Eventful February

February has been a very eventful month. Doug and I have gotten into a routine of sorts, and life has sort of been ho hum in a way--but things change fast!  Before  I get started into February I need to show pictures of January 31st--what a special day that was to participate in Sophie and Lindy's baptism/blessing.  One of the great things about being grandparents.  It was good to have been there, and also good that so many of our children and grandkids could be there.  These are important ordinances--and the Spirit was felt. 

 

Wednesday, February 4 will live in our memory as a very disconcerting day. Early that morning we received a call from our neighbor Gill Orme, who is serving a mission as a teamster in Nauvoo Illinois.  Under directions from their mission president, they were asked to call anyone they knew who could serve as teamsters.  They were short handed.  We didn't quite know how to take that telephone call and it left us dazed and wondering, and a thousand other emotions.  We tried to go about our day with a planned horse ride to the west desert where we didn't say much to each other--just thinking and pondering and wondering,  "were we suppose to do something about this?"???  It left us quite shook up and wouldn't really let us alone.  Finally Thursday Doug arranged to visit with a member of the Stake Pres and our Bishop came over later that night.  We had to run this pass them and see if we should even consider a mission.  They pretty much all said the same--go for it if you can and gave their blessing.  Had a remarkable experience with Bishop Pugh that night--and he left us with a prayer that we would know by the next day what we should do.  We had another sleepless night, and no--we didn't know by the next morning, but as the morning went on, and we involved ourselves with other tasks, various thoughts came to give us a sense of peace--that it would be ok--and why not serve?  We started our application that day.  And for 2 weeks we have had shots, seen medical doctors, signed forms, etc, etc--all in preparation to get out of here as soon as possible.

                                            our picture attached to our mission application

Well,  yesterday, the 20th we submitted our application (the first part that goes to the Bishop) and 15 minutes later Bro Harwood from the Nauvoo Mission called to say there has been a change of plans.  Salt Lake had called to tell them all the teamster slots were filled--there would be no need for us to be teamsters after all.                         long pause                           WHAT?  What are we suppose to do with that?  Why?   Well, after we sat stunned for awhile and got over the shock, we re-assessed the situation.  Nothing had really changed.  We were not going to back up and put the mission on hold for a year or so--I could not take the emotional roller coaster.  We have to go now.  Then the depression settled in--just trying to get our minds around what it will mean now??  Where will we go, etc?.  Today we headed to the temple--our one main source of strength and help.  It didn't let us down.  We came away with answers for our individual dilemnas (we each had our own perspectives on the present situation)--and we are rejuvenated to think positively about whatever the outcome will be now.  Yes, we can still be called to Nauvoo, but who knows where else?  And with the Lord's help we won't panic too much between now and when we find out for sure.  I have felt that the Lord won't leave me to handle this on my own--and with that assurance,      I relax.  I am so grateful for the Atonement--I know this is where the assurance and peace comes from.  Christ is our only hope. 

Glad we took our trip last week to St George.  Need to include some of those pictures--happy memories.  We camped in Snow Canyon--recommend site #22--secluded nice site, close to the bathrooms and showers.  Doug realized that camping in February (even in So Utah) can be cold at night, so we are now the owners of a Big Buddy tent heater.  Saved our hides and made it very comfortable in the evenings and mornings in our tent.  Thanks for the Melton's cots and the Hoffman's tent and the purple pads--we slept great.  We really enjoyed the horse ride in the canyon.  3 hrs in the saddle was enjoyable and easy on the knees.  Of course the scenery is fantastic.  Love that if you forgot something, you take a quick trip into town to pick it up  (like propane fuel for the heater).  We also tried to get a golf game in--but would you believe we couldn't find any open tee times.  We settled for hitting a bucket of balls and putting on the putting green. 

                       Campsite in Snow Canyon--The stars were amazing at night--could see so many.

 

Our horse ride with Snow Canyon Trail Rides 

Went down memory lane and stopped by the house Doug lived in as a student at Dixie College in 1966 (roomed with the Nelson family here in their home).  It is just around the corner from the college.

 

One more thing was squeezed in, in this crowded month--Rootstech Conference Feb 12,13.  I met my cousin Janette and her friend Sherry there on Friday.  Had a lot of fun laughing and connecting with my best friend growing up.  Came away with many wonderful ideas of how to do more with family history and why we should do more.

Here's hoping March will be a little less stressful--but I don't think so.