New Home

October 5, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Moving is hard...even if all you do is drive your home to the next destination! We spent Monday at Martin's Cove, Elder Lindsey resting as he tried to kick the illness that had a strong hold on him. We did take the opportunity to drive to Lower Cove and enjoy lunch as we visited this sacred place one last time.

Looking into Martin's Cove from the Lower Cove Monument.

As we ate lunch we watched this beautiful storm move across the valley complete with lightning and rolling thunder.

Elder Lindsey at the monument.

As we headed back to the Homestead I had Elder Lindsey drop me off at the Visitors' Center thinking I would give the Grover's an opportunity to take a quick lunch break. As it turned out the Grover's, myself and Sister Jensen who came over from the office were busy with visitors non stop until well after 4:30pm when I snuck away. The Grovers had visitors until after 6:00pm. The Visitors Center hours changed from 9:00am to 4:00pm after labor day but the people keep coming and as missionaries we are thrilled to welcome them no matter what time they arrive. 

Our special friends Elder and Sister Mellor had us for dinner before we got together with everyone for Family Home evening. Pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetables...it was delicious! For FHE the Mellors showed pictures of their first mission. They served in Eagle Butte which is in the same District we are now serving in. We learned a lot and what they had to say just made us more excited to start our new adventure.

Elder and Sister Mellor, we have had such fun serving with them!

Tuesday morning we pulled out of Martin's Cove at 8:00am. Elder Lindsey drove the motorhome and I followed him driving the Tahoe and pulling the trailer. We stopped in Casper for a quick breakfast and to pick up something at Walmart then were on the road again. The day seemed long but really went by quickly and smoothly. We stopped a couple times for a quick restroom break and once for lunch (it's great to have your own restroom and kitchen). We arrived in Rosebud at 5:00pm (central time) so the trip of just under 400 miles took only eight hours. 

Shortly after our arrival President Allen arrived to help us get set up. He was followed by The Barker family and President Gilson and children (the Branch President). We felt very welcomed! Wednesday was spent unpacking and setting up and unfortunately for Elder Lindsey he was getting sicker. He had finished his antibiotic on Sunday and everyday after he was again feeling worse. On Thursday we called our doctor in Salt Lake and he ordered another antibiotic which we had overnighted with FedEx. 

Friday was spent waiting for  FedEx. By this time Elder Lindsey was very sick. Getting something delivered in a town without addresses is an adventure. I was on the phone with the FedEx office in Pierre (pronounced Pier) giving directions to the church as they were relaying the directions to the driver. It all worked, the driver arrived and since I'd just baked cookies I had a couple for him and he in turn said he now knows where we live!

We now have a PO Box. If you'd like to send snail mail our address is; PO Box 531 Rosebud, South Dakota 57570. Rosebud is a lovely little town. As soon as Elder Lindsey gets his health back we will work on a little video of the area. 

Saturday Elder Lindsey was already starting to feel better. We watched morning Conference then drove to Valentine, Nebraska (38 miles) to get a longer sewer hose for the motor home. It was a tender mercy that someone at the auto parts store knew of a man who has a small business of parts for motorhomes and even though he wasn't open he lives right next door and was very willing to help us get what we needed. 

Elder Lindsey attended Priesthood Session with a few others in the Church while I watched it in the motorhome as I wrote the blog. There is much work to be done here. Of the 300 members on the rolls of this Branch only 30 to 50 attend and addiction is taking it's toll on otherwise good people. We spent some time talking to President Allen about the direction he wants us to take and are excited to get out and meet the people.

A couple more "it's a small world". The Branch President's wife Jennifer is the daughter of the manager of the  motor pool at the COB and someone I knew for years and the District Presidents son recently returned from serving in the Salt Lake Mission and he spoke at Highland Cove while Elder Lindsey was Branch President there.

Sunday we attended General Conference at the church (a long walk) and between sessions we had a potluck lunch. Something we are very used to coming from Martin's Cove. We learned today that fry bread is not scones and that Navajo Tacos are Indian Tacos. We also taught our first missionary lesson between sessions to a 13 year old cousin of a member. She really wants to be baptised but has no real knowledge of the Savior or his teachings so we are starting with the basics. We will meet with her again on Thursday evening.

The front of the chapel looking from the motorhome.

Our home looking from the front of the chapel.

And we thought we lived close to the church in Utah!

This is such a pretty view across the lawn of the church looking down into Rosebud.

Please continue to keep Elder Lindsey in your prayers. He received a wonderful blessing tonight from the District and Branch President and we have the faith to know all will be well. We are holding tight to the quote that hangs by our door from John Cooper "We must not expect everything to run smooth." We have been so welcomed into this little community and already feel a love for the people we are getting to know.

Our love and prayers are with each of you,

Elder and Sister Lindsey