Week 49

December 24, 2017

Dear Loved Ones,

Christmas Eve!! Wish I was where I could give you all a big hug.  I do miss being with you all, but I am having another kind of special Christmas in seeing outside my own little bubble.  Too much of my life has been turned in to my own world. There is a lot of suffering in the world that we can help in small ways.  I am grateful for the “Light the World” suggestions for ways to reach out to others. I have seen an incredible example of service and generosity demonstrated by some of the women in my Ward, who had the courage to take on Sub for Santa for the Homeless and destitute in Pocatello.

Let me start with the dinner I attended last Sunday night at the home of one of my little Primary class members, Jonas Pierson.  I have the feeling I typed this all before to you, but I didn’t see it in last weeks letter. It was a family of siblings all enjoying each other. They skyped their sister in North Carolina to tell her that rather than giving to each other, they pooled their resources and bought her a ticket to fly out when their parents return from their mission to Taiwan. How happy those parents will be when they see all their children waiting for them at the airport! It was a lovely dinner and I appreciate their letting me be a part of it.

Wednesday, was the big Sub for Santa service project held at the church.  Our sister missionaries helped in the afternoon. In the evening, the elders came and helped carry boxes. The Sub for Santa website allowed you to choose a child or adult by number and fill three wishes. That night the numbers ( 1-120 or more), were on the wall all around the cultural hall, the donated items were set under the numbers and then boxed in family units. If something asked for was not there it was noted on the box and looked for in the Relief Society room where there were many unassigned items donated including beauty products, used coats, new bedding, sleeping bags etc.  As the boxes left the cultural hall, candy and wrapping paper were added. An enormous truck was loaded with everything, including 6 o7 bicycles.

Thursday, we had elders unload everything at the shelter. My Visiting Teacher, Andrea Ford’s family rented the bowling alley in the ISU Student Union Building. A party was planned for the homeless to bowl. Pizza, veggie trays, and goodies were supplied.  Our Elders were invited to bowl with the men. It was an enormous effort to provide Christmas joy for those less fortunate.

Saturday, I had the Sister missionaries that live in my apartment complex over to lunch.  It was fun to visit with them. One Sister is from Gilbert, AZ the other Sister is a convert to the church who was originally from Iowa, but spent her teen years in Falls Church, VA. She ran with a group of Mormon friends.  She went to a Catholic College in the mid-west, but one of her friends wrote her and asked her to read the Book of Mormon they had given her years before. That started her serious study of Mormonism and asking for missionaries. She has a Master’s degree in Secondary Education and is an awesome missionary.

This morning, we had only our Sacrament Service. The Primary children sang, “Away in a Manger” with chimes on the “asleep, asleep,” part.  The Ward choir then sang “O Come, O Come, Emanuel” and “Good Christian Men Rejoice”. Andrea Ford played “Oh, Holy Night” on the violin. Our bishop then gave a profound, poetic talk. He started by thanking us all for showing up and then told how he resented Christmas coming on a Sunday when he was a teenager. He shared not understanding why everyone made so much about the baby Jesus.  Babies are helpless and can’t do anything. The bishop then contrasted those feelings with the birth of his first child. No one has the power to bring greater change to your life than a new baby. The baby changes everything – your schedules, your priorities, your desire to be a better person. On a day in June he discovered what Christmas was all about as he held his first child. He then when on to tell us that Matthew and Luke tell us what happened – John tells us why.  I am not beginning to do this justice, but it was poetic and wonderful!

My visiting teacher, Leslie Koyle, invited me to spend Christmas Eve with her family.  Her sister lives next door and we went there for a musical program and dinner. Their parents are serving a Service mission building housing on a ranch in Kansas. Being service missionaries, they were able to come spend this week with their kids. Its been a fun evening with lots of squealing kids, fabulous food, and some fun games. We started at 3:00 with the musical program.  The kids shared their talents on piano, guitar, and recorder. The Nativity was acted out to “Away in a Manger”. They had a set of chimes and we all participated in playing Christmas carols one chime at a time. They were better than our missionaries were at Zone Conference. And a lot better than our office staff when President Hancock gave us a turn.

I’ve been asleep on the couch – just woke up and saw the wonderful pictures of fun at the Linford house. Hope you are all enjoying similar nights!  I love you all very much!

Love and Hugs,

Grammie/Sister Shill

Week 48

Dear Loved ones,

 

 

Merry Christmas!! Almost.  I have been celebrating all week.  Tuesday and Wednesday, we had Zone Conferences.  We usually divide into three groups for Zone Conference.  This week everyone was divided into two groups. It was more fun for the missionaries to be with a larger group. They so enjoy seeing old companions – there are lots of hugs and back slapping. The sweet Relief Society sisters that prepared our lunches went out of their way to make it Holiday special.  The President organized the morning into typical training sessions, then after lunch, the missionaries put on a talent show. To me it felt like a two-day Christmas party. Especially because Tuesday night was our Ward Party held at the Skating Rink. I had two days of non-stop fun. I will send pictures.  The skating rink would be a great place for our family to have a party -except Tuesday nights is the only time they have private parties.

President Hancock introduced the theme of the Conference with a wonderful quote from Marvin J. Ashton, who is Grandma Inee’s nephew by a different wife. I am going to put the whole quote here so I will have it in the future.  He used different parts of it at different times in his training. I love it!

