BAD START == GOOD END,  MORE ADVENTURES IN THE ERC

 

 

It never fails!  Last night was a terrible night for sleep.  I slept from about 9:30 PM to 12:00 AM and could not get back to sleep the rest of the night.  I was so anxious--my anxiety level reached new heights!   I had had a wonderful weekend with Noelle and Dane coming down to be with me on Sat,  after which Noelle spent the night with me.  We got up early to drive up to St. George to go to the Maes' (Dane's grandparents) farewell, which was so great, and stayed for the whole block.  I was so glad we did, as the meetings were wonderful--their ward is filled with seasoned dedicated and strong members of the Church (I'm sure they all were, are now, or will be again, missionaries!).  After having lunch with the family, I drove back to Las Vegas.  Somehow, I felt a bit depressed after coming home, which hasn't happened before when family has left, and then, not a lot of sleep.  I was sure it would be a not-so-great day in the center, but was I ever wrong!.  There were some very special and well-loved children of our Heavenly Father who came in seeking employment and I got to meet and register some of them.  Shirley and Brittany were both non-members and I talked to them about some employment resources we encourage our clients to use before we help them register.  Because there were two of them, Sister Clark helped to register Shirley, while I worked with Brittany.  She was very thankful and she hugged me as she left.  I feel confident that she will come back in and I will have a chance to ask her if she "would be willing" to learn more about the Church, but it just wasn't the right timing.  Marcus, who seemed to have less than no knowledge about the computer (me at my worst!) was very nice and, also a non-member, expressed interest in the Church (again, he said he would be back and was grateful).  Brother Lamos, mentioned elsewhere in this blog as someone I helped find a good job (not really, but he gave me credit) came in for help with his daughter, Alessandra, who was a darling 18 year old looking for her first job.  The icing on the cake was a precious young woman, Kamikia, who I registered and had time to talk about the Church.  After helping her, I mentioned how everything there was from member donations, including us volunteers because of our love for the Savior.  She said she  really wanted to know more and even join the Church when she can.  When she left, she gave me the sweetest longest hug and we both felt the Spirit unto tears.  All I could think of was that she would have a great blessing of becoming a "fellow citizen with the Saints and of the household of God."  What an honor to be able to serve these great people in this small way!

ABOUT THE RICH YOUNG MAN AND MISSIONARIES

 

 

This is the Thursday after Christmas, and I am back in the ERC after two days of no work here.  On Tues., Christmas Eve, my companion, Sister Clark, and I made everything ready for Christmas.  Our apartment was just decked out with lovely flowers (hers and mine from loving family) and Christmas decorations, even a small loaded tree!.  We prepared food for our party on Christmas afternoon and to bring to the Mills that evening.  I woke early and took a nice walk on the trails at the Spring Preserve (the closest thing to nature I have here), and we both talked to family.  I cleaned up my room and bathroom and vacuumed the house, etc.  We had re-arranged the furniture on Saturday for the party, and it all looked nice and homey.  I was able to talk to some of my children as well, which always is wonderful.  I even went out into our courtyard and got in their nice hot tub (pool, really).  I tried to put my feet in the pool, but it was really frigid and my toes were like ice in seconds.  Anyway, after a good day, we picked up Pam, our friend and neighbor, and went to the Mills" house for dinner. They were so gracious and welcoming and seemed genuinely happy to have us there.  She had made some wonderful clam chowder and turkey noodle soups and bread and salad (along with our salad which we brought).  I was chagrinned when I arrived at the door, because as I walking along the sidewalk, the bottle of dressing for the salad just slipped through my fingers and crashed on the cement.  They were so nice about it and Brother Mills helped me get it cleaned up.  Sister Mills is the early  morning seminary teacher and Brother Mills is the Stake Executive Secretary, and they are both dedicated and consecrated saints, always giving and helping where they can.  Their wonderful teenage daughter is such a great Church member and will be going on her mission when she turns 19 next spring, something she has been planning for all her young life.  Her brother is already in Korea on a mission, and the parents will be also going as soon as they are able (next summer after their daughter goes).  What a great family!!.    That experience and my reading of Scriptures the next morning, Christmas, gave me some pause for thought.  The Mills were comfortable, but by, no means,  well off.  Yet they never considered that they wouldn't give all they could in behalf of the Savior (just as they gave us the best of food and sent us home with a very nice gift as well).

