*** DAY 3 -- Busier and Busier Days, THREE

I continue to do those things needed.  I know they will all get done and we will report for duty  on  Monday, but Bonnie keeps worrying that it won't all get done.

I helped my daughter and son load their van yesterday and threw out my back.  It is sore, but life must go on.  We have to decide on many things still.  We have a few more trips to the storage unit and the DI.  We also have to start packing.  Nice huh.  We will be packing for the MTC mostly.  Since we will be coming home between weeks in the MTC, we only have to pack this time for a few days, then for eighteen months later.

My old boss called yesterday and wants some of the space in our storage unit.  Since he is paying for the cost, we must go and rearrange the spacing, the packing of the unit to give him what he needs.  Thus a new obstacle to overcome.  Another "ITEM" to get in the way of our thinking of the coming joy and happiness when we are serving as missionaries.  I guess the real joy and anticipation of serving will start when we enter the MTC next Monday.  Then these things will mostly be done, or better be.

As I look at my lists, they are getting many things crossed off, but still have many not crossed of.  Mostly, doing things that need to be done, like thank you notes, deciding whether to give away or store for two years, etc.  And of course there are still things to purchase, like a potato peeler, for there are none down there.  They also don't have life savers.  I know, these things don't seem to be important, but really, talking with those who have been down there, these things come in handy, thus they are added to the list.

Every where I look, there are things that have to be done.  I don't consider all the millions of things that have been done, I just look at what lies in front of us.  I guess that is as it should be.

A mission still feels like it is a far away dream, since so many other things are demanding our attention.  But in a few days, we will have to leave them all behind and start putting our attention where Father wants it. Finally!

** DAY 4 -- Three Dreams

Last night I had a dream.  I was in front of many youth of the Dominican Republic and I was having a grand time teaching the gospel.  I felt the Spirit dictating to me what I needed to say, do, and preach.  I was thoroughly enjoying the time in front of those young kids sharing the gospel.

I woke up and felt such comfort and joy.  I can't wait to be teaching again.  I love to teach, for all it really is, is being in front of hungry saints who want to hear the good word, eat it up, and are changed.  They feel the Holy Spirit bearing witness of the truth and are filled. I am only the tool to present it to them, what needs to be said, and they listen and then incorporate it into their lives.  What joy!

I was laying awake for the next hour or so anticipating that glorious experience coming again in my life. I am excited.

Then I went back to sleep and dreamed of three young kids.  They were in trouble.  One was incarcerated, while the other two were on probation for their actions.  I felt the challenge I had been given striving to reclaim those two, bearing witness to them and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Then I woke up again.

I tried to figure out what that dream meant, if anything.  Guess I will have to wait and see.

Then I dropped off to sleep again and dreamed another dream.  This one, I was in a room and "heard" my two parents in a neighboring room speaking to each other.  I woke up and thought I still heard them.  I would have sworn that I heard voices, so I climbed out of bed and went to the door of our universe (our room) to see if I could hear them better.  Of course, there was dead/sleeping silence.  Once again I wondered if there was a meaning to that dream.

Mom and Dad served on four missions across the world.  Perhaps that was just telling me that they are in a neighboring room, talking about our upcoming mission.  I don't know.

But the night was filled with dreams that could mean something in the upcoming months?  Because of those dreams, I did not sleep too much last night.  Busy day today continuing to finalize things and help my daughter and son get ready to move in the next day or two.  But all will get done, somehow.

** DAY 5 -- Tiny Speed Bump almost Gone

In five days we will enter the MTC where the world comes to "prepare" for their mission.  We will be one of many.  These are dedicated young and OLD people who want to give their time to helping the Lord build His kingdom.  As I re-read that, I can't help but get emotional.  Five short days, and we will be off.  So many things get in the way of thinking about our mission that it is difficult to feel the joy, the excitement, and the desire to shout from the roof tops.  

If you look at our "world" right now, it is full of things, boxes, clothing-dirty and not.  Each  one of these things has to be put in it's place.  That is the challenge.  Every night it is a challenge to even see our bed, for we use it as a table, a holding place, a location for all clothing, the place to put everything.  It always takes a few hours/minutes to even find the bed, let alone get in it.

The doctor yesterday said that I have a very upset stomach that is reacting to Ibuprofen, or my life saver.  I have taken between 800 and 1600  MG of the stuff for over five years, and now it decides to rebel against it.  The doctor said not to use it any more, or I would get a full blown ulcer, which would limit my activities in the DR.  So I have stopped using that crutch to get along each day.  Without the ability to mask, or minimize the pain of that ruptured disk, it slows me down a bunch, but with some activities, or alternate stuff, I may be able to run and not be weary, etc.  This small speed bump will be overcome and I shall do as I have been called.

One of my sons gave me a blessing the other day, I guess it was Sunday.  Father will honor that blessing and I shall be totally healthy and ready to run by Sunday.  Another miracle happening in my life, taking place right before we leave.  There have been many, too many to count.

I often wonder how many more trips to our "Home Sweet Storage Unit" we will make.  We will need to find a truck to get it all out there, but with only a few more trips, I believe it will suffice.  Bonnie feels good about our stuff being stored out there.  That is good, then we can leave all those antiques, those value things that are nothing more than "STUFF," and those valuables, like my fishing pole, my chess set, my unicorn, etc.

It is sure interesting that really, nothing matters.  Just the life we live, the testimony we have, the service we give, and the way we help build the Kingdom.  Everything else is so worthless in His eyes.  We will be working with the valuable, the things that really count for the next 18 months.

** DAY 6 -- Singing with Thousands of Other Missionaries

So much to do, so little time.  Today we go and see what the doc is going to tell me what I have to do to have that health I need to give all I have.  Will report on that tomorrow.

Trying to figure out the next few weeks.  We go in the MTC next Monday.  We will lodge there at the MTC as a Senior Couple until Friday, then go home to where we have been living for the last two years.  We enter the MTC again the following Monday as CES Missionaries until Wednesday, then home again.  Then Thursday we go to SLC, the headquarters as PEF missionaries.  We stay there one day, then we go home again.

Then on September 17th, early in the morning, we fly away.  So though we will be missionaries starting in six days, we will not be in the DR until September 17th.  The next two weeks will be mostly preparation.  We will have done all we can do to prepare our personal things and then we get taught, instructed, motivated, etc, and then we go.

So many people have been so kind, wishing us well, asking if there is anything they can do for us, wanting to help in getting ready, etc.  But so much of it has to be done by us.  There are still things to purchase.  There are things to move to the storage unit.  There are things to box up.  There are things to deliver to kids.  There are appreciation notes to give out.  There is things to study.  And so on.

