I came home to a new fan in my apartment, the balcony door open, and a note from Maintenance that they were airing out the apartment because of burned food on my stove! I called the phone number, but on the weekend I could just leave a message. I will call again on Monday to see if I will owe them anything for this service!
This morning I prayed to find out what I was doing here, since I often feel so incompetent at the Library. I was assigned to be at the German desk for three hours today, and the first hour the certified missionary went over some of the items the study group is planning to go over. One of the items was a guide to how to find where records from small locations in Germany.
About ten minutes later I was asked to help a guest with finding out where his ancestors came from in Germany. I was not happy with that description, because usually it means that we are less-well equiped than other floors to handle that type of research. Blessedly, the description was incorrect. This guest had lots of small locations in Germany from family and other records--he just was not content to believe the family records, he wanted proof!
We started in the catalog, as he had already done some searches, and, for some reason, his small locations did not yield any results. So I went to the books to try to find what was needed. At first I was looking in Baden, as that was what his records indicated. We looked at some microfilm, and were not successful. Then he googled the location--and eventually I realized that the place was in Wurttemburg, not Baden. In the book I found the locations--YAY! By this time I was praying often that he would find his people, but the film we looked at yielded no success. I was due to go to lunch, and he looked again in the catalog, and found another set of films. Usually I go out of the Library to eat, but I just went to the break room, and told him I would check back in a few minutes. I had just started eating when I felt I should go back and check--and as he turned the reader handle one more time, there was the record! I was so grateful that he had success, and he was obviously very happy. He said, "Is there a bell I can ring?!!" It was evidence to me that the Spirit wanted me to be there to read that record for him.
The film not only had the regular records, but also a Family Register, and that was cross-referenced in the christening record. When he found that Register on the film we found several children who had died young, and were missed in the family records in the United States. The family had left Germany and settled in--St. Louis. Missouri! That made me extra interested in this family!
After I finished lunch I went to a computer near where the guest continued to work. He had a question which I don't remember, but I was so glad he asked because it got my brain working again--after eating I was struggling to stay awake. The guest was looking at another of his lines, and again I went to the books I had used earlier in the day. We found the record of another ancestor fairly easily, but then he wanted to find that ancestor's wife. The place had records, but even though there were multiple records with her name, none of them were the right date.
Then he noticed that the place name was different for that woman's parents than for her--off by about 100 miles. While with our modern transportation that is not a big deal, in 1842 it undoubtedly was. So I suggested we look for her mother's death, as that was listed in family records as in 1849. We did find it! I suggested we look then at one other film, which covered the 1842 births--but it was about 15 minutes until the library was to close, so he said he would leave that for another time. After he left I decided to check it out myself--and had he stayed another five minutes he would have had the evidence. I did take a picture of the record. I may be able to get a message to him through Family Tree or Ancestry. If not, I will know that he will have success when he checks out that last film.
I was very glad to talk with both my daughter and my Sweetheart tonight. I hope to finish The Book of Ether tonight, and The Book of Moroni tomorrow in Das Buch Mormon. Then a new month will be upon us--amazing!
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Friday, July 29, 2016
Chinese Success! 29 July 2016
One of the first groups of guests that I helped this morning was a family from Taiwan. I was so grateful that the elder who taught a class on how to help guests from China and Taiwan had sent me the step by step instructions, and I have it in pdf on my iPad. The guests were young, computer-savvy, spoke English, and followed directions on how to set up their FamilySearch accounts, and how to get to the Chinese records. In fact, once all three were in to the records, one of them said to me, "We just need time to research now!" And that is what they did without further need of assistance. The well-thought out directions were such a blessing!
The iPad which my daughter got for me a few Black Fridays ago, is also a big help on my mission. In addition to the Chinese instructions I also have loaded Polish, German, and Latin word lists. And now that the FamilySearch iPad apt has been improved, I can do almost everything I need to do with my Family Tree from it. I really like being able to attach photos right from my Camera Roll. Now one can even attach a photo that one is taking immediately--I did that yesterday with a couple of the records I found on microfilm.
I helped with some German research in the same area as some of my own ancestors came from. I read a few other German records. I probably ought to keep a list of the locations I help with, but so far I have not done that, and by this time they all kind of run together. I held three positions: Greeter, first thing in the morning, Floor Manager when I got back from lunch, and Rover to end my shift. That is a pretty good mix!
I did not walk home for lunch today because I wanted to use the time for reading Das Buch Mormon. I find it interesting that the books written by Mormon and Moroni are easier for me to understand than the Book of Alma was--which was also true when I was reading El Libro de Mormon. For me it is a testimony that there were multiple authors in these writings, which is shown also in word print analysis. I just like that I have my own personal evidence of that.
One of the sisters that I met when my Sweetheart was visiting contacted me to see if we could go to the temple together tonight. We did the 6 pm session--another standing room only situations with several of the near-by temple closed for maintenance. Then I was able to drive her home, and learn yet another area of Salt Lake City.
The iPad which my daughter got for me a few Black Fridays ago, is also a big help on my mission. In addition to the Chinese instructions I also have loaded Polish, German, and Latin word lists. And now that the FamilySearch iPad apt has been improved, I can do almost everything I need to do with my Family Tree from it. I really like being able to attach photos right from my Camera Roll. Now one can even attach a photo that one is taking immediately--I did that yesterday with a couple of the records I found on microfilm.
I helped with some German research in the same area as some of my own ancestors came from. I read a few other German records. I probably ought to keep a list of the locations I help with, but so far I have not done that, and by this time they all kind of run together. I held three positions: Greeter, first thing in the morning, Floor Manager when I got back from lunch, and Rover to end my shift. That is a pretty good mix!
I did not walk home for lunch today because I wanted to use the time for reading Das Buch Mormon. I find it interesting that the books written by Mormon and Moroni are easier for me to understand than the Book of Alma was--which was also true when I was reading El Libro de Mormon. For me it is a testimony that there were multiple authors in these writings, which is shown also in word print analysis. I just like that I have my own personal evidence of that.
One of the sisters that I met when my Sweetheart was visiting contacted me to see if we could go to the temple together tonight. We did the 6 pm session--another standing room only situations with several of the near-by temple closed for maintenance. Then I was able to drive her home, and learn yet another area of Salt Lake City.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Research Day with Results! 28 July 2016
On my way to the Library today one of the Library trainers who I met on my first day in the Library asked if I would like a ride. [I was going in early, because this was our cleaning day, so ordinarily I do not see her in the morning.] I accepted her offer, but told her I had to put something in my car first. When she picked me up she was surprised to have learned that the cute little apple-green car belonged to me! Apparently she and some others have been wondering about who owned it. She then said, "Are there any other surprises I don't know about you?" So, of course, I told her I was engaged--getting to share that fact always causes me to smile!
This was my research day, so I only had to put in 3 hours on the floor, one of which was as floor manager. Then I was a helper for 2 hours, and I got to teach a guest about Irfanview, She had already learned about this program, but was unsure of how to go about doing it on her own. I helped her go through the process once, and then decided to write out the directions for her, or the shortcuts. It turned out that she needed to go through the process more than once, and by the end of my helping her she was pretty good at following the directions, and was very happy to have the "Cheat Sheet" to take with her. I was glad to have the review myself, since I usually don't have to use the program. I also learned from consulting with one of the young elders that one can make the image fit the size sheet one is using. That is probably old news to many of you, but it was good for me to learn.
I had prayed this morning that I might spend my research time on something worth while. The other times I had research days I felt I was not spending my time very productively. When I had a bit of time early in the morning I felt impressed to look at records on my Kalbfleisch line. I began by looking for microfilms available for several locations. Some of the records have been extracted and indexed, and appear as record hints in my Family Tree. When I accessed a couple of the hints, I noticed data problems which I had previously ignored. One cannot have a dad who is only a couple of years older than his child!
Although I had apparently researched the relevant film before, this time I found that the dad of both children had lost his first wife after the son was born. Then he married his second wife about 4 or 5 years later. This was also her second marriage, and it was a blessing that the marriage record told that she was a widow, and gave her first husband's name as well as her maiden name. I was able to clean up most of the mess in Family Tree, and also attach pictures of the records which I took with my tablets. Modern technology truly has such benefits for working in family history!
When I got home this afternoon my daughter helped me set a different ringtone on my phone. It turned out that my phone has a kind of delay in actually ringing, so neither of the musical numbers she sent me yesterday were able to solve the problem of my missing calls, but hopefully the new ringtone will facilitate my hearing the phone! I can hear it after 1.5 seconds, rather than the 5 seconds it took to hear my other tone. The new one is also louder overall and plays longer. I certainly hope it solves the problem!
This was my research day, so I only had to put in 3 hours on the floor, one of which was as floor manager. Then I was a helper for 2 hours, and I got to teach a guest about Irfanview, She had already learned about this program, but was unsure of how to go about doing it on her own. I helped her go through the process once, and then decided to write out the directions for her, or the shortcuts. It turned out that she needed to go through the process more than once, and by the end of my helping her she was pretty good at following the directions, and was very happy to have the "Cheat Sheet" to take with her. I was glad to have the review myself, since I usually don't have to use the program. I also learned from consulting with one of the young elders that one can make the image fit the size sheet one is using. That is probably old news to many of you, but it was good for me to learn.
I had prayed this morning that I might spend my research time on something worth while. The other times I had research days I felt I was not spending my time very productively. When I had a bit of time early in the morning I felt impressed to look at records on my Kalbfleisch line. I began by looking for microfilms available for several locations. Some of the records have been extracted and indexed, and appear as record hints in my Family Tree. When I accessed a couple of the hints, I noticed data problems which I had previously ignored. One cannot have a dad who is only a couple of years older than his child!
Although I had apparently researched the relevant film before, this time I found that the dad of both children had lost his first wife after the son was born. Then he married his second wife about 4 or 5 years later. This was also her second marriage, and it was a blessing that the marriage record told that she was a widow, and gave her first husband's name as well as her maiden name. I was able to clean up most of the mess in Family Tree, and also attach pictures of the records which I took with my tablets. Modern technology truly has such benefits for working in family history!
When I got home this afternoon my daughter helped me set a different ringtone on my phone. It turned out that my phone has a kind of delay in actually ringing, so neither of the musical numbers she sent me yesterday were able to solve the problem of my missing calls, but hopefully the new ringtone will facilitate my hearing the phone! I can hear it after 1.5 seconds, rather than the 5 seconds it took to hear my other tone. The new one is also louder overall and plays longer. I certainly hope it solves the problem!
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Busy day, but Not Much to Report. 27 July 2016
Today was my long, late day at the Library, so I did mostly low-key things in the morning. My phone was not ringing when my Sweetheart called last night and this morning, so I called my daughter to see if she might have an idea to fix the problem. She sent me some custom ringtones, which are quite loud, so tomorrow afternoon or evening she will walk me through how to download them, to see if that fixes the problem.
