San Carlos Week 7-The Sights We See

It’s been a pretty straightforward week--nothing out of the ordinary.  Monday morning some professional cleaners came and did all the church carpets which made cleaning the church this week much easier.  We stopped and watched more team roping at the casino arena before we drove to Mesa for the senior missionary FHE. Since some new missionaries arrived recently, they asked us to go around and introduce ourselves and what our mission was.  I did our intros and then said we are running a free Uber service on the reservation. It really does feel that way sometimes. After potluck and in honor of Valentine’s month, we had a love song sing-along through the decades. Some of the old ones I had never heard before and they stopped in the 70’s but it was kind of fun.  

We took the Lupes to Bashas for shopping this week.  Brother Lupe called and asked if we could give them a ride and then when we picked them up he got in and said, “Where are we going?”  He is a funny guy. Tuesday night we had ARP and at RS I worked on family history. I actually found a name from my family tree to take to the temple!  That was my first.

Wednesday we had Zone Conference in Mesa again.  On the way there, we saw a woman trying to flag us down in the canyon.  We ended up turning around to see what the problem was. It was a native couple trying to get to San Carlos so the woman could go to work.  They had a flat tire but no jack. Quinn helped the man get it changed out. It put us a few minutes late for conference, but it was worth it.  Sister Andrews talked on mercy and we stole some of her material to use at the Detention Center. Brother Andrews discussed the suggestions President Ballard gave to the missionaries and had volunteers speak up and share how the things he said has affected their routines and teaching.  It was good to hear that so many took his council seriously and immediately put them to work. We then had a delicious luncheon served to us by the Stake Relief Society Presidency. When everyone is done eating their meal, the missionaries all stand (and the elders put on their suit coats) and sing acapella We’ll Bring the World His Truth as a thank you.  I am always so choked up, I can’t sing.  It is so touching to hear them, especially when they get to the part, “We are as the Army of Helaman, We have been taught in our youth, And we will be the Lord’s missionaries, To bring the world His truth” because they ARE!  They are living it RIGHT NOW! I suppose I should include myself in that, but I don’t feel I do the hard work they do.

    That night we taught seminary and had the director Ron Morgan come unannounced.  Luckily, he is very nonjudgmental, since our class is not ‘stellar’. Seminary has been the topic of many conversations as of late as I am not happy with some of what is going on there.  If things don’t improve, I may quit this volunteer job, but enough said about that.

We had a branch temple day on Saturday and it included the branch president and his wife and the Relief Society president and her husband the Elder’s Quorum president.  President Whiting and his wife rode with us. Small group, but I got to take my name and we had an enjoyable lunch afterwards.  

Today we made two trips to pick up people for church--a dad and his son--which required going through a section of ‘wash’ where because of the huge amount of rain we had all day yesterday and last night, caused a ton of mud and debris to be deposited on the road including a toilet!  Next, we picked up a mother and her three kids who live on the worst road we’ve seen so far. The road was particularly bad with the recent rain (fingers crossed our car survives this mission). No such thing as car seats here--or seat belt wearers for that matter. You will often see a load of people riding in the back of pickups too.  Once we got all our passengers back home, we fed the missionaries and then took John to ARP in Globe. Everyone is abuzz today because Fort Thomas (the school pictured in last week’s entry) won boy’s state basketball in Prescott Saturday--the first time since 2005. They welcomed the bus back to Bylas with a crowd and police sirens at 1:00 am.

I was lousy at getting a photo of a successful roping.  It goes SO fast.  It is a great place to watch events in this arena.  Notice the camper/horse trailer in the background.  We were told the winning roper on Sunday won the trailer and it turned out to be a teenage boy.  When we were there, we watched as the mother tried to get it backed out of the arena--almost as fun to watch as the roping.  Below is a row of saddles that were for the winners.

