Week 38: Roller Coaster

Roller coaster week -- a roller coaster of emotions. Sure was hard to say goodbye to President and Sister Weaver. We've really come to love and admire the Weavers. They've shown us by example that love is the greatest motivator. Their love for the Savior is evident in the way they loved missionaries and missionary work. They are an example of "finishing strong." Even in the last hours of their mission they were going the extra mile to talk to struggling missionaries, meeting with investigators, and talking to strangers about the Church. They wept as it came time for them to leave on Friday morning. And, of course, so did I. Goodbyes are the worst. So, I try to remind myself (and others) what President Smuin often said, "There are no goodbyes, just see ya laters." -- or something like that. Still doesn't seem to squelch the tears.

At the same time, we are delighted to welcome President John D. Blatter and his wife Diane to the mission. They came in on Thursday afternoon. We met them briefly that afternoon and were able to visit with them for a minute at the baptism we attended on Saturday. The Blatters already love our missionaries. They even already know most of their names and faces.

It has been inspiring, actually, to see the "mantle" of the calling fall upon a new President as we've witnessed a "changing of the guard." It is another evidence to us that God is in charge and that through Priesthood power He qualifies those whom He calls to lead and direct the affairs of His kingdom.
We will do all we can to support and help the Blatters in their tremendous responsibilities and stewardship.

Well, with a little of the "pressure off," we relaxed a bit this weekend. I took occasion to do a jigsaw puzzle while Van watched a couple of old Western movies that Jason had sent him for Father's Day.

On Saturday morning we went for a walk. We ended up following signs that lead to a Garage Sale several blocks away.  Found a "treasure" -- an electric grill. We're not able to have a BBQ here at our apartment, even though we have a nice patio. We've missed being able to BBQ a steak, pork chop, or hamburger.
This electric grill isn't quite like a BBQ either, but we're excited to give it a try.

We were able to attend the baptism of Kelly Stokes on Saturday. The Bishop asked her to share her feelings afterward. She said that in making the decision to be baptized she "wanted God to know that she was ready to come home." The smile she had on her face Sunday after she was confirmed was unforgettable. We look forward to getting to know her better as she lives in another apartment complex nearby.
This afternoon we were invited to join with Kelly and a couple of other sisters in the ward for dinner at the Wards home. The Wards have had us over for games and/or dinner a couple of times. They are such friendly and kind people -- and great ward missionaries.

Bro. & Sis Ward, me, Kelly

Great day, but roller coaster ride wasn't over as I got word late this evening that my Mother is in the hospital. She's been having a rough go of it lately. Problems with her legs, then with her heart. I guess the doctors are still trying to figure it all out. She'll probably read this blog so I won't write much. She may chastise me for this. She's never been one to want to draw attention to herself, especially if she doesn't feel well. And she doesn't want folks fussing over her for sure. Mom, it's OK to ask for help. I'm sure it's going to be OK, but ... I just feel a bit helpless and am asking for the prayers of friends and family who might be reading. -- Don't tell her I told you!

Well, I like a good roller coaster ride, but it's gotta stop for a bit now. Time for a little rest before we get back on tomorrow.

Week 37: Happenings

Giving final instructions before handing over keys to new car

We've been very busy at the office, but loving it.  Elder Hadlock has had six new Toyota Corollas come in the last two weeks to replace cars in the fleet that have over 50,000 miles. He has a lot to do to get them ready and into the hands of the missionaries. The old cars then need to be fixed up, cleaned up, and prepared for sale.

Office Staff

Sister Harwood and I have been working on some special projects for the Weavers before they leave the mission. And ... there's much to do to get ready for the new mission president. President and Sister Blatter will arrive this Thursday.

Weaver's photos on office bulletin board

Our Preparation Day yesterday was spent doing laundry, chores, and shopping. We did rent a movie from Redbox (The Book Thief) and enjoyed it with some popcorn, of course.



So, the rest of the photos today are from last week's P-Day excursion. We went north on the Kitsap Peninsula to a lovely little town called Sequim. There we met up with Elder & Sister Gale and went to the Olympic Game Farm. You stay in your car and drive through this farm with all kinds of animals roaming about. Actually they're all fenced in; some just have more freedom than others. You buy whole wheat bread to feed to them and the ones that can will stick their heads right into your car to get the bread.

We saw (and touched some) yaks, llamas, elk, several species of deer, bison, bears, peacocks, bald eagles, a lion, tiger, cougar, raccoons, wolves, and other animals -- even a chicken!

