I finished the four certification worksheets today, and went out on the floor to shadow. I shadowed a greeter, a floor manager and a monitor. I was supposed to shadow a rover, but during the time that was scheduled there was no rover. I have been a little hesitant about the floor manager position, but there are lots of helps, so maybe it won't be so bad.
I learned that when I have a regular schedule I will have a late night on Wednesday, and a later schedule than I had expected on Tuesday. One nice thing is that I am still on a training schedule for the rest of this week. That means that I will be off this Saturday, and will get to attend the swap meet! That is a very happy thought!
I decided to go home for lunch, since I have an hour off, and I can walk each way in ten minutes. Tomorrow the International Zone will have a lunch activity to which I am bringing veggies, and I did not think I would have any other time to get them ready.
After I got out of the library I went to the temple. The five o'clock session was less heavily attended than most of the sessions I have done here, so I was out before seven. I am home now and will shortly be heading for bed.
More shadowing tomorrow, I think, perhaps with additional paperwork.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
It's a Jolly Holiday!! 30 May 2016
My Sweetheart texted me greetings this Memorial Day--what a great way to start my day! I am grateful for his service as well as that of all other veterans.
I had the pleasure of Skyping with my Arizona family members today--Rosie is excited that she will start art camp tomorrow, along with Grace. Rosie and Cami already spent some time this vacation having private art lessons. Rosie showed me the birthday card she made for her dad, and the belated birthday card she created on a tablet today. I sure enjoyed seeing Starr and the two children.
I decided to rearrange my apartment furniture this morning before setting out on an adventure with my Cuban friend. This was precipitated by needing to clean the microwave. While I am grateful that the microwave in my apartment was not put on the kitchen table, putting it on top of the refrigerator was not the best choice either. One of the mission "rules" is do not fall--therefore, do not climb. Therefore, the microwave needed to come down. I have to admit, I did climb up to get the microwave down, but it now resides on the end table which I moved into the kitchen. The desk is now at a 90 degree angle to its original spot with the table up against it. The living room is now about five steps from the bedroom instead of one step. I think this design will work better for me.
My daughter suggested that in addition to showing my Cuban sister how to find State Street, we might like to go to a botanical garden [and she reminded me where I might have put the Missouri Botanical Garden card I brought with me:)], since her membership level has reciprocal admission. I called ahead to Red Butte, the closest gardens to us, and I could get us in for free.
The Red Butte Gardens are at the University of Utah in the foothills of the mountains to the East. Not only did we get into the gardens for free, but we got a free, unscheduled tram ride with a tour guide. Claudia, a volunteer, informed us that the last scheduled tram tour had a full load, but she would take us herself. Another couple was also able to take the tour with us. Claudia told us about so many of the plants we enjoyed, along with some of the history of the gardens. I definitely recommend visiting the Red Butte Gardens.
Our next objective was to find Trolley Square, a shopping and entertainment center situated within renovated 1908 trolley barns. We did find it, but we were not planning to actually go inside. Our next goal was to find Welfare Square. Although I had gone there a few weeks ago, I did not remember exactly how to get there, but we did find it. Today, being a holiday it was closed.
Since we had gotten a late start, so it seemed appropriate to find some food. One of the big warehouse stores was closed for the holiday, but the other was open, so we bought a few things, and had something to eat.
Then we took a ride all the way out to Sandy, looking for a bank we both remembered seeing. We did not see the bank, but we enjoyed the ride, and I learned where places are located. So, we had a jolly holiday together.
I am now enjoying two versions of my very favorite hymn which Gregory sent to me today. The version by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is the most powerful vocal rendition I have ever heard. It brings tears. You can enjoy it by accessing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y8Z_7jcwTU&feature=em-share_video_user
At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OdUBvB3Ots&feature=em-share_video_user you can view and listen to a powerful instrumental version of this wonderful hymn. The visuals are awesome and are from NASA's astronomy picture of the day archive. http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix....
What a beautiful way to end my day.
I had the pleasure of Skyping with my Arizona family members today--Rosie is excited that she will start art camp tomorrow, along with Grace. Rosie and Cami already spent some time this vacation having private art lessons. Rosie showed me the birthday card she made for her dad, and the belated birthday card she created on a tablet today. I sure enjoyed seeing Starr and the two children.
I decided to rearrange my apartment furniture this morning before setting out on an adventure with my Cuban friend. This was precipitated by needing to clean the microwave. While I am grateful that the microwave in my apartment was not put on the kitchen table, putting it on top of the refrigerator was not the best choice either. One of the mission "rules" is do not fall--therefore, do not climb. Therefore, the microwave needed to come down. I have to admit, I did climb up to get the microwave down, but it now resides on the end table which I moved into the kitchen. The desk is now at a 90 degree angle to its original spot with the table up against it. The living room is now about five steps from the bedroom instead of one step. I think this design will work better for me.
My daughter suggested that in addition to showing my Cuban sister how to find State Street, we might like to go to a botanical garden [and she reminded me where I might have put the Missouri Botanical Garden card I brought with me:)], since her membership level has reciprocal admission. I called ahead to Red Butte, the closest gardens to us, and I could get us in for free.
The Red Butte Gardens are at the University of Utah in the foothills of the mountains to the East. Not only did we get into the gardens for free, but we got a free, unscheduled tram ride with a tour guide. Claudia, a volunteer, informed us that the last scheduled tram tour had a full load, but she would take us herself. Another couple was also able to take the tour with us. Claudia told us about so many of the plants we enjoyed, along with some of the history of the gardens. I definitely recommend visiting the Red Butte Gardens.
Our next objective was to find Trolley Square, a shopping and entertainment center situated within renovated 1908 trolley barns. We did find it, but we were not planning to actually go inside. Our next goal was to find Welfare Square. Although I had gone there a few weeks ago, I did not remember exactly how to get there, but we did find it. Today, being a holiday it was closed.
Since we had gotten a late start, so it seemed appropriate to find some food. One of the big warehouse stores was closed for the holiday, but the other was open, so we bought a few things, and had something to eat.
Then we took a ride all the way out to Sandy, looking for a bank we both remembered seeing. We did not see the bank, but we enjoyed the ride, and I learned where places are located. So, we had a jolly holiday together.
I am now enjoying two versions of my very favorite hymn which Gregory sent to me today. The version by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is the most powerful vocal rendition I have ever heard. It brings tears. You can enjoy it by accessing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y8Z_7jcwTU&feature=em-share_video_user
At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OdUBvB3Ots&feature=em-share_video_user you can view and listen to a powerful instrumental version of this wonderful hymn. The visuals are awesome and are from NASA's astronomy picture of the day archive. http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix....
What a beautiful way to end my day.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Music, Bishop Causse', and Good Food. 29 May 2016
Hearing the familiar "God Bless the USA" as I entered the Tabernacle brought tears as usual, and the beautiful Amazing Grace and a patriotic medley did the same. What a wonderful way to start the Sabbath!
I had overheard someone say that the choir would have an extra rehearsal after the program because of their upcoming European tour, so after walking home with my friend, and getting a little breakfast, I went back to the Tabernacle. Unlike the crowds [many were taken to the Assembly Hall for the broadcast] at the regular program, the Tabernacle was nearly empty. It was quite interesting to observe the rehearsal of a hymn in German with the music from "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" and Deep River, a spiritual. What attention the conductors pay to detail! Quite amazing.
Then it was off to our branch choir practice. One of the young elders is playing a violin accompaniment to My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, so we practiced that first. Again it reminds me of home, as St. Louis South Stake Choir sang this a few years ago. Then we practiced the "If the Savior Stood Beside Me", a sweet song that the Primary children often sing, and which was the selection we sang for today's sacrament meeting.
My Cuban friend had saved a spot for me in the Sunday School room that has a piano, so before class started I enjoyed listening to one of the young elders beautifully play two complicated pieces. I know the one was a classical piece, but I have a feeling that the other was his own composition. So many of the young elders have great musical talent.
Our fifth Sunday combined meeting was held in the Legacy theater. Bishop Causse', the presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife spoke to us. Sister Causse' told us about their family. They are from France, and when he was called eight years ago as a General Authority she was moved out of her comfort zone. However, she knows that this service is what the Lord wants from them, and she has seen blessings result.
Bishop Causse' spoke on service. He talked about two passages from the New Testament where the Savior responded to questions about how to obtain eternal life with a call to service. I had never before thought of the story of the rich young man in that context. I have always focused on the young man's unwillingness to part with his substance, but, indeed, the Savior's more important counsel was "come, take up the cross, and follow me." I appreciate how the Lord's chosen leaders in these latter days give us new insights.
After the meetings I heated up my pot of beans, cut up an avocado, opened a can of lives, and took those things plus strawberries and the cake supplied by me visiting teacher to my Cuban sister's apartment. We had quite a feast, as she insisted on sharing some rib steak, along with saute'ed vegetables, salad and rice. She said the beans I brought reminded her of home! I was glad she told me how she liked them fixed. I enjoyed them, too!
I had overheard someone say that the choir would have an extra rehearsal after the program because of their upcoming European tour, so after walking home with my friend, and getting a little breakfast, I went back to the Tabernacle. Unlike the crowds [many were taken to the Assembly Hall for the broadcast] at the regular program, the Tabernacle was nearly empty. It was quite interesting to observe the rehearsal of a hymn in German with the music from "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" and Deep River, a spiritual. What attention the conductors pay to detail! Quite amazing.
Then it was off to our branch choir practice. One of the young elders is playing a violin accompaniment to My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, so we practiced that first. Again it reminds me of home, as St. Louis South Stake Choir sang this a few years ago. Then we practiced the "If the Savior Stood Beside Me", a sweet song that the Primary children often sing, and which was the selection we sang for today's sacrament meeting.
My Cuban friend had saved a spot for me in the Sunday School room that has a piano, so before class started I enjoyed listening to one of the young elders beautifully play two complicated pieces. I know the one was a classical piece, but I have a feeling that the other was his own composition. So many of the young elders have great musical talent.
Our fifth Sunday combined meeting was held in the Legacy theater. Bishop Causse', the presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife spoke to us. Sister Causse' told us about their family. They are from France, and when he was called eight years ago as a General Authority she was moved out of her comfort zone. However, she knows that this service is what the Lord wants from them, and she has seen blessings result.
Bishop Causse' spoke on service. He talked about two passages from the New Testament where the Savior responded to questions about how to obtain eternal life with a call to service. I had never before thought of the story of the rich young man in that context. I have always focused on the young man's unwillingness to part with his substance, but, indeed, the Savior's more important counsel was "come, take up the cross, and follow me." I appreciate how the Lord's chosen leaders in these latter days give us new insights.
