Best of the Rez Week 27

Best of the Rez     Week 27     July 11^th to July 17^th

In a friend’s greeting, he mentioned that we should make week 27 the best week ever.  Since our baptism did not happen, I guess it was not the best week ever, but it was a very good week indeed.  Even the weather cooled off a bit, most appointments actually happened and the garden is feeding us almost daily. 

1)      Monday was a fun day.  We did a bit of work around the house and then went for a hike to our Many Farms Window Rock.  We thought we saw something and sat down to watch.  All the sudden a fox took off running across the rocks.  It was beautiful.  Then we saw the mate waiting and watching us.  After forever, Brad stood up, and she took off also.  They were just beautiful and a fun experience for our morning.  Then we finished up at the house and headed out.   We taught a good lesson to a family where they little boy wants baptism BAD.  We gave him a children’s version of the Book of Mormon and he has read the whole thing.  Now his brothers are reading it as well. 
Next we headed to Chinle to have a party with the Bearnson’s that will leave the 29^th.  We went out to eat at Garcia’s (YUM) and then went to their trailer and played Toss Up.  So much fun!

2)      Tuesday started early with piano with 4 out of 7 showing up.  We also had a surprise visitor, a man came from Ashton, ID, that is in construction.  He had the contract to build the fence along the highway and wanted workers.  If that happens it will be wonderful to give some of ward members’ work. The cute family that we taught on Monday came to our air conditioned house for a lesson and to play WII.  They were so cute—all with fresh haircuts.  It was really fun.  Then we taught a fun lesson.  Our next appointment was also to play WII since they have finished all their lessons.  They were too late so we had to reschedule.  We had one man show up for ARP so that was good.  Then we rushed to a man’s house but he wasn’t there.  We went over to the neighbor’s, another investigator, and met her son.  Interesting conversation—we will send the Chinle Elder’s to him.  Pretty good day.

3)      Early Wednesday we headed to Gallup.  We loaded up at Walmart, grabbed a bite to eat and – do I dare tell – went to “Harry Potter.”  It was wonderful once we found the theater and how to get into it.  Then we drove home and taught Selena a piano lesson.  They canceled YM-YW so we moved out WII party up and they had a great time.  During all this a new family came for BB, then more and more, so Brad and Cyrus went to play ball while Crystal picked out her temple wedding date.  We had fun too – great day!!!

4)      Thursday was piano—piano—piano.  Finally there were 2 no shows so I could eat.  Then the family came back for another lesson and WII.  They are the best family ever—so polite and well mannered.  I made a batch of cookies and told DJ to serve his family.  He served them every last cookie.  J  Our 6 canceled, the 7PM was great and our 8 was wonderful.  Good day!

5)      Friday I was supposed to have some piano but that didn’t happen.  I fixed ‘dump cake’ and we headed to Dennehotso with the Bearnson’s for district meeting.  It was really good while at the same time a little confusing.  We were all trying to be so positive but still problems need to be discussed.  I was really jealous because they had a little new church that is landscaped.  Our poor church yard.  Then home.  We made a couple of visits that night and they were good.  We seem to be on a roll.

6)      Saturday I was supposed to have some piano but no one showed up—no they all showed up late and at the very same time.  Major confusing.  I finished all them and then started a program for the very first ‘Many Farms LDS Piano Recital.’    We went to Chinle and bought the refreshments and then back to the program.  Then the Elder’s came with fry bread and I left and goofed the last 2 numbers.  Anyhow, I got cleaned up and almost all 17 performers were there on time.  It went a little long but was AMAZING.  All 17 played 2 hymns and 1 song.  It was a sight and sound to behold.  Their parents were very happy.   I even had Elder Parkinson play his harmonica.  It was a great night but I was on way too big of a high to go to sleep.  Well the high and then the fact that I had to speak in church the next day.

