Friday 26
We awoke at 0230 and drove Jared and Ruth to the train station in Eugene.
We arrived back without incident (despite snow and slick roads) at 0630.
We promptly went back to bed until 0900.
We got a gift CD from Joe with some of his more benign poetry.
I liked it, although I don’t agree with his politics.
We took down Christmas decorations.
Jackie finished her jigsaw puzzle with strange borders and we took a picture.
We called Jared & Ruth. They were fine and in the SeaTac airport.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday 25
We all were ready at 0900 and went to Chuck & Beth’s.
We arrived at 1030, had a good breakfast at 1100 or so.
We opened presents.
Dinner was at about 1500.
We all went to the church at 1900 and
President Sturtevant set Jackie and me apart as full time missionaries (FTMs).
We drove home arriving at about 2030.
We all were ready at 0900 and went to Chuck & Beth’s.
We arrived at 1030, had a good breakfast at 1100 or so.
We opened presents.
Dinner was at about 1500.
We all went to the church at 1900 and
President Sturtevant set Jackie and me apart as full time missionaries (FTMs).
We drove home arriving at about 2030.
Wednesday 24
Puttered until lunch.
Went shopping at Freddie’s and bought Beth a present, came home and wrapped it.
Ruth called. Her flight is delayed, so she will miss her train.
We are eating dinner and heading for Portland to get her.
It was rainy but otherwise good driving until Salem where it started to snow a little.
Standstill traffic jam that lasted 1 ½ hours to go six miles from Woodburn to Donald.
Ruth got to Portland airport before us, but only just barely.
We had no trouble driving home (Bought gas in Coburg), arriving at 0300.
Puttered until lunch.
Went shopping at Freddie’s and bought Beth a present, came home and wrapped it.
Ruth called. Her flight is delayed, so she will miss her train.
We are eating dinner and heading for Portland to get her.
It was rainy but otherwise good driving until Salem where it started to snow a little.
Standstill traffic jam that lasted 1 ½ hours to go six miles from Woodburn to Donald.
Ruth got to Portland airport before us, but only just barely.
We had no trouble driving home (Bought gas in Coburg), arriving at 0300.
Sunday 21
What if Daniel 2 was not talking of political but religious kingdoms?
Zoroastrianism—gold
Greco-Roman mythology—silver
Catholicism—brass
Islam—iron
Islam mixed with modern Christianity—iron mixed with clay.
Mormonism, of course we know, is the stone (Christ)
cut from a mountain (temple) without hands (by God).
I put cayenne pepper in my hot chocolate. It seemed to help, but not enough to sing.
In PEC we discussed the ward mission plan. We pretty much finalized it.
I got released as WML.
The program went long and we only had a few minutes for Sunday School.
Christmas was originally a pagan holiday.
But when our pagan ancestors converted to Christianity,
They devoted their best-loved holiday to the celebration of Christ’s birth.
So we should not feel bad that Christmas is commercialized,
But rather, be glad that this wonderful holiday has been Christianized..
We discussed the symbols of Christmas. It was fun teaching it.
I enjoyed my last priesthood meeting. Chip Rosecrans called me inactive (no calling). :)
Family devotional—Ruth—Pres. Uchtdorph—Hope—DC19:23.
What if Daniel 2 was not talking of political but religious kingdoms?
Zoroastrianism—gold
Greco-Roman mythology—silver
Catholicism—brass
Islam—iron
Islam mixed with modern Christianity—iron mixed with clay.
Mormonism, of course we know, is the stone (Christ)
cut from a mountain (temple) without hands (by God).
I put cayenne pepper in my hot chocolate. It seemed to help, but not enough to sing.
In PEC we discussed the ward mission plan. We pretty much finalized it.
I got released as WML.
The program went long and we only had a few minutes for Sunday School.
Christmas was originally a pagan holiday.
But when our pagan ancestors converted to Christianity,
They devoted their best-loved holiday to the celebration of Christ’s birth.
So we should not feel bad that Christmas is commercialized,
But rather, be glad that this wonderful holiday has been Christianized..
We discussed the symbols of Christmas. It was fun teaching it.
