More Mud than Snow

All the road closures from the blizzard

Who knew mud and snow would be such a popular theme for us. It seems to snow at least once a week, usually not much - last time 6 inches. There was a big blizzard on Wednesday except the snow went all around us. We literally, in Newcastle, got only a dusting. All around us was at least 12 inches or more. Add the winds, that make monster snow drifts and it gets interesting. At the Smith’s home, they had 5-6 foot snow drifts. Their cars were totally covered.

Most big roads were closed for the blizzard

That brings us to the mud. There seems to be more dirt than asphalt here; especially in our driveway. With warmer temperatures, comes melting snow, and mud - lots of mud. Everywhere. I finally started wearing my rain boots because they are much easier to clean off. Walt needs to get a pair. The mud is so thick in our driveway, that we asked Keith to bring some of his pallets over and make walkways around the car. It’s tricker to park, but really saves our shoes.

Our wooden walkway

Last Sunday, we brought the Bishop to the Smith’s (Renee has ALS) to give her a blessing. Walt was inspired to share two talks with her. “Healing the Sick” by Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/.../05/general-priesthood-session/healing-the-sick and the other is “Accepting the Lord’s Will and Timing” by David A. Bednar https://www.lds.org/.../accepting-the-lords-will-and-timing?lang=eng (both are apostles) - I put links to the talks. We spent some time discussing these. If it’s not the Lord’s will for someone to pass away, they will be healed. We just don’t know if the Lord needs to take Renee home soon or allow the miracle of her healing. The Bishop asked them if they want to be sealed in the temple. They said - Yes, and committed to do the things to make them worthy to go. Renee was promised in the blessing and by the Bishop that she would have enough time to have that opportunity. It was a very powerful and humbling experience.

One of the things they needed to do is attend church. For Renee this can be very difficult and we weren’t sure how it would go. With her ALS, she would only be required to attend once a month. The whole family made it today!! I was hopeful but not sure if it would happen. It was emotional to see their whole family there. The Elders are teaching the two older children (age 9 & 11). The first lesson was ok and helped us see where to start. This week went much better. We brought the children a Bible and a Book of Mormon. They were excited to get them. We told them that these scriptures were theirs and as they read things that were special or meant something to them, they could mark them. They liked that idea. We taught about the 10 commandments and about repentance (something the son said he wanted to learn more about). We also showed two short videos (Mormon messages) https://www.lds.org/youth/video/reclaimed?lang=eng

And https://www.lds.org/study/ensign/1988/11/i-will-follow-gods-plan... that talked about repentance and following God’s plan. Those were a hit. (The videos are short and good, so I put a link for anyone that wants to see them).

Life is changing quite a bit for that family and it is exciting to be part of it. At church, both children brought their scriptures. The son showed us how he has read 7 chapter in Genesis already. That’s pretty impressive. We teach the children on Tuesday evening and might encourage him to read from the New Testament first. I think it’s easier reading. Our lesson will be about Jesus Christ - His life, miracles, teachings and the Atonement. I have a memory game with pictures of different aspects of the Savior’s life to help them learn and be fun.

We were also able to visit the Willadsons. They are the couple who accepted our invitation to go the temple with us on March 22nd. We were a bit worried they would back out on us, so we asked to come visit them on Thursday. We first inquired about hotel reservations, they had not made them yet. Then Jim showed us his family temple cards that he had printed to take on Friday. We worked on whose work could be done and in what order. He will be having two of his brothers sealed to his parents, and he will be sealed to his parents as well. Twila will have work done for her grandmother. We will help them with the baptisms and sealing. It’s so exciting to help someone be able to take family names to the temple. We have had such wonderful experiences taking names of our ancestors to the temple - having them sealed as families. God’s plan is all centered on families.

The last thing that was a spiritual experience this week was yesterday. We gave a ride to PJ, (who was baptized on Feb 23rd), to get his Patriarchal Blessing. A Patriarchal blessing is a person blessing given from God through a Patriarch. Each stake has one. This blessing is only given once for a person and provides inspired direction from the Lord. Patriarchal blessings include a declaration of a person’s lineage in the house of Israel and contain personal counsel from the Lord. As a person studies his or her patriarchal blessing and follows the counsel it contains, it will provide guidance, comfort, and protection. It’s a pretty special experience. PJ’s car doesn’t run well, and the Elders are not allowed to give people a ride, so we were asked to drive him up to Gillette. It was a great experience. I learned a few new things about Patriarchal blessings that day. So many opportunities to learn and grow for us.

Our snow covered road to Rapid City. Pretty view

Walt standing in the sun roof to take
pictures

The adventurous parts of our week started with Monday. We went to Rapid City, SD (our first time there) after finishing lunch at the Senior Center. It was a nice day and time to have an adventure. It is supposed to take about 1 1/2 hours to get there. It took us over 2 hours because we missed a turn. We found a totally snow covered road that indicated with a sign that in 3 miles, the road was closed for the winter - no maintenance. We drove down it for a while and then found we were going the wrong way. It was a long journey but very beautiful. Walt wanted some good pictures, so he stood on the seat and stood in the sunroof opening. It was a great idea. The sky is so amazingly blue here. Notice that in the pictures we attach.

Walt's church cowboy boots

We get to Rapid City, and I ask Walt where we are going. He had a thrift shop already googled. How many people do you know that go to another city and the first place they visit is a thrift store? It was a really nice one, almost like a boutique. The place was immaculate and the prices pretty good. I found some cute tops and skirts, and a tie for Keith. He has been wanting one. Walt found the treasure - cowboy boots. Boots are so expensive, and he doesn’t need a brand new pair. He found a pair for helping the Bishop on his ranch, and a dressier pair for church. He got both pair for $54. That was amazing!!. We ended up stopping at a Goodwill, Walmart, and . . . Olive Garden!! Walt was in heaven. It’s his favorite restaurant. Of course, he had spaghetti and meatballs - it’s what he orders every time. Turned out to be quite a great day! We took the right route home and got home in only 1 1/2 hours. Fancy that!

Cows think they own the road

When we visit the Smith’s, we get to drive out a ways. They live with her parents on their ranch. We saw their cows close by on the way in, but on the way out - they were blocking the road. Some were just beside the road, others were laying right in the middle. They don’t move until you almost touch them with your car. Then they just look at you like they are annoyed and move very, very slowly.

Lastly, I want to share an experience from this morning. I like to listening to hymns and religious songs while I get ready in the morning (and cook). I was listening to a song about the Savior, how He comforts us, brings us peace and has taught us the best way to find happiness in this life. It was a touching song. I thought about the Smith children, and how they know so little about Jesus Christ. If they heard this song, they would have no reference for how much Jesus Christ can bless and touch our lives. What a blessing it is for me to have that relationship and knowledge of Him. I can’t imagine my life without it. It makes me grateful and feel privileged that Walt and I get the opportunity to teach others about Jesus Christ and all the blessings that come from following Him and having a personal relationship with Him. I think many times that I take that relationship for granted. It has improved greatly on my mission, as I have studied the Bible and the Book of Mormon, learning more about His life and mission on this earth. I have also become so much closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through prayer. We do a lot of praying on behalf of those people we have contact with, teach, and try to help. We also pray for our missionaries friends, and our families. We hope you feel our prayers for all of you. We love you all. Hopefully we all have a warmer week. We are supposed to!!!