Draper Temple

I just can't believe how fast the time is flying by.  I know it must be for you, too.  It has been three months since I left Kansas City for my mission.  Accepting a call to serve a full time mission is one of the best decisions I have ever made.  It is amazing to me that senior members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be called and set apart to serve missions where they ARE REALLY NEEDED and fulfill assignments that are IMPORTANT.

I have begun my training for a new assignment in Data Quality.  It is very challenging and complicated with many things to remember.  I would like to ask for your prayers in my behalf as I strive to master what I will be doing.  It is important work and must be done accurately.  My trainer is Sister Freeman who is a retired neo-natal nurse.  She worked for 32 years in neo-natal intensive care.  She has a lot of patience and is an excellent teacher/coach.

I had a very nice discussion with the Unit Manager (paid Church staff) on Friday.  He went to RIT and lived/worked in Rochester, New York for many years.  He loves Rochester (where I was born and raised) and is taking his family there the end of May as part of a two week vacation.  It was fun talking about my hometown and reminiscing about so many things that I know and love.  He told me about a menu option in several restaurants in Rochester called "a garbage plate."  Does anyone reading this know of the "garbage plate?"  I have never eaten it.  Shon can't wait to introduce his family to this "culinary delight???".

On Wednesday evening I went to the Church History Museum to "Museum Alive."  There were docents dressed in pioneer costumes at the various displays and you could ask questions and watch them work.  You could pull a handcart or experience log cabin living.  Brigham Young was walking around shaking hands with everyone and a typesetter  of the Book of Mormon explained what he was doing.  There was a woman who make pioneer bonnets and even had one that could sell for $500 in the 1800s.  It was very enjoyable and after we explored the gift shop.  So many neat items for sale.

 Pam Cox and Sister Winkie

Went to a fireside about how the Nauvoo Temple came about.  I am talking about the new one.  The fireside happened to be on the day of Charles Allyn's funeral.  He made all the windows for the Nauvoo Temple.  He was a very talented man and had been a for Bishop or Branch President in Cameron, Missiouri.  This was just prior to our moving there.

On Saturday Sister McKnight and I drove to the Draper and Mt. Timpanogos Temples.  What a wonderful day.  We attended both temples and met some wonderful people.  My old friend, Pam Donaldson Cox is an ordinance worker at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.  She and I met up for a short time before her shift began.  She and I served in a Primary Presidency in Las Cruces, NM over 20 years ago.  What a joy it was to visit with her and get a great big hug.  We plan to meet again real soon

Mt Timpanogos Temple

We really enjoyed visiting these temples.  As you can see it was a beautiful spring day with blue sky and sunshine.  The spring flowers and blooming trees were everywhere.  I have decided that I miss my beautiful sun rises and sunsets at my farm.  I don't see them living in the city.  As you can tell I continue to do very well.  I am happy and healthy.  I did get a call from son, Wade, on the way home from the special stake conferences held in Kansas City area.  He updated me on the events and later Kathy typed up her notes and emailed them to me.  I was especially impressed when I read what she wrote about what Elder Halstrom of the 70 said.  He was speaking of reverence and said "that it means more than being quiet.  It also means to have profound love and respect for Deity.  Don't confuse reverence with being quiet.  That's part of it.  Whatever we do in our lives needs to be reflective of the love we have for Heavenly Father and Jesus.  What we say, think and do should be reflective of what we believe."  I don't know if I am quoting Elder Halstrom or Kathy's paraphrasing him but the words are very important nevertheless.  Until next week may the Lord bless you and keep in His loving care.  Love, Sister Winkie (mom/gramma)