God's Hand in Our Lives

Tyler's family in Indiana

The sad news for us was that Tyler didn't get the job at Carroll University in Helena Montana.  We were all holding our breath for that one.  The good news is that he is interviewing and we know that this very special family will be going where they will be a blessing and asset to their neighborhood, church and community.  Even if it is still far away.  I am grateful for planes!

Newly trained Japanese tour guide

           

Dallin is in Vegas giving tours to Japanese tourists. He has gone to Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.  He seems to really be liking it.  We miss the Sunday visits but are glad that he has a job he really likes and he gets to speak Japanese all the time!  Not the best picture of him.  He is very cute, trust me. 

 On Friday we went to Salt Lake with the Administrative and Staff of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences...of which Kim is a part of in the Chemistry Department.  The theme of the retreat was "Living Waters".   It was all about Service ( we spent the morning at Globus Relief sorting medical supplies) and Humanitarian efforts being done around the world...mainly putting in wells by the church and individual efforts.   We were pretty happy about the speakers and their subjects because our best friends are in Mozambique doing exactly that--putting in water where there hasn't been ( like schools and villages). 

As we walked past the "Hostess" desk on our way to a speaker in the Church Office building on the very top floor, the Hostess called after us that there were people  gathering already in the room and then she used a word I had never heard before to describe what they "really were doing".  It made me call her on it since I love to make up words and she confessed she was just from a small town where they do that kind of thing.  We discovered we were both from Brigham City and when I told her my maiden name, she stood up and said...let me tell you my name.  I was thrilled to hear a name from my young childhood and to discover here was my best friend from my youth.   It was wonderful and amazing how that conversation even evolved.

While the main group went to see the new shopping area "City  Creek"...we went to the Church History Museum to see Natalie's artwork.  It was so wonderful to see all of the inspiring creations from around the world and to know that Natalie had made the time in  her busy life to keep creating.  We met a docent and she asked us about our favorite piece.  We told her about our favorite artist and she was so happy because Natalie's piece was one of her favorites.  We had a wonderful visit with her and learned about her Humanitarian work in Africa. 

Jordan River

Make way for the geese!

Saturday is but a memory...whaaa.  I definitely think that Saturdays should be longer.  We worked in the yard and garden and then packed up our bikes and headed to Saratoga Springs.  We rode the Jordan River Trail.  We had to wait for traffic ( geese and their ducklings).  It was a perfect day and a great way to enjoy summer!!!!  We then drove around Utah Lake because we had never done that approaching from Saratoga before and ended up in Goshen.  From there we tried to see how the Payson temple was coming along but it was covered with a tall fence.  Then we went home and built a big fire and roasted hot dogs.  I will never get tired of roasted hot dogs.  We made several visits smelling like smoke but we were glad we went anyway.  So many hard and tender things happen every day and it was a true reminder to me that we do make a difference to one another when we show our love by visiting, hugging, listening, encouraging, crying with each other.  It was a wonderful day only to be trumped by visiting with McKay and Loida early Sunday morning on Google Chat.  Thank you Google for making that possible.  I truly saw God's hand in my life and the life of my family this week.   So here's to holding my breath as we find out where Tyler and McKay will be going and what new places Dallin will get to visit!