Computer Being Packed!
Planned to write one last post, but my Dear Companion is needing to stow the computer under the seat before he loads up. We will finish off after we arrive home in a couple of weeks, so you will know we have landed. Do you think I can survive without my computer for that long?
Love you all!
See or talk to you all soon!
Elder and Sister Castleton
Milledgeville, Georgia
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Monday, June 2, 2014
Travel Plans
June 9th - Last day in the GA Macon Mission!
It has been such a long time since we have seen all of you, and yet it has gone so fast.
We will start for home that day - Monday, with a short East Coast diversion to stay in Historic Savannah for a couple of days. We will cut north- west to Nauvoo, Illinois and then will follow the pioneer trail back to Utah. We thought we were allowing plenty of time, but we may be waving at the pioneer sites as we go by, towards the end. Here is a general itinerary.
June 9 - 11 Savannah, Georgia
Dublin- to say goodbye to our P-day friends and then on to Savannah, GA. We are staying in the Historic District. If we had planned earlier, we would be staying in one of the big, Historic homes on Forsythe Square, but we were able to find a cozy little carriage house near by. VRBO Savannah # 506152 We won't want to leave so soon!
June 12 Knoxville, Tennessee
June 13 St. Louis, Missouri
June 14 - 15 Nauvoo, Illinois
Staying at the Woodruff Hotel / Zion's Mercantile across from the Temple :)
We wish the pageant was on, but that doesn't start until July. There is so much to see and do here. Wish you were all coming with us. We will catch a temple session before leaving in the morning.
June 16 Omaha, Nebraska
June 17 North Platte, Nebraska
June 18 Casper Wyoming
June 19 Rock Springs, Wyoming
June 20 Vernal, Utah (to see our Dublin friend Carolyn on our way home)
June 21 Hyde Park - Home ! ! ! ! ! We actually think we will get there, Friday, but one never knows what will catch our interest and slow us down.
We hope we will have time to send one more post from here and then we will be on our way. See you all soon!
It has been such a long time since we have seen all of you, and yet it has gone so fast.
We will start for home that day - Monday, with a short East Coast diversion to stay in Historic Savannah for a couple of days. We will cut north- west to Nauvoo, Illinois and then will follow the pioneer trail back to Utah. We thought we were allowing plenty of time, but we may be waving at the pioneer sites as we go by, towards the end. Here is a general itinerary.
June 9 - 11 Savannah, Georgia
Dublin- to say goodbye to our P-day friends and then on to Savannah, GA. We are staying in the Historic District. If we had planned earlier, we would be staying in one of the big, Historic homes on Forsythe Square, but we were able to find a cozy little carriage house near by. VRBO Savannah # 506152 We won't want to leave so soon!
June 13 St. Louis, Missouri
June 14 - 15 Nauvoo, Illinois
Staying at the Woodruff Hotel / Zion's Mercantile across from the Temple :)
We wish the pageant was on, but that doesn't start until July. There is so much to see and do here. Wish you were all coming with us. We will catch a temple session before leaving in the morning.
June 16 Omaha, Nebraska
June 17 North Platte, Nebraska
June 18 Casper Wyoming
June 19 Rock Springs, Wyoming
June 20 Vernal, Utah (to see our Dublin friend Carolyn on our way home)
June 21 Hyde Park - Home ! ! ! ! ! We actually think we will get there, Friday, but one never knows what will catch our interest and slow us down.
We hope we will have time to send one more post from here and then we will be on our way. See you all soon!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Only Two Weeks Left!
Checking Referrals
We have had a delightful time finding people who have been referred on the internet. Usually the Young Elders handle these referrals, but their car has been in the shop for major repairs (transmission problems, and they don't have enough miles to see people out in the country. We like to track down the addresses. It can be tricky even with a GPS as people move, and phone numbers are often not working. Some are not interested and wonder who on earth could have referred them, but some are sincerely seeking for information. We will not have a chance to teach many of them at this stage, but it is exciting to see their response to the Spirit at they discover the truths of the Gospel.