Never did I ever think that getting ready to go on a mission was so time consuming.  And as my bishop bore witness many times, never did I realize that Satan would do so much to get us down, try to get us to lose sight of the dream, cause rifts between loved ones, urge us to lose faith in "things," and put obstacles in our way.

All I have to do is remember the commitment I made 42 years ago when I returned from the mission field that I would return with my eternal companion, then the vision and dream returns and I can't wait.  All I have to do is sing in my mind "Called to Serve" and I start weeping.  All I have to do is remember the glorious experience to be with thousands of dedicated missionaries in the MTC singing together with enthusiasm any song, with gusto, testimony, and love of our Father in Heaven.  I can't wait.

** DAY 7 -- New Blog Starting on one Week

This morning I found myself in the doctors office to have a scope of my innards.  It was to determine if I had an ulcer or not and then determine what needs to be done before we go so I can serve with all my strength, even more than I have now.

Now I am resting from the gunk that they put in my body to have me sleep while they watched movies in my stomach.  Nice huh?  

The farewell was wonderful yesterday, but our dear bishop had scheduled a very full meeting.  Thus, when I stood to be the concluding speaking, I stood when we usually would be having the closing prayer.  I spoke for about five minutes, but I did take the time to bear my testimony  of the truth, the truth I will be sharing in the Dominican Republic.  Bonnie spoke and bore her witness in Spanish.  She did a great job, and one said that she would be putting me to shame with her knowledge of the Spanish language.  I would not doubt it.

We sang as a rest hymn, "Called to Serve" with the choir and youth.  Of course, I could not sing, I was too touched realizing that we would be doing that very thing for the next 18 months.  I believe I sang about three of the words, the rest were lost in my throat too much.  

We saw some very dear friends from many different phases of our life.  It was a joy to see to many support us and wish us well in the next months of our mission.  With that accomplished, now we have one final week to get it all done before we enter the MTC.  Busy, busy times.  One of my daughters is moving this week into a new home.  Thus we are trying to find time to finish our preparation as well as help her and her four kids.  Life is never easy, but very busy.  

Tomorrow we shall meet with the doctor to see what can be done with the results of the procedure today.  I am wishing for another miracle.  We shall see.

Seven days and we shall have that black name tag on our chest, signifying the realization of this dream we have been searching for, for a long time.

We will start a new blog at that time, being:  ElderandSisterPartridgeintheDR.blogspot.com.  We shall try to report our mission to those who want to know about it there.

** DAY 8 -- FAREWELL

Sorry, but today is our farewell, and we shall be sort of busy today.  We are both bearing testimony of the truth, and preaching on our assigned topic.  We will be saying goodbye to beloved friends and family.  ONE WEEK, and we shall be set apart.  More tomorrow.

** DAY 9 -- His Vineyard

It has been a long anticipating and thinking, praying for the day when my blog would show that I have only a single digit to wait until we are missionaries.  WOW.  Only nine days, eight and we will be set apart to be missionaries.  Then we will enter the MTC and actually be among the armies of Helaman, serving full time our Savior.

I would imagine as one read this blog, it is hard to really conceptualize the thoughts and feelings I am trying to write.  In about one week, we shall leave "normal" life and be separated from who we are today.  We shall join thousands of others going through final preparation for entering the world to be His messengers.  We are leaving behind family, and so many other mortal challenges and events that fill ones mind daily.  We will begin a new chapter of life, seeking His direction in every action taken every day.

As I consider the next two to three weeks, I smile when I try to imagine the tears Bonnie will shed for many special events upcoming.  I also know that I shall shed a few, feeling Father's confirmation of what we are doing, what we have decided to do, and where we are going.  It is His work, and we are giving all we have to His work in the DR.

It is interesting as I review in my mind the past, the "preparation" part of this mission.  It has been very interesting, full of many lessons, blessings, and even speed bumps.  Even these last 9 days will be full of speed bumps, challenges, decisions to be made, how to do this, how to do that, what should we keep and what to throw away.

Again, those things are getting in the way of really striving to realize what our mission will be.  So we continue the preparation these last nine days, get at it, await the real missionary work, preparation in the MTC, and then finally flying away to the DR.

I love my Savior.  I gratefully accept the road blocks, the still present challenges, and know all is in His hands.  We are learning, growing, and yet being prepared to serve Him in one small part of His vineyard.

** DAY 10 -- Open Your Mouth

Sunday we will have the privilege of speaking in Sacrament Meeting.  There won't be much time, but we will be able to share testimony about what we will be doing in the coming months.  The rest hymn will be " Called To Serve" and I am sure we will both blubber through it.  Then I get to speak.  Nice.  I was driving to our storage unit yesterday, listening to my Ipod and bawled through it as I listened to it.  I really don't believe the reality of us serving as full time missionaries has settled into my mind.

Being missionaries is serving in one arm of the three pronged goals of the church.  As young missionaries, we are involved in proclaiming the gospel, searching for those interested in the truth, teaching the gospel, and tracting.  Young missionaries are often also involved in finding those who have lost their way and helping  them come back to the fold.

Old missionaries, or should I say senior missionaries, are often involved perfecting the saints.  My parents served four missions, and most often they were setting up family history centers, and activation.  Bonnie and I will be involved mainly with strengthening the youth of the church, teaching them the gospel, encouraging them to remain faithful, and recruiting those who have lost their way, or at least lost their enthusiasm for the gospel.

When we are in the MTC, we will also be learning all about the Perpetual Education Fund.  We will be teaching a six pronged preparation plan for those interested in using this Fund.  We may also be used by the younger missionaries to help teach some of the older investigators looking into the church.

Since I loved the proselyting so much, I am going to try to be involved with that kind of work also, finding new interested people who want to learn the truth.  There are thousands who are seeking the truth and know not where to find it.

I am haunted by the scripture in D and C which says that Father is not well pleased with those elders who won't upon their mouth.  I hope I remember that scripture and never pause to worry about opening my mouth.  We will be living around many who are not members of the church, and often all that is needed is to open one's mouth and invite them to know the truth, the joy, and the peace the gospel brings.  I am excited to open my mouth in the DR.

** DAY 11 -- Some Dreams Must Wait, Life Isn't Long Enough

Eleven days to departure date, until we enter the MTC.  At that time, we will be starting a new blog to report on our mission for those interested in reading what is happening in the DR through our eyes.  It will be called:  ElderandSisterPartridgeintheDR.blogspot.com.  This blog of preparation will be quietly put to rest.

