Letter from Mom and Dad
Good morning from South Valley Farms—things are busy, busy here as usual. Dad and Elder Browning finished up the renovating on one of the homes so that a family could move in last Saturday. I went in and cleaned the home and shampooed the old carpets. I went back the next day and washed the windows. Elder Browning said not to, that they could do their own but they were really dirty and it is a single dad with 2 children moving in. I told him that “Windows are the soul of the home” and I wanted it to be beautiful! I don’t think he bought it but oh well maybe one of his trials on his mission is ME!!
On Thursday afternoon Dad got an intestinal blockage and was in tough shape until everything released late Friday night. So we had a quiet weekend and took things pretty easy. He is feeling back to normal now. He hasn’t had any problems with blockages for over a year now so this was a surprise. As always they are terribly painful and made for some tough hours and days. We are so thankful that everything is fine now as we have finally gotten through the paper work to get set up with the VA here in Bakersfield. His first appointment is not until the end of October. Bakersfield only has a VA clinic and for emergencies we have to go quite a distance to a care center. Haven't figured that one out yet so hopefully we won’t need to go there.
We have been renovating a home; new doors, carpets, paint, electrical for someone who needs to be in as soon as possible so we are still not able to get back to work on our house and the duplex yet.
Yesterday we had the opportunity to drive the missionaries to Ventura for transfers. We lived in that area 44 years ago when Dad was stationed at Port Hueneme Naval Base so it was fun to see the ocean again. We got to attend the Mission Meeting with all of the Elders and Mission President Murri. The whole lawn of the chapel was filled with luggage and things, lots of bicycles. We were kidding the Elders that each pile of stuff had a Gold's Gyms bar for pull ups in their pile. I guess that is a popular exercise piece for keeping Elders BUFF!!
The meeting was wonderful as the 11 missionaries who were going home bore their testimonies and the newly arrived were assigned to their trainers. Lots of singing—of course rousing strains of Called to Serve. When they announced that they wanted them to sing We are as the Armies of Helaman it was so cute to watch their faces as they tried to remember the words. As I watched their faces I could almost see their minds racing back to Primary, frantically trying to remember what came next. ( So my wonderful “15”, pay attention to all the music you are being taught. You will be using it forever!!) We picked up our new Elder and took him and Elder Ray out to lunch and then got back here just in time to get ready for Cub Scouts last night. You should see how cute your Dad looks in his uniform. ( I’ll take a picture next week and send it)
Harvest is going great here. We live in a mass of dust as everything is in motion. Once a week I go to the carwash and by the time I get back here I’m covered in a film of sand. But at least the mud is gone for a few days. I am looking forward to Women’s Conference this weekend. Mindy is singing in the choir so watch for her. We are planning to go to San Diego next Thursday to watch General Conference with Corey, Sarah and the children. It is so great to be able to see them more often. Wish that I could just “beam” you all out here to be together. Maybe someday that will be a normal thing!! I’ve attached pictures from our trip yesterday. One is of Elder Kay who left us. He reminds of so much of Jacob and the other is of an incredible tree that grows here. ENORMOUS!! (the tree—not me! Next to it I feel tiny!)
We love the work! This is a great time in my life to be able to study and read the scriptures. How I Love the prophets who wrote for our day that we might be able to withstand the evil that does surround us and will get worse. What hope and peace they bring as they testify of the Savior, and of each of you, and the important role you have to be part of this last dispensation that is preparing to welcome Him. May you each come to realize how much Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ love you and are aware of and are more involved in your daily lives then you can imagine.
We love you—HONOR BRIGHT! Mom & Dad
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