I am so glad that my Sweetheart suggested nearly a year ago that we pray together every night. Last night his prayer for me was powerful--and this morning I was already feeling better. I will still do what I can to take care of myself--I just walked in the apartment this morning and did isometrics, instead of going outside to climb the steps, and mostly I avoided the tempting sweets that were available both early and late today.
At the Library our floor celebrated the 102nd birthday of a guest who used to be a missionary, and still comes in to do research in German several days a week. Her celebration included a visit from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. I had to leave to fill a position before he arrived, but as I was headed for my post I passed within five feet of him. He looks the same in person close up as he does during conference, in case anyone wonders. The report I heard of his remarks was very nice, and if I get a copy I will try to share that.
After the little meeting, we had a luncheon in the guest's honor, with lots of good food. I like sauerkraut and sausage, but I had never prepared it with thick slices of apples--really tasty!
FamilySearch site was not working today--there was a maintenance upgrade last night, and apparently the computers were not happy! Very few of the guests stayed unless they were working on microfilms. My stint as a pager was less productive than usual, although I did get my report on our study group written and emailed. But one of the other missionaries took over so that I could have lunch, which was very nice of him.
I did put in several hours in the Training room, and our 4 new missionaries all finished their Level 1 training! Since they started just last week, that was pretty impressive!
In the afternoon I was able to help one of the new Trainers get started creating a PowerPoint. She caught on really quickly, and I was able to show her a few tricks I knew. Then she even figured out something that I had not, so I feel she will do just fine taking over the in-service PowerPoint duties. She has also begun working as a certifier, another happy occurance. Some of my fellow missionaries have expressed how they would like me to stay--but I remind them that like other callings in the Church, someone else will have a different take on certain things and that will probably be exactly what is needed at the time. I feel I have been doing what I was sent here to do--and when it is time to leave, I will do so without regrets.
I decided I felt well enough to go to the temple, and although it took a long time because there were many patrons, I am glad I went.
After supper I went to a get-together with my MTC group. That was very nice. We just had a mini-buffet meal, and talked about possible outings together for March and April. In March we will probably tour the Church History Library. Two of the three couples in our group will be leaving the same time I do at the end of April. Then there will just be one couple, and 4 single sisters left from out group.
The time is going swiftly--which is very nice. I am not at all unhappy about that!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
It is No Fun Feeling Sick. 27 February 2017
When I awaoke around 4 this morning I had such a coughing spell that I figured out there was no way I would be able to sing. So I decided to skip choir practice at 6. In fact I went back to bed and awoke at about 7--and I never sleep soundly in the morning unless I am sick. I looked out the window, and sure enough, the predicted snow had arrived and was still coming down. I decided I would not walk the quarter of a mile to Mission Devotional, but would just go in to the Library at my scheduled time of 9.
It turned out to be a good thing for phone calls. My oldest called and we talked for quite a while. She told me she was glad I decided to take care of myself. We talked also of future plans--and we will all be glad when my Sweetheart and I have a firm wedding date.
I got to talk quite a while with my Sweetheart a little later in the morning, more than we usually get to on Monday, which was very nice.
The first couple of hours at the Library were not too bad, but I spent most of my lunch hour in the lounge, where I did fall asleep at least briefly. Then I had a stint as Monitor, and then a Trainers meeting to attend. Some good things were accomplished in the Trainers meeting, but towards the end I started with a coughing spell so I had to leave. I did not leave immediately for the apartment, but before 3:30 I realized my thinking was fuzzy and since almost nothing was happening with guests--the snow storm seems to have kept people away--I left.
When I got to the apartment I remembered that I had some turkey soup in the freezer from Thanksgiving--so I heated that up for my late lunch. Then I took a nap, hoping to sleep for 2 hours, but managing only about one hour.
I tried to nap again, but was not successful, so I have been working on attaching some pictures of records to persons in my Family Tree so that I can get the photos off my iPad. Yesterday I got a notice that my storage was nearly used up, so that is imperative.
Once I Skype with my Sweetheart I will head for bed, and I hope to feel better in the morning.
It turned out to be a good thing for phone calls. My oldest called and we talked for quite a while. She told me she was glad I decided to take care of myself. We talked also of future plans--and we will all be glad when my Sweetheart and I have a firm wedding date.
I got to talk quite a while with my Sweetheart a little later in the morning, more than we usually get to on Monday, which was very nice.
The first couple of hours at the Library were not too bad, but I spent most of my lunch hour in the lounge, where I did fall asleep at least briefly. Then I had a stint as Monitor, and then a Trainers meeting to attend. Some good things were accomplished in the Trainers meeting, but towards the end I started with a coughing spell so I had to leave. I did not leave immediately for the apartment, but before 3:30 I realized my thinking was fuzzy and since almost nothing was happening with guests--the snow storm seems to have kept people away--I left.
When I got to the apartment I remembered that I had some turkey soup in the freezer from Thanksgiving--so I heated that up for my late lunch. Then I took a nap, hoping to sleep for 2 hours, but managing only about one hour.
I tried to nap again, but was not successful, so I have been working on attaching some pictures of records to persons in my Family Tree so that I can get the photos off my iPad. Yesterday I got a notice that my storage was nearly used up, so that is imperative.
Once I Skype with my Sweetheart I will head for bed, and I hope to feel better in the morning.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
All Elders Got Fed--I think! 26 February 2017
I went to the Tabernacle expecting just to be there for the rehearsal, because I have still been fighting coughing. But I got through the rehearsal without coughing, and I was in the middle of the back row, so I decided to stay--only to begin coughing once the actual broadcast started! It was a blessing that one of the senior elders was sitting next to me and he offered me a cough drop. Like aprons and umbrellas I have issues with coughdrops. However, I put aside my prejudices and took and used the cough drop.
I found to my surprise that the cough drop did calm my cough, and did not taste too terribly bad, and I got through the rest of the broadcast. I worried when they announced they needed to redo part of a song--but it was not one that I had started coughing in.
I thought that the Young Elder Dinners were quite well under control so I did not take any of the materials along. Not the best idea. I did have the information in electronic form, but I could not initially access it after one of the Young Elders came and told me he and his companion had not gotten their invitation in a timely manner. So I talked with the branch president, and made an announcement in Relief Society. I only got one phone call with a concern, so I guess the Young Elders all got fed. I had been invited many weeks ago to help feed one set of elders, so I enjoyed a Ukrainian dinner.
I just finished talking with my youngest daughter, and I will talk soon with my Sweetheart. Then off to bed to get ready for an early Monday, and another week.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Another Ortssippenbuch! 25 February 2017
Great was my surprise this morning when I looked for the Eppingen book on the shelf--and it was missing! The last time that happened it had been turned in for repairs and I did not get it back for many weeks! I could not report this until a little later in the morning when the Access Services people arrive, so I found looked up and found the Ortssippenbuch from Friesenheim, another village or town in Baden where a different line originated. I ended up spending most of my research time on this town. The head of our floor's Access Services did find the Eppingen book, which had just been misfiled, but I think I can get through Friesenheim fairly quickly.
My good intentions of working in the microfilms on my surname line just did not happen. I am just not feeling as well as usual, having developed a lot of drainage which leads to coughing. I had thought this was just a few days, but as I am writing this I realize that last Sunday I was a little worried that I would cough during the Tabernacle Choir broadcast--so I have been fighting this for a week already.
At prayer meeting the person scheduled to give the spiritual thought did not show up, so I offered to talk. I did not really know what I would talk about, but a prayer in the 20 second walk to the podium helped me think of something that went along with our scripture for the month: 2 Timothy 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. A few years ago as a new year approached I realized that I had gotten into the habit of complaining quite a bit, so I came up with a motto: Smile More, Complain Less. I actually was successful in implementing that motto for a good portion of the year.
However, life happened, and I found myself slipping back into depressive thoughts, as I am prone to do. It was not until last summer, after many months of wonderful miracles that brought my Sweetheart and me together that I formulated another motto: Fear Less, Trust More. Apparently these mottos touched some of the other missionaries, since several of them thanked me for the thought. I was grateful that the Spirit brought that to my mind.
This afternoon I spent about 2 1/2 hours on research, and then for about 45 minutes I reviewed some training with one of the elders who, like me, had not had a very easy time of figuring out the order in which books should be shelved in the library. Also like me, his attitude was "All I have to do is know where to find the books, and I can do that, so why do I need to learn this extra stuff!" Anyway, earlier in the week I had prepared myself to better understand the procedure, and once I presented just a few pointers to him, he caught on quickly and redid the worksheet without much difficulty. One of the other Trainers had already worked with him on the Family Tree checklist, so he has passed Level 2 despite initial reluctance.
I worked a little while longer on the Friesenheim material, and then I left a bit early so that I could go to the 4 pm session at the temple. It was not a very big session, so I was back to the apartment by about 6:15. I had some supper, and then prepared some cabbage salad and a tomato dish to take to a Young Elder Dinner hosted by my Ukrainian friend. It is the first time she will do one of the dinners.
My Sweetheart and I just talked for a nice while--we did not get to talk this morning--and enjoyed some reminiscing about our time together last year. I am very grateful for the opportunity we also have to pray together. That is a very good way to end the day.
My good intentions of working in the microfilms on my surname line just did not happen. I am just not feeling as well as usual, having developed a lot of drainage which leads to coughing. I had thought this was just a few days, but as I am writing this I realize that last Sunday I was a little worried that I would cough during the Tabernacle Choir broadcast--so I have been fighting this for a week already.
At prayer meeting the person scheduled to give the spiritual thought did not show up, so I offered to talk. I did not really know what I would talk about, but a prayer in the 20 second walk to the podium helped me think of something that went along with our scripture for the month: 2 Timothy 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. A few years ago as a new year approached I realized that I had gotten into the habit of complaining quite a bit, so I came up with a motto: Smile More, Complain Less. I actually was successful in implementing that motto for a good portion of the year.
However, life happened, and I found myself slipping back into depressive thoughts, as I am prone to do. It was not until last summer, after many months of wonderful miracles that brought my Sweetheart and me together that I formulated another motto: Fear Less, Trust More. Apparently these mottos touched some of the other missionaries, since several of them thanked me for the thought. I was grateful that the Spirit brought that to my mind.
This afternoon I spent about 2 1/2 hours on research, and then for about 45 minutes I reviewed some training with one of the elders who, like me, had not had a very easy time of figuring out the order in which books should be shelved in the library. Also like me, his attitude was "All I have to do is know where to find the books, and I can do that, so why do I need to learn this extra stuff!" Anyway, earlier in the week I had prepared myself to better understand the procedure, and once I presented just a few pointers to him, he caught on quickly and redid the worksheet without much difficulty. One of the other Trainers had already worked with him on the Family Tree checklist, so he has passed Level 2 despite initial reluctance.