I enjoyed my last priesthood meeting. Chip Rosecrans called me inactive (no calling). :)
Family devotional—Ruth—Pres. Uchtdorph—Hope—DC19:23.
Thursday 18
Works don’t save us.
We are saved by grace.
But saving grace is only given
To those who have faith.
And faith, if it is real,
Will always produce works.
But it is not the works,
Nor the faith,
But the grace of God
By which we are saved.
I did a lot of sleeping, trying to get rid of the cold, which is now full-blown.
We had our last Spanish tutoring session at noon for only a half hour.
Works don’t save us.
We are saved by grace.
But saving grace is only given
To those who have faith.
And faith, if it is real,
Will always produce works.
But it is not the works,
Nor the faith,
But the grace of God
By which we are saved.
I did a lot of sleeping, trying to get rid of the cold, which is now full-blown.
We had our last Spanish tutoring session at noon for only a half hour.
Sunday 14
I awoke at 0430 this morning. I was only able to get back to sleep at 0530 until 0600.
I kept having that poem I wrote several weeks ago going through my mind.
When people are playing with fire,
It isn’t hate that motivates
My demand that they desist.
When people play with fire,
Generally speaking, they who play
Aren’t the only ones burnt to a crisp.
I went to PEC, as usual, feeling unprepared. But Bishop was prepared for me. Everyone else, too.
We made a good start on a new ward mission plan. Pres. Sturtevant came and helped, too.
They looked like they all want to make a go of it regardless of my leaving.
I led the music in sacrament meeting. It went well until the last song when I lost my voice.
I enjoyed Jackie’s SS lesson. She showed the Joy to the World DVD.
We skipped priesthood and RS to get ready for the FCC concert.
We came home and I got dressed in my chorus uniform.
I had a lunch of raisin bread and hot lemon honey drink. It helped somewhat.
At the FEC they had bottles of water. I took one. It helped a little, but the phlegm persisted.
I got an impression to take a Breath Saver. It did the trick. The phlegm disappeared.
It was a good concert, and I think I felt the presence of my Mom & Dad. I was thankful for that.
I came home and changed and worked on ward choir music.
Jackie and I listened to Music & the Spoken Word.
I awoke at 0430 this morning. I was only able to get back to sleep at 0530 until 0600.
I kept having that poem I wrote several weeks ago going through my mind.
When people are playing with fire,
It isn’t hate that motivates
My demand that they desist.
When people play with fire,
Generally speaking, they who play
Aren’t the only ones burnt to a crisp.
I went to PEC, as usual, feeling unprepared. But Bishop was prepared for me. Everyone else, too.
We made a good start on a new ward mission plan. Pres. Sturtevant came and helped, too.
They looked like they all want to make a go of it regardless of my leaving.
I led the music in sacrament meeting. It went well until the last song when I lost my voice.
I enjoyed Jackie’s SS lesson. She showed the Joy to the World DVD.
We skipped priesthood and RS to get ready for the FCC concert.
We came home and I got dressed in my chorus uniform.
I had a lunch of raisin bread and hot lemon honey drink. It helped somewhat.
At the FEC they had bottles of water. I took one. It helped a little, but the phlegm persisted.
I got an impression to take a Breath Saver. It did the trick. The phlegm disappeared.
It was a good concert, and I think I felt the presence of my Mom & Dad. I was thankful for that.
I came home and changed and worked on ward choir music.
Jackie and I listened to Music & the Spoken Word.
Saturday 13
I went at 0720 to the Florence Events Center (FEC) to help set up risers.
At 0930 we began the dress (without the dress) rehearsal.
I finally paid $28 for my tux shirt, vest, and bow tie to David Anderson, CCFO Treasurer.
Jackie picked me up. When we got home we could hear the surf.
We drove to North Jetty and took pictures of the surf.
Then we drove to Cook’s Chasm and took pictures of the surf and the spout.
After a nap I reviewed FCC music.
During dinner we watched Bend It Like Beckham.
I worked more on the music.
I went at 0720 to the Florence Events Center (FEC) to help set up risers.
At 0930 we began the dress (without the dress) rehearsal.
I finally paid $28 for my tux shirt, vest, and bow tie to David Anderson, CCFO Treasurer.
Jackie picked me up. When we got home we could hear the surf.