It is now Fri., and Noelle and Dane are coming down to visit me tomorrow--and I will also get to go to St. George to attend the farewell of his grandparents.  These are two of the happiest and most fun, as well as the most consecrated, people I know personally.  They are in their 80s and have served four full-time missions (or this will be their fourth, I'm not sure, but you get the idea).  Because of the season and the admonition of our mission president, I have been reading the New Testament, and I was touched especially by the Spirit when I re-read the story of the rich young man who had kept the commandments from his youth.  As I read, I thought of the good people who give so much of themselves, consecrate their lives to serve the Savior and their fellow man.  I wonder if there was a type in the story of us as "good" members of the Church.  Most members try to keep the commandments  and live good lives, but how many are really ready to give all--all their time, talents, money, everything they have in possessions in His service?  I think of the prophets, old and today, and a few people I have met since I've come here (including the Ahlanders).  It is becoming clear to me that there is a whole level of commitment that He would have me want to reach.  It does, admittedly, make me a little uneasy.  I am coming to like my mission in many ways and I know that He wants me to be here, but, after I serve the best I can and try to be meek and put up with all the difficult things that seem to be ongoing, I was looking forward to finishing (with a sigh of relief) and returning to my former wonderful life with some added dedication and as a better person, still serving where I can, but not away from home 100% of the time.  I hope He doesn't want me to do that, but I am afraid to ask Him.  Yet, the people I love and admire most in history, including and especially the Savior (just reading the Gospels helped me realize how totally dedicated His life was and is to Heavenly Father's children--every day, every hour with no respite (except His time with Satan!))--all have spent not just years but many years immersed in His work.  Could I come home and go again on another mission, and another, and another, like some seem able to do?  Honestly, no, I am so afraid to disappoint Him, but right now, I could go home and never do this again.  Perhaps, I will feel differently in nine months or so, or maybe I will learn that that is not His will for me after all, but I will continue to pray to learn His will to be revealed to me in His time and as I am ready to receive it.

 

 

OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY

 

 

Yesterday, we had our party for all the senior missionaries.  Only one couple, the medical missionaries (doctor and nurse), were unable to come, so there were nine of us altogether, including Pam.  I cooked a turkey all night (very tender) and we had lots of other things prepared.  The guests also brought food contributions and we had two put together long tables (from Pam and Sister Clark) for a dining table (ours was used for the food).  Sister Splain and Sister Houseman, the other sister missionaries, Brother and Sister Sudweeks and Brother and Sister Hunt, both couples of whom work in the Mission office and Pam came to partake, and it was quite a fun gathering.  We ate and talked and then played games.  Brother Sudweeks had us  play a version of "What would you do if...?" which was fun, I led them in the picture/caption game, where we fold up the paper and come out with funny combinations (not as funny as it is when our family plays this--they were too literal).  And then, we started to play the game, "make three statements about yourself, one of which is true" and we had to guess the false one.  That got bogged down when Sister Sudweeks described how her husband rescued her from a Burmese Python that had gotten loose from their teenage son's room and was very large!!  Nobody could top that and it was getting late.  Pam and the Hunts, my favorite missionary couple, had to go home, but we stayed up with the Sudweeks playing Quitrkel (?) which was really interesting.  By then I was a bit dazed because I had been unable to sleep Christmas Eve at all (!!) and I couldn't even catch a nap before everybody came ( I always get so angry with myself when I can't sleep).  We thought our little party was a great success! 

 

However the best part of the day to me was that each of my children made an effort to call me to wish me a Merry Christmas, and I got to talk to them for a little while each.  I miss them all, but I know they had a great time together, even without me!          
There was another party (“tis the season”...) on Monday night after work for the senior missionaries, which everyone attended. Ususally, once a month, the senior missionaries have a FHE together, usually at the President's home. Because the Ahlander's were hosting their family from home, we decided to have all of us go out for dinner together. We decided on Outback Steakhouse (I was not really consulted, but delighted!). It was really a fun time, and the best food!! The Outback here, near the ERC is the best I have ever been to!! I ordered my favorite, though expensive (we literally never do things like this in the mission, so I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity!) Victoria filet (the 6oz one which seemed as big as 8oz steaks I've seen Corky get), and it was so perfect! I even splurged and got a tiny dessert! I sat across from the Hunts, who work in the office, and it was so much fun getting to know them. He is really hilarious and she is angelic (just as nice as she can be). It was an altogether lovely evening and I hope we can do this more often that every three months (!).
                                                                        

 

OVER CHRISTMAS IN LAS VEGAS

 

