Proof of fun Lloyd is having

This past week has been full of problems and challenges for Lloyd. Nevertheless, here is proof that this mission is full of fun "guy things" to do. The men had their first burn of the season. They burn grass fields so that the natural grasses will grow and be beautiful. It was a sight to behold!

Tour with Elder Graham Doxey

This last week, Elder Doxey took us on the annual tour of historic sites in Missouri. Besides Adam-ondi-Ahman, we went to Crooked River, Fishing River, Far West, Liberty Jail and Independence. It all is beginning to mesh in my mind. It is a good thing we have 18 months here.
These are some pictures of the churches that claim the truth, that Joseph Smith was a prophet. We had a interview with an "apostle" of the "Church of Christ on the Temple Site." He was interesting. They honor Joseph as an apostle as long as he did not add any new doctrine to the Book of Mormon or Bible. Therefore, everything that was new found in the Doctrine and Covenants is not correct. The Community of Christ has this beautiful "temple" where people gather at 1:00 every day to pray for peace. Each of these churches claim that this site is sacred and that the temple should be built for the Savior to come to.

The Uchtdorfs could of been great friends

Karine Eliason shared an interesting story. She and Gordon are good friends with the Uchtdorfs. They met back in Glendale while Dieter was at Luke Air Force base teaching pilots. In fact, we ALL were in the same ward. The six of us even traveled up to Utah when two couples from the ward went to be sealed. Ten couples went together up to share in this exciting experience. A sad point is that I do not even remember the Uchtdorfs at all. Last year Karine had surgery and was at home recovering. One day the doorbell and rang and it was the Uchtdorfs. They were just in town and had heard that she was in need of a visit. After their visit, the Uchtdorfs were driving away and decided that it was a good time to get some gasoline. While Pres. Uchtdorf was pumping gas, a woman came up to him and asked if he was Pres. Uchtdorf. He said he was and then she said, "I think that my husband is having a heart attack. Would you please come give him a blessing?" He did and the man immediately began feeling better. The man turned out to be a member of the Eliasons’ ward. This is a wonderful story; nevertheless, I learned a valuable lesson from it. I am envious of the relationship that the Uchtdorfs and Eliasons have with each other. Then I think that we could be long time friends with the Uchtdorfs as well. We were in the same ward at the same time. As I look back and wonder why I do not even remember them, I realize that I had kept in my own little world, busy with family and the friends I already had. I was probably not interested in trying to make friends with people that could barely speak English and would not be there very long anyway. Because I did not go out of my “comfort zone”, I missed some wonderful friends. How many other people have I missed rich experiences with because I did not reach out to them? Each person on earth has something that could enrich my life. I am trying harder here on my mission to meet people and get to know them.

An old so true truth Elder Doxey quotes:

"The older I get, the better I used to be."

Easter Weekend

This passed weekend was one where good memories were made. Elder and Sister Graham Doxey are here for the week. Lloyd and I had dinner at their home Friday evening. Over the last year, we have gotten to know them and consider them friends. After breaking bread together, we viewed a video tape that was made back in 1982 when they started making improvements to this property. The first missionary couple here in 1982 did not even have running water, but had to climb a hill with a bucket to get their water. About 2,000 trees have been planted, walking paths created, flowers planted, restrooms added, and miles and miles of white fences put in. At the same time, they have been able to keep it looking like this is the way it has been since Adam was here.
On Saturday we received guests in the form of the Eliasons and Worleys. We were in the same ward thirty years ago with the Eliasons and have added many happy memories to each others' lives. The Worleys are from our home stake and Lloyd had set them apart as missionaries to Honk Kong where they served alone side the Eliasons. These two couple became friends and have traveled out here to visit historic sites. We had them here for Saturday and Sunday. We showed them around here and then took them to Far West and Liberty Jail.
When I was a Girl Scout I learned a song that went "Make new friends, and keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold." We truly consider the Worleys new good friends and the Eliasons are some of our golden ones.

Marvelous weekend

Dear friend

Where do all the years go? Karine Eliason and I have been friends for over thirty years now. We have many special memories together. We danced our way across about eight years doing aerobics dance and have solved each other's problems, and encouraged each other during new challenges. Many times Karine has taught me lessons on rearing children, cooking, sewing, supporting a husband in priesthood callings and has lead the way in being a loving grandmother.

Friends have always been so important in my life. I only wish that I could be best friends with everyone. I am what I am today because the the encouragement and example that I have received from true friends. All of you friends out there, know that I love and cherish you!