Week 23

June 26, 2017

Dear Loved ones,

Monday night was the dinner for missionaries going home.  That included Sister Oliphant who was in my Ward when I arrived, and was the first Sister whose name I could remember. Also, Sister Jones who helped me on a “Just Serve” project. It was so wonderful to hear their testimonies in the meeting after dinner, but so sad to say goodbye. It was amazing to see their growth. In the picture of Elder Ieti in the mission president’s office he looks like a scrawny little boy everyone said how shy and quiet he was.  Last night he looked like a man and he bore the most powerful testimony.  I thought I was seeing a future Stake President.

In the past on Tuesday, President and Sister Hancock took the missionaries to the airport and picked up the new ones coming from the MTC. They were brought to the church building that houses the mission office where we fed them lunch and gave them an overview of what each of us in the office would expect of them. This month the departing missionaries flew out as usual, however, the Church has decided to send the missionaries to us by Shuttle on Wednesdays.  Sister Hancock was happy to have the day in between separating the farewell dinner and the welcome dinner.  The office staff was confused about how we should handle our part.  Instead of their arriving at noon for lunch, they didn’t arrive until 3:00 p.m.  We were told that they would be given a sack lunch to eat on the bus. So, we planned to just have banana bread, poppy seed bread, and bowls of cut up fruit for them to have a snack.  They arrived on time, but without having had a sack lunch.  They could buy snacks on the way up, but were obviously hungry.  We are rethinking everything before August when we will have fifteen new missionaries all at once.  It will be the first time since I arrived that we will receive more missionaries than we send home.  This is a much-needed boost to our diminishing numbers. This month we received 5 new Elders.  One is an Elder Funk from San Antonio, Texas.  His father is Air Force and I haven’t found out where is family started from, but he certainly looks like he could belong to Chris and Emily. When we needed someone to play the piano in our office staff meeting with the new Elders, he willingly volunteered, and looked like Chris playing. We had to rush through our meeting with the new Elders so they could get to the mission home for their welcome dinner and orientation fireside where they find out about their companion and where they will serve.  

Thursday, was Transfers with missionaries coming and going in the mission office throughout the day.  I came back from my lunch and saw a group of missionaries waiting for their new companions to arrive from the mountain areas. I asked them if they had lunch. “No, we don’t have any money.” I offered to go get some pizza – they suggested I go to Costco and get the 18” pizza that is only $10. While waiting in line, the man in front of me asked me where I was serving and what I was going to get.  I told him was getting a pizza for some missionaries.  When he went to order his own food, he added an 18” pizza for me to take to the Elders.  He was down from Soda Springs and said he likes to treat the Elders.  There are a lot of good people here in Idaho!

Friday, Cassidy went down to be with her family and to pick up Jeff.  He is in-between rotations and can be here for this week and next for the reunion. It has been so delightful having her here.

I can’t believe I will be seeing you all next Sunday. Remember check in is after 4:00 p.m. Bring food for your own breakfast and lunches and for the night that you are scheduled to cook dinner. The condos are supposed to be fully furnished.  We probably ought to bring big bowls or oversized pots. Read over the rules to remind everyone. Is there anyone that would have room to stop by my house and get long tables and chairs. One long table is in my bedroom with a box underneath of stuff for the reunion. The other is downstairs with sewing stuff on it. My card table for puzzles is behind the door in the TV room.  Sorry I can’t go get those things myself.  The little pink tent is in the fruit room if anyone is little enough to enjoy. I think Jenni Mella’s kids will be there. Looking forward to seeing all of you!

Love,

Grammie/Sister Shill

P.S. The Gospel is True!!

Family Reunion Condo Assignments

CONDO ASSIGNMENTS

#1 Wasatch – Sleeps 19 - The Talmage and Jonathan Shills-- You can decide whether to put your kids in one room or put boys in one and girls in another.

