tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74195343446181611072012-01-29T19:12:31.459-05:00Elder Steven Watts and Sister Michele Watts share their ongoing mission experiences.Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-84055145712538641512011-08-08T08:57:00.000-04:002011-08-08T08:57:37.706-04:00

Can you tell from the title of this blog that we are in Kansas as I post it?  But, we had a marvelous time in Washington DC.  We were there a week ago and spent 4 days.  We could have spent 4 weeks, there are so many things to do and see. We started off with a tour of several monuments: The Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam Memorial, The World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument.  It was so

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-27082303348493840092011-08-06T23:21:00.000-04:002011-08-06T23:21:53.733-04:00

After sightseeing in New York City we drove to Pennsylvania.  Our objective was to visit Gettysburg and review some of the history of the Civil War.  However, on the way there we took a detour to a very fun place, one that I have long wanted to visit.  What city would have a street named "Chocolate Ave" . . .  and chocolate kisses for street lights? If you guessed Hershey, Pennsylvania you

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-61986851414598527962011-08-02T09:01:00.000-04:002011-08-02T09:01:45.088-04:00

A favorite children's book of mine is Fortunately by Remy Carlip.  The story begins this way: Fortunately, Ned was invited to a surprise party.Unfortunately, the party was a thousand miles away. Fortunately, a friend loaned Ned an airplane.Unfortunately, the motor exploded. Fortunately, there was a parachute in the airplane.Unfortunately, there was a hole in the parachute. That pattern could

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-84724779582379121302011-07-28T22:54:00.000-04:002011-07-28T22:54:54.042-04:00

Friday, Saturday and Sunday we spent in the heart of American History, Concord, Boston, and Lexington, MA.  What a great time we had!  First we stopped at Orchard House in Concord.  This is a home that Louisa May Alcott lived in with her family when she wrote Little Women.  Louisa's books have been favorites of mine since I was a girl.  The home was built in the late 1600's.  The Alcotts moved

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-71297912413009604232011-07-25T09:08:00.000-04:002011-07-25T09:08:59.323-04:00

On Thursday, July 21, we visited the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Vermont.We knew he was born in Sharon, Vermont, but it turns out the home he lived in was on the dividing line of Sharon and South Royalton, Vermont.  Later he said he was born in Sharon, so that is what history now says.

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-20588272601578490702011-07-22T07:47:00.001-04:002011-07-22T21:56:35.702-04:00

Friends kept asking if I planned to continue posting on Mission Musings after our mission was finished and I said I wasn't sure.  Here is what I now know: 1.  I have at least three posts from our mission that I didn't get time to finish.  I will finish them sooner or later and post them. 2.  I want to post our trip home.  3.  I will probably continue to post mission experiences when we get home.

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-76330570859526147272011-05-23T08:59:00.003-04:002011-06-17T18:40:17.976-04:00

As a teenager, one of my favorite books was The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone.  The Agony and the Ecstasy (1961) is a biographical novel of Michelangelo Buonarroti written by American author Irving Stone. My favorite part of the book tells of Michelangelo painting his famous mural in the Sistine Chapel. Recently we had our own "Michael" painting a mural here in Palmyra. Missionaries

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-42214021592318527432011-04-28T09:22:00.000-04:002011-04-28T09:22:42.376-04:00

Six days ago 8 Senior Missionaries, including Elder Watts and myself, were privileged to go to Afton, New York and Oakland (Harmony), Pennsylvania to visit some Church historic sites.  Unlike Palmyra, where we serve, these sites are undeveloped.  However, many important and sacred events took place at these sites, many of which we testify as we give tours at the Palmrya sites.  These sites and

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-31194283618879415902011-04-06T22:05:00.001-04:002011-04-06T22:34:37.922-04:00

On March 26, 2011, to celebrate the 181st Anniversary of the first printing of the Book of Mormon, the missionaries invited the public to a birthday party. Here's what we did:Visitors were greeted by missionaries in period clothing, or just missionary attire.  They were invited to sign in.                                                   A large variety of cookies, along with lemon water was