One lady we found, and are teaching, out in Sandersville, is so receptive to the things we are teaching her. She says it just makes sense, and answers her questions about where we were before being born here. She has had many medical miracles of late, and wants to know what will happen to her should she not survive the next time. She still has a son in Junior High. She loved hearing about the Book of Mormon as another witness of Christ. She said she had always wondered why Jesus did not seem to care as much about the people here. We will take the young Elders with us this next week, as they will have to finish her lessons after we go. Hopefully she will get in to Milledgeville for meetings. It is a long way for people to travel, but we know they need to come so they can stay strong and learn and grow in their Gospel knowledge. We recommend that they come at least three times before they can be baptized.
We spent the day in Putnam County today. We have a 10 year old we are teaching to prepare for baptism. His Mom is a member, but they have not been coming since before he was born. He has a 6 year old sister, so we have been associating with a few children of late. We had 11 new referrals in the Eatonton area to check out today. We got to 9 of them and were able to meet a lovely Hispanic family, where the 7 year old son had to interpret, and the parents of another young woman who was at work as an added bonus.
Mother's Day
We were invited to have dinner with the Sherwoods, following our meeting block. We usually have guests here instead, so this is the first time we have accepted a dinner invitation here in Milledgeville. They have five children 12 and under with another on the way for September. Mom, Jill teaches Young Women, and Dad Rob, teaches at Georgia Military College. He is also the Stake Young Men's President, so is often in other wards on Sunday. I have thought of you Rebekah, with Ryan in the Tab Choir, and now Janay with Jon in Africa some weekends. We have a wonderful single sister Kay, in our ward who always sits with Jill to help out. She is like a wonderful Aunt to the children. Kay is YW President, and is the Registrar for Georgia State College. Mostly she is all angel to be wherever she is needed.
That reminded me that I have never posted pictures of this historic college. We will take some photos tomorrow. This is a lovely little college town.
We forget that sometimes, as we spend a good deal of effort avoiding all the traffic and student exuberance.
We should also show you the Georgia Military College if we can capture it.
The buildings used by GMC used to be the State Government Buildings. In fact the decision for the South to secede from the Union, starting the Civil War, was made and signed right here in Milledgeville GA.
Morning Walks
This is where I walk each morning. Isn't it beautiful? There is this small woods surrounding the church building. It makes everything seem so isolated. It's nice to hear the birds and feel the breeze, and get a little exercise. Sometimes I sit on this curb when I finish and study a little before we go back home to start the day.
This is how Elder Castleton gets his morning exercise! He has been working on a prayer project researching all the times Jesus had prayed. He has really enjoyed this time waiting for me to finish my 10 laps. See - he hasn't even taken off his seatbelt he has been so engrossed.
We have had a delightful time finding people who have been referred on the internet. Usually the Young Elders handle these referrals, but their car has been in the shop for major repairs (transmission problems, and they don't have enough miles to see people out in the country. We like to track down the addresses. It can be tricky even with a GPS as people move, and phone numbers are often not working. Some are not interested and wonder who on earth could have referred them, but some are sincerely seeking for information. We will not have a chance to teach many of them at this stage, but it is exciting to see their response to the Spirit at they discover the truths of the Gospel.
One lady we found, and are teaching, out in Sandersville, is so receptive to the things we are teaching her. She says it just makes sense, and answers her questions about where we were before being born here. She has had many medical miracles of late, and wants to know what will happen to her should she not survive the next time. She still has a son in Junior High. She loved hearing about the Book of Mormon as another witness of Christ. She said she had always wondered why Jesus did not seem to care as much about the people here. We will take the young Elders with us this next week, as they will have to finish her lessons after we go. Hopefully she will get in to Milledgeville for meetings. It is a long way for people to travel, but we know they need to come so they can stay strong and learn and grow in their Gospel knowledge. We recommend that they come at least three times before they can be baptized.
