March 2006

March 1, 2006

Dearest Ones,

Just a quick Email about Vietnam.  I think we were invited to go because we work with the Vietnamese Branches here in Cambodia, but it was actually a really important weekend for the members of the Church there.  Everything was kept quiet about what was happening so not many people (foreigners) were involved.  Permission was finally granted to the Church by the government for baptisms to be performed in Vietnam if done by Vietnamese.  Sunday morning twenty-eight were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by two of our Vietnamese elders and two church members from over there.  These are the first baptisms that have taken place in Vietnam in over thirty years.  It was really exciting and wonderful.  President Towers gave us permission to tell our children about it but no one else.  

We left Phnom Penh by plane at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb 24th and it only took about 45 minutes for the trip.  We stayed at the Thang Long Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).  We were told that nearly everyone calls it Saigon still, but if anything is written it must be Ho Chi Minh City or HCMC.  The city has beautiful well kept gardens and parks but there is a lot of traffic as there are 8 million people in HCMC.  We walked to the Ben Thanh Market (somewhat like the Russian Market in Cambodia) but a hundred times cleaner. 

Saturday, Dad and Elder Miller went on a tour to the Cu Chin tunnels.  This is an extensive tunnel complex where some of the Viet Cong lived for approximately 26 years.  Sister Miller and I shopped during the morning and when the guys got back we did some sight seeing to a big cathedral and the Post Office where we mailed some letters. 

Sunday was a big day.  The baptisms and confirmations took a couple of hours and then we held Sacrament Meeting.  It was great.  There was a lot of picture taking and everyone was soooooo happy.

Monday, the four of us took an all day tour to the Mekong Delta.  We bussed there (about 1-2 hours) and then boarded a boat and went to four islands.  Each had something different for us to see and do.  Some of the things we saw and did were:  a boat ride which reminded us of the Jungle cruise at Disneyland, watching how they made coconut candy, seeing bees in their beehive, holding a python snake (I couldn't be outdone by Erika and Tonya), looking at the various handicrafts the people make, eating lunch, taking a canoe ride and being entertained by a musical group.  We had a very enjoyable time.  Wish all of you could have been there.

Tuesday we packed before visiting the Vietnamese Historical Museum and afterwards watching a water puppet show.  Our plan left for Phnom Penh at 2 p.m.

It didn't take us long to get right back in the swing of things when we got back, but it was nice to get away and especially to witness the baptisms.  We are both doing great.  Sorry to hear about Ila Cottrell and also the flooding in Morgan.  Is East Canyon Creek very high yet?  We hear you are getting a new Stake Presidency, let us know who it is.  Erika - We don't think we could use that toilet either. 

Thanks again for keeping in touch.  We send our love as usual and are glad we are having this terrific opportunity of being in Cambodia.

Love, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa) 

 

March 3, 2006

Dear Family,

 We have found out that at the Mission Presidents discretion, missionary couples can be released as much as thirty days early.  In our case that means that if we request it, we probably could come home any time in May.  What is going to be happening there in May (sports, family events, etc.)?   Is there any reason for us to come home earlier than our specified release date of May 29?  Is there a day of the week that is better for us to get there?  We want to make a decision soon so that we can make flight arrangements and you will know exactly when we will get back.  Help us to make a good decision.

Love, Mom and Dad

March 4, 2006

Mother's Day - May 14th

Landon's baseball at State (if they make it)  May 18-20

Seminary graduation May 26 (I think)

Graduation June 2

I just noticed these as I was looking through my calendar.  I'm not sure where State Baseball is, last year it was at St. George, and we would be there during these days if they go................. also, I will be pretty tied up in work most of the month.  I'm supposed to be done with everything by the 22nd.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Landon is done with school on the 25th - and it's just play time until graduation.

If you leave the 29th on YOUR date, what day will you get home on OUR date?

Anything you want to do is fine with us.  We'll make it work !!!  Hurray !!!

