End of Mission--May 20, 2014

Sunday as we were waiting for the meeting to start, the two ladies we’d tried to visit Wednesday walked in. They’d decided they needed to come to see us and say goodbye. I know that is not a good reason to come to church, but I was thrilled to see them. Another lady we taught months ago came. As she said goodbye she had tears in her eyes. She’s had some tough times in her life and we are possibly some of the few who have believed in her.

Christine Ashley and Generita Francisco

We said our goodbyes to most of the members and gave hugs around. One lady made a point of telling me she thought I had done a lot of good for the branch, that I had made a big difference with the youth. She is their Sunday School teacher and is close to them. Another lady gave us a small pot and a card telling us she appreciated us. That meant a lot—she does not believe anyone can love except God. But her pot said “Love” on it. I thought that was significant. A friend came by to say goodbye. She feels we were called to their branch just for her, so she is having a difficult time of it.

We went to the stake center early to set up for the seminary graduation. Just as the meeting started, I heard a phone ringing. I couldn’t believe the owner was not turning it off. I finally realized it was an alarm on my phone going off. I was in panic mode and could not figure out how to turn it off. I finally left. Sarah followed me out laughing. She tried to help, and we managed to silence it, but it kept rebooting so it was likely it would start over. I finally got it to stay off, but I gave her the phone and went back up to the stand. (I later told Pres. Haws that I need to make sure people notice me, so I have to create these disruptions. Last year I had a coughing spasm and had to leave.)

After graduation we said more goodbyes. One of our missionary moms told me how much she appreciated us. I am sure she feels we are responsible for her daughter being on her mission. One of my students gave me a big hug with tears in her eyes. That was a hard goodbye for me. I will miss the kids.

Monday I had somewhat of a plan and was able to sort of follow it. Things mostly fit into the car where I had pictured them, so it went OK. I was driving because Ted wasn’t feeling well. He packed a bunch of stuff around his feet, so I can’t imagine he was very comfortable. I had packed under both seats. The burrito lady came by when she finished selling and offered her suggestions.

The car was nearly packed when Ted realized we hadn’t put in the loom base. I had to take a few things out to put it where it needed to be, but it fit well. Then Ted started bringing all the little odds and ends that needed to fit in. There was room, but it was a little awkward because they were all loose items so I had to hold them in place while I packed. I was amazed that we got everything in.

We had to go by another couple’s trailer to drop off our keys. We visited a bit with them and he gave us each an arrowhead he’d made. Since we were driving slower than normal to accommodate the heavy load, it took about two hours longer with stops. I needed to stop about every couple of hours to walk around a bit. I was pretty nervous about driving in Vegas traffic after so long, but it wasn’t too bad. Our kids had put up a “Welcome Home” banner with their families all writing something for it. It was very sweet.

Tuesday we went to get the car washed. While I was waiting a young man saw my badge and asked where I was from. I told him we had just arrived home. He had served a mission in Montana and had two Navajo companions. It was fun to visit with him.

In the evening I took my salad and went to the Relief Society night meeting. People weren’t exactly sure when we were arriving home, so it was a bit of a surprise when I showed up. It was fun to see so many people from the ward. I had been a little apprehensive about whether I would even know people because there were so many new names on the lists I’d seen, but I really enjoyed it.

I left early to get Ted and go meet with Pres. Gutierrez. We had a good visit and shared a few experiences. He had lived in Albuquerque and has Native American ancestry, so it was fun to visit with him. After a long visit he thanked us for our service and told us the power behind the badge is the increased study and prayer that missionaries do and encouraged us to keep the power by doing what we’ve been doing while on our mission. It was a good experience. He told us we could take our badges off either now or when we get home. We are officially finished with our mission.