After the meetings I heated up my pot of beans, cut up an avocado, opened a can of lives, and took those things plus strawberries and the cake supplied by me visiting teacher to my Cuban sister's apartment. We had quite a feast, as she insisted on sharing some rib steak, along with saute'ed vegetables, salad and rice. She said the beans I brought reminded her of home! I was glad she told me how she liked them fixed. I enjoyed them, too!
Saturday, May 28, 2016
3-Day Weekend!!! 28 May 2016
A three-day weekend means a lot to me here, unlike in my regular life. That is mostly because I do not have anything that I particularly need to do! I do not have my backlog of family history letters, research papers or books to scan and attach. The [seems like] mountains of things to sort through and donate or discard are back in Missouri. In my lovely little apartment it takes me about 10 minutes to clean the bathroom and the kitchen. So what did I opt to do today?
This morning I tried making another batch of flax seed crackers with cinnamon and brown sugar. While they are OK, they are not spectacular. I need to tweek the recipe considerably, I think. Using the oven would not have been a big deal today, except that the lock on the sliding glass door has decided it does not want to open. Since it is a holiday weekend, I decided I would just use the air conditioner to counteract the oven heat. Blessedly, that is working!!
I was almost out of cooked wheat and beans, so I quick soaked both, opting for dark red kidney beans this time, as the first time I made them here they turned out well. Tomorrow I will share them with my Cuban Sister. The wheat is almost finished in the pressure cooker, and then I will do the beans.
I was on the phone quite a while this morning, and then called to see if Sister R would like to go out and explore where other grocery stores are located a bit closer to us. She was agreeable, so we spent a couple of hours locating a very close Hispanic Market, a local grocer, a local warehouse-type store, and a fresh-foods market. I found the items I had wanted from the grocery ads, as well as items I was hoping would be at this closer Hispanic Market. We had a good time together, as we both felt like we did not want to spend the weekend just in our apartments. I am very glad I thought to ask her, and more glad that she accepted the invitation! Two of the young elders came along as we were unloading the car, and they helped each of us carry our things to our apartments, which was a big blessing!
I indexed one batch and arbitrated two from the Freedman's Bureau records. These are still on the old program, and will not be switched over to the browser based program.The target for completion is Juneteenth, June 19, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States. I am glad I have gotten to help a little with that project. There are other exciting projects coming up, and it will be nice to be able to do them on devices other than computers--nearly everyone could help that way!
I hope you all will have a very nice Memorial Day holiday!
Friday, May 27, 2016
Day Full of Learning! 27 May 2016
I just returned from my first day on the International floor. Except for a tour of the floor and some brief walks outside, I spent my time learning on a computer. I learned about the positions which need to be filled in order for guests to be adequately served. The ones I remember are the floor manager, who coordinates the activities on the floor; the greeter, who greets guests and determines how much time they have to spend and what they want to find out; the monitor, who observes, and assists in connecting a guest with a helper; the helper, who works with a guest one-on-one; and the rover, who takes care of the physical environment. I think there are a couple more positions, but right now I do not remember them!
Some other members of the team are research specialists, trainers, and access service workers. There is a lot going on just on our floor--and that is multiplied by five floors! It truly is amazing.
I am going to the temple in a few minutes, as Gregory and I continue our tradition on Friday night. Then I will have three days off! I do not yet have any specific plans. I will probably call my little Cuban sister and try to do something with her. The weather is beautiful, although a little cool.
Tuesday I believe I will be working again on the computer. There are three levels of certification I will need to get through, although I can be a greeter after just completing the first level.
I met a sister who was born in Austria, and baptized in the Danube River, before she came to the USA after World War II. Everyone has a wonderful story, and the bios are available for each of us to read. I will be working with some remarkable people!
Some other members of the team are research specialists, trainers, and access service workers. There is a lot going on just on our floor--and that is multiplied by five floors! It truly is amazing.
I am going to the temple in a few minutes, as Gregory and I continue our tradition on Friday night. Then I will have three days off! I do not yet have any specific plans. I will probably call my little Cuban sister and try to do something with her. The weather is beautiful, although a little cool.
Tuesday I believe I will be working again on the computer. There are three levels of certification I will need to get through, although I can be a greeter after just completing the first level.
I met a sister who was born in Austria, and baptized in the Danube River, before she came to the USA after World War II. Everyone has a wonderful story, and the bios are available for each of us to read. I will be working with some remarkable people!
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Last Day of General Training, 26 May 2016
In our last day of general training we learned a lot about the importance of searching sites other than FamilySearch, in order to gain as much information as possible for the guests [and in our own research]. We reviewed much of what we had studied the rest of this week, also.
I am excited to learn of some of the sources available to provide evidence that the German research I did years ago was accurate, and to be developing the skills to attach those sources to the records in FamilyTree. Today I used both irfanview and recordseek to attach sources. There is just so much work to be done. Even though I will get four hours to work on my own lines every work week, I wonder if I can even make a dent!
I had a good experience shadowing a missionary on the floor today. He was quite knowledgeable and also quite personable with the guest, who was very appreciative.
We had training evaluations to turn in today. Most of this training was valuable and presented well. In both the morning and the afternoon sessions we did a lot of hands-on, which is what I really like. The zone leaders said they felt we were a good group, and probably were better-prepared than we feel we are.
When training was over we separated, and each of us went to the floor on which we will work. One of the Church Service Missionaries (missionaries who live locally and serve up to 4 days a week) showed me the schedule book, and pointed out some of the features of the International floor. There will eventually be an Asian area, but for now there are special areas for German, Scandinavian, and Spanish research, I learned that our devotional will be at 7:30 a.m., and the room that this is held in. So I feel like at least I will know where to show up! Forward, March!
I am excited to learn of some of the sources available to provide evidence that the German research I did years ago was accurate, and to be developing the skills to attach those sources to the records in FamilyTree. Today I used both irfanview and recordseek to attach sources. There is just so much work to be done. Even though I will get four hours to work on my own lines every work week, I wonder if I can even make a dent!
I had a good experience shadowing a missionary on the floor today. He was quite knowledgeable and also quite personable with the guest, who was very appreciative.
We had training evaluations to turn in today. Most of this training was valuable and presented well. In both the morning and the afternoon sessions we did a lot of hands-on, which is what I really like. The zone leaders said they felt we were a good group, and probably were better-prepared than we feel we are.
When training was over we separated, and each of us went to the floor on which we will work. One of the Church Service Missionaries (missionaries who live locally and serve up to 4 days a week) showed me the schedule book, and pointed out some of the features of the International floor. There will eventually be an Asian area, but for now there are special areas for German, Scandinavian, and Spanish research, I learned that our devotional will be at 7:30 a.m., and the room that this is held in. So I feel like at least I will know where to show up! Forward, March!
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Wiki, Get Help, and Catalog leads to Homework!!! 25 May 2016
Our training today created homework! This morning we learned about the Get Help and Wiki features on FamilySearch. There are so many resources available to help with research and family history, it is mind-blowing. We did not explore even a hundredth part of what is available.
This afternoon we learned about the Catalog. Again, more resources are available than we had time for learning about even a small part of what is there.
We were given some time to do the applied learning exercises, but there were some things that just needed more time, as I left at 3:30 to go to choir practice. I opted to drive, because I needed to go to the store and pick up a few things. I found that the store was close enough that I could get there and shop and get back before practice started.
Because we have a holiday on Monday, our schedule of singing has changed, and we are also beginning to practice for a Pioneer Day program. One of the fun pieces is a medley of Primary songs: "Whenever I Think About Pioneers" and "The Handcart Song". We also are singing a version of "O My Father" to the tune of Stephen Foster's "Gentle Annie".
Tomorrow will be our last day of "generic" training. On Friday we each go to our assigned floor, and there we will receive more specific training for that floor. Maybe in June I will get to actually help patrons! Until then, I am just grateful to have learned how better to do my own work. We actually get three half-days a month to pursue our own research, and one full day off to attend the temple. What a blessing that will be!
Because we have a holiday on Monday, our schedule of singing has changed, and we are also beginning to practice for a Pioneer Day program. One of the fun pieces is a medley of Primary songs: "Whenever I Think About Pioneers" and "The Handcart Song". We also are singing a version of "O My Father" to the tune of Stephen Foster's "Gentle Annie".
Tomorrow will be our last day of "generic" training. On Friday we each go to our assigned floor, and there we will receive more specific training for that floor. Maybe in June I will get to actually help patrons! Until then, I am just grateful to have learned how better to do my own work. We actually get three half-days a month to pursue our own research, and one full day off to attend the temple. What a blessing that will be!
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Progress in Irfanview, Lessons on Reseach Process, Quick Trip Home at Lunch and a Temple Visit, 24 May 2016
I successfully edited my Grampa Grapatin's confirmation certificate in irfanview, and attached and titled it appropriately! I like success, even though I had some false starts. I will be working on this project for quite a long time to come--it will keep me out of trouble!
Our training today was again on the Research Process. I am slowly becoming aware of the usefulness of a Research Log, now that sometimes I cannot remember what I did five minutes ago, much less five years ago or more.
We unexpectedly had a long lunch break--nearly 90 minutes. I took advantage of this to walk back to my apartment and get a load of laundry washed. I had been putting that off, and did not know when I would get to it, so I am very grateful to have had the opportunity. I also learned that I really could accomplish this task in the typical 60 minute lunch time--I just might need to run, not walk, back to the Library.
When I got back to the apartment in the afternoon, I did not have time to make it to the temple for the 4 pm session, so I took a quick nap. It was a good thing, since my Cuban sister called me. She is really enjoying doing indexing. I am so glad for her, because the rest of the training still unnerves her. It was very good to hear from her. We might get together on Monday, which is a holiday for us missionaries as well as paid staff.
Some wonderful news from my sweetheart. The cataract surgery he had yesterday was successful! I am very grateful and happy about this. My own cataract surgery back in 1995 was such a blessing, making it possible for me to practically do without glasses. I sometimes need them for driving when it is dark and messy out. What modern miracles we enjoy!
Today I played the keyboard for our devotional. I will do that for the rest of this week, and perhaps longer than that. I am grateful to be able to share that skill.
[Yesterday I figured out how to spell-check in the blog. That is really good, although I am not quite sure why the program has a problem with the word "learned". Go figure!]
Our training today was again on the Research Process. I am slowly becoming aware of the usefulness of a Research Log, now that sometimes I cannot remember what I did five minutes ago, much less five years ago or more.
We unexpectedly had a long lunch break--nearly 90 minutes. I took advantage of this to walk back to my apartment and get a load of laundry washed. I had been putting that off, and did not know when I would get to it, so I am very grateful to have had the opportunity. I also learned that I really could accomplish this task in the typical 60 minute lunch time--I just might need to run, not walk, back to the Library.
When I got back to the apartment in the afternoon, I did not have time to make it to the temple for the 4 pm session, so I took a quick nap. It was a good thing, since my Cuban sister called me. She is really enjoying doing indexing. I am so glad for her, because the rest of the training still unnerves her. It was very good to hear from her. We might get together on Monday, which is a holiday for us missionaries as well as paid staff.