I worked a little while longer on the Friesenheim material, and then I left a bit early so that I could go to the 4 pm session at the temple. It was not a very big session, so I was back to the apartment by about 6:15. I had some supper, and then prepared some cabbage salad and a tomato dish to take to a Young Elder Dinner hosted by my Ukrainian friend. It is the first time she will do one of the dinners.
My Sweetheart and I just talked for a nice while--we did not get to talk this morning--and enjoyed some reminiscing about our time together last year. I am very grateful for the opportunity we also have to pray together. That is a very good way to end the day.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Snow in the Morning, Sunshine in Late Afternoon. 24 February 2017
Going in to the Library today I never suspected that when I came out I would see lovely sunshine--even close to evening. I may be wrong, but it seems that there are more daylight hours here in the winter than back in Missouri. Maybe it has to do with the position in the time zone--or maybe not. Anyway, snow was no longer falling, the snow on the car was almost all gone, and tpday was the expiration date on the coupon for an inexpensive haircut. All of this encouraged me to travel to get a haircut. This particular chain has instituted online checkin, which I do not actually use, so I was told it would be a 90 minute wait. I opted to walk to a nearby grocery store, and on the way back I figured if the wait would still be extensive I would cancel.
The universe was still conspiring to get me a haircut--because in the 20 minutes I was gone, the wait time dropped to about 15 minutes! My hair was cut and I was back at the apartment in about an hour. I opted for a shorter cut than I am used to getting, partly because the dry weather out here does not seem to help me with controlling my sometimes difficult hair. Actually, as I recall pictures of me as a child, I think I have often had issues along this line. I am hoping that back in the more humid Missouri, some of the control will return--we shall see.
I spent a lot of time in the Training room today. Our new missionaries have been making good progress, and three of them turned in their Level 1 work to me. Because I was scheduled there for a lot of the time I was able to go through things almost like tutoring--except all of them decided to get in on the lessons! It was kind of fun, as this group is quite cohesive, similar to our last group. They are fun to work with. They seem to like my style of interacting with them, maybe because I can relate to some of the memory issues they have, and the frustrations of instructions not making sense.
Of course, as I prepare more in-service lessons I find that it is really difficult to remember to include all the knowledge points one wants to impart. And sometimes, I just get things wrong. At the morning in-service I learned that there are not just two ways to search Ancestry's card catalog--there are multiple ways! In addition, one can view one's own tree even in ancestryinstitution--you just cannot attach sources or manipulate the data! So I now feel more empathy for those who are trying to implement the e-training for FamilySearch. I had not been scheduled to give the in-service this morning, but the display computer was not working so I did it as a hands-on class, which worked out really well, and was easier for me than for the person scheduled to do the lesson.
I had time at lunch to text birthday greetings to my granddaughter and to a long-time friend. Now I am just waiting for my nightly call from my Sweetheart. Even though tomorrow the Library does not open until 9, I am quite tired. I stayed about 90 minutes over to do more of my Eppingen research. I was able to fix two more incorrectly attached people, without going down to Escalation, Tomorrow I expect to attend the temple, as I should be able to get to the 5 p.m. session.
The universe was still conspiring to get me a haircut--because in the 20 minutes I was gone, the wait time dropped to about 15 minutes! My hair was cut and I was back at the apartment in about an hour. I opted for a shorter cut than I am used to getting, partly because the dry weather out here does not seem to help me with controlling my sometimes difficult hair. Actually, as I recall pictures of me as a child, I think I have often had issues along this line. I am hoping that back in the more humid Missouri, some of the control will return--we shall see.
I spent a lot of time in the Training room today. Our new missionaries have been making good progress, and three of them turned in their Level 1 work to me. Because I was scheduled there for a lot of the time I was able to go through things almost like tutoring--except all of them decided to get in on the lessons! It was kind of fun, as this group is quite cohesive, similar to our last group. They are fun to work with. They seem to like my style of interacting with them, maybe because I can relate to some of the memory issues they have, and the frustrations of instructions not making sense.
Of course, as I prepare more in-service lessons I find that it is really difficult to remember to include all the knowledge points one wants to impart. And sometimes, I just get things wrong. At the morning in-service I learned that there are not just two ways to search Ancestry's card catalog--there are multiple ways! In addition, one can view one's own tree even in ancestryinstitution--you just cannot attach sources or manipulate the data! So I now feel more empathy for those who are trying to implement the e-training for FamilySearch. I had not been scheduled to give the in-service this morning, but the display computer was not working so I did it as a hands-on class, which worked out really well, and was easier for me than for the person scheduled to do the lesson.
I had time at lunch to text birthday greetings to my granddaughter and to a long-time friend. Now I am just waiting for my nightly call from my Sweetheart. Even though tomorrow the Library does not open until 9, I am quite tired. I stayed about 90 minutes over to do more of my Eppingen research. I was able to fix two more incorrectly attached people, without going down to Escalation, Tomorrow I expect to attend the temple, as I should be able to get to the 5 p.m. session.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
A Prayer Answered and Productive Research. 23 February 2017
Late last night I sent out the notices of which missionaries were assigned to the Young Elder Dinner hosts. Earlier in the week I had sent out preliminary notices, and thought I had gotten the OK from every host. Imagine my shock when the first email I got this morning was a sister who said she did not remember signing up and she could not provide dinner this Sunday! Panic set in and I immediately tried to figure out how we would work around this, since two of the elders involved were not ones who had already been fed this month.
I just was at a loss as to what to do, so I prayed. I do pray every day, but usually not quite like I did this time. A short time later I was doing my plank exercise, during which time I sometimes can check email on my phone. This time in reading the sister's message I realized she really was not the one who had signed up--her email just started out the same, so I had sent it to her and not to the person I had called to check with Tuesday because I had not gotten a response! Duh!!!
Anyway, I was able to give heartfelt thanks to Heavenly Father for helping me see what I needed to see. And it taught me yet another lesson--before I send out the emails, I really must double check that they are addressed correctly.
Another blessing was that later in the morning I was looking everywhere I could think of for my heavier gloves. We got several inches of snow last night [as interesting type of snow that looked like little balls of styrofoam!], and I knew the gloves had to be here somewhere. All of a sudden I realized I had not looked in a particular drawer--and there they were!
I got to talk quite a while with one of my friends back in St. Louis. We had a lot to catch up on, so by the time I finished, the time I had hoped to go to the temple was long gone. The other place I had planned to go to was the Library. As it was rather late, I decided I would go to the Library first. I never got to the temple, because I worked for several hours on untangling a mess in a couple of records. Then as I was about to leave, I discovered that the same problem had occurred in another line, so I just stayed there until nearly supper time. I was very glad that the microfilm was still available. I looked at four or five of the rolls to solve the problems.
In the first instance there was an incorrect indexing of the record. A death date recorded on a christening record was mis-interpreted. Instead of the indexer recording the correct date of 1857, it was recorded as 1897! That would have put the woman's age at death at 109! As it was, she lived to be 69, which seems pretty long for that time period. However, I have found that a lot of my ancestors have lived to be fairly elderly. Now that I have my Sweetheart, I am glad I had long-lived ancestors!
I was hoping to dig out the car tomorrow--but we are due for several more inches of snow, and snow every day for a while, so whatever I need will just have to wait. I am blessed to have plenty of food, and very few other needs. I am most grateful to have a warm place to stay, to be so close to the Library and the temple, and to have electronic devices that helpo me keep in touch with my Sweetheart, my family and friends.
I just was at a loss as to what to do, so I prayed. I do pray every day, but usually not quite like I did this time. A short time later I was doing my plank exercise, during which time I sometimes can check email on my phone. This time in reading the sister's message I realized she really was not the one who had signed up--her email just started out the same, so I had sent it to her and not to the person I had called to check with Tuesday because I had not gotten a response! Duh!!!
Anyway, I was able to give heartfelt thanks to Heavenly Father for helping me see what I needed to see. And it taught me yet another lesson--before I send out the emails, I really must double check that they are addressed correctly.
Another blessing was that later in the morning I was looking everywhere I could think of for my heavier gloves. We got several inches of snow last night [as interesting type of snow that looked like little balls of styrofoam!], and I knew the gloves had to be here somewhere. All of a sudden I realized I had not looked in a particular drawer--and there they were!
I got to talk quite a while with one of my friends back in St. Louis. We had a lot to catch up on, so by the time I finished, the time I had hoped to go to the temple was long gone. The other place I had planned to go to was the Library. As it was rather late, I decided I would go to the Library first. I never got to the temple, because I worked for several hours on untangling a mess in a couple of records. Then as I was about to leave, I discovered that the same problem had occurred in another line, so I just stayed there until nearly supper time. I was very glad that the microfilm was still available. I looked at four or five of the rolls to solve the problems.
In the first instance there was an incorrect indexing of the record. A death date recorded on a christening record was mis-interpreted. Instead of the indexer recording the correct date of 1857, it was recorded as 1897! That would have put the woman's age at death at 109! As it was, she lived to be 69, which seems pretty long for that time period. However, I have found that a lot of my ancestors have lived to be fairly elderly. Now that I have my Sweetheart, I am glad I had long-lived ancestors!
I was hoping to dig out the car tomorrow--but we are due for several more inches of snow, and snow every day for a while, so whatever I need will just have to wait. I am blessed to have plenty of food, and very few other needs. I am most grateful to have a warm place to stay, to be so close to the Library and the temple, and to have electronic devices that helpo me keep in touch with my Sweetheart, my family and friends.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Training New Missionaries and My Replacement. 22 February 2017
I am glad my P day is tomorrow, even though I have to get up early for my once-a-month cleaning assignment. We are due for a snow storm! After quite balmy weather, the winter weather has returned.
This morning I gave the in-service lesson and had a bit of one-on-one with a sister, forgetting momentarily that I had new missionaries to train! So I was about 5 minutes late into the training room, but for the next two hours I got to do some serious tutoring. One of the missionaries is hard of hearing and so appreciated individual attention. They made some good progress in their training, and will shortly be through with Level 1, and go back to working on Basic Training.
After those 2 hours I was Pager for an hour, and blessedly missed an issue with someone who could not speak English and was looking for a living person, not a deceased one!
Today was my day to work as a certifier, and I had a new certifier shadowing me. The first missionary I had finished off her modules, but the second had some issues, so she will have to come back to finish up.