7)      Sunday was a good day as well.  Our attendance came back up and with families.  There is nothing more beautiful than a family sitting on a bench.  Sister Yoe spoke first and she was wonderful.  She is Selena’s mother – our third baptism – and was totally less active for over 10 years and now she is the BEST.  Her talk was GREAT.  Then Kayla played the piano SO PRETTY and then me.  I had Brad play the harmonica again—‘Come, Come, ye Saints.’  He did great but was quite sure he was the first harmonica player in a Sacrament meeting.  We set a new record for our Sunday School class -- 14 students with 4 brand new students.  The YM’s president showed up for the first time and the Primary was totally staffed.  Ah!  Then left over’s for dinner, a nap and we were off.  Out 2 young boys were at their brother’s in Pinon so we went to them.  Beautiful drive about 55 miles from here.  The McNeil’s serve there and they are so amazing—5^th mission.  Great time!  Then we rushed home and thankfully the adult brother’s we had back to back both came to the same house so we did a two in one.  And their mother and sister came so we had a huge houseful.  I think the lesson went very well.  We are sure trying with that family.  We asked about teaching one of the son’s and the father said YES.  We decided to give it to the Elder’s.  Hum, I just got our teaching book all put together.  Since that was a 2 in 1 we had about 15 minutes to catch a bite and then our 8PM.  It was great, they had decided to just get married simply so all we need it the date and she will be ready for baptism.  We walked them home and then came home to collapse.

It was a great week, wasn’t it?  The piano recital will forever be a high light of our time here.  We planned the next 2 recitals as well.  I told them that the goal was 25 hymns before the June recital, my last recital, and if anyone could do the whole book I would figure out something to give them.  Little Selena asked why June would be the last and her mother told her we were leaving.  She yelled no and said they had to leave too.  SWEET L  I am not sure a mission ever allows a steady emotional balance but that is okay.  Life on the Rez is good!  Let’s pray that it stays that way.

The Church is True,

            Attend the Temple; often,

                        Our love and appreciation for all you do,

                                    Elder and Sister Parkinson

A group of wild horses came into our neighbor's field.

While I was posting the blog, the neighbor came over.

When the fixed the steeple, they broke his fence and

didn't fix it.  He has lost a bunch of hay and pasture feed

and is not very happy.

A horse gets a drink and cool-down in an

irrigation ditch.

The Ahausteen's drive Mario.

I wish you could hear them laugh.

The Begaye's decide whether they want to pay me back

1/10th of their huckleberry salt water taffy.

The Ahausteen's are back for cow races and cookies.

The Elder's dropped in for a hello.

The drive to Dennehotso.

Elder Richins instructs as the Bearnson's listen.

Our zone leader Elder Payne listens to a point well made.

Can this Idaho boy grow watermelon?

A group of horses cross the road in front of us on the way home.

Jessica Benally: 

'Jesus Once of Humble Birth'

'Do As I'm Doing' Duet

Abide with Me'

Jacob Benally:

'While of These Emblems'

'Cookoo'

'I Love to See the Temple'

McKay Curley:

'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'

'The 10 Second Song'

'Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee'

Darren Woody:

'God Loved Us So He Sent His Son'

Selena Yoe:

'Our Savior's Love'

'Mary Had a Little Lamb'

'As I Search the Holy Scriptures'

Tyrell Benally:

'Teach Me to Walk in the Light of His Love'

'Pillow Fight'

'Lord Dismiss Us, with Thy Blessings'

Mariah Woody:

'Count Your Many Blessings'

'Do As I'm Doing' Duet

'The World has Need of Willing Men'

Kelsey Curley:

'Oh God, The Eternal Father'

'Liebestraum'

'Blue Mood'

'We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet'

Tyler Benally:

'How Gentle God's Command'

'Fur Elise'

'God Speed the Right'

Scott Thomas:

'I am a Child of God'

"Fur Elise'

'Follow the Prophet'

Kayla Curley:

'How Great the Wisdom and the Love'

Dream Echoes'

'How Great Thou Art"

Tivona Begaye:

'Rodeo'

'Cookoo'

'Mother Dear' & 'My Daddy'

Darrin Thomas:

'Peter, Peter, Punkin Eater'

'Mary Had a Little Lamb'

Caitlyn Towne:

'Twinke, Twinkle, Little Star'

"Old McDonald had a Note'

Taylynn Begaye:

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'

'Partners at Sea'

'In Humility, Our Savior'

Darren Woody and I do duets for

'There is a Green Hill Far Away'

'Book of Mormon Stories'

Elder Parkinson:

'Come, Come, Ye Saints'

Jessica and Maraih's duet:

'Do As I'm Doing'

Elder Read:

'There is a Green Hill Far Away'

Elder Searle:

'Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee'

I am afraid our Elders were a little 'proud' of their

first piano recital perfermance.