Top East Bedroom – Queen +2 bunk beds: Talmage and Danae

Top West Bedroom – King: Jon and Katrina

Bottom South – 2 Bunk Beds

Bottom North – Queen 1 bunk bed

Sofa Sleeper –

 

#2 Mackinaw - Sleeps 19 -  Lofgreens and Funks

Main floor – King – Amy and Kim

Sleeper Sofa-Westin

Bottom Area Futon- Ben

Bottom East Room – Queen: Stephanie and Daniel

Bottom West Room – 2 Bunk beds: Jeremy, Tom, Paul, Will

Bottom South Room – Queen: Emily and Chris, Bunk beds: Olivia and Miriam

 

#3 Bridger -Sleeps 12 – Mellas – Sorry there isn’t the King that you deserve – I leave you all to figure who goes where.

Livingroom –Sleeper sofa

Main level – Queen and Bunk bed

Top Level - 2 Twin over full bunk beds

 

#4 Cisco – Sleeps 10 – Linfords

Top West Bedroom – King: Sally and David -

Top East Bedroom – Queen: Nancy and Lizzie 2 Bunk beds: Joanne, Marguerite, Eden, Alice

Living room sleep sofa – one  married couple  - the other can

 

#5 Bonneville – Sleeps 14 –Hancocks and Finlinsons

Top West Bedroom – King: Lori and Will and baby Nancy

Top Futon - James

Bottom South Bedroom – Queen: Levi and Courtney and baby Frieda

Bottom North Bedroom – 2 Bunk Beds: Amy, Nona, Jennifer Finlinson and Julia

Sofa Sleeper- Marsi and Mom

Week 22

19 June 2017

 

Dear Loved ones,

The week started out cold and rainy, I thought our summer was gone. Sister Parkin and I were so cold all-day Tuesday, that we decided not to go to water aerobics. By the end of the week things warmed up.

It was so fun to have Amy come up Thursday night and stay with me. Friday, I showed her the office while I took care of the mail, then I drove her around Pocatello and we had lunch at a restaurant near my apartment. Afterward we drove together to Blackfoot, ID.  I had an appointment with the Community Center there to see about a Just- Serve project. Amy drove on to Rexburg and picked up Tom from his EFY and came back to pick me up in Blackfoot.  When we got back to Pocatello, Amy and Tom drove to the beach in San Diego.

Saturday night was my Stake Conference with Weatherford Clayton, our General Authority visitor. He was delightful and the meeting was inspiring. The Counselor in the Stake Presidency was the first speaker. He asked us if we ever were at a loss of words when someone attacks the church. He then held up this enormous sword he called the “Sword of Truth” He then recited lines from hymns: Behold the Royal Army, Shall the Youth of Zion Falter, and Hope of Israel. He then went on to say we need to put on the whole armor of God Ephes. 5:17 so we can defend and disarm critics with true doctrine. His whole talk centered on being more soundly grounded in the Doctrine of the Church.

A young man who was just arriving at the first anniversary of his baptism spoke and shared his conversion story.  His wife was a member and he knew how important it was to his wife that his children got to their meetings, so when she had to work he brought the children to church. He thanked all the people who had made him feel welcome on such occasions. The day he first saw missionaries coming up his walk, he ran upstairs and asked his wife if she had put them up to this. She said no! He went through several sets of missionaries, but when a 26-year-old missionary moved into the Ward he started really listening. He could relate better to a missionary that was closer to his age. He is now looking forward to temple blessings.

President and Sister McNab, represented the Mission Presidency, he is the 1st counselor. They had a sweet story about a repairman who came to their house and overheard Pres taking about Scyler Page. The repairman said Scyler Page had been his missionary companion years ago.  The repairman had married outside the church and had not been to church in years. Pres invited him to have missionaries come to teach his wife and they are now having lessons. He encouraged all member to pray for missionary experiences.

We then began to sing “Where Can I Turn for Peace” – Elder Clayton stood up, stopped us, and asked us to sing as if we were in a conversation with our Father, a heart-felt prayer.  My goodness, what a difference that made!! The spirit was powerful!!

