Sunday night and all is well here in Salt Lake City. We have just finished another week and continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve here and for our new friends we have made over the last couple of months. Its refreshing to have so many friends that you can rely upon to help you out when needed and just to meet and greet them as often as you can. Its also nice to be able to borrow things that you don't have here but need to use for a dinner such as an extra chair or a crock pot or potatoes and a roast in order to feed the young Missionaries.
We both had positive experiences on the British Floor this past week helping the guests that were here doing family research. Its always brings a smile when you either able to help them or to hear about their successes with their own research. We are feeling a little more confident and I am sure we will as time goes by. It seems that each week brings a new group who have traveled from long distances to use the resources of the library. In time we will feel more positive about our own skill levels, but in the meantime there are many other Missionaries in our zone that are willing to help us. We also are starting to develop a relationship with our zone leaders and appreciate their patience with us, but more importantly to befriend us. You can never have too many good friends.
In addition to going to the our assignments last week we also traveled to the Bountiful Temple and attended an Endowment Session there. Its a very beautiful temple and we are glad to have had the means to go there. We traveled back to Bountiful over the weekend to attend the reception of the daughter of our Financial Adviser, Mark McKell, from California. Mark is connected to Lorene's family via two Sisters. You'll have to wait for her to get the connections correct. We also discovered today that one of the Sister's in our Mission is as we figured out so far a third cousin to Lorene. She has way too many relations here in the Mission.
We had a scare late last week when we heard that my adopted Mom, Sister Sharon Walker, here in the Mission was considering planning on getting released and returning home to Rigby, Idaho. She is still recovering from here breast cancer surgery and this week marked the one year anniversary of her husband's death. She is such a sweet lady and we all love her dearly. We think she has made the decision to finish her Mission here in Salt Lake City. We just need to let her know of our love for her and support her as often as we can. Its hard to watch her struggle so much.
Its almost time for the editor-in-chief to do what she does best, edit my work. However, she does not point out my mistakes as much now days, rather she just makes the changes and sends the messages out. Alas I have been given a reprieve. The Editor is on her way to get her beauty rest and has ordered me to publish this post.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Steve: It's the ides of November which means that the holidays are right around the corner and that another week has gone by us at the amazing speed of light. We continue to have more good weeks and good experiences which makes serving on this Mission so worth- while. I hope that our fellow Missionaires also have good experiences as they serve.
Our Church meeting times have changed beginning today and that is going to be very interesting. Our meetings will begin at 2:30 and will run until 5:30 which for us Seasoned Missionaries is either the time for a late nap time or late dinner. The trick will be to have our main meal in the middle of the day and then see if we can stay awake during our meeting times. The most common thing in the Church is change, and thus we are striving to work with the changes that have been given us.
During this past week my teaching experiences have been somewhat limited. However, I have been able to shadow a couple of the Missionairies and that has helped my self confidence a little, but I need some more confidence to feel like I can assist our patrons on my own. I have made a commitment to our zone leaders to get more involved in my own training which should be beneficial. I also want to start doing some case studies on my own to see if that will point me in the right direction. We have a new Church Service Missionary that has finished her training and should be joining us beginning tomorrow.
During this week I did have some positive experiences including the finding of four death certificates of individuals on my family tree, including my great-grandmother, her parents on my mother's side, and a half-brother to my grandmother on my father's side. In one of the certificates on my mother side I was able to find the name of my great-great grandfather which I did not have before, now I just to find more information about dates and places for him. I knew about the half brother before, but I only had a name for him. I previously had his name from the passenger list when he came to the United States from Prussia in 1892 and his name on the 1900 U.S. Census. However, during this week I found him living with my great-grandparents in 1894 during a Special Michigan Census in 1894 but after 1900 he disappeared from my radar. Then this week I found his death certificate showing that he died in 1909 thus answering why I could not find him in the 1910 U.S. Census. Gustav was only 22 when he died and may have have been married according to the certificate which also indicated that he had recently been discharged from the Navy and included his mother's name. My great-grandmother was originally Gustav's nanny and came to the U.S. with my great grandfather and married him shortly after their arrival in the U.S.