As we were driving home from Mesa on Monday night, this house or shed was ablaze.  It was engulfed with no firetruck in sight.  I wish now I had taken a picture of it.  There were no people standing around, so I think it was abandoned.  Just before we entered San Carlos, the firetruck passed us.  We have been told several times about the fire where the truck showed up only to be empty of water.  Tuesday we drove to see if there was anything left and get this picture.  I can't count the number of burned up buildings I have seen in this town.  They are not demolished or removed--just left to decay.

The poppies are just beginning to come out on the nearby hills.  You can see patches of yellow, but soon the whole hillside will be covered.

This is the first lap size quilt top I finished for the RS to quilt after I've gone home.  I was given carte blanche access to the RS closet full of donated fabric.  I am like a kid in a candy store.  I have at least 3 more under construction and more in the vision and planning stage.   

San Carlos Week 6-Adventures with Karen

It was birthday cake week with Karen.  She comes and makes cakes in our trailer for all the sisters who have birthdays in the month of February.  She knows where everyone lives--so she is better than Google maps because even it takes us to the wrong houses.  We only delivered five because the sixth sister had moved to Globe. Because of her I got the good graffiti shots--she knows where they all are.  She also pointed out that the poppies are starting to bloom and made Quinn pull over so I could get pictures. While I was taking pictures, she was pulling some up to give to me.  Quinn said to her, “Are you sure it’s OK to pull those flowers?” Her response was, “I can. It’s my reservation.” Good point. She had told us earlier she attends another church to read the Bible in Apache on Wednesday evenings.  Quinn asked her why she went if she already knew how to speak it. She told us she never learned to read it growing up and that it has only been a written language for 75 years, so this helps her learn the Apache alphabet and how to read it.  

I told her before I go home I want to take home a tufa stone.  She made Quinn pull over to look for some, but they were all really big.  Now that she is on the hunt, I’m sure I will get a good stone. We had more success delivering cakes this time, but we pulled up to one house that was damaged by fire.  She hadn’t realized the sister’s house had burned, but she thought a moment and said, “I think she might be living with my cousin.” What?! So we drove to her cousin’s house, honked the horn, and who should come out the door, but the sister.  Karen is like witching rods for finding people.

Monday I got a haircut in Globe.  I thought at one point I would grow my hair out until the end of this mission, but it was driving me crazy and I am in a much better mood now.  We took three passengers to Globe for FHE: Karen, John, and Sister Curley. It was supposed to be Karen’s turn to teach the lesson, but she forgot, so she turned it over to us.   We winged it, but luckily we have been keeping up with Come Follow Me.

Tuesday I got an appointment with a dermatologist in Mesa because I have had a rash and redness on my eyelids and nose since I left on this mission.  His suggestions are working--and so far are cheaper than my normal routine. We stopped at Deseret Book before leaving for home and I bought some pictures and Quinn bought a cheap Book of Mormon even though he didn’t need one and he is only half through the one he is marking now on ‘faith’.  As we were headed home, we got a call from the sister missionaries that there was a man in the hospital at San Carlos who would like a Book of Mormon and could we take him one.  Well, it just so happened we had a copy and we drove straight there. He was from Bylas, was a former veteran and had some of each foot amputated, knew Brother Boni (who doesn’t?), and was very grateful, and a gentle soul.  He isn’t a Latter-day Saint, but he likes how “we carry ourselves”. We had a nice visit, he asked me to say a prayer for him, and we left. Sent the missionaries to follow up the next day and they were impressed with him too and hopefully the missionaries in Bylas can seek him out because it is in the Tucson mission not ours. 

Friday we had to take the car to a Chevy dealership in Safford because a check engine light was on and it needed a part replaced.  Since we were there anyway, we went early to attend the Gila Valley Temple first. Stopped at La Casita Mexican food restaurant to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  We drove by San Carlos High School when we got back to ask if the team was playing in either of the games that night and found out the girl’s team was playing for district champions.  School sports are big in this little town, so we came back and there was a line outside the school waiting to pay to get in. We were worried about finding a seat, but when we got to the door and were looking in, Sister Curley spotted us (she was on the top row) and motioned us to come up.  We got great seats and could lean back against the wall. The girls team beat Globe. Then we watched the boys game which was between Miami and Saint Augustine. Miami has a player who is the son of the second counselor of the stake presidency. It was just fun to enjoy the games and root for the home teams.

