28 May 2018 - Monday

28 May 2018 - Monday - Memorial Day

In our correlation meeting this morning, our mission president, President Pace, was wondering what you say to someone on Memorial Day.  For most holidays we say something to the affect of "Happy..."  But for Memorial Day, the only greeting I think is important is, "Thank you".  When we stop and think about the sacrifices our veterans have made of time away from family, being put in very dangerous situations, having your body face harm and disfigurement, and considering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, "Thank you" just doesn't seem sufficient.

I was up early this morning and ready for my three mile walk after our morning prayers.  The rain and coolness of the storms from last night were so refreshing!!  The morning air was crisp and so fresh!  I keep looking for the baby antelope as I make my way to the highway and back.  There were no baby sightings today, but I did get this morning sunrise;

The morning sunrise to the north and east of Missionary Village

The view to the south and west of Missionary Village this morning.

I sure enjoy the beautiful morning walks and I am still trying to complete the three miles in 45 minutes.  It is not an easy task!  But I feel so invigorated with this routine, and I am looking forward to trekking with the groups coming this week!

Mom and I were trained in one of the last areas of work duties behind the scenes here in the mission field.  We went out with the Teuscher's and learned how to pressure wash the campground restrooms.  This was no easy task with the water truck, affectionately called, "Wilma".  The truck is so hard to start and sounds like it is going to die at any bump coming!  And it carries about 300 gallons of water!  

As we were attending to the duties of this assignment, we were in the process of checking and spot cleaning the restrooms at the Cherry creek campground.  And guess what we found??

Mom the detailer!

That pole I have in my hand.......????

Got me this baby rattlesnake about 36 inches long

Sister Teuscher walked into this restroom at this campground and, when she looked around, this rattlesnake was curled up on the mouse bait in the corner.  Now, this snake was in a striking position and she was able to walk in and walk right back out without getting bitten.  We all knew that the angels were protecting her in that moment of vulnerability.  We were extremely thankful for her being spared harm!

I grabbed the snake catcher and, for the first time, used the instrument in a live situation!  This campground will be occupied by over 600 youth this Wednesday and Thursday!!  We had six restrooms that we checked at this campground, and this one room was the only one occupied by this varmint.  There was a small hole in the weatherstripping, and he got in through that hole!

Here is an action shot of the power washer

As we were winding down the day, we stopped by the last monument overlooking Martin's Cove just behind me.  Those clouds behind me were gathering for another storm.  I got one other picture of the darkness of the gathering clouds just over the Martin's Cove area;

This is such a special and sacred place as we look over Martin's Cove

And finally I took two final pictures of our most favorite activities.  It comes, periodically, as we have a few extra minutes.  And this is one of the activities that sustains us as we stretch ourselves in service here in the Wyoming Mormon Trail Mission.  And one of those activities is when we get to talk to our precious family members! -

A moment we cherish in talking to our family!

Then the equally best activity ever is a letter from home!  We got some mail today from Cody and Maddie!  Yea!  The letters were wonderful and will go on our family wall in the trailer! Cody your writing is getting really good!  Nice work!  And Maddie your cursive writing is getting really good, too!  Thank you for sending us your letters and your love!   

I hope you get to see Grandpa's rattlesnake pictures!!  You asked about the rattlesnakes in your letter, Cody, and we got one on the same day we got your letters!  Can't wait to see each of you this summer or fall, here in this wonderful area, where sacrifices were made daily by many faithful pioneers.