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! 

Week 33: Elder Hadlock's Turn

Sister Hadlock says that I, Elder Hadlock need to pen a few feelings about our mission and my responsibilities.  I'm sure this will be shorter than most of Sister Hadlock's blog posts.

Anyway, I’m over cars for the mission. We have 79 cars and a 12-passenger mission van. You put 18 to 24-year old Sisters and Elders in them and there is never a dull moment. There is always something they are calling about – maintenance light is on, flat tires, and of course a few accidents. Just when you think things are going well with the cars (about 1 ½ weeks ago), you end up with four new accidents; one being a “total.” 

It never ceases to amaze me how our missionaries seem to walk away from bad wrecks with no injury. The Lord is definitely watching over them when they are trying to be obedient in all things.

Well it’s been a very spiritual and rewarding experience to be out here helping the missionaries serve the Lord. My testimony has been strengthened. My understanding has been increased and my perspective on life and what’s important has never been more clear. I am enjoying reading the Conference Talks, scriptures, and other good books – and I get to watch an episode or two of the Andy Griffith show each night -- good stuff.

 I would wish that every young man and young woman in the Church could have this opportunity. What a strength to the Lord’s kingdom they will be as they begin to raise their own families. I would also wish that more of you could serve as Senior Couples. It has been such a great experience.  

 On Saturday, we were able to go to the Seattle Temple. Elder and Sister Martin (from Vernal), were able to come with us. It wasn’t raining so we took some pictures. We also took some pictures this week of some rhododendrons around and near our apartment complex. They really are quite pretty.

Well, we miss family and friends, but are so grateful to be part of this great and marvelous work.

Week 32: M & M's -- More Memories & Musings

Standing on the "Glass Bridge"

Sister & Elder Trotter

It was warm and mostly sunny this week so went for a walk a couple of evenings.  Admission to the Museum of Glass is free from 5-8 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. So, we enjoyed an excursion to the Museum with the Harwoods & Trotters that night.  -- Followed by a drive along the waterfront and ice cream at Dairy Queen.

The Trotters will be leaving to go home (Rapid City, South Dakota) this Saturday. They have been serving as Member Leader Support Missionaries in Lakewood. We have loved having them share with us some of their experiences with less-active members, investigators, and new members.  They have witnessed how it really is through the Merits & Mercy of Jesus Christ that we are healed physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He is the Messiah, and our Mediator with the Father.

Hearing the Trotter's experiences, as well as those of other missionaries, is a reminder of how much God loves His children. He doesn't forget us, but is mindful of where we are, what we are doing, what we need, and just when (the moment) we need it. The Trotters are marvelous examples of what it means to be ministers "unto the lease of these" our brethren and sisters.  So grateful for their influence and friendship.

Spent some time this week getting a package ready for Ben (Elder Hadlock) as he approaches his one year mark – Hump Day. I did a M & M theme package. The M & M’s representing the “humps” on a camel. Then I printed M & M Missionary principles – Might & Mind, Mighty Miracles or Mission Miracles, Member Missionaries, Moroni Muscles, Make the Most, Mission-Minded, Marvelous Work & Wonder (upside down M & M’s), etc. -- onto large labels and stuck them onto 

12 large bags of M & M’s, each a different flavor. 

No, he doesn’t need, or probably even want, all that candy, but I had fun collecting the M & M’s and preparing the package. He can certainly share! I’m sure it weighed  10-15 pounds, but surprisingly, it all fit into a medium-sized flat-rate box.

Now, some may think that our mission is nothing but merry and marvelous. Much of the time it is, but believe me, we still have our trials, challenges, and many imperfections to deal with. Our troubles and weaknesses have not disappeared. We continue to be stretched, tutored, and reminded to "what source we must look for a remission of our sins." We are grateful to be missionaries and to be making memories, but our greater desire is to become "more fit for His kingdom; more Savior like thee." 

Week 31: All Things (and People) Beautiful

View from Bremerton Hospital

I am overwhelmed with the many beautiful things, people, and blessings that abound – all evidences of God’s infinite love for His children.  Thus, this post is dedicated to all things beautiful.

The flowers are blooming here, especially the rhododendrons. There is color everywhere – in addition to all the green. 

I was able to go again to sit in the hospital with the sister who had her appendix out. It was a beautiful day; a scenic ride. I was glad to be with her and take in the view from her window. She was able to be released on Friday.

Outside Elder Hadlock's window

Squirrel near our apartment

It is a beautiful experience to be here as a missionary working in the office. Even at “work” God’s creations delight us. Elder Hadlock has a huge rhododendron outside his office window. Even he couldn’t resist taking a picture. I can see delicate pine tree seedlings getting their start outside my window. And one day this week I observed a small bird taking a bath in a puddle in the parking lot. I couldn't get a picture before the bath was over, but it made me smile.

The Sound near Chambers Bay

Wednesday evening was so pleasant we couldn’t pass up the chance to enjoy a walk near The Sound at Chambers Creek Golf course. Thursday and Friday brought rain, beautiful in its own way.

Sister & Elder Petersen

On Saturday, we went with Elder & Sister Petersen to the Rhododenron Botanical Gardens in Federal Way. It was lovely. 

A Bonsai Garden is right next to it. It was fascinating. I think I could have stayed there all day.

circa 1500 AD

One of these Bonsai trees is over 500 years old!

