Friendship
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that "friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism." We're very thankful for our many friends, many of whom we have known for year.s. Here in Eastern Washington, we have been surprised and delighted at how quickly we have made new friends!
Librarian Extraordinaire
We spent a Preparation Day in Eltopia, WA with our dear friends, Kevin and Gwen Adamson. Gwen will retire soon after many years of service as the Librarian at Edwin Markham Elementary School. She has decorated the library with stunning visuals and displays that almost compel you to pick up a book. I wished I could be in grade school again so I could newly experience the joy of reading - so many wonderful stories awaiting the ever-progressing reader! The teachers and staff all lamented losing Gwen - she clearly has been a force for good! (Kevin describes her as a "force to be reconned with" - LOL)
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Land Developer
I spent the afternoon with Kevin, who took me to the various pieces of farm ground that he has purchased (together with various family members) for investment. We rode four wheelers to a nearby property - so much fun! The properties are all unique. Most needed major investment in irrigation systems before he could lease out farm ground. Several have rocky/hilly ground not suitable for farming but would make great housing lots. Some are already subdivided and Kevin is working on others. He recently acquired a backhoe and built a road to where he has several 2-acre lots for sale. So fun to see these properties that Kevin has talked so much about!
Building Captain's Stairs
We assisted our new friends, the Greensups, build a new set of alternating tread stairs to the cellar in their home. Erika is quite the builder - really knows what she is doing! Fun to work alongside her.
Installing New Water Heater
The Greenups removed the old stairs to the cellar make room to lower a new water heater via pulley system. I was impressed with their ingenuity. Then, with the help of Erika's father, they moved the water heater into place.
Success!
We installed new water lines, which was challenging given the limited head room. The Greenups are happy to have hot water again. Very fun to work together with our new friends! Next step: install the captain's stairs.
Spring in Columbia County
The rolling hills are spectacular. What a wonderful time of year: winter wheat fields are bright green, but even the leftover stubble from last year's crop and volunteer wheat is beautiful.
River Dike
We often walk down the 1.5 mile trail on the dike along the Touchey (pronounced "toushee") River that runs through downtown Dayton. It's really beautiful. This photo was taken on a blustery day, but I loved the blue sky making an appearance, just around the corner in the distance.
Love the wildlife, especially the birds. I have added six species to my lifetime list, including the Belted Kingfisher (they are LOUD!) and Common Merganser (duck with a beautiful auburn crown). Go ahead, call me "old" like my kids do, but I find that paying attention and appreciating the various characteristics of birds helps me to use those same skills with people.
Food Bank
We love serving weekly at the local food bank. This week I enjoyed chatting with this gentleman. When I commented that his hat was the real deal, he mumbled "Yea, it's broken in."
He then proceeded to share that one of his former hats are on display at a museum in Spokane, and another was used in a Hollywood movie.
Departing Missionaries
President and Sister Quereto invited us to participate in temple sealing rituals with young missionaries departing soon for home. It was a special experience. These missionaries are clearly reflecting on their experience as a missionary and how they will incorporate into their post-mission life the many life lessons they have learned on their mission, including a committment to spending time in our holy temples.
Final Thought
I appreciate that we missionaries are instructed to dedicate our mornings to study and exercise. It's been since college that I have carved out this much time for study. I'm enjoying diving back into the scriptures, discovering themes and ideas that I had previously not recognized.
For example, I see the theme of "joy" coming up over and over again in the Book of Mormon. According to several writers, the first step to feeling joy is, paradoxically, humility. If we are self-reflective and open up to God's promptings/nudgings, our lives are better and our hearts open up naturally to feelings of joy.
I'm certainly experiencing joy as we humbly seek the Lord's guidance in our daily walk and talk.
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Thanks for including us on your journey!
What role models you are in living a spiritual life. I appreciate your gratitude and acceptance of the people and experiences you are encountering and seeing the good in all of it. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey.
What wonderful adventures/experiences you’re having. A mission takes you out of your former daily life into a new life that you would never have otherwise experienced. I love reading your blog, Dave. We continue to pray for your visas to come through.
I certainly feel Joy reading your blog. I’m so happy that you are able to serve. I have spent time studying conference talks, in preparation for upcoming conference. I found that that the theme of Joy ran throughout the talks! Another thing is the beauty of spring here. That is certainly a source of joy for me. I love and miss you. Praying for you always. Teresa
I enjoy reading about your joy in your mission experience. I'm looking forward to general conference and hearing the wonderful words from our prophet and apostles.
What an incredible service and spiritual journey you have been blessed to be a part of. Thank you for including me on your journey - I can't wait to hear more. Stay safe and be well my friend.
Thanks for sharing so many wonderful experiences!!
May the Lord bless you abundantly ! You are touching so many lives!!
You guys are awesome - thanks for sharing your experiences.
Love reading about your experiences in Washington! I grew up in southeast Idaho and it looks so much like the area you are now. Best wishes and so inspired by your service!