Sunday, March 28, 2021

Traces of Time . . . March 29, 2021 to April 4, 2021

 TRACES OF TIME...                           {For last week: Scroll to end and click "Older Posts" at bottom right.} 

This week

                                              march 29 to                      april 4, 2021

to

Carry over from last week:
sunday, march 28, 2021
Because the formatting on my blog program went weird on me and wouldn't let me type in anymore after Thursday, March 25, I am at least going to put last Sunday in this week's blog.

Saratoga Springs Utah Stake 28 March 2021

Stake Presidency

President Jordan Erickson

President Dayne Petersen, First Counselor

President Ryan Woodbury, Second Counselor

It's always exciting to get a new Stake Presidency or new bishopric. Sounds like Pres. Erickson had recently been released as a Bishop, and that Pres. Petersen had been one of his counselors in the Bishopric. I don't know if Pres. Woodbury was also?

Elder Craig C. Christensen, of the Seventy, who presided was a mission president in the Mexico City East Mission at the same time Walt was a mission president of the Mexico Merida Mission July 1995 to July 1998. Since both were in the Mexico South Area, we had several mission pres seminars with them. He and his wife Debbie are very outstanding.
Elder Clark Gilbert, an Area Seventy [was made a Seventy at General Conference], accompanied Elder Christensen today.  He had been president of BYU-Idaho, where Janie & Shawn got to know him well and loved him and his family.

What great talks and testimonies were shared today. And now we look forward to being uplifted and inspired also next Sat and Sun at the April General Conference.                                        monday, march 29 
Family is everything...
Today ...I didn't get a photo yesterday.
'

  "Wind Advisories" for high winds,
and it was chilly.
I got a great e-mail from my missionary grandson,
telling how he has just arrived back in Brazil.
Elder Carter Petersen is the son of
Steve & Natalie.

I'm Back!

Just like that I'm Back in Brazil! After 4 flights and just over 30 hours of travel I made it back to Brazil! Out of my 4 flights I think the 10 hour tonight from Atlanta to São Paulo was my favorite haha. My seat was supposed to be by a guy name Josiah who is from São Paulo. When we started talking i assumed he only spoke Portuguese and then he was asking where I was from and I told him I was an American and then he was like oh I speak English if that’s easier for you I think he could tell I was struggling with Portuguese. His parents are from America and he's been studying in New Jersey. So he was fluent in Portuguese and English. We got talking and of course me being dressed in church clothes and a black tag he knew I was a "Mormon". I got him talking and come to find out he is a Baptist but only claims to be a Baptist because that's the religion he was born in and agrees with some of their beliefs. He was definitely searching for something and was super interested in what we believe. I had a super special experience and started teaching him the restoration because like it says in, Preach My Gospel it is our unique message to the world. I was able to recite the first vision in Portuguese from memory thanks to my trainer about a year ago when he helped me memorize it. The spirit was strong and then I invited him to check out the Book of Mormon and explained how much that book has changed my life.

Before our flight took off they moved us to different seats and I had 4 seats to myself so I slept like a baby!

 The work is popping off here in Brazil which I wouldn't expect anything less! We're more or less in quarantine right now though which kinda sucks not gonna lie but we can leave to buy food and make some street contacts for about an hour every day.

We had 3 lessons my first day I got here and although I didn't teach a whole ton when I taught I knew the gift of tongues was working! I was saying things I didn't know I knew how to say! if that makes sense. When we're in a lesson is when I can understand and speak my language the best which isn't a coincidence. Other than that I can't understand a whole lot but it's getting better a little bit each day.

 Companion #10: My new companion is Elder Boaventura from São Paulo. He's been serving for about 11 months here in the Salvador South mission but his original call was to Tijuana Mexico! This guy has a lot of patience with me and my broken Portuguese and has been helping me learn a lot! 

Elder Boaventura also started his mission in Poções my first area here in Brazil it's good to know I'm not the only one with not so fond memories of that place. 

Park city: My new area is called Parque da Cidade, (Park of the City) or in other words Park City!! It definitely ain't no Utah Park City but it is a cool area. I can see the ocean from our window which is pretty cool except there's a rule in our mission you have to stay one street away from the beach. I was asking my companion why and he said "Tem muito mulheres sem roupas..." (there is a lot of women without clothes).  So that's good we don’t go there.

 Word of the week: Barata-Cockroach. I think you can imagine why I learned this word this week! We opened the fridge and like 3 cockroaches scurried out--gotta love it!

I guess our apartment has been vacant for a little bit so we have quite a few little friends crawling around. I can't even imagine what it was like in apartment in Poções when they finally went back. 

 I would be lying if I said I was loving everything about being back in Brazil! The adjustment has been pretty hard so far going from mostly knowing what I was doing, feeling pretty confident to not being able to communicate 100% or being able to express exactly what I want to say. Going from Idaho weather to Brazil weather has been tough, too!

Caramba it's humid here especially being right by the ocean. The transition may be difficult but I know God has a plan for each of us and I wouldn't be back here if that weren't true.