May your coming week be as good to you as our past one has been to us.
Lorene: I don't have much to add this week except to say that I have felt the Spirit of the Lord much this week. I especially have been filled with gratitude for my many blessings and for the Atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be here on this mission and know that the sacrifices we're making to do so are minimal compared to the blessings. We love you all!
Our Church meeting times have changed beginning today and that is going to be very interesting. Our meetings will begin at 2:30 and will run until 5:30 which for us Seasoned Missionaries is either the time for a late nap time or late dinner. The trick will be to have our main meal in the middle of the day and then see if we can stay awake during our meeting times. The most common thing in the Church is change, and thus we are striving to work with the changes that have been given us.
During this past week my teaching experiences have been somewhat limited. However, I have been able to shadow a couple of the Missionairies and that has helped my self confidence a little, but I need some more confidence to feel like I can assist our patrons on my own. I have made a commitment to our zone leaders to get more involved in my own training which should be beneficial. I also want to start doing some case studies on my own to see if that will point me in the right direction. We have a new Church Service Missionary that has finished her training and should be joining us beginning tomorrow.
During this week I did have some positive experiences including the finding of four death certificates of individuals on my family tree, including my great-grandmother, her parents on my mother's side, and a half-brother to my grandmother on my father's side. In one of the certificates on my mother side I was able to find the name of my great-great grandfather which I did not have before, now I just to find more information about dates and places for him. I knew about the half brother before, but I only had a name for him. I previously had his name from the passenger list when he came to the United States from Prussia in 1892 and his name on the 1900 U.S. Census. However, during this week I found him living with my great-grandparents in 1894 during a Special Michigan Census in 1894 but after 1900 he disappeared from my radar. Then this week I found his death certificate showing that he died in 1909 thus answering why I could not find him in the 1910 U.S. Census. Gustav was only 22 when he died and may have have been married according to the certificate which also indicated that he had recently been discharged from the Navy and included his mother's name. My great-grandmother was originally Gustav's nanny and came to the U.S. with my great grandfather and married him shortly after their arrival in the U.S.
May your coming week be as good to you as our past one has been to us.
Lorene: I don't have much to add this week except to say that I have felt the Spirit of the Lord much this week. I especially have been filled with gratitude for my many blessings and for the Atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be here on this mission and know that the sacrifices we're making to do so are minimal compared to the blessings. We love you all!
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Steve:
Another week has left us and it has again been one with both good things as well as things that make us sad. We both continue to learn and feel that we are moving forward, even though it may be at a snail's pace at times. We also had a new missionary join our zone and she is from Glendora, California which is near where my family lived after I was discharged from the Air Force. She knows one of Lorene's cousins who is in her home stake.
We both had good experiences at the Family History Library including the following "Elijah Moment" that I shared with our Zone Leaders:
Towards the end of the week came some very sad news. While checking the local San Bernardino news on line, I came across an article about how the death of local police officer had hit the faculty "hard" at San Bernardino High School. Upon reading the actual article, I discovered that the police officer was a friend of our family, and he was killed on duty after his car was broadsided at an intersection by a driver who may have driven through a red light. Bryce Hanes leaves a widow and three children under the age of thirteen. I have been very touched by this incident not only because of the sorrow I feel for the family, but the remembrance of our own mortality and especially that of our children. Bryce was only a little older than our oldest son and they were good friends.
To end my portion of this post before turning it over to the Editor in Chief, I would like to report about the Music and Spoken Word broadcast that we attended this morning which was a touching salute to Veterans. It was very meaningful to me as a Veteran and made me proud and grateful for the opportunity to serve in the U.S. Air Force as well as serving in the Vietnam War. I am proud to be an American, although at times I am very saddened by the actions and beliefs of many of our citizens.
