Week 64

April 22, 2018

 

Dear Loved Ones,

It has been an amazing week. Monday, I felt like it was raining Baptism Reports we had so many turned in. Monday was the halfway point of the month and we totaled 17 baptisms so far.  I am anxious to learn if this Saturday we had more baptisms. Then we will still have one more weekend in this month. It may end up being the best month since I arrived.

 

Tuesday, we had a Zone Conference held in the Paris Tabernacle.  That is such an amazing building. To look around and realize it was built without power tools is a testament to the talents and skills of those early pioneers. It was another wonderful conference.  By the time we got home it was already 5:00 p.m. and we had to hurry to the Palace Playhouse by 7:00.  The office staff have had their tickets for months, so even though we were tired we showed up. The Parkins (the couple that had Rasmussen’s jobs when I first arrived) were there to see their granddaughter’s performance. She played the youngest of the brides in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Oh, I can hear Sally groaning as she reads that.  Nevertheless, it was a delightful production and a great opportunity for local talents.

 

Wednesday, our Zone Conference was held in my own Stake Center. Usually, we have three zone conferences with two zones attending each conference. For some reason our location needed to be changed for Blackfoot so President just had all the 4 remaining zones come together. Most of the missionaries were not expecting to see the extra two zones. There was so much joy – hugging and back slapping as they met up with companions they hadn’t expected to see. I teared up as I watched them and thought how much love was in that room. These young people are trying hard to have the Spirit with them so they can teach. The Spirit is what brings us not only peace but also joy! D&C 11:13 I will impart unto you of my spirit which shall enlighten your mind and fill your soul with joy.

 

I have been enjoying the book that Talmage recommended by Jordan Peterson. What an amazing mind? He has such a grasp on biology, psychology, philosophy, literature. It is fascinating to watch his interviews on the internet. He has determined how to live a meaningful life, but what he seems to lack is the capacity for real joy which is a gift of the Spirit.

When I saw Sister Parkin the other night at the show, she reminded me that we were going to get together to work on our Mission scrapbooks, so I invited her to come over Saturday and we worked on trying to sort out our memories.  I have extra copies of pictures that didn’t get put in the Mission History that I could share with her.  It was a fun morning. We plan to do it again.

I hope to see you all for the 4^th of July.  I will have only been home for 4 days, but I think I can still put together a fun party.  Love and Hugs to you all,

 

Grammie/Sister Shill