We drove to North Jetty and took pictures of the surf.
Then we drove to Cook’s Chasm and took pictures of the surf and the spout.
After a nap I reviewed FCC music.
During dinner we watched Bend It Like Beckham.
I worked more on the music.
I am posting pertinent selections from my journal diary.
Wednesday 10
My Psalm 46: Excel Vie.
Cursed is he that trusts in man,
And blessed who trusts in God.
Blessed who seeks for God’s reward,
And not for mortals’ nod.
Ask not those who do not know,
Who only can opine.
Knowledge seek from God’s own lips.
‘Tis there you’ll surely find.
Knock on Jesus’ holy door;
It shall be opened broad.
Call not on the mind of man.
“Be still, and know I’m God.”
Maldito él que confía en el hombre,
Bendito que en Dios confía.
Que busca de Él el galardón.
No sean mortales su guía.
No preguntéis al que no sabe,
Que solo opinar puede.
Conocimiento pedid de Dios.
Que es el único fuente.
En la amplia puerta de Dios llamad
La mente mortal desechad.
“Conoced que Yo soy Dios,
Y siempre quietos estad.”
I awoke with that poem going through my mind, so I wrote it down.
Then I remembered that I needed to do the tutoring session spiritual thought. I translated it.
That took most of the morning.
I took a 45 minute walk.
Spanish tutoring.
I went to Florence Community Chorus at 1800. They were waiting for me.
Bob Hefty told me he had given me the wrong scripture. He will call and give me the right one.
So I wrote the poem for reasons I know not.
I listened to the FCC music on my NWC program.
Wednesday 10
My Psalm 46: Excel Vie.
Cursed is he that trusts in man,
And blessed who trusts in God.
Blessed who seeks for God’s reward,
And not for mortals’ nod.
Ask not those who do not know,
Who only can opine.
Knowledge seek from God’s own lips.
‘Tis there you’ll surely find.
Knock on Jesus’ holy door;
It shall be opened broad.
Call not on the mind of man.
“Be still, and know I’m God.”
Maldito él que confía en el hombre,
Bendito que en Dios confía.
Que busca de Él el galardón.
No sean mortales su guía.
No preguntéis al que no sabe,
Que solo opinar puede.
Conocimiento pedid de Dios.
Que es el único fuente.
En la amplia puerta de Dios llamad
La mente mortal desechad.
“Conoced que Yo soy Dios,
Y siempre quietos estad.”
I awoke with that poem going through my mind, so I wrote it down.
Then I remembered that I needed to do the tutoring session spiritual thought. I translated it.
That took most of the morning.
I took a 45 minute walk.
Spanish tutoring.
I went to Florence Community Chorus at 1800. They were waiting for me.
Bob Hefty told me he had given me the wrong scripture. He will call and give me the right one.
So I wrote the poem for reasons I know not.
I listened to the FCC music on my NWC program.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
We wrote a letter to our mission president, Dave Davis, a long time ago, but it came back as undeliverable through the mail pouch system, so we folded it differently and resent it. We got the following email response from President Davis today:
Dear Elder and Sister Richardson,
We just received your letter and want to let you both know how thrilled we are that you are coming to the Peru Arequipa Mission. You have had two other wonderful experiences to serve as a couple, so you come with more experience than Sister Davis and I. We look forward to meeting you and working with you.
You come from a beautiful part of Oregon, one we enjoy visiting from our home in Klamath Falls. We love the ocean and get to see the same Pacific Ocean in our mission's coastal towns, but the difference is striking. It is a true desert with not a plant or blade of grass up to the first wave in the ocean. There is a variety of landscape and culture here, so I think you will find it an interesting place to serve. We have cities and towns from sea level to 14,500 feet in elevation. There are many indigenous people here who live the same life their forefathers lived hundreds of years ago. It is a lesson in history and tradition and at the same time there is a yearning to see progress.
Mission life must agree with you, as you are now ready to begin your third mission together. I can't think of a better thing to do in these years of our lives than to serve in some way to help build up the Church. There is so much need and so little time. Thank you for being willing to help in this part of the Lord's vineyard.
