When we completed our last blogpost, we had just celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary in the Jordan River Temple, which was on March 12, 2020. While we were in the temple, Governor Herbert issued the first stay at home regulations. Since then, everything has changed. Last week, on April 30, 2020, we celebrated our 21st anniversary of our temple sealing in a completely different world. In this blogpost, we will try to describe how our life has changed during the past 7 weeks.
During this time, our lives have not been impacted nearly as much as others. We don't have children home from school nor do we need to worry about working from home or wondering if we will get a paycheck. Our health is good and we have had no Coronavirus symptoms However, we have temporarily lost our opportunity to serve in the temple, help out at the rescue mission, and meet with our neighbors and friends in our Church services. We also are not able to meet with our family members and we have cancelled our planned May trip to Europe to visit temples and do family history work. On the positive side, we do have the rare opportunity to put much more time into our family history efforts and have been blessed with additional on-line resources to make this time productive. I have also been able to make writing my personal history a priority. Other projects that had not had our priority have finally been tackled.
21 years ago we were sealed in this beautiful temple. Today it is closed for renovations.
While isolated in our home, we have felt like we were living in the lands of our ancestors, specifically in Gispersleben and Welbhausen in Germany. President Nelson told us in General Conference, in front of a live audience of only 9 other individuals, that "While worshiping in the temple is presently not possible, I invite you to increase your participation in family history, including family history research and indexing. I promise that as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him". We have felt so very blessed to have amazing new opportunities to do Family History work from the isolation of our home. Much of my role is to keep my mother and my wife busy as they do most of the work of entering information into Family Search. Let me talk of our emphasis in Gispersleben and Welbhausen.
Gispersleben (Debbie's efforts)
In February, we were preparing for our May family history trip to Germany. As part of that preparation, we were trying to identify all end of lines that needed our efforts. We discovered that the records of Gispersleben, Germany, where Debbie's dad was born, were now available on-line through Family Search. As we have searched these digitized records, we found hundreds of names of her ancestors and their families. We had some how missed these in the past, even when we had seen these same records while in Germany. This includes 32 direct great . . . grandparents within this one city of Gispersleben that we had been unaware of before. Although this was not the planned focus of our Family History trip, this has been a time consuming but fulfilling effort to look at these records over and over again. The interrelated marriages and families within this village during the 1600s and 1700s have become dear to our hearts. Many are families of additional wives of great grandparents and those who married into these direct lines. This opportunity would have been lost if we were not confined to our homes. Now when the temples open again, we have a fresh large batch of Moeller relatives awaiting us to perform temple ordinances.
Example of a January 26, 1716 marriage of Debbie's great . . . grandparents., with their fathers identified. We have also identified many children and grandchildren from the Hettstaedt and Kircheim families in the Gispersleben records.
Another example of an April 9, 1780 marriage between other great . . . grandparents, Weiss and Vogler and their fathers. With the Vogler great grandmother, we have also identified three other sisters and their husbands and their relatives as well as the name of their mother.
Welbhausen (Goldia's efforts)
Since our last trip to Germany two years ago, my mother has worked tirelessly on inputting "Familienregisters" into Family Search. This has identified literally thousands of temple ordinances to be performed for my ancestors and their descendants. These are documents that we had discovered and printed while in Germany while on our mission and on our return trip. The work on these registers has been almost completely input by my mother. We have identified many additional pages that we would have printed out on this upcoming trip. As I have reviewed the remaining registers yet to be input, I have discovered several additional ties to the village of Welbhausen. This is a village for which we were able to obtain the entire book of Familienregisters on a flash drive, as a gift from a new friend that we discovered in our trip to Germany two years ago. This book has nearly 300 pages and represents over 10,000 names of individuals that lived in Welbhausen between 1550 and 1950. Working through the interrelationships of so many of these individuals we have identified many that are part of the descendants of my great . . . great grandparents. These registers have become the focus of my mother'as efforts over the past two months, another resource that we perhaps would have overlooked if we would have been able to take our trip to Germany this month.
As an example, the following are the first and sixth pages of records for the Seuferlein family, one of which married the grand daughter of my 10th great grandfather, who was born in 1570. These six pages (of the 300 pages) represent 37 families that came from this one family line
Franz, born in family #2, married the granddaughter mentioned above. There are more than 50 individuals identified just on this one page in the first 5 families listed. The father in family number 1 was born in 1610.
This is the last of six pages for this family which includes the genealogical tree of these 37 families. These later families had children born in the 1900s.