Lorene:
I don't have much to add this time, but I did find a missing son in a family on one of my collateral lines this week. He showed up in a census as having the same first name as a son born 2 years after this census was taken. At first I thought that it was the same son, but then I realized that the differing middle initial was not an error but was indeed a different child. Through this and another experience with a census record, I have learned not to be hasty with my assumptions. This other record (of a different family) had the names of two of the three children spelled wrong, so at first I thought it wasn't the family I was looking for but on closer examination I realized it was.
This is a great work we are doing and we are glad to have a small part in it. We are grateful to be here and grateful to all of those who support us with love and prayers.
Another week has left us and it has again been one with both good things as well as things that make us sad. We both continue to learn and feel that we are moving forward, even though it may be at a snail's pace at times. We also had a new missionary join our zone and she is from Glendora, California which is near where my family lived after I was discharged from the Air Force. She knows one of Lorene's cousins who is in her home stake.
We both had good experiences at the Family History Library including the following "Elijah Moment" that I shared with our Zone Leaders:
"Earlier this
week I was helping a guest find her 3rd Great Grandmother and her
family. The guest had information on
the 2nd Great-grandmother and we began a search for number 3. As a result of our search, we discovered that
the information was incorrect as it related to both the formal birth date and
name of her 2nd Grandmother.
We researched FamilySearch to no avail and then moved onto Ancestry to
try and find information on her 2nd Great-grandmother where we
discovered the correct name, the marriage date with a copy of the banns record (formal announcement of intent to marry), and
her birth year. The following day I continued,
on my own, researching information for this family and was able to locate
information from both the 1901 and 1911 England/Wales Census which provided
information on her 3rd Great-grandparents and their children. To put closure to my research I sent by email copies
and images of the information that I discovered to the family in Australia to help them grow their family
tree. I have since found that the
associated information has now been added to their FamilyTree.
As Missionaries
we don’t necessarily have huge spiritual experiences as we conduct our own
research or help guests with their research on a daily basis. However, through the Spirit of Elijah we are
able to find our hidden ancestors and provide names for temple work to continue
our family circles. Our research efforts
are enhanced as we not only let the Holy Ghost guide our efforts, but also as
we utilize the efforts of our fellow Missionaries to assist us in our research. I am grateful also for the assistance of other
missionaries for their patience with me and their encouragement to not give
up. Truly line upon and line and precept
by precept we are able to help the Lord as He hastens His work."
Towards the end of the week came some very sad news. While checking the local San Bernardino news on line, I came across an article about how the death of local police officer had hit the faculty "hard" at San Bernardino High School. Upon reading the actual article, I discovered that the police officer was a friend of our family, and he was killed on duty after his car was broadsided at an intersection by a driver who may have driven through a red light. Bryce Hanes leaves a widow and three children under the age of thirteen. I have been very touched by this incident not only because of the sorrow I feel for the family, but the remembrance of our own mortality and especially that of our children. Bryce was only a little older than our oldest son and they were good friends.
To end my portion of this post before turning it over to the Editor in Chief, I would like to report about the Music and Spoken Word broadcast that we attended this morning which was a touching salute to Veterans. It was very meaningful to me as a Veteran and made me proud and grateful for the opportunity to serve in the U.S. Air Force as well as serving in the Vietnam War. I am proud to be an American, although at times I am very saddened by the actions and beliefs of many of our citizens.
Lorene:
I don't have much to add this time, but I did find a missing son in a family on one of my collateral lines this week. He showed up in a census as having the same first name as a son born 2 years after this census was taken. At first I thought that it was the same son, but then I realized that the differing middle initial was not an error but was indeed a different child. Through this and another experience with a census record, I have learned not to be hasty with my assumptions. This other record (of a different family) had the names of two of the three children spelled wrong, so at first I thought it wasn't the family I was looking for but on closer examination I realized it was.
This is a great work we are doing and we are glad to have a small part in it. We are grateful to be here and grateful to all of those who support us with love and prayers.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
This post did not get sent. It is from a couple of weeks ago.
Sorry for the lapse in postings, our time has started to get away from me and I have let too much time pass since I last posted. Apparently we have a follower of our blog by one of Lorene's college room- mates who sent an email encouraging us to post more regularly. I will try to be more diligent in the future.
