** DAY 34 --What To Do Being Retired

My son asked  me to day if I liked my first day of retirement.  I laughed.  I went and received a shot in the arm.  I presented a copy of our call to our bank. We started to clean out our closet, dejunking, DI-ing, and throwing away many things.  Filling boxes and sacks, etc.

We sort of have to imagine what will happen when we get off the plane in 18 months.  Will we need suits, dresses, sofas, beds, washer and dryer, or what.  We won't have a home.  We won't have a car.  We will have our kids search for a place for us to live when we arrive.  But we need to consider what things we need so we don't throw them away.

After imagining what we will do when we arrive home in eighteen months, we will have to envision what we will use, what we will need to assure we will be able to start living like a normal, retired couple.

We are checking out the challenge of getting an international drivers license, for we will have to drive all around Santiago visiting institutes and seminaries.  We also need to check out phone providers, cell or otherwise.

We need to find out about the electricity.  Is it 110 or 220?  Of course we are interested in what kind of food we will eat, and not eat.  We are interested in many things, but we need to prepare in the next month or so to be ready to leave.  There is much to do.

Of course, in my retirement, I will have to get all those things done after I do all the priorities that all retired people do.  Retired people take a few naps each day, don't they?  And they spend lots of time deciding what they will be doing the rest of the day, week, month, and the rest of their life.  Am I really retired?

** DAY 35 -- RETIREMENT

Well, it is finally dawning on me that I am not working now.  Someone asked me yesterday if I was retired.  To me retired means you are sitting in front of the TV, watching the Olympics, holding a can of "something" in your hand.  Or it could mean sitting and enjoying the scenery while waiting for the fish to bite.

Retirement means a lot of things.  I guess it could mean that we are busy, running around to get ready to leave the country for 18 months being missionaries.  We don't have time to breath, but must keep running to be ready.  Am I retired?  I guess so.

Then that person said when I return and go to work for someone, I can just say I have come out of retirement.  I wonder if those senior missionaries are working twenty four seven, enjoying their retirement in all the countries of the world.  I guess retirement could just mean not working for someone else.  If that is the case I start my retirement today.

I told someone, and I fully believe it today, I will never retire.  I have too many dreams and visions to work on until the day I die.  Retirement is not in my vocabulary, and I will not indulge in it.

We listed yesterday what we want to do today, the first day of my retirement.  The list is so long I doubt we will be able to do half of it.  If so, we should have gotten out of bed about 3, and be running until midnight.  Well, we shall see, for we can divide and conquer, right.  I am retired I guess.  But I fear there will be no TV and no fishing, no can of something in my hand, and no retirement, just -tirement.

** DAY 36 -- Blessings of Prayer

I am in Perry Utah right now waiting for the privilege of speaking in our old ward.  No they are not old people, but we lived her a few years ago and we get to speak as our "leaving speech" before our mission.

The subject is prayer.  As I have pondered about this subject I cannot speak on prayer without bearing witness that Father has certainly been good to me, answering prayers, giving direction, giving comfort when I had to go through difficult times.  He has been good to me, as well as Bonnie.  If you were to view the many times He has blessed us through the past mortal years, you would agree also.

It is His work and glory to bring to pass the Eternal Life of Bonnie and me.  There are many things that He is doing, has done, and will continue to do to prepare us for all He wants to give us.  I take great comfort in that fact, that He is close, knows what we need more than we do, and is carefully directing things to come into our lives to teach us. 

What a blessing to have such a caring, loving Father in control of our lives. He sees all, knows all, and loves us.  Thanks.

** DAY 37 -- Speaking in Sacrament Meeting

It is over.  I am unemployed.  It is hard to process that.  I have been working there for about 18 months and it is a part of me.  I think, ponder, dream, and plan about my PREVIOUS duties.  All of a sudden, it is over. I need to replace those dreams, thinking, pondering and planning to involve our mission.  The clock is ticking to when we will enter the MTC.  There is so much to do, but we shall have it all done.

Tomorrow we will be privileged to speak in our old ward in Perry, UT.  We lived up there for five years and developed many beloved friends, and thus our Bishop Peterson is permitting us to come and speak in Sacrament Meeting.  We are excited to see special ones and associates.   We are also excited to share testimony with loved ones.

Bonnie is doing so well learning Spanish. She talks with a tutor from the MTC three times a week.  She is progressing faster than I thought possible, but she has the desire, spends hours practicing, doing her homework and is really excited.  I am sure Father has, and WILL bless her with the gift of tongues.  I just hope my Spanish comes back into my mind as I read the BOM in Spanish.

We walked to our special place today and prayed to Father, a prayer of gratitude and direction for the upcoming 37 days.  There will be much to do and we need to sit and plan a schedule what, when, and how to accomplish what needs to be done.  I believe the "pace" of our life is going to be shifted from second gear to overdrive, or at least fifth gear.  Will report on that later.

** DAY 38 -- Last Day

Well, today is a day I have waited for, for a long time.  I am going to work today and not returning.  I am still helping with the Chinese students that are here for a couple of days.  I am still training a couple of new employees to fill in when I don't return.  I am finally, when I leave, concentrating on our mission and not much else.

My boss has repeatedly told me that with  me leaving, it is like putting my hand in a bucket, and the amount I will be missed will be how big a hole is left when I withdraw my hand.  He got along without me before he met me and they will get along, probably better when I leave.

It has been a big blessing for Bonnie and me to have that income for the last 18 months.  It has helped us rid ourselves of our debt and prepare for our mission.  I have learned many lessons working there.  I have created "friends" from different parts of the world.  I have learned many things about people, attitudes, relationships, and so on.

Today our lives will change, a new chapter.  We have a bit more than one months to prepare for our upcoming mission.  The days coming will be filled with joy, fulfillment of dreams, and anticipation much more than the days previous to this one.

Sunday, we are traveling to Perry, UT to speak in our old ward.  We lived up there for five years and made many beloved friends, so the bishop invited us to come and share our enthusiasm for our mission with those friends and his ward.  We are excited to enter this new chapter of our life.  Less than only forty days, we will be full time missionaries  WAHOO.  (How long has it been since you went wahoo?)