Love Gwen

March 4, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

We had quite an eventful week and many special and spiritual experiences.  We can't believe how fast the time is going.  We are still keeping very busy, although this last week we did get a little time in Vietnam.  Wish you could all have been with us to see the interesting sights and feel of the spirit of the saints there.  They are tremendous.  It is so great to see what the influence of the Gospel does in people's lives.  We have received word that you are having a little water problem in Morgan and hope it hasn't done too much damage.  We send our love and the Lord's blessings to each of you.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

100_3336 - Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the camouflaged tunnel entrances
100_3368 - Veloy using glue brush and bowl at Post Office
100_3398 - Some of the members at the Branch in Vietnam
100_3406 - Burial tombs out in the fields
100_3452 - Veloy and the ENORMOUS snake (this was my good picture)
100_3495 - Traffic in HCMC at rush hour

100_3277 - The plane we flew on to Vietnam (about 45 minute flight)

100_3389 - This is the portable baptismal font that the baptisms took place in
100_3457 - Elder (Lin) and Sister (Sharon) Miller and Dad at lunch
100_3485 - A young man squeezing the juice out of shredded coconut to make candy
100_3490 - Our tour boat
100_3499 - Part of the water puppet show (two dragons)

email Gwen sent, after reading journal,

We were going to go snowmobiling today, but pooped out (me) at the last minute.  It snowed during the night and it's still overcast, and I just really don't want to go..............  I have so much to do here at home. Hope I can get it all done today. Take care, we love you and can't wait to have you home.

Love Gwen 

reply from Mom in Cambodia

Hi, this is almost like a chat room with us Emailing each other back and forth during the day.  Sister Hayes has giardia and believes she got it from eating fresh fruit that wasn't washed and cloroxed.  She went visiting teaching at a members home and they offered her some fruit to eat.  She forgot you don't get giardia just from drinking water that's bad.  Ryan and Theresa Bird are people who live in Vietnam and have five children.  They don't look Vietnamese but I don't know what nationality they are.  He owns a box making business and they are members of the Church.  Shane Harrison served a Vietnamese speaking mission and I think it was in the United States but it could have been in Cambodia.  Anyway he has a Vietnamese wife and three cute little children - a girl and two boys (one just born two weeks ago).  When we arrived in Cambodia they were living here and attending the International Branch, but moved to Vietnam shortly afterwards where he opened up his own business.  I don't know what it is.  They are very strong in the Church. Hope you got all your work done.  Don't work too hard.

Love, Mom

March 5, 2006

 Gwen, Since there is plenty of money in our checking account you can go ahead and pay the state tax whenever it is convenient.  Also could you live with it if we got home the 12th or 13th?  Would it interfere with Camryn's party, or your work if we got there on the 12th. 

Yahooo !!!!!.......................The 12th or 13th would be just great !!! No Problem !!  

Guess what??  Our Bishop Fisher and his wife Julia have been called as mission president and companion to the Billings Montana mission.  He will be released on March 26th.  We will surely miss him, he has been such a great influence on mine and Landon's lives and testimonies.  What a wonderful opportunity for him, and for all of those your missionaries, upon whom he will have such a great influence.  Landon has decided he wants to go to Billings Montana for his mission now !! ................  

I'll get you taxes sent off today, they I won't have to worry about forgetting them on the 15th of April !!
Take care, love Gwen

March 6, 2006

Email to Bishop Fisher from Gwen

I didn’t get a chance to talk to you yesterday, probably couldn’t have talked through my tears anyway…………..

We are so proud of you and Julia.  We know you will be the best mission president, just think of all those boys (and girls)

Who you will be able to mentor, like you have Landon.  Thank you sooo much, for being there for him, and being such a great

Example of the priesthood.  I can never repay you for this, and I pray that Landon can always live his life so you can be proud of

Him.   By the way, guess where Landon wants to go on his mission now?? J

Another subject  - the choir concert is on the 21^st for sure, (but I don’t know that it will affect that many families) and I think Lynelle called Julia and let her know that the 28^th was taken by another ward. 

Let us know what you decide.  Gwen

 

Thanks for your kind words- it has been such a privilege to serve in our Ward- I think everyone is so great and kind-

and- I love Landon- but I suspect he is going far away on his mission- he is trustworthy- and I have always felt he will go the far reaches of the world on his mission--

I told him- we are still together for a few months as home teaching comps anyway!

How about March 17th- next Friday?  How does that look?

Thanks,

Bishop Fisher

March 8, 2006

Just wanted you to know that I have been thinking about Ambure today!  It is her birthday!  It is unbelievable that she would have been 28 years old today, huh?!