I got to talk with my Sweetheart both in the morning and this evening, and he sent me lots of the pictures from our time together here in Utah, and two songs! And the car is still all sparkling from getting washed and waxed, so both it and I feel very well taken care of!
My day at the Library was filled with meetings, and positions, so I did not help very many guests. One that I did help was a young woman researching in Belgium. Blessedly a specialist eventually came to give her the kind of help she really needed.
Choir practice was interesting as usual. Next week we will be singing a very different version of Book of Mormon Stories--I think I finally have my part down pretty well.
Another musical task was to find the Mozart Concerto from which I took a theme to set to Psalm 23.
I thought it was an oboe concerto, but it turns out it was the 2nd movement of the only concerto Mozart wrote for clarinet: Clarinet Concerto in A. According to the source I used it is probably the most famous of all Mozart's concertos. When I first heard it I felt it was meant for The Lord is My Shepherd. I will be singing that on August 14th for our branch sacrament meeting--on my deceased brother's birthday, come to think of it. Quite appropriate.
Not much else to report, and it is late, and tomorrow I have to be in early to help with cleaning, so I wish you all goodnight!
I got to talk with my Sweetheart both in the morning and this evening, and he sent me lots of the pictures from our time together here in Utah, and two songs! And the car is still all sparkling from getting washed and waxed, so both it and I feel very well taken care of!
My day at the Library was filled with meetings, and positions, so I did not help very many guests. One that I did help was a young woman researching in Belgium. Blessedly a specialist eventually came to give her the kind of help she really needed.
Choir practice was interesting as usual. Next week we will be singing a very different version of Book of Mormon Stories--I think I finally have my part down pretty well.
Another musical task was to find the Mozart Concerto from which I took a theme to set to Psalm 23.
I thought it was an oboe concerto, but it turns out it was the 2nd movement of the only concerto Mozart wrote for clarinet: Clarinet Concerto in A. According to the source I used it is probably the most famous of all Mozart's concertos. When I first heard it I felt it was meant for The Lord is My Shepherd. I will be singing that on August 14th for our branch sacrament meeting--on my deceased brother's birthday, come to think of it. Quite appropriate.
Not much else to report, and it is late, and tomorrow I have to be in early to help with cleaning, so I wish you all goodnight!
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Back in the Temple Together, 1300 Miles Apart. 26 July 2016
In the temple this evening my Sweetheart and I were again together, doing the same kind of work, just 1300 miles apart. But tomorrow we are down to 9 months until he can bring me home. The Lord is very good to us.
This morning I determined that I could finish Das Buch Mormon in the five days remaining in July, so I read diligently when I awoke in the wee hours, while I was waiting for a text confirming that my Sweetheart made it back home safely. Then again at breakfast, lunch, and supper I read, so now I have just the books of Mormon, Ether and Moroni to complete.
At the Library today I had a very busy schedule and was able to work on several records in German, again helping my confidence level to increase in the area of deciphering script. There were additional experiences which were very sweet, as several people found the relatives they were seeking. For some guests, taking a little extra time to teach research principles so that they could conduct better searches on their own increased their satisfaction.
An eleven-year-old Tongan girl came with her Dad to try to find some names for which to do baptisms next month when she turns 12. That experience involved getting permission from her Grandpa who still lives in Tonga! Texting is a wonderful tool to connect with family!
An opportunity to meet with one of the Family History Library staff caused me to feel how blessed I am to have come here when I did. Those who had been used to having the paid staff right on the floor are having a very hard time adjusting to the staff being on a different floor. I never experienced having them right at hand, so for me there is no adjustment to be made. That is a very good thing, in my opinion.
I just finished a brief call with my Sweetheart--we are back to this long-distance situation, but very grateful for the past week. With help from the Lord, we will make it through!
Monday, July 25, 2016
Wonderful Visit, Wonderful Day! 25 July 2016
My Sweetheart asked me this morning if I had ever been to the This Is The Place Monument. I had not, so despite the streets being blocked by the parade, we made it to this lovely, spiritual place. I am so glad that we went there. We did not do the Village, just the monuments and the Visitor's Center. I truly felt the Spirit there. I was so delighted to see some familiar wild edibles, like blackberries and Queen Anne's lace, and especially happy to recognize a medicinal herb, yarrow, just growing out in the field we walked through!
We did make it back to In N Out for a farewell burger--still delicious! I think it was when we left there that I noticed he had not only filled the gas tank, but had gotten the car washed and waxed. Our first stop this morning had been to get sun shades for the car, to protect the dashboard, and preserve it. We both value making possessions last--but I know he does a much better job of actually taking care of things. I plan to follow his lead and do better in that area.
When we finished with lunch we still had a couple of hours, so he took me out I-80 to see the Great Salt Lake. I had never been there, and had mentioned that a few days ago. Although it was a hot day, there was a cool breeze on the platform close to the Lake. Quite an impressive sight.
Then it was time to go to the airport. This was rather difficult, as it may be nine months until we get to be together in person again.
Earlier today I got to talk with my oldest daughter, for which I was happy. This evening I got to talk with my youngest, too. Tomorrow, of course, my Sweetheart returns to work, after working at the St. Louis Temple, and I will go to the Salt Lake Temple after returning to work at the Library. Back to serving together in the temple--1300 miles apart! It was much better in person!
We did make it back to In N Out for a farewell burger--still delicious! I think it was when we left there that I noticed he had not only filled the gas tank, but had gotten the car washed and waxed. Our first stop this morning had been to get sun shades for the car, to protect the dashboard, and preserve it. We both value making possessions last--but I know he does a much better job of actually taking care of things. I plan to follow his lead and do better in that area.
When we finished with lunch we still had a couple of hours, so he took me out I-80 to see the Great Salt Lake. I had never been there, and had mentioned that a few days ago. Although it was a hot day, there was a cool breeze on the platform close to the Lake. Quite an impressive sight.
Then it was time to go to the airport. This was rather difficult, as it may be nine months until we get to be together in person again.
Earlier today I got to talk with my oldest daughter, for which I was happy. This evening I got to talk with my youngest, too. Tomorrow, of course, my Sweetheart returns to work, after working at the St. Louis Temple, and I will go to the Salt Lake Temple after returning to work at the Library. Back to serving together in the temple--1300 miles apart! It was much better in person!
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Blessed Sabbath! 24 July 2016
I am glad that my Sweetheart and I chose to attend the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast at the Conference Center. Even though the music performed was much the same as at the Pioneer Concert last night, today I felt the Spirit so strongly, and tears came several times, just as when I have attended in the Tabernacle.
After the broadcast we went over to Temple Square, and visited the North Visitors Center. We enjoyed the model of Jerusalem on the main floor, then went up the ramp to the Christus statue. What a beautiful representation of the Savior, Jesus Christ. There was a comfortable place to sit and talk, just across from the portrayal of our first parents, Adam and Eve.
I had packed a lunch, based on the half of a huge sandwich I had gotten at our supper yesterday evening. Along with a yogurt and fruit preserves mix, pecans, carrots and root beer, we had a nice lunch to tide us over until supper.
My home teacher was available to keep my Sweetheart company, while his wife [my visiting teacher] and I went to choir practice, and then during the meeting, as our choir stays seated on the stand. It happened that I sat next to our new Elijah Choir director, which was a little intimidating at first. I was surprised when after the meeting he asked me where I had studied singing! I told him that I only had voice lessons for about five months, a few years ago, but that my mother said I sang before I talked, and that I came from a musical family. I suppose he had noticed that while singing hymns I usually sing a different part on each verse. Anyway, I told him that I am singing in church in three weeks, and I am trying to apply the principles he has been teaching us in choir.
After the block of meetings my Sweetheart joined my home and visiting teachers in participating with the young elders in a Preach My Gospel discussion, while I went to a meeting about the young elders dinners. Then the four of us walked to their apartment so my visiting teacher could give me a loaf of her home made bread. We enjoyed a short visit, and I decided to tell her that when I awoke the morning after she insisted on paying me for the 2 bags of wheat with the thought that I should take the money and replace the wheat, which I did, so when she needs more wheat she should just tell me.
The evening we spent with the friends who have hosted my Sweetheart this week. Supper was very delicious. After a game we watched Ephraim's Rescue, a story concerning the handcart pioneers.
The trip back to my apartment went all too quickly, and on the way back we got texted boarding passes for my Sweetheart.
A sweet voicemail from my dear granddaughter was a lovely end to a lovely day.
After the block of meetings my Sweetheart joined my home and visiting teachers in participating with the young elders in a Preach My Gospel discussion, while I went to a meeting about the young elders dinners. Then the four of us walked to their apartment so my visiting teacher could give me a loaf of her home made bread. We enjoyed a short visit, and I decided to tell her that when I awoke the morning after she insisted on paying me for the 2 bags of wheat with the thought that I should take the money and replace the wheat, which I did, so when she needs more wheat she should just tell me.
The evening we spent with the friends who have hosted my Sweetheart this week. Supper was very delicious. After a game we watched Ephraim's Rescue, a story concerning the handcart pioneers.
The trip back to my apartment went all too quickly, and on the way back we got texted boarding passes for my Sweetheart.
A sweet voicemail from my dear granddaughter was a lovely end to a lovely day.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Pioneer Concert and Friends. 23 July 2016
The Library was busy today! I got to spend a fair amount of time doing German translation, and also got to find out about some books with Latin abbreviations, which apparently are prevalent in the Catholic records.
One of the Access Services sisters offered me extra tickets to the Pioneer Concert on my way into the Library. I did not need them at the time, but soon learned that the friends my Sweetheart is staying with wanted to come. By the time I saw the sister again, the tickets were gone. Then my zone leader asked if I had tickets, and offered me two that his daughter was not going to be able to use. Of course, I accepted.
After lunch the Access Services sister came up to me and gave me four tickets! She had gone over to the ticket office during her lunch to get them! We kind of played Hot Potato with the tickets. My missionary and his wife took us to supper and I gave them our original two tickets, which were better than the ones they had gotten, our other friends and my Sweetheart and I used the set of four, one of the ones my zone leader gave me went to my Cuban sister's son, and the other we turned in. I had tried to find someone at the Library to share with, but that had not happened.
Anyway, the concert was very nice, the company was superb, and the traffic afterwards was about like leaving the Forest Park Muny! All in all it was a great day and a beautiful evening.
One of the Access Services sisters offered me extra tickets to the Pioneer Concert on my way into the Library. I did not need them at the time, but soon learned that the friends my Sweetheart is staying with wanted to come. By the time I saw the sister again, the tickets were gone. Then my zone leader asked if I had tickets, and offered me two that his daughter was not going to be able to use. Of course, I accepted.
