Week 37 - Hegsted Mission

  2-April-2023-Sunday

Happy Birthday Jon.  What a great son!  So kind of him to share his birthday with General Conference.  

Rather strange to not attend church in Rutland today and very delightful to not work so that we could focus on the Sunday Sessions of Conference.  Luck of the draw that we were off.  As always conference was wonderful.  I still marvel that we can be clear across the country and yet almost instantaneously hear the words spoken in the conference center.  I always chuckle when people will say from the conference, "bless us as we leave this building" or "bless us as we are gathered in this building" realizing that for the majority of church members, we cannot attend in person and so many good members will never have an opportunity to attend even one session in person during their lifetimes.  However God is good and the Spirit is not constrained to the building nor even to the time the words are being spoken, but can lift and impact us whenever we hear or read the words from conference.

Since Dede is working on a Holy Week presentation, I was delighted that the first speaker of the conference spent time discussing Holy Week and that Palm Sunday was mentioned by nearly all speakers.  I could learn so much more about the Savior if I focused on all week long on His atonement and His preparation for that atoning sacrifice all week long instead of just on Easter Sunday.  

3-April-2023-Monday

I spent the morning working on the blog, writing an email to invite the senior missionaries from the Manchester mission to come to the site and then finally working on my review (my discussion about the site).  I am finding items to enter from different sources.  I will probably be another 6 months at this pace, but that is okay as long as I finish before the end of the year so I can ask President Ewer and Elder Buswell to proof it for me.  Dede meanwhile spent the morning in the car returning items, shopping and getting away from the house.  I think we are both happy with the results.

We had three visitors in one group.  They were not members and were probably surprised that Dede came out and talked to them for a few minutes.  I was out walking and taking pictures.  We are getting closer to being able to really get out and see things in the woods.  Regardless, I was able to get pictures in the field next to the road I wanted.  Then walked up to the original boundary of the Mack farm and pondered that boundary line and how to get off the hill down to the White Brook along this boundary line.  I was also looking for some cement posts with holders on them.  I found all and realized what the purpose of the later were for my review.  Yeah me.  (You will have to read the review to find out their purpose.)

On the way home, Dede saw a sign regarding a Sugar House open house which ended at 3, but we decided to go look.  It gave an address which led us out to Bethel.  We never found a Sugar House in Bethel, but eventually ended up in East Bethel which once flourished with a number of mills but is now in sad repose as a vacated village.  However at the mill site was a sign about the excavation work done by UVM and pictures showing the factory row in its high time with a saw, grist, fuller, creamery mill as wells as a large Wollen mill.  It must have been amazing in its day which lasted well into the late 1900's while starting in the late 1700's.  We would not have seen this had we not followed the sugar house sign.  The pictures below show the signage, the mills across the river and then the mill on our side of the river or at least a wall and foundations.  I sit at places like these and think of real people who lived and loved here and who are alive today in another world and who need the gospel preached to them.  There are so few saints here in VT and I fear these people are being ignored at the time as far as temple work is concerned.  Unless of course their descendants left VT and joined the church elsewhere.  Regardless, I can almost hear these people crying out to be brought to the covenant path.

We finally got home and I had rice and raisons while Dede had left over Tai food.  It was so good!  Then Dede provided me with installment two of here Holy Week presentation.  Today is called Holy Monday or Grand Monday by different churches.  We talked about the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple.  I love that Jesus could cleanse the temple causing fear and dread to the guilty, but have the meek and sick come immediately to Him to be healed.  His presence must have been so wonderful.

As we drove back, we saw many deer in the fields.  It was just about dusk, so the correct time to see them.  We also noticed the farmers were fixing the plastic on their greenhouses so they could begin their early vegetables. So many farmers do this here and then sell produce from their farm stores or at the co-ops.  I will say this for the Vermonters, there are so many who do so many jobs just to get by.  They are definitely not a lazy people.

The Ewers left this morning to be with their family while hopefully their grandson heals.  We wish them the best and pray for them.  Tomorrow we can do our small part by working a full day to cover the Buswell's PDAY which would normally be split between us and the Ewers.  I hope the grandson is quickly healed, but that the Ewers take the needed time with their family.  Working a few extra hours is no big deal for the rest of us and it is difficult to imagine the anguish of the family as they ponder the fate of this 6-year-old boy.