In choir practice we got new music, and also learned that for the Devotional the day after Easter we will be doing five pieces, several of which we have not done before. So we will have our work cut out for us.
After supper I went to train the person who will be taking over the Young Elders Dinner program. This morning I got the transfers sheet, but did not have any time for prep, really. The new person worked though the procedure and did quite well. I think the program will be in good hands. However, I still need to get emails out tonight to the host families. Since I have already talked with my Sweetheart, I will bid you all good night!
This morning I gave the in-service lesson and had a bit of one-on-one with a sister, forgetting momentarily that I had new missionaries to train! So I was about 5 minutes late into the training room, but for the next two hours I got to do some serious tutoring. One of the missionaries is hard of hearing and so appreciated individual attention. They made some good progress in their training, and will shortly be through with Level 1, and go back to working on Basic Training.
After those 2 hours I was Pager for an hour, and blessedly missed an issue with someone who could not speak English and was looking for a living person, not a deceased one!
Today was my day to work as a certifier, and I had a new certifier shadowing me. The first missionary I had finished off her modules, but the second had some issues, so she will have to come back to finish up.
In choir practice we got new music, and also learned that for the Devotional the day after Easter we will be doing five pieces, several of which we have not done before. So we will have our work cut out for us.
After supper I went to train the person who will be taking over the Young Elders Dinner program. This morning I got the transfers sheet, but did not have any time for prep, really. The new person worked though the procedure and did quite well. I think the program will be in good hands. However, I still need to get emails out tonight to the host families. Since I have already talked with my Sweetheart, I will bid you all good night!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Quite a Lovely Birthday! 21 February 2017
The first text message I got wishing me Happy Birthday was from my youngest daughter, the first phone call was from my Sweetheart, the first phone message was from my oldest daughter, and in the middle of the day I got to talk with my middle daughter!
Happy Birthday was sung to me at both prayer meetings, and one of my mission friends brought chocolate cake balls to celebrate, and insisted I take a few extras for tomorrow! Her cake balls are just the best!
I brought treats to share in the lunch room--the things I wanted to eat--explaining that I had worked in a school, and in school you bring treats to celebrate your birthday! I did overindulge in the mix of dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips--along with the cake balls. But other people seemed to like that, too, and this way I will not just eat them all myself!
I did have a committee meeting to attend in the afternoon, which would have interfered with my going to the mission office to turn in a receipt for reimbursement, but due to the holiday yesterday, the other trainer needed the Trainers computer, and our new missionaries had their Monday training today--so I got to take care of that business in the morning. The meeting actually was not too bad--I am trying to have a better attitude about such meetings--and I was even able to contribute something of substance to the discussions.
Once my shift was over I talked quite a while with my youngest daughter, and then I went to the temple for a little while. A rainy evening made for less patrons, so I got back to the apartment in good order. I had time to check my mail where a card from my Sweetheart and another from my oldest daughter were waiting. An ecard from my big sister was very nice to receive, and an email from my big brother,too, as well as email greetings from my most faithful high school friend, and Facebook messages, too. My dear missionary even left me a phone message, singing Happy Birthday--and when we got to talk he said he and his dear wife definitely plan to come to the wedding!
So it has been a very lovely birthday all around. It will end with a prayer with my Sweetheart--the perfect way to end the day.
Happy Birthday was sung to me at both prayer meetings, and one of my mission friends brought chocolate cake balls to celebrate, and insisted I take a few extras for tomorrow! Her cake balls are just the best!
I brought treats to share in the lunch room--the things I wanted to eat--explaining that I had worked in a school, and in school you bring treats to celebrate your birthday! I did overindulge in the mix of dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips--along with the cake balls. But other people seemed to like that, too, and this way I will not just eat them all myself!
I did have a committee meeting to attend in the afternoon, which would have interfered with my going to the mission office to turn in a receipt for reimbursement, but due to the holiday yesterday, the other trainer needed the Trainers computer, and our new missionaries had their Monday training today--so I got to take care of that business in the morning. The meeting actually was not too bad--I am trying to have a better attitude about such meetings--and I was even able to contribute something of substance to the discussions.
Once my shift was over I talked quite a while with my youngest daughter, and then I went to the temple for a little while. A rainy evening made for less patrons, so I got back to the apartment in good order. I had time to check my mail where a card from my Sweetheart and another from my oldest daughter were waiting. An ecard from my big sister was very nice to receive, and an email from my big brother,too, as well as email greetings from my most faithful high school friend, and Facebook messages, too. My dear missionary even left me a phone message, singing Happy Birthday--and when we got to talk he said he and his dear wife definitely plan to come to the wedding!
So it has been a very lovely birthday all around. It will end with a prayer with my Sweetheart--the perfect way to end the day.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Last Holiday in Utah. 20 February 2017
This holiday began nicely with a phone call with my Sweetheart, and will end nicely with our Skype chat.
In between, I did get a load of laundry done. I was a little worried that the laundromat might be crowded as it always is on Saturday when a lot of missionaries have their P day. But I had plenty of machines to choose from, and I am glad I got that done.
I was hoping to meet with the sister who will take over the Young Elders Dinners responsibilities from me, but she did not respond to my text until late in the day, so instead we will meet for a while on Wednesday evening. I will have already gotten the transfers list by then, and may have already filled out the grid for the coming month. Since I have gotten positive responses from all but 3 of the hosts, I may be able to wait until I am with her to send out the emails with the elders assigned, and I do have some other tasks I can work on with her.
I texted another sister to invite her to go with me to the discount warehouse grocery store, with a proposed time. While waiting for a response I read some of our assigned readings for the quarter--and kept fighting to stay awake. Finally I decided to go to the Hispanic market to pick up oranges to take to the Library tomorrow, as they were quite inexpensive today. Then I had another store to go to, and while I was there the sister texted me. We ended up going together to the warehouse store and then came back to her place, where she prepared some fresh fruit, and root beer floats.
We also had a good talk about a situation that she is facing, and I did feel prompted to share a resource with her that may be helpful in solving the issue. I am glad she felt comfortable sharing her concern with me.
I hope you all had a nice Presidents Day.
In between, I did get a load of laundry done. I was a little worried that the laundromat might be crowded as it always is on Saturday when a lot of missionaries have their P day. But I had plenty of machines to choose from, and I am glad I got that done.
I was hoping to meet with the sister who will take over the Young Elders Dinners responsibilities from me, but she did not respond to my text until late in the day, so instead we will meet for a while on Wednesday evening. I will have already gotten the transfers list by then, and may have already filled out the grid for the coming month. Since I have gotten positive responses from all but 3 of the hosts, I may be able to wait until I am with her to send out the emails with the elders assigned, and I do have some other tasks I can work on with her.
I texted another sister to invite her to go with me to the discount warehouse grocery store, with a proposed time. While waiting for a response I read some of our assigned readings for the quarter--and kept fighting to stay awake. Finally I decided to go to the Hispanic market to pick up oranges to take to the Library tomorrow, as they were quite inexpensive today. Then I had another store to go to, and while I was there the sister texted me. We ended up going together to the warehouse store and then came back to her place, where she prepared some fresh fruit, and root beer floats.
We also had a good talk about a situation that she is facing, and I did feel prompted to share a resource with her that may be helpful in solving the issue. I am glad she felt comfortable sharing her concern with me.
I hope you all had a nice Presidents Day.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Meeting Fellow Missourians and Facilitating Y.E. Dinners. 19 February 2017
Music & the Spoken Word had a patriotic theme today in honor of the Presidents Day holiday tomorrow. The rendition of God Bless America was especially touching.
I had spoken quite a while with my oldest daughter before going to the Tabernacle, so I had not prepared anything for the "emergency" dinner I was planning to host this afteroon. That turned out to be a blessing, as shortly after I returned I received a phone call from a sister who had not been on my list but had food to share with a set of Young Elders. So I made yet another trip to the apartment building across the courtyard to explain that a sister with lots of food wanted to share it with them, so they should go to her place and not mine. I called the two sisters who had been planning to help me, and they were fine with helping another time.
That meant that I now have the makings for at least two and maybe three dinners in my freezer, and also meant I could join another dinner with my Louisiana sister. Although she had more than enough food planned already, I made the crustless apple pie with apples I got yesterday at the market. It turned out pretty well, and was my contribution to a nice meal.
I did the Preach My Gospel Sunday School meeting with one of the sisters who had been planning to help me host the dinner, so I got to ask if she would be able to help with a special situation next week. That did not fit her schedule, so I was looking for two sisters who previously indicated a desire to help with a dinner. I noticed where both of those sisters were sitting, and after Relief Society I approached each of them to ask of their availability next week. I was also able to introduce them to the sister who needed help--and they all knew each other already! It was fun to watch them interact and eagerly plan the dinner.
I walked back to the apartment with one of those sisters. In the course of our conversation the Mississippi River was mentioned--and I said, "I live about 1 mile from the Mississippi River in Missouri."
As it turns out, that sister has lived in the same small city I live in! She still has family in Missouri, and I know her daughter and son-in-law from my attendance at the Saint Louis Temple!
Then at the dinner I went to, I learned that the other sister was also from Missouri! I am glad I got to know that they were from back home!
We had a visit in sacrament meeting from the apostle, Elder Quentin L. Cook. He is the head of a Family History committee, and came to thank us for our service in family history, and especially at Roots Tech. So I was glad I did my volunteer bag-stuffing [although I sort of got paid by getting to go to Roots Tech for free]. He told us something interesting. Since 2011 when the first Roots Tech was held, the number of family names submitted for temple work has tripled. I know that I certainly have submitted more since being on this mission, although I probably will not any time soon pass up the numbers of names I submitted in the early years after I joined the Church. But cleaning up records I do a lot of, along with indexing.
Speaking of indexing, I did not get to do any this morning, so I think I will close this blog post and do a little before my Sweetheart calls.
I had spoken quite a while with my oldest daughter before going to the Tabernacle, so I had not prepared anything for the "emergency" dinner I was planning to host this afteroon. That turned out to be a blessing, as shortly after I returned I received a phone call from a sister who had not been on my list but had food to share with a set of Young Elders. So I made yet another trip to the apartment building across the courtyard to explain that a sister with lots of food wanted to share it with them, so they should go to her place and not mine. I called the two sisters who had been planning to help me, and they were fine with helping another time.
That meant that I now have the makings for at least two and maybe three dinners in my freezer, and also meant I could join another dinner with my Louisiana sister. Although she had more than enough food planned already, I made the crustless apple pie with apples I got yesterday at the market. It turned out pretty well, and was my contribution to a nice meal.
