Sweatin' & Solacing in Seattle

Bracing for Blastoff?

In the summer time, things are a bit “dead” around here. That gave us an idea. Why not go and work for the dead? (I know, we are just brilliant aren’t we?) So we got permission to go do temple work each Thursday this summer.

So, as usual, on Thursday we started to drive from the University area to the temple area in Bellevue. The fastest way to get there is by using the “520 bridge” over Lake Washington. It is actually a beautiful “floating” pontoon bridge that looks like this at one end:

And it looks like this as it spans over the lake:

Unfortunately, bridge traffic mostly looks like this:

Slows downs to screeching halts happen all the time.

As we made our way onto the bridge, some “mishap” at the far end of the bridge brought traffic to a complete standstill. Mike quickly applied the brakes to avoid what would otherwise be our 4-runner becoming “one” with the cars piled up ahead of us.

As we started our rapid slowdown, we heard a great tumultuous noise coming up from the rear. At first it sounded like a large semi-truck applying its brakes. A nano-second later, the sound turned into a ROAR and deafening high-pitched “SCREACH!!!”

We instinctively braced for impact. Frantically we stared into our rear view mirrors. Just how far back was that earth-VIBRATING Thunder coming from? Just how many cars were to be blasted off the bridge like falling dominoes? Un-nervingly we could not see our fate.

Then in a heartbeat - the maker of all our fears appeared. Streaming from our far right, only to be gone in an instant overhead, the Navy’s “Blue Angels” thundered by. They were flying really, really low over Lake Washington. Apparently they do this every year for Seattle’s annual “Sea Fair” event. You would have thought someone would have told us! And don’t you normally “see” the jets before you “hear” them? What is up with that?

Once we got our hearts beating again at a normal pace, we then drove the rest of the way over to the temple. It’s welcomed serenity was especially “calm” and “cool” considering Seattle’s current heat wave.



That’s It? Really - a New Record?

Our first fourteen years of married life finally paid off. How you may ask?

Well, for the first fourteen years (7 in a 2 bedroom apartment in Orem & the next 7 in our Provo home) we had no A/C. Since 90% of all Seattlites - our own term of endearment, like unto Mulekites, Lamanites, Nephites, etc., - since 90% of all Seattlies don’t have A/C, they are melting! But not us. Mike hasn’t even taken off his jacket – okay, that might be a little strange – but it’s kinda fun in a strange way to be here to experience the new all-time high in Seattle when it hit 103˚ on Wednesday! Whaa Whoo!

Okay, the “real” story is, the “Insty” does have A/C. So we have little complaining to do until we go home at night to our apartment. Then the jacket comes off (as actually so does most everything else, hah! Take that you monster heat wave!)


He knows why we are here

As mentioned before, over the past two weeks, everybody, the director, the full-time instructor and the secretary have all been gone. That has left us two little mice to run around doing most everything. But it has been good. Like we said, summer can be a little slow. Anyway, yes, it is fun to be teaching “extra” classes over the past two weeks. And, yes, it has been very rewarding to be teaching our own classes this summer. And, yes, it has been nice to have the time to do some extra gospel studying. But, sometimes the “other” experiences, the experiences that just happen because we are here, are just as rewarding (if only we had the patience to allow the Lord to His part.)

For example, we have been trying to give extra help to one of the Insty students by the name of “Will.” Will is a young man in his mid-twenties whose life changed dramatically about 8 years ago. (Will is very open about his life’s story, so we aren’t telling you anything he would not.)

As a teenager, Will went to a local Seattle area high school. He was a star on his school’s football team. He had lots of friends and dated lots of fun girls. He attended church regularly. When he turned sixteen, he was given a brand new pickup truck. For all appearances, Will seemed to have everything going his way.

However, Will was not happy. In fact, he was so unhappy that one night, while he was driving his new pickup down a lonely highway, he did something horrible. He suddenly punched down hard on the gas peddle. He then followed an urge and intentionally swerved right in front of an oncoming semi-truck.

But for the grace of God, Will should have died. Will intended just that. But he didn’t. In an instant, Will’s earth life changed permanently in ways he never could imagine.

Over the next 3 years doctors did their best to repair the damage done to virtually all of his organs. They also performed reconstructive plastic surgery. The doctors did their best, but his broken body would never be the same.

No more football. No more being able to drive. His “friends” and girl friends drifted away until there was none.