My goodness, so much to do and think about here, and this will be a hodgepodge of experiences and thoughts.  To add to the excitement, Min is really coming along in the discussions and the elders invited me to come to tonight's appointment and bear my testimony about the importance of Church attendance in receiving answers to prayers.  I can't wait!!  Anyway, if I can remember it all last week right after the Mission Christmas party at about the same time that I realized that Heavenly Father had softened the hearts of those I work with toward me (there is no other explanation--it certainly not me!),  two young women came into the office from a DI referral, who were very special.  They were obviously very close friends, one, Aquilla, was the "mentor" or leader (she was black), while Marissa, the white person, was the one receiving help.  They made it clear that the Savior had rescued them from a aberrant life of drugs and they felt "saved."  While I was registering Aquilla (Marissa was already registered), we talked about the reality of Christ's Church, and I told them about how things were done in His LDS Church (that all the services they were receiving were the result of consecrated money and time by members of the Church, who gave out of their love for the Savior and their brothers and sisters).  As I talked about the Church and some of the principles of the Gospel, I could tell they were impressed, so I asked if "they would be willing to learn more about His Church." (The wording of this is very important, as anyone of us can further His work of salvation by asking prepared--even minimally--non-members this innocuous question.).  They immediately said "yes" with enthusiasm, and we all hugged (several times--they really liked my hugs!).  I sent a referral to the Mission Office, of course, but learned they might be in the other mission (they are right on the border), so I made sure I let them know I wanted to participate, if possible, with the missionaries.  Anyway, it doesn't end there, because the next Monday,  Dec 23, I saw a flyer about a job hiring event that came late the day of the event, and called both of them to tell them about it.  I wasn't sure they could even make it, because they told me it would be over shortly in that morning, but Marissa came in later in the day for help.  What struck me  was the change in her in the short time since she came in Friday.  She had come in that Fri looking discouraged with clothes that were threadbare, and I could tell she was depressed and feeling hopeless.  She left much encouraged and happier, but when she came in Mon, she looked and acted like a new person: hopeful, and ready to take charge of her life.  She needed help with her resume, and there was little time before we closed.  I don't usually want to do this, but she was so excited and hopeful that I wanted to help her the best I could. Usually, I ask everyone  I help to prepare their own resume or at least the skeleton of one, and then I help them with language and formatting.  She, however, had nothing prepared and she couldn't remember much of what she knew she had done and when.  This was the most high pressure I have been under to date, as we worked feverishly to complete it before we closed!!  I have learned a lot about formatting on the computer, but I am not as sure-footed at Sister Splain and Sister Clark, and was grateful when Sister Splain was able to lend a hand several times when I forgot how to do something.  We finished it, but everybody had gone home, except Shawn, the manager who locked up the building, when I finally got her several copies.  Her gratitude and hugs were reward enough for me. 

LIFE'S LESSONS IN THE ERC

After writing about the relationship  problems I have been having, and having received an answer to prayer, I found the next several days here were worse, if posssible. In fact, I daren't write what I was thinking, as I was ready to “run away.” However, I just kept remembering the admonition of the Spirit to be “meek,” and I tried not to “answer back” to anyone who sharply criticized me or corrected me or ordered me to do something (with no “please” or “thank you”). I tried to smile and do what was asked or say nothing and get busy with tasks in the office that needed to be done. Then, last week, right after the Mission Christmas party, which was really wonderful, there was a complete change. I was treated completely differently, with respect and kindness. If I had not experienced it, I never would have believed it—and I knew that Heavenly Father had softened some hearts. I knew, then, that He is so mindful of me and He loves me so much, and that I will serve Him here for as long as He wants me here.

