1 September 2018 - Saturday

1 September 2018 - Saturday

Today was our last P-day that will fall on a Saturday.  And, since we went to Casper yesterday for our birthday celebration, we stayed here, in the mission field, all day.  The only meeting we attended was the correlation meeting at Martin's Cove, this morning, at 8:30am.  After our late night closing the Visitors' Center last night, we were a little slower getting up and starting off our day.  Mom was the first to get up at 5:30am and I was struggling just to get up at 6:00am!  

We had our morning Scripture reading and prayers together, and put off our walk until after the correlation meeting.  The temperatures this morning were in the low 40's.  Fall seems to be fast approaching, and both mom and I love this time of year!  The skies were still a little smoky from some new fires in neighboring states, but overall the air was crisp and clear for our activities today.

Mom and I got back from the correlation meeting around 9:30am.  There were a few cars coming in and out of the Missionary Village so we decided to take a road we have never taken before on our morning walk.  It was just past the cattle guard, at the entrance to our housing area, and then it veers off to the right.  This was more of an exploring walk because we saw a huge variety of colorful rocks that we have not seen before.  We kept saying that Cody would love this trail!  

So many rocks to see!  That is Missionary Village in the background.

Our walk lasted over an hour and a half.  And it was so much fun to come back to the trailer, and then have nothing to do, or assignments to go to!  So mom and I got our weekly cleaning done.   I was just finishing up the floors when Sister Gilliland came knocking at the door.  There were three other couples who did not go to Casper today, for their P-day, and an impromptu barbecue was proposed. Mom and I brought our famous salad, and some watermelon, and some potato chips, and others brought side dishes and hamburgers.  What a fun early afternoon activity before we began our fast!

As Elder Gorton started barbecuing the hamburgers, a call came for Elder Criddle to go into the Homestead for some septic tank issues at one of the apartments.  This was his first day as the FM Manager, and he had such a positive attitude in being interrupted to go and serve.  When he got there  to Martin's Cove, he knew he needed Elder Gilliland to come and help.  Well, Elder Gorton and I were not going to be left behind, so, we all went to help.  Here is what we found;

A full septic tank needing pumping!  Ugh...

The Brothers of Thunder pumping together - the job stinks but someone has to do it!

This job was so much easier with all of us working together.  We pumped about 300 gallons of sewage so that the apartment would not back up this weekend.  

Do you see Devil's Gate right behind us in the picture?  This is the old Sun Ranch-house that has been closed to missionaries due to many repairs that need to be made.  But the old garage was turned into an apartment for a senior couple.  The view is pretty amazing!  Devil's Gate is on the East of the house and Split Rock is on the West.  This Ranch-house is over 50 years old.

This is the Gorton trailer.  What a roomy residence for the summer!

Once we got back to our barbecue, we all enjoyed some great hamburgers, and, some great company.  The party ended about 3:30pm and mom and I came home to relax.  This was our first day in the mission field that felt like a day off.   With no assignments to fill, we were able to do some exploring and have an instant party with some friends.  Then we spent the afternoon and evening preparing for our day of fasting tomorrow.

Later on, this evening, Elder Gilliland and I watched the first half of the BYU/Arizona football game.  At 10:30pm, (for just the first half of the game), it was getting too late for both of us!  I came home and finished up the blog and now I am ready for a good nights rest!