A Little About Plano, TX

Thought it would be fun to share some of the interesting things I've found here in Plano.  It seems like the main streets were all put in, and then the town was established.  Marjean says it has been a long time coming.  I'm sure it was a bit easier than the streets in Seattle.   Everything here is flat so there's no big trees or mountains to move!  All of the main streets in the city are six lanes wide with a big divider in the center.  There is generally about one mile between them, however, there are some that are closer.  They crisscross through the city.

Almost all the freeways have three lane express roads that run one way along both sides. They are the access roads to get on the freeway as well as city streets with lights like I just described. Just imagine an eight lane freeway with three more lanes on each side!

There are very few gas stations on the corners!  Almost all the corners have BIG churches.  Some are larger than the Seattle Temple.  I've been curious to look inside them, and may venture that way when I get a little more confidence!  There are 3-4 huge water towers in each city that have the city name on them.  With no mountains for direction the towers help because it feels like large cities just run into large cities.  Marjean says there is a tornado drill about once a month.  We haven't had one yet, but she says we'll definitely know when it happens.  She has only had to take cover once in all the years she's lived here, but she says the winds feel and sound like a train is on top of you.  That's one experience I hope I don't have while I'm here!

The wind blows here all the time! So much for good hair days!  The weather has been really changeable since.  One day it's 45-50 degrees and the next it's 80.  The humidity really makes it feel cold when it's below 70.  The natives wear light jackets when it's 80, while we are panting from the heat.  I asked someone if it was going to stay this changeable all year and they assured me that when we get to the hot months, it will be hot all the time!  It's customary for me to want to hibernate in the winter time, but I have a feeling this summer I will be wanting to do that in an "air conditioned" house!

There are lots of beautiful big oak trees, and consequently lots of acorns.  They are all over the ground and have lots of squirrels to gather them up.  Spring is bringing beautiful blooms on various trees and pretty colors everywhere.  Marjean doesn't like to garden so she told me I could dig and plant all I want.  This past week I planted petunia's in a garden in the front yard with a large hanging basket in the center.  Sister Campbell got hanging baskets to put several places in the back yard.  We are having fun doing what we can to thank her for letting us stay.

Texans must really like donuts, there's a donut shop on about every other block!  Also, lots of restaurants.  They are lined up all along the city streets!  However, coffee must not be as important to them as it is in Seattle!  No little coffee stands anywhere, and I've only seen a few Starbucks.  There are lots of Walmart's.  Some of them are just grocery stores and others are the large ones. Many of the corners have fairly big shopping centers on them.  One of our friends in the ward said, "You can get anything you want by going just around the corner".  That is really true!

The homes appear to be built on a slab foundation.  They seem so low to the ground!  I wondered how they keep from getting water in when it rains.  There are big drainage places by the curbs in the streets.  Marjean says she's never had a problem.  The homes are built with the garage in the back.  They have an alleyway behind the homes to access them.  I have really enjoyed some of the streets we've been on when visiting people.  The older homes have beautiful big trees that create an arch over the street.  It is so pretty!  I will post a picture when everything greens up a bit more.  I'm sure they are appreciated when the summer heat hits. There's lots of brick used to build the homes.  Older homes don't look old because of the brick. This is a fairly affluent area.  There are many beautiful and big homes and several large companies here. 

One of the major magazines reported, a few months ago, that Plano is one of the safest cities in the U.S, and also one of the best managed.  I can believe that.  I have never felt concerned or fearful here.  There seems to be a pretty good mixture of races.  I see quite a few Blacks, Hispanic, and Chinese. We have a Chinese ward that meets in our building, and we've had several missionary's ask if we speak Spanish. 

Last weekend we went to a swap meet with Marjean.  She was out of school for spring break and wanted to go.  I had never been to one.  There were over 400 vendors!  There was just no way to make it through the whole thing in the half-day we took.  The Lucero's had also invited us to go to one that is about two hours away from here.  It's the giant of all of them.  Sis. Campbell is stretching herself to go, as she doesn't like to shop.