We are still in training, but I think as I have said before, it is something we will probably be doing as long as we are serving here. We have done some training on research in England, Scotland, and Ireland and have much more to learn. We take turns in getting stressed over our training, but thank goodness it doesn't happen on the same day. We now have separate trainers and that has been more helpful to Lorene than me. I am relying a little too much on Lorene and another missionary who has only been here a few more weeks than we have, so I need to repent and work harder on my own. Lorene has been able to shadow with other missionaries often and has provided some excellent help in addition to the help that they have given the guests. I have had some limited success. We are also going to start taking some classes regarding our assigned countries and that should be fun.
We and others here in the mission have been having some struggles. Our adopted mom (we adopted her at the MTC) has recently discovered that she has breast cancer, but she does not plan on letting it get her down for too much time. She may have surgery, but does not want chemo or radiation. As determined as she is, she will be fine. Also, President Larson, the Second Counselor in the Mission Presidency, has been out of commission trying to pass a kidney stone. The Mission President accused him of waiting to deliver a baby named Stone Larson. We understand that he has now passed it and is doing fine. Our neighbor's father passed away recently and we went to the funeral as a sign of our concern and our friendship for Elder and Sister Reed. Also, my half brother died a week ago as a result of dementia. One thing we have learned is that life does not stop even for Missionaries, and we so love being Missionaries.
As we continue to serve we understand more and more the need to keep our commitment to study the scriptures on a daily basis, to support one another and to set a good example. With two granddaughters wanting to go on missions, we also know and feel the obligation to set a good example. I need to remember the example part more often, especially when I am ready to pull my hair out (kind of an irony wouldn't you say) or when I am ready to ask to work in a different zone or go hide in a corner somewhere.
Well it's almost time for Church, and then in a few more hours time to start another week in the British Zone. TTFN
Sorry for the lapse in postings, our time has started to get away from me and I have let too much time pass since I last posted. Apparently we have a follower of our blog by one of Lorene's college room- mates who sent an email encouraging us to post more regularly. I will try to be more diligent in the future.
We are still in training, but I think as I have said before, it is something we will probably be doing as long as we are serving here. We have done some training on research in England, Scotland, and Ireland and have much more to learn. We take turns in getting stressed over our training, but thank goodness it doesn't happen on the same day. We now have separate trainers and that has been more helpful to Lorene than me. I am relying a little too much on Lorene and another missionary who has only been here a few more weeks than we have, so I need to repent and work harder on my own. Lorene has been able to shadow with other missionaries often and has provided some excellent help in addition to the help that they have given the guests. I have had some limited success. We are also going to start taking some classes regarding our assigned countries and that should be fun.
We and others here in the mission have been having some struggles. Our adopted mom (we adopted her at the MTC) has recently discovered that she has breast cancer, but she does not plan on letting it get her down for too much time. She may have surgery, but does not want chemo or radiation. As determined as she is, she will be fine. Also, President Larson, the Second Counselor in the Mission Presidency, has been out of commission trying to pass a kidney stone. The Mission President accused him of waiting to deliver a baby named Stone Larson. We understand that he has now passed it and is doing fine. Our neighbor's father passed away recently and we went to the funeral as a sign of our concern and our friendship for Elder and Sister Reed. Also, my half brother died a week ago as a result of dementia. One thing we have learned is that life does not stop even for Missionaries, and we so love being Missionaries.
As we continue to serve we understand more and more the need to keep our commitment to study the scriptures on a daily basis, to support one another and to set a good example. With two granddaughters wanting to go on missions, we also know and feel the obligation to set a good example. I need to remember the example part more often, especially when I am ready to pull my hair out (kind of an irony wouldn't you say) or when I am ready to ask to work in a different zone or go hide in a corner somewhere.
Well it's almost time for Church, and then in a few more hours time to start another week in the British Zone. TTFN
I can't believe that I let another week go by without a post. Shame, shame on me. I am frustrated that I haven't been more faithful in posting to our blog when I consider how busy our girls are and they still have time to submit their own posts. Don't give up on us yet, we will try harder in the future.
