Robert Receives Varsity Denali

On Thursday, July 23, 2015, Robert Lowe was presented with the Varsity Denali Award from his Varsity Scout Leader, Rusty O'Brien.  He had actually earned the award back in July of last year, but the previous ward didn't get the award ordered in time to present it to him at the October Court of Honor.  Then the ward split, so this is the first Court of Honor since.

Robert is now the third scout in the State of Kentucky to receive the Varsity Denali Award.

The requirements for the Varsity Denali are:

1. Be a registered Varsity Scout team member.
2. Advance at least one rank in the Boy Scout program (or earn a Palm for those who are already Eagle Scouts).
3. Hold leadership positions in a Varsity Scout team for at least six months.
4. 1. While serving as team captain or program manager, act as primary leader on at least two activities. Program managers should choose activities in their the field of emphasis. Team captains may serve as primary leader any of the five fields of emphasis.
   2. While serving as program manager or team captain, demonstrate shared leadership skills in supporting roles in each of the three remaining fields of emphasis.
5. Demonstrate that you possess Scout Spirit by understanding and living by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived each of the twelve points of the Scout Law in your everyday life.
6. Complete a progress review by a review board that includes a district or council representative and is lead by the advancement program manager.

Receiving the award

Robert with his parents

Week 57 - Elder Lowe is on a high

We had a really cool experience with Lisa Montgomery this week.  Long story short.  Lisa was going through major depression and no one would reach out to her and help.  God sent her PSR worker to get her to the hospital.  Lisa called us for help and we went.  The first Day she was spiritually and emotionally weak. She was constantly saying that nobody cared about her and that her son hated her.  She said that she felt helpless, Hopeless, afraid.  We taught her about Jesus and the Atonement and how those things are very important and can apply in our life.  We comforted her and reassured her that God and people Love her.  We told her that she can be changed by the Atonement just like a caterpillar into a butterfly. We left not knowing the impact of our words until two days later.  The next time we saw her she was HAPPY and trying to serve others that were depressed.  She was excited to see us and told us that we had saved her life.  She told us that someone told her that she was glowing.  This is why we serve missions to change people's lives by helping them come unto Christ. 

We had another Great Lesson with Veronica.  We taught the Plan of Salvation and she understood and believed it.  I asked her to be baptized and she said yes!!!  The next time we go over and teach about the gospel of Jesus Christ we will set a specific day.  It is always reassuring to ask God if you should ask them to be Baptized and he lets you know by the spirit Yes and you ask them and they say yes.  

Gladys called me Last night :).  She told me that she had started the Temple Prep class and that she is going to the Temple late August.  She Invited Elder Bodine and I to her Endowment, I am so excited to go. 

Kentucky Kingdom

For the first time this summer, Robert and Marissa were been able to go to Kentucky Kingdom to enjoy a day of rides!!!

Seriously,

This was the first day that was good enough to go... they were gone in early June for the wedding and Robert's BYU Soccer camp.  Then we had the Barb's kids here for a week (longer) and so they couldn't go that week (too expensive to take everyone).  Then, it was time to go ... but NO!!!! the weather hasn't cooperated until now.

Robert and Marissa went on Wednesday for the first time - and so did almost everyone from Louisville.  The rides had lines that were over an hour wait - but they really enjoyed the roller coaster rides!!!  They got to ride the two new rides as well as an old favorite!

I was just so happy that they finally got to go to Kentucky Kingdom - I bought their season passes back in MARCH!!!

- I hope Marissa wills send me some photos!!!

AGAIN

They loved it so much they went the next day too - and the weather cooperated!!!!  This time they did the water park.  They said there were a lot LESS people there on Thursday and they had a blast!  That makes me so happy!

I wanted them to be able to enjoy the summer - especially with this being the last summer Marissa is home before she goes off to BYU!

- need photos!!!

Violent Storm

Monday was yet another rainy day, but as the day went on the weather warnings became more intense and rapid.

First the watches - then the warnings.

Severe Thunderstorms with winds at 60 miles per hour, hail, damage to roofs, etc.

I called the kids at home and had them bring in all the cushions, then I called back and had them bring in all the chairs so they wouldn't blow away.

It was a terrible storm - one that wouldn't end.

