The days are speeding by, and we had a busy week. We were able to teach the first missionary lesson to three young children (ages 9, 10, and 11). Their grandmother has been baptized, but is less active. They seemed anxious to learn about baptism. None of the family members in their area have a ride (car), so we will make arrangements to pick them up so they can come to church.

We were able to make a number of visits, some to new people, and have started Temple Preparation lessons with others. We have talked to three different couples recently that say they want to start coming to Church again, so we will continue to nourish them and see what happens.

How was everyone's 4^th of July? Ours turned out to be a pretty fun day. For the first time in many years, Lupton had a parade in the morning, activities and food by the Chapter House in the afternoon, and fireworks in the evening. The parade consisted mostly of motorcycle riders, a few politicians, plus a few other things; but it was still fun to watch. The activities were supported really well by the community.

Our Branch had planned a 4^th of July pot-luck dinner for the evening. The Branch President and his son came around 3:30 and helped get the tables and chairs set up outside and the grill ready to go. We had finished and sat down to play Thousand Aces while we waited for people to come when it started to rain. It wasn't too bad at first, but gradually got worse until it was pouring for about 45 minutes. We moved our game over under the canopy. I kept suggesting that we go inside and play the game, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. Periodically the rain would pool up around the top of the canopy and come showering down on us. The score paper got so damp, I could hardly write on it anymore. But the game must go on! They are some die-hard Thousand Ace players. The only thing that made them stop was when hungry people began to show up. We were worried with the storm that people wouldn't be able to make it through their muddy roads, but I guess the majority of the storm was just in our area. We ended up with about 30 people here, lots of good food, and the storm had even past over by time we started. Our former Branch President and his family came out from Gallup for our dinner. It was good to see all of them again. I think a fun time was enjoyed by all.

Sunday turned out to be an interesting day. The Branch President had asked to go visit a lady who had been thrown from a truck. We rode out to her place, but no one was home. On the way back, we decided to drive out and see if the guy who came by our trailer a couple of weeks ago was home. We have been trying to contact him, but haven't had any luck. They were home today. We noticed that his wife was limping pretty bad. She said she had fallen the night before and hurt her ankle. Owen thought she should have it checked out, but they didn't have any gas. So in a few minutes, the four of us were on our way to Gallup to the hospital. While we were sitting in the waiting room, a man came up to me and asked if I was okay. I told him I was and that I was just waiting for some friends. Owen was sitting a few seats away talking to a Vietnam Vet, but came over while the man was talking to me. He said he had gotten a phone call asking him to come to the hospital to give a blessing. Owen offered to help him. They went up to ICU, but I stayed in the waiting room in case our friends came back. The hospital staff was preparing the young man to be taken to Albuquerque and the family wanted him to have a blessing before he left. Owen didn't even find out what had happened to him.

Our friend ended up with torn ligaments in her foot and a set of crutches to deal with. On the ride in and back, we got to know them better. She had been on Indian Placement for seven years. She asked if we would come back and visit and teach them. Her husband isn't a member (yet).

Was it just coincidence that we showed up at their house when they needed help, or was in the hospital at that particular time so that Owen could assist in a Priesthood blessing? The Lord continues to bless us and help us in His work.