Week 12: Celebrating Christ and Technology

For Family Home Evening we went with three other Senior Missionary couples to the Spanaway Fantasy Lights. Light displays are set up in a park in Spanaway; you drive through in your car to see them.  It was pretty good, but a little snow on the ground would have helped. 

Sister Garmin

We spent much of Christmas Eve on the road. One of the mission cars got out of the body shop on Christmas Eve. We decided to deliver it to some elders in Chehalis (about 60 miles away). To make the trip even more worthwhile we took packages to missionaries who are in the southern part of the mission – stopping in places like Centralia, Elm, Olympia, and Lakewood.  Thank heavens for technology and “Sister Garmin”. It was dark, and we had no idea where we were.  We were glad, though, to serve our missionaries in some small way.

A Christmas without snow was a first for us. Van even said he kind of misses shoveling snow. A Christmas without family was a first, too, but … we were glad to have each other. We read together the Christmas story from Luke and opened gifts from home. And what a blessing to be able to Facetime with family members, including Elder Benjamin Hadlock who is currently in Arlington, TN. Technology is wonderful. Quiet, peaceful day that ended with a movie. We went with another couple to the movie Frozen – excellent movie. Another blessing of technology.

Back in the office Thursday and Friday -- using technology to generate letters and information to soon-to-depart and soon-to-arrive missionaries and their parents. 

 Thanks to my brother Dale, the office armadillo, now has a companion. 

Sister Gurr and Sister Graves

On Saturday, we traveled south again with Elder and Sister Harwood. Elder Harwood is the Housing Coordinator for the mission. He found out about some sisters who live in a member’s “pool house”. It’s a nice pool house, but there are no curtains. They are in a rural, gated community – very beautiful actually. The owner doesn’t have curtains in his house and he did not want to put curtains in the pool house. Elder Harwood decided that privacy screens might help, so we delivered them to these cute sisters. They were very appreciative.

I believe they are very good missionaries, too. I was impressed with this bulletin board in their apartment. Looks like they know how to plan, prepare, know and "feed his sheep" -- even without technology.

  

Rokie Tarbutton & Elder Hadlock

Made a stop in Spanaway to find a couple (Tarbuttons)  that Van’s brother Kent had baptized in Hawaii. We didn’t know for sure where they lived, but tried an address we found on a Google search – turned out to be the one. Technology helps again! 

 

Saturday ended with house cleaning and grocery shopping – and a new, used, lamp. Van found a lamp in the dumpster. We’ve been wanting one so he decided to see if he could fix it. And fix it he did – with a little effort and duct tape, I now have a lamp to read by. Isn’t technology wonderful. 

But, even better, isn't the birth, life, and infinite atonement of Jesus Christ the most wonderful gift ever.

Week 11: New: Missionaries, Snow, Adventure

Armadillo found its way to the office

Transfer week. Van and I drove the mission van to the airport on Tuesday to help pick up eleven new missionaries (10 elders, 1 sister). We enjoy getting to know them. Makes for a long day by the time we pick them up, feed them lunch, do a little orientation, help them meet their new companions, have all the other missionaries come in for transfer meeting and testimonies of departing missionaries, and ... then we go back to the office so I can email parents of newly arrived missionaries to let them know their missionary arrived safely. -- Love it. Departing missionaries leave on Wednesdays, but we haven't had to go to the airport for that.

We woke up to snow on Friday morning. Not much, but kind of a big deal for here. It was enough for Elder Hadlock to make a snowman in front of the office. A jolly little fellow -- made by a jolly senior elder. 

Rain and warmer weather later in the day came along and washed the snow away. It was pretty, but we certainly don't miss the hours of shoveling.

Despite the rainy weather and gray skies, we decided to head south to Olympia on P-Day -- to see what we could see.

We met up with Elder & Sister Clarke who are serving as records preservation missionaries at the state capitol in Olympia. Olympia is located at the very bottom of the Puget Sound. We went to the Sound and saw a massive shipping yard full of recently cut trees that will be sent to Japan and China. I've never seen so many trees. Photos didn't turn out so well though. Use your imagination -- or come see for yourself!

State Capitol is in background

Elder and Sister Clark from Idaho

We went to a Farmers Market near the sound and took pictures on the docks. Van bought some yummy Blueberry Honey -- almost as good as Vernal honey.

We went to the State Capitol and walked around there. It really is in a beautiful setting. 

Took some pictures of more Washington wildlife on the way back to Tacoma. It's amazing what we see when we take time to stop and look.




