So today is Elder Wecker's birthday. We have no big plans for the day, but I think the Elders may come by with a surprise. We have a ward potluck tonight that we have invited a few people to. We hope they come.
In the past couple of weeks we have visited the Avenue of the Giants (giant trees, that is) and Ferndale ( a small historic town not far from here). The Redwood forest is quite lovely and quiet. It tends to remind me how long life has gone on here and how short our visit will be. In a very real sense, our earthly visit is short and we have so much we could accomplish.
We are learning patience. Life moves at its own pace.
I asked a couple of ward members at lunch the other day what keeps Eureka alive. They said it was welfare. That's a sorry story. There hasn't been a real crab or salmon season for a couple of years. Lumbering has been cut back to save the trees. Mills have closed. The school district has decreased in student number from 7000 to 3000. Young adults move away to find jobs. It is a lovely area, but it is hard to make a living here.
The ward we are working with used to be two wards. The combining took place the week before we arrived. It is moving slowly. Ward members are still finding their way.
We love the young missionaries. They are full of love and enthusiasm. They are obedient and thoughtful, kind and generous. We love going to district meetings where we have a chance to be taught by them and see their leadership.
I have included a picture of the Post Office in Ferndale and a Romanesque Cauliflower that we bought at the farmer's market. It was delicious, but it kind of looks like something from outer space.
In the past couple of weeks we have visited the Avenue of the Giants (giant trees, that is) and Ferndale ( a small historic town not far from here). The Redwood forest is quite lovely and quiet. It tends to remind me how long life has gone on here and how short our visit will be. In a very real sense, our earthly visit is short and we have so much we could accomplish.
We are learning patience. Life moves at its own pace.
I asked a couple of ward members at lunch the other day what keeps Eureka alive. They said it was welfare. That's a sorry story. There hasn't been a real crab or salmon season for a couple of years. Lumbering has been cut back to save the trees. Mills have closed. The school district has decreased in student number from 7000 to 3000. Young adults move away to find jobs. It is a lovely area, but it is hard to make a living here.
The ward we are working with used to be two wards. The combining took place the week before we arrived. It is moving slowly. Ward members are still finding their way.
We love the young missionaries. They are full of love and enthusiasm. They are obedient and thoughtful, kind and generous. We love going to district meetings where we have a chance to be taught by them and see their leadership.
I have included a picture of the Post Office in Ferndale and a Romanesque Cauliflower that we bought at the farmer's market. It was delicious, but it kind of looks like something from outer space.
I showed Scott the post office. It didn't make him want to return to work!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the patients! Love you guys.