We spent the day in Putnam County today. We have a 10 year old we are teaching to prepare for baptism. His Mom is a member, but they have not been coming since before he was born. He has a 6 year old sister, so we have been associating with a few children of late. We had 11 new referrals in the Eatonton area to check out today. We got to 9 of them and were able to meet a lovely Hispanic family, where the 7 year old son had to interpret, and the parents of another young woman who was at work as an added bonus.
Mother's Day
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| Aren't these flowers beautiful? I love tulips! They lasted a long time too; they were so fresh and they had lots of unopened blooms. |
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| And roses too! Thanks for all the good wishes! |
We were invited to have dinner with the Sherwoods, following our meeting block. We usually have guests here instead, so this is the first time we have accepted a dinner invitation here in Milledgeville. They have five children 12 and under with another on the way for September. Mom, Jill teaches Young Women, and Dad Rob, teaches at Georgia Military College. He is also the Stake Young Men's President, so is often in other wards on Sunday. I have thought of you Rebekah, with Ryan in the Tab Choir, and now Janay with Jon in Africa some weekends. We have a wonderful single sister Kay, in our ward who always sits with Jill to help out. She is like a wonderful Aunt to the children. Kay is YW President, and is the Registrar for Georgia State College. Mostly she is all angel to be wherever she is needed.
That reminded me that I have never posted pictures of this historic college. We will take some photos tomorrow. This is a lovely little college town.
We should also show you the Georgia Military College if we can capture it.
The buildings used by GMC used to be the State Government Buildings. In fact the decision for the South to secede from the Union, starting the Civil War, was made and signed right here in Milledgeville GA.
Morning Walks
This is where I walk each morning. Isn't it beautiful? There is this small woods surrounding the church building. It makes everything seem so isolated. It's nice to hear the birds and feel the breeze, and get a little exercise. Sometimes I sit on this curb when I finish and study a little before we go back home to start the day.
This is how Elder Castleton gets his morning exercise! He has been working on a prayer project researching all the times Jesus had prayed. He has really enjoyed this time waiting for me to finish my 10 laps. See - he hasn't even taken off his seatbelt he has been so engrossed.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Ending April
I'm not sure why we have suddenly broken our good record of weekly posts. We have had plenty to write about, which will not now be documented. Not to worry though - you did not miss out on this:
We had earlier finished a huge Easter dinner, and most of us could barely walk we were so full. When I went to join Doug for scripture study before bed, he was all ready with his evening treat. It was huge. He said it was to celebrate him losing 10 pounds while he has been sick.
Missionary Efforts
Suddenly everything seems to be busier. The weeks are slipping by. We are finding it harder to fit everything in. Does that happen to everyone in their last few weeks? We have received many referrals for our area. Usually the young missionaries handle them, but they have been low on mileage this month, so have given us those that are in the outlying towns. We usually go to less active members, so it has been quite an adventure for us to meet people that know little or nothing about the church. Most have requested bibles, or more information. Out of the three we saw Friday in Sandersville, 40 miles SE, all wanted us to come back and continue the conversation. We are excited to share with them the things that we know make for happiness and peace. We worry though that they have to come so far to attend our meetings. We wish they could have a group in their area again.
We have five to see in Sparta 45 min east of here, Several in Eatonton 45 miles north, and four in Gordon/Ivy - small towns 30 miles west.
We are also doing apartment checks with the young Elders and Sisters this week. We have two more to do. It is fun to feel their testimonies and their enthusiasm for the work in their areas. About an hour NW of us, in Forsyth, they have started a new branch. It has been a lot of work to pull everything together. So far they have had three Sunday Block meetings, and this week they had 40 in attendance. One young Sister has stayed in the area for seven months to provide continuity, and one Young Assistant to the President extended his mission for a transfer to help provide leadership and teach all the new contacts. Each had companions just new from the Mission Home, so they were also training. They have given amazing strength, and the new missionaries feel it has been such a blessing to have started their missions in such a demanding situation.