“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself.  And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again.  It makes the thought of being [critical or verbally abusive] repulsive.”

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet.  Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped.  Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other. (Marvin J. Ashton, from Conference Report, April 1992; or Ensign May 1992).

Thursday, I took candy canes for the children who came to the Baptist Food Pantry. I did it last week because it was “Suffer the Little Children” day on the “Light the World” calendar.  It was so much fun, I did it another week.  My Visiting Teachers came after I got home.  One brought a yummy loaf of bread the other a fun battery-powered string of lights that I have strung across my living room window.

Friday, I had my teeth cleaned and had a haircut. Shopped for Sub for Santa. Saturday, I work hard on my Primary lesson only to learn when I got there today that the men where all going to teach Primary so we could go the Relief Society.  I tried not to be bitter that no one told me that ahead of time.  One of my Visiting Teachers, Leslie Koyle insisted on picking me up for church today in her 4-wheel vehicle because it snowed last night.  Everyone is so good to me here! Sister Missionaries gave me a “Heart Attack” on my front door, yesterday. I am going to dinner at the Pierson’s tonight. Jonas Pierson is one of my little CTR classmates. He is the very well behaved one.

I love you all and hope you are enjoying meaningful Christmas activities!

Love and Hugs,

 Grammie/Sister Shill

 

week 47

December 10, 2017

 

Dear Loved Ones,

 

Busy week in the mission!! Monday, I woke up to the first real snowfall of the winter.  It was perfect timing because in the afternoon, the office staff went to President McNabb’s neighbors to have our picture taken in a horse drawn sleigh.  I will try to get a copy of it! It was fun to hear the ring of real sleigh bells as the sleigh came up from the barn.

 

Later that evening was the farewell dinner and fireside for the two sisters and five elders that were going home Tuesday morning. Those farewell testimony meetings are my favorite part of my mission. It was hard to say goodbye to Sister Costa because she had helped with our rice-bag project for Just Serve. She had never used a sewing machine before, she loved learning. She has gone home to Peru and dreams of coming back to BYU Idaho. I will miss her! The other sister served mostly up in the Star Valley area, so I didn’t know her as well. We also lost Elder Ashton! We never got the chance to see if our Ashton lines connected anywhere.  He has gone home to Tucson – maybe the Funks will run into him.  He always said he had 5 generations on a thumb drive and we were always going to check it out – but the time got away from us and it didn’t happen.

Wednesday morning Sister Rasmussen and Sister Robison of the office staff took me to a brunch to celebrate my birthday.  We had to hurry back because we had 12 new missionaries arriving. Shirl came by the office and brought be candy and a poinsettia.  There wasn’t much time to visit with her because we do training with the new missionaries.  After they are welcomed by the President, Sister Hancock, and the AP’s, they have their pictures taken with the Hancocks.  They are then divided into 3 groups and they rotate through our training while the President briefly interviews them one at a time.  When I got back to my desk there were your beautiful flowers.  Thank you for making me feel special. The missionaries then go to the mission home and relax until dinner. After dinner, the Assistants tell them about Idaho and have a little quiz about the church in Idaho.  Sister Hancock has a power point about their family in Winslow and then they are given an envelope which they open and read to discover who their new companion will be and where they will be serving. It is also a fun night to get to know the new ones whose pictures we have been looking at for weeks.

Thursday was hectic – I send emails to all the parents of the new missionaries attaching their picture taken with President and Sister Hancock.

Saturday Morning, I went to the Gateway Rehabilitation Center and read Christmas stories to some of the patients, it was fun!  Afterwards, I took the headbands and gloves that I had collected to give to the Salvation Army when I thought Em and I were going to do dinner for them.  The dinner idea fell through because none of the Salvation Army employees wanted to come to work on Christmas Day.  So now we will go to Gateway and take wassail and sing carols, read stories, play games or whatever.

In the afternoon, I went to a choir concert with the George family.  Sister George is David Linford’s niece. This is a children’s choir connected with Idaho State U.  They are 4^th thru 8^th grade and they sounded like angels. The two oldest George girls, Mariah and Elaine sang solos with their Mom at the piano.  They were amazing!!

I Love and hugs,

Grammie/Sister Shill

Week 46

December 3, 2017

Dear Loved ones!!!

Thank you for coming so far and bringing so many good things to our Thanksgiving feast.  It was so wonderful to see everyone and just sit and chat. I loved the sound of so many happy voices in the background.  Unfortunately, I totally forgot that I wanted to share some thoughts about Thanksgiving and the Book of Mormon.  I bought a new book about Squanto and wanted to share it! His life is a testimony that the Lord has a plan and when hard things happen it is usually the means of saving us.  If Squanto had not been stolen and taken to Europe he would have died like everyone else in his village. If the Franciscan friars in Spain hadn’t freed him from slavery and told him that his best chance to make it home was with the English; if he hadn’t learned English while in England, our pilgrim forefathers would have all died without someone to teach them how to survive in their new country. Divine choreography!! What I wanted to say about the Book of Mormon can be summed up with this quote I heard, “Stay in the Book of Mormon and you will make better decisions!” my life has taught me that is true!! When I am faithfully studying the Book of Mormon, I have made better decisions in all areas of my life. It is the tool the Lord has provided us, so we can survive in these turbulent times.