Now it's Sunday night. Van has gone to be early; he's not feeling well today. I'm listening to Christmas music as I write and trying not to get too sentimental. Being far from home, family, and friends during the holiday season is just plain weird. But we remind ourselves often how blessed we are and why we are here. We love the Savior and are anxious to do whatever we can to help Him in His work. In many ways it has been good for us to have a little different focus this year and to set aside some of the "hustle and bustle" that we (I) so often get caught up in. Still we miss everyone and wish a very Merry Christmas to all.

Week 10: Parties for Young and Not So Young

We began the week with a party and ended with a party. Can't beat that.  The mission Christmas Party for the young elders and sisters was on Tuesday. It was a small feat to set up the cultural hall to create a festive atmosphere for our 217 young missionaries.  Sister Weaver had some simple, but fun decorations and Santa hats for everyone. There were Christmas trees and lots of poinsettias (left over from the Festival of the Nativity). The stage was filled and flowing onto the floor with Christmas packages that had been sent to missionaries from their families.  It was all quite a sight. We all love being with the missionaries.

Sister Harwood and I were in charge of the lunch, but we had lots of help from the other Senior missionaries. Experience with organizing Ward Parties, Trek, and Young Women's Camp is coming in handy.

Festivities began at 9:30 a.m. and went until 4:00 p.m. They exchanged white elephant gifts, sang, watched a mission video, had lunch, performed skits, and sang some more.  It was quite lively and fun, but all ended on a spiritual note. I'll write more about that later.

The night was a little longer for Van as he got to deal with an accident after the party.  A car full of elders was rear-ended on the freeway on their way home.  They're all fine, but the car was totaled.  He had to take them back to their apartments which were about 90 miles away.

Blair Ewell and Elder Hadlock

The rest of the week was a little less stressful.  On Saturday, we made a trip to Gig Harbor to visit former Vernal resident Blake Ewell and his family.  They live in a beautiful area. Had a delightful visit with them.  Shared a Swiss & Mushroom burger at The Gourmet Burger Shop then returned to our apartment to prepare for another party!

The Senior Missionaries (about 34 of us) were invited to the mission home for a Christmas Party. Our group includes couples called as Military Relations, Member Leadership Support, Records Preservation, CES, Office, and Zions Camp missionaries.  There's much to do in building the kingdom.  An opportunity and place for everyone.

We enjoyed a nice dinner and then did a white elephant gift exchange.  What a riot.  I tried hard to get this stuffed (taxidermied) armadillo.  I wanted it badly, but couldn't seem to hang on to it.  Van had a chance to get it for me, too, but he passed up the opportunity.  He said he wasn't hauling "that thing" back to Vernal.   I really was sorely disappointed.

Elder Hughes and Elder Rogers

 

Enjoyed having missionaries over for dinner on Sunday. They are fine young men and good missionaries.  They got to be the first to sample the Peanut Butter Temptations -- one of our Christmas favorites.  I made over 10 dozen of these tasty goodies to take to the office Monday. Missionaries like to come in for a treat on their P-Day.

Now ... lest you think it's just always a party here ... Both parties ended on a special spiritual note. With the young missionaries we gathered in the chapel and finished reading The Book of Mormon together--Moroni 10.  Then missionaries were invited to share there feelings about The Book of Mormon and/or Jesus Christ.  President Weaver extended the same invitation to us at our Senior Party.  We were touched by the tender feelings that were shared.  We are especially touched when we stand shoulder to shoulder in a chapel (or mission home) full of missionaries and sing hymns of praise to our God.  We want to share one of the mission favorites by inviting you to view the mission blog:  http://thebeautifulwa-tac.blogspot.com/.  You'll hear the missionaries singing Amazing Grace.  The message of this song is more amazing than any party.

Week 9: Asking And Receiving

A week of answered prayers. Some too tender to mention.  But I will share a couple of things.  

Even though we're on a full-time mission, I've still been praying for a "missionary experience."  Got my wish on Thursday.  It was Park Day for the mission which means that all those who have cars are supposed to park them for the day and walk or get rides from members.  I got a call Thursday afternoon from Sisters Packard and Cassell (Sister Packard is a niece of Danny & Penny Sam) asking if I'd like to take them to an appointment that night. Of course I said I'd be glad to.  They did tracting from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Then I met them for their 7:00 p.m. appointment. 