Yesterday we attended a special training meeting with Pres. & Sis. Durrant.  It was wonderful!  There were 96 missionary's serving here.  I love the energy that radiates from them!  We did role plays on several different occasions, and at one point we were asked to turn around and roll play with the missionary behind us.  When I turned around there in front of me was Elder William Richardson!  Needless to say we didn't do very well with our roll play as we were excited to see each other.  I think it took him a minute to recognize me, but when I told him Sister Jenkins and I were his primary teachers when he was 10 years old he remembered!  Hard to believe that one of my cute primary kids is serving on a mission here in Dallas, with me!  I feel bad I didn't get a picture, but will watch for the opportunity again.

One wonderful and important message I received from the meeting was this:  Pres. & Sister Durrant have been trying to perfect a sentence to say to help spread the gospel with everyone we meet.  It's so simple, and they have had amazing experiences with it.  They just have a short chat with anyone...a parking attendant, a person at the bank, someone selling the food at the movie theatre, and then ask, "Would you be willing to listen to a brief presentation about (my faith, or my church)?"  If they say yes, get there name, phone number, and address and tell them we'll send two young missionary's to share it with them.  If they say no, just wish them a good day and enjoy the short chat you had together.  Sister Durham has done it several times with success every time.  Pres. Durham has done it several times, and had success in all but two cases.

Well, this is my new challenge!  I've been saying the line over and over again so I can get it right!  He said the "key words" are so important (willing, listen, and brief).  They are non-threatening and leave them with the option to easily make the choice with no pressure.  We and the elders are going to present it to our ward this week.

I just love the gospel so much, and wish everyone could realize what an amazing gift it is to have "The Savior's" church here on the earth again, and be a part of that great blessing!   

     

One Month - Many Blessings

It's hard for me to believe I've been out for a month now!  There are so many wonderful experiences to share and so many blessings I've received by being here.  When I walked into church the first Sunday, I felt like I had traveled a long way from where I live, but had arrived home again.  It's a feeling I always have when I attend church, no matter where it is, it's home.

Marjean Nielson is the sweet sister we are living with.  I have grown to love her so much!  We've had fun together.  I couldn't have asked for a better place to live.  The spirit of the gospel abides in her home and that's such a great feeling.

The following picture is of Bishop Hoki and his wife Chieko.  He's been an amazing help to us already.  Since we're on a pilot program coming "blindly" into the ward was a learning experience for us as well as well as the ward leaders.  Bishop Hoki met with us for two hours, and went over the ward list telling us about people who need extra charity and love.  He really helped us find our way into serving.   We've spent every day going to homes of active and less active members.  It is almost like being a "full time" visiting teacher.  We get to visit, access needs, and encourage them in any way we can.  I love every minute of it!

Sister Barbara Allred is the Relief Society President in the ward and we spent some time with her assessing needs.  She took us to visit a few people.  I'm sure we'll be working very closely with her.

We have, of course, had a couple of experiences that were not favorable.  One door I knocked on, a man answered and said, "We're atheists, and slammed the door before we could get a word out!  Another, just peeked through the peep-hole and locked the door!  I'm sure return missionary's can relate to that!  We just said a little prayer for them in our hearts and moved on.

On a much happier note.....we knocked on the door of an inactive sister and when she opened the door and I told her who we were.  She pulled me into her arms started crying.  She said she had quit going to church three years ago because she was angry with God for what he had done to her.  She then related her story to us.  

She has six children and her husband had been serving in the military.  When he came home he was suffering from Post-Traumatic Syndrome.  He broke her neck and then committed suicide.  She said he was a wonderful man before he had gone into the service.  She has spent the last three years trying to recover from all of it.  I was so happy that we were able to be there for her that day!  She asked us to come back again, and we made an appointment to take her to lunch.  She is moving out of the ward in April.  We're hoping she will leave with a desire to find a new direction in her life with the gospel for her guide.

We've had many positive visits with inactive sisters.  In each case they have been willing to have us return.  We approach them by letting them know we are not proselyting missionary's, but are just here to serve and help in any way we can.  A couple of them have asked that we not put any pressure on them about the church, and we told them that wasn't why we had come. 

There are many great needs here.  Many people are suffering with health issues and other concerns.  We have visited a sister in a nursing home who's very bright and knowledgeable about the gospel.  We visited an elderly woman who had a heart attack a year ago and still hasn't recovered.  You who love children's books will know her name, Berniece Tryand.  She wrote "The Girl With No Name" and many others.  I fear she isn't going to be able to recover from her surgery.

