Last week Monday-Thursday was grueling. So much to learn in such a short time. It made me realize how much I probably have forgotten in the last 10 years. But, the good news is everything I should need is now on my computer, Each day we had classes in how to care for, or how find how to care for, the missionaries in the field.
The couple in charge of teaching us is Brother & Sister Drake. He is a retired physician and they have served several missions, as a mission president, area medical mission advisor, etc. Such a cute couple who love the Lord and love serving. Each day they were joined by other physicians and nurses to cover different things we will need to know.
We were able to see Katy at DMBA where she works, for one last hug. Angie and I were able to go see my Aunt Norma (my dad's 92 year old sister) in a rehab center, and we had dinner with Cori.
We woke Friday morning to snow in Salt Lake. By about 8, we learned chains or four wheel drive were required over Parley's Canyon, and the first half of our drive through Wyoming was very treacherous. So...we, and two other couples who are headed to our part of the country, decided to change our routes from I-80 to I-70. We stayed Friday night in Grand Junction, CO. The next morning we left for Denver. Pretty scary drive over the mountain passes in the snow.
Colorado Rockies
In Denver, we were able to visit with Don's sister, Gayla. She has advanced alzheimers and was pleasant, but unaware of who we were. BUT...when you ask her who her father was, she says "Ariel Madero". Pretty cool the things that stay with us! The sadness of alzheimers is more with those on the outside. Luckily, the person with it (at this stage) is oblivious...and happy. That's the positive, they are not hurting.
From Denver, we had a long day to Salina, KS. I've decided eastern Colorado and western Kansas are pretty much the same...flat!! And this time of year brown.
From Salina, we went a short way to Kansas City, MO. Since we were so close, and since our mission president said, "take your time...see some sights", I talked Don into going an hour north to Hamilton, MO where the Missouri Star Quilt Company is. It was pretty cool...for me. Luckily they have comfy chairs for the husbands! Yes...I got some material, and hopefully will find some time to quilt.
An old JC Penney store...one of the MANY MSQC Stores.
From Hamilton, we went to Adam-Ondi-Ahman. So many people have said, "It's not much. Just a big piece of land". And this time of year it's still pretty brown but we loved it and the spirit that was there. I'm sure any other season it would have been beautiful. After there we went to Farr West and saw the cornerstones for the temple there. Also a cool experience. Spent the night in KC.
The next morning, before we left, we went to Independence and Liberty Jail. We had such sweet sister missionaries who gave the tour. One of the things that stuck with me, was an analogy one of them made to the trials in our life, and those of Joseph and those with him. She said, "What will we do when we have our Liberty Jail moments?" Made an impression on me, and something I think I will remember.
From there to Shilo, Illinois where we spent our last night on the road. We were under a severe thunderstorm watch, with the sirens and all. Reminded me of those wonderful years in Oklahoma!!
Wow... it sounds like quite the adventure. I would love to have seen the Church sights. Enjoy every minute of it!
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