Saturday we headed to Globe for our usual shopping trip and we stopped at Apache Gold Casino because John thought there was a rodeo going on.  Turns out it wasn’t a rodeo, but a team roping competition and it was free. We sat and watched that for a while. Met several LDS--funny how these badges attract people to us--one was on horseback and a competitor who stopped while riding by.  Upon hearing where we were from, he told us he is a cousin to Charles Dansie who served as bishop the same time as Quinn. Such a small world. 

Listened to two great talks in Sacrament meeting today.  Afterwards, I was in the room waiting for Sunday School with Sister Shorten when Quinn came in and said she had asked us to get things started because her “grandson” (he is actually her sister’s grandson--but lines are blurred here on the rez) was getting ordained for the Aaronic Priesthood.  Once again we winged it, but we were sure glad to see Sister Shorten come in. Her testimony is amazing! She gives a little of the lesson, but mostly testifies of the Book of Mormon and it is powerful. We had some extra guests for dinner because the senior sister missionaries had come to our ward today.  They are free to attend any ward or branch they want and they just rotate. After dinner, the neighbor across the street came and asked for a plate too.

 My attempt at springtime.

This roadrunner is often spotted on the hill just outside the church fence.  Since I have been able to observe him, I didn't know they puff themselves up like in the picture below.

The poppies have started blooming. The ones on the right are the ones Karen picked for me. They are still blooming in a glass on the kitchen counter

Every so often you see amazing graffiti like these painted on the sides of buildings--unlike the normal gang tags that pollute the scenery.  

 This is the clown dancer.  The statue is located in front of San Carlos High School.  When they have a sunrise dance for a girl's coming of age ceremony, the clown dancer is the last of the five dancers to come in.  We have been told we will definitely want to attend a sunrise dance and Sister Curley said there will be one in her family in March.  It is a three day event. 

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 Fort Thomas High School is above.  Three of our seminary kids attend this school and it is about 40 mins. away from San Carlos.  Below is a mural I spotted when we went to Safford.  I need to get a better shot and get out of the car next time.

 The sun turning Mt. Triplet pink at sunset.  There is a sad legend about this mountain, but I will save it for another day.

Wall quilt top finally done.  Taking it to the quilter's tomorrow in Mesa.

San Carlos Week 5-Great Words of Wisdom

 This is our schedule every week--so even if I don’t mention one of these events, it still happened:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
10:00 Church Feed the Elders 4:00 ARP in Globe and take anyone who wants a ride (only every other Sunday)	6:00 Singles FHE in Globe Take branch members who want a ride 3rd Monday is Senior Missionary FHE in Mesa	5:30 ARP here 7:00 Relief Society	Zone Conference in Mesa every 6 weeks 7:30 pm Seminary	10:30 District Mtg. in Globe  5:30 Detention Center - Teach the juveniles 6:30 Teach the men	Clean the church today or Saturday depending on our schedule

At seminary this week Grandma Curley dropped in (and brought three extra kids--her other grandkids that happened to be with her).  Sister Curley is grandmother to seven of our 10 seminary kids. I think it helped improve behavior. Teshane and Tameron (brothers) got haircuts and I thought we had new students!!  I had never seen Teshane’s face since he had long hair he wore covering his face and always had his head down. Kinda funny. They ate ALL the loaves of bread we brought for refreshments.  

I got a call Thursday afternoon from Brother Lupe telling me he had black bananas and would sure like some banana bread.  I said, “Do you want me to make you some banana bread?” Brother Lupe, “If you want to.” I am not sure at that point I could have said I didn’t want to.  He got three loaves and I gave one loaf to the missionaries.     