It has been a good experience to write this blog. It has forced me to think more about what I do each day and find ways to share those experiences with friends and family. I will miss the missionary work and the time I have been able to have to serve and help others. I know this is the work of the Lord. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know Christ is my Savior and, that because of His sacrifice for me, I can return to live with my Father in Heaven some day. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that there are prophets and apostles on the earth today to guide and direct the Lord’s church. I am so grateful for the privilege I’ve had to teach these youth and the preparation I needed to do because I was able to learn so much more than I would have otherwise. I am grateful for the good people I have met and worked with and for the sacrifices I see in the lives of the missionaries I served with. I’m grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to grow and become something greater than I would have otherwise. I am grateful for my family and friends and the love and prayers and support I have felt from them. I leave this mission with increased testimony and love for the Lord and for His work. I know He lives. I would invite anyone who does not yet believe in or accept Christ to sincerely and prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, and you will come to know He lives. I close this record and my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Ending May 17, 2014

Sunday we taught our last lessons. I focused on Moroni’s exhortations to read the Book of Mormon, to pray to find out if it is true, and to come unto Christ. I believe Moroni’s writing in Moroni 10, exhorting us to come unto Christ, is one of the most beautiful and powerful sections in all of scripture. I challenged the students to find out for themselves, if they haven’t already, that the Book of Mormon is true. I know they felt the spirit and I hope they act on what they have learned this year.

We were asked to speak in church so I spoke about mothers in the Book of Mormon and lessons we can learn from them. First was Sariah, that she really needed to act in faith to leave everything and go into the wilderness. Next were the mothers of Alma and the sons of Mosiah and the power of their fasting and prayers in the lives of their sons. I talked about the mothers of the stripling warriors, who had to overcome the traditions of their fathers to accept their new religion. I talked about teaching their youth while they were young to be strong in their faith and trust in God. Finally, I spoke about the mother of Moroni, and how her life was not ideal with her husband away at war a good part of their lives. I talked about her teaching Moroni the need to rely on the Lord and be strong enough to stand alone and be faithful. I expressed my gratitude for being able to serve among them. I even left Ted a little time to talk. 

Sister Leggett with her quilt

In Relief Society two sisters showed the quilts they’d made. I was very proud of them. I’m not sure the sisters really appreciate the effort those quilts represent. 

Sister Joe with baby quilt for her nephew

Monday I sorted a little more and finished the last burp cloth. We went to our grandma’s to deliver the quilt I’d made. She brought out a beautiful necklace she had made and put it on me. I was overwhelmed. We went to meet a member who gives us fresh eggs to give him his cartons and get a few more eggs. We said our goodbyes to him as well—I will miss all the wonderful and interesting people we have met.

Sister Roeth and Sister Tommy with quilt

 One of the senior couples came and took a few bags of materials to help the people at their senior center with projects. In the evening we picked up pizzas for home evening. We’d ordered an extra one because I wanted to try one a new one. Good thing because there were 15 young adults in addition to Sarah and her family. It was a record turnout. She had told them we were bringing pizza and it was our last time. I know many came for the pizza, but some came just for us. It has been a wonderful experience to be with them. They had all 15 around a table for the game. Sarah insisted everyone get in the circle, so they were sharing chairs and standing. She made the comment, “And the Relief Society thinks these tables only seat 8.” It was really fun to watch. 

Who said these tables only seat 8? Family Home Evening group.

 After several rounds we cleaned up and began our hugs and goodbyes. As I reached the end of the line I realized the kids had moved around to the beginning so the line continued. I went around again and they did it again—really fun of them to do. I didn’t go around the third time, but I appreciate the thought. After a prayer I told them how much we had enjoyed being with them. I will really miss Sarah and her enthusiasm for life and her love of the kids. This was probably the hardest goodbye of all.

Tuesday I left early to go to the church to sew before the ladies arrived. Unfortunately, I somehow took a part out of the machine and couldn’t get it back in. I helped one lady start sewing and another lay her quilt out on 3 tables so we could tie it. We were able to get one entire round done so the edges are all secured. It will be beautiful.

Irene Begay with quilt tied!

A third lady needed to sew, but her machine wasn’t working right. She went to my machine and figured out how to get the piece back in but it still didn’t work. We finally got it to work and she got her quilt top done. We’ll meet again Thursday night and hopefully put hers together, finish the other’s top, and finish tying the quilt.