What a joy it is to see such enthusiasm and dedication!
We had earlier finished a huge Easter dinner, and most of us could barely walk we were so full. When I went to join Doug for scripture study before bed, he was all ready with his evening treat. It was huge. He said it was to celebrate him losing 10 pounds while he has been sick.
Just so you know we celebrated Easter, and had a few guests
for an after-meeting dinner celebration.
We cooked Robin's turkey.
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| The Durtches, Bob and Lynette and our friend Robin |
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| Robin wanted us to have this tray in her memory - you know birds for Robin and flowers because she loves to garden. |
Suddenly everything seems to be busier. The weeks are slipping by. We are finding it harder to fit everything in. Does that happen to everyone in their last few weeks? We have received many referrals for our area. Usually the young missionaries handle them, but they have been low on mileage this month, so have given us those that are in the outlying towns. We usually go to less active members, so it has been quite an adventure for us to meet people that know little or nothing about the church. Most have requested bibles, or more information. Out of the three we saw Friday in Sandersville, 40 miles SE, all wanted us to come back and continue the conversation. We are excited to share with them the things that we know make for happiness and peace. We worry though that they have to come so far to attend our meetings. We wish they could have a group in their area again.
We have five to see in Sparta 45 min east of here, Several in Eatonton 45 miles north, and four in Gordon/Ivy - small towns 30 miles west.
We are also doing apartment checks with the young Elders and Sisters this week. We have two more to do. It is fun to feel their testimonies and their enthusiasm for the work in their areas. About an hour NW of us, in Forsyth, they have started a new branch. It has been a lot of work to pull everything together. So far they have had three Sunday Block meetings, and this week they had 40 in attendance. One young Sister has stayed in the area for seven months to provide continuity, and one Young Assistant to the President extended his mission for a transfer to help provide leadership and teach all the new contacts. Each had companions just new from the Mission Home, so they were also training. They have given amazing strength, and the new missionaries feel it has been such a blessing to have started their missions in such a demanding situation.
What a joy it is to see such enthusiasm and dedication!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
First World Wide Women's Meeting
For those who don't know, this was the first time that Primary girls 8 and older, YW, and Relief Society Women have ever come together for the same directions and words of inspiration. I have always loved the Women's meeting - for the feeling of sisterhood it brings knowing that women all over the world are gathered, hearing the same message and loving and caring about each other. It is good to be reminded that we are all unique, beloved daughters of our Heavenly Father, and as such we need to help each other find and walk on the covenant path back to his presence. I have also been grateful to think that many of the women in our own family are in attendance somewhere, feeling that spirit that brings a special bond of unity. I loved it that some of you texted just as you were leaving the meeting, to let us know that you felt it too.
This time, I did not have anyone to take with me - or rather the ones that were planning to come with me backed out in the last half hour, so it was too late to invite someone else. I had mentioned in passing, to the YW, that I usually came with at least one of my daughters. As the broadcast progressed, I felt this tiny 12 year old hand periodically coming from the row behind, to give me a little shoulder hug. "I can be your daughter tonight", she whispered. It was very sweet, especially with the message of the evening that no matter what our circumstances, where we live, our age, our needs, we can reach out and help and lift one another. Even if there is no family near by, no matter where we visit or live, we will always have sisters we can depend on. What a comforting feeling!
Transfers!!
Everyone sets their cameras, except for us because we don't know how. We have to rely on the good old I Phone, which means one of us is always missing from the group photos. Our District will stay the same for the next 6 weeks, except for Elder Cawley leaving - 2nd from the right. The new missionary coming, Elder Kelly will be the new District Leader. Maybe I'll wait for him to arrive before we post.