Some wonderful news from my sweetheart. The cataract surgery he had yesterday was successful! I am very grateful and happy about this. My own cataract surgery back in 1995 was such a blessing, making it possible for me to practically do without glasses. I sometimes need them for driving when it is dark and messy out. What modern miracles we enjoy!
Today I played the keyboard for our devotional. I will do that for the rest of this week, and perhaps longer than that. I am grateful to be able to share that skill.
[Yesterday I figured out how to spell-check in the blog. That is really good, although I am not quite sure why the program has a problem with the word "learned". Go figure!]
Monday, May 23, 2016
A Great Photo Editing Tool, and a Logical Way to Name Family History Files. 23 May 2016
Choir practice at 6:20 this morning was a bit of a struggle, but the improvement in our performance made it worth it. We sang The Lord is My Shepherd, a beautiful, peaceful version of the 23rd Psalm at the mission devotional. The speakers at the devotionals tell of their lives and how they came to the mission. There are as many stories as there are missionaries, and we get to know one another in this way.
After the devotional I and two of my mission group set off for the Family History Library for our next round of training. The morning sessions dealt with Guest Services [or how to treat those who come to the Library], Safety and Security issues, and Quality Response Center,the group that keeps the machines up and running.
After lunch we had a brief tour of the Main Floor of the Library, followed by shadowing missionaries who were helping guests with their initial experiences at the Family History Library. It was interesting to observe the different skill levels of the missionaries. Our group was one of the first groups to have the intensive two week training we just finished. So missionaries who came earlier did not have that benefit, although they would have received one-on-one training. I am glad that we did have that training, even though a lot of it was review for me.
After the shadowing experience we went to the second floor computer lab, where we will spend much of our time for the next three or four days. I really liked the way he sister who was presenting let us work on each small step of the skills she was teaching. She also followed the "See One, Do One, Teach One" model, by having us walk her through each process after we did ourselves what she had demonstrated. The written materials were also very good, as the procedures were clearly marked out in a very orderly manner.
I was particularly glad to learn about a program for photo editing, with capabilities that I have wished for. The program is irfanview, and is available to download for free. We learned to straighten, crop,highlight, add text, change sizes, and merge pieces of a document into a panoramic image. This list does not begin to cover all of the options available in the program. The symbol for the program is a red flat cat--kind of fun!
The presenter has also developed a brilliant way to title documents and pictures so that they are not scattered through one's files. For genealogical files she puts the surname all in caps followed by the given names. Then in parentheses [I use brackets because I am always looking for shortcuts] she puts the birth year, preceded by the letter b, For example: GRAPATIN Olga [b 1912] wedding portrait.
When I told Gregory about this he commented, "This is very orderly, and we know that our Father's house is a house of order." How very true! Now I have another task to help me clean up the family records I have already attached in FamilySearch: putting the titles of the documents and pictures in this form. It will definitely be worth it when it is completed.
Tomorrow we get to have Open lab from 7:40 till 9, so I can work on these skills before learning more about the Research Process.
After the devotional I and two of my mission group set off for the Family History Library for our next round of training. The morning sessions dealt with Guest Services [or how to treat those who come to the Library], Safety and Security issues, and Quality Response Center,the group that keeps the machines up and running.
After lunch we had a brief tour of the Main Floor of the Library, followed by shadowing missionaries who were helping guests with their initial experiences at the Family History Library. It was interesting to observe the different skill levels of the missionaries. Our group was one of the first groups to have the intensive two week training we just finished. So missionaries who came earlier did not have that benefit, although they would have received one-on-one training. I am glad that we did have that training, even though a lot of it was review for me.
After the shadowing experience we went to the second floor computer lab, where we will spend much of our time for the next three or four days. I really liked the way he sister who was presenting let us work on each small step of the skills she was teaching. She also followed the "See One, Do One, Teach One" model, by having us walk her through each process after we did ourselves what she had demonstrated. The written materials were also very good, as the procedures were clearly marked out in a very orderly manner.
I was particularly glad to learn about a program for photo editing, with capabilities that I have wished for. The program is irfanview, and is available to download for free. We learned to straighten, crop,highlight, add text, change sizes, and merge pieces of a document into a panoramic image. This list does not begin to cover all of the options available in the program. The symbol for the program is a red flat cat--kind of fun!
The presenter has also developed a brilliant way to title documents and pictures so that they are not scattered through one's files. For genealogical files she puts the surname all in caps followed by the given names. Then in parentheses [I use brackets because I am always looking for shortcuts] she puts the birth year, preceded by the letter b, For example: GRAPATIN Olga [b 1912] wedding portrait.
When I told Gregory about this he commented, "This is very orderly, and we know that our Father's house is a house of order." How very true! Now I have another task to help me clean up the family records I have already attached in FamilySearch: putting the titles of the documents and pictures in this form. It will definitely be worth it when it is completed.
Tomorrow we get to have Open lab from 7:40 till 9, so I can work on these skills before learning more about the Research Process.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Friendship Sunday! 22 May 2016
Today started out as usual with me getting choked up while attending the broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word. A group named Gentri sang with the choir and orchestra. I really liked their rendition of Guide Me to Thee, and an original number called Home really fit my situation quite a lot. Once the broadcast is over the choir and orchestra and crew all sing God Be With You Till We Meet Again acapella. What a powerful moment that is!
My Cuban sister suggested we have supper together, and before choir practice I used some of the cinnamon and apples I bought yesterday to make an apple crisp to contribute along with some cheese. Choir practice was different because we had a substitute director. It was fun because she was always smiling, even when we had trouble with the parts. Next Sunday we will sing If the Savior Stood Beside Me, a lovely song usually sung by the Primary children.
I was glad we did not sing as a choir today, because I had a great experience friendshipping a young woman from France who happened to sit at the end of the pew my fellow missionaries and I were sitting in. I apologized to her for having to go in and out so much before the service, and I thought I detected a hint of an accent, but I did not follow up on that until after our sweet branch President had come over to talk with her. Then I followed a nudge from the Spirit and had a conversation with her. She had been a nanny in Salt Lake City a couple of years ago, and had come back to visit. After sacrament meeting I asked if she would stay for Sunday School and for Relief Society, the meeting just for the women. She said she would! Then some French-speaking sisters found us and they shepherded her to Sunday School and then to Relief Society.
I asked my Cuban sister if she would be okay with inviting the young woman to eat with us, and she readily agreed. We had a delightful visit with our supper of yummy sauted zucchini,onions and tomato, some other steamed veggies, a little cheese, homemade bread from our visiting teacher, mock hummus [no sesame], and some crisp tortillas. Of course we encouraged our French friend to read the Book of Mormon, and she plans to do so. She is excited about the Paris France temple which will have an open house before too long. It is actually being built quite close to her home! She plans to take her mother with her to see it! I am glad I got the chance to meet her and have such a nice time with her.
Tomorrow I begin another week of training, this time in the Family History Library! I am looking forward to that, and hope that I learn well how to meet the needs of the patrons.
My Cuban sister suggested we have supper together, and before choir practice I used some of the cinnamon and apples I bought yesterday to make an apple crisp to contribute along with some cheese. Choir practice was different because we had a substitute director. It was fun because she was always smiling, even when we had trouble with the parts. Next Sunday we will sing If the Savior Stood Beside Me, a lovely song usually sung by the Primary children.
I was glad we did not sing as a choir today, because I had a great experience friendshipping a young woman from France who happened to sit at the end of the pew my fellow missionaries and I were sitting in. I apologized to her for having to go in and out so much before the service, and I thought I detected a hint of an accent, but I did not follow up on that until after our sweet branch President had come over to talk with her. Then I followed a nudge from the Spirit and had a conversation with her. She had been a nanny in Salt Lake City a couple of years ago, and had come back to visit. After sacrament meeting I asked if she would stay for Sunday School and for Relief Society, the meeting just for the women. She said she would! Then some French-speaking sisters found us and they shepherded her to Sunday School and then to Relief Society.
I asked my Cuban sister if she would be okay with inviting the young woman to eat with us, and she readily agreed. We had a delightful visit with our supper of yummy sauted zucchini,onions and tomato, some other steamed veggies, a little cheese, homemade bread from our visiting teacher, mock hummus [no sesame], and some crisp tortillas. Of course we encouraged our French friend to read the Book of Mormon, and she plans to do so. She is excited about the Paris France temple which will have an open house before too long. It is actually being built quite close to her home! She plans to take her mother with her to see it! I am glad I got the chance to meet her and have such a nice time with her.
Tomorrow I begin another week of training, this time in the Family History Library! I am looking forward to that, and hope that I learn well how to meet the needs of the patrons.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Busy, productive Saturday. 21 May 2016
I am very glad that my sweet Cuban sister and I had decided to go to visit her brother in her nephew's home today. After next week the two of us will have very different schedules, so it would be difficult to make the trip. I expected that the navigator on my phone would make getting there easy--I was mistaken. We ended up in a subdivision about five miles farther south than we needed to be.
However, I had noticed that we had crossed State Street, which passes on the east side of the Temple Square complex. In fact, my friend and I had decided we would return to our apartment using that road instead of the Interstate. So once we determined that the navigator really had not done very well, I turned around and traveled back to State Street. From there it was just a matter of going far enough north, as the address was in the first block to the East.
We had a delightful visit with the family. They were so warm and friendly. I was reminded of visiting my in-laws for the first time--feeling accepted. My friend had thought we would just stay a few minutes, but we actually stayed more than an hour. And they insisted on feeding us some fresh fruit salad, which was amazing, and some Cuban sweet bread they had just gotten from a Hispanic market. I probably will not get to go visit them again, but my friend now knows how to get there without much trouble at all.
My friend and I thought we would try to find the market. I had been missing the International Market I sometimes shop at in the St. Louis area. This market was similar, and I got fresh fruits and some veggies, and farmer's cheese, salt, and cinnamon! I like cinnamon and had neglected to bring any with me from home. We both really liked having the chance to go there, and it was not hard, so my friend will be able to get there also on her own.
I had two sets of visitors today. Two sisters from Relief Society leadership came in the morning, and I found out why I had decided yesterday to make more flax seed crackers even though I had some left. I offered crackers to each of the sisters, and one of the sisters was especially excited to have some. She has an intolerance to corn, and has not found crackers commercially that she can eat. I was able to email her the recipe.
My other visitors came in the afternoon: my home and visiting teachers. They brought me a loaf of homemade bread, and stayed to visit for a bit. They also enjoyed the crackers, and now that sister also has the recipe. I learned a valuable lesson while I was figuring out how to give them directions to my apartment. I went out to the landing--and forgot to take my keys! One of the other missionaries got me back in the landing door, and I had left my apartment door open, but now I have one of my sets of keys hanging on the doorknob! I also have a note by my door to remember to take my name tag. If I can always remember those two things I will be ahead of the game!
