The Sacrament

In the month since we have not been able to attend any church meetings, we have been able to partake of the sacrament only once.  I've never been in the situation where the sacrament hasn't been available to me.

Yesterday when I got to the mail room, there was something in our mailbox.  It is a sacrament packet.  I was so touched that I held back the tears.

With this coming Sunday being Easter I am so grateful that I will once again be able to partake of the emblems of our Savior. I hadn't realized how much I missed being able to listen to those prayers and lift those emblems to my lips.  This week I can shout Hosanna to His name and truly feel it!

Faux Painting

I have been working all week with Jared in the William Weeks house.  He is charged with faux painting the woodwork including the doors and window frames.  Apparently this was the fashion in the 1840's.  I don't understand covering up real wood with fake wood painting.

I've learned that faux painting is not about putting the paint on.  It is all about removing the paint. 

Once the faux grain is on and dry, a second coat of colored sealer goes over the top to give it a little more texture.  The above door is the front entry door to the Weeks home.

I feel like the nurse handing instruments to the doctor as I help Jared.  He had me do the prep work and then he goes to work.  The paint is a thin coat so it dries very quickly.  Therefore, Jared needs to work very quickly.  It helps that I can hand him the tools that he needs.  While working on this door, I painted and then put the faux on the side of the above door.  Not as straight as it could be but it's the edge so it isn't that important.

Then on Wednesday, Jared told me that I was going to do some painting.  I told him I didn't need to but he insisted.  The top panel of the above door is mine!  I think it turned out really great! 

This is another finished door.  It is the interior door that will be placed between the two rooms.  We had to do both sides of this door.  It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Jared on this project.  I'm grateful that I could help him this week while he has not been 100% feeling great.  I look forward to seeing this home finished!

General Conference April 2020

With all the craziness going on in the world right now due to Covid-19, I was looking forward to General Conference as never before just hoping to feel the peace that the Spirit brings through the messages given.
I have taken notes on the conferences in the past.  It helps me stay focused and awake when it gets tough.  It also helps me remember what each talk was about.  Lots of times I will write myself a question as a self evaluation.  Yesterday was no different.  I wrote a few sentences about President Nelson's invitation to "Hear Him!"
Then something changed.  I began to listen to what the Spirit was whispering to me.  Here are just a few things I heard.
"Unity in families helps to get through challenges."
"There's no way for me to make up for the mistakes/sins I've made.  That is why I need the Savior's atonement."
"Joseph Smith's marriage to Emma Hale was key in Joseph obtaining and translating the plates."
"Stay focused and I will accomplish all that God asks of me."
"I do not need to see Jesus Christ to know that he is real and that he lives."
"The Lord prepares, in detail, his missionary work."
"Do not remove the Savior's name from His church.  It inadvertently removes Him as the center of my life."

I love this new symbol that President Nelson introduced.  If this does not say that we believe in Christ then people are blind.  I was so filled with the Spirit as I listened to President Nelson.  I know he is God's prophet on the earth today.  It was so powerful that I listened as tears streamed down my face.  I look forward to even more truths being confirmed in my heart/life today!

Ripping Up the Vinyl

Over the past two days we have been tearing up the flooring in the Village Inn #7.  The carpet pulled up rather easily.  The hardest part was pulling out the staples that held the padding in place and that wasn't difficult at all.

When we got to the vinyl  in the kitchen it was a different story.  The glue held that stuff down pretty tightly.  We ended up using the skill saw to cut it into manageable pieces.  Then we used oscillating tools to get underneath the vinyl and pull it up.  Both of us ended our day when we finished the kitchen.

Tomorrow is the bathroom which is much smaller and shouldn't take too much time.  The toilet will have to be removed but Elder Pleshek is a whiz at doing that kind of thing.  Then we will be on to the next project.  Whatever that may be. 
This working together thing is kind of nice.  With the social distancing thing going on, we are not allowed to work with other missionaries.  With the Illinois governor's stay at home order, we are to work in places that aren't very visible.  Although, we may get to do some lawn mowing/yard work.

The Newest Teamster

With all the missionaries who have been sent home, there are seven teamster couples who have been able to stay.  They've been out most days exercising the horses.  Elder Barney was at the reins today and my husband climbed up on the wagon to greet him.

Next thing I knew, he was getting a lesson on being a teamster.  He said it was one of the most enjoyable things he's been able to do here. 

Me?  I think the horses are beautiful but they are very large and I am still very intimidated by them.  I'm glad there are people out there who love horses.  I'm just not one of them!

Spring Cleaning

This afternoon we were raking and collecting sticks to clean up around our home.  I happened to see next door's condensing units.  I couldn't believe the amount of leaves behind them.

I spent quite some time raking them out and pulling them out from underneath and around the pipes and hoses.

 

When I was finished, it looked so much better.  I thought about the fact that if there was an issue that needed fixing, the HVAC guys would never be able to get at it. 

I sent the before and after photos to Sister Barrow as I knew Elder Barrow would appreciate it.  Of course he is gone home so will never have to work behind these units, but Jason might.  I was glad it was such a nice day to get this small but important task accomplished.

Orson Hyde

Two weeks ago, Jared put Sister Odum and I to work at Orson Hyde home.  We had to wash the ceilings and walls with a vinegar solution and then wipe them with a tack rag that took the residue off.

When that process was done we began the painting.  Jared likes things done just so. 

We took turns rolling and brushing.  I spent some time cutting around the windows, doors and baseboards.  I really enjoy doing that and I'm quite good at it.

The Warners were able to work with us on this morning.  I really enjoyed having them with us. 

They weren't able to stay for more than a few hours as they had a meeting with Elder Wadley.  That's when they found out that they were able to stay while so many other couples were being sent home.  I work with some wonderful, amazing people!