I guess there has been some excitement this last week. Elder Olson drove in after dark on 24 April, to see the compost pile engulfed in flames. Since our door and window face south and the pile is on the east, I had not seen the flames. Things got pretty exciting for a couple of hours.
The fire dept consisting of two Hopi Indians drove in and with quite a bit of work were able to put it out. We still had little eruptions over the next couple of days, but we were able to keep things from starting up again.
For RaDawn, Kellan, Dallin, JaKohbi, and Kage you will be glad to know it did not touch the trailer. The first thing they asked was if anybody lived in it. We assured them that no one was living in it. Fortunately, it did not get damaged in any way.
When I walked out I heard some men over the fence say something about how often people tossed their cigarette butts into the ditch way between our compound and the Catholic compound. Don't know any more than that, so it was listed as a brush fire. It did melt all the plastic on the fence which you can see in the picture and it did burn up 98% of the compost, but all in all we feel very blessed.
Tonight we had a Young Men and Young Women Fireside where Chad Lewis spoke. He was really fun to listen to and has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. He shared numerous stories about his life, being a skinny kid at high school, the mission he served, walking on at BYU, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, hiking up Mt Kilamangaro (SP?) in Africa with some Vietnam vets, two of whom had lost legs. It was an amazing adventure and very inspirational to listen to.
He encouraged the kids to stand up for what they believe in and surround themselves with greatness. Don't be sucked into things you know will harm you and be brave enough to stand alone when you have to. He passed out several shirts and jackets then signed them. It was very inspiring to listen to him tell about his dad who suffered a stroke and was told he would never walk again. They kept a diary of all the blessing they witnessed and he does walk now, and even though it is with difficulty, he never stops pushing himself.
It turns out that the man he works with in providing scholarships for Native Americans is Dale Tingey, who served as Mission President when Elder Olson was here as a young missionary. I am not sure he remembered Elder Olson, but it was fun to take a few minutes of his time and visit. Elder O told him he really didn't look much different, but Brother Tinger said, he sure felt older. ;o}
The tillers are going pretty much all the time as people feel the temperatures rising and see the green leaves appearing everywhere.
Elder Olson is really behaving himself and will only pick up the light things. It helps that everyone knows he has weight limitations and they won't let him do to much. ;o} He actually lays down when he gets tired which is a good thing and rule #23 in the mission handbook actually says you should take naps when you need them. It is still my favorite rule, even if I don't get to use it much. ;o{
When I get really tired and try to lay down, the odds are about 100% of someone coming by for a tiller or to ask about when the garden demo will be. ;O} If the odds of winning the lottery were as good as someone coming by when I lay down I would be guaranteed on winning. Elder Olson reminds me that in order to win I have to buy a ticket. ;o}
The ward boundaries were changed today and two new Bishops sustained. It may be a little confusing for a while, but change can be good. Both Relief Society Presidents ended up in the 1st Ward, so I look to see some changes there in the next week or so. 1st Ward's new Bishop just moved here from Kayenta, the 2nd Ward Bishop was serving as a clerk for the Bishop who was released. It will be fun to watch history making changes in both wards. The "news" about a change must have leaked out because attendance was up, so they could see who was being sustained.
It is amazing how often miracles can be witnessed. We see them daily and it is so fun to be a part of what is happening here. Not only are gardens being grown, but "faith" is being grown and people feel of the spirit. Hearts have indeed been prepared Alma 13:24.
We would love to hear from you if you have a few minutes.
Elder & Sister Olson
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