I did the Preach My Gospel Sunday School meeting with one of the sisters who had been planning to help me host the dinner, so I got to ask if she would be able to help with a special situation next week. That did not fit her schedule, so I was looking for two sisters who previously indicated a desire to help with a dinner. I noticed where both of those sisters were sitting, and after Relief Society I approached each of them to ask of their availability next week. I was also able to introduce them to the sister who needed help--and they all knew each other already! It was fun to watch them interact and eagerly plan the dinner.
I walked back to the apartment with one of those sisters. In the course of our conversation the Mississippi River was mentioned--and I said, "I live about 1 mile from the Mississippi River in Missouri."
As it turns out, that sister has lived in the same small city I live in! She still has family in Missouri, and I know her daughter and son-in-law from my attendance at the Saint Louis Temple!
Then at the dinner I went to, I learned that the other sister was also from Missouri! I am glad I got to know that they were from back home!
We had a visit in sacrament meeting from the apostle, Elder Quentin L. Cook. He is the head of a Family History committee, and came to thank us for our service in family history, and especially at Roots Tech. So I was glad I did my volunteer bag-stuffing [although I sort of got paid by getting to go to Roots Tech for free]. He told us something interesting. Since 2011 when the first Roots Tech was held, the number of family names submitted for temple work has tripled. I know that I certainly have submitted more since being on this mission, although I probably will not any time soon pass up the numbers of names I submitted in the early years after I joined the Church. But cleaning up records I do a lot of, along with indexing.
Speaking of indexing, I did not get to do any this morning, so I think I will close this blog post and do a little before my Sweetheart calls.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Getting Ready for Unexpected Guests. 18 February 2017
I got a phone call this morning informing me that the one dinner host I had not heard from was ill--and could not feed the two elders she had been assigned for tomorrow. That will teach me that I must make contact with all the people who signed up before Friday noon when the elders get their invitations!
I decided to attempt to share the blessings and ask one of the sisters who signed up to do dinner on short notice in such cases, but I still had not heard back from her at 5, so I called and she still did not know for sure. I thanked her, and then called two other sisters who live outside the meal boundaries [since the young elders have to walk to dinner appointments, and then they have a meeting later in the evening, one has to live fairly close to their appointments to serve as hosts, at least by location], and blessedly they both said yes. I assured them that they need not bring any food unless they wanted to--but I really needed them to come. The rules are to have 3 single sisters combine to host the dinners.
I did choose to go to the apartment before starting out on my shopping trip. I am glad I live in the same complex as the young elders, because I was able to stop by and tell one of the companionship of the change in plans. I now have access to information on where the various elders live in the complex, which had not previously been the case.
I set out for the market to pick up more apples, and I also decided to get carrots which were on an amazing sale. Then I headed for the store where I get rotisserie chicken. I was a little concerned they might not have any left, as it was getting late--but they had a nice selection. I also got some treats to take in to the Library on Tuesday.
Back at the apartment I spent an hour or so cleaning--vacuuming, etc., and also cooked some carrots. I had the mistaken notion that it would be better to cook them with the skins on--so taking those skins off after they were cooked took at least twice as long as if I had pared them first! I hope I remember this lesson for future reference!
I just finished talking with my Sweetheart, so time to close this and get ready for some shut eye!
I decided to attempt to share the blessings and ask one of the sisters who signed up to do dinner on short notice in such cases, but I still had not heard back from her at 5, so I called and she still did not know for sure. I thanked her, and then called two other sisters who live outside the meal boundaries [since the young elders have to walk to dinner appointments, and then they have a meeting later in the evening, one has to live fairly close to their appointments to serve as hosts, at least by location], and blessedly they both said yes. I assured them that they need not bring any food unless they wanted to--but I really needed them to come. The rules are to have 3 single sisters combine to host the dinners.
I did choose to go to the apartment before starting out on my shopping trip. I am glad I live in the same complex as the young elders, because I was able to stop by and tell one of the companionship of the change in plans. I now have access to information on where the various elders live in the complex, which had not previously been the case.
I set out for the market to pick up more apples, and I also decided to get carrots which were on an amazing sale. Then I headed for the store where I get rotisserie chicken. I was a little concerned they might not have any left, as it was getting late--but they had a nice selection. I also got some treats to take in to the Library on Tuesday.
Back at the apartment I spent an hour or so cleaning--vacuuming, etc., and also cooked some carrots. I had the mistaken notion that it would be better to cook them with the skins on--so taking those skins off after they were cooked took at least twice as long as if I had pared them first! I hope I remember this lesson for future reference!
I just finished talking with my Sweetheart, so time to close this and get ready for some shut eye!
Friday, February 17, 2017
Devising Solutions. 17 February 2017
I just discovered that yesterday's post did not publish--not that it probably matters all that much, but it is annoying.
This morning the cause of a major personal glitch was clarified, and seems to not be resolvable in a totally satisfactory way. I guess we need to just look for unapparent solutions.
I started working on my own research this morning, but realized that I had other duties to work on. So I asked one of the Nordic specialists to help me work on the Norway Case Study that had been assigned to me to review. What I discovered was that there was a much easier way to gain access to the records than what was described in the case study--and that a detailed list of instructions from the How to Guide would improve the case study very much. The way the case study is currently written causes confusion and frustration.
I find it interesting, but to me inconceivable, that some people seem to think that frustration enhances learning--"I think it is good for them to struggle." I suppose it is a way to look at "opposition in all things", but I just don't buy that reasoning.
Anyway, rather than just making a verbal report a week from Monday, I wrote up a proposed revision of the parts that in my opinion need to be fixed. It is better not to trust my memory about such things, even with notes. I think I write better than I speak, too.
I did work on my Eppingen records for the last half of my lunch hour--and did not realize I was 20 minutes past my lunch time until I noticed the clock! Then I remembered there was some paper work to correct for one of the missionaries. The first part was a worksheet on how to shelve books using library principles. Going over that was a good review for me, because I have another missionary to work with on that tomorrow--during part of my research time! So I do not feel too badly about doing the extra research today.
The China Case Study was included in the packet I was correcting. I think I need to get the missionary [she is Chinese-American] to help ME understand how she figured out how to answer some of the questions, because I could not figure it out myself. Even the German Case Study seemed to have some issues, although it was not quite as confusing.
This afternoon after I gave the in-service lesson I stayed for an hour to work on Eppingen. Then I talked with my youngest daughter. This evening I am just waiting for my Sweetheart to call. The Valentine card he sent me finally arrived. I am apparently having issues getting my mail again!
This morning the cause of a major personal glitch was clarified, and seems to not be resolvable in a totally satisfactory way. I guess we need to just look for unapparent solutions.
I started working on my own research this morning, but realized that I had other duties to work on. So I asked one of the Nordic specialists to help me work on the Norway Case Study that had been assigned to me to review. What I discovered was that there was a much easier way to gain access to the records than what was described in the case study--and that a detailed list of instructions from the How to Guide would improve the case study very much. The way the case study is currently written causes confusion and frustration.
I find it interesting, but to me inconceivable, that some people seem to think that frustration enhances learning--"I think it is good for them to struggle." I suppose it is a way to look at "opposition in all things", but I just don't buy that reasoning.
Anyway, rather than just making a verbal report a week from Monday, I wrote up a proposed revision of the parts that in my opinion need to be fixed. It is better not to trust my memory about such things, even with notes. I think I write better than I speak, too.
I did work on my Eppingen records for the last half of my lunch hour--and did not realize I was 20 minutes past my lunch time until I noticed the clock! Then I remembered there was some paper work to correct for one of the missionaries. The first part was a worksheet on how to shelve books using library principles. Going over that was a good review for me, because I have another missionary to work with on that tomorrow--during part of my research time! So I do not feel too badly about doing the extra research today.
The China Case Study was included in the packet I was correcting. I think I need to get the missionary [she is Chinese-American] to help ME understand how she figured out how to answer some of the questions, because I could not figure it out myself. Even the German Case Study seemed to have some issues, although it was not quite as confusing.
This afternoon after I gave the in-service lesson I stayed for an hour to work on Eppingen. Then I talked with my youngest daughter. This evening I am just waiting for my Sweetheart to call. The Valentine card he sent me finally arrived. I am apparently having issues getting my mail again!
Glitches Happen. Family History Takes the Mind off Glitches. 16 February 2017
The morning started with good news and bad news. The good news is very, very good, and we will figure out a way to deal with the bad news.
After talking with my Sweetheart this morning, I went to the temple. The session was very large, and I realized that if I had been thinking more clearly I would have gone instead on Saturday with my zone. That would have given me an extra 2 hours of working with my Eppingen people. As it was I put in between 5 and 6 hours at the Library cleaning up records and attaching pictures that will be turned into sources. That was probably enough time. I will have about four hours to work on Saturday afternoon. I remember another missionary who was getting ready to go home who came at every possible moment to research another set of German records. Now I know why, as the urgency is quite apparent.
I did take some time to talk with my oldest daughter and my youngest daughter this afternoon. I ended up eating at the Library and succumbed to the temptation of a dreamsicle--the takeaway is that is I want to indulge I should just go for the fudgesicle instead!
I decided to go to the market this evenig--but it had closed in support of immigrants! At least the car got run a bit. I do not think I will make it out again until next week. When I got home I sent off the Young Elder Dinner invitations.
Soon I will get to talk with my Sweetheart again.
After talking with my Sweetheart this morning, I went to the temple. The session was very large, and I realized that if I had been thinking more clearly I would have gone instead on Saturday with my zone. That would have given me an extra 2 hours of working with my Eppingen people. As it was I put in between 5 and 6 hours at the Library cleaning up records and attaching pictures that will be turned into sources. That was probably enough time. I will have about four hours to work on Saturday afternoon. I remember another missionary who was getting ready to go home who came at every possible moment to research another set of German records. Now I know why, as the urgency is quite apparent.
I did take some time to talk with my oldest daughter and my youngest daughter this afternoon. I ended up eating at the Library and succumbed to the temptation of a dreamsicle--the takeaway is that is I want to indulge I should just go for the fudgesicle instead!
I decided to go to the market this evenig--but it had closed in support of immigrants! At least the car got run a bit. I do not think I will make it out again until next week. When I got home I sent off the Young Elder Dinner invitations.
Soon I will get to talk with my Sweetheart again.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Helping Several Guests and Newer Missionaries. 15 February 2017
I got a very nice surprise this morning as my Sweetheart called me inbetween the end of his shift and a mandatory meeting at his work. He also sent me an e-card for Valentine's Day, since my mail is being silly again and not arriving in timely fashion. We will talk again tonight, but it is so nice to have two times to talk.