The Christmas party was huge, with 250 elder and sister missionaries! There were some humorous and some serious talks and music, and it was a good time. After President and Sister Ahlander spoke, there were some special musical numbers by the missionaries as well as a cute “reader's theatre” about the Nativity and some of the less well known participants, like the donkey. It was really quite funny, but in a reverent way. The dinner was absolutely wonderful—and each of us was served by the mothers of missionaries in the stake. They went to a great deal of trouble to wrap gifts for each of the young missionaries. Then we watched the movie, Ephraim's Crossing, which I had never seen. The party went later by an hour than was scheduled, and I was to go with the elders to visit one of our wonderful candidates, who had told me she wanted to learn more about the Church, Min. We were very far away from our appointment and I had to take Sister Clark home first, so we left as soon as the movie ended and I just barely made it to the meeting place. Because of mission rules, single sisters can't go with the elders to teach (unless there is an extra elder or we go to the chapel). I picked up Min and followed the elders to the ward chapel. These elders were so inspired, and the Spirit was there the whole time. I tried to add some things to help clarify when she looked confused. Her English is very good, but she still doesn't understand everything, and she prefers to read in Mandarin or Cantonese. I could see how the Lord had correlated this whole experience for her benefit. First, the sweetest -spirited young elders, one of whom was familiar with Mandarin, though he didn't speak it. Then, as we were teaching in the foyer by the door, people came into a scout meeting, one of whom, was a neighbor and friend to Min (!), and the elders said there was another Cantonese-speaking woman in the ward that could help her understand sacrament. Everything is by design and His hand is in every good thing. In the visit, the elders challenged her to be baptised right off the bat, which surprised me. She didn't know what to say, so I said that if she found what they were saying was true, she would want to be baptised, wouldn't she? She said she would want to be baptised when she was sure it was true. She prayed for the first time, and it was so sweet. It was clear she had little concept of God in her life, and, as she confided to me when I brought her home, she needed someone to”lean on”. I hope she prays to know the truth about what she heard. I know she felt the Spirit as I certainly did.

 

 

RED LETTER DAY IN THE ERC!!

 

 

I had such a great day on Friday this week (actually Dec 12 and 13), and it all started when I forgot my computer cord on Thursday.  Usually when there are few or no new candidates coming in and/or they don't need any help, we make phone calls to those on our list that receive "center assistance" with their job search.  Those who prefer to work on their own and those who have gotten jobs are placed (by us or themselves) on "self serve" until or unless they request more help.  We call the people on our lists to find out how they are doing and how we can help.  We use our computers to record all the notes that go into our data base on each candidate.  Without a computer we are up a creek.  So on Thursday, I tried to make myself useful by making sure the resource papers were up to date and  sufficient, pencils sharpened, note paper available, etc.  Then I got the new job emails that come in every day to our manager, Sean, and duplicated , highlighted and dated them to put into our two  "current listings" books.  I had an idea, because there were so many new postings.  Actually, Sean was out of the office for important meetings--they are making so many changes in the whole program (that are really inspired).  Since he is usually there to go over and print up the listings, they kind of piled up.  There was just a large variety of job postings, and I thought about all the candidates that I had met and helped to register and use our web site.  I got my little black book where I write, or try to re-write from scratch paper, all the names, phone numbers and desired jobs and skills of these people.  I decided to just try to find some of my names to fit some of these positions, and then I called them individually--at least some of them--to let them know about these new openings.  Some of them had found jobs (I congratulated them and recorded the job placements--we depend upon having placements to justify our existence).  However, several of them were very excited and were coming to the center to find out more.  One, a really nice brother I met early in my mission, sounded very discouraged but was much encouraged by my call and said he would be come the next day and follow up on some of the leads I could give some information about on the phone.  On Friday he came in very happy and excited.  He had gotten a new very good job that would help him provide for his family!!  He hugged me and thanked me over and over, but really, I hadn't done anything--he had just felt enough encouraged to go in the apply for a job he was very much qualified for--he'd done it all himself (as I pointed out).  He said he would help us know about any other openings in the company, and I suggested that we could have all our candidates who found jobs help us that way as well.  Of course, it was suggested in the past, but now it will be part of our resources, which should help many more people.  Then, the lovely Keywanda I had helped to register the day before, came in and also wanted to know about the jobs I called her about.  She called me to thank me and her new employer (a private party) also called to thank my for bringing them together.  Keywanda was very excited because she did not have a GED or high school diploma and it is almost impossible to find anything in that situation.  I found some info on sources of free help with the GED, which also should help.  Anyway, I called a number of people and felt that I was able to encourage them to keep looking--that the jobs were out there and we could help, and I felt I had done something good for a few people, which makes it all worth all the effort.

 

 

SOME HUMBLING MOMENTS IN THE ERC

 

 

