Sunday, July 21, 2019

Talk about hot!

It has been a REALLY hot week with temperatures around the 35-39 degree mark during the day and going down to 28 -30 degrees during the night.  Combine that with the high humidity and the actual heat index has been much higher.  We have had to spend very little time outdoors and be extra vigilant in keeping up with hydration.  



Here's a walk through of our week:

       Monday -  we said goodbye to Elder & Sister Christensen from Idaho Falls.  Sis. Christensen grew up in Magrath (maiden name- Thomson)  She is a cousin to Weldon Thomson (our ministering elder who has sent us regular email with updates on the home ward while we are here)  We love this couple.  They have gone the extra mile to help and support us....like taking Megan & Chris back to the airport (Cedar Rapids) when they came to visit. We had to do another flight home from a different airport (St. Louis, Missouri) so that we could meet up with Megan & Chris in Denver and then on to Great Falls, MT.  It was a fast decision and they were so good to help us out.  They still comment on how they enjoyed that trip (2 hours) with Megan & Chris and comment on what a special couple they are.  Sis. Christensen was little but she worked on the grounds crew and they work HARD !!  Elder Christensen was the appliance repair man and had never done anything like that before coming on a mission.  He would look everything up on YouTube and could fix anything!!



 Tuesday -   Jordan had the entire FM group meet at the Pagaent bleachers for a group picture immediately after prayer meeting.  The photographer did not show up so, we took pictures of Jordan and the background.  Eventually, someone took pictures with their phone and we will see how those turn out
Jordan is wondering what to do with all of us...haha!  You can see the Pageant stage and the Temple in the background.


Wednesday -   Jim had some pictures taken of the group that work out of Building B which includes the grounds crew , summer employees and interns

 It was Zone Conference on Wed. morning and we had our zone meeting in the historic Seventies Hall.  We are actually counting down how many more of these we have to do as it is difficult to give instruction to others who are probably more qualified in many ways but we are trying to be obedient and follow the revelation that we are given.  That is something that we have learned here:  the Lord takes the weak things of the world to accomplish His purposes, as long as we are willing to listen and obey the promptings that come through the Holy Ghost.





We , also, had a crazy storm blow through.  The weather service had not predicted it, but about 3:00 the sky went so dark that the lights on my vehicle came on automatically as I was driving home.  By the time I pulled into the garage, the heavens opened and the wind howled.  They didn't say that it was a tornado but it was awfully close to one!   The force of Mother Nature is incredible and nothing to scoff at !   Trees went down on every street and we ended up being without power for 12 hours.

This is a pine tree that literally was split apart. It was in the RV park and actually landed on a nice trailer. 


This shows the trailer that it landed on and the next picture show how it actually pierced through the front and side of the trailer.  Scary stuff !!






Thursday -  It was "all hands on deck"  We pulled branches and limbs to the street and let the machinery go in and cut down damaged trees.  It was a scorching day and it was alot of work.  We were scheduled to perform Sunset By the Mississippi that evening but the heat index was too high and they told us seniors to head on home.  Several people were affected by the heat but gratefully, we were not. We tried to use good wisdom in the use of our energy and stay hydrated. 

Friday -  Again, we said goodbye to a great couple  Elder & Sis. Nelson have been good examples to us in their work ethic and positive attitude.  Hate to see them go because that means that we are slowly becoming the senior missionaries here.....not in age but in tenure....haha!!  Sis. Nelson worked with the grounds crew and I have to say that they are the hardest working crew in FM.  I only spent a little time with them on Thursday and was totally "tuckered out".....they do this everyday.   Elder Nelson is the handyman.  FM have asked Jim to assume some of Elder Nelson's responsibilities as well as keep up with his own area. 



As you can see, we are busy! But I must say that we are happy and constantly grateful for the sustaining influence that is given to us by our Father in Heaven because we know that if we were left to our own energy, we would not be able to keep up.  With Him on our side, we can accomplish what is expected and required of us.....and so can you!!  Have a great week.....we love you














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