** DAY 39 -- One More Day!!!

We just received word that on Thursday the 13th of September, we will be spending one full day at the Headquarters of the Church being trained in the PEF.  (Perpetual Education Fund)  It seems that those who are called to CES also get to work in the PEF of the church, thus we are spending one day there.  After we have become experts in the PEF rules and regulations, we will be free until the morning of the 17th when we fly out to our mission. 

I talked with the Church Headquarters today how the money works to support us.  It is interesting.  As of about one year ago, the church decided sort of standardize the cost of housing in Senior Missions.  No senior couple would have to pay more than $1400 for housing, utilities, and housing expenses.  The church would pay whatever housing cost beyond the $1400.  I know when my parents served in Martha's Vineyard, it cost much more than $1400 per month for housing.  Many  places would cost more, many less.  I don't know what they are going to cost in Dominican Republic.  I know that they are finding and furnishing a new apartment for Bonnie and me.

Yes, I am still at work.  I have tried to bring foreign groups of students to the US to learn English and to enjoy America.  This week, my first group is here, 14 kids from China.  We are taking them around to the sights, letting them eat American Food, and enjoy the US for a bit.  They are all living with American Families.  So, last night I went with them to an OWLS game. They have never seen a baseball game.  Since most of them didn't understand baseball, they played on their ipods, some slept, and a few watched the game.  It was LONG and was boring for some of them.  But asked if they wanted to leave early, they said NO and wanted to remain after the ninth inning when it was over.   Fun.

So this is my last week before I quit Nomen Global.  Yes, I am excited and it is hard to remain on task at work when I know that right around the corner, I will be free from here and be able to just concentrate on our mission to DR.

** DAY 40 -- Change of Stewardship

Only forty days until we start being missionaries.  The count down is going slowly, but it is going rapidly.  It is going slowly as I consider we have that long to wait until we can serve full time.  It is going rapidly since there are so many things to do that I wonder if we will get them all done before forty days have expired.

When I get boggled down with "things" and "stuff" I pause and think of that glorious different existence we will enjoy in more than 40 days.  That will be a time when we won't have to worry about bills, getting things done, making sure that we are available for kids and grand kids and church assignments, family and other.  It will be a time when the "stuff" of this life will be put on the back burner and we will be privileged to have our main, our only goal is furthering the Kingdom.

Yes I know, we are still parents and grand parents.  Yes we will still be interested in the happenings that happen in our family, extended family, and even dearly beloved associates, but our main focus will change from what it is today to what our Father and His Son desire of us.  We will be concerned about our stewardship.

I guess that is the main difference.  Our stewardship will change.  That is what I have desired since that day over forty years ago when I climbed off that plane in Texas, wishing I could return to be full time doing Father's work.  It will be glorious.

Miracles continue to happen.  Father is a Father of miracles and His work will go on, whether we notice His miracles or not.  I am grateful for that, for often He blesses with miracles that we didn't even know we desired.  I offer gratitude to Him for His tender mercies, His ever watchful care, and His taking care of us, whether  we agree with His timing, His methods, or His miracles.

** DAY 41 -- Faith In Every Footstep

Sunday, Bonnie lead the congregation in Come Come Ye Saints, which my ancestor wrote.  It was from the BeeBee book, and it was very special, spiritual, and had a few in the audience crying.  As we celebrate the Pioneers today, it is easy for me to imagine the saints gathered around a camp fire, singing songs, dancing, and counting their blessings.  It is also too easy to see some of them placing the bodies of loved ones in a grave out in the wilderness, worrying about Indians, wolves, etc.

Each generation has their own challenge.  One ward following ours was passing out sheets of music for their word to sing.  I picked one up and it was, "Faith in Every Footstep."  My mind quickly ran back to the celebration by the church when we were celebrating the 175 years since the organization of this church in this dispensation.  Our family participated in that celebration in the BYU stadium.  It is a wonderful hymn and one I have running around in my mind.  The early day saints had to have faith in every one of those footsteps taken toward the Rocky Mountains.

Today, there are many "pioneers" having faith in every footstep.  I guess you could say that Bonnie and I are striving to have faith in every footstep as we walk towards our "adventure" in Dominican Republic.  As as we make progress in striving to be ready in our day, forty one days, I guess you could also say, if we are striving as we should,  "All is Well."

We enjoy a great heritage from our pioneers.  I guess we are being pioneers as we hope our children will one day in their mortal experience serve a mission as we are going to do, as my parents did long ago.

** DAY 42 -- Becoming One

Since I saved about forty minutes this morning shaving with a new razor, I arrived to work about an hour late.  Doesn't make sense does it?  The "rest of the story" is this:  I woke up at about 3 and couldn't go back to sleep.  I started pacing around the house, since our landlords, or my son and family are at a reunion in Idaho.  So I was pacing, thinking, praying and pondering for the next four hours.  Bonnie came out about 6:30 and we talked for another hour, about  mission, things, and such.  THEN I decided I ought to go to work.

I taught a conference talk yesterday to the Elders and High Priests.  It was a talk about how much our Father in Heaven loves us.  The presenter, (I forgot who it was) mentioned how when he married his wife, he was just in kindergarten in the education of love.  Now, after many years, he feels like he is in college in the love education.

I feel the same way. After forty years of married to my Sweet Bonnie, my love is galaxies beyond where it started forty years ago.  And I find that as we face the next 18 months together serving our Father in the Kingdom of our Savior, I find more and more deeper feelings for her, our love continues to grow, and it shall continue through the eternities.

I can envision  the next months the "work" in the kingdom we shall both do side by side, and I am so grateful for her and her abilities, her testimony, and her support and faith in me.  We are indeed becoming one flesh, more and more daily, and more and more as we plan and prepare for our mission to Dominican Republic.

It is such a joy to be excited about serving with her as missionaries in the Institutes and Seminaries in that country, working with the youth, sharing in their visions and excitement about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yesterday Bonnie was leading the Primary and asked if anyone knew where we had been called to serve.  One young kid raised his hand and said,  "Some where Republican."  I guess that is right. At least in that child's mind, we will be serving the Republicans away from America.

