Last Transfer of 2013

Losing half our District

We had a mission-wide phone call last night where everyone who is being transferred was put on alert.  They don't know where they are going - they just report to the Stake Center nearest the mission home, with their belongings, where they will call out the names, and assign them to the companion and new area where they have been called.  It is an amazing process especially with all the technology in use now.  We couldn't help but think how much time was saved by doing this all in one short phone call, instead of individual ones as they have always done before.

Back from Left:  Elder Lynch, AZ;  Elder Evans, Hawaii;
Elder Castleton, Hyde Park, UT;Elder Munford, UT;  Elder Dutsun, UT
Front from left:  Sister Mortenson, UT, Sister Castleton, UT;  Sister Weycott, ID

Some changes were not surprises as the young sisters and Elders have been in this area as long as we have.  Sister Mortenson and Elder Munford are moving from Gray as we suspected, but what we did not expect, is that both our Milledgeville Elders are going.  We are all a little sad, as there seems to be new activity recently and there are two people with baptism dates in Mid December. (See account below)

 Ward Mission Committee

Last Sunday in Milledgeville
Elder Lynch,  Sister Thelma Moore,  Elder Dutson

This is rather fuzzy - but it was the best of five that a willing bystander took.  It made me feel better that I am not the only one that takes jiggly photos.  This is part of our Ward Missionary Committee.  We are missing Brother Huff, who is 78, a returned Senior Missionary from California, and Brother Weaks, a dynamic student- returning to college at 37.  Brother Deraney next to Elder Castleton, has been the Bishop and in Bishoprics over many years commuting from Eatonton 40 min.  He was released from the High Council to be the Ward Mission Leader just as we came to Milledgeville. 

 Sister Moore is a wonderful help in friend-shipping new members.  She is seventy, though we would not dare suggest that, anywhere near her. This is the first time I have seen her in a hat like this.  She usually looks very 'hip' in hairstyle and dress - sometimes wearing leather jackets. She volunteers in a local preschool, She has pulled herself up from less affluent surroundings, and serves on citizen's boards in the community.  When I first met her I thought she was a professor at GA College.  She loved that!  We still don't know her full story, but are grateful for her efforts

When can we be Baptized?

I told one of you about seeing three new women who I had never met, at church last week.  Doug was home sick and sleeping, so I was alone.  I talked to them a little, thinking they were contacts of our Young Missionaries, and then took them with me to the Gospel Principles class.  At the end of class, Sister Moore (in photo above) almost pushed me into the hall to talk to them.  I thought she wanted to introduce them, not knowing we had already met.  Instead, I soon realized that they were asking what they had to do to get baptized.  One of their daughters was a member in another city so they knew somewhat about the Gospel, but it was such a surprise to have someone ask us without having to work so hard to find them.  Because Doug was ill and I didn't want to put this off, I was able to take their information and give it to our Young Elders.  They in turn followed up last week, and scheduled the teaching lessons to prepare them for Baptism December 14th.

Health Update

Doug is feeling much better.  We were able to help with Ward Thanksgiving Box deliveries last week, which worked well, since we know where most of these members live out in the country, and it was a way we could help our ward leaders, in this busy week before the holiday.  It was also about as much as he could manage, before coming home for a nap.  The Dr told us Friday, that it would take a little time to get fully operational.  They will do another x-ray to be sure the lungs are clear just before Christmas.

Out of Commission

Elder Castleton Sick!

He has run a high fever, and has been shaky and weak.  It is always surprising to me to see how quickly these bouts come on.  One day he is fine, and the next night, he is spiking a fever, and needing medicine and rest.  This time, we got in to a clinic, and were sent to the local hospital for x-rays.  They showed he had pneumonia in both lungs, so . . . he has been given mega medicine and was told to behave himself and head to emergency if things didn't seem right this weekend.  I think he seems much better, but am encouraging him to stay in, as the Doctor said he should not be out visiting in this cold weather (73 degrees) Ha!, especially where anyone was sick.  I have kept a few appointments myself with some of the widow ladies we visit, but we have needed to cancel some "hard to get" meetings, so we have been sad about that.

So - what do I write on the post - when we have not left our apartment for what seems like days . . . oh wait - it has been days!

I can always find things to do as long as there is a book and something I need/ want to study, so I have been busy and happy.

I have had time to clean the apartment really well.  I always feel a need to do that before we go into the Young Sisters and Elders' places.  I can't ask them to clean up the mold in their tubs, and shower curtains unless I have already seen to it here.  I haven't dared to make any teaching appointments until we see how Doug feels, but I figure he can go for a car ride with me, and I can do the apartment checks the first part of the week.

We have made cookies to take to the young Elders and sisters and other places we visit with children.  Doug gets them started when he can't stand to be down any longer, and I usually finish them when he needs a nap.  Today he made Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip.  They are really yummy - unfortunately for me.  I eat too many!

Elder Castleton to the Rescue

Note:  Elder Castleton gets ready each day as if he is going to appointments.  By the time he showers and gets dressed,  he has lost all his enthusiasm, and needs to go back to bed.

These cute little lizards get between the window and the screen.  I would just leave them, and hope they find their way out.  Doug spent 45 minutes one day trying to help this little guy.  We weren't willing to chance letting go of his tail so you could see it, in case he disappeared somewhere in the house, but I thought the grandchildren might like to see a bit of our Georgia lizard.

Surprise for our Daughters!

We took this to show you that after many years of gnawing at my nails, I have finally grown them out.  It took two months they were so short.  One of our nursing home friends told me I should quit biting them.  I decided it was about time I did that.  The funny thing about this picture is that it makes my hands look so old and wrinkly.  I wasn't aware that they looked like that.  I'm sure it must be the way I am stretching them out.

Book of Mormon Reading
Last, we should report that we have just finished our 5th reading - this time with the Georgia, Macon Missionaries.  This time, we were to pick a subject and underline only things that pertained to that, as we read.  I chose to read about the heart as in meek and lowly of heart, and having a contrite heart.  It was one of the things mentioned in my patriarchal blessing from D&C Section 64, where it says that the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

So much of our happiness truly depends on our willingness to offer up our hearts to God, and submit to the things he has asked us to do.  Throughout the Book of Mormon, there are so many examples of those that harden their hearts to the word of God, and because of their pride, seek for the material things of the world above the spiritual blessings He is waiting to give.  I especially like Helaman 3:35 which talks of the purifying and sanctification of  hearts.

Elder Castleton decided to mark all the references to Christ or words spoken by him.  It is easy to see a visual of the truth that this book is actually another witness of Christ.  As it says in 2 Ne 25:26 - we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophesies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

 So many people outside the church think that we don't even believe in Christ, but as they flip through this copy, there can be no doubt.  We have had some remarkable discussions with the people we visit regarding these words of Christ given to the people here in the Americas, just as he spoke to those who lived around Jerusalem as recorded in the Bible.  Each time we read, I am more convinced of the truthfulness and power of this book.  The things written so many years ago by those ancient prophets are all meant for us today.  Each reading, there are things that jump out to me that I had never noticed before, that help me to understand better the mission of Jesus Christ and his plan for us.  May it be so for each of you.  We love you so!