"Gratitude turns a meal into a feast and drudgery into delight."
"We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?"
"It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding."
All the quotes were taken from Pres. Uchtdorf's talk in April General Conference.
Today I taught R.S. in Canton and the subject was Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on Gratitude. I was so impressed with that talk and the sisters seemed to love it also. He has a way of telling stories and relating to the members of the church in a warm and fuzzy way. Rudi especially loves him because he's German.
It was fast and testimony meeting in our branch today. We get about 45 minutes for bearing of testimonies. With such a small branch you'd think that everyone almost would have to bear their testimony to take up all that time, but only about 8 people bore their testimonies. The time fly by so quickly with no time not used. These people have such strong testimonies and love to be involved that they never waste a minute when it comes to expressing their love of the gospel. Great examples!
After we got home I hosted two couples for the Break the Fast dinner. We had the McKechnie's and Andelin's. I made a big pot of Market Street Clam Chowder and garlic bread. They brought the salad and dessert. Yummy food and good conversation. So fun to get to know the missionaries over a dinner. I love to entertain and have people over. During the dinner Rudi started to feel sick to his stomach and had a terrible pain in his back and side. He excused himself to lay down. That is so unlike Rudi to be sick or even complain of not feeling well. Our guests left shortly after and I checked on him to find that the pain was worse and he started to throw up. He thinks he might be passing a kidney stone. He's passed them before so he knows the pain involved. Right now he is trying to rest, but we may be making a trip to the emergency room very soon.
I'll write as long as I can. Yesterday we went with a group to an Amish dinner near Benetonsport Iowa. It was so interesting and an eye opener to their life style. Such a simple life without electricity and modern devices. They don't drive cars or any motorized vehicles like tractors. We went for a buggy ride down the road and felt like we'd taken a giant step back in history. They had eight children that were adorable and very well behaved. They have two sets of twins and the mother and father were twins also. (Not twins of each other's but they were born twins). The mother fixed a wonderful roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. For dessert she made fresh peach pie and blackberry pie. It was delicious! They are so friendly and kind to everyone. Their children were so helpful and responsible. They each had their job with the dinner and didn't need to be reminded what they should be doing or where they need to be. The oldest was 15 down to a baby. So impressed! A wonderful outing and great way to spend a warm sunny afternoon.
This week in the temple we had some big sessions of saints from England. Love their accents and sweet dispositions. They tell us a lot of bus tours will start coming through Nauvoo for the fall foliage. The trees are starting to change colors, so it's getting more like fall everyday.
Today marks our one year mark from when we left Orem for our mission. Actually we starting serving in the temple on the 1st of October but we left on the Sunday morning after the Women's Conference the night before. So many tender memories of that Sunday morning when we left. So many tears were shed by our family but we feel so blessed to have made the right decision to serve The Lord. Ellie called me yesterday to tell me they were going to the Women's Conference in S.L.C. at the Conference Center. We were together last year in S.L.C. enjoying it together. Rudi and I watched it last night and were so inspired by the talks and beautiful music. Anything from home is like music to our ears. Can't wait to watch General Conference next week. We get it a hour later than Utah. Just grateful we get it.
Well it's time to close and get to choir practice if Rudi is well enough for me to go. I love singing in the choir mainly because we have so much fun just being together. None of us have great voices anymore but enjoy trying and laughing.
Have a wonderful week. I'll update you on Rudi as soon as we find anything out. We love you all and appreciate your love and kindness to us.
Rudi and Kathy
Picture taken during the Nauvoo Pageant. It's so neat to see the reflection of the temple. Pretty spectacular, a double temple.
The McKechnie's and Sister Andelin, missionaries who ate dinner at our home today for the Break the Fast. This picture was taken at the hot dog roast last week. Bro. Andelin wasn't at the roast but at our home today for dinner. Fun people and great to get to know better.
Still not enough pictures of the temple. Notice the beautiful blue skies. Enjoying the wonderful weather!
Love this picture between the flowers around the temple.
Rudi hard at work fixing and adjusting the lights outside the temple. He loves his job! Way too high up for me.
My geraniums love the cooler weather and frequent rain stroms. Wish fall could last until April!
Rudi's part time job! Raking up the black walnut balls. They are about the size of a tennis ball but much heavier. If they hit you on the head it hurts. You know Rudi, Mr. Clean and Organized!
Riding in an Amish carriage. Yes we had a driver, but they won't let us take their picture, so he took the picture.
In the farmers backyard where we ate dinner. We had an Amish dinner with about 30 other missionaries yesterday. Super nice people and very accommodating people.
Most of the missionaries who gathered at the Amish home for dinner and a carriage ride.
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