Week 36: March 3 ---March 9, 2014

Hello:

Gosh, it was just a week ago when we did the last blog, we must be getting a little more organized just before the busy summer time starts.  We love the work and the opportunities that we have to bear our testimonies to those we meet each day.

We have lots of changes taking place around here.  Six couples are going home this next week and the week after that we will be getting 15 new couples.  The snow is melting and the air has a new feel to it.  It feels like spring might be just around the corner.  We still have piles of snow around and lots of water standing because of the melting and you still have to wear a coat but like I said, there's a new
feeling in the air!  Some ladies even have matching outfits.

Matching outfits and they did not have it planned.  Must shop at the same store

sure sign of Spring when the geese are on their way north and stopped
off in Nauvoo for a rest.

 Elder Pincock and I thought we were just getting settled in for the summer, but no, now we have been asked to be the assistant site leaders at the visitor's center.  Along with that is the assignment to take care of all of the public relations and scheduling for the BYU performing groups that will be here during June this year.( the groups are Living Legends and Synthesis)  Of course they picked the right man for the job.  And I guess I'll fit in somewhere. For all these years I have been a good support for all of Elder Pincock's many talents and I have enjoyed it.   Elder Pincock will do a very good job with all of his experience with the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce and Idaho Dance and Music Festival.

Elder Pincock making a presentation at a training meeting

 

Sister Ririe making a presentation about relation-"ships"

We have been having party after party this week for all the couples who are going home.  Monday night there was a pizza party and farewell for a couple we have done many things with because they have the same preparation day as we do and the Mission Doctor who is going home next week.

Pizza party for departing missionaries from our cast

Dr (Elder) Miller at departing party.  (He has been wonderful)
He took good care of Elder Pincock's bloody nose.

Another farewell party

Oh, yes, we got notice today that we have a new Mission President who will be here on April 1st.  His name is Larry Gibbons.  He has served in East Europe and in the 2nd Quorum of Seventy. 

Friday night we had dinner at a couple's home as a going away tribute to another couple.  And tonight was a potluck dinner  for all the departing missionaries who came a year ago.  Friday morning was the official farewell breakfast, where the departing missionaries put on a skit and small program with memories of their service.  Busy week!

Elder Pincock served one day this week at the brickyard and they had started the kiln to fire the bricks.  There were 850 bricks in the kiln and they cooked to 2100 degrees then cool for two days then stacked so that they can be given away this summer.  He was able to take pictures of the bricks just after they finished firing and then a few hours later as they were cooling.

Bricks in the kiln at 1900 degrees

bricks 3 hours later.  Cooling down to 1100 degrees

I cut out and started sewing a new site dress for myself  so I can get through the summer. I'll  have three dresses when I get done.  I have been really excited to learn how to do this because Sister Summers made the dresses that I brought with me.  Since I work at the sewing room regularly I think it will be good experience for me to know exactly how to make these detailed dresses.  With so many new couples coming I'm sure that knowledge will be very helpful during the rush time.  I didn't know this when we first came but many ladies have the sewing room make their dresses here when they get here.  So I will be "experienced". 

In our spare time we have tried a new restaurant in Burlington called "Gator's",  had two practices for our song for the Relief Society Commemoration coming up on Saturday afternoon, and practices for our big debut Saturday evening when Elder Pincock starts being the Editor in Rendezvous and I play the Relief Society President part.  We also attended 2 lectures by George and Susan Durrant and went to the Thurston's 2 times to play a round of Rook.

we saw a Cardinal in a tree this week.

In our cookie baking sessions we are up to 43,000 cookies to serve to guests at the Scovil Bakery site.  Our goal is 50,000.  We should be done with this project in a couple of weeks. 

Today we got the results of our Humanitarian efforts  for this winter.   We took 123 layette packages to the Blessing Hospital in Quincy, made 350 hats for needy children and the homeless shelter.  The residents there all put on their new hats and had some cute pictures taken.  They were also each given a quilt and a new pillowcase.  This homeless shelter is also a training center to help people get jobs.  Their leaders said that these  things bring much happiness to the people there and brighten their lives with something fun and useful.  We made 190 pillowcases, 70 quilts, and 182 Boo-boo bears were taken to the fire departments around the area.   These bears are given to children who have accidents and sustain burns, cuts, etc.

Humanitarian projects

         
Did I say the busy season is coming or is it always busy here?  At any rate, I think us older folks are doing some good work.  It is very rewarding and we are so happy to be here.   One of my favorite things is to give the tours.  Yesterday a 69 year old man came to the Heber C Kimball Home for a tour.   He said he had been to Nauvoo two times before and that this would be his last time.  You could tell he didn't have very good health.  He had a friend with him who was helping him move to the west so he could be close to a daughter.  He had loved visiting Nauvoo and wanted to do it one last time.  You could tell he was very knowledgeable about the details and history.  When we got though with the tour, he said that they were done with their visit and they were leaving now.  He wanted the Heber C Kimball Home to be their last stop since this was the first home to be restored as  part of the Nauvoo restoration.  It is truly a beautiful home and I have also loved this house.  I have been serving as the assistant site leader for the last few months and I thought I would be there and move into the leader position eventually and at least be there for the summer.  It has a large waiting room for the missionaries and a modern bathroom on the main floor.  It's probably the most comfortable home to serve in.  But we are on to new challenges and of course the Visitor Center has excellent restrooms- now all they need to do is find room so we can have our own desk! HA HA.

As Elder Pincock and I were serving at the Nauvoo Visitors Center this week Elder Pincock saw a couple coming out of one of the visitors center movies and began visiting with them.  He told the man that he looked familiar and asked if they had met before.  Well, what a surprise, it was Kelly Robertson and his wife from Boise.  Kelly works for Zions Bank in Boise and Elder Pincock had worked with him on some real estate loans for customers in Rexburg.  It was good to talk with them for awhile.

Sister missionaries practicing their clogging for Sunset on The Mississippi
show this summer

We love our family and friends and we cannot tell you how excited we are for the many visitors we have made arrangements with to share this special place  this spring and summer.  Did I tell you we have purchased a freezer so we can prepare food and be ready for you all.  You will never forget your experience here.  Our apartment accommodations are full for July now.  We have people coming in March, May and October also, but have space in any of those months plus June and September are wide open.  

We love hearing from you, hope you are all well and doing good things.  Don't forget to be thankful for all you have.  Express your love and be kind to everyone!

 

 

 

ANOTHER beautiful sunset on the Mississippi.

 

 

Love,
Elder and Sister Pincock