Thursday, July 24

It is the 24th of July today! That is a big day to the Mormons, the day that the pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. A big celebration in Utah. I'm sure they are having a huge parade with all kinds of floats, general authorities and bands. I miss those celebrations.

Elder Whiting and I have kind of had a slow week. We are teaching every day, but we have a couple of cancellations yesterday and today. Yesterday we went to District meeting and met two new Elders. One of them has been out on his mission 6 weeks, the other one is one who had been sent home from his mission. But he is returning to his mission at the end of the month. He had been out for eight months, so he going back for 16 more months. So now he gets to go back and have the best part to come.

Our district meeting was good. Dad gave the thought on faith. I played the piano and gave the closing prayer. It almost takes our whole day when we go to Dallas. It is a lot of Driving. We are so grateful for our machine, it gets us everywhere and saves us when we get lost. Besides that it gives us a good laugh when we get lost with it.

Today we are meeting with Grandma and Grandpa Wathan. They are actually about 10 years younger than we are, so they're still "Youngies." We are going to try and get serious with them and find out how much they remember about the Gospel. We are not sure how long they really were active in California before they came here. I think we are getting practiced up for all our regular lessons so that we can really feel comfortable when we have more opportunity to teach people who are not already members.

We also teach Holly tonight, the last time before her baptism. We will keep seeing her for a while after her baptism; she needs that support and help.

It has been in the high 90's this week. Quite warm, but it could be a lot worse according to others who have lived here past years. I think the temperature is suppose to linger between 95 and 100 for the next week. We are in air conditioning most of the time, so we are not aware of it so much. It is in the 70's at night and we always have a fan blowing in the bedroom so it keeps us cool.

Patricia Ivers called last night and canceled for today. We were excited because our last experience was so great. She is having problems with a child; she needs a job; she needs a computer; and she needs a car that runs to take her places. If people could just understand that if they would be obedient and live the Gospel, they could be blessed and Heavenly Father could guide their lives. Oh my, there is a lot to be taught and understood.