I am sitting by Christmas tree that Marsi decorated to perfection!! Too bad it didn’t look like this when we took a picture of Liz, Jenni, Ellery, Christian and me together, I later realized we had 4 generations of oldest daughters together. I added it to my Christmas card.

I love the Light the World program.  I was the happy recipient of someone else’s good turn.  I was cold coming out of Wal-Mart, so I went through the McDonald’s drive thru to get a peppermint hot chocolate.  When I was handed my drink, I was told that the car ahead of me had paid my bill.  It made me happy the whole rest of the day imagining a world where these things happen all the time.

It has been a busy week in the mission.  Monday, we were supposed to have a picture of the office staff taken at Pres. McNab’s. It rained and spoiled the chance to hook-up his horse to a real sleigh for our picture. Tomorrow we are going to try again. Unfortunately, it is raining now. I hope the sun comes out tomorrow so we can get our picture taken.

Tuesday night was my public affairs meeting. Our guest speaker was a local news anchor, Brenda Baumgartner, who has spent her life around Mormons though she is not a member. She has recently published a story about her search for the man who wrote love-letters and left them in a suitcase that ended up in Deseret Industries. I think it was published in LDS Living magazine. She used Family Search to find his family.  

Wednesday night, I went with Pres and Sister Hancock and the Rasmussen’s to this cute theater where Cassidy and I saw “Fiddler on the Roof” this summer.  We saw “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”.  It was darling and reminded me of when Amy Hancock was in a production of that in Logan. I can’t remember if Marsi’s other kids had parts.

Thursday, I took Sister Rasmussen to my “Just Serve” meeting with me.  She seems interested in participating in the program and she can take my place when I leave next July.

Friday, was my turn to work in the office, because it is Missionary Leadership Council.  We have a new Assistant to the President because Elder Slatcher goes home just like Braden will this week. Our new Assistant is Elder Saydee!!! I am so happy.  He is the Elder that let me borrow his key to the church so we could get in for Thanksgiving.  Elizabeth and Glen knew him when he was playing soccer for San Jose State. He will be a strength to the mission.

Well, I didn’t mean to go on so long.  Thanks again for making such a wonderful Thanksgiving for me!! And thanks, Marsi for making Christmas happen in my apartment. We had Messiah playing, ginger cookies in the oven, as she trimmed my tree.

Love and Hugs,

Grammie/Sister Shill

Week 44

November 19, 2017

Dear Loved Ones,

I am feeling so blessed to be serving in the Idaho Pocatello Mission. Today the Meridian Temple Dedication was broadcast to my Stake center. This is the second Temple Dedication on my mission. Earlier I was able to attend the re-dedication of the Idaho Falls Temple broadcast to my Stake Center. The new temple matron gave an outstanding talk on the temple as our Heavenly home here on earth. Elder Soares, and Elder Cause were inspirational. President Uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk and dedicatory prayer.  Such a thrill to participate in the Hosanna Shout. So grateful that I could be here for this blessing.

The other reason I am grateful to be serving in the Idaho Pocatello Mission is because so many of you are coming for Thanksgiving. The address is 2925 Michelle Street. Park in the upper parking lot.  It is nearer the kitchen door and you won’t have to haul stuff up the stairs. Can everyone be here by 2:00 p.m.?

The Parkin’s were serving again this week in place of the Rasmussens who are on still on their cruise which entails a stop in Cuba.  I will be interested to hear about their adventure when they are back on Monday.  It was sad to have to say goodbye again to the Parkins.  I have so enjoyed working with them.

Yesterday, I went to the baptism of the cutest girl that works in the grocery store closest to my apartment. She has been such a cheer-up anytime I am in the store.  She has been looking forward to her baptism. She put it off until some of her family could be here. She was glowing yesterday!! Despite her green hair.

I finally got all my notes typed on the recent Zone Conferences. Elder Magallon, one of the assistants to the president, identified the large group pictures for me.  I was able to do the Paris Conference myself. I can recognize the new ones and many of our new sister missionaries are serving in the Marsh and Star Valleys.  I still can’t recognize all of those that were already here when I came in January.

Week 42 & 43

November 5, 2017

Dear Loved ones,

This has been a wonderful week. Our first Zone Conference was in Blackfoot. The drive to Blackfoot used to be miserable because of road construction narrowing the road to one lane for miles.  The summer work crews were all gone and I arrived about 30 minutes early because there were two lanes at 80 miles an hour.  I could hardly believe I was there. It was a great conference.  

The sisters that provided us lunch had decorated everything so cute for Halloween and when the conference was over they gave a box of little “trick or treat bags” to the missionaries.

I drove home in a powerful windstorm. I heard something flapping under the car.  It sounded like I had a flat tire, but the gauges indicated that I wasn’t losing air in my tires.  When I got back to Pocatello, I drove straight to the Buick dealer. Apparently, whatever covers everything underneath the car had come loose. They removed it entirely and said they would order parts to put it back on.