Sister Roeth and Brenda, Manager of Iyanbito Senior Center

Wednesday I laid out all the blankets and burp cloths. We made 10 blankets and even more burp cloths. They are really cute. The senior center had asked that we be sure to come for lunch today. When we got there we discovered they had planned an Appreciation Dinner for us in connection with their Mothers’ Day celebration. I’d made White Chocolate Popcorn, but I had not anticipated the large crowd and didn’t have enough. They served late because a couple of people were bringing special food. The burrito lady cooked a pot of beans and a man made a container of blue corn pudding. These are both delicacies, so I was very appreciative. We had mutton ribs, fried chicken, fry bread, watermelon, and strawberry shortcake. 

Laurie, Irene Begay (made the beans), and Irene's sister

A man who had become our friend stood and said some very kind words about our service and invited others to talk. I thanked them for making us feel welcome and being friends. He then offered a prayer in Navajo that went on for about 15 minutes. A lady gave me a necklace of small stones that is quite lovely. I was very touched. Another friend and her sister had made us a quilt that is very nice. A lady gave me a vase with an attractive arrangement of artificial flowers. I felt very loved. Several people thanked us for coming and being with them and wished us well. 

Norma Charley and Emma Chavez, seamstresses of the quilt!

At home I sat in the car and enjoyed the warmth for a long while. It’s been so cold lately that it’s hard to believe it’s May. This morning it was 29 degrees. It snowed in Albuquerque yesterday. Crazy. Today has warmed up significantly, but the weather is very unusual.

This picture does not begin to show how bad Windmill Rd is. Crazy!

We had wanted to visit a lady whose son passed away so we drove (very slowly) to her house. No one was home so we left a note. We got directions to her sister’s home and drove as far as we could, but the road got too bad, so we parked and walked. She was not at home either. We left a note for her with her grandson and walked back to the car. I was glad we were able to get out before dark.

Mary Ann Smith, first quilt attempt; daughter Amber

Thursday two of us helped tie the lady’s quilt. We got about half finished. We left it up and worked on it again in the evening. Before the others came, she went out to her truck and came in with two pillows with brown fleece covers from her and her friend. I was touched by that. I know it was important to them. One of the other ladies picked out some fabric and made a backing for her quilt and the other was able to sew her quilt top and press it. Some of the rows are not aligned well, but she says this is her first try and she just wants to leave it. I told them another lady would come help them in June. They asked if it was OK for them to come. It had not occurred to me that there was a question. One is a member but doesn’t attend church. The other is not a member. I told them it was open to anyone and we just wanted to help people. I told them the other lady is not a member either. I was very proud of the work these ladies have done. We also took the blankets and burp cloths to the hospital. They were very appreciative.

Donating blankets and burp cloths to moms at Rehoboth Medical Center

Friday was a really busy day. We met another couple for lunch and had a good visit. The man said they wanted to have a personal visit with us before we go. I was very complimented by that since I enjoy and admire them as well. After our visit we returned home to more cleaning and packing. We have so much left to do. In the evening another couple came over. They had wanted to do an early dinner, but we suggested coming for ice cream. She had made rich brownies to enhance the ice cream experience. We enjoyed the visit and the reprieve from all the work we had to do. After they left we worked until we were too tired to do more.

Saturday we visited the flea market one more time—always interesting. The branch had a pot luck lunch for us. There were three families and one lady in the beginning and another family came later. We enjoyed a good visit with each of the people there. One lady gave us a couple of fleece blankets. She took the trim off one and put fringe on it so it is a shawl, so there was one for me and one for Ted. They were very nice.

When we got home we tried putting the loom in the car and it didn’t fit the way I envisioned. We put padding around it, so it will be fine. We put a few other things in the trunk before we stopped for the day. I began to worry about whether we would get everything in. I cleaned more, but I had to work around the 8 gallons of milk for the seminary graduation. I was exhausted when I finally got to bed. I began thinking about arranging the remaining things in the car and things that needed to be done and the schedule for Monday morning, so it was not a restful sleep. Fortunately, the weather is much warmer than it has been for a few weeks so it was more comfortable in the house.