After lunch the Access Services sister came up to me and gave me four tickets! She had gone over to the ticket office during her lunch to get them! We kind of played Hot Potato with the tickets. My missionary and his wife took us to supper and I gave them our original two tickets, which were better than the ones they had gotten, our other friends and my Sweetheart and I used the set of four, one of the ones my zone leader gave me went to my Cuban sister's son, and the other we turned in. I had tried to find someone at the Library to share with, but that had not happened.
Anyway, the concert was very nice, the company was superb, and the traffic afterwards was about like leaving the Forest Park Muny! All in all it was a great day and a beautiful evening.
Friday, July 22, 2016
Temple Day #4 x Two. 22 July 2016
I started the morning with a phone call to my big sister, whose birthday it is today! Blessedly she was already awake, and I enjoyed talking with her. It was good to hear that some health issues in her family are going better, and that they are looking forward to some special times with extended family, also.
This was an early day at the library for me, even before the public opening. Our zone prayer meeting is back on our floor, as the classroom has been remodeled now into a computer lab--but the computers are not yet installed. The room is a bit more cozy than the one we've been using on the main floor--very nice.
After prayer meeting I had the opportunity again to help a fellow missionary with some German translation--the practice is very good for me. Then we started a rather crazy morning, as our sta/ffing was minimal, while by a little after 9 we had quite a few guests, and many had unusual needs. I got a confidence booster when the person who was mentoring me at the German/Slavic desk asked for my help to translate a Latin record. I checked my interpretation with a Latin/English dictionary, and also Google translate--but the best help was the Library's own Latin Genealogical Word List, since it is focused on the terms we are likely to encounter. After that experience, and because I have been ignoring the prompting to take my Latin/English dictionary with me on my shifts, I will pursue becoming certified in Latin. There are only a few missionaries who seem to know the Latin, and so it would be a valuable addition to my skills.
This was a very hot day, so we ate lunch in the patron break room on the first floor, then went outside just long enough to give my eyes a break from the Library lights. We went to see the log cabin that is on the grounds, to see if we thought we manage in such a small space. At 15 X 20, it was quite a step up from the dugout that most of the early pioneers. We agreed that we could manage quite nicely there as long as our internet connection was good!
In the afternoon I had a sweet Spanish guest and an even sweeter Brazilian sister thank me abundantly for just showing them how to search in the catalog and in the wiki. That reminded me that I really like mentoring--once I know what I am doing!
A wonderful temple session was followed by an even better sealing session. Then we visited my Cuban sister who had spent the night in the ER for fatigue and dehydration. And now it is timeper to say goodnight.
This was an early day at the library for me, even before the public opening. Our zone prayer meeting is back on our floor, as the classroom has been remodeled now into a computer lab--but the computers are not yet installed. The room is a bit more cozy than the one we've been using on the main floor--very nice.
After prayer meeting I had the opportunity again to help a fellow missionary with some German translation--the practice is very good for me. Then we started a rather crazy morning, as our sta/ffing was minimal, while by a little after 9 we had quite a few guests, and many had unusual needs. I got a confidence booster when the person who was mentoring me at the German/Slavic desk asked for my help to translate a Latin record. I checked my interpretation with a Latin/English dictionary, and also Google translate--but the best help was the Library's own Latin Genealogical Word List, since it is focused on the terms we are likely to encounter. After that experience, and because I have been ignoring the prompting to take my Latin/English dictionary with me on my shifts, I will pursue becoming certified in Latin. There are only a few missionaries who seem to know the Latin, and so it would be a valuable addition to my skills.
This was a very hot day, so we ate lunch in the patron break room on the first floor, then went outside just long enough to give my eyes a break from the Library lights. We went to see the log cabin that is on the grounds, to see if we thought we manage in such a small space. At 15 X 20, it was quite a step up from the dugout that most of the early pioneers. We agreed that we could manage quite nicely there as long as our internet connection was good!
In the afternoon I had a sweet Spanish guest and an even sweeter Brazilian sister thank me abundantly for just showing them how to search in the catalog and in the wiki. That reminded me that I really like mentoring--once I know what I am doing!
A wonderful temple session was followed by an even better sealing session. Then we visited my Cuban sister who had spent the night in the ER for fatigue and dehydration. And now it is timeper to say goodnight.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Temple, Day 3, times 2. 21 July 2016
This was my day off for going to the temple--so we went to the 10 am session, and then went again this evening. Both sessions were very, very well attended. Apparently the Jordan River Temple is closed for an extended time for renovation, and 2 other nearby temples are on maintenance shutdown, so Salt Lake Temple is packed! However, both were great experiences, despite the crowds. In reality, we Saints should be rejoicing in filled-to-over-flowing temples--a kickstart to the work of the Millenium!
I stayed awake during Mission Conference, so I learned that we are being challenged also to invite family and friends to join in reading The Book of Mormon three times in three months, looking first for how God works with people [marking with pencil]; second, the references to Christ and to the Atonement, as the Book of Mormon bears its witness of the Savior [marking with red pencil]; and third, applying the lessons in The Book of Mormon to our own lives [marking with blue]. Please consider yourself invited!
Two of Gregory's friends were at the evening temple session with us, and then took us out to eat. So it was nice to have that socializing.
It is late, and I will have an early day tomorrow, so that will have to do for now.
I stayed awake during Mission Conference, so I learned that we are being challenged also to invite family and friends to join in reading The Book of Mormon three times in three months, looking first for how God works with people [marking with pencil]; second, the references to Christ and to the Atonement, as the Book of Mormon bears its witness of the Savior [marking with red pencil]; and third, applying the lessons in The Book of Mormon to our own lives [marking with blue]. Please consider yourself invited!
Two of Gregory's friends were at the evening temple session with us, and then took us out to eat. So it was nice to have that socializing.
It is late, and I will have an early day tomorrow, so that will have to do for now.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Temple, Day 2. 20 July 2016
This morning we spent nearly two hours doing sealings and then a little time in the celestial room. What a joy! Tomorrow we hope to attend at least two sessions, and Friday at least one. We even had some family names to do, although we had to speak up in order to get that privilege. Such a blessing to be there together.
This was a late day at the Library, and a full one especially in the evening when staffing was minimal. My Sweetheart is now working with a Scandanavian specialist that he knows from doing research here over several decades. He already found two more relatives eligible for temple work. Blessings abound!
Choir rehearsal will be an adventure from now on. Our new director has spent 40 years as a high school and college director, and he expects to teach us the principles of beautiful choral music--and we get to apply these principles to ourselves. I have already learned two principles, although now the task is to apply them!
Lunch was kidney beans and wheat, flax seed crackers, with strawberries and yogurt for dessert--and my Sweetheart did not run away screaming. Supper was definitely low key--crackers and peanut butter, apple slices and a cookie to share.
This was a late day at the Library, and a full one especially in the evening when staffing was minimal. My Sweetheart is now working with a Scandanavian specialist that he knows from doing research here over several decades. He already found two more relatives eligible for temple work. Blessings abound!
Choir rehearsal will be an adventure from now on. Our new director has spent 40 years as a high school and college director, and he expects to teach us the principles of beautiful choral music--and we get to apply these principles to ourselves. I have already learned two principles, although now the task is to apply them!
Lunch was kidney beans and wheat, flax seed crackers, with strawberries and yogurt for dessert--and my Sweetheart did not run away screaming. Supper was definitely low key--crackers and peanut butter, apple slices and a cookie to share.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
I Love to See the Temple. 19 July 2016
Today included working twice at the German desk, a study group meeting with just two of us in attendance, choir practice and mission conference [including a challenge to read The Book of Mormon three times in three months], and helping a fellow missionary who is indexing a German record.
The highlight, however, was to be in the temple again with my Sweetheart, after three months when we attended the temple 1300 miles apart. We plan to go tomorrow, and hope also to attend on Thursday and Friday.
Root beer floats were a sweet end to the day.
The highlight, however, was to be in the temple again with my Sweetheart, after three months when we attended the temple 1300 miles apart. We plan to go tomorrow, and hope also to attend on Thursday and Friday.
Root beer floats were a sweet end to the day.
Monday, July 18, 2016
In n Out, Cookie shake, and Pot Roast with Friends. 18 July 2016
The wait is over! My Sweetheart and I had a special day together, even though I cut it shorter than it might have been since it did not cross my mind that I could park at the airport and go in!! So finding one another was a bit of a difficulty, but the rest of the day went so nicely, and he was so gracious about my overlooking that possibility.
After dropping his luggage at his friends' house I introduced him to In n Out burgers. I don't usually mention restaurants or stores by name, but I was glad he liked the burgers like I do. [Just not with cheese!] Then we split a Cookie shake, which is a bit of a tradition for us. We did a lot of driving today, but traffic was not too bad.
This morning I woke up about 5 minutes before he texted me that he had arrived at the airport in St. Louis. After reading 3 Nephi 19 I pressure-cooked the chuck roast, and then vegetables. I used a different seasoning mix, and it turned out almost as well as the recipe I usually use. That is what we shared for dinner with his friends, along with salad and watermelon.
While we were waiting for supper to start, my Sweetheart surprised me with a beautiful Forever Pendent, engraved with both our names, and decorated with our birth stones and other lovely jewels. I am grateful that he is such a treasure and blessing to me.
Now I need to get some sleep--I caught only a tiny nap this afternoon, and tomorrow will be another full day.
After dropping his luggage at his friends' house I introduced him to In n Out burgers. I don't usually mention restaurants or stores by name, but I was glad he liked the burgers like I do. [Just not with cheese!] Then we split a Cookie shake, which is a bit of a tradition for us. We did a lot of driving today, but traffic was not too bad.
This morning I woke up about 5 minutes before he texted me that he had arrived at the airport in St. Louis. After reading 3 Nephi 19 I pressure-cooked the chuck roast, and then vegetables. I used a different seasoning mix, and it turned out almost as well as the recipe I usually use. That is what we shared for dinner with his friends, along with salad and watermelon.
While we were waiting for supper to start, my Sweetheart surprised me with a beautiful Forever Pendent, engraved with both our names, and decorated with our birth stones and other lovely jewels. I am grateful that he is such a treasure and blessing to me.
Now I need to get some sleep--I caught only a tiny nap this afternoon, and tomorrow will be another full day.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Indexing Event, Simple Dinner, and Happily Awaiting Visit. 17 July 2016
When I got up this morning, after an attempt to call my granddaughter, I decided to do more indexing for the Indexing Event. At first I kept getting error messages that no batches were available for the Kentucky Marriages! That seemed to good to be true--and it was. I shut down the program and opened it back up to reveal that batches were indeed available. I indexed one batch and then arbitrated what I could out of ten batches. Some I sent back because the second page was skipped on each image. I finished the batches up not long before it was time to start for choir practice.