Love Always,  Erika

Dear Erika 

You are so sweet.............. thank you !!  I'm getting old, huh?  Just think, only 2 months and 4 days till mom and dad are back.........................whoo hoo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love Gwen

March 10, 2006

Dear Family,

The international flights from here get into the US in the afternoon.  With the flight from the coast to Utah it puts us there after 9 pm.  If we arrive that late in the day, is Saturday May 13th ok??  Or will it interfere with some Saturday activities??    Our flight itinerary for a Saturday 13th arrival is shown below.  If there is a problem, we probably could schedule it sometime (not Friday the 12th) earlier in the week.  Let us know if it is ok.  We have a week or so to finalize things.

Love, Mom and Dad

March 12, 2006

Dear Mom and Dad

Well we've got a problem here..........You wanted the new state president's name?  But not your bishop, because you already have his right??  Wrong !!!!

 Stake President - John Porter (Aldon's son) currently Bishop of the 5th ward

1st couns.  - Kevin Clemens (currently Bishop of the 7th ward)

2nd couns.  Mark Lee Walker (not your bishop any longer !!!)

I'll let you know who your new Bishop is when I get the news, don't know when exactly that will be.  This new presidency will have to choose 4 bishops soon, because our Bishop is going on a mission too.

Stake Conference was great !!! Elder Holland was wonderful.  The Saturday night session was so special.  He talked about how each of us have problems, and how not to give up on God, and to hold on, and that there is a morning after the night.  Landon got to be one of the young men who helped escort him, and he got to shake his hand about 3 times.  After Conference I got to shake his hand and thank him also.  I love this gospel, it means so much to me in my life. Thanks for being such wonderful parents, and raising me in the gospel, and for your wonderful example to our family.

On another note.  Treyson has a problem that has us worried.  He has a small (a little larger that a 50 cent piece) fluid filled bump on the top/back of his head.  CJ noticed it a couple of weeks ago, and took him to the doctor, and they just thought it was a hematoma (bruise), but she couldn't think of when or where he would have gotten it.  Over the next week it got a little bit bigger, and there is no color (like a bruise) that is associated with it.  They then thought (the doctors) that it might be a leptomeningeal cyst.  They took skull x-rays on Friday, and the doctor called and said they looked okay today (Sunday)  - no skull fracture could be seen........... and he did not want to have him go to Primary Children's for an MRI YET........... because they would have to sedate him, and that isn't something they want to rush into.  So they are supposed to watch this "bump" for a little while longer.  Zac is pretty worried, and would like to have an MRI just for reassurance.  I think they will wait until Wednesday or so, and then decide what to do.  Here is a description of leptomeningeal cyst:

This is a rare complication of skull fracture that may develop when there is a linear fracture of the skull with separation of the edges of the fracture and laceration of the tough membranous covering of the brain called the dura mater.  The arachnoid membranes (very thin, transparent and "spidery" appearing from the myriad tiny blood vessels) can be trapped between the edges of the fracture.  When this happens, the natural pulsation of the brain caused by the throbbing of the arteries causes erosion of the bony skull.  This complication can occur in adults, but it is most often seen following fracture of the skull in infants and young children.  The condition is detected when the parents notice a  cystic (soft and squishy, reminiscent of a water-filled balloon) mass on the head of their infant.  Initially, the condition can be confused with a cephalohematoma, but the correct diagnosis will become apparent on a simple skull x-ray.  Potentially, untreated leoptomeningeal cyst could lead to seizures, mental retardation and increased intracranial pressure, so surgical repair is imperative.  Treatment involves surgical removal of the cyst, and repair of the tear in the dura.

Keep little Treyson in your prayers ( I know you will).  I'm sure everything will be okay.

Love Gwen 

March 13, 2006

Dear Gwen and Family,

As you know, we will be praying hard for our little Treyson.  We have put his name on the Prayer Roll in the Hong Kong Temple.  Put his name in the Ogden Temple and contact Erika or Aunt Dawna for the temples in Salt Lake.  Please keep us informed as to what is being done and what you find out. 

Thanks for the conference report.  It was wonderful that you enjoyed conference so much and that you and Landon got to shake hands with an Apostle.  We are please with what both of you are doing.  You are an example to both of us. 

As far as the Stake Presidency, we had ruled your bishop out because of his mission call and Mark had picked Bishop Porter as the logical choice, so we weren't surprised about him.  As for the counselors, we were surprised, not because they are not good men but because they were both bishops.  It will be interesting to see who the four new bishops will be.  Keep us up to date on the latest rumors as to who they will be.  Now we will need two addresses.  One for the Stake President and one for our new Bishop whomever he may be.

We are going to confirm the reservations for the 13th of May, so we will see you in two months from today!!!!!!!!