Week Ending May 10, 2014

Sunday one of my students was 10 minutes early so we started ON TIME! I did a bit of review hoping the others would arrive but finally had to get into the lesson. The others actually arrived about ½ hour late. We talked about how the Lord helps us to overcome weaknesses and discerning between good and evil. We all have the Light of Christ so we can discern whether something invites us to follow Christ or entices us to do evil. Sure test every time. If we follow Christ we become closer to Him and the Light of Christ gets stronger in us and if we turn away from Christ and follow the enticing of Satan the Light of Christ gets weaker until it is gone.

Testimony Meeting was good. At one point three people stood up at the same time, so we had a little chuckle. One of the missionaries is being transferred, after waiting here 8 months for his visa to Brazil so he shared his testimony. A lady who has been here forever said she is moving at the end of the month so her daughter can go to school. That was a sad thing for the branch. A young man got his mission call to Salt Lake City and is really excited.

Elder Young (and Mom), called to Utah Salt Lake City Mission

I arranged to help people sew Tuesday afternoon. Several said they would come. Another lady is going to bring over a dress and slip to have me hem them. We talked about that a couple of months ago—I hope I can get it all done. One woman said she wants to get to the temple again so I invited her to go with us Wednesday. She was very grateful and it makes me happy to be able to help her.

I put together a quick meal before Ted had to leave to go home teaching. He started pulling things out of the cupboard, so we added corn bread and tapioca pudding to the fare. The chicken and broccoli ended up being sliced turkey and a little frozen broccoli. I cooked rice in vegetable broth to use that up. We are getting to the bottom of our food supplies.

Monday I tried my prioritized list of activities again. Something really fouled up because I got next to nothing done on my list. I went with Sister Tommy to exchange something. We bought each other bracelets that were next to the cash register. It was a fun trip. She also gave me an extra beading tray she had.

I took the extra blanket off the bed and packed it because the weather has been really warm. I’m beginning to feel like there is a lot to do and I’m hoping I can get it all done.

In the afternoon we went to Tohlakai for our meeting/dinner with the senior missionaries. Since two couples are leaving it was a real blowout. We had ribs and upside down pie and everything in between. We enjoyed a good visit with the other missionaries. A couple of ladies wanted some help with needlework so I did my best. It was really fun. Sister England gave both couples a potato bag for cooking in the microwave. Very sweet.

Sisters Olsen and England, making flowers

Tuesday one of the ladies going to the temple Wednesday was sick. I suggested the other lady invite another member since there would be room. The lady with the dress to be hemmed came with two dresses and two slips. I said I’d get them done as soon as I could and she said, “Oh, there’s no rush.” I did a few other odd jobs including working on seminary and my talk for Sunday. I’m really not sure what will happen with that.

Wednesday we went to the temple with the other senior couples in our district. There were eight couples and 6-8 others traveling with us. We took two ladies from the branch and had a good visit. One lady spoke of what a challenge she’d had, having to give up traditions that were part of her life. Her dad follows the Native way and has told her she is letting her people down, but she has a strong testimony and lives the gospel. Both ladies were on placement when they were younger and both of their families give them a hard time about their beliefs. It was very enlightening to visit with them. It was also a good experience being in the temple with the other missionaries.

After we left the temple we went to Chilis for lunch. Three couples had stayed at the temple a little longer so we were glad the others were still there when we arrived. We had a fun visit. After we had said our goodbyes, we ran some quick errands to get materials for ladies. The wind was really bad, so the air was dusty. I was really grateful, once again, to be home. I think that’s our last long trip till we go home. The Lord has been very good to us, keeping us safe and getting us home.

The weather turned cold again as soon as I started packing blankets. We took down the blankets we used as curtains so we could have extra blankets. It seems like we have these opportunities to gradually pack things up or change them out. When I took the curtains out to hang them up, I realized the blinds needed to be vacuumed. (Our windows are not tight and the dust is amazing.) I vacuumed the blinds and hung the curtains. I took the curtains down from two more windows. I didn’t have any more energy to vacuum, but it was headed in a positive direction.

Thursday when we washed curtains, one set began to fall apart and needed to be mended. I went to the sewing class at church. The burrito lady finished her quilt top. It is really beautiful. She pressed it so it is ready to put the back on. A lady I bought lace for came over to see what I’d bought. I didn’t have it with me so I drove home to get it. I told her I had got 40% off the original price so it was about $7. She liked the lace but told me to keep it until next week when we come to the senior center and she’d pay me then. Otherwise, I’d have to track her down. One of the senior couples came by to look at the fabric and yarn and took a couple of bags full of stuff. They will help the ladies in their areas make things so it will be well used.

