[Provo]

Another day, but a far better one! Marian still down with a cold. I got her some arthritis medicine thru the Medical clinic here—the shipment from DMBA hasn't yet arrived. I also broke from a special lecture on leadership to go to Orem and get her some good cough drops, a good inhaler, and some nighttime cold medicine, so she can sleep well tonight! She seemed some better. By dinner time she was looking and feeling a lot better. I still brought her meals, but she's really improved. She felt well enough to attend the devotional tonight—Elder Kieth Wilcox of the Quorum of Seventy spoke and did well. The MTC chorus sang a special song. They sounded great!! They are led by Brother Brenchley—he is at the institute here, and comes each week—twice to rehearse, once to perform. He's really effective! Afterward, I went up and gave him a big hug for Jeri Toyn—she had asked me to. He really appreciated it!

Got a real thrill during the devotional. The opening song, we stood and Brother Brenchley led the 2,000 missionaries in "Called To Serve Him"—Heavenly King of Glory! We sang and raised the roof a bit. I felt for the first time, truly proud to be on a mission. I've been agreeable before. I've been pleased. I've enjoyed parts of it. (I haven't enjoyed some other parts of it) But during that song, I go the full impact of what we're about. Marian was at my side. I looked at her and she was crying—she felt the same. I couldn't even sing it all. I was truly filled with Spirit of Missionary Work. There was no other place on the whole earth I would rather have been. That was great. And for that feeling, I am grateful. I can go a long way on that tankful!!!

We also got a message to call Johnny. We called and received the best news we've had—or could have! He finally passed his test—he's on his way now to the final part of his degree work in education. What a blessing. This to us is the first true fruit of this mission. There will be much more fruit, but this blessing we've received because we've dedicated ourselves to the Lord. And, John deserved it—richly. This could be the impetus to his getting everything going right!!

[Provo]

Marian is real sick today with a cold (I think). We made the mistake first thing of going to another building in the early-morning cold to do a work/service project. She got sweaty and real cold and chilled. We went also to the BYU Campus to do a FAX signature at 8:00 (still real cold) and that didn't help!! When she got home, she couldn't navigate. She tried the study class, but had to leave it. Too congested, too miserable. I carried her food for lunch and dinner. She's very discouraged. We read together Alma's exhortation to the people of Gideon—Alma 7:23-24 ... submissive ... easy to be entreated ... full of patience ... OK—

[Provo]

Well, Marian's stove up with a cold or something. She's real uncomfortable. She made all but one of her meetings, however. Our Sunday meetings are interesting. No need to comment here. There was a little time for rest. We got our first piece of mail—from Bruce in Lima. It's a form letter, but appreciated nonetheless.

We feel real cut-off from the family—it's hard to just Boom—we're in another world. It seems we ought to be able to maintain some contact. But we'll abide by the rules—.

[Provo]

We got up a little late, ate breakfast, then decided to go to the temple. We went—crowded and confusing, but what a blessing! Just what the "down spirit" needed. We dressed and joined each other in the chapel. I took a Book of Mormon from the rack, opened it randomly, and it was opened to 2 Nephi 4: and my eyes fell first upon the second half of verse 26 "why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and ... my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?" A jolt went through me—just what I needed!! I said nothing to Marian as I began before and after the verse above. The whole last half of 2 Nephi 4 was for me today! After a moment, Marian reached for a Book of Mormon and also opened it randomly, and started reading. I glanced to where she was reading. She had opened the Book of Mormon to the exact same page which I had!! She was reading the same verses!!! She looked at my Book, then at me, and we both almost cried. What a great boost for sagging faith that was!! I don't know if Nephi ever knew that Marian and I would be lifted by his words today, but I'm sure the Lord knew it, and guided us! We went through the session more humbled than you could know.

We did our laundry, Marian had her hair done, we went to Salt Lake City and did some shopping, and had evening classes—one on language and one on driver safety. So the rest of the day was so-so! But it was fine because of the temple experience.

We started reading the Book of Mormon in Portuguese tonight. Marian's getting good at pronunciation. I think I'm about over my cold, but my companion has started coughing.

[Provo]

Well, I spoke too soon. Serves me right! Today became a somewhat frustrating day and we ended up tonight quite discouraged. The Huntington Beach house is trying to get sold. Gary fuller called 2 days ago with an offer and I arranged for him to FAX the offer here for us to sign. Well, we heard nothing. A t 6:00 he called me and said he'd FAXed it about noon, but the office on campus—Family Living Center—didn't call us! Of course, all had gone home by then. No possibility until Monday! Darn it! Also, I'm spinning my wheels a lot, no real language help from the instructors. I'm having to set my own course. Finally, we had our first night class. That teacher is difficult for us. But she does her best, and I'm sure the Lord will bless us for our patience. But we're both a little low tonight.

