[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.

[Huntington Beach]

Really hit the books on Portuguese. Other assorted stuff--house still showing--etc. A down day.

[Huntington Beach]

We got our shots at the county immunization clinic in Santa Ana. This will hurt! Also called President Martin Kempton in Chandler to set us apart for our missions, since we will leave actually from Arizona. He agreed to do it.

Went to the north part of metro L.A. to see Grant and Ruth Mulleneary there visiting her sisters. On the way we went by UCLA and bought tapes to really learn Portuguese. That should help a lot. Good visit with our friends.

[Huntington Beach]

The days are filled now with errands, preparations, talking of preparations, language sessions, showing the house, etc. Took Donna to the Doctor today to verify and finalize that virus infection that got her to the emergency room Saturday. She's fine. I called Frank Bradshaw, told him of the call to Porto. He of course was surprised. Said he'd check with the missionary committee. Called back later and said they had called us to a leadership mission, and it might really be Porto! But he's calling Elder Asay in Germany to get the straight of it.

[Huntington Beach]

Stake Conference. Elder (Bishop) Glen Pace was the visitor. He gave a very fine address, telling us mostly about our Prophet, President Benson. The other talks were good, too. We went on a long rive in the afternoon, for the realtor wanted us out. In the evening we composed our letters to the First Presidency, then took them to Bishop Wallace for endorsement and sending to SLC.

[Huntington Beach]

It came! And what a surprise! We were expecting a call to the Portugal Lisbon Mission. The call is to Portugal Porto Mission!! (I'll call Monday and verify that) What joy, relief, thankfulness. First, it is sobering to receive a call from the Prophet to serve in such an important calling. But, I know that behind it is a call from the Lord. This is His Church. His work. I know that as well as I know that I'm alive. To represent Him is more than sobering. Try humbling. Try inadequate. Try I'm-not-ready-for-this, and probably never could be really. I'm His son, I'm His servant, I'm His hireling, even. But I can never really represent Him. But with the call will be my best try. And I know I can do His work if I have His help. So with that assurance, I will go forth.

Marian is equally scared. We'll be a great team, just as we always have.

The condo is being shown intensively now. We have to keep it ready to be seen at any time, and when people are here, we are asked to become scarce. It was a little tough this morning. Donna had a sever abdomen pain—had it all night and yesterday. We took her to the emergency room. Looks like a virus, not appendicitis or worse. That's a blessing.

[Huntington Beach-San Juan Capistrano-Huntington Beach]

This week has been a blur—and I've not been motivated to write. Our call was expected each day, but did not come. We are studying Portuguese as well as we can. We are apprehensive, a little discouraged, anxious—It's not a great week—On Wednesday we visited Reed and his family San Juan Capistrano. Such a nice family! Karen had bought a pie special. We asked Reed to have our power of attorney to get our house finalized. The sale process will surely be longer than our stay.

[Huntington Beach]

Sundays are always special—I love them! The meetings were fine—it’s a good ward. This is Superbowl Sunday, but I think everyone was pretty well there. (Since our block is in the afternoon, there could be a conflict.) Brother Spencer Hatch and his son, Jimmy, came home teaching. A real nice pair of people. Brother Hatch is a Patriarch and it shows.

[Huntington Beach]

This was a day largely of resting up! And I was tired! We did some errands and other good stuff, but largely caught up with ourselves.

[Tucson-Huntington Beach]

I went looking for storage places on Tucson’s Westside. I think I found a suitable place on Limberlost just off Oracle. Lunch at Mary Ellen’s, then we went to see Mary Ellen’s house which is about finished—far Northwest side of Tucson. It will be nice for them. We left from there to return home, coming by way of Yuma and San Diego. Again a little farther, but new and a different trip—the other way gets so boring! We got home before midnight. All was well here. Lots of mail, but no mission call. It will more probably come mid-week. We’re real anxious to receive it!! Got our passports!

[Mesa-Coolidge-Tucson]

Stopped to get income tax started with Joe Palmer. Then to Coolidge. Couple hours with Sue and on to Tucson. Dr. Leavitt looked at our teeth. Evening with Mary Ellen (John’s coming back from a business trip to Fresno about Midnight) and over to David’s without Marian. Spent a super 3 hours visiting with Dave and Peggy before bedtime. (I slept on their couch.) What a very nice visit.

[Mesa-Coolidge-Mesa]

Business day. We got our wills changed (Dan Morris, Attorney), powers-of-attorney for Mike and Sue. Triples engraved for kids who’ll be getting baptized while we’re gone. Etc. Afternoon we went to Coolidge—Mike’s birthday. Later in the evening we visited John and his family.

[Huntington Beach-Mesa]

This was a travel day. I finally took the trip from California to Mesa that I said I would! Down PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) to San Clemente and Oceanside—oh, what lovely ocean scenes. The day was perfect. Leaving I-5 at Oceanside, we went inland and upland on Route 76, then 79 through Bonsall, Warner Springs, Julian and down to its intersection with I-8. What a neat, nice country! Lakes and meadows and forests of both low altitude live oak and higher altitude pine and little nice valleys. We stopped at Julian for cider and goodies. A little snow on the hills there. A nice cool breeze, but not cold. Then on to Yuma, up through Maricopa to Mesa. The trip took an extra 100 miles and 2 ½ hours, but was well worth it! We spent the night at Mom’s by the temple.

[Huntington Beach]

Another day of study and try to get all ready for the call—we’re doing all we can do without knowing exactly when or how we’re going to Portugal. Got directions from the Health Insurance people—DMBA—on getting our prescriptions there. Marian had an appointment with Dr. Cryon—arthritis—probably her last. Then went by Cerritos Institute and picked up a couple of things.

[Huntington Beach]

A real quiet day. Read, snoozed, studied, etc. Called Mom and Gwen at night. They are fine in Sequim.

[Huntington Beach]

Put away the Christmas stuff—what little we had out. Went to the nursery and got plants to finish the patio. It’s complete now. Mike called and talked awhile—just wanted to know what’s happening. Melvin called—said he’d had his back injured in an auto accident, but he’s getting over it. All’s well at his home.

[Huntington Beach]

Portuguese, Portuguese, Portuguese! That’s most of what today’s been, and I think it’s coming along a little better. Marian’s seeming to feel a little more comfortable with it, but she’s scared—and should be! Mack Bowen, from the Central Office, called and asked did we want a statue or a clock for retirement? I chose the statue—on Marian’s recommendation. Time today for some thinking. This thing—this mission—is kinda gutsy isn’t it? Well I think life is gutsy and nobody ever promised me a rose garden.