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| From left: Elder Loper, Elder Wilkins, Elder Cawley, Elder Heiner Elder Castleton |
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| From left Sister Hathaway, Sister Bradford, Sister Castleton, Elder Wilkins Elder Loper (in back), Elder Cawley, Elder Heiner. |
Dublin Doings
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| This is the beautiful Dogwood tree in Corine's yard, just across the street from the Dublin Chapel. |
Sister Porter is being transferred from Dublin, so we had our last P-day dinner with these Sister missionaries and Mildred. We thought maybe we should go somewhere special, but Mildred said that this was no time to break tradition so . . . guess where we went!
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| From left: Sister Castleton, Sister Porter, Sister Snyder, Mildred (who is lots of fun, but never smiles for the pictures. |
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| Usually there are just the three of us. It has given us the opportunity to talk about life and the Gospel in a more casual setting. |
Missionary Moments
Also, before we left for Dublin, we were having our windshield replaced, right outside our door. Doug got talking to the installer about the church and the restoration. The man who installed it was part Native American, and was really interested in the Book of Mormon - that Christ had visited here as well as in the Holy Land. He wanted a Book of Mormon, and gave us his address and phone number so missionaries could visit him and his Father. Doug apologized for extending the time on his installation. The man said that it was Ok; he felt that he had been sent to do our installation for a special reason. He lives in a neighboring mission. We hope they will be good about following up and teaching him.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Milledgeville Ward Conference
Unexpected Happenings
This week we have been busy visiting many of our people who have not come lately, as we thought they might not know it was Ward Conference. Our chapel was full for the meetings today. One lady, the Grandmother of the young woman who was baptized last Saturday, invited her Womens Auxiliary group from the American Legion. There were twelve of them in their navy uniforms. One funny thing about it was that I wore all navy today too. All I needed was a red, white and blue scarf instead of my yellow one, and a hat with VA insignia, and I could have been taken as one of them.
Our meetings were especially inspiring with our Stake Presidency and Stake Relief Society Presidency speaking and teaching in the auxiliaries. The guests were used to participating vocally as they do in many of the Southern denominations. The women seemed to feel comfortable participating, so our meetings besides being motivating, were really interesting and a bit more vibrant. Most stayed for the potluck dinner after. We are always amazed at the volumes of food that magically appear without making specific assignments, as we do out west.
By the way - here is Doug collecting all the spilled garbage from the dinner as we came over for our walk this morning. The can had been set up for pick-up today, but must have been upset overnight. Doug is rescuing it - good Samaritan, or avoiding the walk - what do you think? This was to be his first day back walking!
Georgia War Veteran's Home
After our meetings, we went to the Veteran's home to check in with Bill and take him his Scriptures. He had been asking us if we would bring him his "papers" and for a few days we couldn't figure out what he wanted, as he has no papers. He would get discouraged and say "never mind" as he could not think of the right word. Finally we guessed right. Doug had given him his own set of scriptures in a special carrying case. We thought he might have trouble managing their thin pages with his lack of dexterity from the stroke, so we had taken up a missionary copy for him to use for awhile. We should have realized how important they were to him, knowing that all his possessions fit into one small box. He was so pleased to have his "books to study" sitting on his shelf. His lesson books for Gospel Principles and the Life of Joseph Fielding Smith were also in his case.
We also met a new member who lives on his floor. Loran introduced himself and said he belonged to our church. He then took us to his room and showed us his Baptism and Priesthood ordination certificates proudly framed and displayed on the wall of his room. He said he had tried to talk to Bill to tell him that he was one of his "Brothers" and would help him in any way he could. The touching thing about that is that Loran is blind and has had both his legs amputated. He is very independent, and somehow gets himself around the building. He takes his meals in the dining room which is downstairs two floors.
He told us that he has two brothers who are Baptist Ministers, so he experienced a lot of opposition when he decided to join the church. He is bright and articulate. He used to work on Newt Gingrich' (Speaker of the House) staff. He joked about being one of the only black republicans at the time.