As I might have written before, this mission has been  tutorial in learning to have a more Christ-like attitude, as my weaknesses have come up against various trials.  I have felt the stinging pain of sharp criticism and rebuke, when I have made mistakes, and the subtle discomfort of rejection when I feel  I am not liked or accepted--that my personality is somehow out of sinc with everyone else.  Sometimes it is hard to bear, but then the Spirit enlightens me on what I need to understand and what I need to change about myself.  Before I left, I kind of thought I was an OK person and generally liked by people who knew me.  Since I've been here, I have come to learn of so many parts about me that need repentance.  I was told (without tact, I felt) at various times, that I was selfish and self-centered, impulsive and thoughtless, and something of a liar, and that was just to start!!  However, after I was able to pray and ponder about these things, I saw myself more as Heavenly Father sees me, and could see more about my weaknesses.  I have been very much about myself, my life, my interests, my comforts, etc., and I need to think more of others and put myself last, in the same way the Savior does.  He didn't demean Himself or take on a co-dependent role, but He had at the front of His concern, the needs of all of us.  Without becoming co-dependent to their needs, I have tried harder to be more quiet and listening to everyone with whom I talk, and have subordinated my needs to those of others around me.  I am taking more time and exercising patience in my work (even if I already know what people are telling me and am already doing it "right"), and I am more careful and meticulous.  I guess the most painful realization was when someone called me a liar (I've never been called that--but then, I have never associated with people so direct !).  As I went to bed in tears, I prayed to know what to do, say, etc. (hoping, of course, I would magically be transferred to American Fork, where I could do this same mission without all this "wasted" time and misery).  It came to me very clearly, as He always sends me information, that I am indeed not completely truthful (though maybe not quite the "liar" I felt accused of being!).  I realized that when I was very young, I watched my mother mislead my father about what was true in order to avoid angry words (Dad was always completely straightforward, if sometimes brutally direct).  She considered it an art--kind of "what he doesn't know won't hurt us if he doesn't get angry about it"--and she wasn't worried about the broader problem of dishonesty.  I also realized that, to avoid any kind of confrontation or unpleasantness, I  developed the habit if just leaving the scene of the possible dispute  or cause for tension, as I find those feelings quite unbearable (that "walking on eggshells" feeling I feel so much here).  However, here I can't escape, run away or hide.  So, I have resorted to kind of avoiding the issues, waffling around the problems, and misleading by omission.  Because I am not really good at this, I find myself tripping up.  To give an example, I often find being around the other older sisters difficult and uncomfortable, especially when I drive them, because I feel their displeasure in things I do and usually find myself criticized or reprimanded like a child, though I am mostly the same age.  To avoid this, instead of just saying  " I don't think I want to go ", I will make weak excuses, and, usually,  because I am so tense and anxious, I develop stomach pains, but, by the time I can honestly tell them that I don't feel well, they don't believe me (and that wasn't the real reason anyway).  I went back and thanked them for what they said and let them know that I realized they were right and why.  It was a very good moment for all of us, as I finally actually felt their caring for me and mine for them.  I am trying to be more forthright, but still kind, in my conversation and this is beginning to really help our relationship.  Only Heavenly Father could have known how much I needed exactly this situation to help me repent and change.  As always, He has all of us in mind all the time (the Ultimate Multi-tasker!!).  Sometimes, however, the criticisms to which I cannot become accustomed, are truly unjust. I went to bed, praying for help.  The next morning, it came to me very clearly that I was not the only one being tutored and that this was for everyone's learning and growth.  I was told that I needed to become more like the Savior--the word I heard was "meek".  Meekness is not a particularly popular trait in this world, but I realized that that is just what I need to be.  A meek person, the Spirit made clear, not only does not "answer back", he doesn't even take offense , and is able, through the help of the Spirit (no one can do this without Him), to not even feel hurt or offense, but to feel only love and understanding toward the one giving criticism.  I would really like to be able to give the Savior a "meek" heart for Christmas! 

On Saturday, I had a nice time walking in the Spring Preserve, though with a touch of guilt because I had already made these plans and didn't want to go to the Temple with the other sisters (I love to go to the temple, but wanted to go in the PM after walking--they had already made plans for the PM).  Anyway, in the afternoon, I drove all the sisters to the Bellagio, amid a storm of criticism about my driving (which I ended by simply saying that it was tough enough to drive in the impossible traffic with the sun right in my eyes and be criticized at the same  time).  Anyway, we had a great time looking at the amazing decorations made with real flowers (polar bears made of 10,000 flowers each and a life-sized Santa house made entirely of chocolate and candy, plus thousands of pointsettas) and getting our gelato ice cream (wow).  Then, again with some complaints and back-seat instruction from all, mostly contradictory, we drove south for some distance to the "cactus garden", and it was simply show-stoppingly beautiful!  I have never seen so many lights together of such variety on each cactus plant and all the trees.  We loved it and traced the heavily traveled path with thousands of others to the end, where we went into a chocolate factory (Ethel M).  We saw how the chocolates were made and were given a sample (decadent!).  So, we left with a chocolate bar each, courtesy of Sister Houseman, the only one to bring a purse (who looks for chocolate factory in a cactus garden?)  To add to the fun, I noticed the irony of the blow-up plastic Christmas decorations in the midst of a cactus garden!    Anyway, we had a good time and arrived home around 8PM.  At nine, the two young sister missionaries came in our apartment and told us they couldn't get in theirs, because the key set was faulty (they had told the management about the problem but nothing had been done).  I felt so bady for them and we tried to get hold of someone, finally, successfully.  While talking to them, I asked how their day had been.  They said it was a "good" day, and I asked if they had found someone to teach (they have had very few teaching appointments and none in the last several weeks or I would have gone with them).  They said no, that they had helped someone to move out of their apartment.  I felt instantly humble by their goodness--that "helping someone move" was a  " good day" to them, while I was having "fun" not even trying to be  of service.  Their words and their attitude has continued to replay for me, as I realize I have so much more to learn to be more like the Savior.

