12 September 2010
We are so grateful that Susan was able to come with Jill. She was so much help to Jill on the trip with the kids. Jill was so determined, I know that she could have make it on her own, but this sure made it a lot easier for; not to mention the fact that it relieved my worrying mind.
Jackson especially took up with her. He would go over and climb up on her lap and give her a big hug. Such a cute little guy.
Monday was a holiday so the Center was closed so we were all able to go out to Fort Worth, and see the longhorn cattle drive, see the Botonical Gardens and a visit out to the Morell’s. Susan played the organ and harpsichord and talked music talk with Charlie.
We are sorry to hear that Brian has broken his hand. I know he could have used Jill’s help during this time but …………….. We pray for him often that he will heal quickly.
There has been a lot of rain this past week as Hurricane Hermina moved up through Texas. I’ve found out more about Hurricanes than I knew there was to know. This hurricane has moved more to the West so the center of the storm has been to the west of Dallas. Then they move towards the East. If you are on the East side of the storm there is more rain – which we were. On the West side there is more of a possibility of tornadoes. So first we got the heavy rains, then we got the tornadoes. We were never threatened by the tornadoes in our immediate area but there were several that touched down fairly close by. Close enough for me!!!
The Center is always affected by the weather so we have haven’t had quite so many people coming in – therefore I have been able to leave several times in the afternoon and spend time with Jill and the kids. Jack and the others have been more than gracious to let me go and be willing to help cover the work load.
19 September 2010
I attempted to get a letter written last week but as you can see I didn’t get very far. You forget how much energy and time these little ones take.
Brian arrived last Thursday night – we are so glad that he was able to come, even though it was a very brief visit. Friday we showed him a quick preview of downtown Dallas. Then we went to the Dallas Zoo. It was a lot of fun! It has been a little cooler, 95, even though the humidity is still quite high most days 75 – 85%. Both Isaac and Jackson were very excited about all of the animals. After an afternoon rest we went for a swim in the pool here at the apartment then out to dinner. We had a great day.
Saturday morning they had to pack up and leave first thing. We are so grateful they were able to come and visit. Isaac and Jackson have really grown since we saw them last and little Anna Isabel is so precious. We appreciate the sacrifice it was to make the trip. Grateful to Brian for being willing to share his family with us.
We found many great parks with very fun slides, swings etc. They really have some nice ones in the area. We were also able to go over to Charlie’s one evening and Jill, Charlie and I were able to play some music together on violin, harpsichord and recorder. Very fun. The Morell’s were very kind about letting the kids play and do what little ones do. Near the end the baby was crying and the others kids were getting restless but Charlie said, ‘Oh let’s do one more.’ So we did. Jack survived very well also. They had a little toy piano that Isaac found in the toy box. He came and sat between Jill and I and played with us and turned his ‘pages’ the entire time. It didn’t make sound so it wasn’t disruptive at all.
Thursday I took our regular p-day off but Jack worked that day. Then Jack took Friday off so he could be available on Friday when Brian got here. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to take Friday off or not. But as it turned out the Error’s who usually come in on Thursday called and said they couldn’t come in on Thursday but would be on Friday – so it all worked out.
The MacPhearson’s are also back in town. They come in on Wednesday /Thursday. They spent the summer visiting their 8 children in different parts of the country. It was good to see them again, they are great people.
We have seen many people, but the ones that stand out is the one man that came in and was so discouraged. He is trying to keep faith and hope alive but is beginning to doubt if he will every find a job. I reassured him over and over that there is a job out there for him, he just has to deep looking and working towards finding it. I of course couldn’t tell him ‘when’ he would find it – but there IS a job out there for him. He was grateful for the encouragement and is trying to keep pressing forward.
We have a company signed on that has medical jobs so I’ve been able to contact the 3 doctors and 1 medical administrator that I’ve worked with and let them know how to access these jobs and keep an eye on them.
One of these doctors I was visiting with on the phone a couple of weeks ago. He didn’t really expect that we would have many jobs posted for pediatric anesthesiologists but I told him you just never know. Sometimes when I talk to someone that I think I’ve never heard of a job posting for that and then a few days later I will.
After I hung up I was telling Will Bosewetter about the experience and he said that he had just talked to an employer in the medical field. The employer doubted that we would really be working with people with the skill level that he needed. So in the end we were able to connect the two and they can be a resource and network with each other.
There is a change in the works with our sister missionaries. They have been reassigned to an Employment Center in West Valley, Utah. They have a need there for additional missionaries and Sister Wolfley has a home near there. This will make it easier for her financially and they will be a great help to the Center there. I have enjoyed going out to the different colleges and universities with Sister Groch and will miss her. We expect for them to be replaced here with new missionaries (in the Senior kind of way) but it will probably be several months at best before new calls can be issued and go through the whole process.
This will mean a juggling of assignments again so we’ll see how the pieces fall. The interview process has begun for the Developmental Specialist and so we expect a new person to come on board for that in the next couple of weeks. There will be a great shift in space as far as offices and work space. Always changes to keep you on your toes.
This will also mean some changes in our Spanish Branch piano classes. I’ve spoken with the Branch President and he would like me to continue with the lessons. He feels it is a great blessing to the members. I requested the name of the Branch music chairman to be a contact person in the Branch to work with, he thought that would be a good idea - and fortunately he speaks good English.
Last Sunday at the Stake Cantata Choir practice I met Timmy McCauley’s wife, Alise. She also sings alto. She seems to be a very nice, beautiful girl.
The missionaries in the Center become as family to each other as we are away from home. We rejoice with each other at the happy times and feel sadness when difficult times happen. Several gave gifts to Anna, the Phelps gave her a little dress and even brought some little cars for the boys. Sister Lyle crocheted a pretty yellow blanket for her. So thoughtful and kind of them.
One missionary is dealing with the sickness of a 92 year old mother-in-law who is not doing well, another has a son living in Cambodia who is discouraged and has only limited contact with family. So we listen to, pray for and try to support one another in the ups and downs of life.
Today we have been asked to speak by Bishop Bott in the Euless Ward. Their meetings don’t start until 1:00 so that has given me time to do some journaling this morning. Our topic is ‘Self-Reliance’. Sister Lyle will also share the time with us. The difficult part has been trying to decide what to say in only 10 to 12 minutes each. But we pray for the spirit to be with us to say those things that are needful and most important.
We are grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord full time. We appreciate your continued love, support and prayers. May the Lord bless us all and sustain us in our righteous paths.
With our Love,
Grandpa & Grandma Nelson, Dad & Mom, Jack & Gaye
Elder & Sister Nelson
Lots of great (indoor air conditioned) exhibits to visit
Art and photographs
The Cotton bowl with Non stop high school games
Plenty of great music(has to have "Texas" in the lyrics)
A view from the top of the Farris Wheel the Texas Star
Some famous fair folks
There is the Texas Star from the Freeway