At home I worked on my seminary lesson for a bit. About 4:30 there was a knock at the door. It was our grandma. She thought we were going to be at the church. I told her I was waiting for them to come—they were supposed to stop by our home so we knew when they got here. I expected them after 2 so I was glad I wasn’t waiting at the church all that time. She had a picture frame in her hands that she handed to us and said it was a little gift from them. It was a display of all the natural plants that are used to make the dye for the yarns. I had seen this in a poster form, but I was amazed that they had given us this with real plants and yarns. It was her husband’s idea. He had asked her how I would get the yarns when I was gone and she had told him she would send them to me. Very sweet.

Finished quilt top!

We all went to the church. She finished sewing her quilt top and found some fabric for the back. Her niece finished arranging her pieces and sewed most of them into rows. Her sister finished cutting her blocks, we arranged them for the top, and she pinned the rows together. We are making some good progress with several people working on projects. It’s ironic that we are leaving just when people are catching the vision of doing things. I spent some of my time mending the curtains. 

Pres. Joe making quilt squares

The branch president and his wife came. The wife began working on a quilt she started months ago. We found some different material for part of it and changed the layout. The president is making a quilt out of some Giants jerseys he has so he worked on cutting out the pieces. The two daughters ran around a lot. One wanted to know about sewing machines so we tried to explain it. Then she wanted to sew, so I let her sew on the burp cloth I was working on. She went to the cupboard and got a piece of fabric to make a burp cloth for her new cousin. I helped her find a better piece of fabric and helped her and her sister sew it into a burp cloth. They were very proud of themselves and they did an adequate job for a first time, but it was challenging to try to keep their attention on what they were doing. It was almost 9 pm when we left. I was grateful to get home. 

Malina and Tiffany Joe with burp cloth they made

Friday I was able to spend some time working on my lesson. There is so much to cover in this lesson and I am very concerned about passing too lightly over the last chapters of the Book of Mormon. It is basically the culmination of the year of study and the challenge to get a personal testimony of the book. I really hope the students can understand the power of the testimony in their lives and give it the serious attention it requires and deserves. The promise of the Book of Mormon is strong, that the Lord will tell them, or anyone, of its truthfulness if they ask with real intent. It is not an empty promise. It is true and God will tell them it is true if they want to know.

Saturday I worked on my lesson and made a few changes. I then worked on my talk and made several changes, cutting out a couple of minutes. It is still about 22 minutes long. I really don’t know what more to cut. I think the message is what I want to say, so I’ll just have to see what happens Sunday.

I made some cookies for my seminary kids. We joke about all the things we are finishing up, but we have to be creative in using things. I did more cleaning. I’m really not sure things are clean, but they are cleaner. Ted thinks we should leave the next couple a note telling them we cleaned in case they can’t tell. It gets so dusty again very quickly.

I had started a project when there was a knock on the door. The branch president’s wife was there. They were at the church sewing and the bobbin on the machine ran out of thread so they needed help winding the bobbin. I went to help. It took a while to figure out how to wind the bobbin then I had a terrible time trying to get it to stay in. There is a knack and I don’t have it. The branch president wanted to find some material for his quilt, so I helped with that.

Back home I finally finished the project I was working on. Yeah! Something is done!

Week Ending May 3, 2014

Sunday I had one of our institute students come teach my class. We started late, so I did a little intro then left for Sheep Springs. We arrived 5 minutes late and they were waiting for us. We didn’t know there was another speaker. He left us 20 minutes to share. I rushed through my talk, cutting as I went. Ted did well with the brief time I left him. He shared good examples of lives that had been touched by seminary and institute. Elder Ashcroft said it was just what was needed. One additional boy was at seminary that had not been before. We had dinner and a visit with the senior couple until it was time for seminary.

