Our Last Big Week -- Week 14

This week went by really quick.  We had nine treks here; the largest being 371 trekkers.  Compare that to this week where we have two treks. The message here is that things are slowing down as kids get ready to return to school.  

Another sign of change is our changing cadre of missionaries.  Elder Smart was busy preparing paper work for 5 couples to return home on September 7th.  Sunday the old mission presidency was changed due to their returning home. 

New Mission Presidency -- Bowden's, Pace's, Paul's

Turpin's, Former 1st Counselor

Shugart's Former 2nd Counselor

That's the big news.  Other than that we did the same old stuff.  Monday was our P-day.  We went to Casper, made a deposit, shopped, ate, downloaded a couple of movies.

New Place to Eat

Tuesday and Thursday we were in Outfitting helping to get trekkers on the trail.

Caught Elder Napping at Outfitting Between Groups

Wednesday we were in the office.  Elder Smart worked on finances and submitting paperwork for those returning home in early September.  Sister Smart spent her time answering phones and learning some secretarial duties associated with the mission.

"Work Crew" was our Friday assignment.  We spent most of the day refinishing handcarts.

Staining a Handcart

Removing a Wheel

We also remembered (almost too late) that our nephew from Sandy was here from Sandy.  So, we headed out late on Friday back to one of our campgrounds called Cherry Creek.  It was almost dark, but we found them.

Sister Smart with the Ackermann's

Saturday we made a quick trip to Casper to make a deposit and do some shopping.  This was not our P-day, but since we had a late shift in the Visitors' Center and since we wanted to use our next P-day for getting ready for Velynn and family, we did it.

We thought that maybe we would finish this one with pictures of our yard and house.

Side Yard

Living Room

Kitchen

Another week has come and gone.  The work is hard but very fulfilling.  Each week we have very gratifying and spiritual experiences. We continue to meet old friends. This week Elder Smart had a chance to meet an old genealogist, "Dear Myrtle".  He also had a chance to speak with a member of his old stake, Draper Corner Canyon, who will be coming next year.

We love our missionary work but still cherish our family and friends.

Love and best wishes to you all,

Elder and Sister Smart, Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, Paul and Annie