November 12, 2017

I am sorry that I didn’t manage to finish this letter last week.  This week I am trying to get my notes typed up on the Conferences, after typing all day at the office, I don’t want to type more when I get home. Life has been busy in the mission. There were more baptisms in October than any other month since I came here. Maybe it was the boost we got from Elder Soares visit in September.

Back to where I left off – Tuesday night after the Blackfoot conference I had my Public Affairs meeting. We had the new young pastor of the local Methodist Church come talk to us. He was previously serving as Pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Texas. The Church of the Nazarene is an off-shoot of Methodism. They practice baptism by immersion, which was interesting to learn.

The next day we stayed in Pocatello for another zone conference, but the conference was held in a stake building that I had never been in. They have gorgeous art hanging in their cultural hall including an original Minerva Teichert of pioneers arriving in the Valley.

Thursday was Mission Leadership Training that is usually held on the Friday that I work in the office alone.  Friday was Zone Conference held in the Paris Tabernacle. I drove up to Paris with the Christensens.  It was their last Zone Conference.  They have been training their replacements as Vehicle Coordinators, the Robisons.  I will really miss them. The first time I drove to Pocatello to see what the mission office was like, she welcomed me with a big hug and relieved all my fears about my mission.  They both have such a fun sense of humor, I will miss their playfulness. Things won’t be quite the same.

The Paris Tabernacle is gorgeous. It was built by pioneers that only knew shipbuilding, so when it was time for a roof they built a ship bottom and turned it upside down and put it on top of their building.  The woodworking is so lovely and it has been well cared for through the years. Cherie’s grandfather or great- grandfather helped build it. His home is across the street and still well cared for. I will send pictures.

Monday night of this week was my Empty-nesters fireside. The grandson of the hostess for the night was a recently returned missionary from the Farmington, New Mexico Mission, which is basically the mission to the Navahos.  He had interesting tales to tell and then he made us all make our own fry bread.  He had prepared the dough, but we had to work it and then take it out to the patio where his Grandfather plopped it in the pot of oil and we watched it blossom into real fry bread. There were lots of yummy toppings to choose from when it was finished. It was a fun night.

The rest of the week has been pretty quiet as I continued to type up Zone conferences and get the October baptisms into Salt Lake.

Can’t wait for Thanksgiving and a good dose of family time!! Love you all so much!!

Love and hugs,

Grammie/Sister Shill

Week 41

October 29, 2017

 

Dear Loved Ones,

This week has gone by very fast.  Monday night, was our Farewell party at Perkin’s restaurant for the Parkins and the Christensens. Elder Parkin has been the mission Executive Secretary, and his wife has been the Mission Secretary. They are replaced by the Rasmussens who served in those postitions before the Parkins, they didn’t need training. The Christensens are also leaving after Zone Conferences and all week they have been training the Robisons who will take their place. It is hard to say goodbye to these people that have grown to be such good friends.

Tuesday night, was my Public Affairs meeting.  We had the new minister from the Methodist Church come and talk to us about the founding of the Methodist Church, Charles Wesley, and some of his experience serving in Texas with the Church of the Nazarene that is a branch of the Methodist.  Interestingly, they favor baptism by emersion although how and when you are baptized is a matter of choice.

Next week we have Zone Conferences. Tuesday, we go to Blackfoot, Wednesday we stay in Pocatello, Friday we go to Paris and will meet in the famous Paris Tabernacle. We are all looking forward to that.

Today, was our Primary Program. I can’t believe how well it went with no Saturday practice. I think I told you how the Practice went last Sunday and the week before. I am amazed.  I think the success can be attributed to good teaching of the songs all year, and the program was kept simple. Each child had something to add, but easily learned.  I was surprised at how little the children needed prompting. The Sunbeams needed help but my little class knew their parts and spoke up clearly. I was so proud of them. Some of the older children gave talks throughout the program and the Bishop said sweet words at the end about the power of testimonies coming from the pure in heart. We finished a few minutes early. We went to Primary opening exercises and found that the Bishopric served up bowls of ice cream. They each had on their wife’s apron. That was hilarious!! I’ve mentioned that my bishop is of Santa Claus proportion, and he told the children to tell Elder Stoddard they liked his lace apron. We were all laughing. The third member of the bishopric was fortunate to have a barbeque style apron that only was feminine in the fabric. After getting their bowl of ice cream, they went to another table to choose some toppings: sprinkles, chocolate or caramel syrup, whipped cream, and cherries for the top.  While they ate, they were shown church videos.  It was nice to relax after the program. We then had class and the Senior primary got their ice cream. It was a great day!

Yesterday, was such a perfect fall day!! The temperature was mild and the sun shining.  After I took your Halloween packages to the Post Office I went over by the office and took some pictures of the fall colors. I will add a couple to this if I can.

Thanks for the pictures of Emily’s play – it looked darling in the 60’s costumes.  Wish I could have been there.  Congratulations Emily, I heard you did a great job!!!! Glad the Linfords were there to give me a good report.

Have a safe Halloween!

Love and Hugs,

Grammie/Sister Shill

Week 39 &40

October 19, 22, 2017

Dear Loved Ones,

This has been a marvelous happy week. Elizabeth and Heather came up Sunday Night, so I could see the twins. They are so adorable!! I also enjoyed getting to see Clare and Will and how much they have grown. Monday, they came to the office, so I could introduce them to the staff, and we went to lunch together. They didn’t stay long, but I feel so blessed to be in a mission that is accessible to my family.