Our ward lost track of him when he left the area for his first amputation. They didn't know he was back living in the home. He is such an intelligent, courageous man. We feel it will be a privilege to get to know him better and to help him become reconnected to the Ward.
Adventures
Each day brings interesting discoveries. Last week we found a family who lives on a private road that is not on the GPS or the Google Maps. Doug got the idea to go to a Real Estate Company in Sandersville, thinking that it was a new subdivision or something. They got interested in helping us find the address, and had three people checking their sources. We finally found the property listed on a County Tax Assessor's Map.
The people who live there own 41 acres which includes a beautiful lake. Wish we had thought to take pictures. They are the only home owners on the lake. It is a beautiful, secluded spot, yet so close to the city. They have two sons who were baptized many years ago, when the boys were staying with their grandparents. The mom has since remarried, and neither of the parents are church members. There are some tricky situations. One son is at college; the other lives at home now, but the parents attend another church. At least we know what happened, and can report back to the ward - they are more than just a name on the list.
This week we have been busy visiting many of our people who have not come lately, as we thought they might not know it was Ward Conference. Our chapel was full for the meetings today. One lady, the Grandmother of the young woman who was baptized last Saturday, invited her Womens Auxiliary group from the American Legion. There were twelve of them in their navy uniforms. One funny thing about it was that I wore all navy today too. All I needed was a red, white and blue scarf instead of my yellow one, and a hat with VA insignia, and I could have been taken as one of them.
Our meetings were especially inspiring with our Stake Presidency and Stake Relief Society Presidency speaking and teaching in the auxiliaries. The guests were used to participating vocally as they do in many of the Southern denominations. The women seemed to feel comfortable participating, so our meetings besides being motivating, were really interesting and a bit more vibrant. Most stayed for the potluck dinner after. We are always amazed at the volumes of food that magically appear without making specific assignments, as we do out west.
By the way - here is Doug collecting all the spilled garbage from the dinner as we came over for our walk this morning. The can had been set up for pick-up today, but must have been upset overnight. Doug is rescuing it - good Samaritan, or avoiding the walk - what do you think? This was to be his first day back walking!
Georgia War Veteran's Home
After our meetings, we went to the Veteran's home to check in with Bill and take him his Scriptures. He had been asking us if we would bring him his "papers" and for a few days we couldn't figure out what he wanted, as he has no papers. He would get discouraged and say "never mind" as he could not think of the right word. Finally we guessed right. Doug had given him his own set of scriptures in a special carrying case. We thought he might have trouble managing their thin pages with his lack of dexterity from the stroke, so we had taken up a missionary copy for him to use for awhile. We should have realized how important they were to him, knowing that all his possessions fit into one small box. He was so pleased to have his "books to study" sitting on his shelf. His lesson books for Gospel Principles and the Life of Joseph Fielding Smith were also in his case.
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| This is the Russell Building where Bill and Loran live on the 3rd floor. |
He told us that he has two brothers who are Baptist Ministers, so he experienced a lot of opposition when he decided to join the church. He is bright and articulate. He used to work on Newt Gingrich' (Speaker of the House) staff. He joked about being one of the only black republicans at the time.
Our ward lost track of him when he left the area for his first amputation. They didn't know he was back living in the home. He is such an intelligent, courageous man. We feel it will be a privilege to get to know him better and to help him become reconnected to the Ward.
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| One of the secluded areas throughout the grounds that is wheelchair accessible. |
Adventures
Each day brings interesting discoveries. Last week we found a family who lives on a private road that is not on the GPS or the Google Maps. Doug got the idea to go to a Real Estate Company in Sandersville, thinking that it was a new subdivision or something. They got interested in helping us find the address, and had three people checking their sources. We finally found the property listed on a County Tax Assessor's Map.
