Week 57 -- Lots of Action & First Treks of the Season

So much has happened this week that its hard to know here to start.  However we'll just shoot from the hip and move ahead.  First well show how good Sister Smart has refined her skills!😅

Lookin' Good Sister Smart

As we continue to develop our skills, some of the Sisters shy away from some duties.  In fact not all of the Elders like this one.  Our Grandson, Carter happened to be in the right place at the right time and caught Elder Bowden showing one of his skills.  This one isn't a rattlesnake, but they're starting to show up.

Only a Blow Snake, But Still a Snake!

Sometimes we get smaller critters.  Most apartments only catch a few mice.  We're privileged to have more than our fair share.  We have a system worked out where Sister Smart bates and sets the traps (our mice particularly enjoy peanut butter).  Elder Smart gets to dispose of the remains.  One day we caught three of them.

Number 30!

Monday nights are still family home evenings.  We play games, have entertainment, watch videos, or do activities to help us be better prepared to tell pioneer stories.  Last Monday we had a missionary couple that shared their talents.  She sang western songs and he recited cowboy poetry.  It was a very nice evening.

Elder & Sister Criddle Performing

One of our assignments this past week was to be at Handcart Parking where we were to meet and greet groups and see that they parked their handcarts in an orderly fashion.  We also were to pump water from the nearby well where the group could refill their water containers.

Can You Find Elder Smart? (Holding Green Flag, Just a Little Right of Center)

This is a pretty time of year here in the mission.  We thought some of you might enjoy our Lilacs just outside the mission office where the two of us often work.

When the day is finished, the two of us are generally ready for a meal and a little peace before going to bed.

Sister Smart Unwinds after a Busy Day

Before quitting, we wanted to show this picture and share a little about one of our favorite pioneer characters.  His name is Ephriam Hanks.  A DVD was made about him called "Ephriam's Rescue."  The real reasons that we feel so strongly about him are several.  One is his devotion to the Lord.  This guy had been back and forth across the plains over 80 times.  He was tough!  And, yet, he was humble enough to pray about everything. 

He was obedient to the utmost limit.  When the Lord warned him that his help was needed, he responded that he would go if he was called.  Three times in one evening he experienced this warning/experience.  Two days later he was face with request from Church leaders to go to the rescue of stranded handcart pioneers.  While potential rescuers said they could go in the future, Ephraim Hanks stood and said he was ready now.  He headed out on Monday and a few days later discovered the Martin Handcart Company.  We can only imagine the hope he brought to these suffering people.  What a faithful man!

There is a lot more to be said about him, but this will do for now.

Ephraim Hanks to the Rescue

Well, enough for now.  We love our mission.  We are grateful for people like Ephraim Hanks and others that have given so much that we might have the blessings we do today.  We consider all of our friends and families blessings to us as well.

Thank you all as you pray for us.  Thanks for your calls and pictures.  Thanks for your love.

We extend our love to all of you,

Elder & Sister Smart, grandma & grandpa, mom & dad, Annie and Paul