** DAY 43 -- The Razor

We are out spending money.  Bonnie has purchased many of the clothing she will need.  I have not even thought about it.  However...

Last Sunday, before the meetings started, I was talking with the bishop.  He asked if we were ready.  I said we were getting there.  He looked at me and said.  "Not."  He then said I needed a hair cut.  He said I needed a shave.  And he went on and on.  I guess I am not ready.

Well, yesterday, I shaved.  It took me about twenty minutes to shave when I felt I was done.   I remembered what my bishop said last week and looked closely at my lovely face.  It looked as if I had not even shaved, and I had whiskers everywhere.  I just finished shaving and I had whiskers still.  I could see why the bishop said I needed a shave.

So, I threw my razor into the garbage.  I told my wife I think I needed a new razor.  She just started to laugh.  After I finally calmed her down and she could talk again, I asked her why she was laughing so hysterically.

She asked me when my father had passed away.  He passed in 1999, or about  13 years ago.  When dad died, I inherited his razor. He had used it for many years and I was grateful to get his.  So, I had shaved this morning with a razor that was at least twenty years old, and it was showing signed of wear.  Again Bonnie laughed.  "Signs of wear?"

So we figured we ought to purchase me a new razor unless I wanted to spend half of my mission shaving, and when finished shaving, you couldn't even tell that I had shaved.  So one of our purchases yesterday, on Saturday, we purchased a new razor, a purchase for our mission.

As you can see, there are many unforeseen things that need to be purchased, arranged, and prepared for our mission.  A razor is just one of the unplanned purchases that hit me like a boat load of whiskers.

** DAY 44 -- Many Types of Missions

I was driving to work today and it dawned on me.  In one week, I will be unemployed.  Hallelujah. In just 44 days I will be starting to realize a dream I have had for over 40 years.  I will be taking my Eternal Companion with me to serve in a Latin American country as senior missionaries.  When I pause to consider the wonderful, fulfilling work that missionary work is, I can't help but get excited, pause and offer sincere thanks for this dream come true, (soon.) 

My mind races back to over forty years ago and I joy in the memories of the work.  Then as I consider those we have talked with, those who have done what we will do, I realize that actual missionary work, tracting, teaching, etc, will probably not be too much of what we will be doing.  We probably won't be going door to door to seek out the honest in heart, those who are spiritually hungry. 

Mostly, we will be working with members in the DR.  We will be training them, helping them lead, teach, grow in their testimonies.  We will be working with those interest in the Perpetual Education Fund.  We will be working with the youth in their activities.  We will be emissaries of Christ in the lives of other members starting out in their journey through the LDS way of life. 

Does that take away from my enthusiasm?  Does that limit my excitement of going and serving if we are not seeking new "...gators.?"  If we are not involved in seeking beloved ones baptised, will that put a damper on my joy and excitement?  OF COURSE NOT.

Missionary work, in all it's forms is giving your all, your time, talents, testimony, and anything else He has given us, to Him in return.  It is forgetting, or at least leaving behind the rigors and challenges of life and giving it all to Him.  That is the joy of serving a mission. 

And besides, I will always be looking for 'gators, those who should be interested in the message, those who could be blessed with our way of life, and those Father will direct to us.  There are thousands, even millions waiting for someone to Open Their Mouth and preach the gospel, share the "good news."

We are going to be full time missionaries SOON.  We even know the dates and how long we have to wait.  It is very exciting, but first have to get rid of this last week of being a slave to someone else.

** DAY 45 -- Be As Tevya - No Waiting for Your Ticket To Be Called

In the Fiddler on the Roof, the main man Tevya was always pausing in  his life and looking upward, and then carrying on a conversation with Father.  I saw that movie first when I was a young man.  I remember questioning, and then admiring him as he was talking with Father.  He could be anywhere, doing anything, and he would talk with Father in Heaven.  I remember thinking when I was about 15 that I wanted to do that.  I wanted to be in any position, anywhere and be able to talk with Father in Heaven. 

When one is communicating with someone, it is always better communication when you know that the one being talked to is there and is listening.  I remember once when younger than I am now, (course that could mean yesterday as well as 60 years ago) I remember thinking that my prayers were written down by the angels and they sort of took a number, sort of like what you do when waiting for service.  As your number came up, then Father would look at your prayer and decide whether he wanted to answer or not. 

Of course as I have listened to our apostles of these days, they bear witness that Father is constantly with us.  He is watching over every event, every action, every trial, and every blessing we receive.  He is as close to us as possible for it is His work and glory to bring to pass our mortality and Eternal Life of you and me. 

Often we do not really believe, or live as though He is that close.  In fact most of the time, we do not consider how close our Father is.  We act as if He is far away, that we are actually taking a number to await His attention and his listening to our concerns.

But in reality, He is as close as Tevya believed. At any time during the day or night, we could glance upward and speak with our loving Father.  We could and should ask Him, thank Him and express our appreciation for His love, His care, and His protection.

Of course some will question, "Why did this or that happen if He is always there?"  We also need to remember that "...all these things give thee experience."  He IS in charge, but also knows that trials, challenges, and obstacles will teach us, help us grow, and improve our faith in Him.

"Would it spoil some vast Eternal Plan if...."  (Taken from words spoken by Tevya...) He will walk with us as we are serving Him in the Dominican Republic, but He is walking with us today just as much as we prepare to go and serve.

** DAY 46 -- Fishing

I am going fishing today, after work, with three sons and three grand sons.  We are going to the body of water named Strawberry.  It is recognized as one of the best trout fisheries in the west.  It will be fun.

As I sit and ponder about fishing, I can't help but recall that the Savior called many fishermen to become disciples.  He challenged them to be fishers of men.  With our upcoming mission, we shall be fishers of men.  Or will we?  Earlier, most missionaries were indeed called fishers of men, seeking out the honest in heart, those who were looking for the truth and knew not where to find it.

