September 14, 2026

Sorry about the blank fire this morning, but I do appreciate those letting me know. I'm sure some will read the same of the morning email as they will this one, but that's OK 

About a week ago we had a lady write us asking for someone to stay with her and give her company. I could tell she wasn't fully there and we told her we probably couldn't help her out, but we'd see what we could do. Later this week we found a guy who said he had a job, but just needed a place to stay. I'm not sure if you see where this is going, but we sent them each other's numbers and wished for the best. The next day, they're both texting us, super angry, and telling us they're gonna call the police because the other one is crazy. I believed them both

This week we went with a member to his property out in the country with goats and chickens and lots of melons. We now have about 20 melons to eat! 

There is a wonderful American family that lives in our area and they are lifesavers. We went over to their house yesterday and played pickle ball, ate dinner and played the piano with their son, Crew. Very grateful for them!

I'd like to share a part of a talk that I enjoyed:

"With time and perspective we recognize that such problems in life do come for a purpose, if only to allow the one who faces such despair to be convinced that he really does need divine strength beyond himself, that she really does need the offer of heaven’s hand. Those who feel no need for mercy usually never seek it and almost never bestow it. Those who have never had a heartache or a weakness or felt lonely or forsaken never have had to cry unto heaven for relief of such personal pain. Surely it is better to find the goodness of God and the grace of Christ, even at the price of despair, than to risk living our lives in a moral or material complacency that has never felt any need for faith or forgiveness, any need for redemption or relief."

Elder Dougall