THE LOG BLOG!

One morning, while Amy and her girls were here, a huge new log washed ashore! We also had Elder Garner with us, as Ed's companion. His companion went home the day before and he was waiting for his new companion to arrive. We thought it would be fun to take pictures ON the log. We had no idea how much fun!!!

We walked onto the log on almost dry sand.


A little water never hurt anyone...



Elder Garner... missionaries don't go "swimming"....
I



Unless it is a matter of survival!


"Kriss, come with me... it will be a great shot!"




Note the fear ...

Overall, it was great fun!


The next day, our log was taken back out to sea... but it was fun while it lasted!

Another Barn Dance Photo!

We couldn't have done the barn dance without the help of our fun elders!!!!

Just for Fun!

We have lots of pictures that show something interesting or something fun we did, but that aren't enough of a story for an entire blog. I am taking this opportunity to share a few of them.

FYI: This is how deep an outhouse hole is. We built it as part of the our Helping Hands project. The dirt is brought up a bucket at a time! (Almost everyone here has no indoor plumbing.)

I have a picture in my Grammy book of Dillon's head (My grandson). The African elders wanted to know how we got that picture. They had never heard of burying anyone in the sand. We showed them how it is done. Note: check out the mermaid.


My sisters and nieces gathered for a 3 day cousin retreat. I was able to Skype them (in the middle of the night) and join them for their sharing time where they shared their favorite scripture or thought. I also Skyped them for the special meeting -"Favorite Memories of Grandma". (My Mom).


What a fun dining room wall we have!!!!


Life is great in the Congo!

Clear Creek Ranch meets the Congo

Last night we had our first combined Young Single Adult activity with 3 branches combined. It is interesting the talents that we have been blessed with, are developed through our experiences. Who knew that someday I would have a "barn dance" in the heart of Africa. We had over 70 young adults and 10 missionaries... and it was amazingly fun! I was very nervous about it and wouldn't tell the members what our surprise activity was. I was afraid they would think it was dumb... and just sit and watch me dance and laugh at me... but they were wonderful! When they arrived, they checked in and they filled out an information card. Then they got a name tag sticker and had Ed take their pictures. They were then allowed into the Multipurpose Room, most often known as the Chapel. We played a modified game of Guesstures, as people arrived...
and then we had a Clear Creek Ranch Barn Dance. It was great!

The actions to ABC are to help people loosen up when they dance. The idea is to have them wiggle to the beat of the mucic, and do various household chores with their hands to "dance"! However people in the Congo have no idea what it is to "grocery shop" or "walk the dog". And no one would know what it means to "mow a lawn"... let alone "be a sprinkler". So along with the other things we added "Pound the Saka Saka" and "Crush the Fou Fou". Soooooo much fun.

We did the Hokey Pokey, ABC, Boot Scootin Boogie (Modified Electric Slide),

YMCA,



Limbo,

Virginia Reel



and of course, we ended with the Chicken Dance.


Ed wkept busy running between being the D.J. sound man and the photographer. Towards the end they teased us that they wanted to dance "African"... they were too tired for any more "American" but we assured them they get to put on the next activity, and they can dance however they want. The dance lasted about an hour...and ended with everyone laughing and having a great time. We had cupcakes for dessert, which they had never seen. They couldn't believe how much fun they had!

Soooo, to my parents, to my sisters, and to my kids and nieces and nephews... we say..."THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES." We are once again greatful for the growing experiences the ranch gave to all of us!!!