June 20th 2010

Happy Father’s Day !!!!!!
What a great blessing to have such wonderful father’s in our life. We have two wonderful fathers, three wonderful sons who are great fathers to our grandchildren, 9 wonderful brothers who are wonderful examples and have great’ father hearts’ to all of us. Last and not least, the wonderful father to my children. What a wonderful blessing you are to us all!!!! I pray that you have a wonderful year.

We have had a blessed week. (That is a term you hear here in Texas a fair amount, upon parting someone’s company they will say, ‘Have a blessed day.’ Kinda nice.) I will go in order and not jump to the middle before we cover the beginning, however.
Last weekend the Phelp’s had some of their family here so we covered for them a bit. Monday is the Sr Sister’s P-day, also Donna T day off. We had Sister Lyle at the front desk, she is such a blessing to us all, keeps things running smoothly up front, answering phones, greeting people etc. Julie P was there but basically Jack & I had the ‘floor’ to ourselves. We had 21 people come in that day – that is a lot for one day by any standards, especially if only two of you are handling it. There was one time in the afternoon when each of us were working with 3 people all at once. But it worked good and we got everything taken care of. Those days sure go by fast.
Each morning we start the day with a spiritual thought, prayer and training as needed. We usually tell people that we open the doors at 8:00, they are welcome to come then but we are ready to start helping them by 8:30. Some people will come in early and work on the computer or they are can join with us. (If someone is needing help during that time one of us will go over and help as needed.) Tuesday morning a lady came in for the Resume Workshop but got there early. She wanted to work on a computer for a while before the workshop. She was busy so we didn’t bother her about coming to join us for the morning devotional.
Afterward Sister Groch’s thought and prayer and we broke up she asked if I could come over, she had a question. She told me that she was very touched by the thought and especially the prayer. She thought it would be such a great thing if all businesses started their day like that – indeed it would! We visited a few minutes and then she asked if we had any information about our church that I could share with her. I gathered up a Book of Mormon and a few other items and gave them to her. She was very appreciative. Of course I told her to let us know if she wanted for information or had any questions. It was a very sweet experience.
As we get to know more people we can pair them up with each other at times to share information. I met with a lady who is interested in working at the Denton Rehabilitative Services and wanted to learn more about it. Bro./Doctor Hanks has recently worked there so I was able to call and get information from him that she needed – the whole networking idea becomes so important, each one helping the other. Some have difficulty catching the vision but most are more than willing to meet and help another one. Therefore the weekly Networking mtgs that are held in Stakes and one sponsored by the Center are a great thing.
Jack visited with a man who is going to be helping at the Center as a service missionary. He is a businessman and he and Jack will go out to many of the businesses to talk to them about signing on their companies with us. Turns out that he and his wife served a mission in Panaca, NV. A few years ago. They took their travel trailer and stayed at the trailer park where we stayed for our Whitney Reunion a couple of years ago. The guy was pretty impressed that Jack knew the owner Chad Young, a friend from college days.
And then things got really good. The Phelps’ got their family to the airport and we left to meet Dustin, Lauren and kids. We traveled up to Decatur and met them there. We hugged and visited, had some lunch, then Allie and Estefan got in with us and we drove on into Carrollton. It was so good to see them and have them around for a couple of days. We visited the Dallas Zoo, my it was hot. It was about 95 degrees, the same as in Logandale that day but in Logandale the humidity was 7%, in Dallas it was 79%. I guess that is the first time we’ve really spent a day out in it. There was not much shade there so we were really feeling it. However it did not dampen our spirits and we enjoyed the day and each other.
The next day we visited the Employment Center and took them on a tour of the Bishop’s Storehouse, warehouse, grainery etc. After lunch at the apartment we went out to Forth Worth and visited the Stock Yards. We had a lot of fun, it was a bit overcast and there was more shade. We could also go inside a store and cool off a bit. Afterwards we went out for some yummy pizza.
On our off times we went swimming at the swimming pool at the apartment building. We had a lot of fun with the kids doing this. A great place to cool off and work off any extra energy.
The next morning we visited, swam, had lunch and then it was time for them to head back to Nevada. The time went by so fast but what a treat to have them come and visit for a few days. They have now experienced the fun of finding your way around as you ‘exit right while keeping left and going North on I-35 East.’
I guess it’s alright to say this, but we were so excited about their announcement of a new baby on the way. Expected arrival is in January. Another super great blessing! I can’t believe we will miss the birth of 2 grandbabies while we are gone but we so grateful that these little ones are coming to our family.
Our love and prayers are with Jill as she prepares to deliver their new little baby girl this Thursday. I was very tempted to stow away with Dustin and family, then fly back in a week or so….but I’m still here in Texas. I know that they will be watched over.
Jack went back to the Center and finished out the last 3 hours of the day at the Center. I stayed and cleaned up and enjoyed the sweet thoughts of having the family here.. . I wasn’t quite ready to break the spell and get back to our new reality.
Saturday we were both back at the Center doing our missionary work and loving it too.
We heard from Dustin this afternoon, he reported that they made it home safe and sound.
I was asked to play the piano for Relief Society today, they may need this for a few weeks since they don’t have anyone called right now and don’t have anyone in mind that is available right now. It is nice to be able to help out and do something in the Ward, I’m more than happy to do it.
The Morells invited us over for dinner for Father’s Day. They had two of their three children and their families getting together. It was so nice to spend the afternoon with a family. Charlie and I played a Telemann Sonata for them that we have been playing together for a little while. Carla is such a gracious host and always fixes a delicious meal.
Afterwards we stopped by and visited Jim Dahl and his wife. She had broken some bones and has had to use a wheelchair and walker for several months now while it heals. Elder Dahl is a retired attorney and comes in on Mondays to help candidates with legal issues that they might be having. Gives many advice who are starting up self-employment/small businesses.
We have a wonderful group of people that we are serving with. Such a blessing to be serving here in Texas.
We just read the latest unemployment reports. Texas has added jobs in the last month, their/our unemployment rate is the lowest in the country right now. On the other hand --- Nevada has moved to the #1 spot in unemployment at 14%. Not good, I feel bad for the situations in Nevada and hope that it will turn around soon. I know that is affecting so many of our friends and family.
Well, with that happy thought,…..I guess it’s time to say goodbye for another week. We love you all so much. We are grateful for this time to be in the full time service of the Lord. May he bless and keep each of you in his safe keeping.
Our Love,
Grandpa & Grandma, Mom & Dad,
Jack & Gaye
Elder & Sister Nelson
Jack n Gaye