July

On July 6th we said “goodbye” to Elder Gurr. 

He is so excited and ready to serve. His joy took the sting from the sadness we felt, knowing that it would be 2 years before we will see him again. 

After dropping of Caleb at the Airport, we went to Green’s peak to go camping with the Hulses, Russ and Ashley’s family, and Grandma and Grandpa Quist. 

The fun we had was a great distraction from dwelling to much on how greatly we would miss Caleb. 

  Of course, when we were done camping, we had our traditional meal with the Hulses at the China Wok.  

On July 13th I went up to Camp LoMia to help Lydia at her stake girls camp. Michael was planning on being there with her, to work together on some of the planned activities but it became vital that he help out his brother during that time, so I happily filled in for him at girls camp. It’s been over 20 years since Lydia and I have been at girls camp together. We had a blast!!  And, we served the young women in Lydia’s stake. 

I didn’t get any pictures other than this one of a doe that was grazing just 10 feet away from me. It was the closest I’ve ever been to a deer. 

While I was at camp LoMia, Adam was at Green’s Peak again. This time with the Deacons in our ward for a young men’s camp. It sounds like the boys had a great time.

Caleb LOVED his time at the MTC. He made so many great friends. And loved learning more about how to Share the Gospel Message with Gods children. 

From Caleb: “ Hi all! I just want you to know that I am doing great! The MTC is so good! Especially with my awesome district, they are all the best! The first night we learned about the character of Christ. I would encourage you all to listen to Character of Christ. By Daivid a Bednar, MTC. It is extremely powerful. I love you all!”

        

And this from 7/16

“ Hey all, This week was so good! Although on Tuesday my companion did get covid, Poor guy! He is in a building full of other covid elders. But other than that I'm feeling great. 👍  Me and my district went to the Mount Timpanogos temple on Thursday. It was absolutely amazing!! There was an incredible spirit going through with my friends and a ton of other elders and sisters. I said goodbye to one of my teachers today, I only have one more class before I leave on Wednesday for Boise. I will seriously miss my district. I have learned a lot this week about the lessons and the doos and don'ts of missionary work. I miss you all! My testimony is growing so much every day! This is truly the lords work.”

The girls and I had a blast at women’s conference this year. Our theme this time was “Faith over Fear”.

We all gathered at Aunt Pam’s house in Taylor. It was nice for the girls and I to not have to travel far and to sleep in our own beds each night.

We all helped serve the 3E snack project in the community.

So many great memories!! 

  Caleb’s first area assignment is in LaGrande OR. He loves it there. He said it’s a beautiful place and the members there are so nice and helpful.

This is what he shared about arriving in his first area.

“ Hello all! This has probably been the longest week of my life! But soo good. On Wednesday, I woke up at 3:08, said goodbye to my awesome district, than waited around until 4:30, than I hopped onto a bus that took me to a train station, I took the train to a trolly station, I took the trolly to SLC airport, and I flew to Boise Airport with 23 other new missionaries. The mission president, his family, the APs and the STLs all were there to pick us up and take us to the Boise temple. They had some good snacks and stuff. Most of us were able to interview with president maxwell on that first day. He is such a cool guy! Than we all went to his house for a delicious dinner. We had a good meeting after that. Than we got to go proselyting with other elders in the area. So I went tracting with a ZL named elder white. We said a prayer to know where to go. Than we met a lady walking her dog on the sidewalk. We had an incredible conversation with her! She talked about some big trials in her life, and said she said she doesn't like praying how she was tought. Instead, she prays as if she were having a conversation with God! It was soo good! That night, ten of us elders stayed at a members home. The next morning we all met up at the mission office for breakfast, soon after we were all assigned our trainers! My trainer is an awesome guy named elder rees. A couple hours later we were on the road for La Grande oregon! I've been enjoying it so much in these beautiful pines and fields. The members here are all so strong and kind and faithful! Remember that God knows and loves you each individually. I love and miss you all!”

On July 22nd the girls had their Wisdom teeth removed. They both had a pretty rough recovery, but Sarah’s was especially hard. This picture was taken three days after the removal and you can see that they both still have a bit of swelling. I’m so glad they both eventually got all healed up. 

We’ve had some pretty substantial rain this month. Adam had to dig a deeper trench for all the water to flow into the wash. We have had a wonderful monsoon season so far this year.

July 30th was a very special day for our family. Sarah received her temple endowment. She wanted to receive her endowments before going to college, and since she plans to submit her Mission papers soon, it was the perfect time for her to do it. Sarah has such a beautiful radiant spirit. We love being in the temple with her. 

That wraps up July!! What a crazy, busy, fun, amazingly month for our family.