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Sunday, May 20, 2012

Graduations and Receptions

Dear Family and Friends,
  The third week of the month is a very busy one and this past week was not any different. On Monday we had the Gardening Missionary Conference.  I think there were about 35 or so this month.  It is always fun to go over what we will all be demonstrating in our individual units later in the week. 
  On Tuesday it was a little less busy, so Elder Olson tended gardens and I worked in the Family History Center.  One of the other couples tried to redo part of the watering system and broke off a part of the line which resulted in a gyser type leak, so the water main had to be shut off for a short while, until they could get  a quick fix in place.  Fortunately they take "no water" very seriously and someone was out the next day to replace the broken fixture.
  On Thursday I had a meeting with members of the Hopi tribe, President Justice, and Brother Talbot who wanted to donate part of the collection he has been working on for the last 20 plus years.  He has managed to accumulate around a 1,000 books on Hopi history, including family group sheets from the Indian census.  We did not get a 1,000 books but we got a box full of the census records and 2 volumes of family group sheets which will help people on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Mesas.  The information will be kept in the FHC, but people will be encouraged to come in and find their families.  One book will have to have written permission to have any page copied.  I think there are only three in print and they consider the information extremely sacred.
  Thursday night we had our Garden Demo for Tuba City.  We had about 35 sign in but at least that many more came late.  They are having graduations starting at preschool, eight grade, & 2 highs schools.  They take graduations very seriously and have big (huge) receptions where everyone brings gifts and food.  They do plan them on different days, but they all include receptions with lots of food and if they think you didn't take enough they bring more over and pile it on. ;o}
  Friday I was suppose to go to a MLS missionary conference in Polacca, but ended up staying home.  Elder Olson had been invited to a senior graduation at Gray Hills.  We found out later that I was invited also, but Sister Olson was not on the invitation, so I worried that they only had room for one guest.  I was able to take a nap however, so it turned out well.
 Saturday we drove to "Gap" and did a presentation with Deana Benally for the Farm Bureau.  They apparently really liked what we all had to say and asked if we could come back again.  Deana did an amazing presentation in Navajo about the way we prepare the soil.  We explained what the church provided and what our goals were.  Then showed pictures of before and after from last year.  They were pretty taken back with the beautiful green gardens in the middle of the rez.
  When we got back we drove out to Wild Cat Peak for the reception of Thea Strong whose graduation Elder Olson went to on Friday.  Stuffed might come close to how we felt.  They have extended their garden from last year and they are one of the most hard working garden families that we work with.
  Today we went to the Cameron Branch to speak.  Elder Olson spoke about the Priesthood and President Uutchdorf's talk The Merciful Shall Obtain Mercy.  I serve as his companion when he speaks as a High Councilman.  I spoke about Family History and how to begin. 
  The Sunday school teacher and the Relief Society teacher both did a wonderful job and gave great lessons.  It was very evident that they had prepared well.
  After we met with the other senior couples and had lunch.  It is always fun to have the little get togethers and visit.  They said there are 25 new couples that are either here or coming to serve in this mission.  I think Nauvoo is the only mission that has more senior missionary couples than this mission.
  We both took naps when we got home. ;o]  That is still my favorite mission rule.  Take a nap when you need it.
  I have the chance to go to Utah on Tues with Deana Benally who is going to attend a work related meeting in Brigham City.  She will drop me off at Thanksgiving Point where Shelaine or J will pick me up.  I will spend the night, then come back Wed.  Very short trip but looking forward to getting a few hugs and seeing whoever is there.
  When I find my camera I will upload some pictures and put them on a new post.  Hopefully tomorrow Ican get that done.
Elder & Sister Olson




 

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