Will is still the same on the inside, but his brain is now slow to process thoughts. His speech is now halting and slurred. He is able to walk, but in doing so, his walk is very labored and slow. Doctors tell him he may improve over time, but it has now been 8 years.

Will continues to get professional help to assist him with his emotional challenges. But he still has “good” days and “bad.” Most of time, the wonderful students here try to help Will the best they can - with both his “good” and “bad” days. They know inside that broken body is a child of God. It is truly amazing to see how his fellow students render such respect and kindness to him.

Yet there are days, even weeks, that Will gets down. This past week was one of them. Will has been trying to find some part-time work to help him with his bills. The economy is slow right now, and that makes it even tougher for people in Will’s condition. For example, when he applies at Burger King, instead of the normal 5 or 6 applicants for a position, there is more like 20. Will has a difficult time competing with 20 others who are more physically capable. And of course, Will has the normal challenges of people his age. He worries about his “thinning” hair. He worries about whether he will ever get the chance to marry in this life, or for that matter, will he ever go out on a date with someone who would take him serious.

We try to help Will the best we can. Quite frankly, we don’t have answers to many of the problems he faces. But we are here to comfort. We share stories of the warehouse falling down and Mike breaking his leg and how just as it seems darkest, a light will eventually shine forth. We softly testify to him that he does not have to face his challenges alone. We re-assure him and testify to him of a kind and loving Father in Heaven who knows Will’s earthly plight. He has not forgotten Will. He has never given up on Will. Will is still here on earth for a purpose - a meaningful purpose.

By the time we finish most of our visits, Will is smiling. Smiling is something he still is so capable of doing that brightens everyone’s day. As he leaves for the day a little brighter – a little cheerier, we know it is not us who brings him hope. It is that wonderful Spirit of comfort. We likewise feel blessed just for having the opportunity of being here.

In closing, may we be so bold as to leave you our testimony. We know the great God of this Universe knows the plight of each of His imperfect children. He cares. He commands angels, both in heaven and on earth, to assist us here. We are never alone. You, and each of your loved ones, are not excluded. You are His. This we know.

Love,


Elder “Mike” and Sister “Jenny” Thornton

Trip-Trap Trip-Trap! Whose in charge here?

Happy, belated, July 24th to all you of Pioneer stock! Of course you who live in the shadows of the ever lasting hills know that this is THE day when LDS kids everywhere are supposed to dress in their best polka-dot bandanas and flock to their nearest ward building parking lots. There, in parade style-fashion, they are to honor our pioneer heritage by being pulled around in little red wagons or by peddling around on their tricycles trimmed in colored paper. Finally, they are to be rewarded for their valiant efforts with that good old-fashioned treat - loved by all who crossed the plains – the orange creamsicle.
Life just does not get any better than that now does it?

Well, despite all that was going on in Utah, Friday came and went in Seattle without a single “Howdy” from any buckaroo & roo-ette! In fact, the “Insty,” (what we have fondly named “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s Seattle Institute of Religion Building”) was closed in commemoration of the day. So, no red wagons, no creamsicles, nothing. We spent most of the day at the temple, hopefully doing some good for those of our honored pioneer past.

Yet, despite the Friday pioneer let down, this week has been a little busier than most other week this month. The reason being, the Director AND the Full-time Instructor, AND the Institute Secretary were ALL gone this week (– AND they will be gone all next week as well.) That left just us two missionaries in charge.

We know, you are probably thinking – “What? Leave that Thornton couple in charge of the Insty? Are they Crazy? Do they know what Mike is capable of doing to a room in 30 minutes or less?”

Well, we did promise not to use any open flames or fireworks. But hey, that still left us a lot of wiggle room.

So, since we need to raise a few funds for an upcoming Institute party, we made a “slight” change to the building by temporarily changing it this:

We figured by turning the Institute into a Hostile, we could cook and provide room and board to enough students so we could really help out the budget. But, alas, as it turned out, most of the students seemed to have disappeared this week. So we took back down the sign. (And yes, we are just KIDDING. This is just a building along the freeway going to our apartment. The Institute is still safe and sound – despite leaving us in charge.)

However, the reason this week was a tad more busy, was because we had to teach early-morning seminary while everyone was gone. Since we have never taught seminary, (and I am not sure Mike EVER attended seminary – but somehow he did manage to graduate) we were a little bit nervous. But, it turned out to be quite fun. The class topic this term is “Mission-prep.” And since we just happened to be “Missionaries,” it wasn’t too big of a stretch. The ½ dozen students were actually quite attentive - at least a lot more attentive than we were at their age. So it was really fun, and we are looking forward to teaching them again next week.