[Huntington Beach]

Turned the home over to Gary Fuller to sell, if he can—he’ll check. Studied and read off and on all day ‘til our appointment with Bishop Wallace. We had a nice sit-down with him as he formally interviewed us, put our paperwork together, issued temple recommends. A very nice young man, but very nervous. Later at night we got interviewed by President Borquist. That was a nice experience. He told us this was his most unusual missionary interview in his 12 years in the stake presidency. He asked us again if we knew Elder Asay. He was very complimentary to us. Made us feel good (That’s what that interview is all about, isn’t it?). The rest of the evening with the Tombstone Epitaph and Portuguese.

I have some feelings building up. When I first heard of this, I wasn’t all that excited—prior to this I wasn’t serious at all about going on a mission. But as the days go by, and as the language starts coming back, and as the reality of it all starts to sink in, I’m getting excited! And I do hope fervently that nothing stages our going, nor our effectiveness while serving. I love the Lord and I love His church, and I do so much want to do this. I am now regularly praying that nothing stops this Great Moment.

[Huntington Beach]

Again most of the morning and afternoon at the Cerritos Institute buckling up my stuff. Three boxes are ready to ship to Portugal. We’ll add a fourth box from home; the rest of our stuff will need to go in a trunk and suitcases. Travel light!! I’m all done at Cerritos.

Bishop Wallace called, said my medical report was there, and we could have an appointment tomorrow night. I spent the evening working on Portuguese.

[Huntington Beach]

Spent part of the day at the office cleaning it out and transferring my stuff to the empty one. A little sad. I helped Jeri with the inventory for a while. Called the Central Office and learned that the curriculum in Portugal is New Testament this year! This, after I had packed and loaded for D&C and Church History. Tomorrow I’ll get to come back to re-do much of what I did today. Called the Doctor’s office to check on my medical. “Tomorrow”! We’ve heard that before!!

[Huntington Beach]

Spent some time studying Portuguese with Marian. She’s coming along real well. She’s doing particularly well at vocabulary. We got our passports applied for at the H.B. Post Office. At noon I went down to Cerritos Institute and began the task of clearing out my office. First, I talked to Frank Bradshaw for some help on what I should take. He said Doctrine & Covenants and Church History for next year. Jeri Toyer was at the office and we had a short talk. It’s kind of sad clearing out again, and so soon after the last time. Evening reading, TV, planning, etc. We called Susan to correlate some matters. Always great to talk to Sue.

[Huntington Beach]

Fast Sunday. I called Mom and wished her a happy birthday. She’s still at Gwen’s in Sequim, Washington. Donna and I went to the meetings at the Ward. John and his family stayed ‘til noon, then left for home. We spent a quiet, restful evening.

I think we’ve decided to sell the home here, and be done with it. The peace of mind will mean a lot, and we didn’t come here to become real estate tycoons, anyway.

[Huntington Beach]

Went to Laguna Beach and stayed for a couple of hours. Had lunch and played in the sand. Evening we played a game and visited a lot.

[Huntington Beach]

We babysat John’s youngest two—Brian and Chase—while the other’s went to Disneyland. They got home about 7:00 pm. That was a wild, wooley day! Had a nice visit in the evening.

[Huntington Beach]

The day started off sunny, but by noon a Pacific storm moved in and it rained all afternoon. I studied Portuguese and studied the library book about Portugal. I’m getting excited. It’s hard to be patient, waiting for the paperwork to happen. I’m fasting again today, looking for a spiritual confirmation of whether to sell the townhouse or keep it. I have wrestled enough with the ins-and-outs of it, that I’m proposing that we keep it. But I need confirmation. John and Barbara and their boys got here about 9:30 pm. Going to stay for a couple of days.

[Huntington Beach]

Another beautiful day. We studied Portuguese, talked a lot about our decisions. We did some shopping. Went to the library and checked out a couple of books and some language tapes. They appear to be helpful. Then in the afternoon we received materials from the MTC—Jay Jensen. Tape and booklet. The booklet looks helpful but the tape is Brazilian Portuguese (no good). Called Susan tonight. Kimball has had pneumonia, but is getting along well now. I tried to read Michener’s book “Iberia”, from the library, but found it was not at all what I wanted. Very little about Portugal, and just a glorified travelogue.

[Huntington Beach]

Marian and I studied Portuguese a time and talked a lot. I’m fasting today. I went to Cerritos Institute for the first time since Thanksgiving—to try out my ankles. They were sore and swelled up. I was the only one there, stayed a couple of hours and came home. My fasting is to increase sensitivity and to determine whether to sell the townhouse here. At night time, upon ending the fast, I did not know.

[Huntington Beach]

Another beautiful day. We fixed a picnic and went with Mike’s family to Laguna Beach. What a day! What a time! We relaxed and played at water’s edge for a couple of hours then came home and they packed up and left for home. A very nice visit but it couldn’t last forever. We had a good time watching the Rose Parade before the picnic. They arrived home real late and called us to reassure us. That was thoughtful. Church and Gospel and Family. Beyond those, there isn’t much more of substance. And I do love those very much. I started to fast this evening. I need a blessing and concurrence from the Spirit on the rightness of our course: whether to sell the home here or rent it out. I have to know what’s the right course. Today was Amy’s birthday. We called.

[Huntington Beach]

A beautiful day. Too bad yesterday couldn’t have been this nice! Start up the day with Mike and Jerri’s family—breakfast, lazing around. I read Book of Mormon, Alma 34, 35 and studied them. Our new Sunday block schedule has our ward meeting at 12:30. Sunday School/Primary is first. Then Priesthood/Relief Society/YW, last Sacrament Meeting. The Bishopric is making a mistake on this schedule, but they didn’t ask for opinions. Problem is so many will cut Sunday School, just come for Priesthood, Sacrament Meeting. Today was a missionary farewell, local boy. The Stake President was there and spoke a few words at the end. He announced that he had interviewed the Gibsons for a mission. Now the word is out, and we haven’t even put in our paperwork yet! Oh well, standard Mormon procedure; the Church is true anyway. Had a real nice evening with Mike and Jerri’s family. A lot of real nice kids. Reina is a neat young lady, and Jake is getting real mature—and strong! I don’t think I’ll tease him anymore! Joe is growing. Emily is developing into a real beautiful girl. Robbie, Sarah, Melissa are coming along fine. And Joshua is an active body—keeps them all hopping. I’m real proud of my son and his family—they have their priorities where it matters most. The Church and Gospel are uppermost in their lives.

