We had a fun drive to Virginia City last week but we found out that nothing opens up early in Virginia City, even on a holiday. We were there at 9:30 am and found a really great parking place. We got out and started to walk around and noticed that most things wouldn’t open until 11 or 12. We hadn’t planned on staying that long. We walked up and down the street and met another LDS family that had come early too. Finally we decided that we would come another time and we drove back. It is mostly just tourist shops but I think the museums would be fun to see… another day. The rest of the day was for preparation and shopping for groceries. We did have a nice picnic with the Beutlers in the evening. It is funny how you only get to know what is in your area. We have been to the Rancho San Rafael Park by us several times. It is a nice park with an arboretum and flower gardens and walking trails so we took the Beutlers there. They have been here for 17 months but serve in Sparks and they had never seen the park before. We are going to have to make sure we find out things to see in Sparks and Carson City while we are here!
The remainder of the week was busy just doing what we do. We plan our days and then wait to see what actually happens. Tuesday was another great day with the missionaries. No matter what has gone on, Tuesday makes it all better. We are starting to feel the heat when we are out knocking doors now. Elder Hardman and I say that the house we are looking for will be the scariest one on the street and the apartment will be on the third floor! Someone had thrown-up all over the stairs at one place and that was how I felt after climbing the stairs in the heat. (I won’t tell you about the house where a rat ran out) It’s amazing how Elder Hardman can still remember specific people as we go around. I feel like they are all melting together.
We took a lady to go shopping at the grocery store this week. She lives in a motel downtown and she usually takes the bus but she has been sick for 3 weeks and felt too weak to ride the bus to the store. We helped her find a scooter and walked beside her as she did her shopping. I think her greatest concern was that she was out of cat food. Her cat is very dear to her. We have also been invited by different Sisters to help with lessons. We are learning how often they plan a lesson, get everything ready (ask members to join them) and then the people cancel. It’s amazing that they keep trudging on. We are also finding out how it feels when someone is so close to baptism and Satan comes along with doubt and fear and Word of Wisdom struggles. Young missionaries are incredible as you watch them deal with all of this. I often think of the words of Isaiah as I watch them. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7) These missionaries (and their feet) are beautiful and they shine forth in a dark and lonely world. We are so blessed to be associated with them.
Thursday was poor planning. We arranged to meet with a zone to do service at one of the parks on the hottest day (so far) of the year. Their parks are county parks that are overseen by a Ranger. They are all beautifully maintained and we wondered what we would be doing. The answer, “Picking up trash”. The trash didn’t live out in the open, it was under sage brush, floating in the river, cut up in tiny pieces, lying next to the barbed wire fence. Still it was nice to be outside in nature. Once again the Elders come through and act like the activity is the greatest idea ever. They have already formed a relationship with the Ranger and I don’t think they will only be picking up trash. He was so impressed with their willingness to work. I also heard them talking to the young adults in the skate park. They have indomitable spirits!
Our 2 month mark was on Saturday and I don’t know how the city found out but they set off fireworks for us! I think it was nice of them to provide such a grand celebration. It’s probably because we helped clean up trash.
That was our week. How was yours? We love hearing from you! Pictures, emails and letters are always welcome.
The Gospel’s true and we love you!
Love and kisses,
Elder and Sister Hardman
p.s. I didn’t see a good sign or bumper sticker this week. I will pay more attention this coming week.
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