Eye to eye with a buffalo

We went through five loaves of bread; it was a riot -- even though Elder Hadlock's nice clean car got slobbered on. They even had a little fresh water aquarium.
This Olympic Game Farm property animals, and Studio Ban were used for filming over 100 motion pictures with Disney studios and other nature films.With that in mind, perhaps some of my "Wilde" followers will know more about the photo of a signature board on the right.  I think I know who it is, but does anyone else?

We were able to meet up with President & Sister Weaver and the Port Angeles Zone missionaries for lunch at the Hwy 101 Diner.  Then we made a quick visit to a Peony Farm in Happy Valley (it really is a lovely little valley). Peonies are my favorite flower, so I was feeling a bit of heaven -- and thinking of my Grandmother McCormick who grew some beautiful peonies herself.

Last stop was for Elder Hadlock. We had to check out the John Wayne Marina. No sign of John Wayne; he just donated the property for this marina to be built. But, it was definitely a picturesque place.

We see evidence of God's love for us each day -- in the beauties around us and in the miracles that occur in the mission daily. The greatest evidence of His love has got to be His Plan of Salvation and Happiness. A Plan that is made possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His love for us and His willing submission to the will of the Father. He has "had our backs" from the beginning --even in the pre-existence.  He did what He said He would do; He will continue to do what He says He will do. We can trust Him. We love Him.

Week 37: Hearts Turned to Our Fathers

Plenty we could report about our week. It was a Transfer Week and the days are full at the office. We enjoyed a delightful excursion on Preparation Day. More on that later. Today, however, our thoughts are turned to our fathers. Wish we could say these things to our fathers in person, but ... in a coming day. Perhaps they'll get the message via heavenly fiber optics!

What my father taught me came more from the way he lived than from what he said. Family was important to him.  He was a good provider. Once home from work, his family was his focus. He gave us his time. He played catch with us, took us for rides, fixed our bikes. He taught me to fish—including tying my own hooks on, baiting my own hook, cleaning my own fish.  Some of my best memories are times spent with Dad on the shores of Wanship Reservoir or along the banks of several small streams near our home.

Fishing in the High Uintahs

Dad loved the mountains and being outdoors; he loved and respected nature.  He opened my eyes to the many beauties around us – those around our mountain home, the beauties of the desert, and wherever we traveled; he would look for and point out the many marvelous things God has created.  I continue to be awed by this beautiful world and reverence the God that created it. Thanks Dad for planting those seeds.

A "Wilde" family -- Wendy, Dad, Dale, Susan, Mom

Though my father’s formal education ended after high school and one year of college, he was an example of continual learning. He liked to read the National Geographic, the newspaper, books about rocks, and the “lost Rhodes mines!”  And when we traveled, we stopped at a lot of museums and historical sites. He didn’t just rush through, but read the signs and information with each exhibit. 

 My father lived simply, but fully. He didn’t need a lot of “things” to make him happy. He took care of what he did have. He could be the poster child for “Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” He lived within his means and was an example of also putting a little aside for the future. He encouraged us to be conservative and wise in the use of our resources. He was a good steward over resources and responsibilities given him – whether it was money earned, God’s creations, or his family.   

Dad showed genuine interest in and love for others. He was a friend to many. He served others in our community, church, and extended family. I think of him often; I miss him. Today as we honor our fathers, I have some especially tender feelings as I reflect on the goodness of my wonderful father.  Thanks to you and Mom for a very happy, secure, and memorable childhood. 

Van's tribute to his father, LeGrande Hadlock:

Sunshine

My Dad didn’t go to church very often when I was young, but he expected and taught his boys good values and morals. You gave a man a good day’s work for an agreeable wage. You don’t get anything for nothing. Man was meant to make his living by the sweat of his brow.

He loved the game of basketball. He and his brother Curtis were an integral part of the Uintah High School basketball team that took State in 1939. Their nicknames were Sunshine and Shadow. Dad taught us to love the game as well, and he continued to be a fan throughout his life.

Another "fishing father!"

 We were taught to give our all to whatever we did – work hard, play hard, fish hard, hunt hard!  He was very supportive of our activities. He would go to work early so he could get his work done in order to get off early to come watch us.  His free time was spent with his family.

My Dad was an old World War II Marine Corps Sergeant. He expected his boys to be obedient and to “mind your elders.” Even if it seemed that he was quite mean, obedience to our parents taught us some very important truths and values about life and spiritual things. He taught us to honor and respect our mother. He was an unselfish, loyal man. He was devoted to his God, family, and country. 

Now finally, we give honor and reverence to our Heavenly Father. Obviously, because we've never seen him, we cannot post any photos of Him. But we have certainly felt of His love and watchful care. He is real.