Tuesday, we had to say goodbye to some of my favorite elders.  Elder Boatright has been an assistant, so I am used to seeing him around the office. For this farewell dinner, Elder Stringham asked Sister Hancock if he could grill pork chops for us.  He also made a cheesecake for dessert. Then at dinner he had us in stitches as he told about signing up to feed the Elders in his ward.  His companion is Elder Potter, so he signed up as the Potter family. It only got funnier from that point on.  He did fix a great dinner for the missionaries and they in turn gave him a spiritual message and asked if they knew anyone that would like to hear about the gospel. Then we went from laughing to crying at the testimony meeting held after dinner. These meetings are my favorite part of my mission.  It is amazing to see the growth and maturity that 2 years of serving the Lord creates in these young men and women.

Wednesday, a new batch of missionaries arrived from the MTC. Some are very impressive. Sister Freeman from Falls Church, VA and Sister Jensen from Oregon stood out to me. Elder Bailey from Arkansas, Elder Williams from Cardston, Canada, and Elder Grant from Pennsylvania look like they are well prepared to serve. Elder Bailey’s closing prayer showed his love for the Savior. All seemed eager to begin to serve.

Thursday, a little chaotic as usual for Transfer Day. My job was made harder because the internet has been blocked in our building with a new firewall that unfortunately is blocking the office from the internet. I had to go over to the Family History Center to use one of their computers to email the pictures taken yesterday of the new missionaries with President and Sister Hancock, to send to their parents. Elder Rasmussen had to go with me and figure out how to get in IMOS, the Church missionary site, from the Family History computer.

Friday, was a day off for me. The office was closed, because the Housing Couple was scheduled to be there, but the President wanted them to take care of another housing situation.  He told them to just close the office for the day. I can’t go in alone, so I had a day to get my P-Day chores done ahead of schedule.  I kept the Family Chat up on my computer, so I could keep an eye on the family fun happening at Lagoon. Thanks for posting all the cute pictures! It reminded me of the great day we had there in 2016 and all the fun times my Grandpa took me there.

Friday evening, Jennifer Finlinson came down for her son’s football game. We met at Costco, ate our dinner there, and then went to the ISU’s indoor stadium for her son’s game. Watching football indoors without the Idaho wind blowing was fabulous!  I left in the 3rd quarter when I realized that I was breaking mission rules by being out too late. I’m glad I left when I did, because Andrew’s team was ahead then. I’m grateful I didn’t see the tragic loss by one point.

Saturday night, my Ward put on a Neighborhood Smoked Meat Dinner at the park. You can’t believe all the smoked or barbequed meats the men in the Ward prepared: ribs, roast, chicken legs, pulled pork, and even salmon. Half the ward brought salads the other half desserts. It was a feast.  It was cold though, but these Idahoans are hearty.  The Bishop was working in just shirt sleeves. Whereas, I had my coat over the jacket I had been wearing in the afternoon.

I am sending a letter about Thanksgiving that doesn’t need to be put in my blog. I want it to be a google doc, so people can fill in the blanks and report how many of their family will be coming and what time they think they will arrive in Pocatello. You are invited to stay at my Logan house Wednesday if you want to shorten the drive on Thursday.

Love and hugs,

Grammie/Sister Shill

P. S. Today we had our second rehearsal for the Primary Sacrament Meeting that is next week. (if you are not a Primary Chorister or worker you don’t have to read the rest of this letter.  You may find it boring.

Again, our rehearsal went smooth as clockwork.  I heard no announcement for a rehearsal next Saturday, so I guess we are ready to go.  Let me tell you about last week’s success. After Sacrament meeting the children were invited to come to the front pews. Their class names were on the pews, even my 4/5- year-olds found their spot before I did. Then the Primary president asked who knew the Scripture that we recite in the program. Various kids raised their hands and were called on. Then the Primary all recited the Scripture together. This gave time for the counselors to set up necessary chairs. Each member of the presidency then led a group up and showed them where to sit according to their part on the program. ( I wondered how we would get through this practice because our Sacrament meeting went overtime. A missionary home from Russia was reporting.) The children were led up by class when each speaker finished they walked over to the counselor that handed them a treat and showed them how to get back to their seat. When it was time for a song the Chorister had them stand and told them which song they would sing at this point, but they didn’t sing. They sometimes had to practice standing and sitting again, but no singing. That meant that we were able to have every child practice at the pulpit.  The President had to help most, but I was surprised at today’s practice that most of the children had their parts memorized. This week, we took time to sing the numbers that were the weakest. The third hour last week, Senior primary went to class and junior primary went to the Primary room. There was a long table set up in front.  After opening exercises, the chorister invited her special guests to come in and judge the children’s singing performance.

1. Larry Loud, wore a green hat with L on it and had a frog puppet that opened his mouth to encourage the volume to go louder.

2. Wanda Wordsmith looked to be on her way to a garden party with a big hat and excessive jewelry. She was there to judge if she could understand the words they were singing.