I finally called the doctor and I enter the hospital on Monday to have some procedure done.  I am confident that the earthquakes, tornadoes, and the hurricanes happening within will be identified and calmed in the days we have left.

Yesterday, we witnessed the sealing of a dear friend we have known for 35 years.  She was sealed after many failed marriages.  It was wonderful being in the SL temple and being a part of another person realizing a dream.  There were many times in that 35 years when she questioned if it would ever happen, but it finally did.

Father often takes His time to bless the long-awaited dreams.  He has His reasons, and at the bottom of His reasons is the concept that He is letting us experience what we need to experience to prepare us for His style of life.  I guess thirty five years is not a long time to Him.  But in watching this sweet sister struggle through year after year of unanswered prayers, of asking the questions, why, when, what if, etc.  But the joy in her eyes yesterday was so sweet and long awaited.

In the popular stage play of "My Turn On Earth" there is a song that rings through my mind often, "Some Dreams Must Wait..."  Yes Elder Holland, it is important to learn and to grow, to dream dreams and see visions and work toward them.  However, I feel that some dreams will never be realized in this life.  No matter what we do, how we prepare, how long we wait, some dreams must wait. (For instance, me catching a fifteen pound fish, or me playing for the Jazz, etc.)

Another sister in the temple with us yesterday whispered in my ear, "Will my time come in this life?"  She is another who earnestly seeks the same blessing we witnessed yesterday.  I recently gave her a blessing promising her the same realization of that dream.  It was with the Spirit's direction, but now we must wait.  Father is in charge.  So all I can say is, "Patience."  What else is there?  Will she have to wait 35 years?

** DAY 12 --- Waiting for the D Date, and the Doctor

Last night we spent a few hours speaking with a couple who served, where we are going, about two years ago.  It was so enlightening.  They showed us pictures, introduced us to six DR natives, and fed us dinner.  It was joyful.  The only problem was when I returned home to my pillow, I was awake half the night "seeing" what we were shown, getting excited about being down there, and serving and loving the youth.

I am reminded of a revelation I received many years ago explaining to me the importance of the youth of today's church.  They are, and will be the leaders of tomorrow.  They are being prepared to help get the world ready for the Second Coming.  Bonnie and I will be involved in finding, strengthening, and teaching these youth of the DR.  As we talked with a few of the youth from the DR last night, we felt we just wanted to wrap them up, cuddle them, and love them.  We were so impressed with each one of them.

I was told by the "Elder" that I should be teaching Institute, at least one class every day.  And much of the rest of our time will be recruiting young people to come to Institute.  I am sure there will be hundreds of other things that will require our time, but that sounds just pure joy to me, teaching and meeting youth, involving them with activation, gleaning from their dedication to the church, and watching them grow, etc.

I am waiting for a doctor's call to find out about that road block or speed bump that I mentioned yesterday.  Isn't it just frustrating to TRY to call a doctor, tell the secretary all about your needs, have them say that the doctor will return the call and then wait, and wait, and wait.  And I specifically told the lady that we have only about ten days before we enter the MTC.  But I guess she doesn't care, or he doesn't see our urgency. Just another thing to overcome.

** DAY 13 -- More Speed Bumps

The days keep filling up.  We spent yesterday purchasing more of our required clothing and finding a shoe that may even be nice to my large one and my small one.  I am going to try them both out and see how they work.  I could not find anyone to sell me a nine and a half size with a ten and a half size shoe.  Oh well, it was certainly worth a try.

It is interesting to me that when one pursues a dream, does all he can do arrive at the destination, feels good with his progress, then often all of a sudden a speed bump appears in front of him.  I am reminded of the scripture that says that "...all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things."  So I evaluate the speed bump in front of me at this time and wonder if this is really a speed bump or could it turn into a road block?

We are all placed on this earth to experience life, it's blessings, it's challenges, it's road blocks, and the speed bumps.  That experience, how we deal with it determines our future eternal life.  So no matter what is in our way to our own planned destination, we need to accept, smile, and learn from.

I could never doubt Father's management of this earth, this life, and especially the things that happen in my life.  He knows what I need to prepare me for my future.  He knows what Bonnie and I need together to prepare us to be one of those Eternal Companions and be One, with Him.  So I do not question His management.  I may question my ability to cope with those speed bumps, but I do not question His all loving nurturing care of us.

Thirteen days and counting...

** DAY 14 -- One Big and One Small, Challenge

It is amazing to note that my mind is full of things to do to get ready, but it is also starting to entertain many more thoughts of the upcoming mission.  Yes, we will be running for two filled weeks, but my mind is dreaming dreams about what is going to happen to us in the coming 18 months.  The excitement is building, replacing the concern about insignificant stuff to be done.

I have a major problem.  My feet.  You see, I need to purchase shoes that are comfortable, and are missionary-ish.  I will be wearing shoes daily, most of the time each day.  Well you see, I have been blessed with two different feet.  I know, most of you have two different feet also, but mine are more different.  One is size nine and one half.  The other is ten and one half.

Therefore, when I have a pair of shoes on, one feels snug while the other feels like it is going to fall off.  If any of you know someone who has the same problem, please let me know.  Then we could both purchase shoes and trade the one large one for the smaller.... You get my idea?

I guess I could put tissues in the end of the shoe.  Or I could double up, or crush the larger foot to fit the smaller shoe.  Or I could just have one slipping off of my foot daily, and make up some kind of funny story why my feet are as they are.

No, I can't wear slippers throughout my mission.  Anyone have an idea what I could do?  It is truly an obstacle.  But miracles happen and perhaps one will drop a half size or the whole size?  Ever hear of anyone having his foot change a full size before?  Well, that is one that I am challenged with currently.

Bonnie continues to study Spanish and is doing well.  She amazes me how much she is learning and how much she studies.  She keeps looking at me and saying, "This is like a foreign language..."  (for some of you, that is a movie quote, don't know which movie, but our family often plays in movies quotes.)  Yes my dear companion, it IS a foreign language.

I hope my language comes back to me like riding a bike.  I knew Spanish once, and it sounds so very good to me, I am expecting another miracle to help me be as fluent as I once was.

Two weeks from today we will be at the MTC.  It is coming fast.

** DAY 15 --- Sufficient for our Needs

Two weeks from today, we will walk into the Stake President's office.  Our kids will all be there and we will be set apart as missionaries.  Only two weeks.  Fourteen days.  We will be missionaries.

Not the kind I was as a young Elder, but we will be missionaries helping the youth in their institutes and seminaries.  The work we will be doing will be learned as we get there.  I am sure that it will be a totally different mission than I experienced 42 years ago.

