HAPPY THANKSGIVING too all my friends and family. What a wonderful time of year, leaves are falling all around us. A bit of chill in the air and snow on the mountain tops, families meet together to show gratitude and eat great foods, and hopeful memories abound in-between bites of pumpkin pie. Well, this year was different year. Laura 3,000 miles away sharing memories and learning of her new friends past Thanksgiving day memories. I was invited to dear friend Jill's family The Minor's. I wasn't much in the mood until I was walking up the steps, then the smells of thanksgiving dinner snapped me back to thanksgivings of old. We had such a lovely day, and enjoyed a lovely meal. It's kinda of weird not being "home" shooting the breeze with the siblings I used to fight with. I missed my papa putting his hands on my mama Sue's shoulders and saying "well Mom, I guess well keep you another year" This the the reason we write books about our own history and family stories and traditions. Because...someday when you least expect it, YOU could be alone too. The generosity of the Minor Family was overwhelming, I was treated like a guest, and didn't have to life a finger. I was able to indulge in adult conversation and enjoy a beautiful dinner. I felt spoiled and I want them to know how much I appreciate their kindness and opening their house to me. They even sent me home with some "Silver Soft" , a product which O'dell Minor has invented and patented. It helps scrapes, excema, abrasions, infections etc. Our Laura has had a flare up of excema and has been put on those darn predisone tablets to get control of this skin problem. So if this works for her, Look out Rochester, she will not only being out walking the streets to share the Gospel, she will also put a plug in for "Silver Soft" once a sales man, always a salesman. I am grateful for the generosity of our friends here in Provo and the friends 3,000 away.
Thanksgiving also gives us a chance to reflect on all of the blessings we have in our lives.
We have families, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the knowledge of eternal families. Now we just need to live worthily to get all these blessings. I'm excited. Yesterday while at the Provo Temple, a temple worker said" Hi Kathy, how are you"? I could not place her, but she seemed to know me so well. I asked someone with better eyesight what her name was.... it was Sue McGivin, she rented me an apt. when I was 24 and going to BYU. Her memory is sharp, and it reminded me to be grateful for her and the deals she gave me while I was a student. In every step we take there is a blessing, we just need to recognize them and then be grateful for them, and then thank our Heavenly Father for all we have. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving day and got plenty of hugs. I thank those of you who opened your doors to some who are alone, cuz I was one of those this year. I thank the people/members in Rochester New York who opened their house to my daughter. I thank President Hemmingway and his dear Wife who keep a watchful eye out on Laura and see her needs and give her blessings. I especially thank my loving , silly, goofy,family for all the material they have given me so I can present a thanksgiving story at the drop of a hat. And also for the Love that is in my family. I get on bended knee and thank Heavenly Father for the two wonderful parents I have been blessed to have. There guidance, love, support,example, teachings,and sacrifices they made in my behalf are too many to mention. My last time I was doing "sealing Proxy", our Sealer said, "Next time you see your parents, thank-them for being born in the covnent, that is one of the greatest gifts of all" So I made sure my parents knew that. I am thank-ful for all of you, Laura's friends and my friends who write often, and check in with me often to make sure I am okay. I got a little surprise this week, when I got the missionary print out I noticed some gifts that Laura recieved for Laura's missionary fund. Thank-you to everyone who has helped put "Our" missionary thru. Especially in these hard times, people still know the importance of the missionary service and I am thank-ful for all of you. Take care and God Bless, and as always
" Stay on the Right Side of the Bright Side" Love to you all, a missionary mom, Kathy
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Road Kill and pig dogs
Hi Family and friends,
Hope all is well and the snow doesn't fall too quickly this year. I am not ready for slick roads in Utah or Rochester. As I read my email from Laura yesterday, these thoughts came to my mind.
To the tune of "Green Acres"
Green Acres is the place to be.....
Real farm living is the life for me...
Clap board houses spread out far and wide..
Keeping these Sisters "Bookin it" side by side...
New York is where we really are........
No sky scrapers, but lots of bars..
Road kill and pig dogs everywhere
It's no surprise, we didn't do our hair.
da da da da da.... Acts :1... da da da da da Luke :2
da da da da da...da da da da
Bacon that pig just stole and ate my shoe.
