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