[Huntington Beach]

A great day with Mike and Jerri and family. We went and drove around bay beach, ate lunch at Norm’s, looked around South Coast Plaza and rode the carousel. It rained all day—definitely not a great day for the beach. Evening we ushered in the New Year by watching TV, munching on stuff, visiting, playing with kids and going to bed at 11:00!

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[Huntington Beach]

Got a couple more obstacles removed from our list to get ready for a mission. We got our passport pictures taken (mine was pretty bad) and went to the garment-buying place to stock up on that important item. I fasted today—from last evening to this evening. The purpose was increase of awareness and spirituality, which I suddenly feel are not up to par! Also I need a blessing on my feet (ankles) and the language has me some worried. Oh! I hope we can receive this call, and respond properly. Now my great concern is that I won’t measure up.

Mike and Jerri and kids are on their way here this afternoon. We always worry when our family is on the road. They left shortly after noon. We get a call about 6:30 that they were on their way, but had to stop for a steering problem. We worried. They finally arrived at 12:30 am. We were so grateful to see them here safe.


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[Huntington Beach]

I’m still trying, all I can, to keep my feet elevated. Whenever I’m stopped I’m sitting uncomfortably (sometimes) to get the ankles small and healed. Physical exam today by Dr. Kandel—for the mission. Marian got hers from a lady doctor. Got a Christmas card today from Jim Heap. How nice! Also I dug out my old books from Brazil—grammar, etc. Read a lot and relaxed a lot. Talked to Frank Bradshaw again, about the expectations in Portugal this time. It looks, from his standpoint, that we’ll be primarily CES, and they’ll pick up the tab on extras like extra baggage and boxes, extra mileage on the car, extra apartment space—things like that. Also, Marian will be with me where I go. Also I got with Gary Fuller, Seawind sales rep to talk about selling the townhouse.. He suggests keeping it—for investment. It’s a thought…

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[Huntington Beach]

No air-casts again. I think I’ll try to live without them (and take it real easy). I still am keeping my feet elevated a lot. Sort of a quiet day. We listened to the Portuguese tape several times and talked about our new life-to-be. Made appointments with doctors for our physicals and called Lew Leavitt in Tucson for our dental exam. He’ll just mail it back and next time in Tucson we’ll go in for a final checkup. Marian and I went to Cerritos Institute, talked with Ralph McAffee a bit. He thinks the call is great and sees no big problem filling in the gap. We shopped a bit at Cerritos Mall and drove home. In the evening Jeri Toyn called. Ralph had talked to her. She expressed a regret that we were leaving so soon. She has become a good friend these short months. I hope we can continue the contact. This evening I also stayed up late writing bills. Didn't want to go to bed. The euphoria of the call is still there (although no called received yet, of course).

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[Huntington Beach]

I got up, showered and all, and did not put my air-casts on! I put on a dress shirt and slacks, my brown wingies, and acted normal all day. Drove on some errands (went to Irvine and picked up a Berlitz tape on the Portuguese language.), kept my ankles high a lot of the time. President Borquist called, said to get interviewed by Bishop Wallace and get the paper work started. We had an interview at night with Bishop Wallace and did the above. In the Book of Mormon I’m studying the 34^th chapter of Alma. The weather is cool and rainy. I hope the drought gets broken finally.

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[Mesa-Huntington Beach]

Clean up Mom’s place at Mesa, do the bedding, etc., then head for California. We had a good ride, the highways were crowded with lots of people returning from holidays, but a beautiful day and a good-functioning car and lovely companions made the trip easy. We arrived home at 5:45 pm. After re-settlement and lots of mail to go through, I called President Borquist and told him we were ready. He said he’d call the Missionary Committee tomorrow. Also called Melvin and talked to him for an extended time. He’s supportive and approving. He talked also a lot about some of his problems in his church calling in the bishopric. The community of lamanites there at the power plant give him a real tough time—the Navajo syndrome not to have anyone get ahead of the group, just be one of the crowd. They see him as reaching up and wanting to be better than they. Lamanite social pressures are awesome. Then in the ward, some won’t accept calls extended, and even it appears that some Anglos resent this young lamanite rising above them. It’s a very sad state of affairs. When a person or a group has the “lobster problem”, which is they won’t let others rise above them, as they perceive it. I talked to Melvin at length (I've done it before) to let it roll off, just stand firm, do what’s right and the other will have to be the best it can be. But my heart goes out to him for I know it’s very, very hard.

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[Mesa-Coolidge-Mesa]

With my sad ankles, and being far from our Sacrament meeting, we just didn't bring church clothes, hence we stayed home. Reading, writing and listening to Christmas music. We opened personal gifts and Santa had a couple of things for Donna. We left at 11:00 to go to Coolidge—Mike and Jerri’s place first. We saw their gifts and it’s always neat to talk with Jerri and Mike. On to Susan’s at 1:00 and enjoy their family and Christmas. Soon all the families began arriving and finally at 4:00 we all ate. Great food, as always. Every one of our family was present—all 40 of us. Before we opened the presents—each family drew the name of another family—we all sat down and I made our grand announcement. “It appears we will receive a call to a mission in Portugal.” Looks of wonderment, joy, surprise, shock, etc!! But, everyone positive, all supportive. We explained the care of Donna and asked all for their support of Susan and Larry in that project. No problem!! We told how the notice had come, and that a call still was not official. Then we all opened presents. I got some nice stuff, but as always, the joy that came to me was in seeing my family together, watching their faces, and enjoying their company. Christmas is 90% children’s faces. I reserve my adoration of the savior for another time. Our family has the best children’s faces anyplace. The classic comment of the day came from Lindsay, when she turned to me and said, “But who will tend us?” (Until these last 4 months, Marian has always been available when the kids got sick, and our Chandler place was always a drop-off point for the family when Moms and Parents went shopping or to meetings; hence Lindsay’s memory of a cozy and secure backup system.) When we left finally for home at Mesa (my Mom’s), we left with real torn feelings. It seems something is started now that will not stop. With the completion of this family meeting, the “ifs” and “what-ifs” are over. If the Lord will have us, our faces are now set for His call to Portugal. Lots remains to be done, but our response to a call now can be 100% “I’ll Go where…” Our family is with us. That was the only hurdle we felt needed clearing. (What other hurdle could there be? All others are secondary. With the Lord’s help now, we can accomplish whatever He asks.)

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[Mesa]

I enjoyed the 32^nd and 33^rd chapters of Alma again this morning. Actually, I’ve been studying them for the past week. Some really good insights have come to me while studying. I’ll write my insights elsewhere. I raked Mom’s backyard and picked some oranges and grapefruit for John and his family. Caught up on this journal. We talked more of the impending mission.

