And lo... he understood

Ray Kirk Donaldson

This week I lost one of my very dearest and best friends, Ray Donaldson. Ray passed away after battling cancer for almost 6 years. The fact that he lasted that long is a testament to his strength and faith and desire. I first met Ray in Rosario, Argentina 45 years ago. He and I were companions for some of the most special times of my mission. We have remained very close over the years. I was the best man at his wedding. Our families spent time together in Antimony, New Mexico, California and attending general conference. A few years ago, Ray and I traveled together to South America to visit friends who were serving as mission presidents in Cochabamba Bolivia. I was grateful that I was able to speak to him just days before he left this life.
As I think about it, the fact that he and I were so close is still amazing to me. We could not have come from or had more different backgrounds, likes, dislikes and family situations.  He grew up in a small ranching community in New Mexico, while I grew up on the beach in Southern California. We were like polar opposites in everything. But what brought us together was the gospel of Jesus Christ and our common goal of sharing that with the people in Argentina. By the time he was transferred, we were closer than brothers. Ray helped me to 'understand' my purpose and how to love people unconditionally.
In Argentina, I was given a copy of a poem entitled, 'Love'. I was told that it once was the unofficial Argentina Mission poem. Someone else said that it had originated in the Chilean Mission. Irregardless, it sums up the feelings of my service in Argentina and the things that Ray taught me by word and example.
I will miss Ray, but know that I will see him again and once again share experiences that we have had in the meantime and remember our times together. Thank you Ray for helping me to 'understand'.

LOVE

  

A young man walked down a city street,

In a strange land, with his own so far away.

And his newness clashed with the echoing beat,

Of horse carts and cobbled streets.

And they say,

That he preached a better world,

To those who loved their own.

And he prayed,

'Oh God, I would that my good be known.'

And no one understood.

The young man stopped in the pitted road,

His manner not shiny now, and gazed,

At humble folk, their back bent neith heavy load,

And vaguely sensed the meaning of eternal days.

And he preached,

'Come follow me that you might have rest.'

And prayed,

'Oh God, help me to do my best.'

And few men understood.

The young man trudged down the country lane,

No stranger now to those still searching those paths to roam.

But somehow unashamed, a little older now he came.

And deep within his heart he sang, 'This place is home.'

And he preached

The brotherhood of man, and peace and charity.

And prayed,

'Oh Lord, that I may be worthy of such as these, in some far eternity.'

And lo... he understood.

STAKE PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE

 

Wednesday evening we drove Karol and her kids over to where the stake president was conducting interviews to receive her temple recommend. President Priday reminds us a lot of all the stake presidents we have known over the years, especially President David Hales. He was so warm and personable, especially with Karol's kids - introducing himself and talking to each one personally. At the conclusion of Karol's interview, President Priday came out into the hallway and asked that I come into his office to translate something that Karol had shared with him. His Spanish is pretty good, but he wanted to make sure he understood an experience that she had shared with him. She told him that her father had passed away when she was 16 and that today was his birthday. She felt so blessed to be able to be worthy of a temple recommend and hoped that her father was aware of her and what she was doing. She misses him greatly, especially on days like this. President Priday reassured her that her father was indeed aware and very proud of her and then counseled her to always be worthy so that she could be with him someday.

Robyn borrowed some books from James and Kaui to keep the kids busy

President Priday greeting Ashley

Future missionaries

TRANSFERS

We got phone call Wednesday evening from Sister Littell, asking us if we could drive her to the mission home as she was being transferred. Transfer Day is always fun. Usually about half the mission is there and it is a great opportunity to visit with many of the missionaries we have meet over the last year. A few minutes after 9:00 am, the assistants to the president drive into the parking lot in a 15 passenger van with all the transfers listed on the windows. The van is immediately swarmed by the elders and sisters wanting to find out where they are going and who will be their new companion. Sort of reminds me of rushing to see my grades in college that had just been posted by the professor.

Two of the missionaries in Kaw River are being transfered, Elder Mayo and Sister Littell. They will be missed.

.

Sister Littell is headed to the Kansas City 1st ward as a 'Sister Trainer Leader'

Elder Mayo has been called to be a DL

YO YO 101

Josh

Josh Stonehocker was baptized in the ward last month. He and his brother, Cameron are yo yo enthusiasts. They take lessons and go to competitions. I had no idea there were such things. The young men decided to plan an activity where Josh and Cameron could show off their skills and the youth could get to know them better. When the young women heard about it, they decided to join in the fun. We asked Josh and Cameron if they would also teach the kids a few tricks. They each own about 20 yo yo's so we figured there would be enough for everyone. Nope. Their yo yo's are the $150 kind made of titanium with special ball bearings and contours. They politely told us that theirs were off limits to rookies and recommended we needed to buy some cheap ones so the kids could learn. The young men's president bought a bag of them at Party City and everyone had fun.

Cameron

Getting the hang of it

TEMPERATURE SWINGS

SERVICE PROJECT - FEEDING THE HUNGRY

I debated whether to post this picture or not, but thought what the heck, all they can do is transfer me to the office. James called and said that he had a day off and was going to go hunting. It was our P-day, and since I had never been on a deer hunt, I jumped at the chance. He and Noah had gone the previous Saturday, but never saw a single deer. I told him that it would be fun to go along to keep him company, even if he didn't bring anything home.
With our busy schedules and active grand kids, it has been a long time since just the two of us were able to spend some quality time together.
James and about 4 friends went in together and 'leased' 100 acres of open land about an hour north of us. They have exclusive rights to hunt, fish or camp on the property. We had the whole area just to ourselves.
After about 45 minutes, sitting in a deer stand quietly talking, Bambi strolls right up to us and James got his first deer. I also told him to take a picture of me with his deer to send to the mission president - but I think I will wait until we are home to do that...