We're called to Serve
Good-bye pampered life.....
So Spenceport we are here......
Our Laura is having so many experiences with a great many people. She has eaten Holopsi in the sauna with a Ukranian family, has had stimulating conversation with Agnostic Jew who is so knowledgeable and great to talk to. And tried to convert a whole group at the local scrapbook store by inviting them to enrichment night. My ...my that girl is busy and touching so many lives. Her goal is firm, teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and bear testimony of his atoning sacrifice for us. and the truth of the Book of Morman . I just want to shout with joy and the proud feeling I get just seeing her growth. Laura has a firm understanding of the eternal perspective , she knows what needs to be done and what she needs to do to accomplish her goal and return with honor. This will be a hard Thanksgiving and Christmas with out hearing the laughter of Laura. But I look at it with the knowledge that her light is shining and bringing joy and everlasting happiness to the children of our Heavenly Father. Knowing Laura has dedicated this time of her life to the service of the Church and our Savior is the best present I could have in my life. What a blessing it is to have her in the mission field. I have become a active temple worker. I excitedly drive to the temple 5 times a week to do the temple ordinances for those who can't do it for themselves. By Laura's example I have become a better person in serving the Lord myself. I went to a World wide Cragun Family reunion a few weeks ago. My 3 times great grandmother Martha Cragun Cox has inspired me to always be of service to God's children. And with Laura on a mission, I have no other choice but to be of service. I want to make my family proud of me. And talk about stories about the wild, wild west, now I see where Jack gets it, and Jack's Kid get it, and Jack's Kid's Kid get it. We need to count our blessings, just like the famous song, we will be surprised what the Lord has done. We have so much to be grateful for, and need to help others daily. I was watching a show on the History channel the other night. It was about gangs, jail, and religion. A return missionary who got sided by gangs told his story. He went on to say " I've served 2 years as a missionary and served 2 years in jail, and I'll tell you, being a missionary is harder than jail time". Yeah Laura, we are so proud of you. Thank- you everyone for your letters of support and love to Laura. I can't begin to thank you enough for your love, support and dollars that help Laura along. Laura is OUR missionary, she is OUR girl, Our friend who is praying and working to be best she can be and make all of us proud. As always "Stay one the Right Side of the Light Side " and you will be blessed. Love from a Missionary Mom, Kathy
Hope all is well and the snow doesn't fall too quickly this year. I am not ready for slick roads in Utah or Rochester. As I read my email from Laura yesterday, these thoughts came to my mind.
To the tune of "Green Acres"
Green Acres is the place to be.....
Real farm living is the life for me...
Clap board houses spread out far and wide..
Keeping these Sisters "Bookin it" side by side...
New York is where we really are........
No sky scrapers, but lots of bars..
Road kill and pig dogs everywhere
It's no surprise, we didn't do our hair.
da da da da da.... Acts :1... da da da da da Luke :2
da da da da da...da da da da
Bacon that pig just stole and ate my shoe.
We're called to Serve
Good-bye pampered life.....
So Spenceport we are here......