Come Follow Me
The other focus that fills our days is our study of Come Follow Me and related resources. We can never speak enough about the impact that this is having on us. We truly are feasting on the word of the Lord. With less conflicting priorities, we are growing even more in our understanding of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. It is amazing to see so many significant resources available to supplement our study at home. We study our lesson, answering all the questions in the manual and supplement it with ideas from conference talks, Book of Mormon Central, the Scripture Plus app and study guides that come from several of the podcasts. At night, we share our discoveries and insights and then watch a YouTube video or podcast together from one of several of our favorite presenters. We also supplement these studies with conference talks that relate to the chapters that we have studied. We start this couple study around 11:00 pm and seldom do we get to sleep before 1:00 am. It is a crazy lifestyle, as we have limited commitments with no need to get up early. But it has certainly enriched our understanding and our love as we experience these sacred moments together.
Introducing Zoom Meetings
The following thoughts from my journal help explain inspiration and promptings that we have received during these several weeks of lockdown.
"On Wednesday morning, March 18, we were awakened to a 5.7 earthquake. Although there were aftershocks, no damage was done to our home. However, one more thing to help us focus our attention to eternal things and short term service.
With meetings cancelled, I participated in a telephone ward council meeting on March 22. In later discussions with the Bishop, he mentioned how much he would like to see the ward council members in person. In our meeting he also shared concern about the ward members feeling isolated one from another.
On Sunday night, March 22, in my prayers, I was pondering the lack of being able to meet with our ward members. I also understood the challenge of many of our older sisters feeling isolated in their homes. As I pondered this, I felt a very strong impression to introduce on-line meetings within our ward. We had years of experience holding Zoom conferences during our mission, with other missionaries throughout Europe and with our family. I felt strongly that this is something that I could do to help the current situation.
The next day, I created a paid Zoom account so that we would have less restrictions and began exploring and communicating. We tested this out with our Sunday School Presidency that week with success. I contacted the Bishop and offered my Zoom account for use within the ward. By Sunday, the bishop held a limited Ward Council meeting by Zoom. We also began holding on-line Come Follow Me Study groups on Tuesday, March 31. We have since expanded that to two sessions each Tuesday, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. We have about 20 ward members participating in these study groups. They seem to be adding strength as we enter into our 4th week of study groups [we have now competed six weeks]. We have also held virtual visits with ward members by Zoom, getting a chance to know more members better and receive feedback from them. We were set and approved by the bishop to hold on-line Sunday School classes today (April 19). However, the Area Presidency counseled this week against on-line Sunday Meetings so this was cancelled. I’m not sure where this will go, but at least we are able to see others, face to face, even if it is by technology. Already, many have been blessed by this prompting. I am thankful that the Lord would give me such inspiration. Even though my desired outcome of a Sunday School class was not approved, I still feel that this prompting was sent my way for a reason. Certainly, my study has improved even more as several members are enjoying our weekly study sessions. We have also added to our Ward Facebook Group and now have 40 members.
One of our afternoon study groups
One of our evening study groups
General Conference
The first few weeks were great to add additional focus to the restoration in preparation for General Conference. As a family we had decided to do a special project for the Bicentennial of the Restoration. We invited each of our grandchildren to answer six questions about the restoration on video. Some videos were done by parents and sent to us. We filmed many of them at our Leap Day family celebration on February 29. I learned a few movie making skills as I tried to merge all of the videos together. While putting this together we were uplifted by our repeated listening of their sweet spirits and thoughts. I don't know how it impacted all that we shared it with, but we loved gathering these videos into a 12 minute video of our family celebration of the First Vision. To watch click on the video below:
We added photos to the video
And the questions asked
And had answers from over 20 of our grandchildren
On March 29, we dedicated our fast to the coronavirus, but I admit I was not sure how to address my prayers. I have felt that this virus is allowed by God to wake us up. I didn’t know where this was all heading. My prayers were full of “thy will be done” without specific pleadings.
As General Conference approached, we were full of anticipation for guidance from our Prophet and other leaders. We were not disappointed. The talks were fabulous. Our previous study of the restoration made the topics that much more meaningful. In summary, we were taught that the restoration is going forward in preparation for the Second Coming. We were told that we will get through the virus and we were encouraged to participate in a worldwide fast on Friday, April 10, Good Friday.
I had come to the conference wondering what more I could do to help my children who are not walking on the covenant path. I felt a prompting to invite each of them individually to participate in the fast. This I did and for the most part, I received very positive comments. I felt that their involvement in this type of a fast could only bring good feelings into their hearts as they turn them more directly to our Heavenly Father.
The Sunday session of General Conference included a special proclamation to the world about the restoration. We also participated in an Hosanna Shout, as did the rest of the world, from our home.