The first Sunday here we met Bro. Jim Lucero.  He's the Stake Young Men's President.  He and his wife Laneeda have had us over for dinner a few times.  Laneeda is 52 years old and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's five years ago.  She's so young to be afflicted with this challenge.  She was the Young Women's President when they found out.  She is still functioning ok but cannot drive or go out on her own.  We take her to do things each week.  We've taken her to dinner, a movie, and to the Family History Center.  She's such a sweet person and we've grown to love her and Bro. Lucero so much.  This week they're on a Nauvoo Trek with the youth in the stake.  They took 150 youth that had attended seminary and succeeded on scripture mastery.  They're visiting historical sights and ending by doing baptism's in the temple.  What a major undertaking that must be!

The following picture of Sister Deloris Nelms and her husband Morris.  She had a stroke about 10 years ago, and it left her blind.  She's such a sweet lady, and has always been active in the church.  Her husband is a non-member.  The missionary's told us he wouldn't let them visit.  However, he didn't seem to have any trouble with us.  I think we are less threatening to him.  We visit them every week and read to her.  The last two visits he has joined us and seems to be happy that we're there.  He reminds me of my dad, so I felt a special connection when I first met him.  He brings her to sacrament meeting and then "beelines" out afterward.

This past Monday we met a non-member, Victoria Smith, that works with a man in our ward.  She has been here from Kenya for 15 years.  She met her husband when she moved here and they have three children.  Bro. Don Walker says he has been telling her about the church for several years, but they haven't been willing to come.  She asked him a week ago if he knew anyone in our church that could come to the hospital to hold her baby.  

Savannah Alexandria Smith was born five months ago when her mother was only 24 weeks pregnant.  She weighed only 1.4 pounds.  Victoria is working full time and goes to the hospital during lunch and after work, but knew her baby needed to be held more often.  We were so excited when he asked us to do this.  We will be with Savannah three mornings during the week.  Monday was our first day and what a joy it was to hold this miracle baby.  She is now 7.13 pounds, but still has some breathing problems and is fed through a tube. Victoria is a sweet girl and a loving mother.  She has no family here to help her.  We told her we would be happy to be "Savannah's Grandma's"!

There have been so many wonderful experiences while I've been here.  I've starting to realize why the brethren established this new calling, and why I'm here!  I often think of the Savior as he walked among the people and witnessed the suffering and challenges they were afflicted with.  I know I can't perform the miracles He did, but I feel a special sense of being needed here, and joy that I can share my love and life with others.  Knowing this is His church and that I'm a part of it is so precious to me!  I feel blessed that my testimony has grown through the years.  I've had experiences I can use to help others who struggle, and I feel His love in what I do. 



Blessings of "Getting Started"

Wow, what an amazing experience I had at the MTC!  We had young return missionary's teaching us  "Preach My Gospel" lessons.  Sister Russon was only 4 months back from serving in Dallas.  She was excited to tell us everything she could about our mission.  We met with a large group of seniors in the church building next to the MTC everyday for lessons.  We stayed at the Marriott...."Shaun's comment about that was "No Way, we didn't get to stay there!"  I think it was a nice perk, but with 3000 missionary's there wasn't an inch to stay anywhere at the MTC!

The MTC really touched my heart.  It was so amazing to see these young missionary's dressed in suits and Sunday dresses!  I felt like I had just been placed in heaven!  I don't think there was a single time I had to open a door!  They were so sweet and loving toward us "senior missionary's", and there enthusiasm was infectious.  By summer there will be 6000 missionary's at the Provo MTC .  They will have a new facility opened for them, and 52 more mission's will open throughout the world.  I'm so blessed to be a part of all of this, and in awe at the organization of the church in this major undertaking.  Can you imagine feeding 3000 missionary's three times a day!


Our District at the MTC:  Top row on right - Sis. Hultz   Front row - My Companion Sis. Campbell, Me, our trainer, and Sis. Shell.  All four of us are going to Dallas.