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-30251201264682209362011-03-31T20:01:00.001-04:002011-04-27T07:45:12.429-04:00

Shortly after we arrived here in New York on our mission we heard about the "white deer".  Once we even went in search of them, but didn't find them.  However, in the back of our minds we knew we would look for them again.  So, yesterday seemed to be the perfect day.  It was our preparation day and we did some training of new missionaries in the morning.  In the early afternoon we did shopping

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-78605358352105364642011-03-19T13:34:00.001-04:002011-04-27T07:44:42.092-04:00

Finally, the last of the FOUR SEASONS IN THE SACRED GROVE blog posts. I started these in November, thinking I would have them posted within four weeks.  However, life has a way of changing our well laid plans.   I love the fall.  I think it may be my favorite season.  Certainly I looked forward to spending a fall in upstate New York and seeing the leaves change colors. I wasn't dissappointed as

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-32943915486228040352011-03-08T18:39:00.001-05:002011-03-08T18:40:25.586-05:00

 I have been gone for some time from the blog scene.  That is because it seems I used up all of my free allotted memory in the system.  I tried several things to try to free up more space, with no success.  Then I tired multiple times to buy more space, but those attempts failed too.  I was just about to the point of opening another blog on Elder Watts' email account when he took a look at things

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-8483484438869307672011-02-06T22:28:00.000-05:002011-02-06T22:28:16.679-05:00

 When I was a child, growing up in southern Nevada, our family would often visit the family ranch in the isolated mountains, far from the bright city lights. We would sleep outdoors on warm summer nights.  I remember how much I loved laying on my back and gazing up into the heavens.  In these clear nights the stars were brilliant and seemed close enough to reach out and touch.  The Milky Way

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-6948165953575056832011-01-22T16:31:00.000-05:002011-01-22T16:31:53.525-05:00

The Sacred Grove in the summer is serene, peaceful, and beautiful!  The trees have all their leaves and there is beautiful foliage on the forest floor.  When I make a post, especially one that is mostly pictures, I like to post a message with the pictures. My cousin, Ken, who lives in China brought my attention to a beautiful hymn.  So, I will intersperse my pictures with the words to the hymn.

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-75920738456763058402011-01-10T15:38:00.000-05:002011-01-10T15:38:13.345-05:00

"We now pause for station identification."  If you grew up in my era you will recognize this phrase as one that interrupted your favorite TV show right during the climax.  That is sort of how I feel about my blogging.  On November 21 I started a series of 4 posts about the Sacred Grove during each season of the year.  My first post was winter. Then I stopped, not for "station identification", but

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-65579428953531790032010-12-31T22:56:00.002-05:002010-12-31T23:10:50.403-05:00

Besides wrapping gifts for school children, watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional, mailing Christmas cards, and decorating, what else can cheer up holiday homesick senior missionaries more than a visit from grandkids.  Of course it's always nice to see their parents too. Picture at Grandin Building So, imagine how happy we were to see our oldest daughter, her husband and their three

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-6686949835508883402010-12-28T09:47:00.000-05:002010-12-28T09:47:57.702-05:00

The theme of the past few posts has been about the things Holiday Homesick missionaries do to keep from being so homesick.  One thing that is very satisfying for me is sending and receiving Christmas cards.  I LOVE sending them, thinking of each recipient as I address the card and the good memories I have of the times we spent together, whether it was very recent or many years ago.  It reminds me

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-64481095307803828932010-12-22T11:50:00.001-05:002010-12-22T12:25:46.009-05:00

Decorating, for me, is an important part of the Christmas season. I guess I inherited the tendency from my mother, the only person I know that hangs Christmas ornaments from the ceiling (or she did when we were kids). When I was a child I thought it was magical! Now, our youngest daughter does the same. I like to decorate our entire house – it is fun for me. But, when we left Oregon in January,