It seems like TWO WEEKS is the time to sprint.  In the Olympics, there were many races where the contestants sprinted to the finish line to earn the gold medal.  Last night in my sleep, I felt a change in our lives, and as I arose this morning, I was bombarded with things that must be done.  I need to make new lists.  I have things coming into my mind that I have not thought about.  Bonnie and I are going to be sprinting these last two weeks.

They are not large things.  Yesterday we went to Brigham City.  We helped Emily assemble a swing set that has been sitting for quite some time.  We went to the Brigham City Temple open house.  It was a full day.  That was the last major event that we have planned.  Now that is out of the way, my mind is freed from thinking, planning these major events, now all the millions of little things flood into my mind.

As I sit here this Sabbath morning, preparing to go to church, I could start to work myself into a frenzy, worrying about what is to be done.  But as I quoted in a past blog, preparation for a mission, accomplishing all the things that need to be done is part of this mission, and so I must exercise my faith in Father's tender mercies in helping me accomplish what needs to be done.

It is sort of like tithing.  We are blessed with a certain amount of income.  If we pay our tithing first, then He will help us stretch our money to cover "sufficient for our needs."  We have seen that happen many, many times in our life.  So, I believe it is just as true with our time.  We have a certain amount, say.... 24 hours each day.  Even if I have three weeks of things to do, Father will stretch our time to be sufficient for our needs to do all the things that need to be done.

So, this is another reason why worrying is such a waste of time.

** DAY 16 -- Is The Preparation Part of the Mission?

Today, I go back to the beginning.  Long ago, I heard of Elder Hollands counsel to seek for dreams and create visions.  I remember him saying that we needed to pursue them constantly.  He said that it was OK to rest once in a while, but to get up and continue in the pursuit of the dream.

I remember hearing many Brethren pleading for Senior Couples in the October conference.  Even before that, as I watched another couple, friends of Bonnie and I, from Perry going on a mission.  I remember sitting there wondering why we couldn't go at that time and wondering if we would ever get the chance.  I remember quietly shedding a few tears asking why?

I remember the day when we started this blog, one year before our 40th wedding anniversary anticipating the next year.  And of course, I can recall the events of this past year preparing in many different ways for MTC day.  With my aching body, my lists, my piles, and such, I realize that we are not too far away from that day.

It is interesting that dreaming about the circumstances of our upcoming mission is far away from my mind.  It is too filled with the things that we are doing and have to do to be ready to go.  I am striving to schedule the required tasks and events to assure that they are done before we leave.  I can't wait until we can lay these inconsequential things aside and dream of our upcoming life as missionaries.

I look at all the sacks of clothing, the new shoes, the new ties, the shirts that have to be taken out of the plastic and ironed.  I look at the large suit cases and the feel concern about the over weight, or over size penalty.  I know these things are important, but they sure take up most of my thought time.

Is it wrong?  Perhaps I should not stress over the getting ready, but I should just leave it in His hands, exercise faith in His control of all things.  I should not worry or be too concerned.  Is the getting ready for a mission part of a mission?  Can we depend upon Father to help things flow smoothly toward our departure?

I know that He will be there constantly with us as we are His servants, but does that extend to the preparation also?  Why fret so much?  Another lesson learned?

** DAY 17 -- $200 Penalty

Seventeen days to the day when we shall enter the MTC.  It is often interesting to pause and remember the last year, plus a few months, when we actually decided we wanted to serve as full time missionaries.  As I strive to remember every miracle to bring us to this place, it is almost impossible to count all the special events that had to happen to let us be on the door step of our dream.

We have piles of everything around this house.  Piles to throw away. Piles to give to the DI.  Piles to offer to our kids.  Piles of things we feel we will "need" when we get back. Piles of clothing that we will be taking with us.  Piles of things from years gone by that will need to be packed, thrown, or given.  Piles of things that have not had a decision made on them yet.  Piles and piles.

We have to go through each one to decide the ultimate destination of each pile.  And those are just the piles. We still have list after list of things that need to be done.  Then we have a lingering list of things that need to be purchased.

We went out yesterday still searching for the right size of luggage.  We had a dear friend lend us three large suit cases.  Then I found out that the way the airlines measure luggage is the dimension of all parts of the piece of luggage, even the wheels.  And I found out by the airline that if we are over even by one half of an inch, we would pay a penalty of $200 per bag. So we returned those huge ones from our neighbor and are seeking slightly smaller ones.

We are unsure if we are going to be at a loss of space or weight, or size.  It is an interesting dilemma.  I guess we could pack all the things we have to take to see now, and then decide?  Is that part of getting ready and preparing for a mission?  I remember a lazy missionary packing over and over the month he was going to be going home in Mexico long ago.  I guess it is the same thing?

Days keep passing and we are getting closer.

** DAY 18 -- Down Sizing Everywhere

As this count down gets to 1 and then zero, that will mean we have entered the MTC.  What a joy.  As we enter the MTC, a new chapter will have begun.  We will be missionaries.  We will be putting to an end this infamous blog and starting a new one or two.  We will be using the new one to report our  mission to anyone interested.  When it is designed we will record info, experiences, challenges, miracles, and joy.   Any questions?

I was thinking today that soon we will not be thinking about STUFF, nor money, nor making our kids and grand kids happy. We will not be lamenting that we have to fill up the car again and again.  We will not be counting the number of shirts, skirts, slacks, tops, etc.  We will leave all those thoughts behind.

Instead we will be dwelling upon testimonies, saints, teaching the gospel, helping the gospel proceed, improving ourselves and helping organize institutes and seminaries.  We will be asking Father daily for help in touching and inspiring others with the beauties of the gospel.  We will be striving to understand a people who speak rapidly their language and speak it sloppily.

What a large change is coming in our lives.  I have been so bogged down with lists and things that must be done before departure day that I find it difficult to realize what is really finally coming.  What dream will we be realizing after I have waited for over forty years to realize.

Father has a work He wants us to do down there.  He wants us to touch, inspire, uplift, and bear testimony.  We will use the testimony that we have gleaned through the past years, the testimony that He has nurtured, possibly for this very mission call.

What comes after?  Who knows?  Who cares.  I know Father knows and will direct us when the time is right.  We are living by faith.  Faith that He will direct us.  We have cut, eliminated, given away, and minimized the "stuff" that we have saved.  We went from one over stuffed storage unit to one that is barely half filled.  We have "down sized" in almost every area.  Yes, it feels good.

It is coming and we are excited, though right now we are over burdened with the things that have to be done before.