4-April-2023-Tuesday

After a very slow day at the site on Monday, I made plans of all the things I would accomplish while at the site today.  When we got to the site, there was a couple waiting for us.  We had visitors until 1 pm when we had time to eat lunch and then more visitors until 3:30.  I then thought I would be able to walk, but had another couple come in about 4pm so we spent the rest of the day with them.  How wonderful!

Spring break has begun in Utah and although it is anything but spring there, we had visitors from Utah.  A family of 4 from Logan was fun.  They had two of their sons 18 and 15.  The 18 year old has just been ordained an Elder and has his mission call with plans for endowment at the end of May.  They were so fun at the restoration board.  The father had been to the site while working the area and said he was always empowered by the spirit he felt here and therefore the tour was a success.

Another little family, a mother with 2 children had tickets to Ben and Jerry's which she changed so they could see our site.  Dede did a great job with them as I went and picked up the Logan family.  The Zollinger's came in with their son's family.  They had children 12, 7 and 4.  Dede did a great job with them.  I was tolerable, but enjoyed when Dede was teaching the children.

We ended with a couple, newly married (2nd time for each after deaths of spouses) and they were delightful. They thought they were too late, but we gave them a tour in under an hour ending a perfect day.

I will get another chance to accomplish my list of things.  It will be rare to have 20 people in a day like we did today.  Regardless, I would never want to wish people not to come.  God has blessed us so much.

I walked up Faye Brook after we got home.  Looking to find if other mills were placed along this brook which drops so much over a short amount of time.  I would have thought several mills could have been there.  At the top of my walk (wanted to get home before dark) the brook crosses the road and I saw a choke point where it would be easy to build a dam and below that was a substantial rock wall so that could be a mill.  Not sure if this is a mill site, and I can find nothing about mills in Sharon.  Regardless, I will include two pictures of what I found.

5-April-2023-Wednesday PDAY

Dede planned a wonderful PDAY.  It was so amazing that she destroyed any doubt (if any ever existed) about who should plan our PDAYs.  (We both want the other to plan our activities.). Her days are just always wonderful and I concede to her the title: master planner for the us two!  Full disclosure, I am slothful and lazy in my planning and so even if she were not so good at doing it, she would still be better than me.  And thus I would allow her to plan all our activities.  However it is so unfair for her.

We went to Portsmouth NH.  I think the place should be pronounced Ports mouth as it is written, but is sounds like Port-smith.  There are not many harbors on the Atlantic coast.  Technically Portsmouth is up a river similar to some ports in England, but it has been a harbor since colonial times.  We started by going to the Portsmouth Historical Society, which doubles as an information bureau.  There we learned some history and we learned more as we walked and then drove around.  Portsmouth was a real boom-bust place.  Along with being a harbor, it was also a ship building area.  Thus when there was a good war and ships were needed, the economy boomed and during peace it went bust.  The city became good at becoming a tourist destination, which is still the case.  It is small enough that you can walk around it easily in a day.  Unfortunately at this time of the year, many of the sites are closed for the season and will reopen in May.  Fortunately that meant there was little traffic (either in cars or on foot) and that parking was available.  After the movie and a display at the Historic  center, we walked around the town for 3 hours (stopping of course to eat) .  This was delightful.  The site people told us Popovers bakery and diner was the iconic place to eat.  (Also it was open).  It was good.  We went next store to a candy store and it was superior.  Sadly however, we were too full to try the ice cream.  Sometimes life is hard.  Pictures from the city walk.  The First Lady (this is a poster on the side of a building) was hung for hiding her illegitimate child's body when she was not informed it was legal to do a private burial  if the child was still-born. Life for women was often not fair.  No mention about the father of the baby.

The last picture shows a large ship being pushed out by a tug boat.  This area is called tug alley as there are often tugs pushing boats in or out.

After walking around we decided to look for light houses.  Dede loves them and I share her passion.  Our first attempt was to go to Rye State Park.  We thought we would see two from there.  This was not the case, but what a beautiful site to see the ocean wavers pounding the rocking shore.  Here we learned about several islands off the cost which for years housed a fishing industry of English fisherman who came to the shoals because of the fish.  From what I have read, Europeans from many nations had been fishing these shoals for many years before Columbus discovered the New World.  However they were motivated to keep their favorite fishing hole a secret.  (Some things never change.)

We visited old Fort Constitution.  This fort was originally built during the War of 1812 and was rebuilt later as a shore defense during the World Wars guarding the strategic port of NH.  We did not realize it, but from near here one can see two Light Houses, WhaleBack and Portsmouth.  You cannot get to either, but your can get close enough to photograph them.

