Sheltons in the Sun: May 2015

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Pieces of the Puzzel Blog #13

Pieces of the puzzel Blog #13

When we began our mission I decided to do a blog for three reasons: to keep in touch with those we love who might want to know what we are doing; to help me journal as we go; and, to up us keep up on technology (what do I know about these things???—One of my daughters-in-law told me I can even print the blog into a book at the end. Hmmmm) I thought every two weeks would be a reasonable amount of time to update this fabulous adventure that we are experiencing. Well, the weeks fly by. We have a variety of things to do, but it is not like we don’t have any time. It is more like, when we have time we have no energy. Most insights, that seem fabulous at the time, don’t get written down. Then, when we try to retrieve them from our thoughts, who knows where they’ve gone? (Of all the things I miss as I age, I miss my mind the most.)

We had an enriching zone conference last week. Monday and Tuesday Elder Bruce A. Carlson from the quorum of the seventies, visited us for zone conference. Instead of nine different sessions, we had two day-long sessions (one for the east side and one for the west side,) Mike and I attended both sessions and it was wonderful. They were long days, but very uplifting. The topic was how to become a consecrated missionary. We had much interaction and it was a very spiritual day. Elder Carlson told the missionaries the same concept that Mike and I have discussed many times: that the mission is really for the missionaries. It is so amazing to watch these elders and sisters think, talk, process, and teach. This Lord’s university is building the leaders of the next generation. The Lord uses these young people to not only bring many unto Him, but to solidify their own testimonies in the process. It is so wonderful.

We have experienced many little miracles this past month. As I thought about the mission and all of the facets that are involved in moving forward, I could see that each transfer we are putting together a huge puzzle. And, as long as the first and the last pieces are the Savior, all of the other pieces will fit together.

Our last transfer was amazing. I’ve mentioned before that the missions are downsizing because of 11 new missions opening in the world, plus the influx of 18-year olds gave us a huge boost for a couple years. Now we are involved in closing apartments to adjust to the number of missionaries coming here. We were also asked to find two new apartments that could accommodate four missionaries – and we had one week to do it. Both apartment complexes, in totally different areas, were full . . . but, then we got individual calls from the managers stating that an apartment had opened because the future renter had a change of plans, and the apartment would be available for us on Tuesday, transfer day. What an event transfer day was. We have so many missionaries coming and going (meeting their new companions), changing keys, cars, phones, moving luggage, getting flight plans, planning the agenda, etc. It is truly a puzzle. We didn’t’ get all the keys we needed for our moves, but we knew it would work out. We also put up a table to honor our Golden Plunger zone winners. They could have a neck tie or candy bar. It was pretty fun. Zone meeting is always wonderful because the departing missionaries share their testimonies. It is such an incredible and uplifting experience. What great young men and young women. It is amazing that so much has to take place in such a short time, and by the evening, everyone is in their new place, with their new companion, phone, and luggage, and the work moves forward.

The other event that complicated this month was that I got the shingles. Now, when my nerves in my leg started acting up on the Monday before transfers, I knew it couldn’t be shingles because I had had the immunization. My concern was that I might have an infection in my artificial knee. The mission nurse thought it was a pinched nerve. Then I broke out with the blisters on Wednesday and was certain it was infection. Friday we took the departing missionaries to the LA Temple, and when we got back home I decided I could either cut my leg off, or go to Urgent care. The doctor said it was shingles and put me on an aggressive treatment plan. Mike and Elder Moon gave me a blessing, and I actually was able to continue to work as we opened two and closed five apartments. It has now been five weeks and I still have nerve issues, but I’m a bit better every day, and the work goes on. Thanks to all of you who offered prayers in my behalf. I truly felt the added help. The doctor told me I’m a bit impatient (???) and I should have received treatment sooner. So, I can survive this for a few more weeks . . .

Another great part of this mission for me is seeing how my companion handles the business world. He is great. And he is a sharp businessman. We’ve learned many wonderful things about each other that we couldn’t have experienced if we hadn’t been working together. We love being a team. He does, however wish he still had his youthful body as he moves the fridges and other items he is lifting, – but we both greatly appreciate the help from the young missionaries, and we love getting to know them.