 Yesterday we were watching a video on Facebook and I don't know who it was all I know is it was a Brazilian talking about missions. Surprisingly I could understand what he was saying which was definitely a gift of the spirit, interpretation of tongues. It was something I needed to hear. 

In the video he was saying you're going to experience difficulties in your mission. He was saying we might ask why do we have to go through some of the things we do? Why does it have to be so hard? He said It's going to be hard but this is to strengthen your faith. It's to make you a strong person for the rest of your life. Make you a strong father/mother, a strong spouse. The things you learn on your mission are irreplaceable. This hit pretty hard for me. I was pretty comfortable serving in Pocatello.

Not that it was easy in all aspects but it was pretty easy. Now being here I look at that time and think maybe I was getting too complacent with everything. Maybe the Lord knew I needed to be a stretched a little bit more the last 6 months of my mission. 

I am grateful for this opportunity to finish my mission here I truly am but I'm also not going to lie and say everything is sunshine and rainbows here though there is quite a bit of sun;) .

I know we're here on earth to be tested and tried and to become the personHeavenly Father knows we can become. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how simple it is. Yet, if we follow it we truly find pure joy.

Amo vocês tchauuuu                                                                                                Elder Petersen

My reply back to Carter: Mar 29, 2021 6:30 p.m.

 Elder Petersen,                                                                                                                            I prayed for you during your flight time and am happy to hear you have arrived safely back in your Brazil Salvador South Mission.  It was also good to know that you were able to get some sleep on that long over-night flight to Brazil.

 When we landed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in Oct 2008 after a long over-night flight, Grampa said: "I don't think I can do that again. We may have to take a ship home."

But he had to fly it 3 more times during our mission there to accompany sick missionaries home. And then we did fly back home in Mar 2010.

Carter, I don't remember if I've told you what we would say to our missionaries often: "You've heard that we are a "chosen people," to which I would add: "We are a 'chosen people.' Chosen to work!"

 I know you are working hard on your mission and will have a great six months more of success now as you serve during your time you have now back in Brazil.

 I love you! Grampa Petersen loves you from heaven!  All your family and friends love you!   And, most of all, Heavenly Father and The Savior love you!

Please feel all the love and prayers for you!~

He is Risen, as He said!    And because He has, we all have the hope of being Resurrected!   And you are teaching that marvelous message.                        Happy Easter.                                                                                                            Love,   Grama Petersen                                                                                 tuesDAY, MARCH 30 

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING...
Today

wednESDAY, MARCH 31 
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING...
Today we went to Zupa's in American Fork
for the Ladies' Lunch.
Linda, Kathie
Linda, Sharon, Sue
We are all so happy to have
Sharon back with us after
her stroke a few weeks ago.
Judy, Eileen
Clockwise: Eileen, Linda, Sharon,
Sue, Linda, Kathie.
Judy had to leave a little early.
Linda, Linda, Kathie, Eileen
Sharon, Sue, Linda, 
Kathie, Linda, Eileen.
Judy had also been with us.
So seven could come today.
                            *** *** *** *** *** *** *** 
Wed night movie...from 1956...                                                                    
We watched the first half...

Pharaoh

Monarchical

Description

Description

Pharaoh is the common title now used for the monarchs of ancient Egypt from the First     Dynasty until the annexation of Egypt by the Roman Empire in 30 BCE, although the term "pharaoh" was not used ... Wikipedia

Love Cecil B. DeMille introducing his movie. He was age 75 and died three years later.
Charlton Heston, age 33, is "Moses." His 5-month old son, Fraser, was the "baby Moses" who was put in the basket on the Nile, discovered by the daughter of the Pharaoh. Yul Brynner, who was born in Russia. He was age 36, and was         Rameses II, the young Pharaoh.
                                                      thurSDAY, April 1 
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING...
I am riding today with Steve & Natalie, and Gary
to Rexburg, Idaho, where my granddaughter,
Ashley Fisher is marrying her wonderful fiancé
Isaac Larsen, tomorrow.
The photo is of us four the next day.

Gary, Janie, Steve...
Janie, mother of the bride, 
with two of her four brothers.
Here's some of Ashley at her bridal shower.

We got there near the end of the shower.   Here's Julie 'n John and their family with Ashley.


friDAY, APRIL 2 
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING...
Today
Ashley and Isaac's wedding
"Mr. & Mrs. larsen"
Wedding
Fisher Family
Wedding Party
Wedding...the girls.
Uncles and Aunts...
Steve and Natalie, Julie and John, Gary
With Ashley's Grama Petersen...
Ashley's 5 y-o niece, Taitum...
Ashley with her mother, Janie...
Janie with her sister Julie,
and Julie's husband, John.
Janie with Gary and Steve, the two of her four brothers who were able to come.
Wedding Luncheon...

