Days of '47

28 July 2017

It’s been a full week. We’ve had several people in our zone with some serious health and other concerns, so have spent some time checking on them and seeing that they have what they need. I guess you get more of that when you are mostly working with senior missionaries.

Since Monday was Pioneer Day, it was a state holiday, and we enjoyed some of the festivities.

I went to the Days of 47 Parade that morning. President Uchtdorf and his wife led off the parade, seated on the back of a red convertible. (Of course, surrounded by several security guards who walked along beside.)

Days of 47 Parade Collage

That evening Bob and I saw our first rodeo. It was the finals, so we also got to see the award ceremonies following each event. There was bare back as well as saddle bronco riding; individual and pairs cattle roping; barrel racing; bull riding; and several exhibition events. Every first-place winner won $50,000! President Uchtdorf presented the awards for one of the competitions, and Elder Ballard presented them for another. It was fun to see them in their western attire.

Bob got a new hat, shirt and belt for the occasion, so he fit right in, too.

I didn’t get as many pictures at the rodeo, but, enjoyed watching everything. The picture on the right (above) shows how they start their kids in the rodeo. This little girl, riding a sheep, is only four years old. Her riding technique was quite unusual! :-)

On Thursday, we, and other zone leaders and their wives, were invited to have lunch with President and Sister Fenn. Bob and I were even seated at their table, so it was a great opportunity to get to know them better. There’s no question the mission under President Fenn will be very different than it was under President Tate, but, I think it will be good – and we’ll learn a lot.