** DAY 19 -- New Chapter in the DR

The other day Bonnie heard from a friend of ours who served in the mission field. When they were out half of their mission, one of their sons called and asked them, " How is your marriage?"  She smiled and reported that all was well.  Then he proceeded to tell her of his partner in work had just reported that his partner's parents just returned from their mission and filed for divorce.

All things in this life are to either make us stronger or weaken us.  I guess this couple was living in a marriage for their children.  They served their kids, worked and co-existed.  Then when they were put in a position to work together, live together, TALK with each other and share who they really are, or who they had become over the past years, they found out they were married to and living with a stranger.

I watched my parents go through an adjustment when they had to TALK with each other.  Dad was a VP at the best University in Utah (No not BYU) and mom was involved with many things.  They talked with each other through their four missions.  They came out of it much stronger in their marriage.  But I guess some do not.  Some go through the motions and then when they have to TALK with each other, work together, they find they cannot do it.

This dilemma does not in the least worry me.  We are living our own mission even now, and have been the last few years since our children left.  Our mission will do wonders in strengthening our support of each other, and help us become more and more "one flesh" as we are counseled to do.  It is certainly sad to hear of others who fail under the pressures of living with their spouse.

Since we finished our move to the new storage unit in Springville, the last large challenge we had, this morning I woke up and realized before long I would wake up in a new, different country.  We would leave behind us the challenges of this life and enter a new one.  It will be a new chapter in our mortality, in our proving ourselves to our Heavenly Father, in preparing for the Celestial Kingdom Chapter of our existence.  I am sure the DR will have a different smell.  I am sure it will be different in  many ways.  We can handle it together, and we will use this new chapter to become closer, stronger, and more supportive of each other.

** DAY 20 -- Leaving Grand Children

Today we are gathering people to help us move our STUFF from our storage unit twenty five miles south.  We have been busy preparing for this day.  By the end of this day, we will be very tired, but will have accomplished much.  I hope we can say the same thing about the days to come in the DR.

In the next three weeks, we will be blessing three new grand children.  That makes twenty, ten boys and ten girls.  What a glorious experience is it to be grand parents.  What a challenge it will be to leave them all and return to them in 18 months, all grown up and mature.  They will probably be serving missions, some married, some dating, and they will have grown beyond us recognizing them any longer.  That is what is difficult about leaving family for this amount of time. But we are still ready to go and do.

We will talk in church on the 26th at 8:30 in the morning.  Many have said they would like to come and hear our parting words.  Then we will depart and we can be called the dearly departed.  Fun.

As time continues to get short, there are lists and more lists made and checked twice to assure that we get everything done.  One list doesn't seem to have anything crossed off.  When I note that, I wonder if we are doing anything to prepare. One of the other lists is getting checked off quickly.  Then we make more lists.

Bonnie is progressing with her Spanish lessons.  She talks with me constantly about why this, and why that.  At times I don't know, I just say things as they feel right.  But in reality, there has to be a reason why.  She can ask her tutor.

We are discussing with the church our immunizations.  They have the records incomplete though we have sent in verification of them.  Just one more thing to add to  our lists.

The days are getting shorter.  We will be flying away soon, after all is done.  We have that deadline to get it all done by such and such a date.   Will we make it, I will tell you when we are in the MTC, or when we climb aboard the airplane.

** DAY 21 -- Grundle, Bamboozled, - New Vocabulary

Three weeks from now we will be entering the MTC.  All the work, the preparation will be done and we will have been set apart.  I will be realizing my dream of over forty years ago.  One of my sons in  law said he is most excited for us to be in the MTC for it is such a great experience there.  When I went a million years ago, it was called the LTM, or Language Training Mission.  I can still "see" it in my mind, our room, the cafeteria, the devotional room, etc.  It was truly a great place.

Miracles continue to happen.  We were in Park City Saturday looking for luggage.  We had been to Burlington and seeking luggage.  We need big ones to put all things within it.  (It will probably weigh more than Bonnie.)   We found a few that would cost us about $100.  We were sort of shocked.  Then in PC last Saturday, we went to Samsonite and found one for $250.  (If we were shocked before, we were totally bamboozled with that price.) Thus we put it all on the back burner. Don't we often just ignore uncomfortable things and hope they go away.

Well yesterday at church, I was talking with a dear friend who I home teach and telling her of our weekend, even the part at Samsonite.  She said, "Don't do that.  Come and borrow our huge luggage."  Bonnie went over home teaching with me, we measured her luggage and we may have just saved us a grundle of money.  She used them when they went to India a few years ago.  They are about the right size and so we may have just experienced another miracle.

Another miracle.  I was at WalMart purchasing a lock for our new storage unit.  The old gentleman there asked what I needed the lock for. I  explained and he immediately asked if he could help us move.  He as a large truck, a flat bed, etc.  So I am checking that out, and I am planning on having my sons meet and help me move the large things to our storage unit tomorrow.  Again, saving us a grundle of money.  We were going to rent a U Haul.

It is so wonderful to recognize the ways things happen, and "see" the Hands of the Lord in our preparation.  He is truly aware of our mission and is directing many things to help us get out there.  If we could remember that at all times, then we would not be so shocked and amazed the way things turn out.

** DAY 22 -- Constant Whisperings

Today I get to teach the High Priests.  It is such  a privilege to teach the gospel to anyone.  I love it.  This past week I read the lesson (#14) and then I let it dwell in my mind until Sunday morning.  Then I collect all the thoughts I have had during the week into some form of organization.  Then pray that Father will direct me what to say, how to say it, and present it with the Holy Ghost.   So as I pause in the morning to seek and receive the Holy Ghost directing me how to organize, it is such a sweet experience to feel His direction.  Often additional ideas and scriptures come into my mind that I know He wants me to teach.

I have been set apart to teach the High Priests.  I have been sustained by the High Priests, and more especially I am supported by my Father.  Thus I have the right to this inspiration as I prepare and present ideas and concepts, and especially testimony to the brethren.

I am looking forward to the same experiences that will happen when we go to the Dominican Republic.  We will be set apart as missionaries.  We will be sustained by the leaders who set us apart and we have been called by Him who knows all.  We will experience the same experience explained above as we serve as missionaries.  However this experience will be daily, not only when I teach High Priests.  What a joy and wonderful privilege to be put into such an opportunity to commune with the Spirit constantly.  

Of course one must be worthy of that direction, that inspiration to do Father's will.  That will be our challenge to constantly be in tune to receive that direction from Father.  Often, as with the High Priests, we will be directed to do or say something without knowing the reasons why.  But that is when faith comes in. Father knows the reasons why and will continue to whisper those nuggets of inspiration as long as we follow them.