God, our Father, is a family man. We knew Him in our pre-earth life. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our strengths, weaknesses, and potential. He is aware of our needs. His work and focus is to bring us back home to live with Him again. We can trust Him, but we must also trust in His timing. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-wise. We've heard President Weaver say: "God doesn’t help us because we are good. He helps us because He is good." He certainly has been good to us.

We are especially grateful that God loves us so much that "He sent His Only Begotten Son, that whoso believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

We love, honor, and revere our Fathers. 

Week 35: This 'n' That

STLs at MLC in line for FOOD!

We had a variety of experiences this week. Mission Leader Council was held on Thursday. This where all the Zone Leaders and Sister Trainer Leaders (STLs) come in for a meeting. Sister Harwood and I helped with the luncheon this time. Usually there's a committee of local members that do these luncheons, but we were glad to have the opportunity this time -- Another opportunity to be with these outstanding young missionaries.  


On Friday, we fed the missionaries who serve in the ward we attend. They in turn invited us to sit in on a lesson with an investigator the next morning. It was with a single woman who has a three year old son. She's looking for God and truth. We were impressed with how the missionaries taught with the Spirit as they taught about the Restoration and answered her questions.

For our P-Day activity we went to a local Car Show. There were a lot of good-looking old classic cars. It was especially nice to be out in the sun and warm weather. Wish I'd had my camera with me though.

Sister missionaries with Mandi 

Thought I'd share a little about a recent baptism here in Tacoma. Mandi was baptized on the 18th of May having just turned 100 years old the week before. She had been prepared to received the restored gospel over the course of her life. Her husband, who has since passed on, and all her children are members of the Church. She attended church and taught Primary in her twenties. Missionaries often stopped by to see the family over the years.

The turning point came at the approach of her 100th birthday when she felt a great desire to be with her family forever. She knew to do that, she must be baptized and then sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. Her baptism was a joyous moment for her family here and certainly for those on the other side of the veil.

She doesn't look a day over 80 does she!  Anyway, you see one can never be too old, and we never give up.

Week 34: A "Storybook" Life

It has been a wonderful week. Weather has been gorgeous, we continue to love our work at the office and particularly love being with the missionaries. We were able to take Sister Jenkins and her companion Sister Boone to dinner Thursday afternoon. 

On Saturday, we combined "business with pleasure," by traveling to Morton, Washington to inspect one of the mission cars. Morton is about 1 1/2 hours away, but what a beautiful drive. Loved that area. Made a loop and came back through Centralia, Chehalis, and Tenino. Made a stop at a place called Lattin's Country Cider Mill and Farm. Picked up some yummy apple fritters and apple cider. It would be a fun place to take kids. They had quite a variety of farm animals and activities for kids.

"Peeps" at the Cider Mill

I was planning to share a "story" about a special and unique baptism that took place last week -- the baptism of a 100-year old woman. But ... I can't get the photo to load that goes with the story so I'll save that for next week. 

But the best "story" of the week was probably today -- Sunday. It began with having extra time for study. Then we were nourished again by the Spirit in Sacrament Meeting. A deaf man stood to bear his testimony. His wife joined him and acted as "voice" while he signed. He was so full of gratitude for his wife, his family, the gospel. You could see and feel his happiness and love of the gospel. It was a sweet and tender experience for us to be in that meeting.

Then his wife took a minute to share her testimony. She told a story about her father who passed away about one year ago. He had joined the Church many years ago; the only member in his family. He (I'll call him the Dad) continued faithful serving as a Bishop, Stake President & Patriarch. Even as the Dad was admitted to a hospice care facility he continued in his priesthood duties to bless others. A patient in the room next door was "trying hard to die."  The Dad, with the help of this daughter, shuffled next door and asked the patient's wife if he could give him a blessing. She agreed, and a blessing to "release his spirit" was given. Then the Dad gave the wife a blessing of comfort.  It was all he could do to get back to his own room. Not long afterward he passed away -- faithful in his priesthood duties to the very end.

We continued to be spiritually fed in Sunday School as the lesson on Priesthood was exceptional. We both learned some new things and left with a "fresh view" of the priesthood. 

Then this afternoon and evening we were with the young missionaries at another Missionary Musical Fireside. This one was in Silverdale, Washington. The Spirit was especially strong at this fireside as missionaries shared their testimonies of Jesus Christ through word & song. We were also impressed by the testimony of a recent convert who also shared her "story." 

As we returned home this evening, we both commented on what a great day it was. In fact, we sometimes can hardly believe that we get to have these experiences. We feel so incredibly blessed to be on a mission here in Tacoma, Washington.  Our testimonies have certainly grown and been strengthened even though we are not actually out doing "missionary" work. We see and hear of little miracles every day. We can only hope  for and look forward to more miracles, inspiring testimonies, and .....   Stories to be continued!