I have been contemplating your assignment and want to talk with you to understand a little more about your interests and desires. It sounds like you have had a variety of experiences in other areas. The nice thing is that there are many needs here where couples can do some great work. Like most mission presidents, I would love to have more couples here. The young Elders and Sisters are wonderful and do so much to spread the good news. Couples add so much more in our districts and branches and are so helpful in leadership, activation, and proselyting. There have only been two couples who have served in this mission in the last 10 years, both in the last 18 months. One ended their mission at the end of June this year, and the other will finish in December. They are couples who are from the local area and serve full-time missions at home. You will add much strength to the mission, more than you will know.
I would like to have an opportunity to give you a call by phone to become better acquainted and to answer any questions you may have about the mission. I'll try to do that in the next week or two.
We are excited to have you come to Arequipa. We welcome you!
Faithfully Yours,
Dave and Pauline Davis
Dear Elder and Sister Richardson,
We just received your letter and want to let you both know how thrilled we are that you are coming to the Peru Arequipa Mission. You have had two other wonderful experiences to serve as a couple, so you come with more experience than Sister Davis and I. We look forward to meeting you and working with you.
You come from a beautiful part of Oregon, one we enjoy visiting from our home in Klamath Falls. We love the ocean and get to see the same Pacific Ocean in our mission's coastal towns, but the difference is striking. It is a true desert with not a plant or blade of grass up to the first wave in the ocean. There is a variety of landscape and culture here, so I think you will find it an interesting place to serve. We have cities and towns from sea level to 14,500 feet in elevation. There are many indigenous people here who live the same life their forefathers lived hundreds of years ago. It is a lesson in history and tradition and at the same time there is a yearning to see progress.
Mission life must agree with you, as you are now ready to begin your third mission together. I can't think of a better thing to do in these years of our lives than to serve in some way to help build up the Church. There is so much need and so little time. Thank you for being willing to help in this part of the Lord's vineyard.
I have been contemplating your assignment and want to talk with you to understand a little more about your interests and desires. It sounds like you have had a variety of experiences in other areas. The nice thing is that there are many needs here where couples can do some great work. Like most mission presidents, I would love to have more couples here. The young Elders and Sisters are wonderful and do so much to spread the good news. Couples add so much more in our districts and branches and are so helpful in leadership, activation, and proselyting. There have only been two couples who have served in this mission in the last 10 years, both in the last 18 months. One ended their mission at the end of June this year, and the other will finish in December. They are couples who are from the local area and serve full-time missions at home. You will add much strength to the mission, more than you will know.
I would like to have an opportunity to give you a call by phone to become better acquainted and to answer any questions you may have about the mission. I'll try to do that in the next week or two.
We are excited to have you come to Arequipa. We welcome you!
Faithfully Yours,
Dave and Pauline Davis
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday 29-09-2008
We went to Right Aid and had our pictures taken for our Peru visa. Mine was ugly, but it will probably do.
I worked most of the day on inputting Community Chorus music into NWC.
We swam.
FHE—Jackie—We watched four episodes of The West Wing.
I worked most of the day on inputting Community Chorus music into NWC.
We swam.
FHE—Jackie—We watched four episodes of The West Wing.
Sunday 28-09-2008
I got to direct the music in sacrament meeting. Sterling Ellsworth, the called director, has moved away. It gave me mixed feelings. I was sad he moved away—he is an interesting man and a good friend—but I do enjoy directing the music.
I taught Sunday School class. The lesson was on the spirit world. It went well, and there was a lot of participation from the class. My one disappointment was that Brock Beers, a new member, has received a calling to work in the Primary. I have really enjoyed Brock in our class. Still, I am glad for his new calling.
Choir was good. I got a ride home with Bishop Greth.
I napped a little and finished inputting What Think Ye into Noteworthy Composer.
Chuck and Beth and girls came to celebrate Jackie’s birthday.
Jackie made fettuccini and meatballs, Jello salad, and lemon meringue pie. (Beth had offered to cook for her birthday, but Jackie always insists on cooking her own birthday meal.)
Jackie got Beth caught up in the new family search dot org, and they stayed here until 2150 (9:50 pm).
Joe answered my email. He called my poem awesome! He gave me a couple of suggestions, which I have already incorporated into it.