I am overjoyed to know that being inspired full time to help in His work is coming in just a few weeks.  We can leave behind bills, challenges, the things of mortality and enter into a life of being a disciple of Christ every moment of every day.  What a joy and blessing awaits us.

** DAY 23 -- Horse? Warm Drinks?

As those numbers continue to go down, I continue to wonder if we can get it all done.  That causes pressure and concern.  This morning talking with Father, I explained to Him that I needed His spirit with me so I can just make it through the day.  Worries continue to fill my mind about things that have to be done, purchases that have to be made.  Where is the peace and excitement about serving a mission?

Yesterday while purchasing some new ties, I talked to a young man who had recently gone to the DR.  He said that we would have to get this small, "burger-like" sandwich.  It would remind us of a hamburger.  He said that he always purchased four of them and loved them.  He said that they made them with special sauce, and we would love them.  Since so many had told us that they don't eat beef down there, I asked him if it was beef.  He said no, but they were sure good.

Then someone else came in and heard the conversation.  He smiled and said that the sandwich he was talking about was horse.  It was a horse burger.  It made my stomach turn and I am sure I turned yellow.  Eating horse does not sound too good to me.  I am sure there are many strange foods down there.

We were also talking with someone else yesterday who had been down there and they said to get used to drinking warm drinks.  I asked if they had ice down there.  She said, "Not really."  She said that we could go into a small store, ask for a cold drink.  They would bring us a drink and their thoughts about cold would be warm to us, but at least the drink would not be hot.

I am sure there many things that are going to require adjustment when we arrive.  I don't know if I will adjust to eating horse or not.  Sounds sort of gross to me.  And drinking warm water, or warm sodas doesn't sound wonderfully exciting to me either.

** DAY 24 -- Saving WHAT?

If you were twenty four days away from realizing a dream you had waited over forty years to live, would you be excited?  If you were waiting twenty four days for a chance to work FULL TIME in the service of the Lord, helping in  building up His Kingdom, seeking those honest in heart, helping the youth of the church realize their potential, would you lose sleep over it?

As we go through the motions to get ready to go and serve as missionaries, as we do all the required things to be able to go, it is hard to remember all the excitement.  Our minds are filled with getting rid of things we have kept for years and years.  We are pressured with purchasing the things we need to be able to go.  We are wondering what to keep, what to sell, what to store and what to throw away.

We find it hard to even think of the glorious days that await us in far away Dominican Republic.  We are so pressured with getting ready, prepared, and doing every needful thing to be able to go.

As we were first called, we went to the library and studied about the country, that little island.  We were interested in the food, the bugs (for Bonnie's sake) the temperature, and all things about where we will be living.  Now, at least in my mind, I am always thinking about where to store this, or that.  I am thinking if I will feel sad if I DI something and then wonder why I did that when I get home.  I am evaluating things I have saved over forty years and wondering why I save them.  I try to keep to the adage, "If in doubt, throw them out."  Then I question if I should.

There are so many things that we save thinking, "I will need that one day" and then forty years later we laugh that we save it, caressed it for so many years, and then one day we throw it away, never having touched it. We are surely a saving people aren't we.

Yes, it is very difficult to remain excited about our upcoming mission.  In fact with so many things to do, it is hard even to think about it.  I would assume as more and more things are accomplished, our excitement and enthusiasm will return with a vengeance.  Bonnie is doing so well with her Spanish. She is going to speak it better than me.

** DAY 25 -- It Is Only Stuff

We have felt the need to go through all things before we go.  When we find things of value, we either give them away, or give them to the Deseret Industries.  Once again we have to sort of envision what it will be like when we get back.  Where will we live?  What will we need?  Why keep things that we won't need?  Why keep things that we have not even looked at in the last few years?

In trying to envision our circumstances when we return to make some of those decisions, it is difficult.  Where will we be living?  Will we need a lawn mower?  How about a book case?  Etc.  It is a challenge.

Bonnie's aunt is serving a mission, and very recently, her aunt's house was burned down, to the ground. They lost everything almost.  The barn wasn't burned.  She is quoted as saying, "It is only stuff."  We have lots of stuff.  Maybe we should get rid of it all?  As long as we are together, serving together, the stuff is insignificant.

Days goes by, things get done, money is spent, things are packed.  The thing that gives me the most night mares are wondering if we will have it all done before we leave.  Time will tell.

** DAY 26 -- Things To Do Today

As the days slowly go by counting down until we are set apart and sent on our way, things are starting to go faster.  Today we moved some more things to our storage unit in Spanish Fork.  In putting together a new shelving unit, we found a part of it that was made in error and it would not work.  When we left there, we went and purchased shoes for Bonnie.  We came home.  Then left again to get Bonnie's glasses and then went and purchased two shoes for me, eight short sleeve shirts, and seven slacks.  We spent much money today, all in preparation of going on a mission.

Then we got a call from the mission home in Dominican Republic telling us that we may have to find our own apartment when we get down there.  Guess I should throw in my tent so we have some place to live until we can fine one.  Then I called our direct supervisor, told him, and he said he was under the impression that they would find us an apartment.  Oh well, we shall see.

We sent in to the headquarters telling them about our immunization.  Last night we took our last oral typhoid pill, thus being immunized for typhoid.  Guess we may need that one while we are sleeping in a tent while we find our own apartment.  Do they have typhoid bugs like mosquito's that bite you and give you typhoid?

FOLLOW UP:  Well, yesterday we were running from sunup to sundown.  Got much accomplished and utilized our time quite well.

When we go to be missionaries, the goal is to be used constantly doing what Father wants us to do, to realize His purposes in sending us down there. The goal is to be HIS HANDS doing what He needs to be done.  It dawned on me this morning that I should probably start doing that today.  His purposes in our life are just as important today as they will be on 27 days, or 127 days.  He has things He wants us to do every day, people to touch, those to strengthen, and those to serve.  Why wait until we are full time missionaries?

I felt as I prayed today that I need to be more receptive to His inspiration today, everyday.  There are things to do in the DR but there are also things He wants us to do today, where we live now.  Guess I better start working on that also...

** DAY 27 -- Time

I have often joked about finding a 40 hour day instead of the common 24 hours we each have each day.  I haven't found a way to lengthen my day yet, but I still search.  But as I search, I find out that there are many ways to give me more time each day. For as I analyze my day, I find that I am wasting many minutes each day.  

Of course we have a goal to be ready to go into the MTC on September 3.  That is our deadline.  If we don't have something done, it won't get done by us.  So, there is a drop dead date with all the lists we have created, all the things we have to do to get ready for our mission.  Since we have 27 days, there are times when I am very worried, especially when I glance at our lists.  Will we get it all done? What will still need to be done when we enter the MTC?  