An 'after the retical' picture.

A Sunday morning picture --

some left early the night before.

We set a new record for our Sunday School class -- 14!

Party Time!

After driving 120 miles to teach them, we had to take

Kirby and Ty's picture in front of the Pinon Church.

Best of the Rez Week 26

Best of the Rez     Week 26     July 11^th to July 17^th

If there was to be a title for this week, I would call it the ‘no show’ or ‘stood up’ or some title like that.  I should probably check it out with Steve Biddulph because he is still trying to figure out how my pianos fell through.  We are learning that there are certain times that you do not make appointments, and maybe the third week in July is one of them.  Most of the school employee’s are off to workshops and training so I guess the rest of the place left as well.  Oh well, another week on the Rez still seems to have plenty to teach us.

1)      Monday was a P-Day, through and through.  We took the whole day off and showed Doug and Jane a few of the sites.  We started with our Many Farms ‘hole in the rock,’ and then went up to the Rough Rock Trading Post and cemetery.  We have always been fascinated with cemeteries, and the Rez has its own unique version.  Then we took them over Buffalo Pass and was it ever pretty.  We even had a rain storm to cool us down so life was very good.  That night was the best.  We asked the Curley’s to come over for Dutch Oven.  Sister Curley said she would bring fry bread.  Oh my – what a feast.  We had a great time together.

2)      Tuesday Doug and Jane headed out fairly early and we headed back to missionary work.  Opps, I think I got that wrong.  I had 7 piano lessons that didn’t show up, then we had 2 lessons that didn’t happen and then we were scheduled for 3 people to come to ARP and only one came through.  Nawahine’s came and I showed her how to cook beet greens – she said she liked them.  We did deliver some invites to ward conference but it really seemed like slow day.

3)      Wednesday was also a slow day.  We went out with Sister Tsosie in the morning and met with Sister Yazzie.  That was nice and she said she would really try to get to church. We did get one appointment and that seemed like a great lesson—it was a follow up lesson for our recent convert.  Then we rushed to another no show.  I did get my piano lesson but she wouldn’t stay for YW.  I taught aerobics again and boy was it hot.  Then they played BB afterwards and I was worried about Elder Parkinson.  He has got to learn when to stop.  We both sleep that night.

4)      Thursday was piano from 10:30 to 1:30 and then no shows for the rest of the day and night.  We had a garden meeting and we are still amazed at the Seeley’s.  What a wonderful couple and so willing to give.  I don’t know how they keep it up.  We rushed away from it only to end up at another no show.

5)      Friday was a slow day as well.  We made calls and drove around and gave away garden greens and invited people to ward conference.  At one house a couple asked us back right when Angella and the girls were coming.  We still said fine.  We then had another no show, so we cooked some food and ate quickly with the girls and then headed for a teaching appointment.  Then Elders were there also, but we split up and hopefully all went well.  We had fun anyway.  Then home.  The Curley’s were over with their garden so I had Kelsey come in to see my granddaughters.  There were all doing Mario so Kelsey joined in.  That was fun. 

6)      Saturday we were joined in bed by a very talkative Kaiya explaining the world to us and doing our hair.  We had some blueberry pancakes and then they were off.  We cleaned the church as best we could.  We set up the tables for the pot luck with the Elders.  My piano lessons were all no shows.  The Elders invited us over for supper and fixed catfish, scrambled eggs and fry bread.  They had been cleaning and rearranging their trailer and were they ever proud.  We then got in one lesson and then headed to Chinle to buy things for the pot luck.  Then I made spaghetti all night.