I read through some of the papers I got from my new zone leaders yesterday, and learned that one of my duties will be to learn about the history of the countries I help people do research in. When I did my indexing batch from South Africa today, there was a place name that just did not make sense to me. I looked up the cities and towns in that country, but could not find anything close. Then I was prompted to just google as much of the name as I could figure out. There were several results, and I learned that the area was the scene of a big war--and on the date of the records I was indexing, many British soldiers lost their lives in that place. I expect that I will be learning a lot more history as I continue on this mission.
I cooked chickpeas and made some non-tahini hummus, cooked a week's supply of wheat, and prepared some chickpeas for sprouting. I will have an abundance of food to enjoy for this coming week. I did not get laundry done--but I have enough clean clothes for the week. Time now to prepare for the Sabbath.
My sweetheart sent me a video of Come, Let Us Anew, a Charles Wesley hymn about preparing for the Second Coming. What a good reminder.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Awesome Day, 20 May 2016
Today was significant in several ways. In one year Gregory and I will be married! And I learned today that I will sever the next 11 months and one week in the International Area of the Family History Library! Although I really do not speak any language other than English very well, I have researched in several languages, especially German and Polish. I just pray that my skills in those areas will be brought back, as I have not used them in recent years. We are told that if we go forth with faith, the Lord, whose work this is, will help us increase our capabilities. I need to trust that this is so.
I met Elder and Sister Lemon, my new Zone Leaders. They asked what my preference is for working (morning--I do not usually sleep well, so by late afternoon I do not function well), and what day I would like for my Preparation Day. Looks like Monday will work out for that. I will be grateful if my schedule does work out for early shift Tuesday through Saturday. Then I can continue with attending the Temple on Tuesday and Friday, and singing in the Elijah Choir.
As a zone, after learning our assignments, we attended the temple. Then this evening I attended another session here in the Salt Lake Temple while Gregory was doing the same in St. Louis. It was quite an experience for me to be in a session with nearly 200 others! Quite remarkable!
Early this morning when I could not sleep I indexed a batch on my iPad--quite interesting! There were a number of glitches, so I sent lots of feedback, but overall I like being able to use the tablet for indexing. The batch I did was from South Africa, so I let my cousins from South Africa know that I was exposed to a bit of Africaans, the Germanic language used in that country.
My lack of sleepiness allowed me time to make a fresh batch of flax seed crackers. This evening I fried some wheat, and I have chickpeas soaking to make some hummus--Yum! My daughter had success with making fried onion rings today and she sent me pictures. I would sure enjoy some of them!
I met Elder and Sister Lemon, my new Zone Leaders. They asked what my preference is for working (morning--I do not usually sleep well, so by late afternoon I do not function well), and what day I would like for my Preparation Day. Looks like Monday will work out for that. I will be grateful if my schedule does work out for early shift Tuesday through Saturday. Then I can continue with attending the Temple on Tuesday and Friday, and singing in the Elijah Choir.
As a zone, after learning our assignments, we attended the temple. Then this evening I attended another session here in the Salt Lake Temple while Gregory was doing the same in St. Louis. It was quite an experience for me to be in a session with nearly 200 others! Quite remarkable!
Early this morning when I could not sleep I indexed a batch on my iPad--quite interesting! There were a number of glitches, so I sent lots of feedback, but overall I like being able to use the tablet for indexing. The batch I did was from South Africa, so I let my cousins from South Africa know that I was exposed to a bit of Africaans, the Germanic language used in that country.
My lack of sleepiness allowed me time to make a fresh batch of flax seed crackers. This evening I fried some wheat, and I have chickpeas soaking to make some hummus--Yum! My daughter had success with making fried onion rings today and she sent me pictures. I would sure enjoy some of them!
Thursday, May 19, 2016
New Indexing Program and a Doctor's Advice, 19 May 2016
This morning my Cuban friend showed me how to get into the Conference Center to avoid any weather issues we might encounter. Today was actually a beautiful day, cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. But eventually I will undoubtedly be very glad to have strategies for avoiding inclement weather.
Our training this morning was on the new indexing program, which will be online and available on all sorts of devices, including tablets and phones. We are doing some testing of the program now, and overall I really like it. It is exciting to have the capability to use any device, including cell phones, as long as there is an internet connection. I was especially glad that my Cuban sister said, "This I can do!" As a native Spanish speaker, her contribution can be invaluable in indexing.
In the afternoon we learned some techniques for helping others with their family history. I had used the helper feature before and my records were used in a demonstration. In the demo I learned of some collateral [cousin] lines I had not previously considered researching. If I ever finish cleaning up the other records and attaching all available sources, including those I can create from documents I have attached myself, I will have a place to do more original research.
We learned that as a group we can plan to continue our associations with one another as an activity group. One suggestion was to go as a group to Music and the Spoken Word each Sunday. All of us, regardless of our individual assignments will have Sunday as a day of rest, and should be able to attend. It will be nice to have that way to keep in touch.
The last activity of our training was a visit from one of the medical doctors who volunteer in the mission clinic. She spoke mainly about the importance of exercises which can help us to stay strong. In addition to the walking which we do as we go to various places on campus, there are two exercises which help to improve balance. The first is to practice raising one's arms and rising from a chair without help from one's hands and arms. This is to be done 10 times a day. The second is to balance for a full minute on each foot--building up to that if one cannot do it from the beginning. Balance is important in preventing falls, which are a risk for us seniors. I plan to add these exercises to my routine.
I enjoyed talking for quite a while with my daughter this evening, catching up on things back home. Lilly the dog still takes exception to Lunar the cat receiving any attention. However, she still really enjoys getting a taste of the cat's food!
I am listening to "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" which Gregory sent me today--such wonderful music and words! We will talk and pray together later tonight.
Tomorrow we missionaries will learn what our assignments will be, at least initially. Exciting times!
Our training this morning was on the new indexing program, which will be online and available on all sorts of devices, including tablets and phones. We are doing some testing of the program now, and overall I really like it. It is exciting to have the capability to use any device, including cell phones, as long as there is an internet connection. I was especially glad that my Cuban sister said, "This I can do!" As a native Spanish speaker, her contribution can be invaluable in indexing.
In the afternoon we learned some techniques for helping others with their family history. I had used the helper feature before and my records were used in a demonstration. In the demo I learned of some collateral [cousin] lines I had not previously considered researching. If I ever finish cleaning up the other records and attaching all available sources, including those I can create from documents I have attached myself, I will have a place to do more original research.
We learned that as a group we can plan to continue our associations with one another as an activity group. One suggestion was to go as a group to Music and the Spoken Word each Sunday. All of us, regardless of our individual assignments will have Sunday as a day of rest, and should be able to attend. It will be nice to have that way to keep in touch.
The last activity of our training was a visit from one of the medical doctors who volunteer in the mission clinic. She spoke mainly about the importance of exercises which can help us to stay strong. In addition to the walking which we do as we go to various places on campus, there are two exercises which help to improve balance. The first is to practice raising one's arms and rising from a chair without help from one's hands and arms. This is to be done 10 times a day. The second is to balance for a full minute on each foot--building up to that if one cannot do it from the beginning. Balance is important in preventing falls, which are a risk for us seniors. I plan to add these exercises to my routine.
I enjoyed talking for quite a while with my daughter this evening, catching up on things back home. Lilly the dog still takes exception to Lunar the cat receiving any attention. However, she still really enjoys getting a taste of the cat's food!
I am listening to "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" which Gregory sent me today--such wonderful music and words! We will talk and pray together later tonight.
Tomorrow we missionaries will learn what our assignments will be, at least initially. Exciting times!
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Final One-on-One, Discovery Center, Mission Conference, and a Beautiful Hymn. 18 May 2016
Today our training was on submitting names for temple work. Temple work is the reason for the existence of the Family and Church History Headquarters Mission. We Latter-day Saints have an obligation to seek after our family members and facilitate the receiving of temple ceremonies for them. Although eventually these ceremonies will be performed for all people, there are rules and guidelines that must be followed at present. Learning about these guidelines was the focus of much of our training this morning. I am so glad to be a part of this great work which is briefly mentioned in the Bible: Else what shall they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:29.
I think it was most appropriate that I received an email this morning letting me know that my 2nd great-grand uncle's record was released because of the case my trainer helped me create last week.
My trainer went out of her way to make sure I had a great experience during training. In my last one-on-one with her today, I learned how to create sources from documents I have attached to my family tree. I have a lot of work to do in that area, as I have accumulated many birth, death and marriage certificates for my family. Some of these are not available from other places at this time, so it is really good to be able to show these certificates as sources.
In the afternoon our group went to the Discovery Center. Each of us was given a specially designed
i-Pad, which could be docked at different stations. At one station I was shown events that happened the year I was born. I was glad that the creation of the country of Israel was included for 1948, as that fact had a profound effect on my spiritual life. I was about 8 years old when I first learned about that Old Testament prophecy which had been fulfilled, despite having been taught that the Old Testament did not matter any more. I am so glad that now I know that all scriptural prophecies will eventually be fulfilled, especially those that focus on the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His millennial reign on the earth. That is when we will be able to complete the temple work for all who have lived. Right now we are just getting a head start!
At another station was an interactive interview and recording. I just accessed the link to the recording. It was rather different to watch and listen to what I had to say! The email I received had many links to the activities in the Discovery Center.
Our last activity of the day was the Mission Conference. We enjoyed talks by Elder Renlund, one of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his lovely wife. Elder Renlund told us how much the work we missionaries do is appreciated by the Lord. We are helping to gather Israel, seal the families together, and prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so very grateful to be immersed in this work. I find it to be a most rewarding of life activity.
My sweetheart was able to set up his new phone today, so we texted and talked for a short time before choir practice, and then again this evening. Every day he sends me a song or hymn. Today he sent "I Believe in Christ", a powerful Latter-day hymn of testimony, sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I hope you will enjoy listening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aei1ELCnlGY&list=PLscLzlfxcdaB5K9FNzRtPuwEViHiufklg&index=23
I think it was most appropriate that I received an email this morning letting me know that my 2nd great-grand uncle's record was released because of the case my trainer helped me create last week.
My trainer went out of her way to make sure I had a great experience during training. In my last one-on-one with her today, I learned how to create sources from documents I have attached to my family tree. I have a lot of work to do in that area, as I have accumulated many birth, death and marriage certificates for my family. Some of these are not available from other places at this time, so it is really good to be able to show these certificates as sources.