 

 

ADVENTURES IN THE ERC  PART 8

 

I have been here in this mission for enough time and have met so many new people that I am beginning to forget some of those I have registered and helped, although I wrote many of their names down (with their employment preferences--in case I come across any jobs in their fields).  Plus, many adventures are happening this month, what with the Mission Conference with a General Authority and our Mission Christmas party, coming up this week and next.  So I am just going to tell about this day, which hasn't finished yet (it is 2pm and not much is going on).  So far, I have registered two new people to our website, one a member who is fully active in the Church and is seeking outside employment for the first time in years, Meghan.  Her dream job is to be a paramedic, but she is looking for employment to help pay for her education.  She had done "nanny"  work for  many years and is interested in finding a position in customer service.  There are thousands of customer service jobs available, according to the website, though likely many are filled, and other related jobs in our "jobs book", so, hopefully, she will be successful.  The second lady who came in was Keywanda, who was born in Louisiana, but lived 43 years here.  As I was talking to her while she registered, I sensed that she might be interested in the Church--she is a non-member.  I told her some things about the Church and why I love it and it must have resonated with her, because she said she wanted to join!!  She was tired on being "in the world" and "it was time" for her to become part of a church.  I got her information and, with her permission, after she left, I brought her referral down to the mission office (this is the third person I have actually referred).  I am excited to learn how she feels about the Church and asked if I could be part of teaching the discussions, if possible.

 



 

 

HERE COMES CHRISTMAS IN THE ERC

 

 

Here we are in December, already, and facing Christmas in the mission field.  I, for one, am not too dismayed, though I will miss my family.  This is all about serving the Savior (my choice) and serving others here, so I am feeling the Spirit of Christ--the best feeling of all--without all the hustle and bustle of the "season".  Many of the family will be together with Traci at her home (Bobbie and Ashton and David), Danny and Corky will be with Dan, perhaps with Dan and Noelle, and Laurel will have a great family Christmas in San Antonio.  I am excited that Dane and Noelle will be coming this way at the end of the season to come to a farewell for Dane's grandparents (going to Guatemala on their mission) in Cedar City.  They said they would come down on Sat (Dec. 28) and visit me!  In the meantime, I had another wonderful visit with my dearest friend, Mindy Webb, who came from Bainbridge to visit McKay!!  She and Stan and McKay came to see me and took me to lunch, and I was so excited to see them!!  We talked and laughed and the time passed so quickly, I was sorry to see it end.  I take it one day at a time and I have found so many big and little blessings that come to me each day, no matter how difficult it is over-all. I just received a lovely card from Andrea and Ron, which really touched my heart, and a big scroll of paper that was sent from the ward, I think, with lots of happy and supportive little notes from children, teens and adults!  I feel so loved right now, and then, wouldn't you know it, a wonderful (heavy) Christmas package from Traci with some of the most beautiful pictures of the children--I started to cry to see their beautiful faces-- and lots of fun things and, right here in the ERC comes a huge flower arrangement from Noelle and Dane.  My goodness, I am really overcome with gratitude for the goodness of all my friends and family and the love of God, manifested so clearly to me.  Last night I traveled with Sister Splain and Sister Houseman to an incredible performance of the Nativity, done for the whole valley by Church Stakes in this area.  It was a musical drama with a "host" of angels that appeared on the roof of the building above the nativity, singing  "Angels We Have heard on High" that made me feel like what it might have been like at Bethlehem!!  It was really dramatic with the majestic version by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir  (accompanying them in the background).  The donkey carrying Mary across the stage (which was actually a street on the campus) halted and refused to continue (even tho his friend, another donkey,  was across from him--which I am sure was pre-planned to give him incentive to go all the way to the door of the "inn").  Compelling  him to go wouldn't work, so Joseph helped Mary down and they continued on foot to the inn door(s).  Meanwhile, I watched  the donkey's handler go up to the donkey and  whisper in his ear and scratch under his chin, and then quietly lead him across the stage.  To me, this was a type of the Savior, who never compels but entreats, and was so appropriate for the evening.   