7)      Sunday was ward conference and the Stake President changed our meeting time from 10 AM to 9AM.  Right there you can foresee what is going to happen.  He told the Bishop to go out with the missionaries and personally invite all the ward members to church.  That didn’t happen.  The 4 missionaries did our best, but it was the lowest attendance in weeks.  We had 5 baptisms scheduled and not one of them showed up so that postponed all of them.  The 1^st counselor in the Primary hadn’t shown up for the last 2 weeks and as Primary was starting, she and her husband the YM president, drove off.  I could have just died.  They had told us the Stake would run the meeting for us.  As I walked into Primary, there was only one Stake lady that showed up and she didn’t have anything for us.  So I ran home and got my temples and we did the best we could.  After meeting we had a pot luck.  I needed to heat up the French bread but Elder had the keys.  I waited and waited for Priesthood to end.  Then I found out why he was so late.  Cyrus Wheeler, our mission prep father, was given the Melchizedek Priesthood and asked Brad to confirm him.  That was WONDERFUL!  Anyhow, I finally got the bread in the oven and Sister Curley said something about a fight over my bread.  I didn’t have time to figure that out.  Then we all ate and had tons of food left over.  Pretty fun if only we would have had people show up.  We came home and dropped.  Our 3 PM didn’t show and then we taught our 5 and 6 and they both went well.  As we were driving back we saw Sister Curley showing her garden off to her sister-in-law.  We stopped to chat and I asked her about the bread.  Oh my!  She (Primary President) and the RS President got in a huge fight over the meal.  The RS President lives 35 miles away and lets us know we are on our own down here.  The Bishop put Bro. Draper (bachelor) in charge of the dinner.  The RS was upset that she wasn’t in charge and Sister Curley told her to be thankful.  Well, they got into an argument in the kitchen about how to turn the oven on or what temperature to put it on in front of the 2 Bishop’s daughters that were cutting up the watermelon.  The girls started to laugh so the RS yelled at them and then walked out.  Sister Curley said she would like to break this (as she picked up a long loaf of bread) over the RS’s head.  The RS walked back in to hear that and asked what?  Sister Curley grabbed the loaf of bread and said this and bashed it into the counter and broke it in two and then picked it up and threw it at the RS and then she walked out.  There were some other words spoken as well.  As she was telling this story, we were laughing in the garden so hard and the more we laughed the more she would tell.  Cyrus and the humor made up for the low attendance.  We then drove out to a family and found all the brothers and sisters (adults) together and went in and had a fun chat with them.  Then home to just laugh and laugh.  Oh and when we walked in from church, my brother Doug had left a message reminding us that church was moved up an hour so not to be late.  How cute.

That about does it for my ‘no show’ week.  The opening song didn’t make it on time, but the others were great and the stake was very impressed with them.  We now have 2 more Aaronic Priesthood holders (men) and now 2 more Melchizedek Priesthood holders as well.  That is very exciting for Many Farms.  Now if we could get people to show up and fulfill their calling that would be really exciting.  I heard someone once say that we would end up in a struggling little branch and has that prophecy ever been fulfilled.  But HELP!  What do we do now?  We have long since realized the only thing that will help Many Farms is miracles.  We pray for them every day.  We thank you for adding your prayers along with us.

The Church is True,

            May all your gardens be fruitful,

                        Pray is gift but only if you use it,

                                    Elder and Sister Parkinson

Doug tries flying on his 68th birthday.

Doug and Woody at Many Farms Window Rock.

Rough Rock Cemetery

Rough Rock Cemetery

Rough Rock Cemetery

Rough Rock Cemetery

Rough Rock Cemetery

Doug and me at the top of Buffalo Pass in a rainstorm.

While Brad went for the camera, I stayed dry.

Doug and Sister Curley fry -- fry bread.

Jane, Kayla, Kelsey and President Curley are

served by Doug.  Yummy Fry Bread.

And he didn't forget Elder Searle, McKay and Elder Read.

Elder Parkinson played his harmonica.

A picture of the backyard garden.

While we were Annie Yazzie's we had some extra visitors.

The fellow came right up the steps but by the time we

found the camera he had moved.