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-61779484194199157842010-12-10T15:43:00.000-05:002010-12-10T15:43:29.391-05:00

While it's true, we won't be home for Christmas and will miss seeing our grandchildren in Oregon,  it buoyed our spirits to help with the local elementary school's Santa's Breakfast last Saturday. Several Senior Missionaries and Young Sisters showed up to help.  We started out before the breakfast officially began by washing tables in the cafeteria to prepare for the guests. As families arrived

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-9759545915709307542010-12-06T23:22:00.000-05:002010-12-06T23:22:52.788-05:00

What else do two holiday homesick missionaries in New York do to celebrate the holidays?  Well  . . . we won't be home for our traditional Watts Family Christmas Devotional where we share talents, eat good food, and act out the Nativity.  We will miss these events. But we can and we did watch The First Presidency Christmas Devotional.  Elder Watts and I opened the Hill Cumorah Visitors'

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-32854670502441762592010-12-04T14:51:00.000-05:002010-12-04T14:51:56.388-05:00

So. . . how do a couple of senior missionaries in New York celebrate the holidays?  During the coming month we will be posting the answers to that question. We will start with Thanksgiving.  While it was hard to be away from friends, family and our own comfortable traditions at home, we did have a special Thanksgiving here on our mission. We started the day working for three hours at the Smith

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-41691303937370460362010-11-21T22:09:00.004-05:002010-12-01T13:52:54.831-05:00

We have now walked through all four seasons in the Sacred Grove.  We love it in each of its seasons.  Perhaps you will enjoy seeing a glimpse of it during each season.  Since we first experienced the Grove in the winter, that is the first season we will share in this first of four posts. As you walk through the grove with us in winter, you might enjoy reading one of our favorite scriptures about

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-4885174220844171912010-11-09T11:23:00.001-05:002010-11-09T11:47:00.742-05:00

Last week was the big move.  Well, not really a big move, since we only moved 3 miles and didn't have to move dishes, furniture, etc. . . just our clothes, food, and personal items.  Using these trusty moving tools: scissors, marker and tape, along with boxes, we packed our belongings from our cute little apartment on Stafford Road.Below you see our packed boxes placed in the back hallway of our

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-60472201645884841412010-10-28T16:12:00.000-04:002010-10-28T16:12:29.167-04:00

The second week we arrived in New York we went to visit some members of our assigned congregation, the Rochester 2nd Ward.  When we arrived at their home, we were graciously welcomed by this kind family!  As we visited them in subsequent months, we had many wonderful times together, culminating most recently in the baptism of the two oldest children this past Sunday, October 24.  When we met

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-26612566371413136452010-10-23T20:02:00.001-04:002010-10-23T20:53:20.414-04:00

As we have enjoyed the magnificent fall leaves here in New York I am reminded of this verse in Psalms 19:1:" The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."I  hope you enjoy viewing some of the photos I took of the beautiful fall season.  In this first clip you will see some pictures from the Church Historic Sites.  The trees with the brilliant orange leaves are at

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-43204731532233871002010-10-10T21:25:00.003-04:002010-11-09T11:49:39.659-05:00

When our children were in grade school, they had a yearly musical program where they performed songs that they learned in music class. I was especially impressed by one song that they not only sang, but also added actions. It was the Erie Canal song and when they sang, "Low bridge, everybody down" all of the students ducked as they were singing. Little did I realize those many years ago I would

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-40479362043157119372010-09-25T21:46:00.002-04:002010-10-23T20:55:07.457-04:00

Palmyra was founded in 1789 and the Erie Canal played an important part in its early history as well as much of the early history of upstate New York. In fact, even today Palmyra is often referred to as "Canaltown".  Last weekend, September 18 and 19 was the 43rd Annual Canaltown Days here in Palmyra, complete with a parade on Saturday.  _________________ Elder and Sister Werner, one of the