Once again, we are so grateful for you, our family and friends. We are grateful for the love and support you give us, and we are so grateful for the Lord’s love and assistance. We hope all is well with you.

Usually and emotional day

Sis. & Pres. WIlson, Elder Carlson

Our assistants to the President

Zone Conference Elders

Zone Conference Sisters

Departing Elders Temple Trip

Another moving day

Saturday, May 9, 2015

                                                         Jean Marie Decker Catmull

May 9, 2015
Blog #12   . . . A Mother’s Influence

This past month I’ve had in my mind the need to write about and share the incredible workings of this past transfer time. However, as I sit down to write, all I am thinking about is my mother and the other amazing mothers who have had such influence on how I view the world. I love serving this mission with my wonderful companion, but I haven’t yet adjusted to the lack of opportunity to see my children on a regular basis.

At an early age I knew that my mom thought her children were the best ever. I know we drove her crazy many times, but she lived for us. Mother had serious health issues her whole life, but they never stopped her from grasping every opportunity to try new adventures (she even tried water skiing for the first time after she’d had a radical mastectomy.) To manage her own health, she insisted we help in all areas in our home. Mom taught us to work. I learned to deep clean the house as early as I can remember. She worked as a school secretary, and she would have us come for days in the summer to help distribute text books, etc. to the classrooms. Our prize for helping was some of the unclaimed lost and found items. And she didn't like to cook, so she would bribe me to fix dinner by typing my school paper or helping me with a project. After we had already gone through six teachers who couldn’t handle our 13-year old beehive class, Mom was the only person in the whole ward who agreed to teach us in mutual.   We didn’t have much money, so I was elected to do mom’s hair most weeks for years. I learned to do many things because she asked.

Luckily for me, I was hired to teach in her school, Salt Lake High School, which put our relationship on a whole new level. Mom was certain that I could help those teen mothers who were struggling to stay in school and thrive. We laughed together, cried together, and ate lunch out every day for three years. She always had more faith in me than I did, and she was convinced that I could do anything. Through my many millions of mistakes, she still believed in me. . . she still cheered me on. And when she retired we still met weekly for lunch. Her last concern before she died was that she didn’t know who would take care of me. Mother taught me to love deeply and to take the time to see the best in others.

My dad’s mom, from Idaho, lived with us for several years. Grandma Catmull had fourteen children and had been through much hardship. She wanted independence, so daddy built her her own apartment in two of our homes. We spent hours talking, and she loved to quilt. She made great bread pudding. Ed I were first on the scene when we got a knock on the door and told that grandma had been hit and killed as she got off the bus after work. She has always stayed with me; she taught me the principle of endurance without losing faith.

Mom’s mom, from West Virginia, lived with us for about three years. Grandma Decker didn’t want the apartment, she liked being in the middle of things. She was a classy lady and loved beauty and charm. We would go out to lunch each week and she would share the memories of her earlier life. She taught me to see beauty all around.

Leah, my mother-in-law, was one of the most influential people in my life. She was always serving others. Anything she had, she would share. She taught me that people were always more important than things. And Merilyn, my new mother-in-law, (who feels like a sister) has shown me a perfect love as she nursed her husband, who dealt with poor health, for years. She loved unconditionally and without complaint.

These wonderful women have and continue to influence me in so many ways. If only I can be like them. I heard this described in a movie once, they’ve “become the voice in my head” as I strive to serve as I believe the Lord wants me to.

So, now I’m here with 200 young missionaries who miss their moms. I’ve watched them battle the homesickness as they serve with all their hearts, not only to please the Lord, but also to to make their mothers proud. They can’t wait ‘til tomorrow so they can talk to them. It is a gift to have the opportunity to serve with such outstanding missionaries. Each of my children had those wonderful people in their mission field who looked out for them and loved them; and now I hope Mike and I can return that favor by looking out for and loving someone else’s children. What a blessing they are in our lives.

I’m grateful for each of you and the influence you’ve had on me and on my family. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you who serve others. The relationship doesn’t have to be blood line, but rather love from the heart. We must “go and do likewise.”