Below is an email Sandy sent to our family on June 6.

Hi all!

Just to keep you updated on the deer sightings: Saturday morning we came across a "family" of three (a fawn and parents), and on Sunday after church we saw a large white tail feeding in the shade by the woods.

On a less positive note, "road kill" is a frequent sight on the highways (maybe possums?). Last night we had so many "May flies" that they actually formed a layer on the front door and porch. Our downstairs neighbor sprayed them with bug killer and after he swept them away, it looked like sawdust had been sprinkled in the flower bed.

Tonight we went with four other couples to the home of some local temple workers (the Tukuafu's) who live in a "round house" near the river. The wife builds musical instruments (harps, dulcimers, psalteries, and banjos), and the couple plays them. After a tour of their unique home, they entertained us with some lovely music.

Sending much love...

P.S. The corn stalks in the fields are growing like crazy! Apparently they can grow as much as six inches a day!!

She sent this email on June 2.

Dear Ones ...

Just wanted to tell you how much we love and miss you and let you know that you're always in our thoughts and prayers. I'm glad we've made some happy family memories to reflect on during the next five months -- but oh how good it would feel to be together right this minute!

The summer tourist season has begun here and busloads of people are coming into town. On Thursdays your dad and I have been assigned to serve in the baptistry where there are always interesting people to meet. Today the young performing missionaries came to do baptisms, and also family and youth groups from Arizona, Missouri, and Utah.

It's easy to find something lovely/interesting to see every day in this rural setting. For example, the corn fields that were planted just weeks ago have changed from tiny green sprouts to stalks that must be about a foot tall now. Today your dad had a meeting after our shift, so I walked home from the temple. In the distance I spotted a deer jump the fence, cross the road, and then run into the nearby woods.
It was so neat!

For the most part it's quiet in our neighborhood, but my favorite sounds are when we get to hear the birds chattering, the temple bell ringing every hour on the hour, and trains whistling in the distance. Life is good.

Hugs and kisses to all!     SURE DO LOVE YOU EVERYBODY...