President Nelson, leading us in the Hosanna Shout
Debbie with her white hankie
Mom with her white hankie
Before General Conference our neighborhood organized for everyone to come to their porch at 3:00 pm on Friday and we sang We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet together from our outside locations. It was fun to see the response of neighbors just wanting to see each other and honor our Prophet.
Our neighbors from the two condos outside of our front door preparing for the neighborhood sing
Maintaining a routine with Coronavirus restrictions
We have tried to continue in as many of our normal routines as possible, but they are dramatically altered. For example, we continue to have our Friday night date nights, but we pick up 'take out' food and eat it downstairs. It is different, but we are still able to enjoy time dedicated to being together as a couple, rather than working on individual projects.
Our first "date night" pick up from Panda Express
We now get more sophisticated with a table cloth
One special date night treat that we received was to be able to watch the Phantom of the Opera held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. There is a story behind this. We saw the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway in New York on our honeymoon, 22 years ago. Of all plays on Broadway, this was Debbie's choice. In October 2014, before our mission officially started, we were visiting London, England as part of our Self-Reliance work. As we scheduled our visit, the missionary couple that we were visiting asked us if we would like to see a stage play in London on a Saturday afternoon when we had nothing scheduled. We agreed and went ahead and paid a good price for the tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall in London. The night before, Debbie got sick and was in bed on that Saturday, too sick to go to the theater. The couple, Elder and Sister Baxter, and I went to the play, to not lose our investment, while Debbie slept. That night, her pain worsened and we went to the emergency room. This was when we discovered that her bladder had stopped functioning. We were grateful to have an opportunity to watch what she had missed. It was the 25th anniversary of this show that was offered for free streaming for 48 hour because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Some blessings do come in this time of chaos. We thoroughly enjoyed the play.
Watched on the big screen of our television while in isolation
Grocery shopping continues with precautions. Shelves are not as empty as they initially were, but we are now facing limits on meat purchases as concerns continue. We have been pleased to have a fully functional storage program in our home, so short term shortages are not impacting us.
From our neighborhood Smith's Grocery Store, everyone with face masks and Social distancing
We do our sacrament service at home. We have the privilege of Debbie's piano/organ to give us the Church house feel. Even though the sacrament is only for the three of us, the meaningfulness of this sacred ordinance has increased in my heart. As needed, we have taken the sacrament to some of the single ladies that we minister to, again with necessary precautions That is where we got our first face masks, from our 92 year old sister on our first visit to take the sacrament.
Sunday Service Organ music
"to the souls of all those who partake of it"
Even the sadness of funerals of our neighbors and friends continues during the virus. This is an on-line funeral that we attended for one of our friends. Only groups of 10 or less are permitted.
Temple marriages have been been performed civilly without groups of people, with plans to seal these marriages when temples are once again open.
Facebook live wedding ceremony of a son of our friends
Time for Special Projects
It has been a time to work on special projects that had not hit our priority lists earlier and miracles have happened. Miracles that would never have occurred without the Coronavirus. Finally, I was able to replace a toilet, clean our food storage room and our back storage closet and clean off my messes in our bedroom. Debbie is very grateful. I also was able to get our grow box garden started.
New toilet installed. We got a special model with a slow closing toilet seat.
The end table by my side of the bed and the dresser have never been free of my clutter and stuff, as long as we have lived in this home, perhaps forever.
Our back storage walk-in closet. Now we can walk in and access things without falling or making it a major project. This was certainly a miracle.
Our Food Storage room, clean and organized!
Six grow boxes planted and ready to grow in the friendly confines of our patio
This has also been a time to get income taxes filed for us and several of our single sons, guardianship and annual reporting for Camila and many other items on our “To Do” lists completed.
Cancelled Plans
We know that many people have had their planned vacations and other activities cancelled or postponed. This includes some of our family members. For us, we had a five week trip to Europe planned and paid for (air fares and car rental). This included a visit to the Passion Play held in Oberammergau, Germany which is only held every 10 years. In late March we were told that the Passion Play has been deferred until 2022. In early April we moved ahead and cancelled our plans. We will wait with the rest of the world to see when and how the world will return to "normal"
My brother and Sister-in-law were going to attend with us. We will see what happens in two years.
Holidays and Family Gatherings
Many of our planned activities have had to be modified, but the spirit of these activities has still continued, thanks to our "Zoom" connection. Beginning with Saint Patricks Day in March, we were still able to have our corned beef and cabbage meal and Debbie made holiday cookies that we were able to deliver to the homes of those to whom we minister.