I taught Sunday School class. The lesson was on the spirit world. It went well, and there was a lot of participation from the class. My one disappointment was that Brock Beers, a new member, has received a calling to work in the Primary. I have really enjoyed Brock in our class. Still, I am glad for his new calling.
Choir was good. I got a ride home with Bishop Greth.
I napped a little and finished inputting What Think Ye into Noteworthy Composer.
Chuck and Beth and girls came to celebrate Jackie’s birthday.
Jackie made fettuccini and meatballs, Jello salad, and lemon meringue pie. (Beth had offered to cook for her birthday, but Jackie always insists on cooking her own birthday meal.)
Jackie got Beth caught up in the new family search dot org, and they stayed here until 2150 (9:50 pm).
Joe answered my email. He called my poem awesome! He gave me a couple of suggestions, which I have already incorporated into it.
I woke up this morning with a poem in my mind and it poured onto the electronic paper of my pda:
Sun of sackcloth black, and bloody
Moon of mournful red.
Stars are falling, Saints are calling,
“Come, Great Day of Dread.
Put an end to politics,
Put an end to pelf.
Raise the dead, give poor the bread,
Put down despotic Self. ”
“Nay, not ‘til nascent gods are gathered,
Twelve thousand strong per tribe,
And My good-news laws are lathered
Through all the world wide.”
It feels to me like there ought to be more to it, but that is all I have for now.
I emailed it to our son, Joe, who is a poet, and asked him for his critique.
I worked on What Think Ye most of the morning and afternoon.
Jackie went at 1230 or so to North Bend for women’s conference.
I walked to Fred Meyers and purchased a new pair of dress shoes.
I watched our To Catch a Thief video. It is better when you can understand all the [English] words. It was hard to hear last night when traffic was passing on the highway.
Sun of sackcloth black, and bloody
Moon of mournful red.
Stars are falling, Saints are calling,
“Come, Great Day of Dread.
Put an end to politics,
Put an end to pelf.
Raise the dead, give poor the bread,
Put down despotic Self. ”
“Nay, not ‘til nascent gods are gathered,
Twelve thousand strong per tribe,
And My good-news laws are lathered
Through all the world wide.”
It feels to me like there ought to be more to it, but that is all I have for now.
I emailed it to our son, Joe, who is a poet, and asked him for his critique.
I worked on What Think Ye most of the morning and afternoon.
Jackie went at 1230 or so to North Bend for women’s conference.
I walked to Fred Meyers and purchased a new pair of dress shoes.
I watched our To Catch a Thief video. It is better when you can understand all the [English] words. It was hard to hear last night when traffic was passing on the highway.
Friday 26-09-2008
I took a walk over to the clubhouse while Jackie picked berries in the berry patch in our back yard.
In the afternoon, we swam, and it felt good.
We watched Bertie and Jeeves, last episode.
In the evening we went to the Bill and Luelle Scott’s to watch a classic outdoor movie, To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. We could have stayed home—we have that one, but it is not as much fun to watch it alone at home.
In the afternoon, we swam, and it felt good.
We watched Bertie and Jeeves, last episode.
In the evening we went to the Bill and Luelle Scott’s to watch a classic outdoor movie, To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. We could have stayed home—we have that one, but it is not as much fun to watch it alone at home.
Thursday 25-09-2008
Leon Tilton came to repair the range top. A month or two ago Jackie accidentally broke off one of the knobs on the range top. We have been managing by using a pair of pliers for that burner. We were pleased to see Leon. However, the replacement control he had didn’t fit. He said he would order a new part and come back. (sigh!)
The MTC language tutorial supervisor called to set up telephone tutoring in Spanish.
We called the BYU Bookstore and ordered books that we think we will need for the tutoring.
We received a mailing from the Church Travel Office. It gave us until 20 August 2008 J to apply for our visa from the Peruvian embassy. We called the travel office and straightened out that the real date should have been 29 October 2008.
We went to swim, but neither of us felt up to it, so we soaked in the hot tub spa, instead.
We called Arizona Vital Records for two copies of our marriage certificate. That is going to be a problem again, it appears.
The missionaries came to dinner: Chili and cornbread with apple crisp for dessert.