When we arrived for seminary, Elder Ashcroft was talking with a rough looking man who was looking for a ride to Gallup. He told him to talk to us then went into his class. I felt really uncomfortable with it all, but Ted said we’d give him a ride. It turned out OK, but I sat in the back seat with the phone in my lap ready to call for help if necessary. Ted talked about the church the entire way in. He always takes the opportunity to share his testimony.  I was relieved when we dropped the man off and were on our way home.

Monday I met our grandma at the church and spent several hours sorting fabric and yarn from our ward at home. There were some really nice things. We ended up with five cupboards full of fabric and yarn.

 We went to attend home evening, but no one came for some time and we began to think it had been cancelled. Sarah had prepared a summary of several schools in AZ, NM, and UT. She wants to encourage the kids to go somewhere there will be a better opportunity to meet a spouse. There is so little chance here that it would be really wise to increase the odds somewhere else.

Tuesday I worked at home all morning. In the afternoon we went to The Nugget and had a good visit with the owner. He’d been at the Gathering of the Nations last weekend and his truck had been broken into. A man called him and offered to sell him part of the stuff so he drove to Albuquerque. He held the guy hostage until the police arrived. They were going to let the man’s wife take the car without searching it. When he made them search the car they found three illegal street weapons. The police wanted to hold the stolen stuff, but the owner refused to let them take it. He is one tough dude. Anyway, the one thing he wanted back was his mother-in-law’s rosary. He told the guy he would come get him if he doesn’t get it back. He is always interesting to talk to.

Wednesday I studied in the morning. It promised to be a busy day. We went to the senior center for lunch and visited with the supervisor. She was trying to find a goat to roast on their upcoming outing. I told her I had never had goat so we were planning to join them until we found out it would be held about two hours from here. I asked how they butcher the goat and was told the same as you do a sheep. When I asked how a sheep is butchered, they couldn’t tell me. Anyway, I don’t really need the details.

As I visited with the ladies I told them we only had a couple more weeks before we went home. The supervisor asked if we’d be here on May 14 and said to be sure to come that day. I’m not sure what they are planning, but it will probably be interesting. A lady told me she was planning to come to the church to see if we had some lace. We didn’t. She needs some lace for a project and has looked all over in Gallup. I told her we were going to the temple in Albuquerque next week, so she gave me her sample of lace and asked if I’d get her 5 yards. She even said she’d pay me, which may or may not happen. She did tell me to keep the receipt. I was supposed to teach another lady to crochet and had brought my crochet hook and yarn. She was going to teach me how to make a Navajo skirt. She left, saying she had to go home to get her stuff and would be back. She never returned.

After that adventure we drove to Thoreau to visit Jack and Cecelia Surprise one more time. Cecelia’s a spiky character. They told us some of their early adventures and we enjoyed a good visit. Cecelia had a couple of bags of clothes she wanted to give to the needy. We put those in the car and said goodbyes. I will miss our visits with them. 

Jack and Cecelia Surprise

We then drove to Crownpoint. We grabbed some dinner at the deli and got to the chapel about 20 minutes early, so we had a good visit with the teacher. We were thrilled when the 6 kids arrived, including the young sister of one of the girls. Apparently, this 15 year old girl is caring for her 4 younger siblings since her mom moved in with her boyfriend. She misses school frequently and does all the cooking and everything else needed. The mom checks in occasionally and brings some food, as do several other people to make sure things are going OK. The teacher also isn’t sure what will happen to seminary next year since the student who brings all the kids to class is graduating this year. One young girl brought a non-member friend who has been there a couple of times. This particular seminary has had several non-members attend and one of the boys that is graduating was baptized a year ago. It is a great group. After we left there we drove to Grants for the night.

Thursday Ted woke up at 5:17 am. I had left the phone charger in the car and the phone was too low to set off the alarm. Somehow we were ready to eat at 6 am then drove to the church for 6:30 seminary. We had a good visit with the teachers. They are such sweet people and we enjoy their class. The lesson went well.

At home we unpacked the car, put things away, got things together for the sewing class, and went to church. Our grandma and her niece came to sew. The niece picked out some fabrics and started cutting it into blocks. Our grandma had some material she had found when we sorted, already cut into blocks, and laid it out on some tables. It will be really cute. She actually started sewing the blocks together. The burrito lady came and finished sewing her blocks together. I worked on burp cloths and blankets.