Wish that there there was some earth shattering news to share but there isn't, so you'll have to be content with what we put together. Not being formally trained in our zone is a bit of a two edged sword. We missed out on a lot of one-on-one training and there is so much more to learn and to practice. I was hoping to be a lot more confident by now, but I fear I'm just not there yet. We are following the training in our "get started" guide and it is helping. Lorene continues to work with guests on a limited basis and has been doing a lot of shadowing. However, on a formal basis it appears that our required shadowing days are over, but we will still do it on an informal basis. A couple of groups from Genealogical Societies have been on on our floor this past week, and while many of the participants are accomplished researchers and have not needed any assistance, a fair number have requested assistance and the missionionaries in our zone have been very helpful. We never know from day to day what to expect, so each day is kind of its own adventure.
Our adopted Mom here in the Mission had surgery last week and had a small cancerous spot removed from her breast. Her daughter from Idaho was her several days last week and was a great help to her. At any rate, "Mom" is going to start working again beginning tomorrow. She really doesn't let much get her down and is anxious to be up and doing again. She is so sweet and is a delight to be around.
We have heard that the First Presidency of the Church is encouraging us to find ways either financially or otherwise to assist the vast number of refugees across the earth. We have been talking to some of the missionaires that came here with us in September and we are going to try and find a group of refugees here in the local areas to serve. We think with the holidays coming up it would be a great time to help others who are far from home, family, and friends and bring them some joy during this season.
Well, time to turn the keyboard over to the editor-in-chief for her corrections and additions. Thanks to all of you for your support and good thoughts, we can feel them here in Salt Lake.
The past couple of blogs got sent out without my input, so I have a few things I'd like to say. First of all, I'd like to thank those who have sent cards and messages We really appreciate your love and concern. It's nice to hear from you! Also, as some of you know, I have been singing in our mission choir which is called "The Elijah Choir." It is a sacrifice to participate (especially practicing at 6:20 on Monday mornings before our Mission Devotionals), but it is well worth it. I have felt the Spirit strongly as we've practiced and performed.
I also wanted to tell you how much I feel the blessings of Heavenly Father as we've served here. My health has been good (other than a mild sinus infection this week), I am not as fatigued as I have been, and my muscle pain has not been severe. We have met and work with some wonderful people and the Spirit here is so strong. We had a wonderful stake conference last Sunday, and we have enjoyed the strength and testimonies of those with whom we are serving.
We hope you are all doing well. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wish that there there was some earth shattering news to share but there isn't, so you'll have to be content with what we put together. Not being formally trained in our zone is a bit of a two edged sword. We missed out on a lot of one-on-one training and there is so much more to learn and to practice. I was hoping to be a lot more confident by now, but I fear I'm just not there yet. We are following the training in our "get started" guide and it is helping. Lorene continues to work with guests on a limited basis and has been doing a lot of shadowing. However, on a formal basis it appears that our required shadowing days are over, but we will still do it on an informal basis. A couple of groups from Genealogical Societies have been on on our floor this past week, and while many of the participants are accomplished researchers and have not needed any assistance, a fair number have requested assistance and the missionionaries in our zone have been very helpful. We never know from day to day what to expect, so each day is kind of its own adventure.
Our adopted Mom here in the Mission had surgery last week and had a small cancerous spot removed from her breast. Her daughter from Idaho was her several days last week and was a great help to her. At any rate, "Mom" is going to start working again beginning tomorrow. She really doesn't let much get her down and is anxious to be up and doing again. She is so sweet and is a delight to be around.
We have heard that the First Presidency of the Church is encouraging us to find ways either financially or otherwise to assist the vast number of refugees across the earth. We have been talking to some of the missionaires that came here with us in September and we are going to try and find a group of refugees here in the local areas to serve. We think with the holidays coming up it would be a great time to help others who are far from home, family, and friends and bring them some joy during this season.
Well, time to turn the keyboard over to the editor-in-chief for her corrections and additions. Thanks to all of you for your support and good thoughts, we can feel them here in Salt Lake.