Choir practice went pretty well after it was determined that for the song for next week there were two different versions, which did not work well together! After that was straightened out, practice went fine. For today, a group of young elders sang a combination of The Spirit of God, and How Firm a Foundation. They sounded very good together.
I actually stayed awake during sacrament meeting! I had slept fairly long, and I could hear most of what the speakers said as I was in the congregation and not in the choir seats. Then I chose to go to a regular Sunday School class, and the lesson was on Alma 30, the chapter that solidified my testimony of The Book of Mormon. The story of Korihor, from this wonderful book published in 1830, was so modern--he was a practitioner of the "God is dead, it doesn't matter how you live, because there is no life after this one" message. When I first read of this event in The Book of Mormon I felt that the book had been written for me, as I had turned my back on the god of my fathers, and now the true God had brought me to a place where I was receiving truth. And now, nearly 42 years later, I am grateful to have had a multitude of experiences which confirm this for me. I am blessed beyond measure.
The lesson from the President Hunter book was about Family History and Temple Work! That was so appropriate for our Mission Branch! I had not previously realized the extent of President Hunter's involvement in research and in guiding the work of family history. No wonder his brief Presidency was focused so much on the temple!
My sweet Cuban sister has had some physical challenges this week and was worried because she had not cooked much. I reassured her that the kidney beans I made yesterday would be perfect for our dinner tonight--and they were. She did have four different vegetables, and I had made some peanut butter no-bake cookies, and had a fresh peach to add to our simple dinner.
When I came back to the apartment, I began to work on a family history tangle, which will probably require more research at the Library. Sometimes the fact that Germans seemed to recycle names a lot causes the records to get into a big mess! However, the nice thing is that some of the German record images are now online from the German government. I have not yet checked, but I just had the thought that the very first records that I researched in German on my husband's Fehr line are probably there! I will have to go check that out!
In less than 18 hours my special visitor will arrive--I expect my blog entries will be rather short for the next 8 days!
This is an addendum: I found a missing child!! The tangled up family referenced above led me to a Magdalena Bruckbach, born three years after her sister, Magdalena, was born and died in 1815. The image of her death record in 1826 is in the Landesarchives of Baden-Wuerttemberg online! Happy day, all is well!
Choir practice went pretty well after it was determined that for the song for next week there were two different versions, which did not work well together! After that was straightened out, practice went fine. For today, a group of young elders sang a combination of The Spirit of God, and How Firm a Foundation. They sounded very good together.
I actually stayed awake during sacrament meeting! I had slept fairly long, and I could hear most of what the speakers said as I was in the congregation and not in the choir seats. Then I chose to go to a regular Sunday School class, and the lesson was on Alma 30, the chapter that solidified my testimony of The Book of Mormon. The story of Korihor, from this wonderful book published in 1830, was so modern--he was a practitioner of the "God is dead, it doesn't matter how you live, because there is no life after this one" message. When I first read of this event in The Book of Mormon I felt that the book had been written for me, as I had turned my back on the god of my fathers, and now the true God had brought me to a place where I was receiving truth. And now, nearly 42 years later, I am grateful to have had a multitude of experiences which confirm this for me. I am blessed beyond measure.
The lesson from the President Hunter book was about Family History and Temple Work! That was so appropriate for our Mission Branch! I had not previously realized the extent of President Hunter's involvement in research and in guiding the work of family history. No wonder his brief Presidency was focused so much on the temple!
My sweet Cuban sister has had some physical challenges this week and was worried because she had not cooked much. I reassured her that the kidney beans I made yesterday would be perfect for our dinner tonight--and they were. She did have four different vegetables, and I had made some peanut butter no-bake cookies, and had a fresh peach to add to our simple dinner.
When I came back to the apartment, I began to work on a family history tangle, which will probably require more research at the Library. Sometimes the fact that Germans seemed to recycle names a lot causes the records to get into a big mess! However, the nice thing is that some of the German record images are now online from the German government. I have not yet checked, but I just had the thought that the very first records that I researched in German on my husband's Fehr line are probably there! I will have to go check that out!
In less than 18 hours my special visitor will arrive--I expect my blog entries will be rather short for the next 8 days!
This is an addendum: I found a missing child!! The tangled up family referenced above led me to a Magdalena Bruckbach, born three years after her sister, Magdalena, was born and died in 1815. The image of her death record in 1826 is in the Landesarchives of Baden-Wuerttemberg online! Happy day, all is well!
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Afternoon Sleepies. 16 July 2016
I slept well and long, I thought, but I still had trouble staying awake once I was sitting down around 2:30 after my stint as rover. Then after I was asked to help a guest I was OK for the rest of the shift. Then I had a few times of helping, not nearly as successfully as yesterday.
As Greeter this morning I had time to access the handouts for the first Polish Research class. I practiced the writing and continued to try to remember the names of the months and how to spell them--I do not know how to pronounce them, unfortunately! I am also working on learning the numbers and the days of the week.
I did have some success today in finding a bit more temple work to be done, at least if the multiple duplicate records do not turn up the missing sealings. I found another village book that records some of my Ringwald ancestors--I looked at the microfilm for that and took some pictures so that I can check it out tomorrow, if whatever batch I index goes well.
Speaking of indexing, I heard that about 35,000 indexers had joined the ongoing event. The goal is 72,000 by midnight tomorrow, so I encourage you to join the fun!
Today at lunchtime I got started on cooking kidney beans and wheat, and finished them up this evening. I really like kidney beans made with onion, carrot, celery and some seasonings. Tonight I got some essential laundry done, so that on Monday I will have no delays in getting to the airport. We are counting down the hours now!
As Greeter this morning I had time to access the handouts for the first Polish Research class. I practiced the writing and continued to try to remember the names of the months and how to spell them--I do not know how to pronounce them, unfortunately! I am also working on learning the numbers and the days of the week.
I did have some success today in finding a bit more temple work to be done, at least if the multiple duplicate records do not turn up the missing sealings. I found another village book that records some of my Ringwald ancestors--I looked at the microfilm for that and took some pictures so that I can check it out tomorrow, if whatever batch I index goes well.
Speaking of indexing, I heard that about 35,000 indexers had joined the ongoing event. The goal is 72,000 by midnight tomorrow, so I encourage you to join the fun!
Today at lunchtime I got started on cooking kidney beans and wheat, and finished them up this evening. I really like kidney beans made with onion, carrot, celery and some seasonings. Tonight I got some essential laundry done, so that on Monday I will have no delays in getting to the airport. We are counting down the hours now!
Friday, July 15, 2016
Successful Searches Make for Happy Guests! 15 July 2016
This was another early morning start, and I was the keyboard player for devotional, so I arrived a bit early at the Library. In fact, I was early enough to go down to B1 floor to go to my locker. On the way I checked to see if the Eppingen book was back on the shelves. Sadly, it was not, but as I glanced over the Townbooks, I noticed another place name I was familiar with: Broggingen, in Emmendingen. I was excited because I hoped to follow back Maria Elisabetha Mutschler's line after about 30 years.
I went right back on the floor after devotional--I was Greeter the first hour--and looked for Maria Elisabetha's family. Sadly, I was disappointed. The family name was there, and her mother's family name, Munndinger, was there, but the records were all too recent. However, later in the day when I was looking for sealings to do next week, I found a few descendants on that line that needed to be sealed. So maybe that was why the book caught my eye.
My next assignment was at the German/Slavic desk, and there I kept busy until halfway through my 11:00 lunch time! There were several guests that needed help, and first hour I worked with a guest who needed help with Hungary. I diligently went through all of what I knew, recording on the Assessment sheet the things that would help her with further research. She still wanted more help, and the specialists were now on call, so I had one paged. The specialist went over briefly the same things I had already done, as she did not look at the sheet I had made out. However, then she got into resources I was unaware of, and found that there were microfilms available that I had not picked up on. I was more than happy to help the guest with the microfilm, and together we went through a lot of it. When I was pretty sure she would be ok on her own, I did get my lunch and go outside for about 15 minutes to get some natural light and fresh air. [Our floor is called B1 because it is in the first basement level.]
When I got back I was floor manager, but as we were very short-handed during the lunch hours I eventually helped a couple of guests until some of the young elders got back and I turned over the floor manager duties to one of them, and a guest who had some technical Family Tree problems to the other. I am so grateful these young elders are willing to serve.
An older guest came in and needed help with finding an ancestor in Germany, and she knew where the family came from. She was so very excited when she found his birth record almost at the end of the film. There was an entry for a child with the same family name that I was looking at when she exclaimed, "There he is!" The entry just below the one I noticed was her ancestor! I read the entry to her so she could verify the information [same name, same place, same birth date] and now she had another generation!
We spent the next while getting help with making a copy of the entry on the film. One of the young elders was very helpful with that process. I was surprised to find out she had a print card already--she told me she was 87, and I hope I am as sharp as she is when I am 87! She lives quite a ways away, and said she no longer drove in to the library herself because her children object. She admitted that I-15 really was too much of a challenge. Again I translated the record for her, and this time she wrote it all out, saying, "When I am gone my children will need this information."
The guest working on the Hungarian records was still busy with the microfilm, and a little later came to me with the happy news that she had finally found her ancestor couple in the same record. She asked me to help her figure out the translation. She already recognized some words, and I got the Hungarian word list and together we learned that this was the record of their daughter. She was very excited to have found her people, together. We made a copy of the word list because there is yet another film to go through from the area where the mother of the couple may have come from, and she will research that one when she goes home.
There were a few short opportunities to help guests, and during my last assignment as a Rover, I was able to pick up my schedule for next week--my zone leader honored my request for my temple day to be next week, so my Sweetheart and I will get to do multiple sessions that day, as well as doing sessions two other days. Hallelujah!
When I got home I got to Skype with my Arizona family for about half an hour. I also got a tithing blessing as one of my missionary cohort had left a box of food and told me to salvage what I could use--there were some nice vegetables and some fruit, some seasonings and a lemon and a lime. Those last two are especially nice to have.
Today began the indexing challenge--if you are willing to help us preserve and make available the records of the world, please consider joining us in indexing one batch. This is a simple way to serve. I did my one batch, after finishing up an arbitration batch. The Kentucky marriage records really are not hard to do.
Talked with my Sweetheart--a little more than two days to go!!!!
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Finished Level 2. 14 July 2016
Goodness! July is almost half over! And only 4 days until a very special visitor comes to see me!
I did not help any guests today. I did help a fellow missionary who is trying to extract an entire film and learn German script along the way. Some of the records had information I had not encountered before, so I did my best and then got my work checked by one of the specialists--and I was correct in my translation.
The rest of the morning I spent working on Level 2 certification, and I finished the Sweden case study, the last checklist, and a few things to clean up. I have chosen Poland as my Level 3 certification country. That is mostly because I want to learn Polish research for my own purpose, especially learning enough of the words in Polish script to not have to rely on the word list so much. The other nice thing about Poland is that there are only 8 or 9 courses to do, I have started them already, and I will undoubtedly learn things to share in the study group.