Love, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa)

March 13, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Here we are once again and still hanging in there.  Thanks to all of you who are keeping us posted on the things happening back home.  It's great to hear about Elder Curtis Tonks' mission in Brazil.  With each Email we can see his growth in the Gospel and his gaining of a stronger testimony.  Missions are truly a wonderful growing experience for these young missionaries.  As one of our missionaries said, "I don't care where I serve, but I care HOW I serve!"  This should not be true only with missionaries but with each of us as we serve in the various callings in the Church.  May the Lord bless and be with each of you.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

100_3518 - ASPECA Birthday Party - Chantha and Kimlang (directors and both in our English class.

100_3548 - ASPECA, one of the girls wanted to share her cake (and frosting) with Veloy.
100_3556 - ASPECA, Channy trying to teach Veloy hand movements along with dancing.  Channy is in our English class.
100_3574 - Veloy and Phy Sophear (11 years old) at her Birthday Party.
100_3579 - Group of children at Sophear's party with sparklers.

March 16, 2006

We had a great time at the wrestling banquet last night.  Everyone was so pleased with it and we got a lot of compliments. Leisa Wilson and myself worked pretty hard on it. I put together a wrestling slideshow, and made a few scrapbook pages, and had some other pictures printed out for the boys.  I also put together a book with all of the articles that Rodney Rose had written for the year.  It was a big hit.  I also got some frames for the seniors that said "WRESTLER" in the matting, and they put pictures in them, taken over the past 4 years, and also with their parents and the coaches.  Got ALOT of nice compliments on this. We had marinated turkey breasted roasted on the grills, by Bart Fearn, Bruce Robison, and Mark Larsen.  We put together green salad and jello salad, and had rolls, and baked potatos, and cake for dessert. The coaches awarded letters, and said some nice things about the boys, and especially the Seniors.  They will have to go a LONGGGGGGGGG way before they get the caliber of young men (Landon, Josh, Zac Bradshaw) that they have had in there this past year. All of the senior boys, and Brian Rose paid tribute to each on of the coaches.  It was great. Alot of work, but great !! 

Now on to Baseball.................IF the weather would EVER turn springlike.  It has been very snowy, and we are getting more this week.  Landon has had two games postponed, rescheduled, and postponed again.  He's supposed to play in Logan tomorrow............. we'll see what happens.

Manda and Camryn go to Arizona for the weekend tomorrow (Friday).  The Doctor said that he's sure that Treyson's bump is just a hematoma, and so they are going to watch it, but don't think it is anything serious.  Nothing like scaring us though !?!?!

March 19, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Time seems to be slipping by fast and there just isn't enough hours in the day to accomplish all that we would like to do.  We are grateful to all of you for your support, love and prayers.  Because of Email it is hard to believe that we are thousands of mile away, as we know almost immediately of things that are happening back home.  We are truly having experiences that we will remember forever.  Now we can see why the young missionaries returning from their missions say that their mission is the best mission and that it was the best two years of their life.  The Gospel teaches us how to live and what we should be doing.  May the Lord continue to bless each one of you.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

100_3592 - Navy and Sameth at the Employment Office.  They never use tables, just do work on the floor.

100_3604 - Yours truly - outside the Mission Home
100_3608 - English class - Chhay Srey Poe and Chea Srey Mom (they are always happy and smiling)
100_3610 - Enrichment Meeting - (on the floor again).  Sister missionaries (left) Vo and (right) Robinson 
100_3618 - Meat stand in the Russian Market

 

Talk given by Gwen Rich in sacrament meeting – March 26, 2006

 