The past couple of blogs got sent out without my input, so I have a few things I'd like to say. First of all, I'd like to thank those who have sent cards and messages We really appreciate your love and concern. It's nice to hear from you! Also, as some of you know, I have been singing in our mission choir which is called "The Elijah Choir." It is a sacrifice to participate (especially practicing at 6:20 on Monday mornings before our Mission Devotionals), but it is well worth it. I have felt the Spirit strongly as we've practiced and performed.
I also wanted to tell you how much I feel the blessings of Heavenly Father as we've served here. My health has been good (other than a mild sinus infection this week), I am not as fatigued as I have been, and my muscle pain has not been severe. We have met and work with some wonderful people and the Spirit here is so strong. We had a wonderful stake conference last Sunday, and we have enjoyed the strength and testimonies of those with whom we are serving.
We hope you are all doing well. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
We did it, we finished our last week of full Family Tree training. Much of the training including things we already knew, but we also received a lot of new information. The real test will be if we can remember the new items and as well as helping the guest use some of these helps. We learned the importance of including family stories in our Family Tree as well as some great hints on recording research in Census Records. In addition, we also learned how to navigate more effectively record hints that now include the main genealogical partner sites. Our Zone Leaders over this past week are going back home to South Carolina with a new assignment in Church History which will be quite a change for them.Elder Bass is so soft spoken and is a southern gentleman through and through. Sister Bass is passionate about what she teaches and what she wants us to learn and put into action. She lost one eye to cancer a few years ago and jokes about keeping an eye on all her students. The Basses will be sorely missed.
After being here in Salt Lake City for about a month, we were at last able to see Lorene's younger brother Wayne. Wayne lives here in the City also and works for the Church in Food Services. For all of his problems and loneliness he continues to have a very positive outlook on his own circumstances as well as life in general. Like our son Michael, his bike is one of his main forms of transportation. Bad health is an issue for Wayne and he still struggles with major headaches which affect him unfortunately too regularly. I am so grateful that our health issues are generally easy to manage with good diet, exercise and adequate sleep. By the way, Lorene's older sister and brother-in-law are suppose to be here in Salt Lake this week for some training before they report to the MTC on October 5th and we are planning on going out to eat with them sometime this week.
Starting tomorrow we will begin our service in the British Services Zone. We are anxious to learn as much in as little time as possible. Our mentor is Sister Rusk and thisis at least her second time serving in the British Zone. I am sure will be a great help to us. For the next several weeks we will be dividing our time between skill development, training from our mentor, shadowing our mentor and the all important lunch hour. This should be a very interesting week and hopefully will set a positive tone for our service in this zone.
This past week we had our planning meeting with our social group (the 30 of us missionaries that came here together from the MTC. It surprises me how close this group really is and how much they want to support and be with each other. What makes it remarkable is when you think we all come from such varied backgrounds, but in the end we all have the same goal of service. We all volunteered as couples or small groups to be responsible to plan for an activity each month.
After being here in Salt Lake City for about a month, we were at last able to see Lorene's younger brother Wayne. Wayne lives here in the City also and works for the Church in Food Services. For all of his problems and loneliness he continues to have a very positive outlook on his own circumstances as well as life in general. Like our son Michael, his bike is one of his main forms of transportation. Bad health is an issue for Wayne and he still struggles with major headaches which affect him unfortunately too regularly. I am so grateful that our health issues are generally easy to manage with good diet, exercise and adequate sleep. By the way, Lorene's older sister and brother-in-law are suppose to be here in Salt Lake this week for some training before they report to the MTC on October 5th and we are planning on going out to eat with them sometime this week.
Starting tomorrow we will begin our service in the British Services Zone. We are anxious to learn as much in as little time as possible. Our mentor is Sister Rusk and thisis at least her second time serving in the British Zone. I am sure will be a great help to us. For the next several weeks we will be dividing our time between skill development, training from our mentor, shadowing our mentor and the all important lunch hour. This should be a very interesting week and hopefully will set a positive tone for our service in this zone.