Elder Hadlock & his Grandmother

Now a word about this beautiful, handsome son, Elder Hadlock. He just got transferred to Conway, Arkansas. New area, new companion -- Elder Wells from Logan. He sent me some Dove chocolates, a nice card and sent his Dad some money to buy me some flowers. A thoughtful young man. We enjoyed getting to talk to him via Facetime today. He sounded and looked good. He is little nervous about getting things going in this new area, but it sounds like member support is going to be great. We pray that his "anxiety" will be minimal. And as always, we so appreciate all the support and prayers he is getting from each of you. 

Flowers from Ben & "beautiful" words of God

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace;… that publisheth salvation; … (Mosiah 12:21, Isaiah 52:7)

We love our missionary in Arkansas as well as these beautiful missionaries here in Washington. We have really grown to appreciate their obedience, hard work and faithfulness. 

And now As it is Mother’s Day, I wish to pay tribute to my mother, a beautiful woman inside and out. She is such a pillar of strength and example of compassion. She serves without fanfare. It is very characteristic of my mother to put the needs of others before her own needs. She is constantly doing kind things for others, especially her family. She is truly an example of selfless service and love.  She is definitely one of the most hard-working, thorough, meticulous home makers I know. She certainly made our home a piece of heaven. Thanks Mom. I love you so very much.

So now I have the song "All Things Bright and Beautiful" running through my mind. I think I'll sing it as I make tonight's supper -- popcorn, another of God's finest creations. Life is good -- and beautiful.

"He hath made every things beautiful in his time;" ... (Eccl. 3:11)

Proverbs 20:29

                                                                                                                    

  P.S. The "Car Czar" is beautiful (and handsome) too.

Week 30: Transfers & Testimonies

Parking Lot after Transfer Meeting

Transfer Week -- always a "rush" -- full of energy and emotion. We had just four missionaries arrive this week and eight went home. It's so fun to meet the new missionaries at the airport and watch them experience their first day in the mission.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous for transfer day. We always take them to see "The Sound" and it was especially beautiful this day. Even got to see a bald eagle perched on a tree limb right near where we parked.

Sister Jenkins in the middle!

At the same time, it is kind of sad to send home our seasoned, spiritually mature missionaries who have completed their service. Most of them don't really want to leave because they love being missionaries so much. Here are some "one lingers" from some of them as they bore their testimonies: "My life changed drastically after I realized that God loves me and that the Book of Mormon is true." "The price we pay to become acquainted with God is a privilege. Serving a mission is a huge price, but it is all worth it.""The thing that changed my mission is understanding why we should be obedient. We have to have rules because that is one thing God gave us to give us power."

Senior Missionaries gather for dinner after Transfer Meeting

We also said goodbye to four Senior Couples. We were especially sad to lose our neighbors, Elder & Sister Quillon. They served so faithfully for 18 months as MLS missionaries. They're headed back to Virginia now. We will miss them. It's kind of a "lonely" feeling not having them right next door anymore.

Sister & Elder Quillon

On a brighter note, we welcomed Elder & Sister Martin to our mission. They are from Vernal! They will be serving 23 months as Record Preservation Missionaries at the State Archives in Olympia. Also had a couple come who will be Military Relations missionaries in Bremerton for six months. (Still need more senior missionaries though.)

On Saturday afternoon we traveled to Bremerton to be with one of our young sisters who is in the hospital there. She had appendicitis and had to have surgery. She'll be OK, but she's had a rough go of it. I must say though, the view from her hospital room was incredible! I would have taken a picture but it was raining very hard. (And in the Lobby was a jigsaw puzzle - I nearly finished it.)

Ten lovely Sisters riding in the van (driven by Van)

Sunday afternoon we helped take missionaries to another missionary musical fireside. Wish you all could be there to hear these missionaries bear testimony and sing Called to Serve, The As Sisters in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth Medley, and Amazing Grace, among others.

A recently baptized member also bore his testimony. I'd like to share some of his story: Mike is in the Navy and is a man of integrity. He is loyal and true and desires to do what is right. Mike wanted to get baptized, but was not sure which church. He would tell the sisters, “you believe so firmly in your faith, but my mother feels the same way about her faith.” He was very confused.

Typical "post fireside" photo

He met with the missionaries weekly and was searching to know if this was true. His journey took several months (and several missionaries). Through this time, Mike grew to know our Savior and that our Savior cared for him. He received answers to his questions, but they led to many more questions. But, he kept searching and didn’t give up; neither did the missionaries. One of the sisters told him, "Mike, when you "get it," you are really going to "get it." He "got it." One night the sisters met with Mike at a member's home. At the end of the lesson, one of the members said, “Sometimes I pray, asking God the same question, expecting Him to change His answer.” This struck a chord with Mike. He thought to himself, “Did he give me an answer already?” The Spirit filled his heart. He received a witness that the Lord had answered him.

Mike was baptized in January of this year. He is now on fire, full of the Spirit, and serving the Lord. He just recently received his Patriarchal Blessing and is looking forward to the day when he can go to the temple. Last night he said, "I know this gospel is true, how can you not. I was sitting on the couch earlier and thinking, 'I feel right. Everything feels right.' "

This is just one of the many stories we hear on a weekly basis. I will start sharing more of the missionary miracles that happen daily. Though we are not on the "front lines" witnessing these miracles for ourselves, our testimonies are certainly being strengthened as missionaries share them with us. God does love all His children and is so very aware of us. He wants us to come back to Him. Jesus really is the way (the only way), the truth and the life. He is the light of the world. His gospel and priesthood authority were restored through Joseph Smith. We are led today by a prophet and apostles. How blessed we feel.