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-3433741197625758702010-09-20T22:26:00.001-04:002010-10-23T20:55:38.649-04:00

In Preach My Gospel, a guide to missionary service, it states that our purpose as missionaries is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.  So, Elder Watts and I were excited yesterday to participate in the baptism of our

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-84257764765916581662010-09-15T09:35:00.001-04:002010-10-23T20:56:17.260-04:00

While I was working as an elementary school teacher I was always delighted by the "apple gifts" students and families gave me as tokens of appreciation. I received a blackboard eraser with my name and an apple painted on it, kitchen towels with apples embroidered on them, apple aprons, apple stationary, apple jewlery, and yes, even real apples.  One student even brought me in a beatiful apple of

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-70196350905346937702010-09-08T12:15:00.004-04:002010-10-23T20:56:48.387-04:00

For the past few weeks at the Smith Family Farm and the Peter Whitmer Farm there has been an abundance of beautiful butterflies.  They love the butterfly bush and colorful flowers and I love taking pictures of them! I found that if I stood very still the butterflies would land and drink the nectar from the flowers and I could take pictures to my heart's content.  It reminded me of this quote by

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-4127083409059229942010-08-29T14:48:00.001-04:002010-10-23T20:57:29.784-04:00

One of the amazing blessing of serving our mission here in Palmyra, New York is being so close to the Palmyra Temple. We live 1/2 mile from this beautiful edifice. This temple was the 100th temple announced and was the first temple in the state of New York. I love this view of the temple as seen from the Smith Farm. _______________________________________ The grounds are so well kept, with

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-3043023057591053042010-08-21T12:10:00.001-04:002010-10-23T20:57:59.011-04:00

In Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 we learn, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven," including " . . .a time to laugh."  To me this scripture is talking about balance and a healthy mental and physical lifestyle.  As full time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we work very hard and we love our work.  For 18 months we are serving our

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-9447417371109557712010-08-18T09:14:00.001-04:002010-10-23T20:58:23.472-04:00

Saturday morning we stopped by the Wayne County Fair for a couple of hours.  We wanted to support our local community; the fair was less than a mile from our home.  We also wanted to support our missionaries, who had a booth at the fair.We enjoyed the barrel racing and draft horses (above) and the fruits and vegetables and flowers (below). We especially enjoyed the Tractor Pull.  We had never

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-50485181852472750072010-08-12T08:48:00.003-04:002010-09-25T23:13:48.097-04:00

In the 1960's my family went to Disneyland in California.  One of the newest rides was "It's a Small World After All".  I fell in with the ride and in subsequent visits to Disneyland it remained one of my favorites. I know, I know, how can it compare to the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones or even Pirates of the Caribbean, but don't forget, I'm from the generation that thought the Tea Cups and the

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-43160320105077961442010-08-08T21:52:00.001-04:002010-10-23T20:59:15.156-04:00

This year the Boy Scouts of America celebrated their 100th year here in America at their National Jamboree in Virginia.  Our grandson, Kolby was one of over 43,000 Boy Scouts that attended!Many of these Boy Scout Councils came to the Hill Cumorah Historic Sites either on their way to or from the Jamboree.  Below is one group of Scouts that stopped by the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center during

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-12589685116760712692010-08-03T20:37:00.002-04:002010-08-08T21:39:46.441-04:00

Here is the final installment of the Hill Cumorah Pageant story: The prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite did come to pass.  After tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds, and physical upheavals that attested to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, darkness covered the land for three days. Then  Jesus Christ appeared and proclaimed His atonement as depicted in the two pictures below. "And it came to

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-86583064446233514212010-07-29T09:11:00.002-04:002010-08-08T21:39:13.535-04:00

This post continues the story of the Hill Cumorah Pageant: The picture below protrays the Nephites after a battle with the Lamanites.  Even though the Nephites were fewer in number, they "put their trust in the Lord" and were victorious.  After the battle they knelt and gave the Glory to God for their success. (This is a great life lesson for all of us - trust in God and give Him the Glory!)