In addition to ward choir, community chorus, I am also involved in a choral presentation called What Think Ye of Christ. It is being presented by its author, Dean Hamill, who is a good friend and a member of our ward. We practice once a week on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays. I worked on entering the music into my Noteworthy Composer. It is a lot of work, but I enjoy it, and it enables me to practice the songs at home using my computer.
The MTC language tutorial supervisor called to set up telephone tutoring in Spanish.
We called the BYU Bookstore and ordered books that we think we will need for the tutoring.
We received a mailing from the Church Travel Office. It gave us until 20 August 2008 J to apply for our visa from the Peruvian embassy. We called the travel office and straightened out that the real date should have been 29 October 2008.
We went to swim, but neither of us felt up to it, so we soaked in the hot tub spa, instead.
We called Arizona Vital Records for two copies of our marriage certificate. That is going to be a problem again, it appears.
The missionaries came to dinner: Chili and cornbread with apple crisp for dessert.
In addition to ward choir, community chorus, I am also involved in a choral presentation called What Think Ye of Christ. It is being presented by its author, Dean Hamill, who is a good friend and a member of our ward. We practice once a week on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays. I worked on entering the music into my Noteworthy Composer. It is a lot of work, but I enjoy it, and it enables me to practice the songs at home using my computer.
Wednesday 24-09-2008
We filled out our acceptance letters, signed them, and I took them to Bishop Greth for his signature.
He signed them (though he said he did so reluctantly) and then we talked for a long time, trying to find an answer to my home teachee, Karon Guiterrez’s question:
Where does it say that a woman can be married in the next life if she had no chance for it in this?
We finally decided that she would have to be satisfied with:
(Book of Mormon Moroni 10:5)
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
I went home, and Jackie and I swam and watched two episodes of The West Wing.
In the evening I went to community chorus. It meets at the Presbyterian church and there will only be one concert on December 14 at 1400 (2:00 pm), obviously a Christmas concert.
As we were singing about the wise men, I felt a strong desire to tell them all about Nephi, Lehi, and Samuel, the Lamanite, and why I believe they were the three wise men. But I also felt a strong impression to hold my peace, since they would not understand. After all, I am the only Latter-day Saint in the chorus.
He signed them (though he said he did so reluctantly) and then we talked for a long time, trying to find an answer to my home teachee, Karon Guiterrez’s question:
Where does it say that a woman can be married in the next life if she had no chance for it in this?
We finally decided that she would have to be satisfied with:
(Book of Mormon Moroni 10:5)
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
I went home, and Jackie and I swam and watched two episodes of The West Wing.
In the evening I went to community chorus. It meets at the Presbyterian church and there will only be one concert on December 14 at 1400 (2:00 pm), obviously a Christmas concert.
As we were singing about the wise men, I felt a strong desire to tell them all about Nephi, Lehi, and Samuel, the Lamanite, and why I believe they were the three wise men. But I also felt a strong impression to hold my peace, since they would not understand. After all, I am the only Latter-day Saint in the chorus.
Tuesday 23-09-2008
I established myself this blog spot to post my diary. I have never done a blog before. It may take some getting used to. I made it to start last Friday, September 19, when our call would have arrived in the mail. Of course, we were en route to SLC, but it was there, waiting for us in our mailbox.
We swam at the clubhouse pool.
We came home and watched another episode of The West Wing.
We bought fuel and drove to Coos Bay for dinner with Chuck and Beth and the girls. We called Ruth and Jared and opened our call: Arequipa, Peru. We enter the Missionary Training Center (MTC) December 29, 2008.
Jackie pumped the air and cried, “YES!” We were both pleased. That was exactly what and when she had requested.
We swam at the clubhouse pool.
We came home and watched another episode of The West Wing.
We bought fuel and drove to Coos Bay for dinner with Chuck and Beth and the girls. We called Ruth and Jared and opened our call: Arequipa, Peru. We enter the Missionary Training Center (MTC) December 29, 2008.
Jackie pumped the air and cried, “YES!” We were both pleased. That was exactly what and when she had requested.