We continued north toward Portland ME and saw Nubble Lighthouse, which was our favorite (middle picture above) and then the Lobster Lighthouse which is technically not a lighthouse, but looks like one.  (Right picture above.). The real draw at Lobster Lighthouse was the Marginal Trail which is a paved trail that runs along the coast.  We walked the trail which put us in a small Village in the town of York, whose many shops were closed for the season. Love this sign in that village.

After our walk we headed home, but stopped at Bob's Clam Shop in Kittery Maine.  Thus in the same day, I had New England Claim Chowder in two different states.  My bar for great accomplishments is fairly low.

Our day was highlighted by Podcasts we listened to as we traveled talking about the Holy Week in preparation for Easter.  How special to talk of the things Jesus experienced during this week where He prepared to fulfilled the Atoning Sacrifice that only He could accomplish.  Without the Resurrection that is a direct result of this Atonement, we are as Paul said, men most miserable.  With it we have eternal joy and hope.

Today is called Holy Wednesday or Spy Wednesday.  It is not apparent that much happened this day except Judas agrees to betray the Savior.  However Dede was prepared with pictures and scriptures and we were able to enjoy the Spirit together.

6-April-2023-Thursday

Happy Birthday to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, created 193 years ago, not to far from the prophet's birthplace (well not far by car - 6 hours), but closer than Pocatello, Idaho.  I bear my testimony that Joseph is God's prophet in this last dispensation.  The Book of Mormon is the what it purports to be, scriptures written in the Americas that witness of Jesus Christ who was Jehovah to the Old Testament people.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led today by the prophet of God.  I am honored to be the junior companion of the best missionary in the entire world.

I was able to continue work on my review.  Some things are so slow as I look for pictures in my thousands of pictures.  Read back through books that I have been studying.  Writing and editing.  With my current pictures I am at 50 pages and might keep it under 60.  There are lots of pictures!  It might never be read, but I am having a great time learning. I thought I had a good understanding of what I was reading.  But when I need to pull data together to interpret history, I find that I need to reread and reverify.  More questions arise as I write and document what I have found.  It is an awesome responsibility to interpret history.  Especially church history.  Obviously I am not talking doctrine, but there are so many things that have been said for so many years, that when one shows contradicting evidence, one wants to be sure.  I will probably post my work, but I am guessing most would not find it interesting without spending enough time at the site, to understand some of the nuances I will describe.  Still the pictures are fun!

We had two groups in the site.  The first a single sister was looking for validation that she did indeed have a testimony.  I let Dede handle her and they apparently had a great discussion and I think Dede (who was fasting as we fast for the Ewers today) was sensitive to the Spirit in talking to her.  At 4 pm we had three single sisters come in together.  They were delightful and we enjoyed the Spirit they brought with them.  At the end of the tour one who was a music teacher sang "Praise to the Man" for us.  How brave and wonderful.

It was painful to read that Elder Holland will be excused from all church assignments for at least two months.  It sounds to me (i.e. this is purely my opinion) that he would not stop from doing his duty to recover fully and the President Nelson, the wise physician decided to help him see that one must not run faster than one has energy.

Tonight is Maundy Thursday.  As we walked around Portsmouth and drove past churches, I was delighted to see how many were advertising that they would have a Maundy Thursday worship sermon this evening.  We as a church do not incorporate this service.  Dede took me to an Episcopal Church in Pocatello to experience it.  I believe the Congregational and Episcopal churches are closely related and it was Congregational Churches which advertised Maundy Thursday.

Dede had much more prepared for this night that included the last supper, the washing of feet, the introduction of the sacrament, the Garden, the betrayal and the denial.  We could not cover everything in the 30 minutes allotted, but it was a great ending to our day.  

Honestly, it was also delightful to break our fast.  I was so glad to fast for the Ewer family.  I would do it again, but I was also glad to end my fast with a sincere prayer and then eat and drink water.  What a blessing. 

7-April-2023-Friday

Happy birthday mom!  She would be shocked to know that I ironed shirts this morning.  I had forgotten it was her birthday, but it (ironing my own shirt) seems a fitting tribute to a mom who did so much for me.

We had the early shift and had a wonderful family of 7 come in.  He teaches religion at BYU-I, but has not been on a church history tour and has not been to most sites.  They have kids in RI and so they were here and it was delightful.  Nice to have someone from Idaho.