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-58266780118168023532010-07-24T13:45:00.000-04:002010-07-24T13:45:34.285-04:00

Today marks one week since the Hill Cumorah Pageant ended.  What a busy, glorious time it was.  We went to see the pageant every night including the dress rehearsal.  I took lots of pictures, but I'm not very good at using my SLR camera at night.  I read my instruction book, consulted Pioneer Woman Photography, and did a Google search for help.  In the end I was pleased with many of my pictures,

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-69003553536164463262010-07-16T13:20:00.000-04:002010-07-16T13:20:25.964-04:00

Pageant excitement is in the air in Palmyra, New York this week!  People come from all over the world to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant.  They come by plane, by tour bus and by cars.  I walked around the Smith Family Farm parking lot yesterday and in 5 minutes found cars from 20 states and two provinces.  

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-79424308615139561732010-07-11T10:07:00.000-04:002010-07-11T10:07:48.917-04:00

The Hill Cumorah Pageant is here!  We were so excited to attend the dress rehearsal on Thursday, July 8.  Then last night we were assigned to work in an information booth from 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM.  We also worked at the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center as many many guests came on tour.  What fun! The sites have been incredibly busy.  We had 699 visitors at the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center on

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-3898649805724924562010-07-08T15:38:00.000-04:002010-07-08T15:38:59.916-04:00

The excitement continues here in Palmyra, New York as preparations for the Hill Cumorah Pageant continue!  The community is proud of this event, displaying banners, posting signs, and handing out cards to advertise its coming.  The local Lions and Rotary Clubs offer food just prior to the pageant.  These two non-profit organizations do much service in the community.The Hill Cumorah Pageant tells

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-41684972872508870262010-06-30T13:43:00.000-04:002010-06-30T13:43:00.919-04:00

Waiting for the Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra is like waiting for Christmas.  It is anticipated and talked about for months before it arrives. As the time draws near for the pageant to take place there is a sense of frenzied excitement.  We are as excited as everyone else, espcially since we have never seen the pageant before. This year the pageant will be held on July 9,10 and 13-17.  In

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-56425629596354223282010-06-22T16:17:00.000-04:002010-06-22T16:17:32.236-04:00

Now that we have enjoyed the art gallery, we will exit the Visitors' Center and go out into the log home.  This is the log home that the Whitmer Family built and lived in from 1809 until April of 1831.  This log home is a recreation of the original home.  It is built on the same location with logs from buildings in the area from the early 1800's.  Many local Church members and friends from other

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-14349653036148811642010-06-15T16:32:00.001-04:002010-06-15T20:08:47.269-04:00

The Whitmer Farm Visitors' Center Art Gallery is one of our favorite parts of this site.  William Whitaker of the Art Department at Brigham Young University was commissioned to paint pictures depicting the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the first Ensign magazine.  They appeared in that magazine in January 1971.  These original pieces of art are now on display

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-44744604352526317492010-06-07T13:32:00.004-04:002010-06-25T21:36:28.085-04:00

Welcome to the Whitmer Farm Visitors' Center.  This is one of the 4 Sites where we serve here in New York.  It is not right in Palmyra, but is in Fayette, New York, about 27 miles southeast of Palmyra.  We are happy to have you here on tour today! _____________________________ This is the beautiful Fayette Ward Chapel and Whitmer Farm Visitors' Center. It was completed and dedicated on April 6,

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-6196471987455543332010-05-30T22:45:00.002-04:002010-06-25T21:36:46.112-04:00

Once all of the printing of The Book of Mormon was completed the next step was to bind the pages and add a cover.  This was done in the bindery.  The first job in the binding process was to fold the signatures (a set of 16 pages on one sheet).  This was done using a bone knife and folding the sheets 3 times.  ----------------------------------------------------------  Next, all 37 signatures

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-25859824979415224852010-05-24T10:42:00.003-04:002010-06-19T22:37:57.835-04:00