The Bishop has asked me to speak today, on the subject of “How the Young Women’s Organization has blessed the life of someone………….”   I really couldn’t ask for a better topic to speak on, as I sometimes feel that the number one recipient of the blessings of Young Women’s has been me.   It has now be approximately four years since I have been involved with the Morgan 6^th Ward Young Women.  I began with the Beehives, under the direction of  Sister Lauri Robinson and Sister Tammy Bullock.  A year later when Sister Sherrie Rich was made the Young Women’s President, I moved to the Mia Maids and had the chance to work closely with Sister Sandy Wilson, and then two years after that, I was called as Young Women’s President, and again moved to work closely with the Laurels.  Some of these girls I’m sure, feel that I have “stalked” them throughout their years in Young Women’s, as we have moved up through the different age groups together.  As I have watched each young woman grow and develop, I have seen their testimonies increase, and  I have seen them take on responsibility and rise to the occasion.  My own testimony has grown, as I have watched this “chosen generation”.  It is a very humbling experience to be in their presence, and to feel of their love for me and for each other and for our Heavenly Father and the Savior.  This has truly been a blessing in my life.  A lot of coordination takes place each week, as the young women leaders prepare to serve the young women.    In D & C 64:29 it states, “Wherefore, as ye are agents, you are on the Lord’s errand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord’s business.”  Working together as sisters, and friends, on the Lord’s errand has truly blessed our lives as Young Women leaders.  I love these sisters dearly, and know of their love for the young women they serve.  I thank them for their dedication, and their testimonies that strengthen the Young Women of this ward.  I feel like we are one big family.  With 13 moms, and ___ daughters.  We share our feelings with each other, our joys, our frustrations, our testimonies, and our love.  On Sundays, we enjoy being together, learning of the love that our Heavenly Father has for each one of us.  Tuesday evenings we get together for different activities, helping to build friendships, learning new skills, and giving service to others. 

As I have thought back on the past four years, different experiences stand out in my mind, where we have felt the spirit touch our hearts.  I would like to take a minute and recount some of these special moments and feelings that we have experienced.

This past week, some of the YW leaders in our ward were able to attend the General Young Women open house in Salt Lake City. This is always such a special treat, and it helps us so much in our callings.  Sister Beck and Sister Dalton were speaking of a conversation they had, where they imagined that if they were told that they had to “cut” every single program, or activity in Young Women’s and could only keep one – what one would that be ??  You might be surprised to know that the ONE thing they felt was vital to keep was CAMP !!    They realized that “settings” are important.  Settings where we invite the spirit, where we can take a minute to feel our Heavenly Father speak to us.  Sometimes the things that are said, will pass by the way, but the feelings that are FELT, are what is remembered.  Camp is one of those places where feelings are in abundance !  I remember two years ago, when we were able to go to the Heber Valley Camp, a special experience I witnessed.  There was a young girl from another ward – obviously a new beehive, who was participating in the “Confidence Course”.  This is an activity where different stations were set up to test your ability to work to together to accomplish a task.  Some of these tasks were HARD, especially for the faint of heart.  The one I remember, involved being strapped into a harness, and having to climb a moving metal ladder (kind of like the ones you see trapeze artists use to get up in the air).  After getting about 20-30 feet in the air, you had to walk across a telephone pole for another 20 feet, and then jump off a zip-line, which zoomed you down to the ground on an incline, approximately 50 yards away.  This young girl, was obviously very frightened, and while she was not in any way being FORCED to do this, you could tell she WANTED to do this…….  But it was taking some time, and there was shaking and there were tears, and wonderfully what was BEST of all, were the girls and leaders down below.  It seemed the whole camp was there shouting out words of encouragement and advice and reassurance, and telling her that they KNEW she could do it !! Finally after about 30 minutes or longer, she made the final jump off the platform – mission accomplished.  You could honestly not tell who was more proud and excited, her or the young women who had supported her that day.  It was an experience I’ll never forget.

 Service – Whether it’s tying a quilt for someone in need, cleaning and scrubbing a kitchen for a grieving family, washing windows with PROFESSIONAL window washers, digging in a flower bed, and planting flowers ON THE SLY, hurrying to get done before the recipient gets home, or showing up UNANNOUNCED as Sister Brown’s home and doing a few chores, and getting it DONE ON FILM !!!  She was such a sport about it !!  Service always brings blessings………  Mostly I think, to those giving the service.  Sometimes service is looked upon as work, and maybe a pain to do, but you would be surprised in how many planning meetings, where the youth would choose to a service for someone.  They have caught a vision – they KNOW how they will feel after it is accomplished.  And they always have a great time doing it !  Sister Rose’s pine tree was quite possibly the MOST beautifully decorated Christmas Tree on Morgan Valley Drive, and the Porterville Cemetery is always a sight to behold after the young men and young women of the 5^th and 6^th wards get done with it every May.  The youth feel invested in these projects, and the service blesses their lives.