For my research today I did get out the Polish films from Michalki parish again, and took a picture of a record to bring home to work on. I also worked on learning the numbers and the months of the year, as well as working more on one of the Polish courses.
I was a little surprised that most of the time at the library I was not too sleepy. Maybe the late rising yesterday carried over on this day when I had to get up rather early. I did decide to do some of my research at home, where I could listen to the rest of the playlist of songs my Sweetheart has sent me. I discovered that I had missed attaching some of my favorites, so I will be carefully going over the whole list again to make sure I did not miss more of them.
I did not help any guests today. I did help a fellow missionary who is trying to extract an entire film and learn German script along the way. Some of the records had information I had not encountered before, so I did my best and then got my work checked by one of the specialists--and I was correct in my translation.
The rest of the morning I spent working on Level 2 certification, and I finished the Sweden case study, the last checklist, and a few things to clean up. I have chosen Poland as my Level 3 certification country. That is mostly because I want to learn Polish research for my own purpose, especially learning enough of the words in Polish script to not have to rely on the word list so much. The other nice thing about Poland is that there are only 8 or 9 courses to do, I have started them already, and I will undoubtedly learn things to share in the study group.
For my research today I did get out the Polish films from Michalki parish again, and took a picture of a record to bring home to work on. I also worked on learning the numbers and the months of the year, as well as working more on one of the Polish courses.
I was a little surprised that most of the time at the library I was not too sleepy. Maybe the late rising yesterday carried over on this day when I had to get up rather early. I did decide to do some of my research at home, where I could listen to the rest of the playlist of songs my Sweetheart has sent me. I discovered that I had missed attaching some of my favorites, so I will be carefully going over the whole list again to make sure I did not miss more of them.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Busy Day! 13 July 2016
This morning I really slept in--until 8! I do not remember the last time I slept that late. It was a good choice, perhaps, as I did not doze off at all on my late shift.
Once I got up and got my usual morning things done I spent a lot of time talking on the phone with my daughter and then with my Sweetheart. I was glad to have that nice low-key activity to fill my morning, as I try on this late-shift day to keep my morning pretty quiet to conserve my energy. I did work a little on studying Polish towards the end of the morning.
At the Library I worked the first hour at the German/Slavic desk. I mostly shadowed the experienced missionaries, helping out with a few small things at times. Then I was the floor manager, at a time when we had lots of guests and not many helpers available. I decided to have a specialist paged for a couple looking for Dutch records. Then I got them started looking at what was available from Family Search, and was worried that maybe I should not have asked for the experienced help. However, when the specialist arrived she took them right into a Dutch database I did not know about and apparently found for them the records they needed.
A couple from Germany were looking for the husband's great-grandfather. He came up with exactly the right research plan: "I need to talk to my Mom!!!" Getting information from older relatives is, indeed, so essential to success in our family history efforts.
Wednesday is choir practice day, so I headed over after the 3:30 prayer meeting. We are practicing for the Pioneer Day program, which we will actually present at the Mission Devotional next Monday, since the following Monday will be the official Pioneer Day holiday, when the Mission is closed. We met our new choir director, but he will not take over until next week.
This evening back at the Library I was working on my Polish studies when one of the trainers approached me and asked how I was progressing with Level 2 Certification. I decided to switch to work on that, and I finished one worksheet and was working on the Swedish case study when it was time to be the Monitor. In reality, no new guests came in during that hour so I just kept on working on the Swedish worksheet. During the last hour of the shift one of the missionaries who is from Poland approached me to offer to show me some of the resources that are available for Polish records. There is an abundance of online resources, and through one of them I saw a record with my Mom's mom's surname--quite a thrill, even though there was no proven relationship. The online records I saw were beautifully written in German, as they were from the German areas that are now in Poland. I would very much like to find my Grandmother's family.
As I checked my phone at the end of my shift I found a text from a sweet friend back home. She said she reads my blog every day--I texted back to thank her for being my second most faithful blog reader, after my Sweetheart! It is nice to know that these words are not just floating around in cyberspace unread!!! Thanks, Terry!!!
Once I got up and got my usual morning things done I spent a lot of time talking on the phone with my daughter and then with my Sweetheart. I was glad to have that nice low-key activity to fill my morning, as I try on this late-shift day to keep my morning pretty quiet to conserve my energy. I did work a little on studying Polish towards the end of the morning.
At the Library I worked the first hour at the German/Slavic desk. I mostly shadowed the experienced missionaries, helping out with a few small things at times. Then I was the floor manager, at a time when we had lots of guests and not many helpers available. I decided to have a specialist paged for a couple looking for Dutch records. Then I got them started looking at what was available from Family Search, and was worried that maybe I should not have asked for the experienced help. However, when the specialist arrived she took them right into a Dutch database I did not know about and apparently found for them the records they needed.
A couple from Germany were looking for the husband's great-grandfather. He came up with exactly the right research plan: "I need to talk to my Mom!!!" Getting information from older relatives is, indeed, so essential to success in our family history efforts.
Wednesday is choir practice day, so I headed over after the 3:30 prayer meeting. We are practicing for the Pioneer Day program, which we will actually present at the Mission Devotional next Monday, since the following Monday will be the official Pioneer Day holiday, when the Mission is closed. We met our new choir director, but he will not take over until next week.
This evening back at the Library I was working on my Polish studies when one of the trainers approached me and asked how I was progressing with Level 2 Certification. I decided to switch to work on that, and I finished one worksheet and was working on the Swedish case study when it was time to be the Monitor. In reality, no new guests came in during that hour so I just kept on working on the Swedish worksheet. During the last hour of the shift one of the missionaries who is from Poland approached me to offer to show me some of the resources that are available for Polish records. There is an abundance of online resources, and through one of them I saw a record with my Mom's mom's surname--quite a thrill, even though there was no proven relationship. The online records I saw were beautifully written in German, as they were from the German areas that are now in Poland. I would very much like to find my Grandmother's family.
As I checked my phone at the end of my shift I found a text from a sweet friend back home. She said she reads my blog every day--I texted back to thank her for being my second most faithful blog reader, after my Sweetheart! It is nice to know that these words are not just floating around in cyberspace unread!!! Thanks, Terry!!!
Monday, July 11, 2016
Good Morning, Iffy Afternoon. 12 July 2016
This was a late morning start at the library and I got to talk for a short time with my Sweetheart. Then off to the Library where the morning seemed to go very well. I was helping a couple who had not intended to come to the Library on their trip out West, but decided to come on in. They had not brought any of their records--and they knew that they did not know exactly where the person they were looking for was from. They had already searched Family Search and Ancestry, and were familiar with their local Family Search Center. They had looked all the places they could think of for that elusive place to no avail.
There may well have been additional things that a more experienced missionary would have done for them, but as I was the one at the consultant desk, I shared what I could. One site I had been shown briefly did come to my mind--forebears. This site shows the prevalence of a surname--and where people with that surname are located. Turned out there are 118 persons known world-wide with that surname, and they knew all but one of them! They had not yet checked with all of their known cousins as to what was known among all of them, so that was a task to suggest to them.
The Beginning German Research course in the Learning Center was the next suggestion. They had not yet set up their free [forever!!] Family Search accounts, so that was another suggestion, since by entering their Family Tree data, since it is a collaborative effort, others might possibly be looking for, or already might have found, the place in question.
One of the young elders helped our study group to access Ancestry when I could not get a sign in screen to pop up. We have more than a page of items that we learned about during the study group session, including refining our searches in Ancestry, in Google Maps, and in figuring out how to access non-modern maps.
I successfully transcribed a few German dates and confirmed a few names--then I taught someone how to use a new administration tool. After lunch I was assigned to a Beginning Chinese Research class--it was interesting, but a little overwhelming. The instructor is developing a handout--I requested a digital copy, as I might lose a hard copy. My flash drive is part of my missionary equipment--along with my security badge it resides on my blue lanyard which identifies me as a missionary who can help with research.
After class and prayer meeting I was again assigned to the German/Slavic consultant desk. The guests I assisted needed more help than I was capable of providing. It was a blessing that two consultants were available.
My daughter is on her way back to Missouri shortly. I was very glad to have time to visit with her, and I am glad she got to visit the Arizona crew also.
There may well have been additional things that a more experienced missionary would have done for them, but as I was the one at the consultant desk, I shared what I could. One site I had been shown briefly did come to my mind--forebears. This site shows the prevalence of a surname--and where people with that surname are located. Turned out there are 118 persons known world-wide with that surname, and they knew all but one of them! They had not yet checked with all of their known cousins as to what was known among all of them, so that was a task to suggest to them.
The Beginning German Research course in the Learning Center was the next suggestion. They had not yet set up their free [forever!!] Family Search accounts, so that was another suggestion, since by entering their Family Tree data, since it is a collaborative effort, others might possibly be looking for, or already might have found, the place in question.
One of the young elders helped our study group to access Ancestry when I could not get a sign in screen to pop up. We have more than a page of items that we learned about during the study group session, including refining our searches in Ancestry, in Google Maps, and in figuring out how to access non-modern maps.
I successfully transcribed a few German dates and confirmed a few names--then I taught someone how to use a new administration tool. After lunch I was assigned to a Beginning Chinese Research class--it was interesting, but a little overwhelming. The instructor is developing a handout--I requested a digital copy, as I might lose a hard copy. My flash drive is part of my missionary equipment--along with my security badge it resides on my blue lanyard which identifies me as a missionary who can help with research.
After class and prayer meeting I was again assigned to the German/Slavic consultant desk. The guests I assisted needed more help than I was capable of providing. It was a blessing that two consultants were available.
My daughter is on her way back to Missouri shortly. I was very glad to have time to visit with her, and I am glad she got to visit the Arizona crew also.
Beautiful Music on a Beautiful P-day. 11 July 2016
The weather was gorgeous today! It was cool in the morning, then only got up into the 70s in the afternoon. Tomorrow we start the climb back into the 90s, but it was very nice to have a bit of a break from hot.
Our Elijah Choir director will be leaving the mission at the end of the month, so it was a bit emotional singing "Behold, I am a Disciple of Christ" for the mission devotional this morning. Our new director was announced today--turns out it is the current director's first cousin, He has directed college choirs, so I expect I will learn a lot from him, as I have from his cousin.
My daughter called this morning from Arizona. So far her visit is going well. She let me know that my phone number did get switched over to my newly-activated phone, so I am back to my regular number. That is a huge blessing.
Because of the cooler weather I decided to make more flax seed crackers today. These are garlic, oregano and basil crackers--not bad. I had thought I did not need to go to get any groceries, but realized I had no salad dressing to take with the salad greens to the ward dinner tonight, so I did go to the closest store.
