First Grandchild LDS Missionary

We had a special privilege of taking our 1st Grandchild LDS missionary to the MTC this week. His parents had said their "good-byes" in Portland, Ore. When we first saw him at the airport, he just looked so handsome. We had to be at the Mission Training Center at 1:15 pm exactly, so we had to watch our time. It was such a loving feeling as we pulled into the MTC and saw about 50 clean-cut, smiling missionaries to greet us. They started talking to Elder Wight right away. As we were unloading his luggage they continued to ask him questions and tell him how wonderful it was to be there. We all hugged and snatched this picture. He turned around with the missionaries with a huge smile on his face. I was weeping but with joy. His adventure to Moscow, Russia begins.

African Experience

There is no way to express in words the experience we had in Senegal, Africa. But I would just like to say that the people were wonderful. They are poor and most live in a manner that hasn't changed in 200 years. I saw that life could be VERY simple and still have meaning and happiness. They work hard. The hardest part was to realize that health care was a major lack there. Almost half of mothers die in child birth. That was why there were so many babies at the orphanage...almost 60 out of 180 children. And although I don't have figures, many of the babies also die. Most of the children have congestion or runny noses. Many have skin sores. At the orphanage they had almost no playground equipment with only dirt to play in. They have very caring volunteers. Every effort is made to give loving care and provide a clean environment. There are lots of areas in which we can assist. It would be a blessing to get wheelchairs to the disabled. The orphanage needs help every month for the milk and formula they provide. We are trying to get a medical/dental expedition to go there next June. It was an amazing experience.

Amazing African dancing

Concluding our African visit in Senegal we were treated to an authentic African dance.

Nana in Kentucky

I had so much fun as the NANA when my services were needed in Kentucky. Tiffany and Ryan went on an anniversary trip to St. Martins and I watched the 3 children. It really gave me a chance to get close to the kids and hug them every day. We played games, blew bubbles, made cookies, watched movies, and went to the park. They were such wonderful kids. Lacey and Cassidy and I painted our nails and put on our makeups. I taught Aidan how to dribble a basket ball and slam dunk it into the high chair. We played dominoes and read stories. And at night when it was time to tuck them into bed, we sang the "Good Night Song". Good night room...Good night lights, Good night windows, Trees Good Night... Good night stockings, Good Night chair...Good night people...EVERYWHERE!! Lacey made me add Good Night to Aidan and Lacey and Cassidy and Mom and Dad.........and also baby brother. Tiffany assured me that Heavenly Father was just thinking about that and that brother was waiting patiently. Lacey had other plans. It was almost sad to have Tiff and Ryan come home because I was left in the dust. But I will treasure that time with those wonderful little people.

Ecuador Thoughts

>

Powerful experiences bring powerful thoughts. Gordon and I went to Ecuador to see the newest additions to our service program there. We were totally thrilled and excited to see what Washington had accomplished. I was moved to tears as I walked into the 4 clinics where I saw the equipment that we had sent, in use. We had sent old, dirty medical and dental supplies BUT the group there had cleaned every inch and serviced to work properly. They looked like new. We loved the crew there. There were 5 dentists, 3 doctors and drivers and assistants. They were wonderful, devoted, consecrated individuals! The country was beautiful. We traveled over the continental divide of the Andies Mountains to the jungle. It was breath-taking. We traveled to the Pacific Coast which was also amazing, with butterflies and humming birds and toucans and spectacular waterfalls.
But the thoughts I wanted to leave here was about the people. We served a small school in the mountains high above Otavalo. The doctors were busy giving immunizations to the babies and taking care of the needs of the children and mothers. The dentists were doing checkups and dental work. Usually at noon the village provides the lunch for the volunteers. Imagine my feelings as they brought our 2 bowls of small potatoes, a pan of cob-letts of tough corn, a plate of white cheese and salt. That was it. That was the only food they had to offer. I was humbled. I ate and was filled. In Tena we were given steamed fish wrapped in a banana leaf. I observed a nursery there. It was very sparse. I wanted to know why the little babies and children were there. Was the mother working? I was told that the children were brought there because they were fed!!! What is the biggest problem here I asked. The health director said it was women having too many children. They can't take care of them. She said that parents are actually relieved here when a child dies because it is a mouth less to feed. The government tries to help but the people don't have the skills and the know how to feed their population. There is some schooling but I could see it would never take them out of their circumstances. As I see these children who are ALWAYS hungry, I think back to Aidan's school where the trash can was full of wonderful food that wasn't eaten. Oh how we are BLESSED!

Being the Hands of God

While in Ecuador we had a great experience. We had been contacted by a family here in Utah and asked to take a suitcase and an envelop with a letter and money to a woman who had been their maid for 5 years. They said she was desperate and needed help. Of course we agreed. She lived outside Tena. That is the jungle area of Ecuador. We expected to go up some street and knock on the door to deliver her package...NO...When we gave the driver the address, he drove out into the jungle for over 40 minutes, through 2 streams, over a hanging bridge and for miles on bumpy dirt roads that looked like they were going to no where. I adsolutely marveled that he knew where he was going in this forested area. But finally we pulled down into a little clearing. We called her name and she walked out wondering what was going on. We first handed her the envelop. When she saw who it was from she broke into tears and clutched the unopened package to her breast. She thanked us endlessly and then said, "I know God knows me", "I know He knows where I am". It was a most tender experience. She was overjoyed with the money and suitcase full of clothes and fabric. But the spirit whispered to me "I have no hands but your hands". I was so blessed to participate in this act of love from the Utah family and from Heavenly Father.