Christmas Eve was spent partly at John and Barb’s with dinner and fun with the kids. Their 5 little boys are at a cute age. Chase is still a little young for it, but the others are right on target. Back home we watched a Christmas special, listened to Christmas music and read—I finished Marion G. Romney’s biography. It doesn’t seem a lot like Christmas, camping out at Mom’s empty place, and with so much non-Christmas on our minds. But Donna still jerks us back to reality and the wonderful time of year.

I know the Savior wasn’t born in December. I know it’s a pagan-originated holiday—an immoral celebration of Saturn, with Christmas theme super-imposed. The modern trappings of the day come from northern European paganism. I know that. My innermost thoughts rebel at it. Yet, if I can help my family enjoy a special, nice occasion, I’ll keep my peace. And, sometimes we use the things of the world to further our spiritual leanings. The bonus situation is the faces of the little kids!

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[Mesa-Coolidge-Mesa]

Still at Mom’s, a slow morning. Some shopping with Marian. Afternoon I went to Dr. Al Fulkerson and had the skin cancers removed from my face. He burns them off with liquid nitrogen. Then down to Coolidge to Taylor’s birthday party. Nice bunch there. All the kids seemed glad to see us, Susan was at her usual best. When Larry got home later we all had stuffed cabbage for dinner—Taylor’s choice—and cherry cheesecake for dessert—also his choice.

We sat Larry and Susan down and asked them if they’d take charge of Donna for 18 months. It was a lot to ask, but of course they said “yes”. They talked of how they had been thinking of adding a 3^rd bathroom anyway. Also at Coolidge is Mike and Jerry’s family for more support and “resting off” times. John and Barb 45 minutes away, John and Mary Ellen 1 hour away, Peggy and David 1 hour and a quarter away. They think it’ll work out fine. I do, too, although it’s hard asking even then to take the burden which Marian and I have always assumed was ours alone. Donna has always been one of the most important stewardships we've had—maybe the most important! We never questioned why the Lord chose us for this challenging, humbling, wonderful experience. It’s often been hard. It’s sometimes been a thing you just grit your teeth and do your best. But it’s always been an honor!! And now, we must ask someone else to share this with us. Well, there is no one better to ask than Susan and Larry, although we know there are 4 other families able and willing, and could do equally well. I thank the Lord for them all!

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[Mesa-Tucson-Mesa]

Went to the area office and visited with Charlie Beckert for an hour. So good to be back at the old haunt. Good to chat with old associates. I saw Joleen Mason, our secretary, too. She’s a good friend. Then return to Marian and leave for Tucson. A good ride down there, with a little construction delay by Casa Grande for repaving. I took Donna to her dental appointment with Dr. Lew Leavitt in the afternoon, while Marian, the little girls, and Mary Ellen went shopping. Donna had her teeth cleaned and the upper left wisdom tooth pulled. It needed to come out because of all the soreness and pain it’s been giving her. Now she’s got a real sore mouth. We hurried over late afternoon to see the new home John and Mary Ellen are buying in NW Tucson. Looks great! Evening and Dinner with David and Peggy and their family. That’s such a neat little family—so loving and so fun. Peggy’s a great young woman and I love her. It was late when we started home but we were in no hurry.

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[Mesa]

Called Shirley to wish her a happy birthday. She was still in bed. Spent most of the day with my feet up, keeping the swelling down in the ankles. I did slip out for a bit of shopping. Got a new auto-everything 35mm camera, and a new journal (this one). John and Barb and boys came over in the evening for a short visit.

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[Huntington Beach-Mesa]

We left early for Mesa, where we’ll be headquartered through Christmas. No one is in Mom’s house now, and we’ll have the place to ourselves. A good trip over, beautiful day, not too much traffic, and an arrival just after 2PM. We got settled and spent the rest of the day relaxing. Near midnight Mary Ellen and John with the little girls got here (we had arranged it). Amy and Cassie will stay with us 2 days while John and Mary Ellen have a short R & R. So neat to see them all again. After an hour, they left. We bedded down with the little girls.


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[Huntington Beach]

First thing this morning I called CES in Salt Lake City. I talked to Frank Bradshaw, Zone Administrator for Europe to see what intelligence he could bring to bear on this. He was fairly helpful. He said several months ago in a meeting with the Area Presidency over Europe in Germany, he was asked if CES had someone who could go to Portugal. The need there, he said, is two-fold: The Church is relatively new there, and growing rapidly. Leadership is a real problem. And the education is lagging—CES that is—and needs some help. A quick computer check revealed my old mission and my proximity to retirement age. Voilà!

Frank says it is a mission call, not a CES move. We would go for 18 months, go thru the MTC, work under the mission president, etc. But also work closely with CES. We are needed as soon as we can get there (but must be called first), our contract with CES would be paid out thru August, then we’d revert to retirement status. The department will move our stuff back to Tucson and we’ll store it. We must sell our HB Home.

So, the rest of the day was talk and think and talk and ponder and wonder and talk. The crux of our decision-making is to be seen next Sunday when we meet with our family at Coolidge for Christmas. Then we’ll see if we can get coverage for Donna. Then we’ll call president back and give him our answer.

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[Huntington Beach]

Marian and I had a meeting this morning with President Borquist of the Huntington Beach Stake. This interview was a culmination of events which had been drawing to a point. He interviewed us to explore the possibility of our accepting a call to a mission in Portugal. This is a very humbling and exciting prospect. We hadn't expected this—coming from a stake president we didn't even know/had never seen! He started by saying, “I don’t know how to do this. I've never had this come this way before! Do you know Elder Carlos Asay? (No) well, he knows you. He has asked me to send him an evaluation of your availability to go on a mission to Portugal. (Here,we really gave him our full attention) The phone call from the Missionary Committee said you were teaching in the Institute program, and were nearing retirement. (Yes—I’m 61). And that you have a retarded daughter that other family members might be able to care for while you’re gone. (Yes, we have 5 married children. Any or all of them might be able to take care of Donna) Is your health such that you could fill a mission? (I’m sitting there with air-casts on both ankles, recovering from that great Thanksgiving volleyball game in Tucson. We say we have some health problems, but none the Lord doesn't know about. Marian’s arthritis, asthma, diabetes; My colitis, gastritis, etc. We didn't bore him with the details, nor any of the above, even. But we responded that the Lord would bless us if we went.)” We told the good president that we would be meeting with all our family on Christmas. We could broach the subject then to them all and give him an answer 12/26. He thought that would be alright, reiterated that he’d never had a call from the top like this; that the missionary calls were always initiated from the bishop or the couples!