Sister Cassell and Sister Packard

I won't take the time to give all the details, but may I just say that it was an experience that I'll not soon forget.  Still trying to wrap my head around it in fact.  The appointment actually fell through, but these sisters were prepared and had a backup plan.  We visited another home and got turned away, but the third stop to the humble home of an older gentleman proved to be "golden."  They asked the man if we could begin with prayer.  He said "yes."  They asked him if he would pray.  He said "yes." They taught a brief lesson, set up a time for another appointment, and committed him to going to church on Sunday.  I was really impressed.  But I was quite blown away when they extended an invitation to be baptized!  This is what they taught us in the MTC, but I was too afraid to actually do it in our role plays there.  These young sisters taught with love, confidence, enthusiasm, and faith.  They are well versed in the scriptures and had prepared themselves spiritually.  The phrase "....and a child shall lead them" (Isaiah 11:6), took on new meaning for me that night.  These young missionaries might be considered "children", but they are mature, prepared, and amazingly capable.  They will lead us in bringing people unto Christ.  We must help them. We can help find those who are seeking and then be a part of letting these wonderful missionaries teach and invite.  Ask for a missionary experience and you'll receive -- an amazing experience.

Asked and I received!

On On a lighter note: I've been wanting (asking for) a gravy separator. Couldn't find one at stores near me. Figured I'd have to bite the bullet and buy one at BBB. Then on our trip to Federal Way on Saturday, we found a Deseret Industries. Found a table for our Christmas tree, but Van made the best find -- a gravy separator for just 50 cents. Made my day. 

Me, Sis. Weaver, Sis. Harwood

One thing I didn't ask for this week was to help decorate the mission office Christmas tree.  Not my cup of tea for sure. Good thing our computers were down for three days or Sister Harwood and I may not have gotten around to the tree. But, it turned out OK I guess. Sister Weaver seemed pleased.          

Our tree in our apartment is much more simple. 

Just what I asked for!

Week 8: T & G: Thanks, Giving, Temple, Grandma

It's been a bit of a rough week, but one of growth as well.  Not much to report from the mission though I did have a bit of a personal missionary experience.  While standing in a long line at Walmart, I took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with the woman behind me.  Ended up giving her a card inviting her to the Festival of the Nativity that will be held at the Stake Center here next week.  It felt good to do that, and it wasn't hard at all.  Hoping for more experiences to share the "good news" of the gospel.

Thanksgiving is one of our most very favorite times of the year.  Probably because it’s a time for family to gather and just enjoy one another and enjoy good food – a simple and peaceful time.  We certainly missed being with our family, but we were so grateful that they made an effort to all be together at Meagan's home. We enjoyed talking with (and seeing) them via Facetime that day.  We got together with President & Sister Weaver and two other couples -- the Harwoods and the Trotters -- and had dinner at the mission home.  Each of us contributed to the meal so it wasn't a burden on anyone.  I'd hoped to include a photo, but they didn't turn out.  So ... use your imagination -- all of us there in our missionary attire enjoying a delicious meal.

 Just want to share one thought on Thanksgiving -- borrowed from The Spoken Word:

“True gratitude manifests itself in how we choose to give to others.  When we truly feel grateful we feel a compelling desire to help other people.  Perhaps that is why “Thanks” and “Giving” so often go together.  Real gratitude inspires us to think and do for others. Life is so much more meaningful when we choose to live in thanks and giving daily.”

On Saturday, we, and eight other couples, went to the Seattle Temple.  It's about 40 miles away in a beautiful setting.  We miss not being able to attend the temple weekly, so this was a real treat, giving solace to our souls. Again, I had hoped to include a photo, but the camera's battery was dead when I attempted a photo at the temple.

Berneice Frazier McCormick

So, this week's photos will be of my Grandmother, Berneice Frazier McCormick.  She was born on 1 December 1913 -- 100 years ago today.  I wish to honor her and express gratitude for the great impact she has had on my life.  She is part of many delightful, warm, happy childhood memories.  I remember her for her love of working in the flower garden, making holidays special, and quibbling sweetly with Mom over who was going to pay for lunch when we went to the city.  Grandma always "won" by saying something like: "Let me do it while I can." I remember her kind and gentle nature.  (Wow, that didn't rub off).  

Cousin Robert, me, cousin Kathryn, with Grandma

She will especially be remembered for her good cooking.  No one could make fried chicken like Grandma -- no one.  And then there were the Raisin Nut Nibbles, Texas Brownies, amazing pies, homemade noodle soup .... the list goes on and on.  She was always cooking and sharing. (The tradition continues with my mother)  You couldn't go visit her without her offering you something to eat.  And she wouldn't take "no" or "no thanks" for an answer.  Then as she fed you, she'd urge you on with: "now don't weaken." 

Some of the family gathered in Grandma's backyard in 1982

Well, I could go on and on, but I will remember her most for the way she made me feel -- loved, important, and special. Thanks Grandma (Grandma Great to some) for everything.  Thanks for Giving your family a grand legacy to honor and hopefully follow. I love you forever.

And thanks for raising a wonderful daughter, my mother, whose birthday we will celebrate this week on December 5. 

In honor of them both, I think I'll go make some cookies to share tomorrow.