[Provo]

This was a beautiful day. The Utah sun was shining in its full glory. The snow is melting all over the place—a thaw. The MTC bustled with our first full day of our experience here. Two of the meetings—morning and evening—were assembly types, but we also attended group language classes and met our instructors. Elder Lucero was morning, Elder Calder afternoon. Both great and sharp young men. This is going to be great. They started our group, consisting of us and the Chapman's, with the basics—alphabet, prayer, some phrases. They described the country, the people, the food and shelter and transportation. It all sounds great and I think we're going to love it here, and in Portugal. Our teachers really are a cadre of 4-5 elders and a Sister who teach the Portuguese—one couple is just finishing up and headed for Brazil. One couple—the Parker's, who are friends of Trudy Lamb—are into this program 4 weeks. So the four couples of us form a large group and have prayer and a song each time we meet. Then the small groups. The Elders tell me they'll take me into a group with the Parker's part of the time for advanced training. Marian is having a very difficult time with her arthritis—the increased walking, stair-climbing, etc. My cold is getting better.

[Salt Lake City-Provo]

The first official day of our mission! At last! First to the Church Office Building to finish CES orientation. The drive to Provo and check in at the MTC. All I’ve heard about this place is true—the Spirit you can feel. Everyone is so kind! So gentle and understanding! We are in room 212, building M-2, Jacob Hamblin Building. There is another couple going to Porto right across the hall. Orientation mostly today. We’ll get to real work tomorrow. We are tired, and spent the evening writing and discussing Portuguese. Brandon’s B-day.

[Salt Lake City]

Reported at the Church Office Building at 8:00 sharp for CES orientation. Don Bond was there to greet us. We were royally treated all day. Meetings with different people—Frank Bradshaw, Mack Bowen, Leland Bruderer, etc. Lunch with the commissioner, Elliot Cameron, Frank Bradshaw, Don Bond, Mack Bowen, and Marian and myself. We lunched on the 26^th floor, all for us! I felt like a king. This was really above and beyond anything I had imagined! In the evening we made some phone calls, and slept very well.

[Flagstaff-Salt Lake City]

Fast food breakfast and on to Utah. It was a glorious day—cold, blue sky, some wind, the storm blown away. Our car works great and we did well. Lunch/Supper at Beaver. We arrived at the Doubletree Inn at Salt Lake City about 5. The weather deteriorated all thru Utah and some snow along the way. There’s a lot of it on the ground up here! Checked in. Boy, was I bushed!

[Mesa-Flagstaff]

Got up and went to Church at Chandler 7^th Ward. A real nice homecoming! It was like a real farewell. We saw so many old friends there. I wished I had never gone. We left reluctant after Sacrament Meeting. Then a little later to Pioneer Park for lunch with the family. They were all there. Melvin sent his apologies that he couldn’t come because Marilyn has pneumonia. She’s had it for some time now, and that’s a concern!

The food was great, the company was great, and we had a joyous time (even on Sunday!). Then we all had our family picture taken. Dale Welker did it. That was a real max effort. We stood by the steps of the temple. It was like herding sheep alone, without a sheepdog, but we got it done!

Then a little family time at Mom’s, and on to the setting apart at the Chandler Stake Center. President Kempton was at his best! He had Mary Ellen speak, Kay and Mike pray, and he set us both apart.

Mary Ellen’s talk was extemporaneous, of course. I was so proud of her, and it took so much for her to do it. She bore a sweet testimony and told of her love for us. Frank and Bev and Kay and Joy were all there. It was a love feast. The entire day was a love feast! It was worth a thousand lifetimes of trial and endeavor to enjoy that one sweet day. I know a little better the joys of heaven—the joy of the Saints that has been spoken of by the prophets. It seemed that every shining, bright, smiling face was writing itself forever in my heart. I don’t need to take pictures to Portugal. I just need those treasured faces in my memory. I love every single one. I pray four times daily for every single one. I pray that there might be no empty chairs in time nor in eternity. No empty chairs. If faith and prayers and any example I might set, together with faith and works and best effort on the part of all my descendants and their spouses count for anything, I pray that this prayer might be answered.

After the royal send-off, Marian and I, alone and together, pointed our faces to Salt Lake City. We stopped at Mom’s, emptied garbage, vacuumed the floor, tidied up and locked up. Drove as far as Flagstaff. It snowed some on us—real cold. We stayed the night at the Pony Soldier Motel. We’re on our way to Portugal!!!!