We left and were in turmoil. We’d had a bit of forewarning for this call. A week before, Charlie Beckert had called. He said that at the recent CES area directors’ meeting Frank Bradshaw, Zone administrator, had asked him if he thought my situation was such that Donna could be kept by others while Marian and I filled an assignment in Portugal. Charlie, Arizona area director, told me that. (When I told Marian of Charlie’s conversation with Frank B, she looked blankly at me. There was total silence. Then her stomach growled!) But even with a little prior knowledge, which we had largely discounted, it was a shock.

We spent the rest of the day in a daze. I am still nursing my sprained ankles, so didn't go to Church. Marian and Donna went. We spent the afternoon talking a lot, then went to tithing settlement with the Huntington Beach 4^th bishop, Dennis Wallace. Of course, he knows nothing of this. After settlement, Brother Cunningham extended a call to Marian to be meetinghouse librarian. Of course, she accepted.

Some feelings of my heart: I always knew calls like this might come. They came to others, and I know Marian is worthy and I’m trying to be. Ever since my mission to Brazil, missionary work has not been uppermost in my heart. My emphasis has been rather on “Perfecting the Saint”. I've always wanted to teach, instruct, bring along in the Church. Others have brought people in, I've helped them from there. I've also not been able to sustain interest in temple or genealogy work. It appears the Father is going to change the “Proclaiming the Gospel” part for me. (Maybe later on He’ll focus my attention clearly on “Redeeming the Dead”.)

In “Perfecting the Saints,” I've been bishop 4 times, spent 26 years in Seminaries and Institutes, tried my best to raise a family right and influence grandchildren for good. Could have done a lot more, surely. But now a change—

Can I make a contribution? I think so. I hope so. I pray so! Since the desire of my heart is to follow as directed, I’ll go if called. Marian will be great. Everyone loves her wherever she goes. I’m sure the language barrier will be small. And spirit-to-spirit there is no language barrier anyway. Health considerations are our most feared obstacles. For both of us. But the Lord’s will be done.

One final thought right now. If ever a missionary couple had a greater family to stand behind them, I don’t think I've heard of it. Our family is choice. Not just with our Donna problem/blessing. But in every way we’ll know that the choicest people on earth are backing us up. That’s why we can go with calm hearts. Not that problems won’t arise! They always do—it’s still mortality around here!! But I know that our kids, and the men and women they married, together with the greatest set of grandkids in the world, are the choicest spirits on earth. In fact, I feel 27 sets of young eyes fastened upon me. If I can just set the right example for them, I’ll feel that I haven’t completely failed my probation!

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I hauled retarded people both ways to their work at Beacon Foundation.  Usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday I get up early & run 3 miles.  Down at work, trying to finalize arrangements for Ft. Thomas building to be build there in Mesa at General Mobile Industries.  We have all the paperwork complete now (it’s just a matter of getting it all together and turned in to Bill Woolf in Salt Lake).  I gave the lesson at Family Home Evening.  Beautiful weather again today.  Lesson was on “our choices.”

Went to priesthood meeting with Dad Nelson. Lesson was on Church Education, a spinoff from our recent Education Seminary in the stake. I taught the Gospel doctrine class for Jim Cornia, who was out of town: Lesson on 2 Nephi 31, 32, 33.  A real good area!  I enjoyed it.  At Sacrament Meeting I was sustained as Teachers Quorum Advisor.  Now real grass roots work!  Had a good day with the Nelsons.  It’s good to have them here.  It’s hard to convince them—especially Mom, that they’re really here—and here to stay.  Whenever the occasion arrives, Dad says they’re not staying long.

Transplanting roses, flower. Preparing for the room addition.  Nice day again after a cold morning.  Lost another tomato plant to the frost.

Rodeo holiday.  Worked around home most of day—just went to office to look at mail.  Marian & I did some shopping. Planted some more tomato plants—that makes 14!  Too many.  But, at night it froze, so I lost one right off. I tried to cover them, but one got a bad shuffle on the covers. Still fairly windy-and cold!  Had dinner at Pancho’s with folks, Dave & his family.

Got to go back to Thatcher.  Pres. Cecil of the Globe Stake called yesterday, wanted to meet with Glenn Brown & me in Thatcher, as he was there for a Boy Scout meeting.  I had a good talk with Lund Johnson, our Thatcher principal. I didn’t get there ‘til 2:30.  I spent the morning at home working on the coming house modification.  Real windy again today. Our meeting with Pres. Cecil was basically concerning Franklin Stanley, our Indian (Apache) area director on the San Carlos Reservation. Pres. Cecil wants to make him branch president at San Carlos.  Glenn and I are in favor—we want to do what’s best for the man at this point. Met again with Pres. Palmer on the Ft. Thomas building.  Had a couple of bean burros there—hot! And good!  Sister Palmer is always very gracious.  Got home at 9:00.

Visited Catalina Seminary 1st period.  Joe Steward gave a good lesson.  My secretary is home with strept throat.  I was on the phone nearly all day. Still real windy.  Went home a little early and planted tomatoes in the garden. It’s a little early, yet, but the weather is so mild, it is blossoming out all the fruit treas. I need to get an early jump.  I planted the plants—no seeds this year!

Go to Thatcher by 8:45. Sat in on Andy Fox’s 2nd period.  It was pretty good-but rowdy.  I spent an hour almost with Pres. Hoopes.  It was to try to get him back on our side at Seminary.  We particularly need help at Duncan and there at Safford.  Duncan has a real problem teaching there—Max Germaine.  I won’t elaborate on his shortcomings.  But we want him out of there.  I’ve tried to resolve this Duncan matter—plus a couple of other things—without directly involving Pres. Hoopes, but it can’t be done.  I had to see the man directly.  He’s the key. Got bids on the Ft. Thomas building from Wesch & Taylor, Pima, for contracting the installation of water & gas lines plus septic tank, and from Daley Mobile sales for hauling the unit from Mesa to Ft. Thomas.  Boy, what a windy day!  I about got blown away getting into and out of the car!  I got the bid to Pres. Palmer, Thatcher Stake President.  He needs to get a check for 20%, plus a form filled out, for forwarding to our office.  Talked with Andy Fox.  He’s thinking of quitting Seminary teaching.  Cotton pick!  With Russell Packer leaving, we need Andy to stay and settle that place down again.  Got home late—long day.

In town all day. I spent some time at Catalina Seminary.  Sent out some memos from the office. Good secretary—good secretary.  Home evening lesson was given by Marian.  Prior to that, I planted carrots, onions & beets in the garden.