Monday 22-09-2008
Nick brought Merle in a kennel and two duffel bags to us at 0405 am. I had not even gotten out of my pajamas. We only had a couple of pieces of luggage, so there was plenty of room. Merle distinctly did not want to get into the kennel, but was obedient. When I put him in the back of the car, I felt impressed to explain to him that we were taking him to Bob and Kathy. Oddly, I felt he understood me. At least he calmed down and I left him in the car and went upstairs and finished getting ready to go.
We left Jared’s at 0450.
We bought fuel at Woods Cross, Mountain Home, and Burns.
Jackie bought herself breakfast at McD’s in Tremonton while I walked Merle.
I also walked him at rest stops: at the junction of I-84/86, Ontario, Drinkwater Pass, Burns, Bend, and the entrance to a ski park on 126, and finally just after Eugene.
We had planned to take Merle to Kathy and Bob Shykes’ home, but when we left Eugene, we were tired, and so was Merle. We called them and arranged to meet them at the church, instead. That was on our way home, and was a lot easier than trying to find their home way out south of town. When we arrived at the church, they were waiting. That was one very happy reunion. Merle had been an exceptionally obedient and patient dog all the way. He never barked and only whined when he needed to be taken for a little walk. But when we drove into the church parking lot, although it was dark and he was in his kennel in the rearmost part of the car, he recognized Bob, and began barking excitedly. Bob didn’t wait for me to even stop the car; he ran around to the back of the car and opened it and opened the kennel. Merle was beside himself with joy. And Bob and Kathy were, too, although they were a little more circumspect than Merle. Not much more, though. They showed us their rings and announced that they had renewed their vows on Sunday.
We got home and checked our mail. Our mission call was in the mailbox (finally!). We couldn’t open it, though, until we got to Chuck and Beth’s next day. I suggested to Jackie that we could always steam the envelope open and act surprised next day. But we were good. We waited. It seemed like Christmas Eve, what with the envelope sitting on the kitchen table unopened.
We called the kids and scheduled a conference call to open it at 1745 (5:45 p.m.) on Tuesday.
We watched one episode of The West Wing while eating a quickly prepared dinner of scrambled eggs and toast.
We left Jared’s at 0450.
We bought fuel at Woods Cross, Mountain Home, and Burns.
Jackie bought herself breakfast at McD’s in Tremonton while I walked Merle.
I also walked him at rest stops: at the junction of I-84/86, Ontario, Drinkwater Pass, Burns, Bend, and the entrance to a ski park on 126, and finally just after Eugene.
We had planned to take Merle to Kathy and Bob Shykes’ home, but when we left Eugene, we were tired, and so was Merle. We called them and arranged to meet them at the church, instead. That was on our way home, and was a lot easier than trying to find their home way out south of town. When we arrived at the church, they were waiting. That was one very happy reunion. Merle had been an exceptionally obedient and patient dog all the way. He never barked and only whined when he needed to be taken for a little walk. But when we drove into the church parking lot, although it was dark and he was in his kennel in the rearmost part of the car, he recognized Bob, and began barking excitedly. Bob didn’t wait for me to even stop the car; he ran around to the back of the car and opened it and opened the kennel. Merle was beside himself with joy. And Bob and Kathy were, too, although they were a little more circumspect than Merle. Not much more, though. They showed us their rings and announced that they had renewed their vows on Sunday.
We got home and checked our mail. Our mission call was in the mailbox (finally!). We couldn’t open it, though, until we got to Chuck and Beth’s next day. I suggested to Jackie that we could always steam the envelope open and act surprised next day. But we were good. We waited. It seemed like Christmas Eve, what with the envelope sitting on the kitchen table unopened.
We called the kids and scheduled a conference call to open it at 1745 (5:45 p.m.) on Tuesday.
We watched one episode of The West Wing while eating a quickly prepared dinner of scrambled eggs and toast.
Sunday 21-09-2008
We picked up Ruth at 0815 and drove to Ed & Ann’s church arriving at 0850.
Enjoyed participating in high priests class re the plan of salvation.
I was amused, (as were many of them) that the elders quorum was challenging them to a game of flag football. The group leader asked if anyone would volunteer to captain the team. No one was responding, so I volunteered to captain their team, telling them that I would be leaving next morning and going back to Oregon. J
Sacrament meeting: Heather read a fine talk. I think she will be a fine missionary and will learn a lot about the Savior in the process.