As I think about yesterday, I spent a few minutes watching the Olympics.  It was time when I could have been working on our lists.  There is so much to do that it is always in front of me.  But I chose to watch a few people I don't know run around a track to see who gets a certain medal.  I could have been doing so many other things furthering the preparation of our departure.  

Then I pause and consider that I will be judged for my use of my time.  He gives us all the same amount of time.  We can abuse it, use it for useful actions, or we can just waste it.  I wonder how strict Father will be with our use of that blessing, time.  

Then my mind strays to the judgment we will have with the use of the money we have from Him.  For it is all His anyway. What do we do with the blessings we get from Father?  We are all given the same time.  Money is given according to His purposes, but we will be held accountable for the use of both. 

I am going to be more watchful of my use of time today.  How much will I waste?  How much will I use as effectively as I should, especially when it is limited for us with September 3 coming fast?

** DAY 28 -- A Foreign Language

Yesterday I had the opportunity to review some of the materials that the Church has sent us.  Twenty percent of our time is going to spent in the Perpetual Education Fund.  I watched a video showing the introduction of this program with President Hinckley.  Then it showed how this program has helped many, many people around the world.

I also reviewed a "class" we may be teaching interested parties.  The Lord could see how to help underprivileged nations improve their lives by helping them overcome a financial obstacle with short term loans.  I can't wait to help in  that work.  Of course I will have to find that extra twenty percent of our time to give there.

Bonnie received a notice from the church suggesting that she prepare to teach music.  There are many down there who would love to know how to lead music.  I am sure there are many down who will love to learn to sing in a group. That is another one of Bonnie's talents, getting people to sing under her direction.  Maybe she will put together a small group of singers and tour the mission.  Maybe she will have a group that rivals Diana Ross's group?  ;)

Bonnie is SO DEDICATED in her study of Spanish. She is constantly studying the rules and regulation of Spanish, practicing, and asking questions.  She is making great progress.  However, as she learns whether a word is feminine or masculine, she is always asking why this word is feminine, and who "whoever" organized the language did this or that? Why do they make so many irregular verbs and words?  Why can't it be more logical?  No matter how many "why's" she continues to make great progress.

She keeps reminding herself that "It is a foreign language" and I keep reminding her that she will be proficient in speaking that foreign language as she continues.

Once in a while I can be doing some of the million things we have to do, and I get this "aha" moment and realize that we are going on a mission.  We are going to serve the Lord for as many hours each day as we can find.  We are going to be serving a people far away who are hungry for truth, instruction, and who are Father's children desiring that Bonnie and I come and live among them and share whatever we know with them.  It is a humbling feeling to realize that truth.  It also gives us a gratitude that Father has called us to the Dominican Republic and He has confidence in what we can, and will do.

** DAY 29 --- That Was Easy

Before long I will be able to count on my fingers and toes how many days we will be "normal" people, how many days until we are "set apart" from most of the world and become full time missionaries.  It is exciting.

Yesterday, I had a visit from one of my ghosts.  (While working at my bowling alley in Brigham City before we moved to Utah Valley, we had "strange" ghost-like occurrences where things happened.  We attributed them to a ghost who we affectionately named Wanda.)  Well things have happened with no explanation and we just smile at the unseen .... whatever.... who does them.

We were at our storage unit.  Bonnie, Emily-one of my daughters, and I were struggling with this huge box that weighed at least three hundred tons.  We were trying to get it down off of a large pile of boxes.  We were all straining and grunting.  Right in the middle of almost getting it off the pile, we all three heard a voice saying, "That Was Easy."  We all started to laugh and couldn't continue in our work for about twenty minutes.  I had one of those little buttons long ago.  I don't know where it is, but Wanda pushed it yesterday at exactly the exact time that we were struggling with that box.

We got the box safely placed in one of the cars to transport it to the other storage unit.  I shook the box, lifted one end of it and dropped it, trying to make it say it again.  No dice.  I figured by doing that I may be able to get it pushed without Wanda, but I could not repeat that perfectly timed surprise.   But I guess Wanda had left and that was all we heard.  It was quite comical.  That Was Easy.

Yesterday, we went to a reunion again.  Bonnie and I spent our time "playing" with our grand kids, realizing that those types of experiences are limited. It was fun.  We had a great time, but as we realized that they would all be 18 months older, wiser, larger, and all, it was hard.  But we enjoyed it.

We also made a purchase of the some of the clothes we would need.  Then we figured that it is sure expensive to get ready to go on a mission.  We will have spent about 5-6,000 dollars just to get ready.  And that is after getting out of debt that we have been working on for three years.  Don't really know where it came from, other than more and more tender mercies, more blessing from Father, for He wants us down in the DR and we are getting ready to go.  Most of these "tender mercies" and miracles go un-noticed  unless one takes the time to consider, evaluate and carefully view them.  Father is sure good to us.

** DAY 30 -- Miracles Keep Happening

Less than one month.  We will be full time missionaries.  Because of the work we have to do, it muddles the thoughts I have.  We have to purchase this and that.  We have to store this, repackage that.  We have to get rid of our car, etc.  Because my mind is filled with these things, it is hard to imagine being in Dominican Republic serving Our Savior full time, forgetting all these insignificant things.

I guess that is because I have an OLD mind and it doesn't work as it used to when I was much younger.  I used to be able to do four things at once, dream six dreams, and plan the ways to realize them, all at the same time.  Now, I am trying to plan how to do each thing each day, one at a time.

But when I do get a few minutes to think of the DR, and the things we will be doing, the packing, purchasing, and other things are stored in a room in my mind and I float above the DR country and imagine what we are going to be doing.

Bonnie is going to be involved in music, teaching, singing, and directing.  She is going to be loving and giving. I am going to be trying to fit 35 hours into each day doing the three different duties of the mission I mentioned a few days ago.  I would propose that there are probably going to be more than three, for there will be many others, so perhaps I will have to create a 50 hour day to get it all done.

Thursday night we sat with our future boss's wife.  She is here helping her daughter who just had a new grand-person.  (I am sure it was either a boy or girl, but I do not know which.)  She told us a lot about DR and the food, the people, the challenges, the driving, the heat, the bugs, etc.  It was a pleasant afternoon.

This afternoon, we will going to a reunion.  We will miss these activities while away, but will enjoy it while we are here.  A lot of what we have to do is spend sufficient time with our children and grand children.  (Perhaps they won't forget me that way, they will never forget Bonnie.)  That is also on our "required" list.