Spring in New York has been exciting and beautiful.  Two weeks ago we had a variety of experiences we want to share with you.FLOWERS There is a park in Rochester, Highland Park, that contains 120 acres and over a 1,000 varieties of lilacs.  We went there one evening after we visited people we are working with in Rochester and enjoyed strolling among the lilacs.  The aroma was heavenly and the

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-81408018440759848912010-05-02T19:22:00.009-04:002010-06-25T21:37:59.786-04:00

Welcome to the Book of Mormon Historic Publication Site. This site is one of the sacred sites here in Palmyra because this is where the Book of Mormon was first printed, bound, and sold to the public. We will start the tour with a 5 minute video to give you an overview of the site. Please have a seat and enjoy the video.The owner of the print shop and bookstore was Egbert B. Grandin. He was just

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-33230577581852087612010-04-21T07:53:00.008-04:002010-09-25T23:16:10.295-04:00

There is a gravel road on the Smith Family Farm, one of our sites here in Palmyra. Beneath the gravel road, about halfway between the frame home and the log home runs a white PVC culvert. Living in the culvert is a family of foxes, a mama fox and three babies. Yesterday morning, during our walk we were excited to see the babies. They are very playful and we were able to get within 5 feet of them.

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-57984271980151738982010-04-19T12:33:00.012-04:002010-09-25T23:14:55.115-04:00

Dear Family and Friends, One of the greatest parts of our mission here in Palmyra is all of the wonderful people we get to meet from all over the world: Brazil, China, Japan, Holland, Belgium, Canada, France, England, Australia, and more. But the most fun is when we meet people that know people we know. Here are some of our friends of friends or old acquaintances: Elder and Sister Whipple are

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-15423851953459935792010-04-03T15:17:00.010-04:002010-04-13T11:37:04.274-04:00

When the Smith Family lived on their 100 acre farm in Palmyra they did many things to generate income. Each spring they tapped maple trees that grew naturally on their property. They tapped approximately twelve to fifteen hundred trees in a single season to produce an average of one thousand pounds of maple sugar and syrup. As missionaries sharing this story with visitors, we are naturally

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-15049398201886600082010-04-03T15:16:00.007-04:002010-04-07T12:13:22.967-04:00

For over 35 years we have included three activities in our Easter Celebration:A hot dog roast and Easter Egg Hunt on SaturdayA celebration of the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ through song and worship at church on SundayA family Easter DinnerSo. . .this Easter in Palmyra was very different for us. While there was no hot dog roast, egg hunt or family Easter Dinner, we were blessed to

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-78887608780206451262010-03-22T16:05:00.024-04:002010-06-25T21:38:39.074-04:00

Welcome to the Smith Family Farm. Please step inside the Welcome Center and join us for a tour. . . Hi, I'm Elder Watts, from Portland, Oregon. Welcome to the Smith Family Farm. Where are you from? Have you been to the sites before? This is Sister Watts. She will be taking you on your tour today. How much time do you have? What are you most interested in learning? Welcome to this Sacred Site.

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-13392835059051597352010-03-16T20:54:00.016-04:002010-06-25T21:39:08.004-04:00

Welcome to the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center! We hope you enjoy our tour today. We are Elder and Sister Watts from Boring, Oregon (we really say Portland) and we will be your tour guides. We invite you to look around, pick up brochures you might enjoy, then we will begin the tour at the display across from the desk. We think this site is the best place to start your tour of the Sacred Historic

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-78059995759146942242010-03-10T13:41:00.008-05:002010-03-10T15:09:52.768-05:00

A few days ago we walked in the Sacred Grove together. There was lots of snow on the ground but the path was compacted where others had tread.The path was icy and uneven and eventually became narrow. At that point Michele sat on a bench while Steven continued onward. We have walked in the grove several times (Steven more than Michele) and gather peace and spiritual strength each time. It is