3. Can’t remember Mr. Bodily’s first name, but he was there to judge what they were doing with their hands. He had fake buck teeth and silly curls that fell on his shoulders. He told the girls that he understood how fun it is to play with their hair, but not while we sing!

4. The Last judge was Tina Tuner wearing enormous plastic glasses, she was listening to hear how well they stayed in tune.

After each song was sung, the judges, one at a time, would explain why they were giving a number from 1 to 10 as they held up the number.

The kids stayed fully engaged and I was amazed at how much their singing improved. If the frog got them singing too loud. Wanda Wordsmith gave them a lower number because their shouting made it hard to understand the words. Tina Tuner objected to their losing their pitch. At the end they got 10’s in everything

This week the Senior primary went to the Primary room for a similar experience and I taught my little class.

If this comes off next week as well as it was rehearsed, this will be the easiest Primary Program preparation that I have experienced. Of course, I haven’t been in Primary for decades. But I do remember Cherie couldn’t come to Nancy’s wedding because she had a 5-hour Saturday practice where she had to play the piano for the Primary Program. I am grateful I am spared that.

 

Week 38

October 8, 2017

Dear Loved Ones,

This has been a relatively quiet week.  It was nice to get to know the Rasmussens who will take the Parkin’s place next month.  I was wrong in last week’s letter that Sister Rasmussen would be in Rexburg with her grandchildren.  That will be later. I understand now why Sister Rasmussen wants me to answer the phone.  She has hearing aids and the phone causes distortions making it hard to hear. She is a very likeable person. Elder Rasmussen is a “get-things done” kind of guy.  It will be interesting to see the changes he will make in the mission office.

Friday, I went into the office to do the mail. There wasn’t much else to do.  It was the Watkin’s turn to be in the office, so I went home and listened to Elder Hales’ Funeral.  What an amazing life he led. No wonder Elder Uchtdorf seemed a little subdued at conference.  I bet those two former fighter pilots liked to share flying stories from time to time. I remember on our mission President Halverson came to our office, closed the door and told Dad he just needed to talk about airplanes for a few minutes. He needed a little relief from the heavy- duty work of the Area Presidency.

Saturday, I went to a Just Serve project that was amazing! The organization is called “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” its motto is “No child in our community will sleep on the floor”.  It was started by a man in Rexburg. They make bunk-beds for less- fortunate kids. They started on Friday night.  I didn’t go then because missionaries are not supposed to use power tools. I went Saturday to help with staining the wood.  I was surprised that they dipped the head and foot boards into a vinegar bath with a little stain in it.  The vinegar is supposed to preserve the wood.  It turns some of the wood gray like old barn wood that is quite attractive. After staining, a woman with a branding iron burned the logo on the headboards. The mattresses and pillows are purchased with money raised. Quilts are tied by the girls in a teen detention center with donated fabrics.  Hundreds of these beds were made in the two days of effort.  It wasn’t a good project for missionaries because of the power tools, but two sisters showed up to help with staining.  I was late getting there, so missed out on most of the activity because everything moved so rapidly from station to station.  It was amazing to see the operation.  Our missionaries will be able to serve by helping to set-up the beds.

I am getting so much junk mail at the office that I decided to change my address to the Apt. address.  The Post Office told me if I turn in an address change card, even if I say “Individual only” I  will probably get the office mail sent to my apartment.  I don’t want that.  So, I am telling everyone to mail me at my apartment 1222 Freeman Lane, apt. 181, Pocatello, ID 83201.  Hopefully all the catalog places will find out and send their catalogs to my apartment address. I’ve contacted USAA and changed my address there.  Hopefully, I can stop getting mail at the office by the time I leave next July.

Love and Hugs,

Grammie

Week 37

October 1, 2017

Dear Loved Ones,

I hope all of you enjoyed conference as much as I did. I loved Elder Andersen’s summary and explanation of how conference talks are prepared and his testimony that we are hearing the word of God. Elder Tad Callister’s talk reminded me how much of my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith is grounded in my experiences with the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, because it is the way that God has spoken to me through the years.  While reading the Book of Mormon, I have been comforted, chastised, encouraged by the words that Joseph Smith translated.  It doesn’t matter how God revealed those words to him, they are the language that God uses to teach us truth. My testimony of the prophet came early in my life.  I think I have shared the story of the time that we were visiting my grandparents. Mother wanted to go hear Grandpa Richards speak at a local stake conference. It was agreed that I would stay home and babysit my little brothers and then I could go to Sacrament meeting when they got home. I was somewhere between the age of 9 and 11, and Sacrament meetings were in the evening back in those days. The Yale Ward chapel not only had a lovely stain glass window with the Savior knocking on the door, but also, on the side wall was a bas relief picturing the Angel Moroni giving Joseph Smith the gold plates. That night I sat near there and spent a lot of time looking at it. The concluding speaker talked on the Prophet Joseph Smith and it seemed to me he was glowing. As I walked home from that meeting the spirit bore testimony to me that what I had heard was true. And I realized for the first time that I did have a testimony.  That testimony was strengthened as a teenager when our Ward YM and YW rode a bus to Palmyra for the pageant. We were able to visit the Sacred Grove and feel for ourselves the sacredness of what had occurred there.  