In our other classes, we had a few more new students show up at our Tuesday night class. It is always exciting to see new faces. However, our Wednesday night class suffered some temporary casualties. There was apparently a conflicting “going away” party for some of the interns returning to Provo. We can’t believe they would skip out on our class for some FUN party (Actually, we were just miffed that we weren’t invited.) But all in all, it was a good teaching week with the additional classes we are substituting for – at least until everybody gets back.

And last, one of the biggest surprises we had this week, was one we found underneath the bridge that goes across Lake Union;

This is the “underneath” portion of one end of the bridge. The “Surprise” is when you turn around to find:

You got it, there is a BIG troll under that bridge! (And, yes, that is Katie and me. We actually took this picture when Katie visited us earlier this month and we just wanted to share it with you. So now is better than never, , ,)

We can’t believe the next time we write it will be August! Where is this summer going? We hope your summer is going well for all of you too!

Love,

Elder “Mike” & Sister “Jenny” Thornton

P.S. We received a few emails wanting copies of the 38 points we talked about in our last email on the “Family Proclamation.” We will try to email a copy of the Proclamation with the numbered points sometime in the near future. Thanks for all your input! Yes, we are also going to try to put all these emails into a blog. Thanks again for all your wonderful support!

Just Chillin' with our Gnomies!

So can you guess what we have been studying in our “Building Lasting Relationships” Class?

You guessed it, the First Presidency document entitled:

“The Family ~ A Proclamation to the World”

As you know, it boldly goes where no other church on the face of the earth dares to go.

And if you go through it line by line, you can find 38 unique gospel principles within the 4 corners of that inspired document (and counting.)

How did the First Presidency pack so many principles into such a short and simple document? The more and more we study it, the more amazing it becomes.

Of course, here in Seattle, “The Proclamation” is the focal point to some pretty emotionally charged debates. So it has been good to discuss it concepts. In doing so, the young adults are better enabled to articulate a positive position without getting so emotionally defensive.

As we made final preparations for class, Mike came up with a “brilliant” idea. You know, one of those simple, easy-to-do, last minute things he tends to just spring on me now and then. Basically his idea was this, “Since we are studying the FAMILY Proclamation, why don’t we just whip up a good old fashion FAMILY meal for the students while we discuss the issues? You know, something simple, like roast turkey, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy and such?”

Of course, the word “Simple” is not the word that went through my mind. I quickly found myself reminding Mike that somehow our “little” class has grown to, oh, I don’t know, a class size of about 30+. A simple “roasted turkey, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy for just a small group of THIRTY? Just what was he thinking? We don’t feed that many at Thanksgiving. Plus there was no time, there was no budget. No, no, no, I am telling him!

So on our way to Sam’s Club to pick up a turkey and the potatoes, (I never could say “no” to that man,) Mike did promise to peel, cook and smash all the potatoes and I actually talked him out of making home-made rolls and just buying some. And I have to admit, when it was all said and done, it actually didn’t turn out to be that big of an ordeal. Besides, most of these kids don’t see home cooked meals for long stretches. So it probably is the least that we can do for them now and again.

But just to top the week off, I reminded Mike it was also “Bastille day” this past week (French Independence day – Having served in France, of course, I still just have to celebrate these things.) Anyway, with it being “Bastille” day, I couldn’t go without making a crepe or two. And of course, once I got the crepe maker out, Mike once again talked me into making enough crepes for our other night class. So there you go. It is just lucky we are only teaching two night classes this summer term. But I have to admit, it is fun to eat and mingle, and not just “lecture” the kids. It really does give us a chance to get to know each of the kids a little better. What is it about breaking bread with someone that tends to breakdown their inhibitions? Well, anyway, getting to know each of these kids at little better is one of the best parts of being here.

And, we really do discuss real gospel issues (in between bites at least.) Hopefully, in addition to the food, we are getting a better handle on “the how” to keep these kids interested in institute, who are just brilliant enough to be hanging around the Institute while they are working on their doctorate or other college coursework. They are so great. We are so very blessed to be here.

So, until next week, just try to remember our summer P-day slogan:

And try to do a little yourselves. Thanks again for ALL you do!