One of the newer missionaries was having difficulty learning how to use the FamilySearch Catalog, so she had made an appointment to work with me on that. We spent nearly an hour and a half, until she felt comfortable with the search process. Since I felt I needed to read nearly every word of the training with her, I learned some refinements to my own search techniques--happy day!
I worked one-on-one with another missionary learning about Google searches, but we put off going over how to shelve books in the Library. I do agree with him that the worksheet is frustrating and we are not supposed to reshelve the books, so the need to learn this is not immediately intuitive. But he is willing to work on it Saturday, his other day to work.
I was supposed to be pager according to my schedule, but instead I took the place of one of the specialists who needed to prepare for a class she was teaching. That actually gave me the chance to help two guests, and at least observe an Elijah moment. The first guest wondered if she could access a particular set of online records, and I worked around a restriction for her. She had actually come to the Library to do some work for a friend, but the friend had not given her enough information, so she was waiting for a phone call and decided to try to find a marriage record for a relative who had been elusive. She found the record, and learned how to copy it and print it. She was very excited to have found the information, and a second friend who was with her said, "See? Everything happens for a reason. Because you had to wait for the other information, you found this record for your own family!"
Another guest had German record printouts that she needed to have translated. I worked with her for about an hour, translating most of the information on half a dozen records from Mecklenburg-Schwering where my surname originates. At the end of the hour I was able to page a specialist to translate a few place names.
It was my lunch hour, but I needed to contact some people concerning the Young Elder Dinners, so I went to B2, the British floor, and made those connections. Then I decided to walk home for lunch. The day was cool, but very pleasant.
Then I left a little early to go to choir practice because I decided I would go ahead with making sign-up sheets for several months for the Young Elder Dinners. That will allow the new person some breathing room in getting used to this work. Last night I did finish up a kind of spreadsheet for the process, but I learned today that transfers are next Tuesday already, so a lot of that information is likely to change! Oh, well, it was good practice.
The Elijah Choir did better with the version of "Be Still My Soul" since we had an extra half-hour of practice. The speaker at the Conference, Sister Nelson, did vary her talk somewhat. I was glad to have the opportunity to hear the different talks.
In the practice after conference we learned two new pieces, since next Monday is a holiday and we will not have practice. I like the music for both of the new pieces. After practice I talked with the person in charge of special musical numbers in our Sunday Branch meetings. I will be singing my Testimony of Christ medley of scripture melodies some time in March.
I have a batch of sweetened flaxseed crackers in the oven, and I got a load of laundry done this evening. I look forward to a nice P day tomorrow.
One of the newer missionaries was having difficulty learning how to use the FamilySearch Catalog, so she had made an appointment to work with me on that. We spent nearly an hour and a half, until she felt comfortable with the search process. Since I felt I needed to read nearly every word of the training with her, I learned some refinements to my own search techniques--happy day!
I worked one-on-one with another missionary learning about Google searches, but we put off going over how to shelve books in the Library. I do agree with him that the worksheet is frustrating and we are not supposed to reshelve the books, so the need to learn this is not immediately intuitive. But he is willing to work on it Saturday, his other day to work.
I was supposed to be pager according to my schedule, but instead I took the place of one of the specialists who needed to prepare for a class she was teaching. That actually gave me the chance to help two guests, and at least observe an Elijah moment. The first guest wondered if she could access a particular set of online records, and I worked around a restriction for her. She had actually come to the Library to do some work for a friend, but the friend had not given her enough information, so she was waiting for a phone call and decided to try to find a marriage record for a relative who had been elusive. She found the record, and learned how to copy it and print it. She was very excited to have found the information, and a second friend who was with her said, "See? Everything happens for a reason. Because you had to wait for the other information, you found this record for your own family!"
Another guest had German record printouts that she needed to have translated. I worked with her for about an hour, translating most of the information on half a dozen records from Mecklenburg-Schwering where my surname originates. At the end of the hour I was able to page a specialist to translate a few place names.
It was my lunch hour, but I needed to contact some people concerning the Young Elder Dinners, so I went to B2, the British floor, and made those connections. Then I decided to walk home for lunch. The day was cool, but very pleasant.
Then I left a little early to go to choir practice because I decided I would go ahead with making sign-up sheets for several months for the Young Elder Dinners. That will allow the new person some breathing room in getting used to this work. Last night I did finish up a kind of spreadsheet for the process, but I learned today that transfers are next Tuesday already, so a lot of that information is likely to change! Oh, well, it was good practice.
The Elijah Choir did better with the version of "Be Still My Soul" since we had an extra half-hour of practice. The speaker at the Conference, Sister Nelson, did vary her talk somewhat. I was glad to have the opportunity to hear the different talks.
In the practice after conference we learned two new pieces, since next Monday is a holiday and we will not have practice. I like the music for both of the new pieces. After practice I talked with the person in charge of special musical numbers in our Sunday Branch meetings. I will be singing my Testimony of Christ medley of scripture melodies some time in March.
I have a batch of sweetened flaxseed crackers in the oven, and I got a load of laundry done this evening. I look forward to a nice P day tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Happy Valentine's Day and a Good Conference. 14 February 2017
Happy Valentine's Day! Mine started out sweetly with a call from my Sweetheart. It is truly a joy for us to get to talk even briefly in the morning, as well as in the evening. He also texted me during the day--I am so blessed! We will talk again this evening, and pray, after his shift at the temple, and before his shift at work.
I had the opportunity to give the spiritual thought in prayer meeting this morning. The topic was Friendship and Love:) I thought this was a nice day to be assigned that topic. I did briefly mention my Sweetheart, but I sang the first of the Scipture Melodies I composed back in 1997: Moroni 7:45 Charity. If anyone is interested 99 of 100 Scripture Mastery passages set to music are available on my You Tube channel--search "Ellen Fehr".
That first melody was totally a gift, as I was thinking about how I could no longer memorize scripture passages. Over the next few years I was able to do the 100 passages, plus about a quarter of the Psalms, and some other verses, too, but most of what I have posted are the 100. I hoped they would help others also in memorizing scriptures, and perhaps they have.
The schedule at the Library did not get completely fixed until the afternoon, so there were some challenges. However, the whole study group was together for the first time since before Christmas. I was glad that I had something prepared to share--a Czech Republic archive how-to guide. We also explored additional ways to get split screens, and new windows on the computer.
I was quite relieved when a sister who had left her flashdrive in one of the computers last week found it in her purse. I had thought that I had put it somewhere myself, and yesterday we could not find it--it was in a different purse!
I worked on making some improvements to this week's in-service lesson, and the one for next week. I also got to make some corrections in my Eppingen lines--not as much as I had hoped to do, but any is better than none.
This afternoon was Mission Conference. Sister Nelson, President Russell M. Nelson's wife, was the speaker. She especially highlighted a talk by Jeffery R. Holland that was included in our readings this month, where Elder Holland talks about how the apostles went fishing after the Resurrection of the Savior--and were reminded that the work was just beginning, it was not over. Especially where family history and temple work is concerned, that is definitely true! I am so glad that my Sweetheart and I are equally yoked in this regard. We prefer doing family history and temple work to just about any other way to spend time together.
After the conference I stopped in at the temple for a while. Then I came back to the apartment for supper and more work on the Young Elder Dinners. I am trying to set up a grid that will help the person who is taking over when I leave in 10 weeks!
I hope all of you had a nice Valentine's Day!
I had the opportunity to give the spiritual thought in prayer meeting this morning. The topic was Friendship and Love:) I thought this was a nice day to be assigned that topic. I did briefly mention my Sweetheart, but I sang the first of the Scipture Melodies I composed back in 1997: Moroni 7:45 Charity. If anyone is interested 99 of 100 Scripture Mastery passages set to music are available on my You Tube channel--search "Ellen Fehr".
That first melody was totally a gift, as I was thinking about how I could no longer memorize scripture passages. Over the next few years I was able to do the 100 passages, plus about a quarter of the Psalms, and some other verses, too, but most of what I have posted are the 100. I hoped they would help others also in memorizing scriptures, and perhaps they have.
The schedule at the Library did not get completely fixed until the afternoon, so there were some challenges. However, the whole study group was together for the first time since before Christmas. I was glad that I had something prepared to share--a Czech Republic archive how-to guide. We also explored additional ways to get split screens, and new windows on the computer.
I was quite relieved when a sister who had left her flashdrive in one of the computers last week found it in her purse. I had thought that I had put it somewhere myself, and yesterday we could not find it--it was in a different purse!
I worked on making some improvements to this week's in-service lesson, and the one for next week. I also got to make some corrections in my Eppingen lines--not as much as I had hoped to do, but any is better than none.
This afternoon was Mission Conference. Sister Nelson, President Russell M. Nelson's wife, was the speaker. She especially highlighted a talk by Jeffery R. Holland that was included in our readings this month, where Elder Holland talks about how the apostles went fishing after the Resurrection of the Savior--and were reminded that the work was just beginning, it was not over. Especially where family history and temple work is concerned, that is definitely true! I am so glad that my Sweetheart and I are equally yoked in this regard. We prefer doing family history and temple work to just about any other way to spend time together.
After the conference I stopped in at the temple for a while. Then I came back to the apartment for supper and more work on the Young Elder Dinners. I am trying to set up a grid that will help the person who is taking over when I leave in 10 weeks!
I hope all of you had a nice Valentine's Day!
Monday, February 13, 2017
Another Early Monday! 13 February 2017
I have to admit I will not miss early moring choir practice--seven more times, since next week is a holiday, and I will be visiting family one other week. So I can manage, but I will not miss it.
It is nice now to talk with my Sweetheart on my walk from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to the Library. The highlight of my day was our Skype call tonight. We worked on our announcements, as he had been able to get some details figured out. He is such a joy to work with--we will do well together.
At the Library there was some stress over the schedule--I missed an hour in the Training room because I looked at the wrong schedule. The two newer missionaries who were there said they had not needed my help, so that was a relief.
In the Trainers meeting we got some things worked out and that helped our zone leader to express relief. We have nearly enough in-service lessons prepared to get to the time when I leave.
I got a call from my youngest daughter, with good news on several fronts. That is a relief, because there have been some issues she has been dealing with that have caused her a lot of stress, and some of those stressors have been eliminated. She is still dealing with a major load of classes both to teach and as a student, but other areas are doing better. I am grateful for that blessing.
After my early day I am quite ready for sleep, so I will close for now.
It is nice now to talk with my Sweetheart on my walk from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to the Library. The highlight of my day was our Skype call tonight. We worked on our announcements, as he had been able to get some details figured out. He is such a joy to work with--we will do well together.