It started around 2:00 pm and continued until the next morning around 6:00 am ...  Lightning, rain, thunder, everything - all night long.

When it was over we had over 12 inches of rain in our rain bucket - incredible!!!

I'm so thankful Robert and Marissa were home to take care of our outside furniture.  Nothing at our house was damaged, however, several neighbors and friends had 3" of flooding in their basements, trees down, stuff missing, etc.

Devon made Senior Companion

13 July 2015

Elder Devon Alexander Lowe844 S

Curtis

5BBoise, 83705, ID 83705USA

Dear Elder Lowe:

Congratulations on your call to serve as a Senior Companion in the Idaho Boise Mission.  Your faithfulness and contribution as a missionary has been exemplary and this calling is a further expression of the Lord's trust and confidence in you.

As a Senior Companion, you must continue to be exemplary in every area of

missionary service. You must show absolute loyalty to the Lord and to your

mission leaders. You must continue to keep all mission rules and encourage the

same within your companionship.  It will be your responsibility, with your

companion, to set and achieve realistic goals and to demonstrate effective

planning and execution skills.

Senior Companions have the responsibility to "lead" their area and companionship towards excellence in all areas of missionary work.  You must love and reach out to your companion, set expectations and account-abilities, and produce results in your area that support the goals and vision of the entire mission.  You  must work and pray to have your area reach its fullest potential.  Use the scriptures and "Preach My Gospel" to improve your teaching and deepen your testimony.

May you feel the Lord blessing you in this new responsibility.

Sincerely

yours,

President John Q. Winder

IDAHO BOISE MISSION

Enclosure CC:

Parents

Devon - week 56

Elder Schulka is now transferred to Boise North and will be a Zone Leader. 

I got a new Companion named Elder Belden from Texas. We are co seniors together.  I am super excited to go out and work with him.  I found out that he has a bone spur on his hip, (extra bone growth on his hip) which causes him a lot of pain good thing we have a car so that he is not as much in pain as he would be if he was walking.  

Last week we got a new investigator that we are super excited about.  Her name is Veronica.  We found her through a referral from her friend, Jennifer.  This was Jennifer's first time being a member missionary so she was really stressed; then Veronica was even more stressed out.  She was stressed during most of the Lesson which made the beginning tough but it ended beautifully.  She is going to read the Book of Mormon and try to get Sundays off so that she can go to church.  The spirit overcame her stress. :)  We will try to set a date with her a soon as possible.  We felt that if we had asked her that she would say no because of all the stress she was in.  She is 47 divorced and has kids. Really nice lady. Elder Belden and I will pray to know the will of God for her. 

We had a couple people at church this week but it's hard to get people to church consistently in this area.  In total we have many less actives, actives and some investigators that can come to church but they usually come once a month.  Consistency is the key to lasting conversion.  If they aren't consistent in keeping the commandments and consistent in feeling the Spirit then they cannot be reactivated in the Gospel.

Elder Jones my old companion is now my district leader which is super exciting!!!

Youth Conference in Kirtland, OH

Marissa and Robert had a wonderful time on the Stake Youth Conference trip to Kirtland, OH

Marissa and Meg were together 

Robert and Marissa got to do a lot together

Meg and Marissa with our Branch President Stevens

Robert and Marissa

Best friends, Meg and Marissa

My Trip to Spokane

My trip to Spokane, Washington started off soooo very early.  I didn't get to bed until after 1:00 am because me sister called (missing her train), and then I woke up at 4:19 because my sister called (trying to find her hotel).  I was getting up at 4:30 am anyway to get ready for my flight that left Louisville at 6:30 am.

I had a long day - 3 hours sleep and traveling to 3 different airports.  UGH!!!  I flew from Louisville to Dallas, Dallas to Phoenix and Phoenix to Spokane!

If that were the worst of it - I'd be happy!

Upon arriving at the airport I realized I needed to upgrade my rental vehicle to a bigger car so that I could fit everyone and their luggage in because my dad had already let me know that he wanted me to give him a ride to the train station Saturday night.  Luckily they were able to make the change.  Directions were easy!