 

BEING REMEMBERED  BY THOSE LEFT BEHIND

 

 

 

I was absolutely astonished to receive two packages from wonderful friends back home!!  I couldn't

believe that the Van Dyke family sent me a lovely little box in a larger box--so cute-and the most heart-warming Thanksgiving card.  Each member of the family had written a little supportive and loving note in the card, and I cried when I read it and felt their love--and Heavenly Father's love for me, as I know that the Spirit moved them to reach out to this old and somewhat lonely missionary.  It was simply unbelievable to me that someone, not actually family, would even take the time to do this.  Then, in the next  mail, which came to the office, there was this big box for me from Janice and Steve Graham.  Inside there was a lovely shiney Christmas tree decorated with intricately cut out  decorative squares with inspiring scriptures about the Savior.  It was so incredible and just what I need--I keep reading the scriptures during the day and it strengthens me spiritually from the everyday troubles.  All this reinforces the realization that we missionaries are very much dependent on the prayers and support of those we love at home.  Bless you wonderful friends!

 



 



 

 

ADVENTURES OUT OF THE ERC !!

 

 

This week was Thanksgiving!  I was so excited, because the ERC is closed for Thanksgiving for a total of 4 days.  Three of my children, Danny, Corky, Bobbie, and her son, Ashton, came down to see me!   Danny and Corky came first, and it was wonderful to see them!!  I had permission to go down to stay with them at the resort (an extra bed), and we were soon joined by Bobbie and Ashton who literally flew down in her car (less than 5 hours to Las Vegas Blvd).  We met at our favorite restaurant, Outback, and had a wonderful meal, talking and laughing together.  I can't tell you how being with them has filled my soul.  Although they tried to get a bigger accommodation, like a 3 bedroom suite, they had to settle for what they could get at the last minute.  Bobbie got a studio for her and Ashton, while Danny and Corky had a  one bedroom (king), so I stayed on the Murphy bed in the living room.  It was very spacious and fun to be together, and we all had breakfast in "our" unit, which Bobbie lovingly prepared.  We decided to see a few "sights" and went to the aquarium at the Silverado and then the lovely duck and bird park in another casino.  We enjoyed both and should have just come home and gone swimming, but we wanted to see the fountains and the botanical display at the Bellagio.  Big mistake--were caught in bad traffic and stood still forever.  We decided to get out of there as soon as possible and  found we could drive up to the Circus-Circus.  After parking what turned out to be as far as possible from where we wanted to go, we found the whole place packed with wall to wall people like us.  Bobbie wanted to see the circus act which took us walking all the way through the casino and then we waited in the thick crowd with no seats available (except I sat in the midst of a group who made room) for about 10 or 15 minutes for the act to begin.  The performance was fairly good, but not worth the time and trouble, and we went back to the time share resort too late to swim, go to the movie, Girl on Fire, and have Thanksgiving dinner.  We still had not decided where to go for dinner together, but thought to go to one of the famous buffets.  We discovered that most were around $50 each (!), so we weren't sure what to do. Meanwhile, we all loved going to the movie, which was one of the best of the year.  We had heard that there was a less expensive buffet in that casino, but, when we looked at the long lines, we knew (what with food that was breathed and coughed on) that this would not be a good family experience for us.  We went back to the resort and wished we had bought a turkey and cooked it!!  But we were together and happy, so we just decided to find someplace for dinner--off the beaten path.  The resort, for some unknown reason, had recommended this place, BEE-GEES, across the street,  We went in and decided there was really nothing to recommend it!! It was a smoke-filled bar with a few drunks who welcomed us to their party!  Bobbie was inspired at this point and said we ought to go to the Cannery, another casino , further north (not too far from my apt).  By the time we got there, the buffet was closed, but we were undaunted and walked up to another little restaurant in the same casino which was open. It was called The Waverly, and we might not have even noticed it.  It was really a different world inside, and all the lights and smoke and noise just disappeared behind a partition where we were seated in the best table in the place!  It was extraordinary!  The food was wonderful (we even ate and prized the left-overs!), the best we had had, and the service impeccable.  It was quiet and lovely and intimate with all of us thoroughly enjoying the food and the company--and very thankful for these wonderful moments.  What a great day!  The next morning Danny and Corky had to drive home for Corky's  job, so we had a brief breakfast and sadly said goodby.  Luckily, Bobbie was staying through until Sunday.  Because she was in a studio which is very small, I drove home to spend the night at my apartment on  both nights.  On Friday, I took Ashton to the Spring Preserve for a couple of hours and then back to the resort, where we all went in the water--hot tub (huge) and pool (heated, but not hot).  We thoroughly enjoyed out time.  We ate leftovers (delicious!) and wanted to go back up the strip to see the "bodies" exhibit at the Luxor.  It was quite expensive, but interesting, if a little creepy.  Reading about the human body and its amazing qualities really helps grow my testimony of the divinity of the creation of man.  On Saturday, we just spent the whole day playing at the resort and didn't try to go where all the crowds were!  We swam, hot tubbed, rode the lazy river, played hide and seek, Ping-Pong, pools (the table kind), board games (like Uno, candyland, monopoly) and ate delivered pizza (the pizza was good, but the salad was ruined by the awful salad dressing).  It was so fun to be together and I went home late.  The next day, Sunday, Bobbie and Ashton came and stopped on their way home, but didn't stay very long (sigh!).  It was so supportive to me to have them come.  I thought I might be very homesick after they left, but I only felt strengthened, and I felt Heavenly Father had given me another special blessing (the happy kind).  