Ann Venn and I had a great trip to Texas.  The time went by fast, and I don't think we stopped talking the whole way.  She was truly my sister companion on the trip, and took care of my every need!  The weather was good for us.  We saw some beautiful country as we traveled through Utah and Colorado...but Kansas, "well, there surely must be some pretty places there somewhere."

We got a late start from Salt Lake City so we drove into the evening on Saturday.  We went to Sacrament meeting in Salina, Kansas Sunday morning and drove late again that night.  Monday evening we arrived in Texas.  I was completely "stunned" as we entered Dallas and went into this freeway maze! I've never seen anything like it and don't plan on seeing it again anytime soon!!!  It's called 5-high and high it is!

Pres. & Sister Durrant are wonderful people.  I am so blessed to be in the mission field serving with them!  They were so encouraging and anxious to help us get settled.  We received counsel to start out slowly so we wouldn't get overwhelmed, and to love everyone we meet.

We're piloting the new Women's Auxiliary Mission here in Texas.  The church has introduced this new calling in six different areas in the US and had great success with it.  We'll be reporting directly to Salt Lake once a month to give them information on how it's going.  We'll be working in our home ward for awhile and then expand to other areas in our stake.

We have two young elders in our ward.  One has been out only two months and the other four months; so you can see how quickly a senior companion begins training the "greenies".  They said they are happy we are here now as there are several sisters in the ward with non-member husbands.  Some of them won't allow the Elders but are hopeful they'll be more receptive to senior sisters.

My Journey to the MTC

I was set apart to be a missionary on Feb. 4th by Pres. Gordon Tanner.  All but one of my children were there and some of my grandchildren.  I can honestly say, it was one of the greatest highlights of my life!  The spirit of the Holy Ghost was so strong.  Each of my children were given a few minutes to give me some parting advice.  The advice is treasured and the expressions of love and support touched me deeply.  It continues to warm my heart with joy!  Pres. Tanner is such a great and inspired leader.  He was truly guided in the blessing he gave, and knew of my concerns and needs to be a successful missionary.  My memory of that precious hour is priceless!  My "send-off" at church on Sunday was also beautiful!  I am surrounded by such sweet friends in the ward and their well wishes will hold precious memories in my heart.

Made the road trip to Idaho and Utah along with my dear friend Ann Venn, who has been amazing to give her time to me and travel all the way to Dallas TX!  I will always be grateful for her love and sacrifice.  I'm now in Idaho visiting with my 96 year old mother in law, cousins, and brother.  Then on to Utah to visit my grandsons before I enter the MTC on Monday Feb. 11th.

I would like to close this first entry by sharing, again, my testimony of the church and the Savior Jesus Christ.  As I look back over all my years, even while I was a small child; I remember feeling the spirit of the Holy Ghost in my life testifying to me of Heavenly Father and the Savior.  That feeling has never left me in all these years and has continually been a strength to me.  My favorite scripture has been a guidance to me in every aspect of my life.  "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths."  Proverbs 3: 5-6

I'm amazed at all the sacrifices made by my ancestors and the prophets so I could be born into "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints".  As I read and study the scriptures, I realize that the men and women who left us that precious history were people with feelings and challenges much like our own.  They were called to be apostles and prophets.  Many of the people they taught listened and were accepting of the teachings of the gospel, and they also became teachers.  They suffered and died, for what they knew was true.  My ancestors did the same.  They heard the message through the Prophet Joseph Smith and had the courage to listen.  They were ridiculed by many for their beliefs, yet they continued on so it could be had for our generation.  I'm so humbled by the blessings I have because of them, and only hope I can be an "Instrument in the Saviors hand" just as they were.  My life has continually been touched and guided by priesthood leaders, and the many angels at my side.

"Oh, that I can be worthy of such love and devotion!"

Mission Call Letter

It finally happened!  I got the letter in the mail this week.  My kids and Ann & Bill Venn met with me at Jenny's home tonight to open it.  Christina & Todd are in Hawaii.  We called them on the phone so they could enjoy the news.  I am going to the Dallas Texas Mission!  I asked them each to guess where where it would be.  Rafael guessed Texas...  I'm so excited!