This past week we had our planning meeting with our social group (the 30 of us missionaries that came here together from the MTC. It surprises me how close this group really is and how much they want to support and be with each other. What makes it remarkable is when you think we all come from such varied backgrounds, but in the end we all have the same goal of service. We all volunteered as couples or small groups to be responsible to plan for an activity each month.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Last week was busy, as we assume all of our weeks will be here. We finished our last week of training in the Training Zone where all Missionaries in our Mission begin their service. The training itself is not too hard, and we get plenty of breaks, but it can be tedious. Nevertheless, it's important in order to keep up with the changes that keep happening in familysearch.org and Family Tree. By the way, we have another week of Family Tree training starting Monday. It's been said that we'll never be through training while on this mission. We also had a Mission Conference this past week as well as our weekly devotional. It can't be said that we aren't spiritually fed on this mission; almost every time we turn around, there is something of a spiritual nature happening.
I have found a good friend in the First Counselor in the Mission Presidency, he not only looks like, but talks like and acts like President Faust. We continue to watch over our adopted Mom and she is doing good, although working on the computer does not come easily to her. During the week we had lunch one day with one of Lorene's friends from Hacienda Heights. Her name is Content, and she and her husband are Service Missionaries here in this mission. I assume we will see them quite frequently over the next several months. Also,we are heading down to Provo today for a baby blessing for my Sister-in-Law's first grandchild. Lyla has three more grandbabies (all first babies for each of her children) expected to come over the next 6-7 months.
Friday was a memorable day for us. At the conclusion of our two weeks of training, we were treated to a morning snack of bread and homemade honey butter with the entire Training Zone and all of the missionaries that came here with us. At the conclusion of our little snack, we adjourned to our "Go Forth" meeting where we were given our actual assignments which would identify what zones each of us would be working in the remainder of our missions. The Mission Presidency takes the process of assigning missionaries very seriously, having the Lord decide where we should serve based on impressions and inspiration from Him through the Holy Spirit. At this meeting each Missionary is asked to stand up, and then the President tells them where they are being assigned and introduces to them to their new Zone Leaders. Watching this process and speaking with the other missionaries after they received their assignments was a testimony that each of us were assigned to our various zones by inspiration, Each of us are in fact assigned where we are needed, where we can serve to the best of our ability, and where we can grow and progress. We have been assigned to the British Services Zone where we will help others who are looking for ancestors that lived in the British Isles, New Zealand, and Australia. Both Lorene and I have ancestors who lived in the British Isles and we may be able to find some of these elusive family members. We are pleased with our assignment and look forward to learning what we need to learn quickly so that we can be of assistance to the patrons who will visit our floor. At the conclusion of our meeting we went to the Temple with the other missionaries, many of our instructors from the training, and the Mission Presidency and their wives.
Two other spiritual experiences rounded out the week. While working with her trainer, Lorene was able to find the second and third wives of one her 5th great-uncles. Until last week, she did not know that this man had more than one wife. Our ancestors are waiting to be found and are anxious for us to see that their temple work gets done. The other thing happened yesterday. For her birthday I ordered a painting for Lorene with the intention of having it delivered to our home in Arizona. Having checked with our tenants in our Arizona home, and them indicating that they had not received it, I contacted Deseret Book to tell them that my credit card had been charged but we had not received the painting. After some research, they informed me that the painting was delivered by Fed Ex on the 27th of August and left outside in our side yard behind a gate. I figured that of course if the painting was left outside for over three weeks it certainly would be ruined. Telling our tenants where the painting had been left, they found it in its shipping box next to several other boxes they had broken down after they moved in. In one of the tender mercies of the Lord, the box was in perfect condition and the painting was unaffected by the elements although the other boxes were damaged as a result of being left outside. Our painting now hangs in our home for all to enjoy its beauty and message. (It's a painting by Simon Dewey entitled "Men of Galilee.")
We thank our Heavenly Father every day for the opportunity to serve here in this Mission. We love our work here and we love the Gospel of the Lord, Jesus Christ. We send our love and hope you are all doing well.
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