I went to check out the microfilms from Eppingen this afternoon--unfortunately I found nothing definite so I am not sure where I ought to be spending my research time here.
This evening's ward dinner had a pioneer theme, so we enjoyed several stories from the pioneer heritage of fellow missionaries. There were also pioneer songs sung as well as our welcome and goodbye songs for the new and departing missionaries.There are many of the missionaries whose time here has ended, so there is plenty of room for others to come join us!
Two more beautiful songs were added today to a special playlist on a special day.
Our Elijah Choir director will be leaving the mission at the end of the month, so it was a bit emotional singing "Behold, I am a Disciple of Christ" for the mission devotional this morning. Our new director was announced today--turns out it is the current director's first cousin, He has directed college choirs, so I expect I will learn a lot from him, as I have from his cousin.
My daughter called this morning from Arizona. So far her visit is going well. She let me know that my phone number did get switched over to my newly-activated phone, so I am back to my regular number. That is a huge blessing.
Because of the cooler weather I decided to make more flax seed crackers today. These are garlic, oregano and basil crackers--not bad. I had thought I did not need to go to get any groceries, but realized I had no salad dressing to take with the salad greens to the ward dinner tonight, so I did go to the closest store.
I went to check out the microfilms from Eppingen this afternoon--unfortunately I found nothing definite so I am not sure where I ought to be spending my research time here.
This evening's ward dinner had a pioneer theme, so we enjoyed several stories from the pioneer heritage of fellow missionaries. There were also pioneer songs sung as well as our welcome and goodbye songs for the new and departing missionaries.There are many of the missionaries whose time here has ended, so there is plenty of room for others to come join us!
Two more beautiful songs were added today to a special playlist on a special day.
A Lovely Dinner and Good Conversation. 10 July 2016 [posted 11 July]
Since the Tabernacle Choir is on tour my morning was pretty relaxed. I talked with a dear granddaughter. Then aI got the chicken into the oven on low heat, called both of my co-hostesses to finalize our plans to feed two of the young elders, and went to choir practice. We sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic, which, in the practice seemed a bit rough around the edges, but the actual presentation was quite awesome. Tears were close to the surface as we sang that last Glory, Glory, Hallelujah.
One of my missionary cohort was the first to give a sacrament meeting talk today. She, of course, gave an uplifting talk focusing on the conference talk "Be Thou Humble" by Elder Steven E Snow. She and I went to the Sunday School class on Family Tree. I decided I really ought to pay more attention to the brother presenting and I picked up a few pointers.
Our session of Preach My Gospel focused on prayer, and receiving answers to prayers. Each of us was able to bear testimony of how the Lord has blessed us with needed answers to prayer.
The chicken was nicely warmed when I got back to the apartment, and the other hostesses had brought a pasta dish, bread sticks, dessert, and a salad. I added fruit salad and some of my watermelon rind pickles, which everyone seemed to enjoy. With the dining area relocated into what used to be the "living room" the five of us were quite comfortable. We enjoyed getting to know the two elders who came to dinner, we talked a lot about family and prayer, and the message they brought reminded us that with the Lord's help we can do whatever is required of us.
When the guests had left I was able to type up the list of hosts for next week's dinners.
Talking with my Sweetheart was a wonderful end to the day.
Saturday, July 9, 2016
The Spirit is Strong When We Search for Family. 9 July 2016
This morning in the Library I had a neat experience. A couple from Germany were visiting Salt Lake City and decided to add the Library to their itinerary. I was scheduled to shadow at the German/Slavic counter, but the mentor was otherwise engaged, so I was asked to help the two guests.They had good data, birthplaces in Germany, and some records already back into the 1700s. They also had a good question: Why do you [as a Church] do all this family history work, and make these resources available?
I paused for a moment, and I hope the Spirit directed my reply: "Do you want the one sentence answer, or the five minute answer?" The man said, "How about three minutes?"
"We members of the Church are under covenant from the Lord Jesus Christ to put the family of the world back together. We gather records and invite others to help us in this work. Sealing families together occurs in the temple, like the one right here."
There seemed no need to elaborate further, but later the woman talked of how she felt something special. I told her that was the Spirit of Elijah,and asked if she knew anything about Elijah. No, she did not. I said it was Ok, that the Spirit touched anyone who did this work.
When they left for the day they expressed how impressed they were--and that after a trip to Yellowstone, they would probably come back. I hope I am there when they do!
One of the other sisters and I had supper together at her apartment. It was nice to interact with her.
When I got back to my apartment I spent quite a while rearranging my apartment yet again. I will host a meal for two young elders and two other sister missionaries. I flipped the dining area with the sitting area--not sure I will keep it this way, but it will feel more comfortable for the meal.
This morning my phone finally died--after I woke up in the night and got the voicemail forwarded to the newer phone, and a request put in to switch the number to the newer phone. I hope there will not be any issues with that.
I paused for a moment, and I hope the Spirit directed my reply: "Do you want the one sentence answer, or the five minute answer?" The man said, "How about three minutes?"
"We members of the Church are under covenant from the Lord Jesus Christ to put the family of the world back together. We gather records and invite others to help us in this work. Sealing families together occurs in the temple, like the one right here."
There seemed no need to elaborate further, but later the woman talked of how she felt something special. I told her that was the Spirit of Elijah,and asked if she knew anything about Elijah. No, she did not. I said it was Ok, that the Spirit touched anyone who did this work.
When they left for the day they expressed how impressed they were--and that after a trip to Yellowstone, they would probably come back. I hope I am there when they do!
One of the other sisters and I had supper together at her apartment. It was nice to interact with her.
When I got back to my apartment I spent quite a while rearranging my apartment yet again. I will host a meal for two young elders and two other sister missionaries. I flipped the dining area with the sitting area--not sure I will keep it this way, but it will feel more comfortable for the meal.
This morning my phone finally died--after I woke up in the night and got the voicemail forwarded to the newer phone, and a request put in to switch the number to the newer phone. I hope there will not be any issues with that.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Prayers facilitate transcription/translating--an unexpected visit and a last visit. 8 July 2016
As I awoke this morning I felt impressed to ask for the Lord's help in reading the German records. That prayer seemed to unlock at least some of my former abilities, and even before the shift began I was working on a marriage record. I had the greeter position to fill, but by taking a picture with my iPad I was easily able to work on the record. Using the iPad in that way is really a blessing because I can easily zoom into a specific spot. I had an inkling of what the entry was trying to convey, which always helps. One word I actually used Google translate in reverse, putting in the English word I thought should be there and getting the German translation which helped in two ways--the obvious way was that I understood what the German word meant. The other blessing was that my understanding of a particular letter in the word was confirmed.
Later in the day I also helped transcribe an Old English record. That was actually a bit harder, but I told the young elder who is attempting to learn the old scripts that he would be the expert in a microfilm or for that particular scribe. That is really true of all of us who did not create the record, but want to know what it says.
I got an unexpected visit from a ward member from back home in Missouri. He and a friend came looking for me. They arrived at a time when I could take a few minutes to chat. It was nice to see them.
When my shift ended I was able to drive out to South Jordan and pick up my daughter. We did a bit of shopping and then went for supper at the burger place we both enjoy. She had ordered some electronic device supplies for me and I have put them to use already. Even the older cell phone seems to be charging now! She will fly on Sunday to Arizona to visit her sister and some of my grandchildren, then back to Missouri on Tuesday. I enjoyed seeing her several times during her stay in Utah.
Talking with my Sweetheart is always a good way to end the day. One more day and this week will be completed! The time does seem to be going quite quickly.
Later in the day I also helped transcribe an Old English record. That was actually a bit harder, but I told the young elder who is attempting to learn the old scripts that he would be the expert in a microfilm or for that particular scribe. That is really true of all of us who did not create the record, but want to know what it says.
I got an unexpected visit from a ward member from back home in Missouri. He and a friend came looking for me. They arrived at a time when I could take a few minutes to chat. It was nice to see them.
When my shift ended I was able to drive out to South Jordan and pick up my daughter. We did a bit of shopping and then went for supper at the burger place we both enjoy. She had ordered some electronic device supplies for me and I have put them to use already. Even the older cell phone seems to be charging now! She will fly on Sunday to Arizona to visit her sister and some of my grandchildren, then back to Missouri on Tuesday. I enjoyed seeing her several times during her stay in Utah.
Talking with my Sweetheart is always a good way to end the day. One more day and this week will be completed! The time does seem to be going quite quickly.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Films for Eppingen! 7 July 2016
Wow! Already we are a week into July! Amazing!
Today was a mixed bag, as I was not able to help as successfully with German translation for other people, but once I found the right microfilm I was able to find and attach pictures as sources for several of my ancestors from Eppingen! That was very rewarding, after looking first at some films that had been identified in the Tree as sources, but they were katholische, not evangelische, records which did not fit my family. Then the catalog was giving me "Come back later" messages, but it finally cooperated, and I got to work with the actual records.
The potluck went well, and my dish was all eaten up! I am glad when that happens. I had to leave a little early, because the couple in charge of feeding the young elders wanted to meet for lunch to implement some changes. I was surprised that my duties will be minimal in this assignment, but I am delighted that the couple was able to streamline the process.
I spent probably more time than was necessary on www.thefhguide.com after completing an activity for this week's inservice lesson. I do recommend this site for fun ways for people of all ages to get involved in family history. The project that I chose was descendancy relative finder. I found that I am a cousin to a fairly famous author, one who I denied relationship with in the past, just out of ignorance. Fourth cousin, twice removed, is not a huge distance in family history, and I was able today to determine that the Family Tree is probably accurate in linking us. I am not going to write who the author is, just to see if anyone in my family chooses to look it up:).
However, I will report that I was linked to several famous LDS people: Quentin L. Cook, one of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles [12th cousin, 2 times removed], and Camilla Eyring Kimball [11th cousin, 3 times removed]! I am especially delighted to be related to Sister Kimball, as her husband was such a favorite of mine, and she was quite a delightful speaker in her own right. The problem with these two links is that there are few sources to provide evidence for the ancestors that form the links. Back into the 1500s sources are hard to come by. Eventually it will be proven--or not. What is really funny is that my connection is through the Baum family, which my Dad had told me I would probably not find much information on because "they were just common people, just farmers." I found when I had done research long ago on this line that the family had quite a few city or county officials, school teachers, etc., so they were not just common people. And the line goes back nearly if not totally the farthest of any of my lines. And to think that this line connects with prominent members of the Church is just so fun! This is also the line that connects me to Eppingen.
Today was a mixed bag, as I was not able to help as successfully with German translation for other people, but once I found the right microfilm I was able to find and attach pictures as sources for several of my ancestors from Eppingen! That was very rewarding, after looking first at some films that had been identified in the Tree as sources, but they were katholische, not evangelische, records which did not fit my family. Then the catalog was giving me "Come back later" messages, but it finally cooperated, and I got to work with the actual records.
