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