and explained that it was separating. Can you imagine what would have happened if we had passed someone and it blew out? Be sure you read the scripture above.

It took quite a while to fix, but after we had called the Seeleys and told them we weren't sure we could follow through and they in turn had called another couple to cover for us, we decided we would have two "free" days and went to lunch. Well Seeleys called and were happy to know it was a tire problem and not something much worse and asked if we could call the Kirks and tell them we would do the Demos after all, which we did. We jumped in the truck (Elaine may have jumped in, I was too busy hauling my old body up into the cab to notice; RLO) and headed out, arriving at 5 instead of 3.

We were able to see 4 gardens before going to the "Demo Garden" to do the Demo Presentation. That was a "Classic" demo garden. I found one tiny weed hiding in the onions. It was truly a show case garden. We dug a hill of potatoes so everyone could see what was happening underneath the plant. One brother said, "You mean there's more than just the two I found under the plant. I need to go home and find what else is there, I need to leave right now." We all laughed. The one picture that I will try to add is the shovel full Elder Olson was able to find under the plant. I guess you will be able to tell which picture that is.

When Elder Olson tossed the biggest spud to the demo gardener, everyone cheered and whistled. They were so excited and so were we.

We left Lukachukai about 8:30 and headed over to Chinle. Bishop Begay and Brother Clement wanted us to come back Thursday which we did and went out to 7 more gardens. I was able to make a Power Point Presentation that we sent to the Seeleys. I am still figuring things out, but it turned out pretty good for a Senior Missionary. :o}

We headed back to Chinle and Elder Olson got a well deserved nap before the demo at 7 on Thurs. We met some great people in both places and I guess we appeared to know something about gardening. I had major notes to read from, trust me.

Now about the puppy herds. Every female on the rez has had puppies I know. At two gardens there were 7 puppies each and they were just at the stage where they want to play under your feet. I know there were only 7, but it felt like a whole team of football players trying to attack the opposing team and lay them flat. Fortunately, I managed to stay upright, but it took great skill to manuver around those herds. They were all about as cute as chipmunks, and just as innocent looking also. ;o}

Lukachukai has changed a great deal, but the spirit of the people hasn't, you feel as though you are among the best saints ever in the church. They are humble and striving to do what the Lord has asked, to become self-reliant and help their neighbors, which they are doing in an awesome way.

We are blessed to be a small part of a great part of church history. We love our mission. Elder Olson added a few comments when he edited, but I am sure you will know which ones he added.

Elder and Sister Olson