Did I say that this week might be a busy one? Remind me not to ever say that again, because busy doesn't begin to describe our week. We did find out two things, however. First, life as missionaries can be like a roller coaster; and, second, that we can do hard things – with the Lord's help.

Owen and our friend went to Sawmill on Monday and met Elder Hunt and his f riend. Together they all worked on the RV. They put in a long hard day, but got most of it ready. We made a trip later in the week and got it ready for move-in. We also made a trip to Steamboat to check a CO monitor, but things turned out to be fine. Nobody is taking any chances when it comes to the RVs and the safety of the Elders.

Our special little family that has been coming to Church and FHE had some sadness this week. Cassandra called on Monday night to tell us that her baby's heart beat had stopped. She was 21 weeks along and would be induced in the morning. Of course, we felt terrible. We went to Gallup the next day so Owen could give her a blessing. Later in the day, she called and said that they wanted to bury the baby, and asked if we could come and get it. It needed to be kept in a cool place (the refrigerator) until burial. They don't have any electricity at their place. So we went to Gallup and picked up the little one. The hospital had prepared the baby so that we could easily transport it. At first I was squeamish about having that little package in the fridge. But, then the feeling came over me that I should feel privileged to be in the presence of this special little spirit. He had so recently left Heavenly Father's presence for a brief moment of earth life and then was called home to be with a loving Heavenly Father forever.

Owen built a little wooden box the next morning, and we covered it with fabric. I typed up a program for the family to keep, and Owen helped dig the grave. He officiated at the graveside service with just the immediate family and us there. Then little Hayden was buried in the shade of a big cedar tree, and a huge yucca plant to the side, on the hill behind his parents' home.

If someone had told us before we left home that we would have to do something like this while on our mission, I think I would have said, “There is no way I can do that. Would you please assign me some place else.” But, with the help of the Lord and the love we have for this special family, we were able to do it. We were grateful for the opportunity to serve and help them. Hence, we found out we can do hard things!

We finished the work on the little box about 30 minutes before we had an appointment with our 19-year-old investigator. We finished up the 4^th discussion and asked him about getting baptized on May 17^th. He accepted, and we were thrilled. As we were leaving his place, I told Owen that I thought our young man was glowing as we talked to him about baptism. He has truly been touched by the Spirit; and, in turn, is having a positive influence on others in his family.

The roller coaster of emotions was working overtime that day. We weren't even disappointed when no one showed up for FHE that night. We were emotionally exhausted, especially Owen.

Two days later we were returning from an appointment and saw a lot of black smoke off in the distance. Owen couldn't go on home and ignore it. Our first thought was that someone's home was on fire. We drove out to the area and found it was a brush fire between Route 66 and I-40. If it jumped the frontage road (66), then homes could be in danger. Owen remembered that he still had the shovels in the back of his truck from digging the graves; so he hopped out and proceeded to fight the fire. Soon two other guys showed up to help. It was 45 minutes before a fire truck finally came. How grateful we were that it wasn't someone's home.

Sunday was Fast and Testimony Meeting. We were thrilled when both of our investigators were there. The 19-year-old also had his cousin with him. His cousin is a member but hasn't been to Church in years. He has been to all of the missionary discussions, though. We can see the seed of faith beginning to grow within him. He even bore his testimony today. Cassandra bore her testimony, also. We are so glad that she had the Gospel, and a special family, to support her during this difficult time.

More good news! A young man (30-ish) whom we have been meeting with almost every week, had his interview today in order to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. He should be sustained and ordained next Sunday at Stake Conference. Also, one of our sisters we have been teaching Temple Preparation lessons had her interview to attend the temple. I didn't walk home after Church, I floated!

One of our sons said to Owen, “Dad, aren't you the one who said a six-month mission was long enough; and now you are thinking an 18-month mission isn't long enough.”

This mission has stretched us further than we ever thought possible. It never ceases to amaze us the things we are called upon to do; and that we are able to do what needs to be done. We really feel that the Lord is with us, even in the small details of our lives.

The week was full of adventures, challenges, anxiety, and joy. The happiness came when we challenged our investigators to baptism, and they both accepted. We still have more teaching that needs to be done, but they are progressing Now the anxiety begins, and we hope and pray that nothing will get in the way of their final progress towards baptism.

Owen got to go hiking on a mesa with one of the members. They found ruins of a sweat lodge and a pit house from prior inhabitants. They had an enjoyable time, and the weather even cooperated. I decided not to go hiking and went to the Senior Center instead to help them with Easter decorations. There were 25 people there that day and all but two older ladies got involved in making the different projects. It is fun to see how they take a simple pattern and embellish it to make it their own.

Our oldest son had a hernia and gall bladder surgery this week. It was hard to not be home to be with him and his wife during this time. So we had to rely on the prayers of many and have faith that the Lord would take care of him. So far, the reports we get are he is doing fine and on the road to recovery.

We had an awesome Family Home Evening this week. We had six adults and three children come (four of the adults and a child were first-timers). It was great to have new people and to get to know them better. Cassandra's mother came and seemed to enjoy the evening. Four of them left after the lesson and treat (Dirt Cups), but the others wanted to play games. We ended up playing games until 9:00 p.m. It was a fun evening, and we look forward to FHE each week.

Owen got word last week that they were moving the RV from Montezuma Creek to Sawmill. No one was living in it at Montezuma Creek. So now instead of four hours away it will only be one hour when he has to check on it; but that is one more RV he has to check. This week we made two trips to Tohlakai, two trips to Sawmill, and one to Polacco. Polacco is all set up and running now, so it should just be the monthly checks there. Hopefully, by tomorrow afternoon the RV at Sawmill will also be set up and ready. If things go as planned, there will be four men there to help with the set up and putting the skirting on, so it shouldn't be an all day affair. We have driven past the mesa where Sawmill is a number of times, but had no idea there was a community up on top. When you head back down off the mesa, you get a spectacular view of the Ft. Defiance – Window Rock area. We finally saw the 'window rock' that Window Rock gets it name from. It is pretty neat to see.

We even had a snowstorm this week. We were expecting rain, but was quite surprised in the morning to see everything covered with about three inches of snow. It didn't take long for it to melt and the ground to soak it up because it is very dry around here.

We enjoyed the Conference sessions and talks that we were able to hear. While Owen was working at Sawmill on Saturday, I went into the Church and watched part of the morning session with the Elders. Owen and a member rode into Gallup and watched the Priesthood session at the Stake Center. Another couple and us went out to a member's home and watched the session this morning. We had a nice pot-luck lunch and visit. We were able to listen to the other sessions on the Mormon Channel, so that was good. It always seems so good to hear the brethren and sisters talk and to feel of their spirits and testimonies. It always helps to rejuvenate us and gives us a greater determination to endure to the end.

This week is shaping up to be a busy week again. We have several appointments set up, studying to do, FHE, some people that we want to visit, others we want to try and locate, and who knows how many trips to work on RVs. Each day continues to be an adventure as we try and serve the Lord and the wonderful people here in our area.