But today, especially with the senior people, like us, we are not fishers of men.  Instead, as I understand it, we will be working with members, in our case, youth and strengthening them, building up teachers, setting up institutes, seminaries, and helping people take advantage of the Perpetual Education Fund.  These duties do not lend themselves directly to being fishers of men.  But they are servants of the Savior helping in the building of the kingdom.

So, seniors should be looked at as builders of the Kingdom, support forms, and teachers of those already part of the Kingdom.  Some senior missionaries do nothing but garden. Some senior missionaries do nothing but mechanics.  Some only do building, etc.  But all are working in building the Kingdom.


Even so, as I am sitting on the side of that large lake, wishing a fish would take the bait, realize the measure of his/her creation, become meat on my plate, I will still think about the Savior, his fishermen disciples, and how we both are helping our beloved Savior in  His work and Glory of the purpose of this earth.

** DAY 47 -- Death of This One, Birth of Another One -- BATTLE

We have 47 days until we enter the Mission Training Center.  We will stay there about ten days, then have a couple of days until we fly away.  We board a plane on September 17 and arrive late that night. We will, in essence, be starting our mission in Dominican Republic on my 63rd birthday.  On September 19th, there will be a large party, fiesta, in our mission at the Institute Building.  What a way to start our mission.

I have been wondering what to do with this blog in 47 days.  This blog began on  June 9, 2011, our thirty-ninth anniversary of being sealed, wedded.  I have counted down the days until we can go on a mission.  We are nearing that day, 47 more days. 

When we start that mission, on September 3, 2012, I believe I will end this blog, being the count down until our mission.  But this morning Bonnie said that we "may" be serving other missions.  I wanted to shout for joy, for she is considering that we will serve more than just this one.  As we do, we will have to differentiate between our missions, the count down for the first one, etc.

So, this blog will be laid to rest as we leave September 3.  However, we will start another one that day.  We will both be authors of it, writing experiences, miracles, about beloved friends we have not met yet, etc.  We may take every other day, Bonnie one day, me the next, etc.  We will have to see how it goes, but it will be written by us both reporting our mission in Dominican Republic.

I have been told our mission will consist of many different phases of "the work."  CES involves many aspects of the three missions of the church.  More about this will be reported when we are finally started in the DR.

An interested friend of mine is investigating the church.  She is reading the Book of Mormon and is starting to feel the Spirit of that glorious book.  After one of those special witnesses when the Spirit touched her soul, after she was feeling very high and comfortable with her actions, some "friend" put an anti- Mormon pamphlet in her path.  She, unknowingly, read it and was totally disillusioned and was disappointed with the Mormons.

Satan sure has his disciples, his followers fighting against the truth, doesn't he.  I can see his influence in the thought process of my mind.  I can see his influence in the modern media.  I can see him everywhere.  I can appreciate the difficulty of searching for the truth when Satan and all his minnions are striving to destroy anyone searching for the truth.  We shall see much more of this as we head out to the DR. We ARE in a battle, but often do not see how serious it is, and how important it is to steel ourselves against him and his followers.

** DAY 48 -- First Reaction of the MTC

We spent some time with David and Meb last night, he is Bonnie's brother.  He goes into the Mission Home next Monday.  It is interesting to me how Dave and Meb have changed.  They are burning with the Spirit of missionary work.  They are so excited to go and do as out Father wants.  They are leaving behind everything and can feel the need Father has for them, and can be excited without even knowing what they will be doing.

I inwardly smiled as I listened to their enthusiastic talk about their upcoming mission and opportunity to serve.  We discussed Elder Holland's talk last October when he sent out the call to have many more missionaries, especially senior missionaries.  I wonder how many are answering his call.

We talked about the many places in the world where there are many converts to the church that have very few years in the church and yet are called as bishops, relief society presidents, and yet they don't know how to lead, love, and serve.  This is a great need in the world to have seniors go and share insights into the leadership of the Church.

As I felt their excitement, as I felt joy in their visions of their upcoming 18 months, that enthusiasm of mine again began to grow and fill my soul.  I glanced at my  wife and could envision some of the things we shall do.

Yesterday on the way home from work, I passed by the MTC to pick up some Spanish manuals so Bonnie could be tutored by the MTC for the next while.  As I walked into the building, I spied many, many senior couples mulling around that area.  I just started to laugh.  Don't know why, but I did.  Bonnie would have cried, but I laughed.  As I approached the desk to pick up the information, I told the girl there I was laughing because in a few weeks, I would be one of them with my beloved companion.  It was quite interesting.  As I drove away from the building my mind started to run dreaming of the experiences we are going to have in the MTC.  It is such a wonderful place to feel the Spirit, to prepare us, and be a beginning of our mission.

** DAY 49 -- Binding Satan

We continue to learn more and more.  So exciting it is.  Bonnie's brother's farewell on Sunday was a joy, got the excitement to higher heights.  Fun.

It is interesting while we are in Dominican Republic, we will be working for one brother in the Seminaries and Institutes while working "under" the mission president.  I guess it would be sort of like our bishop and our employer.  We shall find out more about that when we get there.

Ten more days until I can leave work and never go back.  Fun, I am taking the time to carefully train those new employees at work how to take over for me.  Ten days to do that.

As I was discussing missions with David, Bonnie's brother, he said, "Watch out for Satan, for he is active right before you go."  I have thought about that.  He is at least partially aware of what Bonnie and I shall do in the Dominican Republic, and he is aware of our testimonies of the gospel.  I would assume he would want to prevent any good we might do down there, and thus he and his followers are active.  I guess Satan's actions are in exact opposite corners than all those miracles we keep seeing.

Forty nine days. I am a forty niner, I was born in forty nine, I love the forty niners, I am a few years beyond forty nine years old, and today we have forty nine days until we leave.

I have found that the more one looks for Father's influence in one's life, the more you find it.  The more you expect it to be there the more He is there.  We will soon be missionaries, full time missionaries, and we will see His hand surrounding us in every action, since we "are His Hands" while we serve.  He will direct us and show us the way, the things to say, etc.  But even now, as we prepare, He is in every event, almost every thought, and He is with us.  Oh that we could live our lives with His influence in every decision.  That is the goal, that is what will bind Satan for 1000 years.