But the strength of my testimony is grounded in my testimony of the Book of Mormon. Well I didn’t mean to go off my personal history, I really meant to say how much I enjoyed each session of conference and I will look forward to listening or reading the talks again.

Tomorrow things will be different at the office. The Parkins are going to St.George, they have tickets to Tuachan. Elder Rasmussen will be taking Elder Parkin’s place this week and then next month when the Parkins finish their mission he will be the new Executive Secretary. Sister Rasmussen won’t be there tomorrow because she is staying with her grandchildren in Rexburg while their parents are on a trip. That means I will have the phone this week and Sister Rasmussen wants me to sit out front and handle the phone when they start.  I can keep my baptism and referral assignment, but I’m going to turn over the mail to her. We will see how that works out.

I can’t believe that this is already October. Life has been very busy and it makes the time go by too fast. I am still trying to get caught up on my notes and photos from Zone Conferences. I thought I was going to be able to catch up on Friday because it was my day to run the office alone.  We had a new printer arrive and get set up.  Elder Rasmussen came in to connect it to the computers in the office that have passwords. Before I knew it  -- it was time for lunch.  I usually go help in the kitchen on the days that Mission Leadership Councils are held. But I was slow getting downstairs with all that was happening with the new printer.  I am so glad to get a new printer.  Sister Parkin was so distressed trying to print new pictures for the Roster board because the black ink would smear all over the pictures making a mess. She was beside herself with distress Wed and Thurs. She was told that we couldn’t get a new printer for 4 to 6 weeks. President Hancock came in and saw how upset she was and called Salt Lake and got permission to get a new printer here.  It arrived the next day!!! She and I are so excited to not ever mess with that 10-year-old printer again!

Love and Hugs,

 Grammie/Sister Shill

 

 

Week 34 - 36

September 24, 2017

 

Dear Loved Ones,

 

This has been a fabulous week here in the Idaho Pocatello Mission.  We had Zone Conferences in Pocatello on Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Friday, we had a Zone Conference in Montpelier. I rode to Montpelier with President and Sister Hancock. They were predicting snow up that high, but fortunately the rain stopped, and we had blue sky by the time our conference was over. The ride home was beautiful. Acres and acres of golden cut wheat fields. I love the drive from Pocatello to Montpelier.

Saturday night I enjoyed the Women’s conference in the comfort of my little apartment.  All of the talks seemed especially meaningful to me.  I loved Sister Eubanks enthusiasm and her challenge to us to be the kind of women President Kimball foresaw us becoming in the last days: righteous, articulate, different and distinct in happy ways. I remember well hearing that talk by President Kimball and I am so delighted that my daughters are part of that vision.  I always enjoy hearing Sister Marriott’s soft southern accent, but I especially enjoyed the concept of Christ breaching gaps. I give Sister Jones a special reward for having one of the best quotes, “Thinking small about ourselves does not serve us well; it holds us back.” So true!!  Of course, I always enjoy listening to President Uchtdorf. I loved his sense of humor as he described the three sisters. I hope we can all be grateful so we can be the Glad sister.

With Spiritual highs often come troubles. Saturday afternoon as I was walking over to my laundry building, I tripped and landed face first on the sidewalk.  I told my little Primary boys that the sidewalk slapped my face. I had to explain the bruises all over the left side of my face.  I am very grateful that I didn’t break my wrist again, or my hip or other body parts.  I may take a selfie to show you – but if I do remember it looks lots worse than it feels. I kept ice packs on it while I watched the women’s conference and again today when I got home from church. Hopefully, the bruises won’t last too long.

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed being with you all last weekend.  I love seeing my girls in action and Nancy’s reception did turn out to be magical. The flowers were glorious, the food fantastic, and the rose petals propelled through the air created a Grand Finale!! Well done everyone!!

Steve’s funeral was so impressive and I was glad to see Rene, Michelle, Mark and LynAnn and to learn so many interesting things about Steve.

The Friday night dinner that the Gallos put on made me happy to see what a loving family Nancy is marrying into. The whole weekend was packed with great family moments.

I can’t believe that October will arrive next weekend. It is time to begin to think about Thanksgiving.  I need to know how many of our young married couples will be able to stay with the younger kids Thursday night and Friday morning while the original seven and their spouses stay in Pocatello for our Annual Family Board Meeting. I need to know how many kids will need a shuttle ride back to Logan. I also would like to know how many would like to go to The Nutcracker at the Ellen Eccles Theater on Friday or Saturday.  I have a DVD of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson for those who don’t like ballet to watch while the others are at the ballet. I know the numbers may change but I would like a preliminary count to help with the planning.

I will look forward to hearing from you all,

Love, Grammie/Sister Shill

Week 33

September 3, 2017

 

Dear Loved Ones,

 

Happy September!! Where did the summer go? Time is flying past!! This month marks the half-way point of my mission – 9 of the 18months are gone. I can hardly believe it. It seems like yesterday we had our Christmas party and then Sarah’s Wedding and I left for the MTC.

This week has been the calm before the storm. Next Wednesday we are getting another 20+ batch of missionaries. Tuesday, we have a Sister Missionary flying in from the Mexico City MTC. I can’t wait to ask her if she met Elder Mella. I am still trying to get the names straight on the last batch that came in Aug., so, Yesterday I made myself some flash cards with their pictures in the hope that I can recognize them when they get here.  I need to be able to identify people in the pictures I take for the history. Last week Elder Kanahele sat down with me and identified all the people in the group pictures taken at the August Zone conferences. I don’t know what I would do without him.