At the Library there was some stress over the schedule--I missed an hour in the Training room because I looked at the wrong schedule. The two newer missionaries who were there said they had not needed my help, so that was a relief.
In the Trainers meeting we got some things worked out and that helped our zone leader to express relief. We have nearly enough in-service lessons prepared to get to the time when I leave.
I got a call from my youngest daughter, with good news on several fronts. That is a relief, because there have been some issues she has been dealing with that have caused her a lot of stress, and some of those stressors have been eliminated. She is still dealing with a major load of classes both to teach and as a student, but other areas are doing better. I am grateful for that blessing.
After my early day I am quite ready for sleep, so I will close for now.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Getting more organized for Y E Dinners. 12 February 2017
I had a long conversation with my oldest daughter focusing a lot on the reception for my marriage to my Sweetheart. My ideas are not traditional it seems--I do not want fancy decorations, or fancy dress, etc.
I did get to the Tabernacle in time to hear both the rehearsal and the broadcast. This was especially nice because all of the songs were from Rogers and Hammerstein musicals. I sang along during the rehearsal--not loudly. Of course, several of the songs brought me to tears. I have less than a dozen times left to be in person at these performances. I do not think I will exactly miss them, because I will have other things to think about, but I surely have enjoyed this opportunity, to experience these broadcasts in person, especially the ones in the Tabernacle.
Indexing did not go very well today. I just could not figure out some of the names on the two batches I downloaded, even though the second batch had the original index covering the names on the film.
My Louisiana friend and I were asked to go to the regular Sunday School class today, instead of being taught by young elders. As it turned out, that was probably a good thing, as both of us had some experiences to share during the class time.
The Relief Society sisters are doing an awesome job of feeding the young elders--next week alone 30 of the 36 will get dinner. The down side for me is getting the paper work organized. I had expected the new sister to work with me this evening, but it is a good thing that she could not. It took me about 3 hours, but I finally have the process streamlined--I think. We will see how it goes next week when we work together!
I talked with my youngest daughter while I was working on the dinners. She reminded me I had not sent my itinerary to my middle daughter for the trip I get to make to Arizona the end of March. I really had intended to do that--but had forgotten.
Talking tonight with my Sweetheart was the icing on the cake, of course. We appreciate the devices that help us stay well in touch--but look forward to being together in a little over 2 months.
I did get to the Tabernacle in time to hear both the rehearsal and the broadcast. This was especially nice because all of the songs were from Rogers and Hammerstein musicals. I sang along during the rehearsal--not loudly. Of course, several of the songs brought me to tears. I have less than a dozen times left to be in person at these performances. I do not think I will exactly miss them, because I will have other things to think about, but I surely have enjoyed this opportunity, to experience these broadcasts in person, especially the ones in the Tabernacle.
Indexing did not go very well today. I just could not figure out some of the names on the two batches I downloaded, even though the second batch had the original index covering the names on the film.
My Louisiana friend and I were asked to go to the regular Sunday School class today, instead of being taught by young elders. As it turned out, that was probably a good thing, as both of us had some experiences to share during the class time.
The Relief Society sisters are doing an awesome job of feeding the young elders--next week alone 30 of the 36 will get dinner. The down side for me is getting the paper work organized. I had expected the new sister to work with me this evening, but it is a good thing that she could not. It took me about 3 hours, but I finally have the process streamlined--I think. We will see how it goes next week when we work together!
I talked with my youngest daughter while I was working on the dinners. She reminded me I had not sent my itinerary to my middle daughter for the trip I get to make to Arizona the end of March. I really had intended to do that--but had forgotten.
Talking tonight with my Sweetheart was the icing on the cake, of course. We appreciate the devices that help us stay well in touch--but look forward to being together in a little over 2 months.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Last Late Night! 11 February 2017
I am very glad that this will be my last night to work late at the Library. The best thing about this week is that I have slept very well--translate "exhaustion"?
I did get to the temple this morning, and then talked with my Sweetheart.
Because I did not start at the Library until 1 p.m., I did go to one last Scandinavian class at Roots Tech. Then I went back to the apartment and had a nice lunch--which was a good thing, since I worked through my supper hour with a sweet older guest for whom I found a few temple names to get printed off. I really enjoyed working with her.
I also helped a younger guest with German translation off and on for about an hour. That was nice also. At least this evening there really are enough guests to keep us busy.
I did just a bit with the Eppingen book--enough to be reminded that there is a whole additional line to trace back and then work out the descendants. I may not be finished with these lines in the ten weeks I have left!
Once I talk with my Sweetheart a bit, and then with my daughter, I think I will be more than ready to call it a day.
I did get to the temple this morning, and then talked with my Sweetheart.
Because I did not start at the Library until 1 p.m., I did go to one last Scandinavian class at Roots Tech. Then I went back to the apartment and had a nice lunch--which was a good thing, since I worked through my supper hour with a sweet older guest for whom I found a few temple names to get printed off. I really enjoyed working with her.
I also helped a younger guest with German translation off and on for about an hour. That was nice also. At least this evening there really are enough guests to keep us busy.
I did just a bit with the Eppingen book--enough to be reminded that there is a whole additional line to trace back and then work out the descendants. I may not be finished with these lines in the ten weeks I have left!
Once I talk with my Sweetheart a bit, and then with my daughter, I think I will be more than ready to call it a day.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Down to Double Digits! More Roots Tech, and Busier in the Library. 10 February 2017
Only 99 days till my Sweetheart and I marry! We talked twice today, and decided on some of the details. Such a blessing!
I will not write much tonight due to exhaustion. I will not ask again to work nights so that I can be on the go all day--guess I am just getting too old for burning the candle on both ends.
I attended a second class on Scandanavian research; a couple of FamilySearch classes--one on indexing in non-English languages, and one on the Family Tree apps. I also learned about a journaling app, which is free unless you want it printed out in a book. And a class on preserving our histories taught me the pros and cons of Cloud storage, and other methods. I need to find more people to share the wealth!
At the Library I helped several guests and several fellow missionaries. Due to a couple of naps during Roots Tech presentations, I did not get sleepy, but now I am sure ready to hit the hay!
I will not write much tonight due to exhaustion. I will not ask again to work nights so that I can be on the go all day--guess I am just getting too old for burning the candle on both ends.
I attended a second class on Scandanavian research; a couple of FamilySearch classes--one on indexing in non-English languages, and one on the Family Tree apps. I also learned about a journaling app, which is free unless you want it printed out in a book. And a class on preserving our histories taught me the pros and cons of Cloud storage, and other methods. I need to find more people to share the wealth!
At the Library I helped several guests and several fellow missionaries. Due to a couple of naps during Roots Tech presentations, I did not get sleepy, but now I am sure ready to hit the hay!
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Day 100! and Gonna Do the DNA! 9 February 2017
In 100 days I will marry my Sweetheart! I am glad time is passing swiftly. We got to talk this morning and again this evening. Those times help the days go by.
I spent a lot of time among the vendors at Roots Tech today. I got enough information about DNA testing to take advantage of a half-price sale on Ancestry's kit, so that my Sweetheart and I can each get this done, as we have talked about doing.
I attended a class on Scandanavian research right after lunch, and found that to be interesting.
The other class I attended was on preserving records--that is my biggest challenge, I think.
I did get to help a few guests tonight, but there were not all that many who came to the Library, probably because of the Tabernacle Choir Concert in connection with Roots Tech. We will see what tomorrow and Saturday evenings are like.
I spent a lot of time among the vendors at Roots Tech today. I got enough information about DNA testing to take advantage of a half-price sale on Ancestry's kit, so that my Sweetheart and I can each get this done, as we have talked about doing.
I attended a class on Scandanavian research right after lunch, and found that to be interesting.
The other class I attended was on preserving records--that is my biggest challenge, I think.
I did get to help a few guests tonight, but there were not all that many who came to the Library, probably because of the Tabernacle Choir Concert in connection with Roots Tech. We will see what tomorrow and Saturday evenings are like.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Checking out the Entrepreneurs. 8 February 2017
Since I had determined that I did not need to go very early to the Roots Tech convention, I had time and energy to do some cleaning, which I tend to neglect.
I got to talk with my Sweetheart for a while this morning, which is very nice because I switched my Wednesday through Saturday schedule to evenings. I do not think I will do that anymore, despite getting the cleaning done.
The first part of Roots Tech was devoted to the business end of family history. Several decades ago I did have my own small family history business. I liked the work--I did not like the business part. I find that little has changed in that regard.
It was interesting to learn more about the business aspects of things--how companies target advertisements to different group; how social media seems to be a huge marketing tool--that is how it can run for free, because so many people are persuaded to buy things through the ads.
I went to a class on how to prepare to search in cemeteries, or to become involved in a cemetery photo project. Unfortunately that was after lunch, so I dozed off for the last half of the class.
At the Library this evening I got to do a little German translation, but the person was apparently looking in the wrong place, so we did not find the records she needed. She kept wanting the surname to have variations, and would not take my word that this was unlikely.
Tonight I will talk briefly again with my Sweetheart, and then I will be very happy to go to sleep.
I got to talk with my Sweetheart for a while this morning, which is very nice because I switched my Wednesday through Saturday schedule to evenings. I do not think I will do that anymore, despite getting the cleaning done.
The first part of Roots Tech was devoted to the business end of family history. Several decades ago I did have my own small family history business. I liked the work--I did not like the business part. I find that little has changed in that regard.
It was interesting to learn more about the business aspects of things--how companies target advertisements to different group; how social media seems to be a huge marketing tool--that is how it can run for free, because so many people are persuaded to buy things through the ads.
I went to a class on how to prepare to search in cemeteries, or to become involved in a cemetery photo project. Unfortunately that was after lunch, so I dozed off for the last half of the class.
At the Library this evening I got to do a little German translation, but the person was apparently looking in the wrong place, so we did not find the records she needed. She kept wanting the surname to have variations, and would not take my word that this was unlikely.
Tonight I will talk briefly again with my Sweetheart, and then I will be very happy to go to sleep.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Beginning of Roots Tech Influx. 7 Feb 2017
What a joy it is when I get to talk in the morning with my Sweetheart, and this morning was a special time.
I chose to skip morning prayer meeting, since I was presenting the inservice in the afternoon. That may well have been a guided choice, as morning prayer meeting ran over by at least 7 or 8 minutes--and I was literally the only person on the floor when the doors opened at 8. On top of that, Roots Tech opening tomorrow has stimulated use of the Library.
At one point today it seemed that at least half of the film-readers were being utilized--in this digital age that rarely happens, but the Roots Tech crowd seems to be willing to dig into the microfilm and not just what is online. Anyway, we were quite busy all day.