The meeting was then turned over to Elder Clayton who promptly called on his wife to speak.  She had everyone get out their cell phones and text whoever the Lord was prompting them to invite them to come to the Sunday session of Stake Conference. Elder Clayton then called on a recently returned missionary, a young man about to leave on a mission, and a convert to share their testimonies. He next asked, “How do we fire-up our testimonies?” and opened it up audience participation who responded: forgive, serve, accept others, listen to others, do family history, be an example, etc.

I have been typing this letter at work when there was a quiet moment or two. I didn’t write yesterday because Jennifer Finlinson came down with her kids and had dinner with me.  It was so fun!! It has been a wonderful weekend.  I’ll save my notes on the Sunday session for another time. I still think the Saturday night meeting is the best in the church (outside the Temple). I had my question answered --since last April Conference I have been wondering if he was related to Whitney Clayton.  He is his brother.  They grew up with an inactive father and a good Christian mother of another faith.  When his father who was a doctor broke his leg skiing and was in the hospital, a nurse he knew well came into his room and told him he fine sons that needed him to get them to church. He took the challenge and their family was sealed in the temple when Elder Clayton was a teenager.  He tributes his mother for teaching him to pray. All four sons served missions and married in the temple. He had such a delightful sense of humor and was so inspiring as he challenged us to build our foundation on Jesus Christ.

I am attaching this letter with a plan for the housing.  If you see something that won’t work for your family let me know right away or forever hold your peace.

Can’t wait to let the fun at Bear Lake begin!!!

Love and hugs, Grammie/Sister Shill

Week 21

June 11, 2017

 

Dear Loved Ones,

I am getting excited about the upcoming family reunion at The Seasons at Bear Lake July 2-8. Check them out on Facebook, they are located at 110 W. Seasons Lane, Garden City, UT 84028 Phone (435) 757-2131. I am going to attach a condensed version of the 4-page rental agreement I am signing. Please discuss the rules with your family ahead of the reunion.

Last Saturday, Cassidy Mella, Jeff’s wife arrived.  She is going to be my roommate for the next 8 weeks.  She has been studying Speech Therapy online courses and now she needs to do her “Practical Training” on the campus of Idaho State University, here in Pocatello.  I am so delighted to have someone to live with. She is such a fun person to be around.  She helped me today with my primary class. She and Jeff are teaching the same age-group in Texas.  I am a little behind so we taught the lesson on Nephi building a boat that she and Jeff had already taught. She helped my little guys make a folded boat. They enjoyed having her help them. I have lost my other teacher because she and her husband have moved to Logan. So, I will enjoy having Cassidy help me in my class.

This week should be a rather quiet week in the mission office, but next week will be hectic with transfers. We are getting half-a-dozen new missionaries which makes us so happy. The last two transfers we have only gained one new missionary each. Things are beginning to look up.  We will have more arriving in August than are leaving and every day we get word of another new missionary coming in September or October. Hopefully that will replenish our numbers.

It is so much harder to say goodbye to those leaving that I have grown to love.  Last Friday, was Missionary Leadership Council and President & Sister Hancock and I were commenting on the sad fact that most of the leadership that day will be gone by the next MLC. These are the missionaries that have matured into really effective leaders and have won a place in our hearts. It will be interesting to see who takes their place.

I talked to Annie Hancock on the phone yesterday as this is the week that she is entering the MTC. I know how happy her mission office will be to have her come.  The Sister missionaries do such a great job! Michael will be leaving in the middle of our reunion!! I can’t believe that Marsi and Elizabeth will soon be “empty-nesters”.  Thanks to Matthew, Elizabeth and Glen have a little time left. Where did the years go! Even my youngest grandchild has graduated from Kindergarten!  Thanks Sally for the video. Little David looked so cute in his graduation cap.

Congratulations to Lizzie and Miriam for their graduations!  Hoorah!! for Collin completing his Eagle Project! I loved seeing Lizzie’s concert and Miriam’s lovely video tribute to her mother. So glad that the Lofgreen boys had a spiritual experience at their Moroni’s Feast. My grandchildren constantly amaze me.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family that bring me so much joy.

