Stroll down Memory Lane

Dear Family and Friends,

We were able to drive over to Lukachukai yesterday morning and spend the night in Chinle and return for church with the Lukachuka Ward. They meet in one of the gyms at the Dine College in Tsaille. They start at 9 with a combined Priesthood and Relief Society lesson, then Sunday School, concluding with Sacrament. There were quite a few there when Sacrament ended. The former Stake President knelt at a table to bless the sacrament and one deacon passed the sacrament to everyone present. Very humbling meeting to say the least.

The talk was given by a former Bishop who is now a high councilman. The Bishop also gave some comments about faith and prayer. They announced that they have approval to build their own chapel. It sounded as if the paperwork is in Salt Lake with whoever makes that happen.

Afterward we found the sisters you see above. The one next to me was about 2 when Elder Olson met her family. He had pictures of each of them except the one on the right who is a daughter. Jennifer, next to me had called her two sisters who drove over to meet Elder Olson. Elder Olson had asked about her in the local gas station where she works. They called her and she made the arrangements for us to come by after church and visit. It was somewhat emotional. Her daughters had a good laugh of the picture of her sucking on a bottle with her hair all askew. They gave us their addresses so we can send a copy of the pictures we took.

On Saturday they had a big celebration and an even bigger feast. Over 60 hamburgers and even more hot dogs were consumed along with salads, desserts and lots of soda pop and water. We walked around and saw the gardens that were close by. They are still very green and growing while ours are going the way of all earth. I must admit I hate seeing the plants start to die, but Elder Seeley assures me it is normal.

The couple above is Bishop Ralph Begay and his wife Priscilla. They are a great couple.

The other picture was taken up the canyon behind Lukachukia. The road is paved and it is a beautiful drive. We appreciated the opportunity to visit the school where I taught and see the front of the apartment where I lived and met Elder Olson so many years ago. It was truly a stroll down memory lane yesterday and today. I took lots of pictures and will try to post them separately.

We had an amazing couple of days, seeing old friends and old places. Things have changed a lot, but the memories haven't.

Elder & Sister Olson