In the afternoon our group went to the Discovery Center. Each of us was given a specially designed
i-Pad, which could be docked at different stations. At one station I was shown events that happened the year I was born. I was glad that the creation of the country of Israel was included for 1948, as that fact had a profound effect on my spiritual life. I was about 8 years old when I first learned about that Old Testament prophecy which had been fulfilled, despite having been taught that the Old Testament did not matter any more. I am so glad that now I know that all scriptural prophecies will eventually be fulfilled, especially those that focus on the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His millennial reign on the earth. That is when we will be able to complete the temple work for all who have lived. Right now we are just getting a head start!
At another station was an interactive interview and recording. I just accessed the link to the recording. It was rather different to watch and listen to what I had to say! The email I received had many links to the activities in the Discovery Center.
Our last activity of the day was the Mission Conference. We enjoyed talks by Elder Renlund, one of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his lovely wife. Elder Renlund told us how much the work we missionaries do is appreciated by the Lord. We are helping to gather Israel, seal the families together, and prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so very grateful to be immersed in this work. I find it to be a most rewarding of life activity.
My sweetheart was able to set up his new phone today, so we texted and talked for a short time before choir practice, and then again this evening. Every day he sends me a song or hymn. Today he sent "I Believe in Christ", a powerful Latter-day hymn of testimony, sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I hope you will enjoy listening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aei1ELCnlGY&list=PLscLzlfxcdaB5K9FNzRtPuwEViHiufklg&index=23
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Wiki Fun and Sealings, 17 May 2016
This morning we had an enjoyable presentation on using the Research Wiki and the Family History Library Catalog. The presenter is a Church Service Missionary, a local member who volunteers a few days each week. He had never done a presentation before, but I really liked his style. He told anecdotes from his life and the lives of his relatives, and let us follow along on the Wiki with real examples.
During my one-on-one time with my trainer, I learned that there is a group that is indexing and making available birth, marriage and death records from Poland. The Poznan Project does not yet have any new information available for my lines, but I will be checking back often to see if something pops up!
I spent some time learning strategies for improving what I with the Memories section. One new capability is to change a photo to a document. This is a good thing to know when taking a screenshot or a snip of an online document, because those images can be saved as photos. To be able to convert them to documents with the click of the mouse is quite helpful.
This afternoon there was a presentation about the Church History Library. The Library is anxious to obtain and preserve missionary journals. More recent journals are not made available online due to privacy issues, but the older ones are often scanned and posted. That is a treasure for those who have missionary ancestors in the Church. As time goes by, more recent journals will age enough to be made available also. Maybe my missionaries will donate their journals, and in a hundred years or so perhaps some of my posterity will read about how they met and taught my family!
The last presentations of the day dealt with less happy topics, but ones which are necessary in today's world as a practical matter. We watched two videos. The first was on how to protect oneself in case of an active shooter incident. The vital information is to Run, Hide, or Fight. The second video was on harassment. Again, this is not a fun topic, but it was important information. The good news was that we got out early today!
I reread an announcement this morning about doing sealings on Tuesday afternoons, so I went to the temple to help with that. Since my sweetheart works at the St. Louis Temple at the same time, I wanted to do this at least once. I will not know until Friday when I get my assignment whether this is something I can do on a regular basis.
I finished up my batch of red beans today, so I have some black beans soaking for tomorrow. I think I will make basmati rice to go with them. I have been using short grain rice, but I like the basmati better.
Tonight I expect to work on cleaning up records--with several thousand to get through that is an ongoing project!
Monday, May 16, 2016
Early Singing, Research and a Party! 16 May 2016
The Elijah Choir is enjoyable, and I like the music we are singing. One requirement that makes joining difficult for some is the 6:15 practice on Monday morning to prepare to sing in the 7:30 a.m. Mission Devotional. Blessedly I am a morning person, so this practice and performance is less of a challenge for me than the 4:15 p.m. Wednesday practice. We sang a beautiful arrangement of "O, Thou Kind and Gracious Father". The morning practice made a noticeable difference in the eventual performance of the piece. In addition, I enjoyed listening to two of the young elders who each played beautiful, complicated classical pieces before and after the rehearsal.
I do not think I have mentioned the young elders before. These young men have been excused from regular proselyting mission service because of serious health problems. They provide a lot of technical support for the Family and Church History Headquarters Mission and most of the male voices for both the Elijah Choir and the branch choir.
There were numerous speakers at the Devotional, including one sister who spoke of having a question in her youth that I had also: why doesn't God care enough about us in this day and age to
provide a prophet? The sister said that when the missionaries taught her and mentioned latter-day prophets, she said, "Prove it!" and, of course, they did so to her satisfaction. In my case, I was just overjoyed to learn that there was a prophet today, and that there had been since Joseph Smith's First Vision in 1820. I had already had several spiritual experiences that had prepared me to rejoice in the knowledge of a modern-day prophet. And 42 years later I am here serving a family history mission in Salt Lake City! I am so grateful for the way God's plan and purpose has unfolded in my life.
Training today was on adding Memories to Family Tree, and then on Research. I was surprised that I do have some cousin research to do, and I got started on that, attaching sources and documents whenever possible.
The Party this evening is a monthly branch congregation activity, welcoming a new set of missionaries and saying goodbye to those that are leaving. We had some entertainment tonight by a folk-song group called Blue Mountain. They were quite good.
In this mission we often talk about this being a bubble--probably the closest place on earth at present to the city of Enoch. I hope someday to serve here with my sweetheart!
I do not think I have mentioned the young elders before. These young men have been excused from regular proselyting mission service because of serious health problems. They provide a lot of technical support for the Family and Church History Headquarters Mission and most of the male voices for both the Elijah Choir and the branch choir.
There were numerous speakers at the Devotional, including one sister who spoke of having a question in her youth that I had also: why doesn't God care enough about us in this day and age to
provide a prophet? The sister said that when the missionaries taught her and mentioned latter-day prophets, she said, "Prove it!" and, of course, they did so to her satisfaction. In my case, I was just overjoyed to learn that there was a prophet today, and that there had been since Joseph Smith's First Vision in 1820. I had already had several spiritual experiences that had prepared me to rejoice in the knowledge of a modern-day prophet. And 42 years later I am here serving a family history mission in Salt Lake City! I am so grateful for the way God's plan and purpose has unfolded in my life.
Training today was on adding Memories to Family Tree, and then on Research. I was surprised that I do have some cousin research to do, and I got started on that, attaching sources and documents whenever possible.
The Party this evening is a monthly branch congregation activity, welcoming a new set of missionaries and saying goodbye to those that are leaving. We had some entertainment tonight by a folk-song group called Blue Mountain. They were quite good.
In this mission we often talk about this being a bubble--probably the closest place on earth at present to the city of Enoch. I hope someday to serve here with my sweetheart!
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Music and the Spoken Word, plus Family History, 15 May 2016
I was not surprised that I teared up almost as soon as I arrived in the Tabernacle and heard the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "The Impossible Dream". I expect that the answer to my question of last week is "Yes, I will be emotional each time I hear the choir sing in the Tabernacle." Gregory had introduced me to another one of the hymns they sang today: For I Am Called By Thy Name, so that was special, too.
Today I went with two friends to the broadcast performance; then I walked home in the rain with my friend from last week--but this time with my big umbrella sheltering both of us. I had just enough time to eat breakfast before rejoining my other friend for choir practice. I enjoyed a heavenly hug as we practiced a piece I had sung in St. Louis South Stake Conference a while back--a Mack Wilberg arrangement of the 23rd Psalm. I could almost hear my old friends singing with us.
I struggled to stay awake during sacrament meeting, so I was glad when my friend suggested we attend the Family History class. One might think that I would have enough of Family History during training, but I never seem to tire of this--and I knew it would help me stay awake! I picked up a few pointers and found something I had been wondering about, so it was time well spent. In the women's meeting later I was able to affirm how important I have found it to read scriptures every day.
I talked with my oldest daughter this morning. It was good to catch up with her. Then this afternoon I talked with my friend who drove out with me. I am glad to have had that opportunity.
This evening I worked on writing a life sketch of a fourth great grand aunt who had a rather unusual life. Then I went back to cleaning up the records. There is a lot of that work to do. While I was working on FamilySearch I got an email notice that my dear sweetheart had sent me a link to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing I Feel My Savior's Love. I listened to that and then replied almost in real time to a comment he posted on the blog. I am so grateful for the marvelous electronic devices that make it possible for us to stay connected even though we are so far apart. Blessings abound!
Choir practice for the Mission Devotional tomorrow morning is just a bit after 6 in the morning, so I am off to bed. Blessed Sabbath to all!
Today I went with two friends to the broadcast performance; then I walked home in the rain with my friend from last week--but this time with my big umbrella sheltering both of us. I had just enough time to eat breakfast before rejoining my other friend for choir practice. I enjoyed a heavenly hug as we practiced a piece I had sung in St. Louis South Stake Conference a while back--a Mack Wilberg arrangement of the 23rd Psalm. I could almost hear my old friends singing with us.
I struggled to stay awake during sacrament meeting, so I was glad when my friend suggested we attend the Family History class. One might think that I would have enough of Family History during training, but I never seem to tire of this--and I knew it would help me stay awake! I picked up a few pointers and found something I had been wondering about, so it was time well spent. In the women's meeting later I was able to affirm how important I have found it to read scriptures every day.
I talked with my oldest daughter this morning. It was good to catch up with her. Then this afternoon I talked with my friend who drove out with me. I am glad to have had that opportunity.
This evening I worked on writing a life sketch of a fourth great grand aunt who had a rather unusual life. Then I went back to cleaning up the records. There is a lot of that work to do. While I was working on FamilySearch I got an email notice that my dear sweetheart had sent me a link to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing I Feel My Savior's Love. I listened to that and then replied almost in real time to a comment he posted on the blog. I am so grateful for the marvelous electronic devices that make it possible for us to stay connected even though we are so far apart. Blessings abound!
Choir practice for the Mission Devotional tomorrow morning is just a bit after 6 in the morning, so I am off to bed. Blessed Sabbath to all!
Saturday, May 14, 2016
All is Safely Gathered In--food storage in SLC, 14 May 2016
This morning I wondered if I would be able to find a home storage center that was open. It was a real blessing when a sister in the Layton home storage center answered the phone! I chuckled a bit when she indicated it was a long drive from where I am living--45 minutes! Since I live in exurbia in Missouri, it takes me at least 15 minutes to get anywhere so 45 minutes is not a big deal.
Not only was I able to get 150 pounds of wheat in 25 pound bags, but I also got 33 pounds of oats--all for about $65. With the 25 pounds of oats, 30 pounds of lentils and beans, about 10 pounds of flax seed, and 15 pounds of nuts I brought from home, and some rice from a discount store, I pretty well have my grocery shopping done for the year I will serve in Salt Lake City! I do also have salt and brown sugar and some spices and herbs. I am excited to experiment with these items to see whether eating mostly grains and legumes is doable for me.