In the afternoon we worked at home for a while then ran errands. At one store the clerk told us she was a member living in Church Rock. We invited her to church. After a few stops we went to Sizzler for dinner to celebrate our anniversary—39 years. I got all you can eat shrimp and enjoyed the meal, but I ate more than I should have. I had to get a second order just because it was all you can eat—there’s a principle in there somewhere.

After we finished there we drove to the stake center for a training meeting. We were about an hour early so Ted took a nap. The meeting was excellent. I had to chuckle during the opening song. When we sang, “Happy are we, Happy are we”, I looked at the people on the stand and they all looked very somber. It was rather funny. Our session discussed preparing lessons. There were some really helpful things discussed. Unfortunately, we were the only people from our branch in attendance.

Friday I was determined to act on the challenge the teacher gave us in seminary Wednesday night to let the Lord help us overcome weaknesses. I have a problem getting distracted and getting pulled off task. I made a list of everything I wanted to get done. I estimated a time for each and prioritized according to importance. I followed each one in order, but it became obvious as the day went on that I am not good at estimating how much time things take. Near the end of the day I had 5 hours worth of things to do and it was 6 pm. I got a lot done, but everything seemed to take more time than I planned. I prepared my seminary lesson for Sunday, made bags for the loom parts, and several other tasks.

About 7:30 there was a knock on the door and we opened it to see the lady from the branch taking the class on websites. She had been looking for me for a few weeks and hadn’t found me. Now she had an assignment for her class due Sunday night and needed help. She needed me to record some videos and help her embed them on the website. She wanted her daughter to demonstrate how to wear the scarves she has on this fictitious website, but she didn’t have a scarf with her. I had taken mine home, so we told her to go home, get a scarf, and come back and we could do the recordings and try to do the uploading which I know nothing about.

While she was gone I moved to the last item on my list—take down my loom. We were able to take all the pieces apart and put them into the new bags I’d made. It took about 20 minutes—I had allocated 2 hours. Yeah!! Something went faster than my plan. Our apartment looks quite strange without the loom. Taking it down made us aware of how quickly time is passing and how little time we have left.

The loom and rug before being dissembled; half finished!

When our friend returned we went to the church. I did the recordings but couldn’t get the sound to work. Finally, I googled it and found I just needed to turn up the volume. One of her daughters was doing the demonstrations, but her twin was laughing at her so it was distracting. Then they took all their mom’s notes to the car and had to retrieve them so we could make an attempt to do the work. We copied the good files to her flash drive, but we weren’t able to figure out how to get the videos on her website. We finally gave up and she was going to try to find someone at school on Saturday to help her.

Saturday I tried again to prioritize my day and stick to it. Almost as soon as I’d finished planning my day we had a call from our district leaders saying that they wanted to stop by around noon. They leave a week before us, so I figured they wanted to bring the new district leaders to meet us. I adjusted my list, but I was actually working way ahead today, getting things done in much less time than estimated. When noon came and went, we found our visitors were in St. Michaels with the zone leader and expected to be there a couple of hours. When they finally arrived they brought a new couple with them. They will be in Zuni. The wife has always wanted to serve a mission on the reservation because her parents served in the Grand Canyon.

Additional Pictures from the Bottom of Canyon de Chelly

Ted took lots of pictures from his adventure to Canyon de Chelly (pronounced "de Shay"). I really only selected a few from many, but you might want to pull out the popcorn and drinks for "home movies". Normally, no one is allowed into the canyon unless accompanied by residents or paid guides. The senior couples had the opportunity to go as a group with the Curley family.

There are many pictographs and the scenery is beautiful. I won't make an attempt to label any of these except the one museum photo, as it would just be a guess at best. Many of the people in the canyon live just as their ancestors did many years ago. In the Spring, it is wet. The group was required to ride in 4-wheel drive vehicles and follow the leader to avoid quicksand.

The pictures don't give a good representation of the magnitude of the canyon or the height of the walls. From the top, it is difficult to identify animals because they are so small. The walls are nearly straight up and down in most places. It is an amazing place.

 

Picture in Visitors Center