The people who live there own 41 acres which includes a beautiful lake. Wish we had thought to take pictures. They are the only home owners on the lake. It is a beautiful, secluded spot, yet so close to the city. They have two sons who were baptized many years ago, when the boys were staying with their grandparents. The mom has since remarried, and neither of the parents are church members. There are some tricky situations. One son is at college; the other lives at home now, but the parents attend another church. At least we know what happened, and can report back to the ward - they are more than just a name on the list.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
March in the Mission Field
Shanteria's Baptism
I guess the baptism Saturday is some of our happiest news. Shanteria is a lovely 9th grader whose grandmother is a member of our ward. She has been involved with Early Morning Seminary and Young Womens all year. She is very bright and has been a dedicated student.
Doesn't she look happy? We really had nothing to do with the baptism, but we are all part of the team so we claim all the happy moments. Again as with our last baptism, the YW and their leaders were the real teachers. Shanteria has such a wonderful family. We hope they also will recognize the blessings and growth that have come to Shanteria and will want the same in their own lives.
The Elders who taught her, are the ones in the top picture. We are nearly to transfers, so may lose one of them. It is strange to see them go in and out of an area so quickly.
Macon Zone Meetings
This shows our zone at last transfer. There were some large changes. I think I already mentioned splitting the zones in another post.
One of our Young Elders lost his Mom to cancer, but decided to stay out in the field, as she would have wanted. I'm sure he has had some difficult times, but he is out here faithfully serving.
We have interviews this Friday, and are trying to work in our Apartment Inspections in the next two weeks before transfers. We have seven apartments. It is interesting and a nice change of pace to spend a few minutes with each companionship in a more casual setting. We find out a little more of what is happening in their areas. That is eight Elders and six Sisters that we get to know a little better than we otherwise would.
"Bill" - Update
We are still trying to figure out how to get his bills paid. We are hoping his communication will improve, so he can go with us to the bank to get bank drafts or something to go directly for his utilities, etc. They know him there, so they may take his scribbled signature, if they don't think we are trying to bilk him out of his money.
The only personal things he had when we cleaned out his house, were these two old rather tattered pictures of his parents. He was adopted as a young child in Germany. We put them in this frame to preserve them and hung them up in his room at the Veteran's home. We also put up the only pictures we had of him, so his spot would seem a little more homey. He seems grateful.
St Patrick Day's Dinner
Our friend Robin is always bringing us new foods to try, and often suggests we have dinner with some of the other investigators. We are trying to get her connected with other ward members as we don't want to take time to be as good a friend as she needs. One day she brought us a roasted chicken from Sam's Club and some freshly grated parmesan to broil on fresh tomatoes. Another time she brought chocolate silk pie.
This week she came by with a big corned beef roast. We had never cooked one, but Doug dutifully looked up a recipe on the internet, and we had a great corned beef and cabbage dinner to celebrate the 17th of March.
One of our guests - Bonnie who teaches voice at the local college, could not come at last minute, but our High Council visitor that day was a friend from the Dublin ward, and he came over for dinner. It was pouring rain, and he had a meeting in Macon that evening, so was glad to stay for a bit with us while the rain slowed down. We had a wonderful Gospel discussion that lasted through the entire meal and longer. It is often when you least expect it, that there are opportunities to talk about things that really matter.
The Van
Our faithful old grey van that has gone nearly 200,000 miles, did not quite last out the mission. We were just coming home from the Church where we walk one morning last week, and turning into the driveway when the motor began to bump and bang, and we knew it had thrown a rod. We decided in the interest of time, money, and loyalty - Doug's to his beloved van- to have it fixed (new motor). We didn't want to rush getting a new car.
Luckily someone in our ward runs a used car place. His mechanic found a good used motor and installed it within the week. We had a rental sedan for a few days and were both glad to get back in our "luxury" van. We felt like royalty, once more, in our high regal seats, looking down at all the poor folk who drive fancy sedans and sports cars. Sedans are not very useful on our country roads out here in Georgia.