[Mesa]

Marian and Amy went shopping while I picked grapefruit. Studied Portuguese awhile. Amy and I took a long walk around the Temple. That's a real wonderful thing. She loved all of the flowers and petrified wood. She had to look at the statue of Christ. We talked of the inside of the Temple. It was a neat time--one I shall not forget. At night Mel and Mildred Rogers took us out to a nice dinner. I liked that! Mel's a good friend and Mildred has always been close, too.

[Tucson-Coolidge-Mesa]

The movers were to be back at 6:00-6:30 am. No way! 7:45! The excuse--the motel didn't give them a wake-up! Pokey all day. I died 1,000 deaths. While they were loading I got a physical for a $100,000 life insurance policy--on the hood of a pick-up truck--blood sample, blood pressure and all (the urine sample was in the restroom.) John came by with the paperwork, and I got all signed up! I hope it goes through. It's for my retirement! The movers took 'til 6:30 pm to finish unloading all our furniture into the storage vaults. Then I snaked them through the hills and streets in that big van to Mary Ellen's where they unloaded her portion. It was 8:00 pm! I got Amy and headed for Coolidge. I fixed Susan's hanging lamp, got Marian and the 3 of us went back to Mesa, late.

[Mesa-Coolidge-Tucson]

Down to Coolidge first thing to meet the moving van at 8 or 8:30. We had a nice visit with Sue and the little kids 'til 10:30 when it finally arrived. Two men again. They put off Donna's stuff and some stuff for Susan, and loaded the piano. Then they left for Tucson. Marian stayed at Susan's to help get Donna settled, then I left for Tucson. I arrived at the storage building 1 1/2 hours before the van arrived, and loafed! I don't know what they did on the way. Two guys unloading--went real slow. By 6:00 pm they hadn't done much. I stayed the night at Mary Ellen's. That was nice!

[Huntington Beach-Mesa]

Technically we set out for Arizona on Tuesday, 11:30 pm, traveled through the night and got to Mesa at 6:30 am MST. A real tough night after all the tough days preceding it. I slept 'til about noon at mom's, woke up, went shopping. I bought an electronic typewriter--a good one. Picked up my new suit. Marian found a jacket she needed. Spent the evening trying to pack our suitcases like we'll need them to Portugal. A disaster! We'll need to really work on that! A lot of stuff we can't take!

[Huntington Beach]

One packer came to finish up. It took him four more hours! The movers were late arriving--a broken truck! Instead of 3 we got 2--the driver staying with the truck, so they packed the trailer. Slow loaders! They started at 10:00. Didn't finish until 11:00 pm! Only one or two working most of the time. A real crummy day!

[Huntington Beach]

Packers arrived late, only two of them, worked all day and night 'til 10:30. Not done yet. A real crummy day!

[Tucson-Huntington Beach]

Sorry to report, we set out for Huntington Beach when the Campbell's left for Church. So much to do! Went by way of Gila Bend and Blythe. Same old trip. When we got home we worked 'til midnight getting stuff ready to pack.

[Thatcher-Tucson]

We returned to Tucson, enjoyed some time with David and family, then they followed us to Mary Ellen's to see where they live. They haven't been there before. A nice evening there was spent. Marian, the little girls, and Mary Ellen went shopping while I stayed home with the cats. Very productive. I studied Portuguese as intensely as I've been able to, learned a lot. My statue of a teacher went on her (Mary Ellen's) shelf. For 18 months!

[Tucson-Thatcher]

A leisurely trip in the morning, then a shopping trip on the way through Tucson--shoes and shirts for me, a jacket and blouse for Marian. We visited with David awhile, then on to Thatcher. This is retirement day. We checked into the motel, then soon went to Thatcher Stake Center where the banquet and evening-with-a-General-Authority-telelecture would be, plus a short awards session. It was so great to meet with old friends--so many familiar faces--so wonderful to see them and hug them again. (Haven't been set apart yet!) Needless to elaborate, or name names. no way! So many and so happy.

The banquet was the standard banquet. I ended up with my slice of roast beef covered in cole slaw--yukk! The company was great. the telelecture was President Howard W. Hunter, and he sat and gave priceless instruction. It was memorable. (So was the specter of Sam Peterson sleeping beside him!)

Following the telelecture the physical fitness awards were presented, 20-year awards to a couple of men and wives, 30-year awards to 3--Halls, Andersens and Davidsons. Then Charlie Beckert had Marian and me come up to the stand. He said a bunch of nice things, then had Marian speak, then me. She did great. She told of her appreciation, told of our mission call, told of her testimony. I was reeal proud of her. I fumbled and said something. Then a flood of well-wishes after, and back to the motel. We had several visits there, too.

OH--our retirement gift is a 48 pound bronze statue of a teacher teaching. It's beautiful. My appreciation to the CES is only increased in this retirement! We will lose income for the rest of our lives, but we will be all right. And, the Lord wants us to serve there now. So what is the sacrifice?