Another way we can serve those who have passed on, it by doing Baptisms for the dead.  This is always a favorite youth activity, and these past couple of months, we have had quite a few opportunities take part in this.  One of the special moments we remember is the time we combined baptisms with another very special day of one of  our young women who had graduated from our group, and decided to get married !  We traveled down early one morning to the Salt Lake Temple, and while Janel Fisher was getting sealed to her eternal sweetheart, we were able to enter the waters of baptism for others who did not have this opportunity while on this earth.  Most of the young women had never been to this temple to do baptisms, and it was neat experience to be in this holy place.  After we were done, and had a quick lunch on the plaza, we were able to go over and wait in the shade of the temple (it was hot!) and wait for the beautiful bride to come out.  While we were waiting, we even got to be serenaded by the Bishop’s dad on the harmonica !!  When Janel came out, it was SUCH a testimony builder for these young women.  To see one of their own, who had just so recently been in their midst, fulfilling her destiny, having made sacred covenants that day, and being on the arm of a handsome young man who would be hers forever.  It is something that can’t be described, but was most certainly FELT by the young women and leaders there that day. In the shadow of that beautiful temple, we sang to Janel (through our tears), the song, “Walk Tall, You’re A Daughter Of God”.  People who had been milling about talking and laughing, quieted to hear the sweet singing testimonies of our Young Women, as they sang to Janel.  It was another moment, never to be forgotten.

Speaking of music – have you ever heard anything as beautiful as the youth in this ward, as they sing out their love and their testimony?  Our Bishop has asked that we prepare and plan to sing a selection, every other month in Sacrament Meeting.  What an inspiration this was.  We feel that spirit so strongly, when after weeks of practice (sometimes not sounding just like we would like to), having it all come together, and watching your faces in the audience, as we sing our testimony to you.  Many of our young women have commented that music touches them, in a way unlike any other. This is a special opportunity for them to express themselves.   This past year we have worked together with the young men of this ward, on a couple of numbers, and we appreciate their willingness to share their talents with us.  The one performance that stands out in my mind, was “Praise The Man”, which we performed this past November in our Evening of Excellence Program.  The feelings that we had while singing this song were so testimony building.  It was fun and it was powerful !!  The youth and leaders caught the vision, and sang out a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  You could feel it as you heard us, and we could feel it as we sang it - the spirit bearing witness of this great man.

Our Evening of Excellence Program this past year, will personally be one of the highlights of my life.  I know it will always be remembered by everyone who participated.  When the youth and leaders think back in years to come, they will remember the feelings and the stories that were portrayed so beautifully this special night.  The fact of this has already been borne out, as we participated in Part One of Youth Conference last month.  We watched the new movie, Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration, as different scenes came to life on the screen before us, the youth were heard to remark,  Hey – I remember that ! Joseph playing with children, he really loved them, or that was the Day of God’s Power! – I remember that, I was in that scene, or when he was standing rebuking the guards – that was “Majesty in Chains”, I just wanted to jump right up their in the movie and stand right beside him……   And even last night in the Young Women General Broadcast, when President Faust related the story of Mary Elizabeth Rollins – I thought, that was Talesha, she’s the young girl who loved the Book of Mormon so much, that the prophet gave her her very own copy.  Whenever we hear the words, “ I knew and I knew that GOD knew it” , or  “And now after the many testimonies which have been given of Him, this is the testimony last of all, which WE give of him – that HE lives !”    - these words, and the spirit that we feel are real and we KNOW it.  This gospel has blessed our lives beyond measure.    I bear testimony that Heavenly Father loves each one of us, He loves the Young Women of the Morgan 6^th Ward, and I love the Young Women of this ward and feel so very blessed share in their lives, and to be involved in this work.   I say these things, in the name of our beloved savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Gwen,  

We are glad you sent us a copy of your talk.  We both enjoyed reading it and loved the spirit that it conveyed. You never cease to amaze your Dad and I on what an outstanding individual you are.  How blessed the Young Women in your ward are to have such a devoted leader who loves them so much.  I wish I could express myself like you and tell others of my feelings and love of the Gospel.  Keep up the wonderful work that you are doing and the Lord will truly bless you for all of your efforts.  You'll never know how much we love and appreciate you or just how proud (pleased) we are of you.  How about writing my talk when I get home.

The time is passing fast.  See you soon.

Love Mom

March 27, 2006

What’s been going on.  Well I’m done with my talk in sacrament meeting, and I’m glad it’s over (it’s always nerve wracking)  but I feel I did a good job, and everyone complimented me on it, and it just went together soooooooooo well.  I got up at 2:30 a.m. because I couldn’t sleep and I was itching (more on this later) and so I got up and wrote for about 1 ½ hours, played a couple of games, and then went back to bed at 5:30, and didn’t wake up till almost 8 am !! 

