Last Days in Dublin

Final Visits and Lessons 

We have had a busy schedule seeing our ward friends and giving our last invites for activity.  We love these people, and want so much for them to seize the gospel blessings which they could have. 

Our last new member lesson was Friday evening with the Howells.  They wanted to talk about the  Word of Wisdom and preparing for the Temple.  Surprisingly the topics worked together, as Darla didn't know why we had rules about such things as eating and drinking.  She actually became quite excited about the Lord's recommendations for good health and caring for our bodies, once she understood what it was all all about.  

They are a great couple.  Darla keeps all the cards and wrapping paper stocked for Walmart, the Dollar stores and pharmacies in the area.  Freddie has had many back surgeries, and is presently off work at the Air base in Warner Robins. He helps Darla as he can.  You can see here a little of the acreage they have to keep mowed.

Darla and Freddie Howell
This caught Darla just out of her pool.
We wanted you to see a small version of the meat cookers
the men are so proud of here in Georgia.
We didn't realize we were in the shadows.

Our elderly friend in the Dublinaire Nursing home showed her cute sense of humor when she heard of our transfer - Lollie Jean said with a little grin, "You know don't you, why they send people to Milledgeville?"  (Apparently it is the home of the State Mental Institution.) 

Lollie Jean Cooper
Dublin, GA

At the other nursing home - the Shamrock - our friend Hubert Ussery saw us coming across the parking lot.  Doug was hobbling because of hurting an ankle tendon, and he was missing a tooth.  It just fell out while brushing.  Hubert said, "Boy it's a good thing you are getting out of Dublin, you have aged overnight".  He then offered to wait in the chair and give Doug his wheelchair to go to see our 93 year old friend, Rose Campbell.

Doug has such an infectious big smile, that it is impossible to
hide the loss of his tooth.  The dentist here will fix him up with
a temporary insert.  We will have to go through the Stake Conference
weekend, and all our leave-taking "as is".

Rose is such a gracious woman - she is frail but amazingly aware of who everyone is, and what her treatment involves.  She loves to have Doug come and offer a blessing of peace and comfort before she goes to bed in the evening.  We try to drop in at that time a few times a week, as we are on our way home from our visits.  

Rose is not a member of the church - the mother-in-law of Bill Conner, who is.  Betsy, his wife is a long time investigator.  The other night, Doug quietly sang I am a child of God before the prayer, and she visibly relaxed.  Betsy noticed it too, and said maybe she should work that song into the Methodist funeral arrangements they are planning in advance.

We took our friend Carolyn with us Saturday afternoon for a couple of visits to people she had known well and worked with years ago.  It allowed us to spend time with her, and get her out of the house, as she is sometimes lonely living by herself with her encroaching alzheimers.  

Sister Castleton with Carolyn Parker - Dublin, GA

 One visit was to a friend of her youth - Deana, who was in YW with Carolyn 45 years ago, but has never come since we have been here.  She has a beautiful view as she lives on the country club golf course.  We wanted to give her a last hug and a copy of the Conference Ensign.  Her husband died a few years ago.  She has a sweet loving family, and we are encouraging her to bring her family, and prepare to go to the temple to have his Temple work done, so they can be sealed together.  


We also enjoyed the pleasant ride out in the country to find Geri, an 86 year old friend who grew up in Utah.  She lives on a farm complete with cattle, horses, goats, peacocks, vegetable gardens etc.  It is always a treat to visit her.  She seems much younger than her years, but has had a stroke, which has affected her mobility.  Her son lives next door, and takes good care of the property, and her, with the help of son number two, who comes down for extended stays from Atlanta.  We are hoping they will want to talk to the young Elders one of these days.

Potluck Dinner

Our ward wanted to send us off in style with their famous culinary spread - The Potluck!  We were honored at their efforts to do something special for us.  It was nice to be together and visit with all the active ward members.

Sister Ogburn (84), the little black lady that we visit, who is investigating the church, surprised us by driving herself up to church.  The Priesthood brethren had told her about it when they stopped to mow her lawn.  We were so pleased, because we had been trying all week to let her know ourselves.  She was bustling around the kitchen helping with the set-up like any seasoned member!

We will accompany her to get her cataracts removed on Wednesday.  She has no one else, and she is excessively worried about losing her eyesight.  That's why we are moving Thursday instead of sooner.

Following the cataract surgery!
Notice the Stylie shades! !

District Meeting Cochran

We will definitely miss our District!  We have met some fine Young Elders and Sisters!

Seated from left:  Sister Snyder, Sister Creasen, Sister McCrae
Middle:  Sister Castleton, Sister Diaz
Back:  Elder Yeaman, Elder Jensen, Elder Hoskin, Elder Atwood

Lots of changes:      - No new seniors to replace us.  We are the only Seniors now
                                           south of Atlanta
                 
                                - Elder Yeaman (our District leader) from Brighan City
                                            transferring after just six weeks in Dublin.
                                            He will open a new area, train a new Elder,
                                            and be District leader, in an area up by Atlanta.

Elder Yeaman;  Elder Atwood Dublin Ward

                             
                            - Elder Jensen (Alpine) transferring to the mission Home
                                            after six months in Perry

Elder Hoskin; Elder Jensen, Perry Ward

                                - Sister McCrae (AZ) transferring to Grey (Spanish Speaking)
                                - Sister Diaz (Brazil) to Utah to finish her original mission
                                   on Temple Square

Sister Diaz; Sister McCrae, Cochran Ward

                                - Two new Young Elders coming to join Sister Snyder( (CA)                                                         
                                   and Sister Creasen (West Jordan, UT) in the Cochran Ward.

Sister Creasen; Sister Snyder, Cochran Ward

I can't explain what a privilege it is to meet with these Young Missionaries.  Our meetings are filled with spirit and enthusiasm.  We can feel their strength, and power.  Our Elders came over tonight to do their last nightly check-in as a district with us present as well.  As we knelt in prayer, Sister McCrae being the voice over the airwaves of our conference call, we could feel the unity, love and support from each of the companionships.  What a great way to conclude this portion of our mission!