Preparing for my Mission

In November of 2011 I began thinking about fulfilling my lifelong dream of serving as a missionary in the church.  I went to see Bishop Todd Thompson and he was excited that I wanted to go, and assured me of the many blessings I'd have by serving the Savior in this way. 

I decided to list my home in January, but when I found out how much I'd lose by selling it, I became fearful and backed out.  I continued to have feelings that my time to go was soon.  As spring came it was still very much on my mind, but the economy wasn’t good so I continued to wait.  

On Thursday of this week I received a call from the assistant stake executive secretary.  He said that Elder Hanson of the area seventy would be with us at Stake Conference this weekend and he and Pres. Paxman would like to visit with me.  I can’t begin to share on paper the feelings I had at having these two priesthood brethren come to my home.  My heart was filled with wonder that I would have such a blessing in my life, and that they would take the time necessary to visit with me.

They arrived at my home on Saturday morning.  We had a tender and loving visit.  Elder Hanson said that he knew a little of my background, but wanted to learn more about me and asked me to tell him about myself.  I told him about my six wonderful children that are a great joy to me.   They support and sustain me so much in my life.  I told him my life is filled with joy and peace.  He asked about the callings I had held in the church, and I told him I had served in almost all the callings a woman can hold.  I'm serving as an ordinance worker in the temple, and as a counselor in the Relief Society right now.

He asked about my children and I told him I had only one child that is active in the church, and that my heart ached for my other children to have that blessing in their lives.  He expressed that I must feel great joy in watching my active daughter living the gospel with her family.  I told him what a great comfort that is to me, and how much happiness I feel when I'm in their home and feel the spirit there.  

  

I expressed my concern about my other children and feel there is not much I can do to encourage them now, without creating some feelings of resentment in their hearts.  He told me to continue to pray for them and that my example would play an important part in their lives.  He encouraged me to understand that even the prophets had children who wandered from the teachings of their parents, and  I should never feel alone in my sorrow for them.

I told him I have a goal to go on a mission someday, and that I had filled out paperwork to go in the fall, but had become concerned when I found that I would lose so much money in my home.  He told me to continue to be prayerful and Heavenly Father would let me know when it's time to go.  He said  although it’s important to make myself financially prepared, as much as possible, it should not be something to hold me back when the prompting from the spirit tells me it’s time.

I asked him about his family and about his calling in the church.  He said he's from Portland and spends a lot of time in the Seattle area.  He was just sustained to be an area seventy at the last General Conference.  I expressed my love for Pres. Paxman and his family.  Pres. Paxman was my bishop when I was going through my divorce and was such a comfort and strength to me.  I worked in his home for a few years and became very close to him and his family.  I feel a warm blanket around me when I think of the Paxman family.

Before they left they asked if there was anything they could do for me, and I asked if they would give me a priesthood blessing.  They said they’d love to.  The spirit was very strong in my home and in my heart.  In the blessing, Heavenly Father through Elder Hanson told me:   I would not only go on one mission, but would have the blessing of going a second time.  He expressed the importance of listening to the spirit as I prepare for this calling.  He also blessed me with comfort and strength to carry the burdens in my life.  He encouraged me to continue to be prayerful about my children and that “if I live a life of righteousness” my children would eventually come back to the fold.  He told me of the love that the Savior and Heavenly Father have for me, and assured me they hear my heartfelt prayers.

Having these brothers come into my home was such a wonderful, spiritual experience for me.  I will always be grateful to Heavenly Father for allowing me to have this experience, and feel His love and care.

I had been reading the conference talks given in the priesthood session of General Conference during the week.  I feel like the tender feelings in my heart, as I read these talks prepared me for this blessing.  I've received many gifts of love and charity from good “men of the priesthood” over the past years. They've been ever present in my life when I've had physical and spiritual needs arise. I’m grateful for them, and the ways they've touched my life.

May 27, 2012

My home teachers came this evening.  Brother Hale is the executive secretary to the Stake Presidency.  I expressed my joy at having this blessing come to me.  He said, “Sister Baxter, I can assure you that there were prayers for guidance as to who these brothers should visit.  They only had time to visit two families in the stake.  Heavenly Father let them know they were to visit you”.

                                "I’m so amazed at my Heavenly Fathers love…."