Roger is still going to work and still hating it, but he doesn’t bring it home with him and take it out on me…..he’s always been so good that way.  I’ve been house cleaning OUT the past couple or three weeks.  The DI came last Friday, and will come again in 2 weeks.  I’ve gotten a bunch of stuff cleaned out, including down in the furnace room, and under the front porch.   We took all of the stuff and put it in the breezeway, and Saturday was SUCH a beautiful day………  Well we woke up to 3 inches of snow on Sunday morning !?!?!?   I have even given up my beloved couch that I have slept on for the past 10 years………..  (why?  More on that later) .  Anyway, Roger is hating it that I’m sleeping with him now, oh well, he had better get used to it.  He says I jump and wiggle, and move and it rocks the bed and wakes him up.  I tried so hard to hug the wall (the bed is pushed up way against the wall), but apparently I wasn’t that successful.  I didn’t have a very good nights sleep, without my couch, and with the itching and all.

Why the itching you say?  Well………………. When Camryn came home from Arizona last week, she had a small rash on the inside of her right knee.  We all thought it was just eczema or something like that, even the babysitter.   Well on Saturday morning, when Manda went in to get her out of the crib, she had unzipped her jammies, and had her leg out and was digging at it, and saying owie owie…… well, Manda took her to the doctor, and the doctor thought it might be Scabies (SKAY-BEES).  This is a tiny microscopic  mite that gets under the skin, and lays eggs, poops, reproduces, etc.  The doctor DID NOT do a scraping, just guessed that this was what it was.  Manda searched all over for the prescription medicine (cream) for it, and finally found some, and we treated her, and it seems much better.  No one else in the family seems to be having a problem, but I am itching like crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Everyone thought my reaction was psychosomatic, but I can usually put things like that out of my head.  We washed all the bedding in the house, and I was worried that my bed (couch) was a breeding ground for mites, etc. so out it went!!!  Well I went to the doctor today, and he thinks I must have had a reaction to a change in soap, or something like that, and sure enough, we did change soaps…… I had him take a scraping where I had been itching so badly (upper belly) and there were little bumps, etc.  But it came back CLEAN !!! Thank goodness…….. Well anyway, I guess I’ll just change back to my old soap, and hopefully I’ll quit itching soon.  Camryn is clearing up, and other than her babysitter having a FIT about it all (Manda felt she had to tell her, because it’s highly contagious) – I guess Diane scrubbed her house from bottom to top, and washed all the kids blankets, and called all of the moms, and let them know, and of course, Zac and CJ, see one little red dot on Treyson’s penis and think he now has Scabies…………….. Manda is totally upset, and feels everyone is over-reacting.  I don’t suppose her and Zac will EVER get along.  They are so different.  Hopefully Landon will be the anchor in our family after we are gone, because if it were up to Zac and Manda, they couldn’t care less if they ever had anything to do with each other.  Diane told Manda when she took Camryn this morning, that when she pulled up, one of the other little girls said, “oooh,  She’s here !!”  I’d personally just like to throttle the little puke………..  Manda was crying, and not wanting to leave Camryn, and worried that she would be shunned and ostracized by the other kids.  I personally don’t think Diane should have said WHICH kid had the “supposed” Scabies.  I mean after all, it was never actually diagnosed by microscopic examination.  When I picked up Camryn this evening, she seemed to be just fine, and hopefully she had a good day.  Manda had called Diane during the day, and Diane said things were going well.  I suppose all of this will blow over, and we will forget the sad/bad/mad feelings we have had.

Zac and CJ  have been working, and Zac has all of the electrical done in the garage.  Mark Schmid the city building inspector was WAY impressed by the job he had done.  I wish you could see the time and exactness he took as he placed the wires.  He is working on getting the ground ready out to the south of the garage for a patio.

Treyson is getting bigger, and can sit for a little bit, however you don’t want to  leave him because he is quite unsteady.  The bump on his head had gone down, thank goodness.  Just one of the little miracles that Heavenly Father blesses us with. 

Landon is enjoying baseball, however they have only played two games because of the weather.  He is doing a great job as catcher (I guess you would after playing the position exclusively for the past 10 years…..)  We had an exciting game at Lindquist field last Friday night.  We played Roy, and were down, 3 to 1 going into the last inning.  We tied it up 4-4, and went into extra innings.  We pulled it out  5-4 at the end of 8 innings.  It was a GREAT win.  The boys were sure psyched !!  Zac Markham pitched a fantastic last 4 innings, and his brother Chase (Freshman) caught the last pop-up fly to end the game.

