Filling my cup...

It's been an extra week since we've added to our blog. Last week we escaped the mission boundaries and spent two and a half days with most of our family in Henderson, Nevada (note - not Las Vegas). Our third oldest grandchild had her mission farewell prior to leaving to serve in West Virginia. It was a near perfect weekend of getting a "grandchild fix". But, now we're back at the little house in the middle of the woods - serving. Some of us were worried that after seeing everyone again, the homesickness would start all over, but I can safely say it didn't. Rather it seemed to fill my cup back up and we can go on a while longer.

with Brianne

However, we found that while we were gone our hot water heater went out and I had two days worth of appreciating what a blessing hot water at our fingertips is. I kept telling myself that this is nothing and realized (once again) what a worthless pioneer I would have been.

Today at church they put in a new Branch Presidency. Throughout the meetings I had many meaningful opportunities for reflection on our growth and learning in the relatively short time we have been here. Also memories of important or challenging calls we have experienced in our lives and how we ultimately grew through them.

We have another "first" happening tomorrow. One of our couples is leaving at the end of their two year commitment. They are humble people from Vernal, Utah (David Schwobe take note as your Mother was her third grade school teacher) - anyway, when we first got here they were somewhat intimidating as they seem to know everything about everything going on here. As we have now, spent the last four months with them in times of peace and times "of growing" we realize what good, generous people they are and I can wholeheartedly say that both of them are souls that have touched my life for good and I hope I will be able to remember them and their gentle ways. We all have the opportunity to pray often and I learned from him to thank my Heavenly Father for not only the opportunity to serve, but to be able to do that service on this beautiful dedicated land.

Things are starting to gear up here. Actually starting to put the tent tops on the pavilions and finish work on the climbing wall and rope swings. People call continuously to see if they can make reservations to come this summer and they are told that we do not have any openings and I feel so great that I jumped on the cancellation in June when I did! Timing wise that will be just right to get my next "grandchild fix".

Immediate family knows that our Cristina lost her mother this past week. It has been horrible for her to face the grief and tragedy again for an unexpected death of a loved one. We heard that the service held in Utah was lovely and we want to thank all of you that helped with that and serving their family. As a family, Cris and Wes have taken the children to Mexico to have a service there and spend time with her Dad and siblings. This is the first time she has returned home since losing David.

We will be getting two new couples in two weeks. It's hard to imagine that we will be the "oldies" and be in the position to help orient and integrate others. We are still short couples for the summer if you know of anyone interested. It can be for as short as 4 months (May-Labor day) and is relatively cheap! Good news is that we are responsible for the only wrangler girl signed up for the summer (and we still need 2 or 3 more of those too). She is from our ward in Sandy and is just getting home from her mission. She is a major "horse" person and this is considered a paid internship.  Sort of like Lexi's paid internship to Disneyworld.

The photo for the week is of our missionary group and the ranch manager and his wife as of this morning. The couple leaving are in the center back.

our group

All is well here in the middle of the woods. Today before church started we met the Stake President. He apologized for not remembering names,etc. I told him that's all right. All he needed to remember is that I am the most important person at Ensign Ranch because I am the "cook"! He laughed and said he WOULD remember that. I need to go plan menus -

Love,

Mom, grandma, sister, cousin, friend - or whatever the case may be.