Family Home Evening

We got rained out today, so only worked half a day. Things are really starting to green up and some spring flowers are coming out. That is the ones that the deer have not eaten off. We have to spray "Deer Guard" on the plants, the smell keeps the deer away. It was FHE tonight and Ruby and I gave the lesson. It was a hard lesson to give because we had to talk about ourselves. Ruby is writing thank you cards to send to friends and family for their help in making our trip here more enjoyable. We just had a new couple arrive today, the Slade's. They were from AZ but have been living in Star for the last couple of years, since they retired. They are here for six months to work in the visitors center.

Our temporary home is lovely and enjoying it till we find a permanent apt. We have been very busy at the Joseph Smith Memorial. The other Sis. missionaries and I have raked, & raked and raked most every inch of lawn here. And what we didn't do, the Elders have done. We come home at night take a shower, eat and go to bed. We don't have TV as yet, so for entertainment, on Sat. we have been going for rides around the area. Their are lots of dirt roads that go up into the mountains where lots of people live and farm (mostly dairy) and gather maple syrup. Lots of rivers and ponds everywhere among the trees, very green and beautiful rolling hills. We have seen many moose and bear crossings on the freeways, but none of the real thing as yet.It is not really a spiritual mission, but we are around fine people and we are saving the church lots of money by taking care of the grounds. Plus it is great exercise. The Ward is very small, so I'm sure we will be getting a calling. We were told we would be working in the visitor center as well, but no one has said anything about that as yet.

South Royalton Chapel

This is the South Royalton Chapel on the Joseph Smith Memorial property.

MTC map ... our new area

Our 1st Two Weeks

The weather was up to the high 70's last week and even got hot while working. Today, Sunday, is cool and over cast. The Cooks invited us to dinner later today. Nephi vounteered to teach Gospel Essentials last Sunday, we went into class cold, with just a book and a prayer. It went fine. We had the Lambs over to dinner. We went to their home for dinner the first day after we arrived.
We were sent to help with the mission office move in Manchester, NH Thurs. & Friday of this week. Almost a 2 hour drive. Meet Mission Pres. Jensen & his wife.
Drove to Quechee and Woodstock, VT. yesterday, only about 20 min. away. Very beautiful.
We miss our family and friends and already counting the days till we get to come home. I'm sure it will get better as time goes by!

Daily Activities

We are getting use to the routine, but seem to need to go to bed lots earlier then we are use to. Everyday we are up at 6:45 and at work at the Memorial site at 8. We have a spiritual thought and prayer and talk about what we will do for the day. We have been doing a lot of raking leaves and Nephi & the other elders moved lots large of logs to Camp Joseph, the girls camp next door. The work is really quite physically hard, especially for us old folks, but great exercise, and it is a beautiful place to work.The mission president said we would also be working in the visitors center, but so far, we've only been outside. We have been looking for a permanent apt. after work, but with no success as yet.

Home Sweet Home

This is Kristie, Mom and Dad made it to Vermont Saturday. They will only have limited internet for the next month or so. So until then I will post a few updates.

They are staying in a nice couple year old home for now. They are looking for an apartment to rent. Once they move into their apartment they will get their internet hooked up.

They went to their new ward on Sunday, however if was ward conference. They will be going to a cute colonial church right on the JS Birth Place grounds.

More to come...when they call me next :)

Checking in from Virgina

Hi, We are at Nephi's sister, Rosemary in Virginia. We had a great trip and the sun was shinning all day today in 75 degree weather.

Mission Blog

Nephi and Ruby's Mission Blog.