** DAY 50 -- He Is Father

Well another Sabbath.  We are going today to Bonnie's brother's farewell, even through we don't have farewells any more.  But we are going to his meeting this morning.  Wonderful.  Only 50 days until we leave life as we know it and adjust to life as a missionary couple.  My son called yesterday and asked if he could "use" my binoculars while we were gone.  I know we won't have room for them, and I know that we probably wouldn't need them.  It is starting.  My kids are starting to question what we don't need as missionaries and they are starting the "grab fest" to see what they can "use" while we are gone.
That gives me a smile.  That is OK with me, for I am leaving normal life, and who knows if we will ever return to "normal" life again.

Yesterday on our trip to OUR sacred place to talk with Father, on our way up or back we discussed some of the trials, challenges I have been given the last few years.  They are circumstances that have taught me lessons, ultimately to improve me, perfect me.  It is a time when I need to ponder, think and analyze the lessons I am learning through it all. They are difficult lessons, and I have struggled with them, but all is well, I am "seeing" them now and I am committed to learn from them, be better and use the lessons I am gleaning.

I pondered this morning about the many, many miracles that have happened in put us in this position.  Father wants Senior Missionaries, and there have certainly been many miracles that have put us here.  If it were up to us, we would never be going away to serve as missionaries, but it not  up to us, and Father is in charge of my live, Bonnie's life and even  you the reader's life, for his is indeed Father.

** DAY 51 -- Pondering the WHY's of Things

Saturday.  I wrote in this blog that on Saturday, or at least a few Saturdays past Bonnie and I walk up the hill to our "special" place where we pause and consider many things.  We are together discussing our life, our challenges, our opportunities of service, etc.  Well we are planning on doing that on Day 51, today. (As most of you know, I write this the day before so I can post it in the morning on that specific day. Does that make sense?) 

So when you read this, we will probably have been up the mountain to our place to think, ponder and pray.  Joseph Smith counselled that we need to take the time to distance ourselves from "life" and it's challenges.  We need to create pondering time to converse with the Spirit and hear Father's influence.  Most of the revelations that Joseph received, it was following a pondering time for him.  So, we are planning on pondering together about our upcoming mission today, this morning.  We did hike the mountain and enjoyed our conversation talking about the upcoming mission.

I shared with someone the other day about one of my favorite scriptures, 2 Nephi 2: 24, where it says, "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things."  As I consider "things" that happen, I ponder the reasoning of many them.  There are reasons why things happen, and if we are listening, often we can KNOW why we are blessed with those things.

Why did we have to wait so long for our mission call? Why are we going to Dominican Republic? Why am I living with one of my sons?  What am I supposed to learn working where I work?  Why do I struggle with patience?  Etc.  There are divine reasons for all of these things and everything that happens, for Father is aware of and in control of things that happen in our life.

On our walk, I mentioned that since most senior missionaries have to wait 4 - 6 months to go, and we only have to wait two from our call to go, I guess we would rather wait for the call than wait for the time to go.  So that long wait for our call was destined and good, since we can leave in 51 days.

So, back to the concept of pondering.  It is a wonderful pastime to take the time and ponder reasons, thoughts, and even pray about them.  I have been doing lots of that recently.

Pondering is another event, past time that we should use for every verse of the Book of Mormon, for as I read it, I often pause and try to figure out why that verse was put in there for me. Everything was put in there for divine reasons.  I just have to figure out what it is?

** DAY 52 -- and Final Ten Days.

As mini-visions pass through my mind of what we will be doing, my soul begins to shout for joy.  As envisioning the six stakes and three districts, (I can't remember exact numbers right now) I try to envision so  many youth who are trying to make their way in the Kingdom, we shall enter their lives and help them get a confirmation of their value and the value of the Kingdom.  We both know that we shall be very busy, working with so many young people.


We are not exactly sure what we will be doing but it is exciting to know that there is a stewardship waiting for us, and from the sounds of it,  has been waiting for one year for us to be ready to go to Dominican Republic and share our talents, testimonies, visions, and work with the youth in CES.


I was told that we will probably be working in the Perpetual Education Fund program also in that area.  I am sure there are other things that we will be doing that we will learn about.  Yes, my excitement genes are resurrecting and starting to overtake all other thoughts and visions in my mind. 


I read my Book of Mormon every morning in Spanish and I can feel my language coming back so I will be able to fulfill  my part of this calling down there. Bonnie is going to take advantage of the offer of the MTC to begin personal instruction in the next week or so.  


Since I quit work within the month (I got my boss to agree that my last day would be July 27th) I only have ten working days after today.  Then I have one month to go to finish out my normal life and prepare. Then full time I can spend dreaming, envisioning, and anticipating the joys of mission work, touching others, becoming friends with a world in Dominican Republic.  Glory be.

** Day 53 -- (14 days left) A Discussion and More info about Mission

53 days until we leave to DR.  14 days working days until I quit.  Both important days.

Last night I awoke at 3 in the morning.  I had a conversation with myself.  Crazy, or does that show I am crazy?  Or maybe even heading toward that state of being crazy.  Oh well.

I asked myself if I was excited about going to Dominican Republic.  My mind raced to all the reports I have received from many people who have experienced DR.  I got so excited I could not go back to sleep.  I asked myself why the Lord had called us to DR.  I started counting the talents and abilities of Bonnie and knew that she has a great work to do there.  I considered my love of people, making friends of strangers, etc.  I got excited again.  I asked myself if I was going to be able to do all that needs to be done.  I answered that, "Yes, I am." 

I asked myself if it was going to be hard to go, and I paused on that one.  My grand kids are going fishing today, and I don't get to go because of other obligations.  We love to go together and have fun even if we do not catch anything.  It will be hard to leave my grand kids, knowing they will be fishing without me.  But then if I consider what I will be doing, NO it won't be hard to leave.  