We are in the process of taking pills as a immunization for typhoid, which will last five years, two missions.
It is such a joy to hear Bonnie talking about our upcoming missions.  That is a blessing to my ears.  Miracles never cease.  She is going to love it so much, she may never want to come home.

** DAY 31 -- All Is Well

Yesterday, we made the long trek to Springville and finally caught up with someone.  We signed papers and acquired a new storage unit.  It was given to us FREE of charge for the next 18 - 19 months from my boss, at least my boss when I worked.  You see, I am retired.  I am not working now, at least for pay.  We are working for another "boss", my Father in Heaven, getting ready to go to His designated location to serve Him.

Now we have to move all our "stuff" from where it is in Lehi to Springville.  Another major job to be done before we leave.  We wouldn't even consider it, but it will save us about $1800 in the next 18 months.  It is also a bit larger so we won't have to worry about getting all our stuff in.  You see, we have to take the "stuff" we are using right now living with my son out there also.

I continue to think about, ponder, and plan for our three-fold mission of our mission;  YSA, PEF, and missionary work.  We could serve 100% of our time in one of these focuses, but have to do all three.  OOPS.  I mean get "get to" work in these three missions.

When I think of the YSA, a revelation that came to me long ago telling me about the dedication of the Young Single Adults, rings in my mind.  We are very excited to be working with them, possibly teaching them, helping in youth councils, etc.  Sounds heavenly.  There are many lessons we can teach them from our many years in the Kingdom, as well as I am sure there are many lessons they can teach us along the way.  We are excited.

When I think about the Perpetual Education Fund and being involved with it, I recall when our prophet introduce it to us.  It was an excited moment in conference.  Now we get to work with those in the Dominican Republic who are interested in using the PEF to further their education.  It will be a joy working with them in this PEF program.

And when I think of missionary work, seeking out the honest seekers of truth, striving to reclaim those who have lost their way, when I think of seeing beloved people of that country coming into the church, I recall my own mission of many years ago feeling indescribable joy as they enter the waters of baptism.  I start creating methods, ideas, and possibilities of introducing them to the gospel.

They love baseball down there.  We could go and pass out Books of Mormon to each person who attends a baseball game.  We could reward everyone who catches a foul ball with a Book.  We could offer to come to teach person who wears a hat to the game.  Etc.  There are countless methods of spreading the gospel.

Anyway, thoughts run through my mind about these three parts of our upcoming mission.  It is hard to dwell upon  moving STUFF to our storage unit about 33 miles south of where our stuff is right now, purchasing the remaining items we need, visiting all those we need to visit before we go, fulfilling our duties in the Kingdom before we go, etc.  And then there is the challenge of preparing our final words in Sacrament Meeting on  August 26th.

All is well, all is well, according to our ancestor William Clayton who wrote Come Come ye Saints.  All is Well.  Busy, but well.

** DAY 32 -- 40 Hour Day??

I can't believe as I see those number slowly get smaller and smaller.  In about one month I will be a missionary.  One month from today, we will be set apart as missionaries.  Amazing.  Then we will start a completely new life.

This mission will be three fold.  We will be 100% of the time with the YSA, according to one of our leaders in the DR.  That doesn't leave much time for other things.  But Salt Lake has said that 20% of our time will be working in the Perpetual Education Fund Program.  And of course, I have this inner desire, or this inner goal to be involved in missionary work, finding those honest in heart who are seeking the truth.  I have already had visions, or dreams how to pursue that part of our mission.  So, let's say that another 20% of our time will be working in seeking and finding, perhaps even teaching those who are seeking the truth.

Now my math isn't all that good, but I do have a calculator, since I do not have that many toes and fingers,  I guess we will have to find 140% of our time and some how turn that into 100% of our time. In other words, we won't have much time to do anything other than that.  If we cut out eating, and only sleep four hours instead of eight...  If we ran instead of walked to places....  If we didn't make our bed in the morning... If we showered only twice a week...  What other ways could we come up with 40% of our time to be available for doing the Lord's work?

That will have to be a miracle that we experience when we get down there.  Forty percent is about ten extra hours.  Any ideas how to realize that dream?  Any ideas how to "create" an extra ten hours?  Maybe if I smashed my watch, and it started going slower, or if I let the battery get tired and weak, then we could find those extra hours.

We are very excited to start having 34 hour days, all of which will be spent in the work of the Lord.  I may even patent it and market it when we get back and make a few million to finance our next few missions.  Glory be, I just figured out how I was going to finance our next missions.  I am sure it would sell rapidly and make us lots of money.  While I am at it, why not make it a forty hour day rather than just a 34 hour day?

(Signs of that brain cloud I talked about yesterday?)

** DAY 33 -- Brain Cloud, for sure!

Well today is August 1.  There is not much time to DO the things we have to do.  But we are trying.  The guy who took my place at work called me three times today, needing answers.  It is so nice not to worry about that anymore.

I talked to a friend about computers yesterday.  He asked me what I wanted, what I was looking for.  I said I had no idea.  I guess I need a computer that turns on and off, and does all those things in between.  I could not tell him what I was looking for, but he gave me great counsel.  I need a  laptop, one I can take when we go to different places I presume.

I talked to the CES person who we will be working with.  (We will be working for Elder Rappleye, and our mission president will be someone else.  I guess we will be answering to them both, but we shall see?)  He gave me more insights into what to purchase, what not to produce, etc.  It is nice to have someone to call down there and get answers to questions.  We will be going to Layton to talk with his wife who is up here for a time.  We can get more answers from her.

I often pause and look at the list we have and wonder if we will get it all done.  But we make a list to accomplish each day, and thus far, we are doing pretty well.  Things appear each day that we have not thought about.  So we add it to our lists.

Bonnie is still doing well with her Spanish studying, and I continue to read my BOM in Spanish.  Bonnie asked a dear doctor/friend of hers if there was such a thing as a brain pill to get rid of my brain cloud.  We both keep forgetting things.  We both keep misplacing things.  I keep saying things that should not be said.  Today, we walked out into the heat and I said, "It is sure hotter today than it was yesterday."  My mind told me that I said, "It is sure cooler than it was yesterday," but I said hotter.  That happens all the time.  I wonder if those miracle pills can help me speak what is in my mind and not what is not.  It guess it is just a witness that I am getting old?  My mind does not have a smooth path to my mouth.  It gets the messages my mind sends to my mouth messed up.  I wonder if I will do that in Spanish also?  I wonder if I can be healed from that brain cloud that messes up that communication, that speaking challenge I seem to have?