The potluck went well, and my dish was all eaten up! I am glad when that happens. I had to leave a little early, because the couple in charge of feeding the young elders wanted to meet for lunch to implement some changes. I was surprised that my duties will be minimal in this assignment, but I am delighted that the couple was able to streamline the process.
I spent probably more time than was necessary on www.thefhguide.com after completing an activity for this week's inservice lesson. I do recommend this site for fun ways for people of all ages to get involved in family history. The project that I chose was descendancy relative finder. I found that I am a cousin to a fairly famous author, one who I denied relationship with in the past, just out of ignorance. Fourth cousin, twice removed, is not a huge distance in family history, and I was able today to determine that the Family Tree is probably accurate in linking us. I am not going to write who the author is, just to see if anyone in my family chooses to look it up:).
However, I will report that I was linked to several famous LDS people: Quentin L. Cook, one of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles [12th cousin, 2 times removed], and Camilla Eyring Kimball [11th cousin, 3 times removed]! I am especially delighted to be related to Sister Kimball, as her husband was such a favorite of mine, and she was quite a delightful speaker in her own right. The problem with these two links is that there are few sources to provide evidence for the ancestors that form the links. Back into the 1500s sources are hard to come by. Eventually it will be proven--or not. What is really funny is that my connection is through the Baum family, which my Dad had told me I would probably not find much information on because "they were just common people, just farmers." I found when I had done research long ago on this line that the family had quite a few city or county officials, school teachers, etc., so they were not just common people. And the line goes back nearly if not totally the farthest of any of my lines. And to think that this line connects with prominent members of the Church is just so fun! This is also the line that connects me to Eppingen.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Phone and German success. 6 July 2016
More than a year ago I bought a cell phone on clearance from Republic Wireless, and at present I am very grateful that I did. My regular cell phone is having issues with the battery charging, so late last night I activated the other phone with a very inexpensive Wifi only plan. I was not pleased when it dropped a call from my Sweetheart this morning, so I thought I would have to just buy a newer phone. My daughter helped me upgrade the plan to include cell coverage, and so far that is working very nicely.
This was my very late day at the library, so in addition to the special conversations with my dear ones and getting my pot luck dish finished for tomorrow's luncheon, I pretty well took it easy all morning. I got yesterday's mail and found that the dear messages from my Virginia family finally made it to me! I was so glad I bought some refrigerator magnets last week, since I now can enjoy those sweet sentiments over and over again while I am in my kitchen.
At the library I got to practice and improve my transcribing skills several times. In one instance I eventually figured out that what the guest thought was Franz was actually Georg, and that Gertrud was the wife--turned out this was a record of her direct line great or 2nd great grandparents--she was very happy! Later when she had another name to decipher even the more experienced missionaries could not figure it out. Since the guest had limited time I showed her that she could learn to do this work herself with the help of If I Can, You Can decipher German records, which is available in pdf format online. She was happy to learn about that, too.
I helped two of the missionaries with deciphering also, and one of them indicated there was more work to be done on that line. I learned some search strategies and other websites from consultants at the German/Slavic Help Desk. So things went well today.
Tomorrow is an early day, so time for bed!
This was my very late day at the library, so in addition to the special conversations with my dear ones and getting my pot luck dish finished for tomorrow's luncheon, I pretty well took it easy all morning. I got yesterday's mail and found that the dear messages from my Virginia family finally made it to me! I was so glad I bought some refrigerator magnets last week, since I now can enjoy those sweet sentiments over and over again while I am in my kitchen.
At the library I got to practice and improve my transcribing skills several times. In one instance I eventually figured out that what the guest thought was Franz was actually Georg, and that Gertrud was the wife--turned out this was a record of her direct line great or 2nd great grandparents--she was very happy! Later when she had another name to decipher even the more experienced missionaries could not figure it out. Since the guest had limited time I showed her that she could learn to do this work herself with the help of If I Can, You Can decipher German records, which is available in pdf format online. She was happy to learn about that, too.
I helped two of the missionaries with deciphering also, and one of them indicated there was more work to be done on that line. I learned some search strategies and other websites from consultants at the German/Slavic Help Desk. So things went well today.
Tomorrow is an early day, so time for bed!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Cooking for upcoming social times. 5 July 2016
I got up this morning with the thought that despite the warm weather I should make another batch of crackers. I decided to try a new method with the sweet ones, and ended up changing part of the method for both the sweet and the savory types.
I had decided after the last batch of sweet crackers I had made that in order to keep them from getting too dark around the edges I would substitute honey for part of the water I boiled the flax seeds in, instead of for the water added at the end of the process. That did seem to turn out well, as did the method of stirring in the flour in small amounts , which was a necessity since I ran out of 1/4 cup measuring cups, so I added the flour by tablespoons instead. The finished products definitely benefited from these changes.
I am ending up the day with another cooking project, this time a chicken dish I am taking to the International floor potluck luncheon after the recognition ceremony. Loosely following another recipe from my daughter, I am currently cooking carrot, onion, garlic and celery, along with some oregano, in broth made from a rotisserie chicken carcass. Got to admit it smells really good!
At the library I helped a couple of guests, but always with English, not International records. In both cases, however, it seemed that the guests were in the correct wrong place. One was a former missionary on the floor who wanted to do some extraction in her own language, which was not available. She did do part of a batch of records that were difficult to read, and then I found her an easier batch which she finished. An elder who works with waypointing digitized records was asked to help her a bit--and the language he was working with was one she knew from her childhood and could read it! That was exciting for both of them.
I spent the end of my shift helping a woman who had just been called as a family history consultant. I spent about an hour with her on Family Tree.
I had decided after the last batch of sweet crackers I had made that in order to keep them from getting too dark around the edges I would substitute honey for part of the water I boiled the flax seeds in, instead of for the water added at the end of the process. That did seem to turn out well, as did the method of stirring in the flour in small amounts , which was a necessity since I ran out of 1/4 cup measuring cups, so I added the flour by tablespoons instead. The finished products definitely benefited from these changes.
I am ending up the day with another cooking project, this time a chicken dish I am taking to the International floor potluck luncheon after the recognition ceremony. Loosely following another recipe from my daughter, I am currently cooking carrot, onion, garlic and celery, along with some oregano, in broth made from a rotisserie chicken carcass. Got to admit it smells really good!
At the library I helped a couple of guests, but always with English, not International records. In both cases, however, it seemed that the guests were in the correct wrong place. One was a former missionary on the floor who wanted to do some extraction in her own language, which was not available. She did do part of a batch of records that were difficult to read, and then I found her an easier batch which she finished. An elder who works with waypointing digitized records was asked to help her a bit--and the language he was working with was one she knew from her childhood and could read it! That was exciting for both of them.
I spent the end of my shift helping a woman who had just been called as a family history consultant. I spent about an hour with her on Family Tree.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Happy 4th! 4 July 2016
It was quite a jolly holiday with my daughter and her friend. We all went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch, because the Asian restaurant we had planned to go to did not open until 4.
My daughter and I headed back to my apartment, and as we drove through the shopping center I saw a Savers and asked if we could stop. She was agreeable, and I told her they still had cherries on sale. Great was my surprise that it was not a grocery store, but a thrift store! Also a wonderful surprise was that there were 2 chairs, for $2.99 each, about $3 less than the cheapest chairs I had found when I looked online this morning! They are quite nice, and an even greater tithing blessing was that the store had everything on sale 30% off! Now I have plenty of seating for feeding the young elders!
When we returned to my apartment my daughter began updating the anti-virus protection on both my computers, and fixing some other issues with electronic devices. The computer I use the most took many hours to get finished. In fact eventually we left it still running and went to a favorite Utah place for hamburgers. This was probably not what most people would consider to be a nice holiday, but I enjoyed being with my daughter, I appreciated her expertise in taking care of the electronics [most of which she furnished me with in the first place], and we enjoyed good conversation and good food together.
I also had a nice phone visit with my oldest daughter. She has recently returned from a lovely visit with my great-grandchildren.
I also got to talk with my Sweetheart in the morning for quite a while, and again in the evening, just before he began work. He sent me a video of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "God Bless America"--such a powerful, beautiful song, and so appropriate for this holiday.
I hope you all have had a lovely day.
My daughter and I headed back to my apartment, and as we drove through the shopping center I saw a Savers and asked if we could stop. She was agreeable, and I told her they still had cherries on sale. Great was my surprise that it was not a grocery store, but a thrift store! Also a wonderful surprise was that there were 2 chairs, for $2.99 each, about $3 less than the cheapest chairs I had found when I looked online this morning! They are quite nice, and an even greater tithing blessing was that the store had everything on sale 30% off! Now I have plenty of seating for feeding the young elders!
When we returned to my apartment my daughter began updating the anti-virus protection on both my computers, and fixing some other issues with electronic devices. The computer I use the most took many hours to get finished. In fact eventually we left it still running and went to a favorite Utah place for hamburgers. This was probably not what most people would consider to be a nice holiday, but I enjoyed being with my daughter, I appreciated her expertise in taking care of the electronics [most of which she furnished me with in the first place], and we enjoyed good conversation and good food together.
I also had a nice phone visit with my oldest daughter. She has recently returned from a lovely visit with my great-grandchildren.
I also got to talk with my Sweetheart in the morning for quite a while, and again in the evening, just before he began work. He sent me a video of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "God Bless America"--such a powerful, beautiful song, and so appropriate for this holiday.
I hope you all have had a lovely day.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Another Meeting, But Fewer Tasks. 3 July 2016
Last night I got a phone call from the Elder who is taking charge of feeding the Young Elders. He wanted to know if he and his wife could meet this morning with my Cuban sister and me. I agreed, and this morning we had the meeting in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I was concerned that we were late, but the couple went in just a few minutes ahead of us.
The goal in the mission is to provide a Sunday dinner for each elder at least once a month in a social setting. The couple who are now in charge have streamlined the process and will be doing the bulk of the work. I can email them the information they need once a week, and they will take care of the rest. I helped my Cuban sister finish almost all of her tasks to prepare for the next few weeks. The dear sister who used to be in charge gave us sign up sheets for August, so we got those prepared, also. I am grateful to now understand just what needs to be done, and to feel that I really can accomplish this assignment.
One of the other sisters from my mission training group will help the Cuban sister and me to take a turn at feeding the young elders next Sunday. I just need to get two more chairs to have sufficient seating in my apartment. My table is made for four, and I have the desk situated so it can add to the table space, so all five of us should fit. The elders are supposed to give us a short message. It will be good to feed the missionaries again! I have missed that.