I paused and considered teaching institute for many years to the youth.  I paused and considered the wonderful time I had in teaching Gospel Doctrine for more than 10 years.  I considered how much I love to teach, and I knew I would enjoy being involved with CES in Dominican Republic.  

I knew that Father is sending us there for many reasons we do not see yet.  But I also know that we have great talents to offer Him in His work in the DR.  As I pondered the many blessings, miracles, and opportunities we have, and will have, I finally, feeling so blessed, and feeling the comfort of the Spirit, I finally returned to sleep for a few more hours before I awoke.  

It is hard to be at work when soon I will be doing so many things so much more rewarding and fulfilling when we are serving full time, doing we know not what....

Yesterday I talked with a brother Rappleye from Santo Domingo.  He told me lots about our mission.  Elder Rappleye is in charge of CES institute and seminaries.  He said that they have been requesting someone in CES programs for over one year.They are dedicating a new institute building in our mission. Bonnie and I will be in charge of it, getting institute going, and so forth.  It has taken ten years to get this building built and we get to go and help get it going.

There are only TWO senior couples in all of Dominican Republic, Bonnie and I will be one of them.  Exciting.  It is so hard to wait the almost two months to go.  I am ready TODAY.

** DAY 54 -- Or 15 Days of Work

I ought to start a countdown to my last day at work.  I sit here staring at all the things that surround me that take my mind away from our upcoming mission and feel sad.  There are so many things that weigh heavily on my  mind at work that it is hard to squeeze enough space in my mind to consider the next 18 months when I shall be serving my God.  That is where my dreams and visions are residing.  The events that I have surrounding my mind right now, these days, are so far away from what we will be doing the next 18 months.

I shared with another friend today about our destination in a couple of months.  She said that she was best friends with a sister who served down there.  She said they went back a few years together and said that they are the nicest people on the earth. They love everyone. They serve everyone.  They smile at everyone.  They are just the most outgoing, loving people she has ever met. 

She also said that her friend, while serving down there as a missionary, got in an accident, hitting a moped.  She said that everyone drives mopeds and do not follow any rules or regulations. She said that when there is an accident, no matter who, either you go to the hospital, or you go to jail.  There is no middle road.  She went to jail. She was only there for a short time, and with a bit of money exchanging hands, she was "sprung" out of jail.  Sounds interesting.  I am excited, never been in jail.  Except to teach institute, that is.  When they let me in, they also let me out after teaching. If I hit someone on a moped, I may be living in jail a while.

Boss told me today that he wants me to work until July 31.  That is fine, then I will have one month to get everything done.  That is if I can channel my thoughts on work when I have such a glorious future in about two months. 

My Patriarchal Blessing talks about introducing people on my mission to the truth and they will consider us, the missionaries, Saviors on Mount Zion, to introduce them to the truth and the blessings of the gospel, of Mormonism, and being a member of this church.  I would assume that is true for my first mission and the upcoming one.  Such a joy, such a blessing to be involved, and all.  Yes, I am excited to go.

** DAY 55 -- Can't Wait

It is hard to believe that in less than two months, we shall be real missionaries.  We shall be staying in the Mission Training Center for two weeks, and then on September 17th, we will be flying out and on our way to DR.  We will arrive late night on the 17th.  It sounds like a dream.

But it is coming, slowly. 

Bonnie continues to study Spanish.  She is helping my daughter who just had a baby last week, so she doesn't have much time to lend to learning Spanish, but she is trying.  We get our passport pictures tonight, I assume.  We need about eight of them.  There are many places who take them and process them.  I don't know why, but we need around 8 of them.  We do not need a passport, but we need passport pictures for our visa, and other things. 

I talked to a student who is here learning English that comes from the Dominican Republic. When I told her we were going to her country, she was so excited.  She started jumping up and down.  She told me that we would love it, the people, the country, the food, and the beauty of the country.  He father works in the Government, and we shall meet up when we get down there.  She will be returning to her country before we get there.

I try to imagine how wonderful it will be when I no longer have to worry about what I do every day at work.  It will be such a joy and relief to just think of serving my God.  Can't wait.

** DAY 56 -- Replacing Me at Work

There are so many people in the world who are living their lives without the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  There are many who are wandering from here to there, and do not have answers to their questions.  There are many who think that the Heaven's are sealed and there are no revelations today.  There are many who are blinded by the crafts of men and who are struggling through live.

I can't wait to go and be involved with helping others see the beauties of this gospel, have answers to their prayers, receive words of modern prophets who speak with God daily, who can give us direction for every aspect and every trial we experience.

What a joy to be able to help in this work.  Mission memories keep coming back, especially the goal I set to be able to go again with my Eternal Companion.

I start training my replacement today at work.  Should be fun, to know that I will be able to leave my work for mortal purposes, earning money, spending my time for someone else.  Trading that experience in for working for eternal purposes, earning things that really matter rather than money, and spending my time, energy, and all I have for my Father in Heaven, helping in the work of the Kingdom.  What a dream come true, and it is not too far away.

** DAY 57 -- Tender Mercies for Us

These days are days of preparation.  They are not waiting as the last few hundred days were days of waiting.  I guess we are waiting for the time to go to the MTC, but we know when and where  But these days are considering what we have to do to be ready "ready" to leave for eighteen months.

We are making lists, and lists of lists.  We have eight weeks.  There is much to be done.  Of course there is the packing away things.  There is saying good bye to friends, family, and beloved ones.  But there is following a carefully detailed process of being prepared to enter another country, doing what that country demands to enter their land.

Our bishop said that Satan was working hard through the first 400 days of preparation.  Now that we have our call, Satan would step it up and see if he could do anything to stop us from going.  He would bring up obstacles to prevent us from having an easy preparation in the last 57 days.  He is hard at work.  Of course you and I both know that he won't be able to do anything to us, but he tries.  

We are studying all we can about the area.  We will talk to those who have been there, done that.  We are studying Spanish, me refreshing, Bonnie learning from scratch.  We are unsure exactly what we will be doing, but one thing for certain, we will be touching lives of saints, fellow missionaries, less actives, and non members.