Love and hugs to all!

Grammie/Sister Shill

P. S. The Gospel is true!!!

Bear Lake Reunion Info:
 

The Seasons Owners Association has sent me a four-page rental agreement that I will try to explain as simply as I can. Please go over all this with your families at Family Night before you come to the reunion.

1. The units will not be available to us until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2017 and we must be out by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 8th

2. There is a strict no pet policy in or on the Premises!

3. Guests agree to not disturb or offend neighbors or other residents.

4. We are not allowed to park Campers, RV’s Travel Trailer, or Motor Homes on the Premises without prior permission.

5. No Guest shall move or rearrange the Furniture or contents of the Premises and shall leave the Premises in the same condition as found. Please notify immediately if damage occurs. Grammie’s credit card will be charged if it is reported or not. Please report to Grammie also.

6. Fires: No fire pits shall be constructed on property or we will be kicked out.

7.NO firearms, firecrackers, fireworks or explosives of any kind are allowed to be discharged in or outside the Premises.

8. Quiet hours 10 pm to 7 am.

9. Parking: Vehicles are to be parked in designated parking only. Overflow parking is on the streets or property immediately to the west. Parking on the road to the east or yard is not permitted.  Any illegally parked cars are subject to towing,

10 The Premises has a locked closet and garage that belong to the Owner. Don’t try to open.

11. All garbage must be bagged in trash bags provided and taken to the dumpster prior to departure.

12. Observe all posted speed limits. Use of any non-licensed, non-street legal vehicles on the streets, roadways, lawns, or other open space within each respective Bear Lake development is strictly prohibited.

Now The Good News!

 

The Premises are stocked with linens and bath towels. Bring your own beach towels and do not remove linens from the Premises. There is no daily maid service but there are washers and dryers.

The Premises stock: soap, dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, trash bags, and paper towels as well as Kitchenware and utensils. All linens, towels, kitchenware are inventoried upon check-out.

 

I am sure we will all be considerate guests at all times.

Week 20 :)

June 5, 2017

 

Dear Loved Ones,

This week went by in a hurry. Monday was the holiday and I did go back in the evening to the closing ceremony of the Field of Heroes. This time I was able to take pictures. Just before the ceremony the motorcycle parade came riding in with flags waving.  Many of the riders were Viet Nam Vets. I learned that all of the Field of Heroes events are organized by the Veteran’s Group on the Idaho State University campus. It made a very satisfying Memorial Day for me.

Saturday afternoon I went down to the arena where Jennifer Finlinsen was chaperoning for the Cultural Event. She came out and we had the chance to visit for a while. She was so thrilled at the spirit that accompanied this enormous event and the opportunity it was for her children to participate.  

I am so happy that Cassidy arrived here safely on Saturday evening. It is so nice to have someone to visit with and share experiences. Sunday, we attended the noon Idaho Falls Temple Rededication at my Stake Center. The first counselor in the Temple Presidency, his wife, Wilford Andersen, Elder Rasband, all spoke to us. President Erying gave the dedicatory prayer. So many good things were said that I wanted to remember to tell you all, but this morning my mind seems blank. It was a good opportunity to rededicate myself to “trying harder to be like Jesus”. The wife of the Counselor in the Temple Presidency had a sweet thought.  She said how excited she had been as each of her sons returned from their mission and she wondered if our Heavenly mother was as eager for our return. She realized that she must be just as the Father’s purpose is to bring to past our immortality and eternal life, she too is anxious to have us return having completed our mission here on earth successfully. Sweet thought!

After the dedication, I drove Cassidy around to find the Speech Therapy Building on campus. I then took her around Pocatello to get the lay of the land. She and Heather have put together the best books for their children with pictures and stories of their parents and grandparents.  I think this must be what Emily has in mind. I am slow with my part, but I worked on it a lot last night.

I am so excited about the reunion.  Looking forward to being around those I love.  It will be here before we know it.

Love and Hugs,

Grammie/Mom/Sister Shill