SEALING TIES

Andrade family

Saturday we were privileged to be be with the Andrade family as they were sealed in the temple. Their journey to the temple began a few years ago, but really picked up steam recently following the death of Jessica's mother. Her heart was softened as she felt the love and support of the members here and recognized the need to receive the blessings of the temple for herself and her family. Many members and missionaries over the years worked with the Andrades to make this blessing a reality. In fact, there were 4 other sets of missionaries in the sealing room.  They had all served for a time in the ward and had worked and encouraged them to become worthy to enter the house of the Lord. It was a great testimony to us that you can never give up on anyone in the work of the Lord. 

We first met Ramon and Jessica and their kids at the funeral service for Jessica's mom. We began meeting with them and soon they were regular attendees at our temple preparation class on Sundays. Ramon is originally from California and served his mission here in the Missouri, Independence mission. He loved it so much that following his mission, he returned, met and baptized Jessica. They were married shortly thereafter. It has been a joy to see the entire family prepare themselves to come to the temple.

JESSICA

Jessica received her endowments the day before the sealing. It was a choice experience for Robyn, as she was asked to be Jessica's escort. We have gained a greater testimony of the fact that the Lord is the Master Teacher. He knows exactly what is needed to help each one of us return to his presence. The experiences and trials we face in mortality are perfectly tailored by a loving Father in Heaven.
The Lord knew exactly what Jessica and her family needed to experience and learn that would help motivate them to come to the temple. Sitting in the celestial room, following the session, Jessica talked about how much she loved her mother and how she was looking forward to doing her temple work in a few short months.

ANOTHER DISTRICT LUNCH

Robyn and Elder Mayo

Chicken wraps

Hermanas Littell and Gonzalez

YOUNG MEN/YOUNG WOMEN SERVICE PROJECT

Election evening we joined with the youth and their leaders at a local food bank. Giving service is a great way to think about others rather then worry about election results... Harvesters is a very large community food resource for the needy, feeding nearly 140,000 people each month here in Kansas and Missouri. It relies on volunteers to sort, pack and process the huge amount of food and other necessities that it provides every day.
We were asked to help put together food bags that are given to needy school children to take home for the weekend after school. At the end of the evening we had assembled 790 bags. The opportunity to give service was very gratifying and enjoyable - but on the other hand, it was a little sad as we thought about how many people there are in this great country that can not provide enough food for their family. Hopefully things will get better...

Sister 'Sealer'

Bag #790

Kareme Silvan and Carlos Toraya

Linda Albrechtsen and Julie Chavira

PATRIARCHAL BLESSING

Brother and Sister Ovard with Karol

Two of the most spiritual experiences we have had on our mission, have occurred in the home of the patriarch of the Lenexa stake. brother John Ovard.  Brother Ovard was gracious enough to allow us to be with Karol as she received her blessing since she has no other close family here who are members of the church. We were taught and instructed and inspired by Brother Ovard before, during and following Karol's blessing. All the patriarchs that I have met are 'cut from the same cloth'. Their spirit and testimony is a strength to all who come to receive a blessing from the Lord.

As we thought about the experience driving home, the words of Joseph F. Smith came to mind.

“In like manner our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction, to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.”

BABYSITTING KAROL'S KIDS

Karol has 4 beautiful active kids. We enlisted James' and Kaui's help to watch them while we took Karol to receive her blessing. The grandkids were excited to help. The twins have been in the Gamez home and Disney came with them on their Fathers and Sons Outing. When Ashley was baptized, the whole family came to support her. It is so wonderful to have 'ready made' fellowshippers here who are so willing to help with our missionary efforts. 

Since Halloween was the next day, James and Kaui had planned a special pumpkin carving activity to keep everyone busy and happy while mom was receiving her blessing. Thank you James, Kaui, Noah, Kelehua, Luke and Josh for being so kind.

James helping Kenner outline his pumpkin

Kaui helping Ashley and Zoe cut out their pumpkin

Kelehua helping Ashley outline her carving.
Ashley told Kaui, "Today is my happy day."

James helping Disney

Zoe and Ashley

Kenner (Luke in background) :)

Disney with finished product (Josh behind pumpkin)

BAPTISM OF EILEEN ELLIS

Elder and Sister Treasure, Eileen's son and granddaughter, Eileen, Elder's Ashby and Mayo

Practicing

When the chorister for the baptism did not show up, the bishop asked Robyn to fill in. After she said, "Yes", he thought to ask her if she had any experience leading music, to which she replied, "Never." 

Robyn is always up for something new. She did a great job considering that this was her first time. This mission has definitely stretched us both. We are grateful for the many opportunities that the Lord gives us to grow and serve.

                                             TRUNK OR TREAT - KAW RIVER 

Open wide and say ahhhh.

Etinosa Amayo

Sloppy Joes

Sofia Almaraz

Silvan family

Maureen Holguin