The only problem was - if you can believe this - my dad (who) my dad changed my hotel reservation from the Davenport Grand to the Davenport Tower.  I never gave anyone permission for my dad to change my reservation.  He moved me several blocks away!!!!  At least now I am in the same hotel as Sandy and Hunter and Dad and Alison, but in all honesty I was looking forward to having space and some freedom.  Later on I learned why it was so important to him to move me - he only had the hotel for one night - so he wanted to move into my room for the entire day Saturday (store his luggage is how he put it - but I'm getting ahead of myself.)

Friday, Jessica and Tate came into Spokane and came to the hotel.  Sandy, Hunter and I walked down to the mall and then to the River front park with them for a fun time, only to find out that most of Tate's family was already there and we wouldn't be able to have "alone" time.  We had a wonderful time together, but Jessica was off with Tate and his family.  She loves his nieces and nephews and plays with them often.  They took me to the carousel and the trash eating goat, and then over the the giant Ryder wagon.  It was a beautiful day, and it gave me a chance to catch up with Sandy and Hunter.  Sandy and Hunter left to go back to the hotel to get ready.  She, Hunter and I are taking Dad and Alison out to dinner for Alison's birthday.  We wanted to have Tate and Jessica join us, but they didn't tell us they were with all of his family so that didn't work out.  BUMMER!   I stayed a little while longer so I could have time with Jessica and Tate, but they were preoccupied with his family so I left.

It was disappointing not to have time with Jessica and Tate, but there would always be tomorrow (or so I thought).

We all dressed up fancy and took Alison to a very nice steak restaurant for her birthday dinner.  We had a wonderful time.  It was a four course meal.  We started with bread and appetizers.  Sandy, Hunter and I enjoyed a variety of bruschetta while Dad and Alison enjoyed escargot.  Dad and Alison split a steak and enjoyed their spirits, while Sandy, Hunter and I enjoyed our dinner.  I had a delicious but very filling filet minion.

Saturday morning I went for a jog.  The weather was cloudy with sprinkles, but it was more appealing to me than running on a treadmill.  I actually really enjoyed my run.  I ran to the River front park where there are paved trails.  I ran along the falls and saw some amazing natural sights.  It was very enjoyable to have some time to myself.

I was very disappointed the rest of the day (I'm sorry to say).  Dad and Alison decided they were checking themselves and Sandy and Hunter out of their rooms and moved all of their stuff into my room by 12:00 pm.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!  If it were only their stuff, I wouldn't have minded however, it was all four of them - moved into my room - ugh!!!  Dad decided he was going to take a NAP!  (are you serious)  So essentially I'm kicked out of my own room that I'm paying $199 a day/night for.  Oh well - make the best of it.

I needed to take Hunter to purchase some dress pant since he didn't bring any and we will be attending a wedding reception that night ... so I wanted to treat him to a nice pair of pants and a shirt to go with it, since he also didn't bring a nice shirt...

Well, it was a very upscale mall so the only stores were Macy's and Nordstroms.  Alison didn't want to walk out in the rain to Macy's so we ended up at Nordstroms (the most expensive store in town).  We found some pants in his size, hand them altered, found a shirt, belt, socks, and shoes.  $398 dollars damage but he looks amazing!  What's crazy is that I would never spend that much on Mark, me or any of my boys ... but it was more about the experience.  Hunter really looked great and I hope he liked what I got him.

Jessica and Tate were busy decorating for the reception all day so we didn't get any time with them.  I'm so sad!  I've flown all this way and I haven't seen them but for one hour.  After shopping, I meet up with Dad and Alison in the lobby while Sandy and Hunter go to work out in the facility at the hotel.  Dad and Alison enjoy too much alcohol and become "under the influence."  YIKES!!!

While enjoying time with them, Dad tells me "you were so aggressive."  What did he mean?  I have no idea ... so I probe the issue ... "What do you mean?"  Then he proceeded to tell me he thought I wanted him to love me like I was JUDY!  OH MY GOSH!!!  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!  I immediately had to put a stop to any and all thinking along those lines.  I clearly let him and Alison know that that was preposterous.  The problem with my childhood is that I was unloved ... so it created two emotions towards my dad - 1) I hate you - stay away from me, and 2) why don't you love me?  My actions regarding #1 were that I came home, prepared dinner and then immediately went to my room - I avoided contact with my dad at all costs.  The actions regarding #2 were that given the opportunity to be with my dad, I just wanted him to show an ounce of love for me.  He misunderstood my "Reaching out to be loved as a daughter" as romantic love!  That's absurd.  My day has gone from bad to worse...