Friday night we were invited to an 'Evening with Bednar' for all seminary instructors worldwide.  The stake presidency furnished a delicious Mexican dinner and desserts before the broadcast began.  Besides us, there was a sister who teaches early morning seminary in Globe and her regular substitute, and that’s all besides the stake president, the second counselor, and their wives (so oodles of food).  Bednar’s presentation was great. My takeaways: We as members seem to have this idea that personal revelation only comes after we follow a checklist of things to do first. He said that as confirmed members of the church, we have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and personal revelation should be happening constantly if we are trying to be good people.  He said the question is not: how do I get it?, the question should be: what did I do to make it stop? Those thoughts, feelings, and impressions are always there for us if we are listening for them. The setting was informal and he allowed questions from the audience. He kept asking, “What are you hearing that isn’t being said?” The impressions that come to our mind while someone else is talking, whether related to the topic they are speaking about or not, are the revelations we need to pay attention to.  That is the Holy Ghost doing his job. I decided that is going to be my focus on this mission: What am I hearing that isn’t being said?  He also encouraged us to get a cheap copy of the Book of Mormon and go through it and mark all the passages that deal with “eyes to see” and “ears to hear.”

After the broadcast, we drove to Mesa to spend the night in a hotel.  NO earplugs! A king-size bed! We got up Saturday morning and attended the Gilbert Temple.  It is a big temple and beautiful. Next, we had a mission conference in Mesa with President Ballard and Elder Ochoa.  We took a picture with ALL the Mesa missionaries and President Ballard and then they shook everyone’s hand. My takeaways:  talk to more people wherever you find them. He suggested talking to 10 new people every day. KNOW Chapter 3 in Preach My Gospel--you don’t have to know the whole book--just Chapter 3 inside and out.  If you first obtain the word then you can declare the word, and knowing the word makes you a better “finder” of people to teach.  When asked, “What works every time?” His answer was, “Nothing! Except YOU...if you have a smile.” Conversion happens because of what they feel, not what they know.  Have a good attitude and be enthusiastic.  Teach gently, carefully, and with understanding.  President Ballard has a funny sense of humor and is a good storyteller.  Today was a great day!

     

Still chasing that red bird.  I bought a new Chromebook because my Mac had a meltdown and when it starts up, the icon above my name is a red bird.  How did it know?

I don't know why these pictures are
coming in so small.  Every week
I encounter a new issue when it
comes to inserting pictures.

The Gilbert Temple with a close up of the front windows.  You see this motif throughout.

Driving back from Mesa last night we had a beautiful full moon to watch the whole way.

Opposite the moon, we had this beautiful sunset.

Sadly we have to say goodbye to Elder Gold from Alberta, Canada.  On Tuesday's transfer, he moves down to the valley.

Tonight's beautiful sunset once we returned to San Carlos from ARP in Globe.

San Carlos Week 4-Chasing Redbird

End of January and end of our first month out.  Monday night we drove Sister Martin and her brother John to FHE in Globe.  It was “game night”, Quinn’s favorite--NOT. I got two other missionaries and John to play Mormon Bridge with me.  I had to teach them how to play the game and I don’t think John ever really caught on. He always looked so surprised when he won a trick.  Sister Harston (from Rexburg, ID and who came out with us) won the game.  

Tuesday we had ARP (Addiction Recovery Program).  Can I just say I really think that is an inspired program.  At this point, it is my favorite thing we do. The people who come are so honest and raw and forthcoming.  We keep seeing new faces, but all are welcome. I always feel the spirit and I benefit from the class as much as anybody.  At RS afterwards, we are working on family history. Of course, I don’t have my stuff with me, but I love to listen to the Apache sisters tell stories.  We have met many of the members here who became active in the church through the Indian Placement Program. I worry about how strong the younger generation is and who will take over when the stalwarts die off.  

The red bird is still around.  

Thursday night I was texting Katie when she happened to mention her water broke!  I spent a fitful night checking my phone for any updates and I couldn’t wear earplugs for fear I’d miss a call.  She held off until Friday morning to have our new grandson: Wesley Thomas Murdock. That was a hard day of wishing I was home, but I can do hard things. 