Landon has a really easy schedule this trimester (his last)  He has Advanced Interior Design, for which he gets 3 college credits, Seminary, Pre-Engineering (where they get to build things and then blow them up), Weight Training, Government and Citizen ship, and then his last hour of the day is a free hour, which he uses to come home and get his stuff and head back to baseball.  He has accumulated 40+ hours or college credits, and if he works hard he’ll be able to get an Associated Degree before he goes on his mission.  He has applied at Dixie, SUU, CEU, SLCC, UVSC, and USU.  He has received a scholarship from Dixie (academic), and a general scholarship from USU.  He hasn’t decided where to go yet.  Still hoping for a baseball interest/scholarship from a college.  If not, he’ll try to walk on, and if not that, he’s guaranteed a spot as catcher on Weber State University’s “Club” baseball team, because Stan Rees who will be retiring as Morgan’s Baseball Coach next year, will be helping with the WSU team.

News around town??  Evelyn Giles retired from her job at the courthouse.  No ward has got a new bishop yet, I’m betting the weeks after General Conference we’ll see 3 new bishops (5^th, 8^th, 7^th wards) and possibly our ward too.  Out Bishop said they need senior couples in Billings Montana to work on the Indian Reservations…………..  He would love to request some couples from Morgan…………….are you up for it !?!?! ha ha JJ  You BETTER wait a little while at least …………………  Jared Rich (Layne and Susan’s boy) is marrying Shaina Williams (Mike’s daughter) on May 12^th.  We are having a shower for her on April 1^st.   Mark is working hard on the WBBA field.  You will be amazed at the building there, and also what has gone on around Morgan.  The new Goldenwest Credit Union Building, the new homes in Wasatch Shadows (across from Dewilt and Emma Harding’s home)  The new phases/homes in Fox Point (south of Aunt Barbara) the new homes in Red Rock (up by Hal B. Heiner’s and Como Fur)  the new homes in Deer Hollow (Behind Doc McKinnon’s home)  and the new home/twin-homes on the hill in North Morgan (Grey Jensen’s development).  Grey likes the new mayor (Dean Pace).  He speaks fondly of you dad, and is always saying that he wishes you were back as mayor. 

Well, I’m about all thought out………… can’t think of anything more to write.  I guess we are down to about 6 ½ weeks now, huh??  Hallelujah !!!   It will be good to have you back.  We are going to haul your truck over to Barber Bros. In a couple of weeks and have them get it fixed for you.  Also, we’ll get your furniture moved back in, garden tilled, and hopefully things in order (like you would like them) before you get home.  I guess you know that we are ALL planning on coming down to the airport to see you!!  We’ll probably fight to see whose car you ride home in, and since I’m the oldest……………….. I win – right??

Take care, we love you

Gwen

3/30/06

Dear Family and Friends,

This week finds us still very busy doing the Lord's work.  It is the same thing as before but we are having a lot of great experiences with the individuals that we come in contact with.  They literally light up our life.  The picture we have enclosed this time is of the Employment Class we just completed.  They are all missionaries that are finishing their missions or who have finished their missions (our teachers).  They are all very special and will be a great asset to the Church here in Cambodia.

We send our love and pray the Lord will bless you and your families.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson.

 

Email from Erika

Did any of you go to the Graves' family funeral?  Just wondering how it was?!  It is extremely sad.  (a mom and three kids were killed in a car accident, leaving only the dad behind)

Gwen,  I want a copy of your Young Women Sacrament Meeting talk.  You are getting to be quite the little public speaker.

Aaron is in Vernal and Manti this week.

Love Always,

Erika

I didn't go to the funeral...........   I imagine it was pretty heartbreaking. I can't imagine how it would be to lose your whole family.  When we went down to get Amanda in Phoenix in October 2004, and we were all coming back, in two different vehicles, on that scary road between Phoenix and Vegas (2 lane, dark, we were tired) - I was a nervous wreck, and all I could think was that if we wrecked, that I hoped we all would die, and it would be okay, because we all were there, Roger, Gwen, Amanda, Camryn, Zac CJ and Landon.......... of course, it would have been terrible for all of you left behind, but we would have been okay.