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-77079228087812593392010-03-01T17:13:00.009-05:002010-03-01T22:37:45.090-05:00

Starting on Thursday we had 4 days of LOTS of snow, according to the locals, the worst storm of the year. The first day about 15 inches fell and it kept snowing through Sunday. On Friday the schools in Rochester, Palmyra and surrounding areas were closed, the Palmyra Temple was closed and many incoming and outgoing flights at the Rochester and New York Airports were cancelled.We bundle up in our

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-10365232260552289002010-02-20T17:24:00.055-05:002010-02-23T18:04:36.235-05:00

Life here in the Rochester Mission has been, busy, rewarding, and spiritually uplifting. During the next few blog entries we hope to give readers a glimpse of what missionary life is like in the Hill Cumorah Historic Sites. This entry will provide a general overview of our life and the next six entries will go into more detail about the following:The Hill Cumorah Visitors’ CenterThe Smith Family

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-20284522049127882032010-02-15T19:35:00.046-05:002010-02-15T22:38:47.266-05:00

January 26, 2010 - TuesdayAs we drove away from Provo and the MTC on our way to Palmyra, NY, we remembered how apprehensive we were about entering the MTC– not knowing what to expect. We found that everyone was kind, helpful and dedicated! Now we were starting our trip across the United States, with great concern about the winter weather. The words of a hymn came to mind. “The night is dark and I

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-29606319156740492642010-02-09T20:52:00.016-05:002010-02-11T22:17:17.126-05:00

Preparation-Day finally arrived! We slept in until 7:15 AM and then dressed in our missionary clothing and went to breakfast. Missionaries cannot eat in the dining hall unless they are in missionary clothing. It snowed during the night and we woke to a winter wonderland.That evening we went out to dinner. Senior Couples have a lot of leeway and can leave the MTC in the evenings and on their

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-84659976764538446702010-02-05T09:40:00.008-05:002010-02-05T10:20:10.898-05:00

During our second and third day at the MTC we gave lessons to volunteers from the community that pretended to be someone interested in learning about our religion. We gave these discussions in our apartment and the investigators came to us. We were especially touched by one of our investigators. He pretended to be Episcopalian and had concerns about being baptized again. He also wondered about

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-90550346003991697932010-01-28T17:51:00.016-05:002010-01-29T20:36:36.989-05:00

Monday, January 18, we entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT at 10:00 AM and were impressed with the organization and kindness of those greeting us and starting us on our missionary journey.We had lunch in the cafeteria with 2,200 other missionaries. Next we met with all of the new senior missionaries. There are about 50 of us all together. The Provo MTC Mission Presidency with

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-17277973260007487342010-01-27T00:09:00.010-05:002010-01-27T00:39:33.274-05:00

From the time we received our call until the time we left home we had two weeks and two days. It was an intense time for us. We had many tasks to complete such as: paperwork for our mission, clothes to purchase, a home to prepare, packing, goodbyes, etc. We made lists and more lists. It seemed like the more items we checked off, the more we added. However, we were blessed with the help from good

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-53953226265367127212010-01-24T18:28:00.010-05:002010-01-24T18:53:54.567-05:00

On Sunday Morning, January 10, Steven and I were set apart as full time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were set apart by President Richard Hansen. All of our Oregon family members were present except Michael and baby K., who were at a family baptism. The blessings given to us as we were set apart were very special and dear to our hearts. I truly felt the

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7419534344618161107.post-30832272964301929222010-01-23T23:12:00.007-05:002010-01-24T18:57:02.579-05:00

We received our mission call on December 26, 2009. Here's how it happened. I (Michele) was on my way to the play, A Christmas Carol, in Portland. On the way I passed our mail-carrier. I called Steven to tell him if the mission call came to call me. I went to Alisha's first and while I was there Steven called. He said one word, “Bingo!” I said, “I'll be right home.” So as quick as I could return

Steven and Michele Wattsnoreply@blogger.com2