In addition to inservice I presented the Level 1 review. Although there are still a few rough spots where things are not totally clear, when I think back to 9 months ago when I was doing Level 1, the improvement is dramatic.
When I finished at the Library I went to the temple briefly. I was grateful to get in rather quickly, and since I used my own name, I was out quickly, too. That was nice because this evening there was a special Roots Tech Missionary Appreciation "Light Buffet" and Program. The food was nice and the program featured a children's choir. All the children were charming, but one little girl reminded me so much of my great-granddaughter who spent at least the early years of her life singing and dancing. The girl in the choir even looked a little like my dear one. She just bounced to the music, although during the announcements she held still. But in one of the quieter pieces the choir performed, she seemed overjoyed when the tempo increased! She stole the show for me!
On my way back to the apartment from the Salt Palace, I stopped in at the Library to do about an hour's research. I spent my lunch hour going to the post office, and Family Tree was not behaving well all day anyway. But this evening it was working like a charm, so I got quite a bit done in the hour I was there.
Tonight I will talk again briefly with my Sweetheart. Then off to rest to prepare for rather full days ahead.
Monday, February 6, 2017
No Hours in the Training Room! 6 February 2017
Today I was not scheduled at all for the Training room. Last month's missionaries are all scheduled on the floor for at least part of this week, as they are moving through training at a good pace. However, tomorrow we will have two new missionaries with us--and I am scheduled for two hours in the Training room.
I had not had the German/Slavic counter on my schedule for several weeks, but today I was scheduled for three hours. The two morning hours there were two staff consultants available, and I was not on the list at all at the desk, so I was glad to spend most of that time helping one of the newer missionaries with some German translation of original documents, and deciphering an Ortsfamilienbuch she had just learned about.
I did spend an hour in the afternoon and helped one guest twice with decipering a name--which was not the name she was looking for.
I worked through lunch on my Eppingen lines, and then had an hour as Pager, which allowed me to work on that a bit more.
At the Trainers meeting I got some positive feedback on a PowerPoint I had prepared on Telephone Answering Policy. I have been assigned to teach my replacement how to do the PowerPoints--but our leader has to come up with some topics, because I have finished with the topics that had been mentioned.
I had a Skill Development hour, which I actually used on Level 3 work, learning more about how to use some Czech archives. I will present that tomorrow in Study Group most likely.
Tonight I will get to see my Sweetheart through the wonders of Skype. We talked a bit this morning as I went from Mission Devotional to the Library (I took the long way around).
I had not had the German/Slavic counter on my schedule for several weeks, but today I was scheduled for three hours. The two morning hours there were two staff consultants available, and I was not on the list at all at the desk, so I was glad to spend most of that time helping one of the newer missionaries with some German translation of original documents, and deciphering an Ortsfamilienbuch she had just learned about.
I did spend an hour in the afternoon and helped one guest twice with decipering a name--which was not the name she was looking for.
I worked through lunch on my Eppingen lines, and then had an hour as Pager, which allowed me to work on that a bit more.
At the Trainers meeting I got some positive feedback on a PowerPoint I had prepared on Telephone Answering Policy. I have been assigned to teach my replacement how to do the PowerPoints--but our leader has to come up with some topics, because I have finished with the topics that had been mentioned.
I had a Skill Development hour, which I actually used on Level 3 work, learning more about how to use some Czech archives. I will present that tomorrow in Study Group most likely.
Tonight I will get to see my Sweetheart through the wonders of Skype. We talked a bit this morning as I went from Mission Devotional to the Library (I took the long way around).
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Several Indexing Batches and Young Elder Dinner Items Take Up Much of the Day.
My new great-granddaughter was blessed today. As her grandma said, she would have preferred to be there, but was glad she had been able to give practical help right when the baby was born.
After talking with both my oldest daughter and my Virginia granddaughter I was able to do a couple of batches of indexing.
I almost got to sit in the exact middle of the back row of the Tabernacle today. During the rehearsal some young elders were sitting there, so I sat to the North. Then they left and I moved to that middle spot. But a large group of people came in so I moved over to the South end. The music moved me to tears in several instances: Lead, Kindly Light, and Redeemer of Israel were particularly touching.
Today I spent quite a lot of time on the Young Elder Dinners. I was able to confirm that my replacement had accepted the assignment, and we arranged to meet in the late afternoon. The sister who was assigned before me was also able to meet with us. I am not as well organized, and I have only done this for two previous weeks, but I think we can make the transition fairly smooth.
I just finished up sending the emails to the people who signed up to host the dinners. We are feeding half of the elders next week, and already have hosts for more than the other half signed up for later in the month.
One sister who just arrived in the mission on Friday already signed up. I talked a bit with her, and she was concerned about having enough dishes. I was able to pass on some mugs, and a bowl I had picked up yesterday at the swap meet. She was glad to get them.
Although we did not get to talk this morning, my Sweetheart and I had a nice talk and prayer together tonight. He is a blessing in my life!
After talking with both my oldest daughter and my Virginia granddaughter I was able to do a couple of batches of indexing.
I almost got to sit in the exact middle of the back row of the Tabernacle today. During the rehearsal some young elders were sitting there, so I sat to the North. Then they left and I moved to that middle spot. But a large group of people came in so I moved over to the South end. The music moved me to tears in several instances: Lead, Kindly Light, and Redeemer of Israel were particularly touching.
Today I spent quite a lot of time on the Young Elder Dinners. I was able to confirm that my replacement had accepted the assignment, and we arranged to meet in the late afternoon. The sister who was assigned before me was also able to meet with us. I am not as well organized, and I have only done this for two previous weeks, but I think we can make the transition fairly smooth.
I just finished up sending the emails to the people who signed up to host the dinners. We are feeding half of the elders next week, and already have hosts for more than the other half signed up for later in the month.
One sister who just arrived in the mission on Friday already signed up. I talked a bit with her, and she was concerned about having enough dishes. I was able to pass on some mugs, and a bowl I had picked up yesterday at the swap meet. She was glad to get them.
Although we did not get to talk this morning, my Sweetheart and I had a nice talk and prayer together tonight. He is a blessing in my life!
Saturday, February 4, 2017
A Second Night of Good Sleep Made a Long Day Doable. 4 February 2017
Last night I again slept early and well. Even though I woke twice I went right back to sleep. That made possible a 6 o'clock temple session followed quickly [I had an eight minute turnaround--just barely doable] by the eight o'clock session.
My Sweetheart and I only had a brief text conversation this morning, as his 9 o'clock temple session went longer than my last one--but we remember when that was the only communication we had! This evening's talk was not as long as we would have liked, but I was helping with the wedding reception for two of my fellow missionaries.
I was privileged to be one of the people invited to the sealing, and the sealer was quite talkative, so this was a little longer than is typical. But the day was beautiful--instead of the freezing rain which had been forecast a week ago, it was bright and sunny with temps in the mid-50s! I was so delighted for the couple--and helping with their reception gave me some ideas for my own which will happen in just a bit over 100 days!
This was also the day for the Swap Meet--and yes, I found quite a few things! I have seen other sisters use flat purses with a shoulder strap, and one was available--I was so please that my tablet fits in it. I plan to use it mostly at the Library, but I used it tonight for the reception, to keep my phone handy, even though I was in dressy clothes.
I also picked up a set of small plates which will allow me to have a matching set to leave in the apartment--and a tall, though not matching, drinking glass to replace the one I broke. A pop-up hamper which is much nicer than the one that died, and several nice clothing pieces, along with avery nice three-hole punch which will be useful for the sign-up sheets for the Young Elder Dinners.
So it was a long, full day--but quite enjoyable.
My Sweetheart and I only had a brief text conversation this morning, as his 9 o'clock temple session went longer than my last one--but we remember when that was the only communication we had! This evening's talk was not as long as we would have liked, but I was helping with the wedding reception for two of my fellow missionaries.
I was privileged to be one of the people invited to the sealing, and the sealer was quite talkative, so this was a little longer than is typical. But the day was beautiful--instead of the freezing rain which had been forecast a week ago, it was bright and sunny with temps in the mid-50s! I was so delighted for the couple--and helping with their reception gave me some ideas for my own which will happen in just a bit over 100 days!
This was also the day for the Swap Meet--and yes, I found quite a few things! I have seen other sisters use flat purses with a shoulder strap, and one was available--I was so please that my tablet fits in it. I plan to use it mostly at the Library, but I used it tonight for the reception, to keep my phone handy, even though I was in dressy clothes.
I also picked up a set of small plates which will allow me to have a matching set to leave in the apartment--and a tall, though not matching, drinking glass to replace the one I broke. A pop-up hamper which is much nicer than the one that died, and several nice clothing pieces, along with avery nice three-hole punch which will be useful for the sign-up sheets for the Young Elder Dinners.
So it was a long, full day--but quite enjoyable.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Less Than 80 Days! 3 February 2017
If all goes well, in 79 days my Sweetheart and I will be together in person! Tonight we may do a Skype call, and we already had a short talk this morning.
After my strenuous day yesterday, I slept very long and soundly last night. I did not the text alert when my Sweetheart was letting me know he got to work safely. I woke up once, but promptly went back to sleep, and awoke about 5:30, which gave me just enough time to read Mosiah 29. My takeaway from this is that if we ever have to make the trek by foot to Independence or to Salt Lake from Missouri, I will sleep very well indeed!
I did the in-service lesson this morning because some people wanted it repeated. Then I was a Helper, but there was no one that needed my help, so I started working on a lesson for Germany Map Guides. I use these frequently, both for guests and for myself, and I really like them, but there is always a little to learn even about familiar subjects.
The next hour I was in the Training room, and was able to send off some Basic Training feedback from one of the new missionaries. We got a response rather quickly, and the problem she spotted will be corrected.
Then one of my assigned newer missionaries brought me papers to check for Level 2. After last week's Trainers meeting I remembered to ask her how she was doing with that Level, and she said she really had not been working on it. But she began right away--until someone needed her for her Chinese skills. And she went home and worked on it, and is flying through. She said she is not sure she will use the information much, but she finds it interesting. She is an inspiration to me.
I decided to walk back to the apartment to have lunch. I was not very motivated to sit in front of the computer at lunch, as I have been noticing some eye fatigue recently. The weather was pretty nice today, and I had a warm meal of beans and wheat with some BBQ sauce and fresh onion. Then back to the Training room for a couple of hours. I was looking to see what I needed to prepare for Monday's Trainers meeting, and I decided to follow up on a suggestion for an in-service on telephone policy and procedure. I was actually surprised that I was able to pulll that together relatively easily.