Lest anyone be worried that this eating plan is low on protein, I learned long ago that by combining grains and legumes one obtains complete protein in sufficient quantities. I do supplement with an ounce of cheese nearly every day. And trips to the big warehouse stores result in lots of samples, which is a really fun way to add a bit of variety:)
My other plan for today was a possible trip to the Family History Library to attach sources to some of my previous research. However, I remembered that some of the films I had used were indexed, so I checked out one ancestor and sure enough the film title pulled up as a research hint, so at least for one family I can do this work from my apartment online. I am glad I figured that out, because very frankly carrying the bags of food up 3 flights of steps made the thought of even doing any more walking today unthinkable. I am just relaxing and cooking some wheat and writing my blog!
I did speak briefly with granddaughter Grace to wish her a Happy Birthday. Her mom said she liked her card and the bit of cash I sent as a present. When I was young my godmother sent me checks for special days, and I was so taken with that. But these days it is more fun for a little one to get cash!
Tomorrow will be filled with music and meetings. I will also be remembering my dear sister Ruthie, whose 73rd birthday it would have been. Looking forward to seeing you again, dear Sister!
Not only was I able to get 150 pounds of wheat in 25 pound bags, but I also got 33 pounds of oats--all for about $65. With the 25 pounds of oats, 30 pounds of lentils and beans, about 10 pounds of flax seed, and 15 pounds of nuts I brought from home, and some rice from a discount store, I pretty well have my grocery shopping done for the year I will serve in Salt Lake City! I do also have salt and brown sugar and some spices and herbs. I am excited to experiment with these items to see whether eating mostly grains and legumes is doable for me.
Lest anyone be worried that this eating plan is low on protein, I learned long ago that by combining grains and legumes one obtains complete protein in sufficient quantities. I do supplement with an ounce of cheese nearly every day. And trips to the big warehouse stores result in lots of samples, which is a really fun way to add a bit of variety:)
My other plan for today was a possible trip to the Family History Library to attach sources to some of my previous research. However, I remembered that some of the films I had used were indexed, so I checked out one ancestor and sure enough the film title pulled up as a research hint, so at least for one family I can do this work from my apartment online. I am glad I figured that out, because very frankly carrying the bags of food up 3 flights of steps made the thought of even doing any more walking today unthinkable. I am just relaxing and cooking some wheat and writing my blog!
I did speak briefly with granddaughter Grace to wish her a Happy Birthday. Her mom said she liked her card and the bit of cash I sent as a present. When I was young my godmother sent me checks for special days, and I was so taken with that. But these days it is more fun for a little one to get cash!
Tomorrow will be filled with music and meetings. I will also be remembering my dear sister Ruthie, whose 73rd birthday it would have been. Looking forward to seeing you again, dear Sister!
Friday, May 13, 2016
Interview Day, 13 May 2016
Today's training was a little different as we each had interviews with the Training Zone Leaders and then with each member of the Mission Presidency and their wives. They each asked where I thought I might like to serve out of the 20 possibilities. I had to admit that I have no idea what I want to do. I did let them all know I hoped to interact more with people than with computers--unless I was doing active research. So next Friday we will all learn where we will at least start our service.
My trainer felt that we had cleared up the Stockdale mess sufficiently yesterday, so now we are working on another line, the Schmidts. I am learning how to create good reason statements for merging and for attaching sources, both of which activities are quite important in cleaning up the Tree.
We had a presentation by a sister who works in Data Administration. There were probably very important questions that someday I will wish I had asked, but at this point it was hard to think of any.
I went back to the apartment to eat and rest a bit before going to the temple. Even though my sweetheart and I are over 1000 miles apart, we have been able to continue our tradition of attending the temple on Friday night. I hope wherever my assignment is, I will be able to continue to do that.
Tomorrow I plan to find a home storage center that is open so that I can pick up some wheat and maybe some other items also. I hope to talk to my granddaughter Grace, as she will turn five! I just realized that today would have been my Dad's 111th birthday! Happy Birthday, Dad!
My trainer felt that we had cleared up the Stockdale mess sufficiently yesterday, so now we are working on another line, the Schmidts. I am learning how to create good reason statements for merging and for attaching sources, both of which activities are quite important in cleaning up the Tree.
We had a presentation by a sister who works in Data Administration. There were probably very important questions that someday I will wish I had asked, but at this point it was hard to think of any.
I went back to the apartment to eat and rest a bit before going to the temple. Even though my sweetheart and I are over 1000 miles apart, we have been able to continue our tradition of attending the temple on Friday night. I hope wherever my assignment is, I will be able to continue to do that.
Tomorrow I plan to find a home storage center that is open so that I can pick up some wheat and maybe some other items also. I hope to talk to my granddaughter Grace, as she will turn five! I just realized that today would have been my Dad's 111th birthday! Happy Birthday, Dad!
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Walk,walk,walk!!! 12 May 2016
Today was quite active. I forgot my regular name badge when I left the apartment today, which I discovered when I was halfway to the Training Zone. We had a wonderful devotional which featured a talk on why genealogy and family history are different, and both are important. Family History--the stories we preserve and share about ourselves and our ancestors, supply the emotional connections between the generations. Genealogy enables us to supply the ratification of our family lines. I suspect that much of my time will be spent on the stories and making sure the data is correct. Further research will probably fall to my posterity as more records will hopefully become available.
After the devotional I had the blessing of a half hour break ( usually we get just 15 minute breaks) so I was able to get to my apartment and back with my name badge before starting the learning for the day! I timed my fast walk--12 minutes each way!!!
At lunch my Cuban sister noticed that the basement cafeteria was not as nice as our usual surroundings, so we decided to eat outside, since the day was fairly warm. That was much better--natural light beats fluorescents any day! After eating we had time to walk to Zions Bank, just across the street, to get quarters for the laundromat.
During one-on-one time with my trainer, I ran across a problem she knew would take some special skill to solve, so the two of us crossed Temple Square and went to the Family History Library. I met some special people, learned the cause of the problem with my data, and turned over the case to those with expertise in the area. The we walked back to our regular building.
We had a meeting with the clinic nurse, which helped me feel like maybe I could handle that assignment if I came back on another mission to Temple Square with my dear sweetheart. The clinic helps with a limited range of services, has several docs who come in to help with other services, and provides some teaching to senior missionaries on staying healthy. I learned there is a scale in the waiting room, so I can check to see how well all the walking is keeping my weight under control.
After walking home I walked to my car which is parked about 2 short city blocks from the apartment. I wanted to find out if a nearby credit union branch was a shared branch so I could deposit my travel reimbursement check. It was and I did. Then I went Welfare Square, where I hoped to buy some wheat. That was unsuccessful as the Home Storage Center has limited hours, but I got a blue lunch plate (blue plates are supposed to help one eat less) and a soap dish.
Next stop was to get carrots and cheese sticks, then some frozen veggies, sandwich bags, and a few other items.
I did splurge and get a frozen yogurt--yum!
Later I walked to the laundromat--and now I am back and ready to call it a night after a very busy day!
After the devotional I had the blessing of a half hour break ( usually we get just 15 minute breaks) so I was able to get to my apartment and back with my name badge before starting the learning for the day! I timed my fast walk--12 minutes each way!!!
At lunch my Cuban sister noticed that the basement cafeteria was not as nice as our usual surroundings, so we decided to eat outside, since the day was fairly warm. That was much better--natural light beats fluorescents any day! After eating we had time to walk to Zions Bank, just across the street, to get quarters for the laundromat.
During one-on-one time with my trainer, I ran across a problem she knew would take some special skill to solve, so the two of us crossed Temple Square and went to the Family History Library. I met some special people, learned the cause of the problem with my data, and turned over the case to those with expertise in the area. The we walked back to our regular building.
We had a meeting with the clinic nurse, which helped me feel like maybe I could handle that assignment if I came back on another mission to Temple Square with my dear sweetheart. The clinic helps with a limited range of services, has several docs who come in to help with other services, and provides some teaching to senior missionaries on staying healthy. I learned there is a scale in the waiting room, so I can check to see how well all the walking is keeping my weight under control.
After walking home I walked to my car which is parked about 2 short city blocks from the apartment. I wanted to find out if a nearby credit union branch was a shared branch so I could deposit my travel reimbursement check. It was and I did. Then I went Welfare Square, where I hoped to buy some wheat. That was unsuccessful as the Home Storage Center has limited hours, but I got a blue lunch plate (blue plates are supposed to help one eat less) and a soap dish.
Next stop was to get carrots and cheese sticks, then some frozen veggies, sandwich bags, and a few other items.
I did splurge and get a frozen yogurt--yum!
Later I walked to the laundromat--and now I am back and ready to call it a night after a very busy day!
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Clean clothes and cleaner records! 11 May 2016
This afternoon I went to the laundromat in my apartment complex for the first time. I was delighted to learn that washing a load of clothes only took about half an hour.
Today in training I worked on cleaning up records! I resolved a dilemma of wanting to leave some simple work for my grandchildren to help with, by talking with one of my cohort. She reminded me that my Prosterity will have plenty of other records to add and work with. If that was not enough to convince me, Iaaac Stockdale provided the extra encouragement to make it virtually impossible for anyone to mistake One person for another in the records. From now on my goal is to attach so many sources to each person that there will be no doubt as to who that person is.
Isaac was born in the 1820s in Ohio. However there were two other men of the same name, very close birth dates, and living in the same area! In 2013 I had attached a discussion providing evidence that the three were not the same person, but in March of this year someone had merged one of the Isaacs nearly out of the tree entirely!!!
My trainer worked diligently to figure out how to untangle the mess, and then we began the process of making sure that each known event in the life of each of the men is thoroughly documented. Each Isaac will have the cleanest record we can possibly provide. And from now on I plan to attach every source I can find to each person's record. As my trainer said, our generation has the task of cleaning up the records that have gotten into a mess--and passing on clean records to those who come after us.
My trainer also taught me some easier ways to work with the records, and the use of an approved app found at recordseek.com. This app writes citations for sources from sites outside of FamilySearch, making that difficicult, tedious task a snap.
This morning I got to share a spiritual thought in devotional, and I based what I said on the sweet hymn that Gregory introduced me to--Savior, Redeemer of My Soul. I related it to our mission affirmation: I will greet this day with love in my heart, a smile on my face, and gratitude for my blessings.
This afternoon I attended choir practice for the first time. We practiced 2 songs, including a version of The Lord is My Shepherd. I am glad to have this opportunity to sing. The practices are held just across the street in the chapel for the stake, so it is very convenient.
Thank you to all of my friends and family who are reading this blog. You are a great incentive to continue to record my experiences on this amazing mission!