Wedding Luncheon...questions for
the newlyweds...
Wedding Luncheon...
Cutting the cake...
Flash back 59 years...
My favorite photo at our wedding reception...
Back to Ashley and Isaac's Wedding...
Father of the bride dancing
with his daughter.
Wedding "...so in love with you am I" 
My other wedding photos won't open up....sigh! I'll keep trying.
We headed back to Utah at 3:00, and arrived in Saratoga Springs at 6:30 that evening, going to Denny's for supper.
Steve and Gary tried to win a prize. Gary got a
little plastic crab.
Good
Good food...
saturDAY, APRIL 3 
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING...
Today just taking it easy...


sunDAY, APRIL 4 
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING...
easter

Here's our fun Easter Dinner at Steve and Natalie's home...Ham 'n Turkey and lots of good food: Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Monkey Bread and Julie's home-made freezer strawberry jam, Deviled Eggs, and for dessert: Strawberry Shortcake and/or Tuxedo Chocolate Cake from Costco.  Thanks, Steve, Natalie, Julie, Gary for all the delicious food. Oh, and Gary had a taste test of 3 different kinds of blueberries. Which one won...the Chile, Mexico or...can't remember the third one?

 I just brought a dozen Deviled Eggs.

Seth 'n Sarah, my twin grandchildren, shared with us all about their first year at BYU. They start finals in two weeks. Seth starts his at-home MTC on June 16 in Rochester, Minnesota, learning Portugese He leaves in August for his Brazil _______ Mission.                                                                                         Sarah starts her at-home MTC on July 6 learning Spanish, and leaves in August for her Argentina Buenos Aires Mission.

Back inside for group photo...
Jackson, Gary, Grama, Seth, Jacee, Maddie, Sarah,
                            Natalie, Steve, and Julie counted that as being in the photo.
Egg roll tourney... Steve 'n Riggy

Jackson 'n Maddie... roll their egg at the other one's egg. The one's egg who doesn't crack wins that round. 

Jacee 'n Seth...
Sarah 'n Seth...
Counter clockwise from Sarah, Seth, Gary, Maddie, Jacee, Riggy, Jackson, Steve. 
Riggy was over-all Champion and I don't have a good photo of him and his "magic egg" that just wouldn't crack~!
Two of our 39 grandchildren whom I love so much!
I wished Seth and Sarah good luck on their finals. I told them it has been 60 years exactlty since my last BYU finals and I still remember how traumatic they were!
general  conference

TEMPLES ANNOUNCED – 2021 April 4, 2021 Easter Sunday … Among the 20 is the

Burley Idaho Temple – 2021 Apr

[takes about 3 yrs to build = approx 2024 Apr]

“We want to bring the house of the Lord even closer to our members, that they may have the sacred privilege of attending the temple as often as their circumstances allow,” President Nelson said.

The 20 new temples will be built in the following locations: Today this is how I heard it:

  • Oslo, Norway
  • Brussels, Belgium
  • Vienna, Austria
  • Kumasi, Ghana
  • Beira, Mozambique
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Singapore, Republic of Singapore
  • Belo Horizonte, Brazil
  • Cali, Colombia
  • Querétaro, México
  • Torreón, México
  • Helena, Montana
  • Casper, Wyoming
  • Grand Junction, Colorado
  • Farmington, New Mexico
  • Burley, Idaho
  • Eugene, Oregon
  • Elko, Nevada
  • Yorba Linda, California
            • Smithfield, Utah
            • It is like a miracle that Burley, Idaho is going to have a temple within three years!
            • General Conference has been inspirational and uplifting to be instructed and counseled by the Anointed Brethren of the Lord: The First Presidency, The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Seventy, and the General Presidencies. They testify of God, the Eternal Father, of His Beloved Son and of His Atonement for each one of us, that He died on the Cross for us, then in three days was the First Fruits of the Resurrection. Because He has risen as He said, we have all been given the gift to be Resurrected, too! What hope this gives us in this life. There is life to come! I bear my witness to this, also.

*** *** *** I am so thankful for The Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of  Jesus Christ that makes this Great Plan operational.

At the end of this April 4th,
I pray you have had a
restful , peaceful, and spiritual
Sabbath Day...
I share these truths as my testimony to you...
Heavenly Father lives and knows us each by name. He loves us and wants us to return to Him and Heavenly Mother when we leave this mortal existence.  He loves us just as we are at this very moment.
*** *** ***
Jesus Christ came to earth as The Only Begotten of the Father and fulfilled the Atonement. He is the Redeemer of all. 
*** *** ***
Joseph Smith was foreordained to be the Prophet of the Restoration.  He is the Restorer of all things.
*** *** ***
President Russell M. Nelson is the Living Prophet today for all the world. 
*** *** ***
The Bible is "the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly" and is a Testament of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.
*** *** ***
The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most correct book of any book on earth.
*** *** ***
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the True Church on the earth today.  
*** *** ***
Of these truths I testify in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Eileen Petersen
April 4, 2021
There is going to be a Burley Idaho Temple!

 


 


 

 

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