I guess the baptism Saturday is some of our happiest news. Shanteria is a lovely 9th grader whose grandmother is a member of our ward. She has been involved with Early Morning Seminary and Young Womens all year. She is very bright and has been a dedicated student.
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| From Left: Elder Cawley (California), Shanteria - 9th Grade, Elder Loper (Idaho) |
Doesn't she look happy? We really had nothing to do with the baptism, but we are all part of the team so we claim all the happy moments. Again as with our last baptism, the YW and their leaders were the real teachers. Shanteria has such a wonderful family. We hope they also will recognize the blessings and growth that have come to Shanteria and will want the same in their own lives.
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| Shanteria's family. Her Grandma in our ward is the lady in blue on the left. She usually wears fluffy, glitzy things and spikey hair. She teaches Relief Society. I hardly recognized her. Would you believe she is nearly 67? The children are Shanteria's siblings. Her Mom and Dad are behind her on the left. Her other grandparents behind on the right. |
The Elders who taught her, are the ones in the top picture. We are nearly to transfers, so may lose one of them. It is strange to see them go in and out of an area so quickly.
Macon Zone Meetings
This shows our zone at last transfer. There were some large changes. I think I already mentioned splitting the zones in another post.
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| Sisters on the left are special friends. S Bradford, S Hathaway, from Gray and S Snider, S Porter from Dublin |
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| The other half |
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| One last picture so you can see Elder Williams (centre). He is brand new in every sense. He has been a member about three years and is new from the Missionary Training Center. He is full of enthusiasm and ambition. We think he is a great addition to our zone. |
We have interviews this Friday, and are trying to work in our Apartment Inspections in the next two weeks before transfers. We have seven apartments. It is interesting and a nice change of pace to spend a few minutes with each companionship in a more casual setting. We find out a little more of what is happening in their areas. That is eight Elders and six Sisters that we get to know a little better than we otherwise would.
"Bill" - Update
We are still trying to figure out how to get his bills paid. We are hoping his communication will improve, so he can go with us to the bank to get bank drafts or something to go directly for his utilities, etc. They know him there, so they may take his scribbled signature, if they don't think we are trying to bilk him out of his money.
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| Bill in his new place in the Georgia War Veteran's Home |
The only personal things he had when we cleaned out his house, were these two old rather tattered pictures of his parents. He was adopted as a young child in Germany. We put them in this frame to preserve them and hung them up in his room at the Veteran's home. We also put up the only pictures we had of him, so his spot would seem a little more homey. He seems grateful.
St Patrick Day's Dinner
Our friend Robin is always bringing us new foods to try, and often suggests we have dinner with some of the other investigators. We are trying to get her connected with other ward members as we don't want to take time to be as good a friend as she needs. One day she brought us a roasted chicken from Sam's Club and some freshly grated parmesan to broil on fresh tomatoes. Another time she brought chocolate silk pie.
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| Robin |
One of our guests - Bonnie who teaches voice at the local college, could not come at last minute, but our High Council visitor that day was a friend from the Dublin ward, and he came over for dinner. It was pouring rain, and he had a meeting in Macon that evening, so was glad to stay for a bit with us while the rain slowed down. We had a wonderful Gospel discussion that lasted through the entire meal and longer. It is often when you least expect it, that there are opportunities to talk about things that really matter.
The Van
Our faithful old grey van that has gone nearly 200,000 miles, did not quite last out the mission. We were just coming home from the Church where we walk one morning last week, and turning into the driveway when the motor began to bump and bang, and we knew it had thrown a rod. We decided in the interest of time, money, and loyalty - Doug's to his beloved van- to have it fixed (new motor). We didn't want to rush getting a new car.
Luckily someone in our ward runs a used car place. His mechanic found a good used motor and installed it within the week. We had a rental sedan for a few days and were both glad to get back in our "luxury" van. We felt like royalty, once more, in our high regal seats, looking down at all the poor folk who drive fancy sedans and sports cars. Sedans are not very useful on our country roads out here in Georgia.
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