Who knew?

Dear Family and Friends,

Today I decided to tell you about some of our prep day adventures, just so you know that we have some happenings outside of missionary work.

Last week we went to the Herbert Hoover museum in West Branch, Iowa.  It was really incredible. I knew so little about Hoover.  I recognized his name as being the  US President during the "Great Depression" of the 1930's and very little else.  Well...he is a wonderful man.  He saved millions of lives throughout the world with his humanitarian service.  He made his fortune as a mining engineer but wanted to do more. He and his wife organized programs to feed starving children in Belgium and Russia, later in China.  He was known for being "color blind." He helped all races of people. He didn't want to be President but was talked into it. After his presidency and being blamed for the Depression, he went on quietly doing more humanitarian work. His wife Lou, was a brilliant lady. She also graduated from Stanford. Together they loved and helped people.  This was a wonderful museum.

  

This week we went to the John Deere combine factory in East Moline, Iowa.  Bill told me, the night before, I probably wouldn't be able to  sleep as I anticipated the trip. (Such a kidder) Actually it was very interesting.  If you're in the market for an combine, be prepared for the $ 1,000,000 price tag.  John Deere combines harvest 1/2 of the world's grains. Watching the robots paint was intriguing. This is a serious factory, 90 acres under one roof. If you buy a combine, you are flown out and are the first person to start your machine. We were able to climb up into a showroom model.  It's huge!  The tires are 10 feet high. You also can go into a simulator and drive a combine in a virtual field. Not everyone can say they have done that.  Now we can.  We didn't commit to any purchases but it was fun.

 

We are still loving our mission.  Carthage is such a spiritual place.  Sometimes when you look into the faces of the little children, you see angels looking back.  We know why the Lord loves His little ones.  It is also a privilege to teach families.  People, everywhere are trying to raise and teach their children to love and serve the Lord.  

May we all work together to return to our Heavenly home.  We know we can if we live the commandments, follow the prophets and read the Book of Mormon.  We're so excited to listen to conference.  Prepare carefully for the messages. 

Love you all,

Elder and Sister Long