We attended the back yard open house for Heather as she prepares to serve her mission to Dallas Texas.
I talked a long time with Lora & Robert and shared some of my ideas. I usually don’t feel free to discuss them, but I felt impressed to do so. It pleased me that they were appreciative.
We drove Ruth home and then almost fell asleep driving the few blocks to Jared’s condo.
Kathy Shykes’ son, Nick, called us about taking the dog, named Merle, back to Oregon with us. Kathy is a new member of the Church in our ward and was in my Gospel Principles Sunday School class. Her previously estranged husband, Bob, was visiting her, and attended for the first time with her last Sunday, and when I mentioned we would be going to Utah the next week, he and Kathy literally begged me to bring them their dog. After talking to Jackie, we decided to do them the service, provided their son bring the dog to us between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning. Nick said that would be no problem, since he gets off work at 2:00 a.m. I gave him directions to Jared’s condo, and he agreed to be there at the appointed time.
I then took a much needed nap.
At 8:00 p.m. we had family devotional. Our lesson was Elder Bednar’s general conference talk and 2Nephi 18:20, both about prayer.
Enjoyed participating in high priests class re the plan of salvation.
I was amused, (as were many of them) that the elders quorum was challenging them to a game of flag football. The group leader asked if anyone would volunteer to captain the team. No one was responding, so I volunteered to captain their team, telling them that I would be leaving next morning and going back to Oregon. J
Sacrament meeting: Heather read a fine talk. I think she will be a fine missionary and will learn a lot about the Savior in the process.
We attended the back yard open house for Heather as she prepares to serve her mission to Dallas Texas.
I talked a long time with Lora & Robert and shared some of my ideas. I usually don’t feel free to discuss them, but I felt impressed to do so. It pleased me that they were appreciative.
We drove Ruth home and then almost fell asleep driving the few blocks to Jared’s condo.
Kathy Shykes’ son, Nick, called us about taking the dog, named Merle, back to Oregon with us. Kathy is a new member of the Church in our ward and was in my Gospel Principles Sunday School class. Her previously estranged husband, Bob, was visiting her, and attended for the first time with her last Sunday, and when I mentioned we would be going to Utah the next week, he and Kathy literally begged me to bring them their dog. After talking to Jackie, we decided to do them the service, provided their son bring the dog to us between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning. Nick said that would be no problem, since he gets off work at 2:00 a.m. I gave him directions to Jared’s condo, and he agreed to be there at the appointed time.
I then took a much needed nap.
At 8:00 p.m. we had family devotional. Our lesson was Elder Bednar’s general conference talk and 2Nephi 18:20, both about prayer.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Saturday 20-09-2008
We picked up our daughter, Ruth, at her apartment and took her to breakfast at the Village Inn. They serve very good breakfasts there. Then we took the light rail train, called Trax, to the temple. It was a joy to walk into the chapel and meet Stuart (Kirk) Kirkpatrick. Soon we were joined by Elaine. Of course Mine and Tara Snow were already in the Creation room when the session started. What a joy to see Mine again, and all dressed in white. The session went well and was followed by the sealing of Mine to her husband, Hasan. We had to use a big sealing room because of all the friends that were in attendance, including the missionaries who taught and baptized their family in Malta.
We followed that session by all going to the Lion House (Brigham Young’s former residence, now made into a restaurant) for dinner. We all introduced ourselves and how we came to know Mine. It took quite a while. Mine has lots of friends in the USA. She capped it all by bearing her testimony, and then we all had to take pictures.
We followed that session by all going to the Lion House (Brigham Young’s former residence, now made into a restaurant) for dinner. We all introduced ourselves and how we came to know Mine. It took quite a while. Mine has lots of friends in the USA. She capped it all by bearing her testimony, and then we all had to take pictures.
Friday, 19-09-2008
This is Mount Washington as seen from the summit of Route 124, which is the scenic route into Sisters, Oregon. This route has been closed each time we have gone this way, so when we saw it was open we took it. It is slow and tortuous and winding, although shorter than the other way. We figure it added a half hour to our trip, but the scenery was worth it. The odd part was that when we got to the rest stop near Burns, Oregon, we were a half hour ahead of schedule.
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