Friday was my day to work alone in the office. I can do that because President, Sister Hancock, and the Mission leadership are all downstairs holding Mission Leadership Council.  I enjoy being able to help with the lunch and eat with the missionaries.  It is also kind of sad because it is the last MLC for many of the missionaries that will be going home next week.

Saturday morning, I went into the office because Elder Miller, a 2-transfer missionary was opening his mission call. Have I explained 2-Transfer missionary system? If either a missionary or his ward or Stake leadership have concerns that a young man might not be able to fill a full-time mission they are called as a “2 Transfer missionary”.  They are sent to a mission close to home and they serve for 12 weeks (two Transfers).  At the end of the time they can go home with an honorable release or they are issued a regular mission call and they are sent to the MTC. Elder Miller’s family was shocked when he was given a 2-Transfer mission and frankly none of us in the office understand either. (Perhaps he needed to come and be trained by our wonderful Elder Saydee, who has been his trainer, in order to be ready for his call to Chicago.) Elder Miller was from Nampa, ID so his parents and other assorted family members came to the President’s office to watch him open his call. I heard President say that if he were to stay in our Mission he would have made him a trainer he is such an outstanding missionary. We all were thrilled for him, but we will miss him.  I will especially because he has been serving in my Ward.

Saturday afternoon, Sister Gold and Sister Costa came to my apartment for lunch and then we worked on the rice bags again.  We didn’t get as many done as last week because Sister Gold let Sister Costa do most of the sewing to gain experience.  She did a good job, but was slower than Sister Gold last week. Last week we made 10 bags; this week we made 6. Next week we will finish up and take them to the Cancer center. I love working with these great sisters!

 

Today was a better day in Primary. Only two of my little boys were there. I know Malachi’s car has been gone since Friday, so I imagine his family has gone somewhere for the whole Labor Day weekend.  Bradley’s family all seemed to be gone also. I went into my class room before Sacrament Meeting and removed all the chairs, because they were causing so many problems last week.  I took my quilt and put it on the floor and we all sat on the floor.  It wasn’t perfect – but it was better.

 

Know that I love you and look forward to seeing you at Nancy L’s wedding,

Love and Hugs, Grammie/Sister Shill

 

Week 31, 32

August 27, 2017

Dear Loved Ones,

Well today has been the good, bad, and the ugly.  Sacrament meeting was wonderful. It is easy to feel the spirit in these Sacrament meetings; I love my ward. A sister talked about the importance of Family prayers, and how difficult it is in our busy lives to overcome the obstacles that the devil throws in our way. He is good at telling us and our kids that we just don’t have time. “What was the score in your house this week,” she asked. Counting morning and evening, score your family in the fight between conscience and the devil. Who had the highest score? A thought provoking idea.

Next, I had the Teacher Council training.  It was also wonderful about teaching with the spirit.  I was all fired up to do a great job with my little class! My 4 little guys were also fired up with explosive energy out of control. By the end of class instead of testifying of the things I had so much trouble getting through, I was a grumpy old lady putting Bradley in tears because I threatened not to let them have treats because their behavior was so bad. I came home feeling like a total failure!!

I got busy and printed all my notes and group pictures from Zone Conferences this month and reminded myself that these energetic little boys with eventually grow into amazing missionaries. I am sure that Elder Boatright, one of our APs, was just like these little boys.  He has amazing energy and drive now in the mission, but I’m sure he gave some Primary teachers a bad time.

Little Malachi that lives across the hall from me. Knocked on my door and his mother had him apologize to me and give me a hug.  I told him I loved him and was glad he was in my class. Hopefully, next week will be better.

It was so great to see you all at David’s wedding!! What a darling couple -they gave us all a reminder of what love is all about.

Thanks Sally for bringing your family plus some of the college kids up to see the Eclipse.  I can’t believe it took you so long to make it from Roberts, ID, to my apartment.  But you all seemed to feel it was worth it. Our mission staff went outside and saw what we could, but my take-away from the experience was how dependent we are on the sun. I was amazed at how quickly the temperature dropped as the sun dimmed. I have some strange UFO’s in the pictures I took. Tell me what you think they are?

Yesterday, the two sister missionaries that serve in the YSA stakes came to my apartment for lunch and worked on rice bags for cancer patients receiving Chemo therapy.  We made about 10 bags. Sister Costa is from Peru and had never sewn on a machine before.  She did great!! Sister Gold likes to make quilts so she was happy to be sewing. We finished about 10 and cut out enough fabric for about that many to sew next Saturday.  This is our Just Serve project.

I like to read or listen to audible books while I do my laundry. I am currently reading a book that Cherie gave me.  It is Falling in Love with America Again by Jim DeMint who left Congress to head the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. It is fabulous! And I highly recommend it. It reminds us why we are Republicans even if we are embarrassed by the President. He praises all the good being done by private groups he calls “Little platoons” in the states that are hampered by Federal regulations.

Love you all and look forward to celebrating Nancy’s wedding with you!!    Love and Hugs, Grammie