We had a P-day with the Petersons so went done to Canal Fulton and rode the canal boat down the Ohio Erie Canal.  Nothing really exciting but a lazy, relaxing ride with lots of history and even entertainment.  Our guide was very enlightening but also played the banjo and harmonica for us.

After playing all day we went to the mission office for our departure dinner with President and Sister Vellinga
There were 4 couples and 3 elders that were going to be going home.  Very nice dinner and special testimonies made for a special evening.

Came home after serving Saturday the 14th and this is what we found on our door.  The cake and afghan came from the Sherbaughs.  They had prepared a duck and spaghetti dinner for us.  Very nice!

 


It has been a busy but fun few weeks.  The bus tours are coming in fast and furious so it makes for long days that seem to just fly by.  We really meet some very special people and we love to hear their stories and share ours as well.

Wow!!! Am I being lazy or what?  Seasons are changing, tours are on the up and we are getting more tired at the end of the day.  Things are good and we love it all and are happy.  Following are some of the photos of events during the last two months.  Enjoy!

 Annie brought her mom and dad to visit Grandpa and Grandma Wells

 Wendy Olson and Son Christian at their Baptism May 3, 2014.  Jeff did the baptisms.  We were able to teach Wendy and the sister missionaries taught Christian.  Very special family.


Top of Hill Cumorah over looking the valley
                                                     

Kaitlyn, Marlene and 'Wells' in the Sacred Grove
We enjoyed a very special time in the temple with Kaitlyn (May 31, 2014) and then did a bit of touring with them in the area.  What a great Day!

This is sad, sad news.  Yesterday a fire started in the downtown historic Garrettsville shopping center.  It started at one end of the street and completely destroyed about 1/3 of the block.  It must have been really hairy since the entire street is all old buildings and very close.  They were able to contain it to just the one side of the street but all buildings are totally destroyed.  Below are some of the photos posted on Fox 8 website. 

This building with the flames coming out of the top windows is my favorite.  It is called the Shaker Tree and had the most wonderful fabrics, things I have never seen elsewhere and they were so fun to work with. 

This is Sunday morning.  The reports say that 34 units responded some trucking in water after Garrettsville ran out.  About 13 businesses were destroyed.  Among them was Food bank, a used furniture shop, a craft shop, a clock repair business, a podiatrist and two attorney's offices. 

The crazy thing is that the entire block, both sides are really affected.  Until they get things secure, nothing in that street or area will be able to open for business so lots is lost for everyone.

We have had some very special experiences in the last couple of weeks.  Pauline left her family and came to visit us.  She had three full days so we filled them up and had a grand time.  Below are some pictures of our activities.

The sister missionaries have been teaching a man by the name of Jeff.  He was ready to receive the gospel but there was concern with his wife and children.  He went ahead of it and was baptized.  His wife and 2 sons came to the baptism.  He came alone to be confirmed on Sunday.  Then Saturday he and his wife and 2 sons came to the Johnson Home for a tour and it was really awesome, very spiritual.  That night they came to the church for the Chili Cook off.  Then Sunday the four of them and their daughter as well were to church.  That night the two of them traveled to Kirtland and he bore his testimony in the investigator's fireside.  He really did well.  Elder Seldon of the 70's was the main speaker and he was really good.  Shared some special experiences as well as gave some of the teachings and fundamentals of the gospel.  All in all it was a great weekend.  Oh, and Dan was able to ordain Jeff to the Aaronic Priesthood to the office of Priest.  We had an appointment to visit them but his wife is sick so we will reschedule.  I sort of feel that it was a lot for her in one weekend.  She is truly a special sister and we will try to help her.

The beds in the Johnson Home were sagging and looked very sad.  We were given permission to tighten the ropes and so we did.  It was a big job but they sure did look better after that.  After the ropes were tight we were able to remake the beds.  Definitely a process.  We had to handle all of the bedding with white gloves.  We love the home and the special things there and especially love to share it with others.  We are starting to get a few more visitors and tours for the coming months are being scheduled.  Will be a fun time.
    

 

 

 

 

Well, it is still cold weather wise but things have been rather warm in the spiritual department.  We had zone conference and it was amazing.  President Kirk of the Youngstown stake was there and he told us that the members were scared of their part of the missionary program but for us as missionaries to be bold and ask them to help us and that the work would grow.  He is really trying to make a difference.
   We also had Stake conference with our area authority 70 and again it was really a great two days of meetings.  They really want to help the missionaries and there is much work to be done.  We had Brother Robison come and do a tour of the John Johnson Home with the senior couples.  He was highly involved with the restoration of this home and so had a lot to share.  Then we had all of the Kirtland missionaries come down for training meeting and that was truly special.  They were all so excited and we were excited to share the Johnson Home with them.  This is a picture of our gathering in the carriage house of the Johnson Home. 

We had another unusual weather happening for Ohio.  One morning all of the trees were frosted.  They say that this doesn't happen too often.  Gosh we see it at home lots.  Anyway made for some beautiful scenery.

 

Well, we have been in the DEEP FREEZE the last couple of weeks.  First of all we had a week of snow, snow, snow.  Didn't pile up really lots but was there and messy.  After shoveling all week they finally got us a snow blower.  Boy, does it go through the snow.  Doesn't take near as long and sure is easier on the back. 

The other thing that has happened is the Ohio Snow Rollers.  It has happened because about 1 foot of fine powder snow melted on the top and the right temperature and exact wind speed caused the snow to create roller balls.  The news stated it was very rare and even most local people had never seen the roller balls.  It is truly fascinating to see whole fields of balls and even on housetops.  Awesome!

Christmas was a special time with different events to add to the festivities.  We were able to decorate the Christmas tree at the Johnson Home and put up decorations on the mantles, tables, etc.  Looked like an old fashioned Christmas.

 

 

We were able to go on a lantern tour at the Hale Farm and Village.  It was an 1860 Christmas Eve.  The night was crisp with a full moon and fresh snow, so pretty.  We strolled through the village with a group of 11, singing Christmas carols.  As we approached a home they would invite us in and tell some Christmas tradition, play some music and at the end we were given hot cider and cakes.  Very nice evening, all remembering the birth of the Savior and what Christmas was really all about. The first picture was taken inside the visitor's center of an old sleigh.  We could not take pictures on the tour but were able to snap this one at the end.

 

 

The missionaries were invited to the Nick and Linda Ehlert Home for Christmas.  The home was the childhood home of Lorenzo Snow.  The couple are Catholic but love to share their home and the stories of Eliza and Lorenzo.  The home was beautifully decorated and they served a delicious buffet.  It was a special visit with Christmas carols and all.

 

 

 

 

We were invited to spend Christmas Eve with the Marler family.  They served a wonderful dinner, the children acted out the nativity as it was read.  The father was the donkey as his youngest daughter who was Mary rode on his back.  Very touching.  We then sang Christmas carols, talked about Christmas traditions and stories and had a wonderful evening.  Great Family!