Corned Beef Hash and Cabbage on St. Patricks Day
St. Patick's cookies for our neighbors, delivered with appropriate caution
Easter was quite a bit different this year. We had our sacrament meeting at home, watching different musical renditions of inspiring Easter Music mixed with reading of the related scriptures. We than had our traditional Easter dinner of Ham, Potato Salad and Deviled Eggs with just my mother, Debbie and myself. Not what we usually experience, but it was still special. Then that night we had a wonderful Easter get together with our children on Zoom. It was the first time we had seen many of them for almost a month.
Three Easter Baskets for our family at home
Our Traditional Easter Dinner with all three of us
Virtual Easter Celebration with much of our family
Our next planned family activity was a shower for Giovanna, our Foreign Exchange Daughter, Once again our plans had to be changed. Giovanna was in Idaho, instead of the plan for her to be in Utah. However, this shower worked out quite well, with our daughter Gina, hosting a virtual Family Feud game, baby edition, men vs. women. A good time was had by all and Debbie decorated on our side to give us a little festivity.
Once again I was praying about our scheduled Teenage Grandchildren retreat planned for this summer. We don't yet know if that will be added to the list of cancellations. However, as I was praying about it, I felt the impression that we can still get in one on one contact with teenage grandchildren and all of our posterity. So once again we decided to use this wonderful Zoom tool to get in more contact with our family. We had meaningful conversatiosn with our grandchildren in Pennsylvania and even played some on-line Connect 4 with several of them, one of our enjoyable activities when we are together.
Zooming with the Hennessy family, they are still protected with masks
Our fun family in Layton
Even Birthdays are being celebrated by Zoom. We either drop off or mail presents and then watch them open them by Zoom.
9 year old Tiancom opening his present in his car
5 year old Olivia with her birthday books
Olivia reading her Olivia Book
Community Service
We are still able to serve in some of our responsibilities. Debbie's role as editor of our monthly newsletter has expanded to include communicator for many messages for the residents of our condominium. This includes advising them when chalk art is being produced in our Rock Garden park so residents can go and see in their social distancing walks. This art is being performed by the great granddaughter of one of our residents.
This one drew a little bit of a crowd as several residents gathered to watch the artist drawing.
Starting her second drawing
Finished Result
Debbie still sends out a monthly newsletter which is very much appreciated. Tom, who is now responsible for landscaping, now does his daily exercise by jogging throughout the condominium, checking on lawn, sprinklers, flowers, etc. He has started taking pictures of the beautiful flowers and adding them to the newsletter.
First Page of the May newsletter
Collages of flowers and landscape workers for our newsletters:
March photos in April newsletter
More From April newsletter
April flowers in May newsletter
April Blossoms in May Newsletter
HOA Mangement meetings also continue on-line. Life goes on and there are many issues in the neighborhood that need attention.
Our 21st anniversary of being sealed in the Salt Lake Temple
When our theater play was cancelled on March 12, we rescheduled for April 30, our next anniversary. Unfortunately, the Hale Centre Theater was still closed. We wondered what we could do special for our anniversary. Debbie had the idea of our going to see the Salt Lake Temple which is closed for a major remodel project. We found that it was open for us to walk by and see the work that was in progress. So we decided to get out of the house, the first time that we had traveled together by car in more than a month. It was good just to get out and go somewhere together. It certainly was a unique experience.
In front of the Construction site of the Salt LakeTemple remodel
We wondered how parking would work. We found that the parking at the City Creek Mall was open so we went in. We had the whole parking garage to ourselves, practically, since the City Creek mall had been closed due to Coronavirus. This was also an unsettling feeling
Our car, all alone in the parking garage
We decided to drive into Memory Grove, which was closed to vehicles, so we headed to East Canyon, which was also closed. After successfully stopping for an ice cream, we drove by Chuck-A-Rama where we had held a special luncheon after our sealing 21 years ago. Also deserted.
Chuck-A-Rama, also deserted
Finally we went and got take out dinner at Texas Roadhouse Grill and took it home. This was certainly a unique anniversary, but it did not take anything away from the very special experience 21 years ago of being sealed for time and all eternity. We will be forever grateful for that sacred occasion.
The world is different than it was 7 weeks ago. In spite of so much sickness and death and economic closures, there is much good that has occurred. We are seeing many people focusing on those things that matter most. The slow down of our pace of life allows that. It also gives us time to focus on that which is eternal, our families, studying the gospel, family history work and more. We are very blessed and have received no long term setbacks in our life style, our financial abilities and not even that much in our daily routines. Our faith has grown and we trust fully in our Heavenly Father and His will. We have that which is eternal close to our hearts and we feel the peace and love that comes from our Heavenly Father.