After Relief Society we took part again in the Preach My Gospel teaching opportunity. One of our two elders began by saying it would be good if we could act like true investigators, and ask lots of questions. After about ten minutes, I said, "I guess I am not a very good practice investigator, because I know everything you are saying is true, and I was like that when I was an investigator!" About the only question I had back 42 years ago was, "How do we join?" The Lord had already humbled me before the dear missionaries started teaching so that I had sincerely prayed that I would not shut out the message before I gave it a chance. He answered that prayer in such a way that within about 24 hours, I was well on my way to a testimony. How grateful I am for those events many years ago.
I worked this morning on the Eppingen material. It turns out that I was correct and my job will mostly be to clean up the records, which happens to be quite a challenge. However, I have learned a good deal in the process, so it will definitely not be wasted effort, and the families will be appropriately connected.
Looking forward to spending tomorrow afternoon with my daughter. I hope all of you have a safe and happy Independence Day.
The goal in the mission is to provide a Sunday dinner for each elder at least once a month in a social setting. The couple who are now in charge have streamlined the process and will be doing the bulk of the work. I can email them the information they need once a week, and they will take care of the rest. I helped my Cuban sister finish almost all of her tasks to prepare for the next few weeks. The dear sister who used to be in charge gave us sign up sheets for August, so we got those prepared, also. I am grateful to now understand just what needs to be done, and to feel that I really can accomplish this assignment.
One of the other sisters from my mission training group will help the Cuban sister and me to take a turn at feeding the young elders next Sunday. I just need to get two more chairs to have sufficient seating in my apartment. My table is made for four, and I have the desk situated so it can add to the table space, so all five of us should fit. The elders are supposed to give us a short message. It will be good to feed the missionaries again! I have missed that.
After Relief Society we took part again in the Preach My Gospel teaching opportunity. One of our two elders began by saying it would be good if we could act like true investigators, and ask lots of questions. After about ten minutes, I said, "I guess I am not a very good practice investigator, because I know everything you are saying is true, and I was like that when I was an investigator!" About the only question I had back 42 years ago was, "How do we join?" The Lord had already humbled me before the dear missionaries started teaching so that I had sincerely prayed that I would not shut out the message before I gave it a chance. He answered that prayer in such a way that within about 24 hours, I was well on my way to a testimony. How grateful I am for those events many years ago.
I worked this morning on the Eppingen material. It turns out that I was correct and my job will mostly be to clean up the records, which happens to be quite a challenge. However, I have learned a good deal in the process, so it will definitely not be wasted effort, and the families will be appropriately connected.
Looking forward to spending tomorrow afternoon with my daughter. I hope all of you have a safe and happy Independence Day.
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Reprieve! 2 July 2016
What is my reprieve from, you ask? I do not have to redo the Family Tree training after all. After plowing through a few sections of the older Learning Center course, and noticing some items that were updated in the training I received six weeks ago in the Training Zone, I really did not want to devote the hours that would have been required to go through the course. Toward the end of my shift I was able to talk with a trainer who actually is, I believe, in charge of the certification. She went over the checklist with me, as required, and I was actually able to explain something to her that she had a question about: why would one add an unconnected person to the Family Tree?
There are at least two reasons. One I learned today when a guest wanted to create a tree for someone else who does not have a Family Search account. He was about to create a dummy account in which to store the friend's tree when I remembered [the Spirit again] that in the person list at the very bottom is the option to add an unconnected person.
The second reason I had learned a few months ago as I found three generations for the woman who sponsored my grandmother to come to America. Although she was called "Tanta" [German for "Aunt"] this was often just a title of respect for a woman who was older than you. She may well be related, but I have not been able to prove that so far. I did want her family tree available for her descendants, and also for the time when proof is found of our connection.
So I am almost done with Level 2 Certification--the problem being that I still often do not feel very competent in helping guests. I am getting a bit better at remembering some of the tools to use, such as meyersgaz.org. This gazetteer is so much easier for me to use than the physical book, because I do not have to read the Fraktur print script. I find that to be much more difficult than the handwritten German script. The online version [with which one can also use wildcards if the entire place name is not certain] uses the regular type I am used to. I used it to help a guest this morning.
I spent a lot of time today in the various positions, because other people who were assigned to those positions had the skills that guests needed--we had a flood of people who spoke French and several guests who spoke Chinese, along with someone from Korea. So I offered to fill the positions while they helped guests. In the afternoon, especially, my energy is low, and the positions involve less critical thinking. This gave me a chance, also, to begin work on the Eppingen data.
This morning I looked for the Eppingen book--and it was not on the shelf! After a bit of panic I decided to check to see if the Access Services people who are in charge of taking care of the books might have noticed that the binding needed repair. That was the case, and the elder in charge said that I could use the book today because it would not be picked up for repair until at least Monday. So I got busy with my iPad taking pictures of the relevant entries. Now I am in the process of getting the families connected properly. It appears that most of the individuals already are in Family Tree--they just are in there rather piecemeal. At the least I can get them properly connected, and I hope there will be some temple work to do also.
Once my shift was over I was especially glad that this morning I was able to get wheat soaked and parboiled for the week ahead, and some kidney beans cooked. I was very tired once I got home, and enjoyed adding some veggies and bouillon to some of the beans, and mixing some wheat with a can of clams [an impulse buy at the dollar store a few days ago] to make a quick supper.
Tomorrow is the Sabbath--I hope all enjoy rest and a spiritual feast.
There are at least two reasons. One I learned today when a guest wanted to create a tree for someone else who does not have a Family Search account. He was about to create a dummy account in which to store the friend's tree when I remembered [the Spirit again] that in the person list at the very bottom is the option to add an unconnected person.
The second reason I had learned a few months ago as I found three generations for the woman who sponsored my grandmother to come to America. Although she was called "Tanta" [German for "Aunt"] this was often just a title of respect for a woman who was older than you. She may well be related, but I have not been able to prove that so far. I did want her family tree available for her descendants, and also for the time when proof is found of our connection.
So I am almost done with Level 2 Certification--the problem being that I still often do not feel very competent in helping guests. I am getting a bit better at remembering some of the tools to use, such as meyersgaz.org. This gazetteer is so much easier for me to use than the physical book, because I do not have to read the Fraktur print script. I find that to be much more difficult than the handwritten German script. The online version [with which one can also use wildcards if the entire place name is not certain] uses the regular type I am used to. I used it to help a guest this morning.
I spent a lot of time today in the various positions, because other people who were assigned to those positions had the skills that guests needed--we had a flood of people who spoke French and several guests who spoke Chinese, along with someone from Korea. So I offered to fill the positions while they helped guests. In the afternoon, especially, my energy is low, and the positions involve less critical thinking. This gave me a chance, also, to begin work on the Eppingen data.
This morning I looked for the Eppingen book--and it was not on the shelf! After a bit of panic I decided to check to see if the Access Services people who are in charge of taking care of the books might have noticed that the binding needed repair. That was the case, and the elder in charge said that I could use the book today because it would not be picked up for repair until at least Monday. So I got busy with my iPad taking pictures of the relevant entries. Now I am in the process of getting the families connected properly. It appears that most of the individuals already are in Family Tree--they just are in there rather piecemeal. At the least I can get them properly connected, and I hope there will be some temple work to do also.
Once my shift was over I was especially glad that this morning I was able to get wheat soaked and parboiled for the week ahead, and some kidney beans cooked. I was very tired once I got home, and enjoyed adding some veggies and bouillon to some of the beans, and mixing some wheat with a can of clams [an impulse buy at the dollar store a few days ago] to make a quick supper.
Tomorrow is the Sabbath--I hope all enjoy rest and a spiritual feast.
Friday, July 1, 2016
A New Month! 1 July 2016
I started out my shift at the Library with playing the keyboard for prayer meeting. My first position on the floor was as Greeter. That tends to be pretty quiet in the morning, so I got the Eppingen book off the shelf again, and spent the time going through many of the entries that pertain to my family. I found a couple of typos, which made some of the records very difficult to find, but I think I managed to figure them all out. Now I need to see if those families have been entered in Family Tree. I think there is at least one line that has not been. It has been a long time since I have had direct line ancestors to enter into my tree--exciting!
The next two hours I spent at the consultant desk with a sister who immigrated from Germany in the mid-80s. Most of the time we did not have guests to help, but one person wanted a letter translated--I could make out some of the words, but my lack of knowledge of the language overall interferes with transcribing that sort of thing. My abilities are still more focused on names, dates and places extracted from records of events, rather than the newsy things that turn genealogy into family history!
Lunch was early today, and when I returned I was floor manager. I actually got to help one of the access services missionaries find a place which used to be in Germany and now is in Poland--so some of my training is beginning to stick!
The next two hours I used to take a German Research class from the Learning Center, and write a report. This is necessary for Level 2 Certification. One of my trainers strongly encouraged me to do a review of the Family Tree training, even though I just had that in the Training Zone six weeks ago. That is the last step in Level 2 Certification if I understand the instructions correctly.
I actually went into my time as Rover with the class, but that position does not usually take a whole hour. Towards the end of the time, the Zone Leader asked me to write a small item about studying the Conference talks for our Mission Challenge. That was pretty simple to do, as I have read the talk by Elder Stevenson about Priesthood Keys and Authority several times. So I got that done, and then took some time to print out some temple cards.
The 6 pm session was pretty full, but I got finished with that and got a bit done on my first person from Eppingen and was home in plenty of time to talk with my Sweetheart. I am grateful to be able to look forward to that peaceful conclusion to my day.
The next two hours I spent at the consultant desk with a sister who immigrated from Germany in the mid-80s. Most of the time we did not have guests to help, but one person wanted a letter translated--I could make out some of the words, but my lack of knowledge of the language overall interferes with transcribing that sort of thing. My abilities are still more focused on names, dates and places extracted from records of events, rather than the newsy things that turn genealogy into family history!
Lunch was early today, and when I returned I was floor manager. I actually got to help one of the access services missionaries find a place which used to be in Germany and now is in Poland--so some of my training is beginning to stick!
The next two hours I used to take a German Research class from the Learning Center, and write a report. This is necessary for Level 2 Certification. One of my trainers strongly encouraged me to do a review of the Family Tree training, even though I just had that in the Training Zone six weeks ago. That is the last step in Level 2 Certification if I understand the instructions correctly.
I actually went into my time as Rover with the class, but that position does not usually take a whole hour. Towards the end of the time, the Zone Leader asked me to write a small item about studying the Conference talks for our Mission Challenge. That was pretty simple to do, as I have read the talk by Elder Stevenson about Priesthood Keys and Authority several times. So I got that done, and then took some time to print out some temple cards.
The 6 pm session was pretty full, but I got finished with that and got a bit done on my first person from Eppingen and was home in plenty of time to talk with my Sweetheart. I am grateful to be able to look forward to that peaceful conclusion to my day.
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