Love,

Elder “Mike” & Sister “Jenny” Thornton

Pin a Rose on your Nose - There she blows!

Did we tell you summer days around the Institute are just a bit slower? We suppose it may be that way from time to time no matter where you serve in the Lord’s army. There simply exists gaps in this great work at times no matter how good the planning.

No matter. Before the big ramp up for fall, we were encouraged to take a few moments to “smell the roses.” So we have been giving a few tours around campus to a few institute visitors this past 4th of July holiday week.

And among them were Mike’s parents!

Just how swell is it to have your very own parents visit you while on your mission? We asked that question to the “younger” missionaries and they didn’t think we were very funny.

Well, of course, we gave them the full campus tour.

Then we took them to church:

Okay, not an actual church, but a large room in the University of Washington’s library.
It kinda reminds us of something like unto the Hogsworth great hall doesn’t it?
Anyway, it is very beautiful. And it is where we would go to study if we were aspiring wizards.

We also were able to spend sometime with them touring some beautiful gardens:

And yes, we stopped to smell some roses:

Then we said our good-byes to Mike’s parents and “Surprise!”

We then said Hello again to our daughter!

That’s right. Katie dropped in to fill out the remainder of the holiday week.

Of course we did not forget our main duties around the Institute, even with the extra visitors.

Can we tell you how much FUN it was to have our RM daughter attend our Tuesday night institute class. As you may recall, the class is entitled “Building Lasting Relationships” – (aka “eternal marriage prep” class.) Yes, there she sat, “captivated” so-to-speak. While her dear old parents lectured on and on about the importance of dating and temple marriage. Okay, so she might not have been hanging on our every word. And she might have had to roll her eyes a few times at some of our comments and jokes. But did we tell you how fun it is to have a daughter who doesn’t think her parents are the most embarrassing people on planet earth? She even raised a question and made a comment in class. How cool is that?

Since it was the 4th of July weekend, we did reward her for not walking out on us in class by taking her for a day visit by ferry boat to a nearby island. While there we . . .

Rented some mopeds and drove around the island. We found this cool lighthouse and more, , ,

And can you see that dark pointy thing out in the water?

At first we only saw it from the distance, then, , ,

Orcas look really cool out in the wild! (especially when you blow up the picture just a bit.)

And they look even cooler in pods:


And they even sound cool when they “blow.”

Anyway, it was just a fun experience with Katie.

Notice the cute “wind-blown” helmet-hair look after being on the mopeds:

And if you look even closer, you might notice that one of us got stung by a bee, right under the eye – Oouch! In fact, that same person got stung, not once, but TWICE. We aren’t saying who, but our little “bee-magnet” in red still looks great doesn’t she! Despite the stings, she was a real trooper and still enjoyed our company.

Upon leaving the island, on the way home, we then got real close to the land made famous by, , ,

You guessed it, that crazy series of teenage books that once you start reading you can’t put down (but are also too embarrassed to let anyone know you are reading them, hah!)

Well, the 4th here in Seattle ended in a big bang:

Actually, we went home and to bed without seeing them firsthand. But we heard from the students Seattle fireworks this year were fantastic and as always free! (It’s Mike’s pet-peeve that Provo is the only place on earth where you have to pay to see the fireworks.)

Well, Katie is now back in Provo herself.

We remain here holding down the fort and trying not to lead too many students astray with our summer teachings.

We love and miss you all and promise to write something more “missionary” in nature now that all our company has gone.

Hope your summer is going just swell!

Elder “Mike” & Sister “Jenny” Thornton

LAUNCHING into Summer Term

Our two-week respite between school terms is over. Where did it go? We just can’t figure it out. We had plans to accomplish so much. Find more students, activate more souls.

Yet, just four hours before our Wednesday “Building Lasting Relations” class was to begin - we were in a bit of a panic.

We knew many of the students had gone home for the summer. We knew only 4 students, all female, had signed up for the Wednesday night class. BUT the reality of going through our summer with such small numbers in our classes was just now sinking in.

Of course, we know that every soul is precious - so four souls are fantastic! But “how” we wanted to approach the teaching of the class was highly dependant on having both males and females in the class to participate. AND there is something to be said about having at least a dozen students to ensure good and lively discussion. We knew those kind of numbers would be a tall order to fill in summer. But we had four hours left, , ,

SO we decided to throw all caution to the wind and LAUNCHED a summer institute enrollment extravaganza.