 

 

ADVENTURES IN THE ERC PART 7 ( OR SO)

 

 

 

Since Saturday is our "P" day, often the other three sisters and I go on sight-seeing outings.   Sister Splain has been here the longest and all the three have already seen many of the sights, but they have a "bucket" list of things to see before they each go home.  Although we don't go out every Saturday, we have seen a number of interesting sights.  The first Saturday I was there, we went to the Las Vegas Spring Preserve.  It was really interesting and even interactive with lots of history, an animal habitat, a large museum of Nevada (with a wonderful display of meticulously made clothing--these craft displays are changed periodically), a fantastic café, a trail system and "railroad" ride for tourists over a large acreage, and the most notable botanical garden in Nevada.  Since the visitor tickets were very expensive and the season passes were only $10 more, I opted to buy one, thinking I could come on my own to "hike" on the trails.  I was frustrated when I was told later (after I helped everyone get in for less than half price) that we all have to be together and I am not supposed to go alone. Plus, the others said they probably not want to do again (!!). However, I was just granted permission to go there to hike alone,  so I will look forward to doing that soon.  In the last few weeks we have gone to other places of interest.  Sister Splain took me to the Red Rock Canyon area I had heard so much about!  Both Sister Clark and Sister Houseman stayed home, the two of us took a picnic and drove the whole circle that goes through the area.  We stopped at all the rock formations and walked along some of the trails for a short distance.  It was, as the Spring Preserve, lovely in a deserty sort of way--the rocks were really impressive.  Unfortunately, it won't be a good option for me, because it is much farther away than I was told and it involves a very high fee for out-of-state cars every time you come (there is only one road that circles the area and it starts and ends at the fee station!)   Sister Splain and Sister Houseman also took me to the Valley of Fire one Saturday, and it was quite interesting, too.  Because of Sister Houseman's hip arthritis, we didn't hike very far or much, but it was quite fun.  We had a nice picnic in the shade of the canyon in a slightly hidden area and drove over the whole very vast land.  Again, there is one road that goes through the area and few that access the road.  We were going to go to another spot to see the big-horned sheep come down, but there had been an accident (motorcycle) ahead and the only road was closed.  We had to go all the way around and north to the freeway to go home, but we had so much fun in Overton, a tiny town with a big ice cream shoppe!  We got our ice cream and sat on the benches facing the street, three missionaries sitting in a row!!   All four of us also had a trip to the strip last week.  We went to Caesar's Forum which was really neat, but the best was the Bellogio (sp?) where they had the most beautiful display for fall ever.  It was huge and covered with fall flowers, pumpkins, trees, fountains, a little bridge, etc.  We went in to the ice cream shop and enjoyed one of the best-tasting (and expensive!) ice cream cones I have tasted.  We also drove (forever) to a movie theatre (in a casino--it seems, everything here is) to see the Saratov Approach, excellent and thought-provoking, and spent what seemed like hours in a shopping mall (I'm just not a fan of "shopping" or "malls".  We are also planning to go to a number of other places of interest (like Hoover Dam) in the future.  As soon as I can learn how to download pictures from the computer, my email, and my camera, and how to edit this blog to fit them in, I will put a few pictures about some of these and other events.