The afternoon in-service lesson generated a fair amount of discussion, but was well-received. Then I decided to stay and rewrite something I wrote about 15 years ago concerning the melodies I have composed or arranged for scripture passages. That took about an hour, and was nearly four pages long! I will eventually post it on my FamilyTree person page, since maybe someday one of my posterity might be interested in it. I originally wrote this to use with CDs of my music, but now it is easier to invite people to go to my YouTube channel "Ellen Fehr" than to do actual CDs. Maybe one of my projects will eventually be to post more of my music, especially the Psalm melodies. Rewriting this reminded me that maybe there is more work to be done.
I had thought earlier in the day that I might make flax crackers tonight, but I almost did not do it. At present, though, I have two pans in the oven. I hope they turn out well.
After my strenuous day yesterday, I slept very long and soundly last night. I did not the text alert when my Sweetheart was letting me know he got to work safely. I woke up once, but promptly went back to sleep, and awoke about 5:30, which gave me just enough time to read Mosiah 29. My takeaway from this is that if we ever have to make the trek by foot to Independence or to Salt Lake from Missouri, I will sleep very well indeed!
I did the in-service lesson this morning because some people wanted it repeated. Then I was a Helper, but there was no one that needed my help, so I started working on a lesson for Germany Map Guides. I use these frequently, both for guests and for myself, and I really like them, but there is always a little to learn even about familiar subjects.
The next hour I was in the Training room, and was able to send off some Basic Training feedback from one of the new missionaries. We got a response rather quickly, and the problem she spotted will be corrected.
Then one of my assigned newer missionaries brought me papers to check for Level 2. After last week's Trainers meeting I remembered to ask her how she was doing with that Level, and she said she really had not been working on it. But she began right away--until someone needed her for her Chinese skills. And she went home and worked on it, and is flying through. She said she is not sure she will use the information much, but she finds it interesting. She is an inspiration to me.
I decided to walk back to the apartment to have lunch. I was not very motivated to sit in front of the computer at lunch, as I have been noticing some eye fatigue recently. The weather was pretty nice today, and I had a warm meal of beans and wheat with some BBQ sauce and fresh onion. Then back to the Training room for a couple of hours. I was looking to see what I needed to prepare for Monday's Trainers meeting, and I decided to follow up on a suggestion for an in-service on telephone policy and procedure. I was actually surprised that I was able to pulll that together relatively easily.
The afternoon in-service lesson generated a fair amount of discussion, but was well-received. Then I decided to stay and rewrite something I wrote about 15 years ago concerning the melodies I have composed or arranged for scripture passages. That took about an hour, and was nearly four pages long! I will eventually post it on my FamilyTree person page, since maybe someday one of my posterity might be interested in it. I originally wrote this to use with CDs of my music, but now it is easier to invite people to go to my YouTube channel "Ellen Fehr" than to do actual CDs. Maybe one of my projects will eventually be to post more of my music, especially the Psalm melodies. Rewriting this reminded me that maybe there is more work to be done.
I had thought earlier in the day that I might make flax crackers tonight, but I almost did not do it. At present, though, I have two pans in the oven. I hope they turn out well.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Roots Tech Bags are Stuffed! 2 February 2017
Since my Sweetheart let me know that there was a good map online to see where the Salt Palace was located I had not trouble getting there this morning, and I did not have to leave quite as early as I had thought I would. That gave us time for a nice talk.
Once inside the Salt Palace, gettin to Hall 2 was a bit of a challenge! Blessedly there was someone to confirm which way to head, and then I was able to follow the signs pretty well. Hall 2 is a big cavernous room with vehicle access, and the truck with supplies was unloading, so it was downright cold until that was completed. But whar we were told was true--once the doors were shut and we were moving around, it got plenty warm.
I chose to do my bag-stuffing on my feet for most of the time. I did n ot sleep extremely well last night, so sitting down did not seem wise. The first line I was in used the technique of taking a bag and putting the goodies [mostly cards and papers, although one of the goodies was a nice journal] in one at a time. I could see four tables away that the stuffers were gathering the goodies first, and then putting them all in a bag at one time. That looked like a better plan, so I soon went to try that, and liked it much better.
I am not the best-coordinated person, so sometimes I am pretty slow at things like this. Often I stepped back to let others pass me up in the line, since they were moving much more quickly. I also did some other tasks, like restocking particular stacks of cards and papers, and for a while I took filled bags to the huge crates where they were being stacked for storage until next week. By 10 a.m. we had completed 5000 bags of the 15000 that we needed to do for the 3-day conference.
At 10 we had a break for some snacks [muffins or bagels, fruit and even veggies, and granola bars] and water, then back to stuffing. At 12 we had a nice lunch of sandwiches, chips, more veggies, cookies and candy--and water.
By 1:00 we had finished the bag-stuffing for the regular conference. Then we got to stuff a different style of bags for the Discovery Day on Saturday. This is geared more towards families, while the regular conference deals with how technology and family history intersect. We ran out of those bags at about 3:00p.m., so we were able to check out and validate our passes for the regular conference.
The Hall 2 end of the Salt Palace is on the 200 West side, which was convenient because that is fairly close to the post office, to which I wanted to go today. After that I stopped by the Library to try to take care of a minor issue, but I was unsuccessful with that task..
I managed to get two loads of laundry to the laundromat, and then came to the apartment and took a nap before going back to get the clothers. They are all hanging up very nicely, and I suspect most will be dry by the morning.
My back is a bit tight, expecially after carrying bags when I was helping stack them, so I took a dose of my homeopathic, will wear my brace and magnets overnight, and am using my hot rice bag at the moment. One thing is for sure--I expect to sleep very well tonight after I talk with my Sweetheart.
Once inside the Salt Palace, gettin to Hall 2 was a bit of a challenge! Blessedly there was someone to confirm which way to head, and then I was able to follow the signs pretty well. Hall 2 is a big cavernous room with vehicle access, and the truck with supplies was unloading, so it was downright cold until that was completed. But whar we were told was true--once the doors were shut and we were moving around, it got plenty warm.
I chose to do my bag-stuffing on my feet for most of the time. I did n ot sleep extremely well last night, so sitting down did not seem wise. The first line I was in used the technique of taking a bag and putting the goodies [mostly cards and papers, although one of the goodies was a nice journal] in one at a time. I could see four tables away that the stuffers were gathering the goodies first, and then putting them all in a bag at one time. That looked like a better plan, so I soon went to try that, and liked it much better.
I am not the best-coordinated person, so sometimes I am pretty slow at things like this. Often I stepped back to let others pass me up in the line, since they were moving much more quickly. I also did some other tasks, like restocking particular stacks of cards and papers, and for a while I took filled bags to the huge crates where they were being stacked for storage until next week. By 10 a.m. we had completed 5000 bags of the 15000 that we needed to do for the 3-day conference.
At 10 we had a break for some snacks [muffins or bagels, fruit and even veggies, and granola bars] and water, then back to stuffing. At 12 we had a nice lunch of sandwiches, chips, more veggies, cookies and candy--and water.
By 1:00 we had finished the bag-stuffing for the regular conference. Then we got to stuff a different style of bags for the Discovery Day on Saturday. This is geared more towards families, while the regular conference deals with how technology and family history intersect. We ran out of those bags at about 3:00p.m., so we were able to check out and validate our passes for the regular conference.
The Hall 2 end of the Salt Palace is on the 200 West side, which was convenient because that is fairly close to the post office, to which I wanted to go today. After that I stopped by the Library to try to take care of a minor issue, but I was unsuccessful with that task..
I managed to get two loads of laundry to the laundromat, and then came to the apartment and took a nap before going back to get the clothers. They are all hanging up very nicely, and I suspect most will be dry by the morning.
My back is a bit tight, expecially after carrying bags when I was helping stack them, so I took a dose of my homeopathic, will wear my brace and magnets overnight, and am using my hot rice bag at the moment. One thing is for sure--I expect to sleep very well tonight after I talk with my Sweetheart.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
All our New Missionaries Recognized for Level 1 Completion! 1 February 2017
Today was our zone Recognition meeting. All five of our brand new missionaries completed their Level 1 training, and were recognized for that achievement. They each can officially serve in floor positions now! Just in time for Roots Tech, this will give them the opportunity to ve a valuable support in our zone. By the end of the day, two of the five had already certified in the basic training, and the other three are well on their way in that accomplishment.
I got to announce the birth of my great-granddaughter, and also having obtained an appointment at the St. Louis Missouri Temple for my marriage to my Sweetheart. And since my birthday is this month, I was part of the group for whom Happy Birthday was sung.
The monthly pot-luck was very nice, with quite a few main dishes, lots of bread and butter, vegetables, and some desserts. I avoided most of the desserts, but towards the end of the time someone brought in a cheesecake--irresistable! I maybe made up for that indulgence by having quite a minimal supper.
I had some time as a Helper this morning, but was not actually needed for any of the guests, so I spent some time doing lessons and activities for Level 3 training. I actually listened to the short Latin course, even though I had completed the worksheets several months ago. There are 12 other sets of instruction that I should go through and work on the worksheets for. I do not know if I will finish this training, but I probably should be working on it!
After choir practice and a brief talk with my youngest this late afternoon I made a trip to the dollar store. I had a few things I wanted to get, and we are due for some nasty weather again, so I was glad to get that done.
My Sweetheart and I talked for a few minutes this morning, and again for a longer time tonight. I am so grateful for the electronic devices that help us stay connected.
I got to announce the birth of my great-granddaughter, and also having obtained an appointment at the St. Louis Missouri Temple for my marriage to my Sweetheart. And since my birthday is this month, I was part of the group for whom Happy Birthday was sung.
The monthly pot-luck was very nice, with quite a few main dishes, lots of bread and butter, vegetables, and some desserts. I avoided most of the desserts, but towards the end of the time someone brought in a cheesecake--irresistable! I maybe made up for that indulgence by having quite a minimal supper.
I had some time as a Helper this morning, but was not actually needed for any of the guests, so I spent some time doing lessons and activities for Level 3 training. I actually listened to the short Latin course, even though I had completed the worksheets several months ago. There are 12 other sets of instruction that I should go through and work on the worksheets for. I do not know if I will finish this training, but I probably should be working on it!
After choir practice and a brief talk with my youngest this late afternoon I made a trip to the dollar store. I had a few things I wanted to get, and we are due for some nasty weather again, so I was glad to get that done.
My Sweetheart and I talked for a few minutes this morning, and again for a longer time tonight. I am so grateful for the electronic devices that help us stay connected.
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