The Lord’s Day.  I love them!  I didn’t feel very well today.  Got allergy problems and so sleepy.  I just couldn’t hardly navigate all day.  Dad Nelson & I went to Priesthood Meeting, then I stayed home from Sunday School with him and Mom Nelson.  I slept.  Sacrament Meeting was a Primary program.  But the sacrament was served.  That makes any meeting worthwhile.  I really love to take the sacrament. It’s a great moment.  We drove over to visit Dave’s family afterward.  Peggy was to a meeting, but Dave was there with Russell.  Heather was asleep.  Home teachers came in the evening—Bishop John Andes and his son, David.  We got phone calls from K and also from Susan.  This calling to the advisorship of the Teachers Quorum is a calling I’m very happy about.  For one thing, it will free me from the stake services and activities committee chairmanship—a calling I have not enjoyed (and have not magnified.).  But it puts me to work at the grass roots.  That’s not where the honors are.  But that’s where the action is.  I just hope I can fulfill the requirements, and be a help to these young men.  This is my first opportunity in many years to teach and directly work at the ward level with the youth.  I’m really happy about it—thankful for it.

Bought the Litton range.  Looked at cabinets at Handy Andy.  Frank and Bev came to visit the folks.  They’ve been a little lonely the past few days.  It was great to see them.  We had a real good visit.  I was going to plant the garden today, bit didn’t get to it—too much company.

Big push tonight was looking for a new stove, dishwasher, fridge.  Mostly stove.  We think we’ve located a Litton range with a microwave oven.

Only thing of moment was Jim Post & Ned Carson coming over to see the house & bid on the room addition.  Also Rusty Nelson came by to visit.  He’s working in Tucson today.  We all went out to eat at Furr’s Cafeteria.

Trying to get the building at Ft. Thomas solidified.  I need to get a second bid.  I went to see Bill Fink at Port-a-structure.  Also getting the brochures together for the education seminary we had at the Tucson Stake tonight.  Jan Babcock, my secretary, is really working on that. The ed seminar went off well.  About 100-120 people were there.  This is where we help a stake to understand its responsibilities in Church Education. This seminar was planned and arranged by L. Goodman.

Project SHARE is being conducted in my District this week.  The Seminaries are having slave auctions, food sales, games, fasting, etc to raise money for students elsewhere who need help with education.  I visited Catalina, Rincon and Palo Verde, sampling the atmosphere.  Evening—a Jim Smith came over to talk about an addition to the house.  He didn’t look too promising.

Work, then take Donna to her first class of Special Education Seminary, held from 4-5 at Catalina Seminary.  Family Home Evening.

Dad Nelson and I went to Priesthood Meeting at 7 a.m.  I introduced him to all the High Priests.  Then we came home & I stayed with him and Mom Nelson while everyone else went to Sunday School.  Someone has to be with them most all the time.  We all went to Sacrament Meeting, however.  Dean McCook of the High Council spoke.  After meeting we drove out in the Foothills and looked at model homes.  They are really nice.  Dave & Peggy, Russell & Heather came over in the evening, bringing their friend Steve with them.  They played guitar and banjo for a couple of hours.  It was great!  It sure is a thrill to watch David, my son, to perform—or do anything.  He’s so cute.  And he’s taking good care of his little family plus his church responsibilities.  That’s great!  I’m really proud!

Up early for a 7:15 district meeting before the regular meetings start.  A business meeting.  Bro. Jeffrey Holland addressed us in the opening session of the day.  Then we had workshop sessions with regional representatives.  Bro. Lamar Shelley was with my district teachers, his regions being Thatcher and Tucson.  We discussed problems in our district in seminaries and Institutes.  The wives had a workshop of their own at the same time.  Sister Holland spoke to them, then they had a works hp on problems important to them-ways to help your children, etc.  the closing session was at 11:30- each of the 5 coordinators gave a short talk.  Mine was on our profession as our church callings.  After the men and their wives left, the coordinator and Dan Workman had several sessions-independently and together.  He’s trying to get some feeling for how to arrange our Division.  It’s a mess!  No comment.  About 2:00 Marian and I went to Nelson’s place in Phoenix to get some things of theirs and a load of wood.  We were riding in my Datsun pickup.  Rusty, K’s son, is moving in to live there.  He’ll be married in a couple of weeks.  We drove back to Tucson, arriving about 6:00 p.m.

To Mesa by 8:00 a.m. for a Division Council Meeting.  This is the beginning of a 8-day Division Convention.  Each year for several years we have met together, all Seminary and institute men together with our wives.  We have had some real good occasions together.  Marian would have gone up with me, but she felt she needed to stay and given Mom Nelson her shot and prepare breakfast for them.  So I arranged for her to come up later with Ron & Ruby Nielsen.  So I left at 5:30. I drove the new (last October) Datsun pickup, as usual.  Our Division Council is composed of Keith Crockett, Division Coordinator, Earnest M. Skinner, Central Arizona District Coordinator, David M. Willmore, Northern Arizona District Coordinator, and myself-Southern Arizona District.  Alan Nielsen, Coordinator of the New Mexico Division was there with us today.  Our agenda covered the range of activities of the Division.  We were joined at 11:30 by Dan Workman, our area administrator.  There is a great deal of undercurrent right no in our Council over who should do what, and who should be doing anything.  I won’t describe it.  But part of Dan’s visit is to straighten us out.  He didn’t do it.  I will say this much: he said I was going to stay put-in Tucson.  He said the department leaders are satisfied with my work as a coordinator, but that they see me as continuing here.  I do have some aspirations to lead a division.  Perhaps that’s not a worthy goal!  But I do have that desire, and I’m 49.  I know in this young department that if I don’t receive that assignment soon, I won’t receive it at all because of my age.  But probably some other factors weigh even more heavily.  Anyway, it may be a little unrighteous—aspiring to a position.  I don’t now.  But I’ve been here as a district coordinator for 10 years now-come August.  Perhaps that’s as far as I go.  I am very satisfied in my assignment, as well as in my location.  A person couldn’t ask for a better job; working for the Lord in His business of instructing the youth of the Church.  And the place: Southern Arizona is surely home to me and my family.  Anyway, I’ve advised the personnel leaders of my desires.  I think they have dismissed them.  After the council meeting I checked into the motel-the Vagabond in Tempe.  Our meetings begin at 2:00.  Primarily, we began by having some introductory remarks from Keith, then we were instructed by Dan Workman.  Then we spent the rest of the afternoon in 2 workshops--one led by Wendel Johnson—personnel specialist—on husband-wife relations, and one led by Lee Miller and Jeff Holland on teaching with the scriptures.  Marian arrives late-she hates that.  But her fellow travelers were very late getting started.  We had a dinner at the ASU Student Union building.  It was a buffet, then a Joyful Noise, the _____ Institute choir performed.  Following the banquet Bro. Jeff Holland, Church Commissioner of Education, was the speaker at the Institute speaker series.  Marian and I didn’t go to it.  We went back to the motel, & K and Joy came over to visit us until late.  The subject of discussion was, naturally, Mom & Dad Nelson.