Bonnie had a "aha" moment last night and saw herself singing, teaching little children in Spanish.  That will be a joy for her, she loves music and teaching, and little children.  Another miracle/blessing for her to envision what will be when we get there.  Father is good to us, and blesses us with many unasked for insights to the upcoming privilege of serving.  Thanks be to our Father for His tender mercies as we progress along the last days of preparing.

** DAY 58 Tinted Glasses

What glasses are you wearing today?  Are your glasses tinted?  Do the things you see have a brownish, blueish, or a different hue?  Can you see everything you want to see?

A few years ago, Hyrum Smith taught a lecture about seeing with colored glasses.  He said that we each put a certain hue or tint on the glasses we use.  Often that hue is just a coloration of what we see.  If that tint is a prejudice against, then everything we see will have the coloring effect.

If we decide that everyone who is not from the US should go home, that will influence almost everyone we see serving at any fast food location.  It will change the way we talk with someone who is different.  If we have a coloring on our glasses that everyone wearing shorts should cover up their legs, then as we meet a new person with shorts on, we immediately decide that we cannot accept that person, no matter the personality.  Our glasses will dictate what we think about, how we receive, and how we think about anyone else.

Why I bring this up is this.  If we have Eternal Coloring on our glasses, then everyone we meet, everything that happens to us, every events we hear about, we will color it with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  If we hear of someone starting a fire that burns down three homes, we will not wish he would be put in jail, or even shot.  We will wonder if it was an accident, what was his motivation, was he in sound mind, etc.  Or was he just trying to find a place to roast a marshmallow.  No matter who we see, what they are dressed like, what comes out of their mouth, we will KNOW that they are brothers and sisters of ours.

I have been taught that lesson the last few weeks.  There is an eternal, gospel-tinted explanation for everything we experience, everything we see, everything we hear about.  When I was driving to work the other day, I almost hit a man who ran a red light.  At first, I was angry, then I decided that he ran that light because he was hurrying home because his wife was in labor, waiting to have their sixteenth child. 

When my team wins the game, I could feel saddened knowing that the loser were in depression and especially the player who made a mistake that resulted in the team losing, consider how awful he felt.  Feel compassion.

As we continue to get ready to go on our mission, I need to make sure that I have many pairs of glasses that are tinted with Gospel shading.  It will make a large difference in how I greet, how I treat, and how I see all others.  It is something I need to start now so I can be ready to love everyone I meet, no matter the circumstances or events leading up to our meeting, even someone who hurts or injures me.  Just a thought.

Bonnie went to the eye doctor and it was decided to give her the medical attention her  one eye needs when we get home.  It should not get worse, and she should be OK without surgery.  Thanks for the prayers.

** DAY 59 -- Anywhere Will Do

Our days are beginning to fill up.  We want to talk with my past friends and such, and know we have many things to do.  We know we will have many other things to do which we know not about.  We will be talking with our future mission president, as well as missionaries who have served there.  We have many things to do in preparation of getting rid of things and storing things.  We plan on making hundreds of trips to the Deseret Industries. 

Bonnie talked to a man yesterday who was very negative about his mission. He said it was hot, humid, didn't like the people, didn't learn the language, and didn't have a great time.  He went on and one about how difficult his mission was.  As we discussed his attitude, we both agreed that if the truth were known he probably didn't put much into his mission since he did not get much out of it.  It is the old story that if you don't like the city you live it, it is probably because you didn't put into it either. 

But as we talked with others who have served anywhere, if they loved their mission, if they had great, excited reports about it, then it is probably because they got involved with the work, they loved the people, and they felt the message they presented to others.

Missionary work is not about the location, the area, the site seeing opportunities in any area, missionary work is giving of yourself to the people.  There are good people everywhere.  And if you get involved with members and non members alike, if you give of yourself, if  you love the people, you will love the mission.

That is why I am excited to go anywhere.  There are people there, many of which are waiting for our message.  I am excited to get involved with people anywhere. I know that the people yet un-met, will become dear friends and beloved brothers and sisters.  They will be friends that will remain dear to us for mortality, for the chances are that we have already met them and know them very well for the time we lived in the pre-mortal life.

** DAY 60 -- New Baby

One of the things that dictates our availability for our mission was the coming of two new babies.  Well, this morning we welcomed in our second and are now ready to go. HA HA.  Bonnie wants to remain here for a while helping her two new grand children.  OK, I will wait a few hours.

But there is now no reason not to go, and thus I guess we still have sixty days.  I have heard that most elder missionaries have between four and six months to prepare.  If that is the truth, I am most grateful that we don't have to wait for six month.

Bonnie's eye appointment will be tomorrow and then we will know if we have to go through eye surgery or not.  She has this thing in one of her eyes and we are not sure if it is serious enough to take care of now, rather than waiting 18 months.

Bonnie says she is going to spend thirty six hours each of our remaining 60 days with her grand kids.  She needs to get her fill of them before we go.  I will let her do that, for I know that is her favorite calling, or at least near the top.

I am getting more and more excited about serving in the Kingdom.  Patience, Patience.... and more Patience.

** DAY 61 -- Perry, Brigham City

We went to Perry for the fourth of July.  It was fun.  We drove up on the third and got up early.  I ran in my first 5 K.  My OLD body has not let me run at all for the past millennium.  But I ran with Emily, to support her in her first 5K.  She did well. 

Before we did it, they had a flag ceremony.  It made me tear up.  I have always wanted to write a novel based upon the events of the "birth" of our National Anthem.  I have done the research and I am ready to do so.  There was once when I thought it would be fun to have someone write music to accompany my story.  I found one young writer, but I never followed up.  I can't help but dwell upon the events leading up to Brother Francis Scott Key's experience in writing it. One day perhaps.

As I watched that flag climb the pole, I again felt emotional knowing withing two months or so, we will be almost in the DR, leaving behind for a period our wonderful nation, our freedoms, our liberties, and experiencing the lack of... of another nation.  I love this land, the history of this land, so many who have sacrificed their all to bring me the freedoms I have.

