The weather has turned cold, in the 30's and 40's, and lots of wind. Of course we can leave our apartment with no wind and get to the temple and we are just about blown over as we go up the steps to the door. We always look at the flag to get a feel for how hard the blast will be. Clouds has been the mainstay of the sky to add to the fall/winter like weather.
Collins sent us a Thank You text for his birthday card.
We went to Burlington on Monday for my final check up with Dr John. The psoriasis is present and I started another four week round of light therapy. We picked up a few things at the store and got the car washed. At the apartment we cleaned and did laundry. We had brought all of our temple clothes home for the break so they were ready to launder and press. I got a movie in while at this task. For family night, we joined in with the other temple missionaries at Pageant Headquarters for another round of square dancing, called by our own Elder Adams. We had such a great time and with the new missionary couples, it was a hoot.
We didn't take pictures other than this one of Elder and Sister Duncan. They really were much happier than this picture shows. They were in our second square and we had a great time dancing.
Tuesday, our weekly temple schedule began. We worked 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. It was the first time we have worked a Tuesday morning shift and got to meet a lot of district workers we have not worked with before. We almost felt like the new kid on the block. In the afternoon, Bob went to Cantrill to return some things. He has a safe trip and I stayed home with tasks and phone calls to make.
Wednesday, we worked a double shift. We were in the temple from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., and then back at 5 - 9 p.m. We were able to go on a session as patrons and that is always nice. In the middle we went to Burlington for light therapy, lunch, and going to a second hand store called, "Hopefully Yours." Bob found a suitcase to help with us going home. We have begun packing some things, making decisions on other things, and thinking about how it will fit in the car. I bought clothes vacuum bags and filled three of them. It is amazing how much they reduce down when the air is out.
Thursday morning started off with haircuts and then our scanning project at Brother Shurts'. We are coming to a close of our time with him and we have enjoyed this opportunity. We have seen so many rare photos, documents, and other such stuff. Today my stack included an 1890 Silver Certificate, a first for me to see. We were in the temple, 5 - 9 p.m., as baptistry coordinators. We did not have any patrons so I had time to play the piano in the chapel. I began with Christmas carols and enjoyed the feeling they bring of our Savior and His life for us. It may sound silly but with the shifts starting an hour later it almost seems like we get out early at the end.
While driving around town in between all we did, we saw two deer along the road going up the hill to the temple. They just stood there watching us. I wanted a picture so Bob turned around and they waited for us to come back.
Jared and Kim moved to Hamilton, Montana this week and he and the kids all started a text stream of their trip, etc. Kendal caught up with them in Brigham City, UT for a brief hello. This is an exciting time for them and we all wish them the best.
Our shift in the temple on Friday was 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. I had an hour of organ assigned and when I went in to play I thought of Christmas carols from the day before, and since they are in the approved binder to play in the chapel, well I just turned to them and played. They are about the Savior and this is His house. I was into the third one when the shift coordinator came to say I was a little ahead of the game and that they usually wait until the first of December to play carols. Oh well, I finished the one I was on and did enjoy playing them. Later in the shift two different workers told me they loved hearing the carols being played. I was happy to know others enjoyed them as I did.
Once again we were off to Burlington for light therapy and a meal. Enjoying a Reuben overlooking the Mississippi.
I had my last class with Sister Swing Saturday morning. She has really taught me a lot about using the family search website and preparing names for the temple. Since I started learning from her we have completed 207 ordinances, with 4 endowments left and 15 sealings to complete. We plan to have them finished before we come home. It is amazing and I continue to find more families and information almost every time I take time to research. These people are anxious and waiting.
We were in the temple from 12 - 7 p.m. It was a great shift for a couple of reasons. Brother Paul Hickman, from our branch came for his own endowment and other members of the branch were there, not to mention three serving on the shift as ordinance workers. We had asked ahead if we could officiate the session and had a wonderful time being with the branch members. It was a special time for Paul as well as for the rest of us.
President Hunger, Brother Brigance, Brother Antzak, and Paul Hickman.
Sister & Brother Brigance, Sister Brigance's friend, Paul Hickman.
The other reason was in finding a relative for sure in Sister Jeanie Hart, a district worker. She and I hit off the first time we worked together after we arrived last year. She and her husband, Vic, were the shift coordinators and she took me under her wing and got me trained in various areas and didn't hesitate to use me where needed. We always enjoyed talking and visiting. She and Vic were in Scottsdale on business in the spring and Adriana hooked them up with someone to take them to church the Sunday they were there.
We were both at posts were there was not much going on so we started visiting, asking about Thanksgiving plans, etc. I asked her what she was going to do and she said they were going to Tennessee.
I replied: "Oh, we were just there on break."
Jeanie: "Where did you go?"
Me: "To Grainger and Jefferson Counties doing family history research."
Jeanie: "No way! I'm from Jefferson County and we are going to move to Dandridge when we retire!"
Now, Bob says there are no coincidences and that is true here. We had been to all the places she knows very well. She asked about the family names but did not recognize any of them. She did say, though: "You know we are cousins because everyone is from one or another of those hills out there.!" She said when they move there we have to come back and do more research. I was blown away with all she knew as I talked about the places we had been, etc. This experience was way too fun.
We were off to church with the McBride's on Sunday and enjoyed our time in the branch. Bob helped the deacons pass the sacrament and Primary still holds a special place for me. The children are a delight and the leaders are so good with their teaching and interaction with them.
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