Monday was our preparation day and we spent it with our friends the Hendriksen's trekking Martin's Cove and exploring the Homestead. We started out about 9:00am and drove to Base then headed out on the trail. Since there were no other treks or even people out on the trail we saw lots of wildlife in the form of antelope and deer. Brian loved that! After stopping first at the river and telling of the rescue that happened there we headed to the Statues.
Dennis, Brian, Kelli and Marilyn
Then it was on to Handcart parking to fill our water bottles and then up into Martin's Cove. Everything about the day was beautiful, warm but not too hot a cooling breeze and a beautiful but a bit hazy sky (fires in Idaho and Montana).
Elder Lindsey and the Hendriksen family resting at the top of Martin's Cove.
We ate a picnic lunch at the Homestead and then saw all the sights the Visitors' Center has to offer. In the late afternoon we headed home and sat out in the yard and visited until it was time to grill some hot dogs for dinner. All to soon it was time to say goodby but it was a little easier knowing that we will be home in about 5 weeks and will again get to spend time with our friends!
Tuesday was Sister's Shopping day in Casper. This time I drove and Sisters Meier, Smith, Layton and Pottinger joined me. We had way too much fun. Our first stop was Christopher and Banks who again opened early for us. We all found some great bargains there and then we hit Ross's where we added to our haul. Next it was our favorite consignment store "Posh" and again we found bargains galore. By then it was time to refuel so we headed to Pizza Ranch for lunch. Yum!
Left Sisters Layton, Pottinger and Lindsey. Right Sisters Smith and Meier.
After lunch we hit Hobby Lobby, The Dollar Store, Goodwill and finally Walmart for groceries.
Sisters Pottinger, Meier, Smith, Lindsey and Layton. Not sure we could squeeze one more thing in the trunk of the car.
It was a fun day. Now lest you worry about the poor Elders back at the ranch working alone rest assured they had a feast at a lunch prepared by Elder Lindsey and President Bushman.
Wednesday we had the late shift at the Visitors' Center. One of the couples I took through had been on a vacation to Washington State and were on their way back to New Hampshire and stumbled upon us. The were so interested in everything I had to say and very receptive to the Gospel as I shared it. They watched the movie and were touched by the courage of the pioneers and they graciously received a Book of Mormon, an Ensign and a post card. After I took their picture at the handcart the man took my hand and pressed a $100 bill into it. I told him how sorry I was that we couldn't accept his generous gift and thanked him for his generosity. As I thought about it later I realized that he had felt the spirit and wanted to show his gratitude in the only way he knew how.
Wednesday was also the dinner that our Facilities Maintenance group puts on for us as a thank you for all our hard work every year. They served steak, potato salad, corn on the cob, homemade rolls watermelon and brownies for dessert. It was delicious...remember no one has starved at Martin's Cove since 1856!
Wednesday we had the late shift at the Visitors' Center. One of the couples I took through had been on a vacation to Washington State and were on their way back to New Hampshire and stumbled upon us. The were so interested in everything I had to say and very receptive to the Gospel as I shared it. They watched the movie and were touched by the courage of the pioneers and they graciously received a Book of Mormon, an Ensign and a post card. After I took their picture at the handcart the man took my hand and pressed a $100 bill into it. I told him how sorry I was that we couldn't accept his generous gift and thanked him for his generosity. As I thought about it later I realized that he had felt the spirit and wanted to show his gratitude in the only way he knew how.
Wednesday was also the dinner that our Facilities Maintenance group puts on for us as a thank you for all our hard work every year. They served steak, potato salad, corn on the cob, homemade rolls watermelon and brownies for dessert. It was delicious...remember no one has starved at Martin's Cove since 1856!
Elder and Sister Mellor have been amazing to work with and we will miss them. Good thing they live not too far from us!
We have loved Elder and Sister Moeser since the day we met them and know they will do an awesome job as the new FM Missionaries. Elder Moeser worked for the Church FM department for over 30 years so he's well suited for the job.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday we were assigned to work crew. Thursday we worked on handcarts. It is a five step process to do the 180 handcarts we have. First we pressure wash them then we sand, next we stain and then we apply two coats of sealer several hours apart. It is a labor intensive job!
Thursday while others worked on handcarts Elder Lindsey and I took care of a tree that Elder Jensen cut down behind his apartment.
Trust me he's smiling!
Love this little seat by the river with our handcart emblem burned into the back rest.
More firewood for next years campers.
After getting rid of the firewood we made a trip to the burn pile where we dumped the small branches then it was off to the wood shop to cut and drill medallions.
My first time using a drill press.
All in all a good mornings work. After lunch we headed back to Missionary Village to do our Friday cleaning assignment with the Hawkin's. We cleaned the Pavilion, missionary restrooms and the three wash houses.
Friday night was our annual talent show and just like last year it was loads of fun and lots of laughs. Here are some highlights;
President Bushman, Elder Layton and Elder Morris as the Blue's Brothers.
Elder and Sister Bigler reprised their roll of Pa and Ma Hackelberry and Ma finally gave birth to the twins!
This group of missionaries sang a little song titled "I'm a Missionary" and if I weren't ...I would be...
Sister James sang "if I weren't Sister James I'd be Sister Lindsey cause it's so fun to cook...I hope I don't burn my buns!"
Elder and Sister Smith wrote and sang a song about President Bushman to the tune of the Johnny Cash song "The Reverend Mr Black" It was a wonderful ending number!
Saturday we worked with two other Sisters on handcarts. While they sanded we did first and second coats of sealer on six carts and then after lunch we stained four and started on a fifth when we ran out of stain. It was a productive day but we were worn out at the end! We usually feel about 10 years older in the afternoon than we do in the morning!
Sunday was great.Sister Grover who serves at Sixth Crossing talked about the "tender mercies" of the Lord that we all receive especially as we serve our missions. She writes in her journal every evening three tender mercies that she received that day. A good way to count our blessings I think. Sister Roberts reminded us that we are all in the hands of the "Master Carver" and that he will always be there to help carve us to perfection and Elder Roberts talked of some of the wonderful things we learned from Joseph Smith's first vision. Sunday School and Relief Society continued with more great lessons to strengthen our testimonies.
After Potluck we held our district meeting and now it is time for Sunday afternoon relaxing.
Elder Lindsey and I did get our release date this week. We will head for home on Saturday, September 19th and will report our Mission in Sacrament meeting in our ward on Sunday, September 20th. Sacrament meeting is the first meeting in our block and starts at 1:00pm.
As always we send our love and prayers to each of you,
Elder and Sister Lindsey
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