Tuesday, August 16, 2016

July 31 Letter

July 31st Meeting

Dear All,
            Hope you are having good weather.  We finally got rain last night and it really rains in sheets here.  The thunder and lightening are pretty loud in our trailer.  No fires so I guess it didn’t hit as close as it sounded.  The rain brings the frogs out and they are loud but a fun sound.
            A few highlights of this week are:  we went for wood again.  We went with the Salts and it was for sister Lena.  It had been awhile – I think cold might be easier than heat but we got a great load for her. 
            On Tuesday wk took some Sisters to the Temple.  We had a good session, went to the food pantry which was closed until Friday, then of course always Wal-Mart. 
            Sister Asha Walker and I had a planning meeting on some things which was so fun.  I sure love that lady.  She is headed to Utah for two weeks and I am so happy for her and her beautiful family.  President Walker is still here but will join them soon.  One of the best families ever. 
            Today was Junior Chevez 4th birthday.  Fun to stop by and give all 4 kids little gifts which included some school supplies.  They were so happy and are very cute.
            Mutual was the Great Race.  The girls loved it and we love that Chelsea Pinto has been coming on Wednesdays.  She is a cute 14 year old and the girls love her. 
            On top of our regular visits and such we are going to 45 homes to see if they have received their Magazines that were paid for by some one who was once here.  So far they have received them and as a bonus we get to visit with many of the less active members.  They are happy with the magazines.   They always say to come back and visit again.
            On Thursday We were ask by Elder Boyder our Zone Leader to help with Housing inspections for the Elders and Sisters trailers.  There are 10 or more of them but they are not close to each other.  So there is a bit of travel between each visit.  We need to finish on Monday because this is for July.  Our Missionary friends, the Burks are sick and in Phoenix getting Chemo.  We are doing this for them because they can’t.  This is a push but we are making it work.  Fun to see the Sisters and Elders in their Trailers.  They are typical and a bit messy but not many broken things.  Cute to meet and get to know them.   We had our monthly meeting with Haws, President Saolman from the Mission Presidency, the Zone leaders for the Young Elders and us.   He loves his Stake and works so hard for them.  Hard place to be Stake President as he is working with so many young Elders, Branch Presidents and Bishops.  We are so fortunate; we have a very wonderful Branch President – President Walker.  We love ;him and his family as they give and serve all of the people in the Zuni Branch,   Today I was serving in Primary but Elder Dattage said President Walker told everyone to stop their gossiping in the 5th Sunday combined meeting.   Even happens in small places.  There are many good people here but we can all do better for sure. 
In Primary Sister Viola taught the lesson.  It was on Samuel the Laminate and she taught it with such a sweet, simple Spirit.  The children were listening as she told them the story.  What a great Spirit that wonderful lady has for sure.  She has been a member for about 4 years and is amazing. 
            We also went to Gallup to take back for wood for the Lalio family who are building a roof.  We sure care abut this family and love that they have been attending church consistently and reading the Book of Mormon. 
            We had a Zone Activity on Saturday at Mesa Verde.  We went and enjoyed some of the country but came back to meet with the Elders here.  We have a great group of Senior Missionaries here and it is fun to get to know them.
            This has been a very hard week.  There have been some disappointments in baptisms and other wonderful things.  We love these people and only want to help them have better lives. 
            We spend a lot of time serving them and helping them but also being with them and trying to help them.  This was definitely one of the hardest weeks we have had and can only trust in our Heavenly Father and know he loves his children so much and knows what is best for them.  We pray and pray for some of them.  We hope they can feel that we love them and want to help them become stronger as they attend Church and read the Book of Mormon.  So blessed to be here and feel of their strong Spirits  We are learning so much and feeling so much love from these good people.   They have a love for the Lord that has made them a happy people.  Love all of you at home and hope that your last few weeks before school will be wonderful.   Grateful for the health we have to serve.
            Thankful for our family back home.  We may have had  challenges but we are blessed as we serve and unite as a family.  I can’t believe how blessed we are with our children, and grandchildren.  You lift us both spiritually and help with so many little things.  We seem to be asking for something every week and no complaining.  I know when I get back I will be better at helping others because of our families example. 
Can’t believe the strength we feel as our grandchildren get older and share their beautiful thoughts and testimonies with us.  Sure does strengthen mine as I hear from them.  The little ones make us laugh with the pictures and the funny things they do and say.  Thanks more than a ton kids.  
            Hope everyone is doing the best they can.  Love all of you,

Elder and Sister Dattage

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