Our Laura is having so many experiences with a great many people. She has eaten Holopsi in the sauna with a Ukranian family, has had stimulating conversation with Agnostic Jew who is so knowledgeable and great to talk to. And tried to convert a whole group at the local scrapbook store by inviting them to enrichment night. My ...my that girl is busy and touching so many lives. Her goal is firm, teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and bear testimony of his atoning sacrifice for us. and the truth of the Book of Morman . I just want to shout with joy and the proud feeling I get just seeing her growth. Laura has a firm understanding of the eternal perspective , she knows what needs to be done and what she needs to do to accomplish her goal and return with honor. This will be a hard Thanksgiving and Christmas with out hearing the laughter of Laura. But I look at it with the knowledge that her light is shining and bringing joy and everlasting happiness to the children of our Heavenly Father. Knowing Laura has dedicated this time of her life to the service of the Church and our Savior is the best present I could have in my life. What a blessing it is to have her in the mission field. I have become a active temple worker. I excitedly drive to the temple 5 times a week to do the temple ordinances for those who can't do it for themselves. By Laura's example I have become a better person in serving the Lord myself. I went to a World wide Cragun Family reunion a few weeks ago. My 3 times great grandmother Martha Cragun Cox has inspired me to always be of service to God's children. And with Laura on a mission, I have no other choice but to be of service. I want to make my family proud of me. And talk about stories about the wild, wild west, now I see where Jack gets it, and Jack's Kid get it, and Jack's Kid's Kid get it. We need to count our blessings, just like the famous song, we will be surprised what the Lord has done. We have so much to be grateful for, and need to help others daily. I was watching a show on the History channel the other night. It was about gangs, jail, and religion. A return missionary who got sided by gangs told his story. He went on to say " I've served 2 years as a missionary and served 2 years in jail, and I'll tell you, being a missionary is harder than jail time". Yeah Laura, we are so proud of you. Thank- you everyone for your letters of support and love to Laura. I can't begin to thank you enough for your love, support and dollars that help Laura along. Laura is OUR missionary, she is OUR girl, Our friend who is praying and working to be best she can be and make all of us proud. As always "Stay one the Right Side of the Light Side " and you will be blessed. Love from a Missionary Mom, Kathy
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Call in the Troops
G'day friends,
This past 2 weeks have been topsy turvy for our little Laura. But first a little giggle on what happened to me on Saturday at the Temple. I had a migraine all day, as I was lying under a pillow of ice, I thought to myself, " oh just get up and go serve." So I pretty much jetted out the door. Once there, I noticed I wasn't wearing a bra, but at least my clothes were on. I put on my dress and something felt airy, I took dress off, zipper broke, oh brother, maybe I should just go back under the pillow of ice . The kind little ladies helped me fix it and off I went to the Chapel. I love watching the young Missionarys come in. There was a whole row behind me, all these handsome young men, so willing to serve. I leaned over to grab a Book of Morman and I felt that zipper start at the bottem and very quickly open all the way to the top. Back exposed!!! and missionary's behind me giggling. Once again, I was ushered out and helped by sweet little ladies who just found me a new dress. I almost felt VIP as they wisk me out and down the elevator and back up all in record time. All is well, but a funny memory. Okay back to Lolo. On Saturday night, I had a strange feeling, couldn't peg it. Well...maybe the time change or Christmas coming up. So I retired early with Little Roo. I couldn't sleep all night. Up and down, looking at the clock, twinkie snack, mystified, I finally went to sleep at 4:35 am. The Young Woman's President called about 9:00 am to go over plans for the Evening in Excellence coming up on Wed. After talking to her, I thought I could see if anyone called my cell phone. I opened the phone and there was a message at 4:32 am. It was from Lolo. FREAK OUT !! It was quick and to the point. Laura had an emergency transfer the night before and wanted to give me the new address to send her winter boots. After a near breakdown of what could have happened to cause a emergency transfer. I started to think about the events of her time served thus far. Hmmm she just had a blessing from President Hemingway, 2 weeks before Laura met with a General Authority, Palmyra Pagent, Sacred Grove, baptisms, Her and Sister Evans were working hard to be led to investigators and people searching for the Gospel. After wearing out the living room carpet, I sat and thought for a second. Laura is responsible, nurturing, hard-working, dedicated to sharing the Gospel, willing to do what ever is asked of her, and I raised her to always choose the right way, or else the Angels will put black marks on heavens chalkboard. Well I couldn't get to the computer soon enough on Monday morning. As it turns out there have been some problems with OTHER Sister missionarys, different girls, hormones all come into play. Some people just have a harder time adjusting to the life of 100% service. Well.... not my girl. The President chose Laura because of all her skills and talents for making a situation right. Laura has the ability to keep people calm, and get along with everyone, and then make them laugh. So it was like calling in the troops to fix things. President knew Laura could calm a crazy