Oh, you should know, I received a ribbon for finishing that 5K, third.  Third place in my age group.  The only catch is, there are not many living that are as old as I am, and thus I still came in third.  It should also be noted that there were only three who ran who were in that age group, but I came in third and received a ribbon for my efforts, my blisters, my aches, and my enjoyment in running with  my daughter.

We met many of past friends and members of the church, shared with them our excitement of our mission, and told them of the DR.  It was fun.  Watched some softball, and was even asked, pleaded for me to play in the OLD FOLKS game mid day today.  I wanted to so much, but my wise wife expressed fear that I would break something or other and be a cripple for our upcoming mission.  I would be out on that field, my mind saying that I could do anything, as I used to, and my body laughing at the joke.  A ball would be hit to me and I would do as I used to do, thus breaking my back, my arm would be thrown out of the socket, and I would be rushed to the hospital.

NOTE: It is hard to accept that fact that my mind is young, wants to do all I have done in the past, but my  body is growing more feeble every day, and thus often my body better speak louder than my mind.  I didn't play and thus only suffer from the run of this morning besides the sadness of accepting that I cannot do as much as I used to do, nor half as well as I used to.  "Growing Old" is not fun.

** DAY 62 -- Is It a Reality Yet?

My son asked me yesterday if our mission was a reality yet.  I had to pause and consider the question.  Once I mentioned that it was a surreal vision, one that was so far away, it was hard to really believe that we are gong on a mission to serve, AND that we have even received a call.  We know where we are going and when we are going.  We don't  know what it will entail yet, but we are going.

We discuss it every day, make lists, talk about decisions that have to be made, and such.  But it really isn't real for me yet.  Bonnie is studying Spanish every day and feeling excitement.  But for me, it is still far away.  When I sit down and take the time to try to imagine what our mission will entail, I begin to compare it with my mission of long ago.  I correlate it with Elder Partridge of forty years ago.  But that is hard, because it won't be the same thing.  It is still like a dream to me.  Yes, it is coming and I can see on the calendar that the day will come when we will go into the MTC with all those other young missionaries.  Yes, we will be leaving our family and serving the Lord.  But perhaps the habit of anticipating and waiting for it has been so prevalent that it is hard to "feel" it.  It is hard to explain.  I know the time is coming where I will really be "feeling" the joy and excitement of serving as a missionary once again.

Wendy Partridge, my second cousin passed away and is now serving on her call with Father in Heaven.  She received her call to post mortal life on Wednesday, the day before we received our call.  We went to her funeral yesterday and what a Spiritual feast it was.  She was quite a special young lady. She was 33 years old.

We sent in our acceptance letter to the brethren letting them know that we accept the call to go and do.  When we tell everyone where we are going, it is seldom that we find someone who doesn't now someone else who is either there, or recently has been there.  I guess it is a common place to go on a mission.

We have been told by many that we will be receiving many more packets of stuff telling us info and things we need to do.  Bonnie has an appointment with the eye specialist on Friday, to see what we shall do with that in preparation.  Hopefully we will see another miracle, no pun intended, but appreciated.

** 63 DAYS -- Rather Than Two Months

Bonnie is frustrated with my new countdown to our mission.  She hates countdowns.  When I tell her it is 63 days, she freaks out.  She would rather I say we have two months, not how many days, since two months "SOUND" like a longer amount of time.  So I guess I should say we have slightly more than two months.

Yesterday the bishop sat with us and told us that the mission is a time to leave worldly cares behind including money concerns.  I told him how my family would help us, and he said leave everything else stored away in our mind, don't let any earthly cares bother us and go and serve.  It was comforting knowing that I have a generous family, as well as a visionary bishop who will take care of our financial concerns.

We continue to find more people who know about our mission.  They have been there, done that, and we will spend some of the "two months" visiting them, finding out more about where we are going.  So many either have been missionaries there, or are currently.  There must be thousands of missionaries there.

Bonnie said her first prayer today for breakfast.  It was slow, chopped up, and questioning for appropriate words, but it was wonderful.  I mean we got our call Thursday, and on Monday morning she is praying.  She is committed to learn Spanish and has started with a strong push to learn.

I am reading the BOM to her in Spanish to get her ear adjusted to the sounding, and the pronunciation of the language.  She is a very receptive, motivated student, I am proud of her.

We have almost decided to sell my Subaru.  Hate to do it, since I love them so much, but no need to have one sitting here for eighteen months.

So much to do, but we are making lists, as said before.

There isn't very often during every day that we don't talk about going, what we have to do, the response of others about our call.  It is a joy, and will become stronger and stronger as time goes on.  Bishop said that the next two years would be the most happy, spiritual of our whole life as we serve together as missionaries.

** 64 DAYS -- When I'm Sixty Four

To be complete I feel I need to finish what I started.  There are still many things to do to go on our mission.  I guess this is following whisperings to continue.

Yesterday we filled out an acceptance letter to send in to SLC to let the Brethren know that we accepted our call to serve in Dominican Republic.  They call us, and I guess they need to know we are still ready, able, and desirous to go.  So we wrote our acceptance and have to have the bishop sign and endorse it.

We have 64 days until we enter the MTC in Provo.  Thus the 64 countdown, again.  We are starting to make lists, and then we are making lists of lists to get done.  There is much to do.  Decisions have to be made, storage has to be arranged, the Deseret Industries has to be excited for the things we are giving them.

We purchased a Spanish Book of Mormon and have arranged a schedule to help Bonnie learn Spanish.  She is so excited to learn.  She "felt" long ago in Perry that she should learn Spanish, but didn't ever get around to it.  Thus now we have a 64 day crash course to get her up and running in Spanish.  She learned a short simple prayer yesterday and is practicing that constantly.  She will do well.

We are also looking for lists to remind us of others who will want to know about our mission.  There are a few...

Bonnie's one eye has yet to be evaluated, and we shall do that soon.  That is the one major item that has to be accomplished soon so we know if we need surgery on it before we go.

So many friends have expressed congratulations about our call.  Just like being pregnant and being delivered. We were delivered from one part of the wait to go be missionaries.  Now another 64 days to real delivery.