THE KILLING

Well, Elder Bayles never seems to amaze me.  All of our lessons are where the church is, a twenty minute drive.  Thanks goodness we have a key because there are no stores, gas stations, or rest areas for miles.  I often have to stop between lessons (shocker) to visit my favorite room.  Well, coming out of the rest room Elder Bayles whispers, "Stop".  I did and he whopped a mouse with a broom.  What a protector he is.  My knight in shining armor.

We love the countryside here.  This spring has been a burst of green everywhere.  The hills are full of color.  I have grown to love the dogwood tree but don't have a picture.  I waited too long.  There are white ones and pink ones.  They're tiny and full of blooms.  I'll get a picture next year.  The azalias are vibrant in red, white and pink.  This place is alive with color.

Tuesday we had breakfast with a great couple in the ward.(The Terrels)  She fixed ham, bacon, sausage, grits, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, biscuits and gravy, tomatoes, pound cake, apple sauce a big glass of milk and a big glass of orange juice.  We rolled home.  Boy was it good.

Elder Wilcok, Carilli, Clawson, Cutler

Wednesday was district meetun again.  Boy do we love these elders.  They are so dedicated to the work.  There is going to be a transfer Wednesday and I'm sure it will be Elder Cutler.  We always take the elders out for lunch of the day before transfers.  They're wonderful.  We eat at O'Rileys.  Best lunch ever.
Great news.  Carolyn is going to be baptized Sunday.  Yahoo!
We have a new couple we are teaching.  He's the one who was bitten by 2 copperheads.  They are reading the Book of Mormon and like the concepts we teach.  We need your prayers in their behalf.
We had a miracle this week.  Warren, who never is without a cigarette, finishes one and lights another.  He has smoked all his life. He is probably 64.  His wife is a member and they have reared their grandchildren.  He told us last week that he wants to join the church.  Every missionary since forever has tried to teach him.  He wants us to give him the lessons and we start tomorrow.  He will need lots of help to quit smoking.  We need your prayers again.
The 6th was Granny and Granddad's wedding anniversary.  I still miss them.  What great examples of how to live the Gospel.

We had 45 minutes between lessons so we went for a ride.  We ended up at Farmers' Lake.   We didn't even know it was there.  It is so beautiful.  It may become a refuse for us.

I did laundry.  I didn't realize that a burgandy wash rag was left in the washer from the last wash.  I now have pink garments and dad has pink shirts.  He says they're not that pink.  We'll see.  I soaked them in bleach but they're still pink.  Hopefully time will make the pink whiter.
I spoke in church Easter Sunday.  There wasn't an empty chair.  I was very nervous but it went well.  Kristin, Tiff and Clark Skyped us over the Easter weekend.  Even though we miss them we are so happy here.

Wed. May 3rd. 1905  We rose in good time this morning and after eating breakfast sat and talked awhile  after which we started in the direction of Raleigh.  After we had traveled about three miles we sat down under the trees and had a rest.  I also wrote a letter to Eva.  At eleven o'clock we started on again and began asking for dinner but did not get any.  It rained on us nearly all forenoon and part of the afternoon.  We went into a man's house and stayed until the rain stopped, then went on again.  On acc't of it being so stormy we commenced asking for entertainment quite early and after being refused twelve times had to get into a barn where we stayed the remainder of the night.

      Home on Prospect Hill

We have been on our mission for 3 months.

Okay, I just looked at my last blog and saw Tiffy.  I realized I omitted other birthdays. (in-laws and grands) How could I do that?  I love our WHOLE family.  I'm going to do better and make it up one month at a time.

Jalen's birthday was on a blog 'cause we were there on our way here, January 19th.

    Dianne's birthday was on January 20th and I gave her her present before we left so I just had it done in my mind.  I am so glad she is part of our family.  She has made our son, Clark so happy.  I couldn't find a picture of her without Clark; just as it should be.  We love you Di.    

Well, right after that is Ashley's, February 1st.  She was our first and life took on a whole new meaning when she came to us.  She lights up a room wherever she goes.  We love you too.

More birthdays net blog.  This is just during our mission.