situation and make it all okay. Laura had a hard time packing her things, she loves the Elders so much, why I am Mama Love to them and they write me. It was a group effort getting her ready to move on, everyone was crying, and there were Elders racing across Rochester to help out. I bet she really felt loved. Oh... the trials of a mission, I feel like I am right next to her living out the sad, happy, excited, disappointed times with her. As sad as it is, it will make her stronger and a stronger leader. I told her to find the good in the move and be grateful for the trials we all experiencing. Easier said than done for her. But I have total faith in my daughter, she will rise above the chaos , calm it down and make it all better, then grow from her experience. I think of the emergency transfer as a gift, a gift to others who now have the opportunity to meet a Angel and serve with her. I kinda feel that is why I couldn't sleep, even 3,000 miles away Missionary Mommies are tuned in. Thank you all for the letters you send. Laura sent back a stack again to " archive", Bryn, Linda, Debbie, Papa, Mama Sue..... thank-you for the precious words you send Laura, your support is so appreciated, we love you all. Have a good week and I will keep you posted on the new transfer. As always "Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" and you will be blessed. Love Kathy a Missionary Mommy
This past 2 weeks have been topsy turvy for our little Laura. But first a little giggle on what happened to me on Saturday at the Temple. I had a migraine all day, as I was lying under a pillow of ice, I thought to myself, " oh just get up and go serve." So I pretty much jetted out the door. Once there, I noticed I wasn't wearing a bra, but at least my clothes were on. I put on my dress and something felt airy, I took dress off, zipper broke, oh brother, maybe I should just go back under the pillow of ice . The kind little ladies helped me fix it and off I went to the Chapel. I love watching the young Missionarys come in. There was a whole row behind me, all these handsome young men, so willing to serve. I leaned over to grab a Book of Morman and I felt that zipper start at the bottem and very quickly open all the way to the top. Back exposed!!! and missionary's behind me giggling. Once again, I was ushered out and helped by sweet little ladies who just found me a new dress. I almost felt VIP as they wisk me out and down the elevator and back up all in record time. All is well, but a funny memory. Okay back to Lolo. On Saturday night, I had a strange feeling, couldn't peg it. Well...maybe the time change or Christmas coming up. So I retired early with Little Roo. I couldn't sleep all night. Up and down, looking at the clock, twinkie snack, mystified, I finally went to sleep at 4:35 am. The Young Woman's President called about 9:00 am to go over plans for the Evening in Excellence coming up on Wed. After talking to her, I thought I could see if anyone called my cell phone. I opened the phone and there was a message at 4:32 am. It was from Lolo. FREAK OUT !! It was quick and to the point. Laura had an emergency transfer the night before and wanted to give me the new address to send her winter boots. After a near breakdown of what could have happened to cause a emergency transfer. I started to think about the events of her time served thus far. Hmmm she just had a blessing from President Hemingway, 2 weeks before Laura met with a General Authority, Palmyra Pagent, Sacred Grove, baptisms, Her and Sister Evans were working hard to be led to investigators and people searching for the Gospel. After wearing out the living room carpet, I sat and thought for a second. Laura is responsible, nurturing, hard-working, dedicated to sharing the Gospel, willing to do what ever is asked of her, and I raised her to always choose the right way, or else the Angels will put black marks on heavens chalkboard. Well I couldn't get to the computer soon enough on Monday morning. As it turns out there have been some problems with OTHER Sister missionarys, different girls, hormones all come into play. Some people just have a harder time adjusting to the life of 100% service. Well.... not my girl. The President chose Laura because of all her skills and talents for making a situation right. Laura has the ability to keep people calm, and get along with everyone, and then make them laugh. So it was like calling in the troops to fix things. President knew Laura could calm a crazy situation and make it all okay. Laura had a hard time packing her things, she loves the Elders so much, why I am Mama Love to them and they write me. It was a group effort getting her ready to move on, everyone was crying, and there were Elders racing across Rochester to help out. I bet she really felt loved. Oh... the trials of a mission, I feel like I am right next to her living out the sad, happy, excited, disappointed times with her. As sad as it is, it will make her stronger and a stronger leader. I told her to find the good in the move and be grateful for the trials we all experiencing. Easier said than done for her. But I have total faith in my daughter, she will rise above the chaos , calm it down and make it all better, then grow from her experience. I think of the emergency transfer as a gift, a gift to others who now have the opportunity to meet a Angel and serve with her. I kinda feel that is why I couldn't sleep, even 3,000 miles away Missionary Mommies are tuned in. Thank you all for the letters you send. Laura sent back a stack again to " archive", Bryn, Linda, Debbie, Papa, Mama Sue..... thank-you for the precious words you send Laura, your support is so appreciated, we love you all. Have a good week and I will keep you posted on the new transfer. As always "Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" and you will be blessed. Love Kathy a Missionary Mommy
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