[Mesa-Coolidge-Tucson]

Finished up in Mesa/Chandler/Florence/Coolidge and headed for Tucson. I'll write my feelings about leaving Donna a little later. They're too close right now! Mary Ellen's new home is real pretty, and they are in the midst of settling in. We arrived for supper, then everyone went--John to referee a game in Thatcher, Mary Ellen, little girls and Marian to shop. I was alone with my scriptures and language course. Had a real enjoyable evening.

[Mesa-Coolidge-Mesa]

Had a good night's sleep. That's a good bed. Got Donna's social security changed. Opened a checking account at First Interstate Bank in Chandler for Mike and Sue to use. Took Donna to Coolidge with all her stuff and got her settled, then the car title changed at Florence. We need Arizona licenses on the '87 Century, and Mike's name is on it. A big day!!

[Huntington Beach-Mesa]

Got up early, loaded both cars, left at 6:45 for Mesa. Before leaving I gave Marian a blessing so she would be alright driving so far. She's never had to do this much before, and she was frightened. She'll be fine. We'll stop several times. I also gave Donna a blessing--a father's blessing. She has never "left home" before. Now for the first time, she will be out of our care, out of our keeping. It's a sober moment for me, and doubly or triply so for Marian. For 33 years we have looked after her every need, nearly her every breath. Now another must do it for a time. Marian is suffering guilt feelings that are deep. I try to reassure her, but I know she'll have to work it out herself. For a mother to relinquish her baby--at whatever age--is against her very nature if she's a true mother. Donna is a child. She remains so throughout mortality. I love my sweetheart for feeling so deeply and caring so much. I pray I might find the way and the words to give her the solace she needs. Perhaps President Kempton can do so when he sets her apart!!

Our trip to Mesa was uneventful, thankfully. Marian did great. Both cars were loaded. We could only make room for Donna to sit in one of them. So I rode alone and listened to Hugh Nibley tapes.

Unloaded at mom's in Mesa. Of course, no one here (she's still up in Washington with Gwen) so we just occupied the place. Then we took the '84 Skylark over to John and Barbara. Turned it over to them. They need a second car badly. Spent the evening on Portuguese.

[Huntington Beach]

A regular day, filled with cleaning out cupboards and loading the cars. No Portuguese even! Got ready to take Donna to Coolidge. Marian was in ill health today, but seemed a good deal better tonight.

[Huntington Beach]

A bit of a difficult Sabbath, but it began good enough. Some scripture study, and casual working into the day. No Portuguese--Day of Rest! We got interrupted a couple of times for showing the house to people, but we left for church just after noon, and didn't return 'til almost 6:00. The meetings of the Day were fine. This was testimony meeting. At the start of testimony meeting sharing, Jeff Irvine, 1st Counselor, told everyone we had been called, said we were leaving real soon, so when he gave the meeting to the congregation, we got up first and bore our testimonies. Marian did great. I followed. We said our goodbyes. I told them we were leaving a picture for the missionary chart, so that for the next 18 months they could look at it and say, "who's that?"

We went to the restaurant for dinner, because it was so hectic at home to try to prepare a meal. But the evening was nice.

I'll hate to leave this ward. I didn't think I would. But a half-dozen people have become a little close. Several are saying they'll miss Donna--and they will!!

[Huntington Beach]

A lot of Portuguese study today. As the time grows shorter, I feel more and more urgency. Paid up our bills, changed a lot of addresses. The home was shown about six times during the day--what a pain! I wish we could just wave a wand--Hopeful that this is the last home we'll ever sell!! (but we want to buy one more!) Tracy Stefl cleaned our teeth as her gift to us on departure! How nice! May the Lord bless her for that!!

[Huntington Beach]

Consolidated our money at the bank. Sent Murdock stuff in--complete with more pictures (uggh). Evening we had a date with Laura and Joel McCae--dinner. It was neat. Laura and Joel are very special people. We went to a Black Angus, took Donna too. Then we returned here and talked 'til too late. It was a little tough to say goodbye.

[Huntington Beach]

Went to Cerritos, finalize the boxing-up of my books and speak at the forum. I really enjoy those kids, and really enjoy Ralph McAffee and Jerri Toyn. It's hard to say goodbye, but I did. The boxing just about did me in, though.

I told the kids at Cerritos about our Call, then gave them some encouragement on obedience. That's the bottom line of the entire Gospel plan. They listened well--gave the positive feedback at the end, and seemed to be sorry to say goodbye! I know I'm sorry!

Got our letter from Murdock Travel. To apply for a visa, get tickets, etc.