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Back on track😀 10 May 2016
I have been told by a couple of people that the tiredness I have felt since arriving in Utah was probably due to the higher altitude. Yesterday I started back to exercising in a more regular way. I live on the third floor in an apartment building, so 14 trips from top to bottom on both sides of the building takes just about 14 minutes. I guess I have adjusted to the thinner air because it feels really good to start back. An interesting article on the benefits of stair-climbing is at http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/top_ten_benefits_of_stairclimbing.pdf
At our first meeting today we learned about different areas a missionary could be assigned to in this mission. There are 20 zones, and more missionaries are needed all the time. There are two zones in the mission office, one of which takes care of helping missionaries with travel and housing, etc. Training is also in this zone. The people we have met so far are in this zone, except for our meetings in our branch. They have all been warm and caring, providing us new missionaries with a very supportive Atmosphere and environment.
There is a Headquarters zone which deals with medical evaluations, support in various inspects of the church, and a third group which helps with nterpreters for various church events. Fun Facts: The United Nations provides interpretation of meetings in 8 languages; interpretive services for General Conference and similar meetings are provided in 96 languages; each language has 3 interpreters assigned.
The Church History Library has 3 zones: collections; library services; and special projects. If you were a regular missionary and kept a journal you can donate your journals for preservation! We got a tour of the Church History Library today and learned and saw some amazing things including a manuscript page of The Book of Mormon, a scroll parchment, and the copy of The Book of Mormon spoken of in Doctrine & Covenants 135 describing the events surrounding the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum.
The Family History Department has 5 zones dealing with more technical aspects of Family History, while the Family History Library has 7 zones, including deaf services, international services, the Family History Center where patrons do basic research to discover their ancestors, and US/ Canada and British Services, along with access and hosting services.
Most missionaries work in the Family History Library, and all are given time to work on their own family history each week.
Today I got to work with my assigned trainer, She wanted to know about my family, not just names, dates and places, and a bit of my life story. Then I did get to play with Family Tree a bit. I have a lot of background knowledge, but I picked up a few pointers already to bring back home with me. I am very happy I got to come to this mission!
At our first meeting today we learned about different areas a missionary could be assigned to in this mission. There are 20 zones, and more missionaries are needed all the time. There are two zones in the mission office, one of which takes care of helping missionaries with travel and housing, etc. Training is also in this zone. The people we have met so far are in this zone, except for our meetings in our branch. They have all been warm and caring, providing us new missionaries with a very supportive Atmosphere and environment.
There is a Headquarters zone which deals with medical evaluations, support in various inspects of the church, and a third group which helps with nterpreters for various church events. Fun Facts: The United Nations provides interpretation of meetings in 8 languages; interpretive services for General Conference and similar meetings are provided in 96 languages; each language has 3 interpreters assigned.
The Church History Library has 3 zones: collections; library services; and special projects. If you were a regular missionary and kept a journal you can donate your journals for preservation! We got a tour of the Church History Library today and learned and saw some amazing things including a manuscript page of The Book of Mormon, a scroll parchment, and the copy of The Book of Mormon spoken of in Doctrine & Covenants 135 describing the events surrounding the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum.
The Family History Department has 5 zones dealing with more technical aspects of Family History, while the Family History Library has 7 zones, including deaf services, international services, the Family History Center where patrons do basic research to discover their ancestors, and US/ Canada and British Services, along with access and hosting services.
Most missionaries work in the Family History Library, and all are given time to work on their own family history each week.
Today I got to work with my assigned trainer, She wanted to know about my family, not just names, dates and places, and a bit of my life story. Then I did get to play with Family Tree a bit. I have a lot of background knowledge, but I picked up a few pointers already to bring back home with me. I am very happy I got to come to this mission!
Monday, May 9, 2016
Heavenly hugs abound in Zion! 9 May 2016
The mission day started with several heavenly hugs! A sister came up to me before the Monday Mission devotional and gave me a hug! She and I served in the St. Louis Temple before she entered husband were transferred to the Kansas City Temple a few years ago. It was so exciting to see that dear friend. She was the first one other than myself to say that the Lord specifically directed them to serve a mission. This is Zion to me.
There was another heavenly hug does the program was in there. The special musical number by the Elijah choir was Oh, What Songs of the Heart, a hymn I have loved since the first time I ever remember hearing it signed I ever remember hearing it sung by the Mormon Tabernacle choir in General conference of 2000 or 2001. When the meeting was over I asked the director when practice was for the Elijah choir, and found out it is held across the street from my apartment on Wednesday afternoon. I will as often as possible attend practice and sing with the choir.
Our morning meetings were enjoyable and informative. At the delicious lunch served in the Joseph Smith Memorial building I sat at the table with President Tate. He mentioned the Star Valley temple so I ventured to tell him that one of my missionaries was from Star Valley, and I really would like to go to the open house for the temple over conference weekend in October. I am hoping to get permission to do that with my sweetheart Gregory.
I mentioned my sweetheart to one of the other sisters, and she told Sister Tate that I had someone waiting for me. Most of the others at the table are planning to spend 18 months in the mission, but they understood why I will not be extending past my one year mark!
After the luncheon we started our actual training. My regular trainer was not there so I got to do my one-on-one with the sister that runs the swap meet. This was most enjoyable, and I already learned a few new tricks in Family Tree and FamilySearch! I expect to learn many new things that I can then use when I come home to Missouri.
When I decided to bring my car to the mission, I had thought I might be able to help some of the sisters who did not have a car there. Today I was able to run through a shower to get my car and pick up a sister who has some difficulty walking. Then we went shopping. We both got some items we had been missing. I am glad to now have an umbrella! It was on clearance and only cost one dollar, a beautiful tithing benefit.
When we return to the apartment as I was helping the Sister carry her things in, I realized that she was a native Spanish speaker. She agreed to help me learn Spanish!
Just to report on something back home, the groundhog who took up residence under our porch now has a little groundhog accompanying her! If anyone has any ideas on how to get rid of a groundhog please let us know!
There was another heavenly hug does the program was in there. The special musical number by the Elijah choir was Oh, What Songs of the Heart, a hymn I have loved since the first time I ever remember hearing it signed I ever remember hearing it sung by the Mormon Tabernacle choir in General conference of 2000 or 2001. When the meeting was over I asked the director when practice was for the Elijah choir, and found out it is held across the street from my apartment on Wednesday afternoon. I will as often as possible attend practice and sing with the choir.
Our morning meetings were enjoyable and informative. At the delicious lunch served in the Joseph Smith Memorial building I sat at the table with President Tate. He mentioned the Star Valley temple so I ventured to tell him that one of my missionaries was from Star Valley, and I really would like to go to the open house for the temple over conference weekend in October. I am hoping to get permission to do that with my sweetheart Gregory.
I mentioned my sweetheart to one of the other sisters, and she told Sister Tate that I had someone waiting for me. Most of the others at the table are planning to spend 18 months in the mission, but they understood why I will not be extending past my one year mark!
After the luncheon we started our actual training. My regular trainer was not there so I got to do my one-on-one with the sister that runs the swap meet. This was most enjoyable, and I already learned a few new tricks in Family Tree and FamilySearch! I expect to learn many new things that I can then use when I come home to Missouri.
When I decided to bring my car to the mission, I had thought I might be able to help some of the sisters who did not have a car there. Today I was able to run through a shower to get my car and pick up a sister who has some difficulty walking. Then we went shopping. We both got some items we had been missing. I am glad to now have an umbrella! It was on clearance and only cost one dollar, a beautiful tithing benefit.
When we return to the apartment as I was helping the Sister carry her things in, I realized that she was a native Spanish speaker. She agreed to help me learn Spanish!
Just to report on something back home, the groundhog who took up residence under our porch now has a little groundhog accompanying her! If anyone has any ideas on how to get rid of a groundhog please let us know!
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Singing in Zion, 8 May 2016
I wonder if I will feel as awed by watching and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast (and rehearsal) on my 50th time as I was today. Several times I was overcome by tears. There is something awe-inspiring to be in that historic building listening to the beautiful singing, the organ, the orchestra and bell choir. This was a special Mother's Day program. What a privilege I have to be just a 5 minute walk away.
Having missed the opportunity to sing in the MTC choir, I decided I will join the branch choir. My Sunday's will be filled with song. Our Branch President brought the young elders into Relief Society to distribute chocolate. He also spoke of our missions here on Temple Square as like being in a bubble in Zion. I agree! It is something that I hope my friends and family get to enjoy some day.
I have a new friend! She is 86, and is finishing her 7th year as a Family History missionary. Her husband died in 2008, like Armien, and by January 2009 she was serving here. She taught me the quickest way to get to the Tabernacle, the temple, and where we have church services: the Joseph SmithMemorial Building. It is good to have a friend!
I heard from each of my dear daughters today, and from my sweetheart, also. It was a nice Mother's Day.
I made flax seed crackers and hummus--quite a nice supper.
Having missed the opportunity to sing in the MTC choir, I decided I will join the branch choir. My Sunday's will be filled with song. Our Branch President brought the young elders into Relief Society to distribute chocolate. He also spoke of our missions here on Temple Square as like being in a bubble in Zion. I agree! It is something that I hope my friends and family get to enjoy some day.
I have a new friend! She is 86, and is finishing her 7th year as a Family History missionary. Her husband died in 2008, like Armien, and by January 2009 she was serving here. She taught me the quickest way to get to the Tabernacle, the temple, and where we have church services: the Joseph SmithMemorial Building. It is good to have a friend!
I heard from each of my dear daughters today, and from my sweetheart, also. It was a nice Mother's Day.
I made flax seed crackers and hummus--quite a nice supper.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Settling in 6 &7 May 2016
What a blessing to get Wi-Fi in my apartment! Yesterday I did not even have phone capability, and today I have multiple devices happily working for me.
Christel had figured out why I could not use the cell and had me turn off Wi-Fi on the phone until it was installed; she is an amazing troubleshooter even from more than 1000 miles away.
Yesterday I arrived at the lease signing with four minutes to spare. I was most grateful for the navigator on my phone. I moved in some things before I went to the temple. I enjoyed being in the temple at the same time that my sweetheart was in the temple in St. Louis.
This morning I went to the mission Swapmeet and picked up a dish drainer and lots of clothes including a warm parka! I was very grateful for the coat, as I had only brought an all-weather coat, and traveling across Wyoming taught me that this would not be enough.
I rearranged the furniture to make a little sitting area. My goal is to learn to be comfortable in uncluttered surroundings. I also want to learn what stuff is actually essential. Obviously for me essential items include Wi-Fi.
I got out to buy rice to go with the lentils I was cooking, and a few other items, as well as gas. I am getting used to finding my way by the grid, although twice I was in the wrong lane and had to go further than I needed to.
Things were organized enough that I celebrated having good Wi-Fi access by Indexing a few batches from the Freedman's bureau. The goal for completing these indexes is Juneteenth, and there are many left to do, so I was glad to get to help a bit.
Tomorrow is the Sabbath, and Monday I venture in to The Training Zone!
Christel had figured out why I could not use the cell and had me turn off Wi-Fi on the phone until it was installed; she is an amazing troubleshooter even from more than 1000 miles away.