We then had a family of three come in.  They are from Utah and had come out for a baptism this evening in West Lebanon.  We started the tour and then handed them off to Buswells who had several other visitors in the remainder of their shift.

We had a missionary dinner tonight and so I dropped off Dede and went back to the site to make measurements of the rock wall corner that defined Solomon Mack's farm.  All was going well as I walked along one wall when I thought, I must have got snow in my boots and I realized I was standing in water deep enough to go over my boots, but but covered by 4 inches of snow.  I finished measuring that section of wall and gave up.  I felt rather silly not to mention cold.

We had a great Easter dinner of ham and potatoes. Dede contributed the potatoes.  Other good foods were brought by others.  We missed the Ewers who are still waiting on what will happen with their son.  That must be so hard.  We stayed and talked to Bergers way too late.  Tomorrow we need to drive to Rutland for a Primary Easter event and then get back to allow Buswells to attend a baptism.  It will be another great day in the mission.

I will include two pictures of the rock wall.  Looking down each direction of the wall and then in the middle of the wall.  One section goes 40 feet, the other 190 feet.  That is a lot of rocks to haul.

8-April-2023-Saturday

Today must be cinnamon roll day as Dede just told me Sara did 58 dozen as a ward fund raiser.  That is absolutely amazing (if not slightly insane).

Also today is Good Saturday.  For most of the Christian world a time of quietness as there is so little in the scriptures.  For our church, a time of gladness as we ponder Jesus going to the Spirit World to arrange for His leaders to take the gospel for those on the other side who did not receive the gospel on this earth.  What a joyful thing to realize that Jesus is the Savior of everyone, whether or not they had a chance in this earth life to learn about Him and his Resurrection.  How encompassing!  How complete!  I am grateful for that great plan of happiness that brings happiness to everyone.  Who could not help but rejoice in a Savior who redeems all of His children, raising them up to a Kingdom of Glory?

We left early to drive to Rutland today to attend the Branch Easter primary event.  I was so impressed.  They started with coloring and stickers and then divided the primary into 2 groups (there are only about 14 total).  The groups would go from room to room where someone was representing a person who knew the Savior and could bear testimony of Him.  I was Peter and there was Mary the mother, Mary Madeline, and Thomas, Nicodemus, Pilate and 3rd Nephi.  They then searched for Easter Eggs.  I was so impressed that the primary would organize this activity for the children to learn more about the Savior on Holy Saturday and hear people bear testimony as if they were the person who knew the Savior.  I am grateful for the practice I have with children at the site.  I actually think I did okay and that the children not only stayed with me and paid attention, but seemed to understand and enjoy.  What a miracle!!!!

We got to the site by 1 as the Buswells needed to attend a baptism for which she was playing the piano.  We had an enjoyable afternoon shift as we had numerous groups come into the site and ended the day (both shifts) with 20 people.  We had a group of 7, several groups of 1 and several of 2, so we were working with people for all by 45 minutes of the shift.  We had a four generation group of 7 who came from three areas in the USA.  Their grandmother from China spoke little English, but Dede who led this tour alone said it was so simple because of the wonder spirit they brought.  I was taking two young men while she did the family  Both nonmembers, the one had come in earlier and brought his friend back.  They both like history and so I spent most of the time at the restoration board to explain the life of Joseph Smith.  The new young man left with a Book of Mormon.  We had another couple come in (at least she came in.). He remained outside as they had a dog.  I went out to find him and visited with him.  He was funny.  He told me, I am an Episcopal and my wife is a Jew (half Italian Catholic) but for whatever reason she likes you Mormons.  I went back inside and we found out more from her.  She listens to several influencers who are members of the church.  One in particular does a cooking show, but there are several others and all live in Utah and one's mom just left on a mission to Brussels.  She gratefully received a Book of Mormon from us.  We had a single sister come in.  She has a friend who is a member and in the past they have gone for drives together and visited different historical places.  Her friend is not doing well, so she came to the JSB site to take pictures for her friend and learn the stories.  What a delightful friend!  A young man came in alone.  I do not think he knew why he was here.  I did not spend as much time with him as I would have liked as we were crowded with other visitors at that moment, but he was attentive at the restoration board and also left with a Book of Mormon.  Not sure any will read the BoM, but if they do, they can also know the truthfulness of Joseph Smith and his calling as a prophet.  

The day passes so quickly when we are busy.  We did manage to walk for 25 minutes right at the end of the day.  I have almost given up on trying to accomplish anything during the slow moments at the site, as they have mostly gone away.  What a tender mercy.