Met Mack at the Ramada at 5:15, breakfast, head for Thatcher and an 8:00 appointment with Lund Johnson at our Seminary there.  9:30 with Glenn Brown at Ft. Thomas, 11:00 at Safford Seminary with Russell Packer on these interviews Mack is running.  From 1:00 to 3:00 we visited Joe Allen & John D. Smith at Thatcher Institute, then to Pima Seminary with Carval Allen.  That completed our interviews in my District.  Mack will get Richard Moor, from Globe-Miami tomorrow at our Division meetings.  Carvel and Margaret Allen invited us to have a bowl of soup with them, which we were  happy to accept.  They have a lovely little family of a girl, then 2 boys, then another girl.  And Margaret is expecting again.  (July?) Other wives in our district who are expecting—Karen Johnson, Ella Stanley, Nancy Packer.  I think that’s all.  New babies are Susan Fox’s, and Judy Roundy’s.  At 5:30 p.m. the area Scripture Convention was held at Safford Relation St. Chapel.  It was a convention which was attended by the youth of Miami-Globe, Ft. Thomas, Pima, Thatcher, Safford, Clifton-Morenci, and Animas.  I think that’s all that participated.  The students had a real convention.  It was rigged sort of like a track meet—scripture relays, scripture hurdles, scripture (javelin) throw, etc.  Each seminary participated with 5-person teams.  To qualify for being at the occasion at all, a student had to memorize word-perfect 25 new Testament scriptures.  The kids had quite a time!  After the games, they had a devotional then Bro. Dan Workman, our area administrator, spoke.  His talk was followed by a banquet and dance.  There were almost 150 kids there.  All the full-time teachers from Safford, Thatcher and Globe stakes were there.  Bro. Lee Miller accompanied Dan Workman here.  He’s a regional representative and is with the Church Welfare Dept.  Mack Bowen was there, and I left him with Workman and Miller to stay overnight at the Safford Desert Inn, then ride down to Tempe.  I didn’t stay for the banquet and dance.  I came home arriving about 11:00 p.m.

Picked up Mack Bowen at 6:15. After breakfast at the Ramada we went to St. David where Mack interviewed Reed Richens, our teacher/area director there.  The survey Mack is conducting, with others from his office in other places, is concerning rollbacks, record-keeping, Priesthood relationships.  After St. David we visited Palo Verde Seminary her in Tucson, the teacher being Lynn Roundy, then to the Tucson Institute and Mack’s visit/interview with Paul Dahl, the Director.  Afternoon our visit, we were with Lincoln Goodman at Rincon Seminary, and Joe Steward at Catalina.  At 6:00 I dropped Mack off at Roundy’s.  They were associated for 4 years at Orem Seminary several years ago.

This evening Bro. Mack Bowen flew in from the department office.  His trip is to survey our records in the Seminary and institutes of my District.  I put him in the Ramada Inn.  Lynn Roundy went to the plane with me to meet him.  I’ve been associated with Mack for years as a coordinator.  He was in charge of the Utah Valley District seminaries.  A really fine gentleman.  I remember we two instructed a section of a class in summer school at BYU in 1970.

Thing of note: our first Family Home Evening with Mom & Dad Nelson.  It’s different, and it’s nice—having elderly loved ones to give their perspective on things.  I gave a lesson on prayer.

Stake conference.  Mom & Dad Nelson went with us to Sacrament Meeting, but only Dad went to conference.  She’s pretty shaky for many things.  Pres. Vern Busby was released from the stake presidency, and Bruce Larson was installed.  He joins Pres. Arthur W. Elray and Paul E. Dahl.  Eathel and Vern gave good talks in saying goodbye. They’ve been called to the Hawaii Honolulu Mission.

Still working around the home & getting the folks settled.  Bought a bookcase & looked for carpeting.  Stake conference session at 7:00.  Subject: Preparing your records and your family organization.

Went to Phoenix to pick up Mom & Dad Nelson.  They were there with K and Joy.  Frank came soon, then Bev.  (Cal & Judy are up in Alaska.)  They were already pretty well packed.  We had a U-Haul on my little Datsun truck.  We loaded it with furniture & such.  Put Mom & Dad in their car, then I drove the truck with Dad & Marian drove their car with Mom.  We got home in Tucson about 4:30.  This was a very tough day.  The Nelsons are so resigned and dependent now.  Their kids are making decisions for them.  They must be helped with everything.  Mom’s diabetes is a major problem.  And of course her heart trouble-and Dad’s heart trouble and stomach problems.  She is totally forgetful-he is to a great degree.  He can’t help her with her diet needs and pills-taking anymore.  He can’t remember when she last had them.  Doctor Price has now put her on insulin, so someone needs to give her a shot every morning.  She—they moved into their new quarters with us!  They didn’t seem to mind too much—they’re resigned to it.  In fact, I think Dad is relieved that he doesn’t have to make the decisions anymore.  They’re in John’s old room.

Finished up on the room, then worked until dark on a metal storage shed.  It was challenging, but I conquered.  Sore fingers!  I never got to the office today.

Awhile at the office to try to keep the bid on, then home to continue working on the room.  We papered it all, then worked on the new light fixtures.  All this, of course, interspersed with visits to stores.

This begins the week that was.  Now, a week later, I’m writing about it!  Working all I can at getting the room ready for Mom & Dad Nelson.  Working all I can at the office with my new secretary.  We’re killing rats down at the office.  Today was the PBSW rat.  Jan Babcock is one fine secretary-she really knows how to get things done!  Evening-just getting ready to start painting the bedroom ceiling (this is an activity-type Family Home Evening).  The phone rang.  Jan Babcock needed a priesthood holder to come administer to her little new nephew who was headed for the hospital.  A hepatitis infection.  Belirubin (?) count at 21.  Only 1 week old.  Her family is all non-member, but they agreed to our coming and administering.  I called Lincoln Goodman-he’s about the best partner for that I could think of, then went by to pick him up.  We went to the TMC, waiting an hour to get in to see the baby, met the family, then did the ordinance. What a little, tiny, baby.  Micah John Farrell.  He was all hooked up to machines and tubes.  I felt good about the administration.  (Projecting ahead, the baby’s count cam down to 18 by the time the doctor got there Monday evening, he should have been kept 4 days in the hospital, but only stayed 2.  When the doctor saw him again later in the week he was amazed.  The power of the priesthood is fabulous). Back home, I worked until late on doors, baseboards, furniture, etc.