Yesterday I arrived at the lease signing with four minutes to spare. I was most grateful for the navigator on my phone. I moved in some things before I went to the temple. I enjoyed being in the temple at the same time that my sweetheart was in the temple in St. Louis.
This morning I went to the mission Swapmeet and picked up a dish drainer and lots of clothes including a warm parka! I was very grateful for the coat, as I had only brought an all-weather coat, and traveling across Wyoming taught me that this would not be enough.
I rearranged the furniture to make a little sitting area. My goal is to learn to be comfortable in uncluttered surroundings. I also want to learn what stuff is actually essential. Obviously for me essential items include Wi-Fi.
I got out to buy rice to go with the lentils I was cooking, and a few other items, as well as gas. I am getting used to finding my way by the grid, although twice I was in the wrong lane and had to go further than I needed to.
Things were organized enough that I celebrated having good Wi-Fi access by Indexing a few batches from the Freedman's bureau. The goal for completing these indexes is Juneteenth, and there are many left to do, so I was glad to get to help a bit.
Tomorrow is the Sabbath, and Monday I venture in to The Training Zone!
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Maybe we are already in the celestial kingdom! 5 May 2016
The MTC for Seniors is quite a wonderful experience. We live in lovely circumstances, with plenty of food and other needs provided, surrounded by like-minded, service- oriented people. We are taught by kind teachers who believe strongly in modeling good principles, including positive reinforcement.
Our Branch President provides chocolate, which is so fun. He even responded to teasing concerning the lack of dark chocolate by making some of that yummy treat available.
I was on such a spiritual high last night that I went to bed late and I am now more than ready for shuteye! I leave here tomorrow at noon, so I will close with a little encouragement to other seniors: Come on a mission! Try it, you will like it!
Our Branch President provides chocolate, which is so fun. He even responded to teasing concerning the lack of dark chocolate by making some of that yummy treat available.
I was on such a spiritual high last night that I went to bed late and I am now more than ready for shuteye! I leave here tomorrow at noon, so I will close with a little encouragement to other seniors: Come on a mission! Try it, you will like it!
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Spiritual feast. 4 May 2016
Three times today I found myself in tears, the language of the Spirit. The first time was as I watched a video about the unprecedented work of our Savior Jesus Christ, as He atoned for our sins and then was resurrected. I know that because He lives again we all will live again. I also know that by following the rules of repentance and because of Jesus Christ our mistakes do not need to matter.
Later in the day as I role-played an investigator I remembered what I was like 42 years ago as I was being taught the gospel. I was told to find out for myself if what I was being taught was true by study, living the principles and by prayer. At that time I was so happy that Heavenly Father had made such a wonderful plan that I did not pray about it. I do not remember if perhaps I feared that God would not answer me as I knew I had not lived up to the truth I had already known. Today I was blessed to receive yet another witness that God exists, that He loves me, and that He will answer my prayers.
After my classes were done I decided to go to the temple. While I sat in the waiting area I was overcome once again by tears. I remembered many sweet experiences that have reassured me that my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ know me as an individual and care about me .
Perhaps I received these experiences today so that I can testify to anyone and everyone that should any desire to have a witness from God, if they will study His words and teachings, live by His principles and pray to Him, each of us can receive a witness for ourselves.
Later in the day as I role-played an investigator I remembered what I was like 42 years ago as I was being taught the gospel. I was told to find out for myself if what I was being taught was true by study, living the principles and by prayer. At that time I was so happy that Heavenly Father had made such a wonderful plan that I did not pray about it. I do not remember if perhaps I feared that God would not answer me as I knew I had not lived up to the truth I had already known. Today I was blessed to receive yet another witness that God exists, that He loves me, and that He will answer my prayers.
After my classes were done I decided to go to the temple. While I sat in the waiting area I was overcome once again by tears. I remembered many sweet experiences that have reassured me that my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ know me as an individual and care about me .
Perhaps I received these experiences today so that I can testify to anyone and everyone that should any desire to have a witness from God, if they will study His words and teachings, live by His principles and pray to Him, each of us can receive a witness for ourselves.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
The Longest Day!!! 3 May 2016
Today was the longest days that I will spend at the MTC. Our first meeting was at 8 AM as usual. The devotional in the evening lasted until not quite 8:00 PM. I did catch a bit of a nap before supper which was helpful. One of the other single sisters indicated that I might just need to get used to the higher altitude, and then I probably will not feel so tired. Of course if I quit waking up at 12:15 AM and not getting back to sleep until about 2 AM, I might also be a little less tired. But senior missionaries do not have anywhere near the strenuous schedule that the young missionaries have. So I really should not ever complain.
Today as I played the role of an investigator in our small group, it was easy to remember how I felt 42 years ago as I was learning the gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. One of the principles we learned today was to not be afraid to challenge people for baptism. I remembered that when my missionaries challenged my husband and me for baptism I had been planning to ask that very day what it would involve to become a member of the church. Happy memories!
Another principle. was the importance of the Book of Mormon in conversion. I definitely have a testimony of that principle.
I took some pictures of the beautiful flowers on the MTC campus today but I don't know how to attach them. maybe I will be able to learn to do that. My daughter Starr sent me some pictures today of two of my grandchildren Rose and Grace. They are so cute.
I had reason to be grateful for the technical services at the MTC. I have relied on my daughter for tech-support for way many years but I got a spam email today which was trying to hack my Gmail account. I could not figure out how to get out of that myself but I had seen the technical services office when I was walking around one of the buildings earlier today, so I stopped and asked for help. It did not take too long and my situation was cleared up!!!
I guess that is all for tonight. I should be able to post again tomorrow!
Today as I played the role of an investigator in our small group, it was easy to remember how I felt 42 years ago as I was learning the gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. One of the principles we learned today was to not be afraid to challenge people for baptism. I remembered that when my missionaries challenged my husband and me for baptism I had been planning to ask that very day what it would involve to become a member of the church. Happy memories!
Another principle. was the importance of the Book of Mormon in conversion. I definitely have a testimony of that principle.
I took some pictures of the beautiful flowers on the MTC campus today but I don't know how to attach them. maybe I will be able to learn to do that. My daughter Starr sent me some pictures today of two of my grandchildren Rose and Grace. They are so cute.
I had reason to be grateful for the technical services at the MTC. I have relied on my daughter for tech-support for way many years but I got a spam email today which was trying to hack my Gmail account. I could not figure out how to get out of that myself but I had seen the technical services office when I was walking around one of the buildings earlier today, so I stopped and asked for help. It did not take too long and my situation was cleared up!!!
I guess that is all for tonight. I should be able to post again tomorrow!
Monday, May 2, 2016
Arrival! 2 May 2016
A very full day! I left South Jordan with more than an hour to get to Provo. I had directions that seemed good, but a wrong turn took me 5 miles out of the way. The navigation on the cell phone got me to the MTC with 5 minutes to spare--such a blessing that the battery was charged.
There were several heavenly hugs today. The special musical number for the first Large Group Meeting was "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" , a hymn which has taken on great significance for me since my sweetheart brought it to my attention recently. At lunch I was invited to sit with a couple who came from Michigan where I went to school out of high school. Even more astonishing was that the Elder was born in Ohio, and when I enquired where, it was the same small town where my father was born! That couple is serving their mission in Missouri, although across the state in Independence.
T he Elder gave me some information to look up for him.
When that couple left another couple sat by me--and both couples, plus a sister from Austrailia and another sister,who knows someone who previously served in the Family History Library from St. Louis, are all in the same District!
At dinner I first sat by a couple who will serve in Nauvoo. I was still stuffed from lunch, so I first just drank some juice, but did not resist getting some delicious meatballs and rice, with broccoli and fruit. It was suggested that we seniors might sit by the young missionaries. I did not see any of them alone, but I noticed a young man who was a worker, so I sat across from him, next to a senior couple. He responded to whatever enquiry I made of him, and we had a lovely conversation. He is from Peru, and came to the States on his own to attend BYU. I am glad I got to know him a little.
We watched a talk by Elder Bednar about learning the character of Christ by studying The Book of Mormon and following His example.
We finished that in time for me to talk and pray with my sweetheart, and now I am off to bed!
T he Elder gave me some information to look up for him.
When that couple left another couple sat by me--and both couples, plus a sister from Austrailia and another sister,who knows someone who previously served in the Family History Library from St. Louis, are all in the same District!
At dinner I first sat by a couple who will serve in Nauvoo. I was still stuffed from lunch, so I first just drank some juice, but did not resist getting some delicious meatballs and rice, with broccoli and fruit. It was suggested that we seniors might sit by the young missionaries. I did not see any of them alone, but I noticed a young man who was a worker, so I sat across from him, next to a senior couple. He responded to whatever enquiry I made of him, and we had a lovely conversation. He is from Peru, and came to the States on his own to attend BYU. I am glad I got to know him a little.
We watched a talk by Elder Bednar about learning the character of Christ by studying The Book of Mormon and following His example.
We finished that in time for me to talk and pray with my sweetheart, and now I am off to bed!
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Blessed Sabbath 1 May 2016
I had some nice contacts today with friends and family, as well as getting to attend meetings.
After a month's delay I talked with my big sister and shared sweet details concerning my engagement to Gregory.
I talked with or texted each of my daughters; talked with my granddaughter, after realizing last night that I had neglected to call her as had been my habit on Saturday morning while going to my shift at the temple; accessed the missionary portal and learned I had skipped a lot that I was supposed to do before tomorrow (I was able to do almost all of it today); listened to articles from Interpreter foundation, and shared a poignant one, "Why DidYou Choose Me?", on Facebook; talked with Becky, my sweet hostess; attended services and had dinner with Dirk and Janet and some of their family; talked and prayed with Gregory; and talked with Kim, my missionary from 42 years ago. It was a very full day!
Tomorrow begins the grey adventure in service! I think I am prepared, I have the support of family and friends, and I know this is what the Lord wants me to do! I hope that in the MTC I will be able to keep up with the blog.
After a month's delay I talked with my big sister and shared sweet details concerning my engagement to Gregory.
I talked with or texted each of my daughters; talked with my granddaughter, after realizing last night that I had neglected to call her as had been my habit on Saturday morning while going to my shift at the temple; accessed the missionary portal and learned I had skipped a lot that I was supposed to do before tomorrow (I was able to do almost all of it today); listened to articles from Interpreter foundation, and shared a poignant one, "Why DidYou Choose Me?", on Facebook; talked with Becky, my sweet hostess; attended services and had dinner with Dirk and Janet and some of their family; talked and prayed with Gregory; and talked with Kim, my missionary from 42 years ago. It was a very full day!
Tomorrow begins the grey adventure in service! I think I am prepared, I have the support of family and friends, and I know this is what the Lord wants me to do! I hope that in the MTC I will be able to keep up with the blog.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)