Then, we enjoy appetizers for dinner and dad suggests I pick up the bill.  SURE!!!  They ordered shrimp cocktail for everyone and Sandy had Thai chicken.  Worse - Dad and Alison are still drinking.  I excuse myself to get ready for the reception.  Everyone follows in 10 minutes or so.  Alison is crying because Dad is being mean.  Dad is yelling because Alison can't find things.  Oh - my - gosh - what a nightmare.  Sandy gets Hunter ready as fast as possible and they leave!  Now, it's me, Dad and Alison.  Time is ticking by and we should be leaving for the reception, but Dad and Alison aren't ready yet!!!  They are killing me.  I can't take it.

In the hotel with Sandy and Hunter

Sandy and Hunter at the temple

Sisters love is forever

Betsy and Hunter

At the reception with Jessica and Tate

Love this special girl!!!

Betsy, Jessica, Tate and Sandy at the reception

We finally made it to the reception.  We parked right next to the Spokane temple - it's just like Louisville ... a temple next to the chapel they attend.  On the other side of the temple is a "Temple Pavilion"  this is where the reception was held - in the outdoor pavilion (covered).  They had decorated it to the hilt - out did themselves!  Jessica had a candy bar, milk bar, donut bar, etc.  It was all desserts.  The cake was in the middle.  Jessica and Tate greeted people but the night was very informal.

After the reception we went back to the hotel.  Their train isn't due out until 3:00 am.  I went back to bed and took them to the station at 2:30 a.m.  Then I went back to bed.

Oh my gosh - Sandy got off the train

It was 1:00 am AM and the phone rang.

It was Sandy - she and Hunter got off their train to stretch their legs and didn't get back in time - they chased the train to the platform, but it was too late - the train took off without them.  All of their luggage and carry-ons were still on the  train.  Luckily Hunter had his phone and Sandy had her wallet.

Dad and Alison were still on the train and made it safely into Spokane.  Sandy and Hunter called the local bishop and he made arrangements for someone he knew to DRIVE Sandy and Hunter from "where ever they were" to Spokane - a 3 hour drive.  I texted her Dad's cell phone number and the address of the hotel where we are staying (since all her stuff was still on the train).

Around 4:19 am I received another phone call - Sandy had arrived in Spokane at the hotel and needed to know if she was at the right place.

Thank goodness for amazing wonderful selfless people that live in this world.  Sandy and Hunter made it safely to Spokane - they will be very tired.  I will be too.

Week 55 - It's HOT

This week has been hot … like over 100 degrees Hot.  We have been doing service a bunch this week.  No members signed up for the 4 of July.  We did not have a dinner on July fourth so we ate with the Zone Leaders.

We planned on contacting a bunch of people on July 4.  We were leaving our house when we couldn't find the Keys and I was the last on to have them.  We went around our apartment for a couple of minutes looking for them.  We couldn't find them so then we started to just walk.  We went to an investigators house that we had not been to for a while named Charlie.  Usually it is hard to teach her because she rambles a lot about random things, but this time we talked about pray and she is trying to help us get a new investigator!  We were really happy afterwards because she is starting to follow her commitments.  Then we were walking more and saw a less active walking down the street named Ida. We sat down with her and had an inspired lesson with her.  We followed up on pray then that lead to the sacrament which lead into the atonement and forgiveness.  It was super cool to ask her inspire questions and then listen to her inspired answer and the Holy Ghost helping us to discern her needs.  The past two lessons have been spiritually enriched.  Later that day we found out that one of the Spanish Elders hid our Keys in the apartment which I am grateful for because without him doing that we would have not been in the place we needed to be in at that time.  

We finally got in contact with Ann Kinittle which we found out is agnostic.  She is unsure if she wants to meet with us because she does not know if there is a God.  We had the opportunity to testify that there is a God and we got to teach about her concern which was "why God allows people to suffer."  Another plus side is that we meet CJ who is a promising potential investigator.  

I wish I could tell you more.