So we have been in a pattern of changeable weather. Without offending anyone for being politically incorrect I would say that the weather here in South Dakota is bipolar! One day it's 57 degrees and the next day it's 17 degrees and you really just don't know what it will be until you get up in the morning. On the plus side no matter what the temperature is unless it is raining or snowing the sky is a clear beautiful blue and the air is wonderfully clean. Coming from Salt Lake City we really appreciate clean air!
On Monday we drove to Rapid City for Zone Conference. Monday afternoon we met up with the other Senior Couples in the Rapid City and Pierre Zones and went to dinner together at a Chinese restaurant. It was fun to spend time with other Senior Couples again. Rather than stay in a motel this time we stayed with Elder and Sister Forgren who are CES Missionaries assigned to one of the Stakes in Rapid City but who supervise the Seminary programs all over the mission.
After Dinner we went with the Forgren's to FHE with a group of Young Adults. We played the game Seek and enjoyed our time with them. It's a small world in that one of the Sisters had recently returned from a mission in South America and when I told her our granddaughter had recently returned from Ukraine she asked if Kati knew her good friend who served in Ukraine by the name of Sister Sink. After texting Kati we found out that Sister Sink had been her companion in the MTC.
Elder and Sister Forgren put on a wonderful breakfast spread for all the Senior Missionaries on Tuesday morning. They were wonderful hosts and we really enjoyed our time with them.
After some great training on Tuesday morning focused on how to use Family History to spread the Gospel we headed for home. I had a meeting at 6:30pm with our ladies group that I didn't want to miss. We are doing a 30 day program to come closer to our Heavenly Father. Three of us are members and four are not and we have some wonderful discussions that I am really enjoying.
Wednesdays are always busy with our ARP group and lunch and this week I had to do my laundry since I wasn't in town on Tuesday morning.
Wednesday night for YM and YW it was movie night. Miss Savannah helped us make popcorn!
We decided to celebrate Valentines Day by going to Valentine, Nebraska and attend the annual Bull Bash.
Bulls in pens lined the whole of Main Street.
We first went to the gun and craft show then walked Main Street checking out the bulls, farm equipment and the quilt show. We had to bundle up since the high temperature Saturday was 17 degrees.
Valentine celebrates with hearts on their sidewalks 365 days a year!
We celebrated the day with lunch at the only Mexican restaurant in town and it was good! We decided we will always remember Valentines Day 2015 because we spent it in Valentine Nebraska!
Sunday I taught Primary, this time the Sunbeam class. We learned about prayer and I told them the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den then we colored pictures. I love these kiddos!
Starting from the left is Jack, Keaton, Dara, Heaven and Mikasia.
Annette with her two "daughters" Unique and Heaven.
Sometimes it feels like our hearts are breaking when we hear of the awful things that happen here on the reservation especially to the children. When drugs and alcohol are the guiding factors in lives the children suffer and it hurts that the only thing we can do is pray. Annette was able to do more. She is Auntie to these two girls and now she has taken them into her home to raise them in a safe and loving environment. I am so proud of her for the good and faithful life she lives.
Annette is also a talented beader and made me this beautiful watch band for my birthday.
While in Rapid City on Monday we got word that we will be returning to Martin's Cove on March 30th to serve the last six months of our mission. It is bitter sweet news. The sweet part is that we will once again walk the trails of our ancestors and feel of the spirit that is there and be with the missionaries we love serving with. The bitter part is leaving this little Branch and the people we love so much here in Rosebud. Lucky for us we live in SLC and most of the people here have ties there also which will make sure we see them again!
President Anderson expressed to us that the Church desperately needs more Senior Couples to serve missions. I know that at Martin's Cove right now they only have half the couples they need for this season. This mission has been one of the greatest experiences of our life together. If any of you are wondering if you should go our advice is GO! You won't regret it.
We love you all,
Elder and Sister Lindsey
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