I love Sundays.  This is a special fast day for the inclement weather conditions that are being felt in our nation.  The West-from the Pacific Ocean to Colorado- is in a draught.  California particularly is hard-pressed.  The Midwest, East & South is having a terrible winter.  “The winds of ‘77” it is called. The Arctic air is being swept down to the Gulf of Mexico in a great arc by blizzards and storms that have paralyzed that part of our nation.  They’ve about run out of natural gas, and fuel is jammed up on the lakes and rivers in barges that are iced in.  the Lord can sure get your attention fast if you’ll just listen!!  So Pres. Kimball has asked the whole church to fast and pray for a return to normal for the weather.  Attended the regular meetings.  I was particularly impressed with Bro. Buehl’s priesthood lesson on “service.”  We enjoyed Susan’s family all day.  In the evening Dave and Peggy brought their kids over and we had a real ball!  About 8:00 Susan and her family left for Coolidge, to return to Winslow tomorrow morning.

A work day.  Getting ready for Marian’s parents in the forenoon.  Also getting the little Datsun ready to sell.  At noon Susan came with her family.  What a joy to have precious children here!  I feel a calmness and a joy above all else when any or all of my children are with us.  Larry is good to talk to.  He’s a good husband and father.  Janalee is so full of vigor and is such a buddy to Marian.  And Taylor is just walking pretty good-so cute!  Stake dinner at the Stake Center in the evening. 

Visited Duncan early-morning.  Max Germain’s class.  He’s been very flakey on reports-haven’t got any in yet! He had his class sing the entire time of class!!!  I couldn’t believe it!!  When I got to Safford Andy Fox was home sick.  I called him & hope we’ll straighten that guy out!  Visited a couple of Russell Packer’s classes.  He seems to have them under pretty good control!  At noon I went to Pima & visited Caruel Allen.  He has a real good rapport with the kids.  We went to see Mr. Hubbard, Pima school superintendent.  I need some statements from high school superintendents who have had experience with released-time to send up to Frank Hirichi in the central office.  Frank is in charge of producing a pamphlet on released-time seminary for the Department.  Mr. Hubbard will be glad to submit a statement.  (Earlier in the day-when I was with Russ Packer-we went to the Safford High School office and requested the same from Mr. Donald Wilson, Safford superintendant.  He indicated his willingness to do so, also.)  Next I visited an hour with Joe Allan, the Thatcher Institute director.  Joe and Caruel are brothers.  Our conversation was far-ranging, as usual.  I can talk well with Joe.  We seem to have an affinity.  My travel home was uneventful, arriving at six p.m.

Started off bright and early on a two-day trip.  Attended early-morning seminary at Sabarita.  Archie Romney’s teaching there.  He does a pretty good job.  I think he’s good for the kids, at least.  I drove on to Nogales.  I had a little time on my hands, so nosed around Tubac-the old presidio & such, then went to see what Pena Blanca Lake looks like-not much!  Visited with Bishop Burr McRae in Nogales.  I encouraged him to let us take care of the kids in his ward who go to school in Patagonia.  Also to let us have the true potential figures.  I hope we made progress.  On to Sierra Vista.  (Beautiful drive over-Nogales, Patagonia, Sonorita, the south whetstones, on to Sierra Vista.)  I met with Mr. Nolan, assistant superintendant.  Mr. Samuelson, superintendent was ill.  I offered further help to them for the coming board meeting. We are hopeful for released-time there.  Then I drove on to St. David.  I got there about 4:00 p.m.  I stopped in to see Bruce, and was with him for the next three hours.  He wanted to talk about recent ills of the community there.  Also his own up-coming shopping, so Vickie made us a sandwich dinner.  It was just nice being with him. At 7:30 I attended the stake seminary faculty meeting.  Reed Richens conducted it.  Only the Evans’ from Sierra Vista attended!  It was pretty much a wash-out.  I excused myself at 8:30, went to Safford & a motel room.  Called my sweet wife & found that all was well, except her folks are doing too well with the 8-hour-a-day live-in lady.  Dad has been feeding Mom candy, sweet-rolls, etc before the lady arrives.  Also during the day he’ll sneak stuff to her.  Got to bed nearly midnight.

Spent the day at the office.  There are so many things that fouled up.  Sister Babcock is very efficient.  She is getting it all changes over so it’s systematic.  Evening was spent with Marian, planning for the taking in of her parents.  They are so “out of it” now.  Very soon we know we’ll need to bring them here to live with us.  Mom Nelson has been in the hospital with her diabetes.  Without constant supervision it can’t be regulated.  Her memory is entirely gone now.  She is unable to take care of her eating and pill taking.  Dad Nelson is not much better off anymore.  He can’t keep track, either.  He forgets & gives her stuff she shouldn’t have.  The family is trying to line up someone to come & live in, but it probably won’t work for long, if at all.  We just need to gear up for it!

A trip to the temple early.  Got in one session, then on to a meeting.  The temple’s crowded right now (winter visitors) and they’re thinking of going to a 30-minute interval on sessions-instead of 45, I missed the people for the meeting-K Crocket & Pr. Palmer of Thatcher-they went early to the industry that builds portable classrooms.  I was on time.  I felt like the wolf with the 2 little pigs!  The portable classrooms look OK for what we need at Ft. Thomas for seminary.  We’ve been meeting all these years in the church-very inadequate.  Now they’re going to remodel the church.  We have a lot across from the school.  We need to get a building quick.  Looked at camper shells at Lumberjack in Phoenix.  Two expensive. Came home.  Went home teaching at John B___ house.

First Weeks of John on His Mission

Another try.  We got John off a week or more ago for his mission.  He entered the Salt Lake mission home 1/15/77.   Talked to the Oregon Portland mission.  He flew up to Portland 1/20.  We haven’t heard from him yet, but it’s a little soon.  The weather is cool, but not down to freezing nightly.  Just finished a rain storm a couple of days ago.  Marian’s feeling pretty good right now-it’s the right time of year for her.  Got a new secretary last week-Jan Babcock.  I think she’ll work out fine. Had a good priesthood meeting lesson yesterday.  It got me looking at D&C 88:81-86. Some very interesting things there.

FHE with the Biggs

Second Summer Senior at the university started today. I’m taking a class “Democratic Processes in the Classroom.” We’ll see! We had Family Home Evening at Peggy’s house with her and the Biggs family. We had a good time with a lesson on the Jaredites & games. We thought David & Peggy would announce their engagement tonight, but they didn’t. Maybe they think they don’t need to!