Grandchild #8: Wesley Thomas Murdock, 6 lbs. 13 oz. Arrival date: January 31, 2020

We baked two cakes to take to a sister’s wake that evening. Here the RS doesn’t provide a luncheon, they bake cakes for the wake. What we’ve been told is that the body is brought to the home about 4:00 pm and the wake goes until 4:00 am when they fire off four shots.  During that night, they keep a fire burning, serve food, and set up a stage with a microphone and anyone is invited to participate with talking, singing, playing instruments like drums, preaching, testifying, etc. As we were leaving, the woman’s daughter came out of the house and asked if we were going to sing.  Ah, that would be a NO.  

Beautiful sunset we saw that night.

Saturday we attended a ground dedication ceremony for the Bonis.  It was very interesting. Brother Boni served two years in the Vietnam War and a veterans group is building them a house since theirs burned down.  Sister Boni spoke and Brother Boni’s brother Delmar did the dedicatory prayer ceremony. He had four colored fabrics and each one represented a different direction: Yellow for east: the sun and pollen; white for south: woman and new life; green for west: man and growth; black for north: the unknown and the future and religion.  He would lay them on the ground and place an eagle feather on top. Then he had yellow pollen he sprinkled on the symbols, himself, and the Bonis. He talked about the mountains we could see in the distance--Mt. Turnbull and Mt. Triplet and how he loved them (made me think of the Big Butte and the Twin Buttes). He also sang and prayed in Apache and I wish we had closed captioning to know what words he was saying.  After he spoke, the woman from the organization told her story (she is wearing the regala dress), and then Brother Boni told his story. He said before going to war he was given a feather (like the one on the hat he is holding) by the medicine man to take with him to war. While in Vietnam, his fellow Marines called him Chief and they always wanted to be close to him because he had the blessing of the feather. He survived the war but came home with “baggage” and became an alcoholic.  His wife married him because she said she could see his heart was good. He promised to stop drinking once they were married, he didn’t; he promised to stop when they had their first child, he didn’t. One day two elders knocked on his door and because of them/his wife/the gospel/Jesus Christ, he stopped drinking and has been sober ever since (he has a real soft spot for missionaries). A truly inspiring story. After all the program, they served dinner to everyone which was mostly family, so we felt blessed to have been invited (along with the young missionaries).  

Sister Boni

During the dedicatory prayer.  You can see the yellow pollen on his fingers, clothes, and Brother Boni's clothes.  Before and after the ceremony, Delmar wore a top hat.

Brother Boni holding a hat similar to what he wore during the war with an eagle feather.  I think the original one was probably lost in the fire.  The hat also had a hand-beaded USA pin on it.

This is Brenda McEwing founder of the organization that is building the house, First Nations Women Warriors.  She served 20+ years in the military and was part of Iraqi Freedom.  She is a native from Canada, but I can't remember her tribe.  

Sunday after church, the branch had a “Break the Fast” potluck.  I think they get people to church by feeding them. That afternoon, we went to Cindy and Steve’s to enjoy their company, food, and television.  

The mountains turning pink outside Cindy's living room window.

Hanging out at Cindy and Steve's house with an actual TV.

      Wednesday we had some time, so we drove to Coolidge Dam.  It was a cool dam dedicated by Calvin Coolidge in 1930. Nobody was there but us, so we walked all over it and inspected it.  The lake it forms: San Carlos Lake looks as if it has been very low for a very long time. The building of the dam and the formation of the lake flooded out the original San Carlos and they had to move to the current location.  I guess there are ruins of the old town that are visible now because the lake is so low, but the road to get there looked pretty iffy. There are two eagles like the one above facing toward the canyon (opposite side of the picture below).

 You can walk out onto those pillars in between the big domes.  There are spillways on either side of the dam that are super steep.  I can't imagine the lake ever being full enough to need the spillways, but I guess there are people on this reservation that remember it happening.

Don't know the name of this bridge, but we cross it every time we drive to Mesa. I am hoping to get some good pictures of the rock formations along the way--but there is a lot of construction going on.