The first thing we did was have Mike climb up some brick chimneys, in the middle of red-square on campus, and raise a “small” banner:

AND believe it our not, Mike didn’t even fall once.

Okay, so the banners were really put up by a stunt-double and they actually don’t have anything to do with LDS institute, but hey, they can’t hurt.

Actually, what we did was this. With only a few hours remaining before the class began, we earnestly prayed and felt inspired to “text” two of the students who earlier had expressed an interest in taking the class. We texted – “PLEASE spread the word we NEED more participants, ESPECIALLY of the male variety.” And what do you know? Our prayers were once again answered. They came through with flying colors. 20+ students showed up, including the male variety! That might seem like small potatoes by BYU numbers, but it was BIG to two small Idaho potatoes.

SO thanks to the power of prayer and modern technology the class got off to a great start! Because we knew it really wasn’t because of us or anything we had done personally. So here’s to PRAYER & TWITTER POWER! And lest you think us strange, did you know more and more general authorities have FACEBOOK pages? A new day is dawning! AND we have a special surprise for our daughter Katie when she arrives next week for a visit, but SHHHH, don’t tell her – it will just be our little secret, okay? (Yah, we know Katie actually gets this email too. We just want to see if she really reads them, since we may NOT have received a letter from her for a while! Hint, Hint. What is up with these college students thinking they have a life full of school, work and some play, beyond writing their missionary parents?)

Soooo, just how did we get two students to encourage 20 others to join us?

Well, we may have offered something like a free boat-ride to them:



No, not on that ship you silly! But we did see that beautiful sailing ship last P-day.

Because last P-day, we boarded a Washington State Ferry and went and visited the San Juan Islands.


This is a pic of a place called “Friday Harbor.”

Actually, our good friends, Brad & Karen Beagles & family had invited us and also made arrangements to meet us at Friday Harbor.

They met us and were gracious enough to give us a boat ride on the boat named “Amazing Grace” for our P-day. We thought the boat’s name was very appropriate for a missionary couple to ride, don’t you think?


Anyway, we asked permission to come aboard, and since the biggest boat we are used to riding is a rubber raft on the Snake River, we felt something like a scene out of the PBS British comedy series, “Keeping Up Appearances.” You know, the one where “Hyacinth” and “Richard” go yachting for the day. (If you haven’t seen the series, this may not make any sense to you, so we will leave it at that.)

Anyway, Captain Brad did a great job of maneuvering the boat out of port and we sailed from Friday’s Harbor to “Jones” island. Jones Island is very small. The entire island is actually a state park. It is only accessible by private boat:


While there we explored the island with the Beagle family: (That is “Mom” Karen, son “McKay”, daughter “Elizabeth”)

And just had some good ole’ fashion fun:

And saw some wildlife:

And went to church (just kidding, but it is a “cute” little church isn’t it?):

Actually, the “church” and boats in the picture are located in a harbor back on the main San Juan Island. We were dropped off by the Beagles at “Roche Harbor” the end of a wonderful day.

BONUS: I didn’t even get Sea-sick! That is a FIRST for me!

The Beagles even arranged for a cab to pick us up and take us back to reality (back to using public transit via the Washington State Ferry):



Well, that of course was fun and wonderful. Thank you Beagles!

But it is also great to have at least some of the students back for another term. And “no” we didn’t actually offer to take them on a boat ride.

We also kicked off our Tuesday class with our West Seattle students by having an opening Social at Alki Beach. We had a fun pizza party right on the beach and found this, , , well, plank, , , and the picture best explains that:



Once again, yah, we know, it’s a tough mission. But somebody has just gotta have some fun with these kids.

And though we try our hardest to act like the “Seniors”, at least ONE of us just might get a little carried away. Which one of us? You will just have to guess now won’t ya?

Well, Thanks again so much for all your prayers and support.

Love,

Elder “Mike” & Sister “Jenny” Thornton


P.S. Of course our thoughts and prayers go out to the Benson family. We hope Travis’ recovery continues to go well. Thank you so much to everyone back home who keep us informed.

And a sneak peek for next week email:

More visitors come to the U-dub!

Diggin In - 3 BIG Shout Outs

We are digging in for a big start to summer term.Summer term starts next week and there simply is not much to tell til' then.Except THANKS to one and all for your information which will greatly assist our first-time teaching of "Building Lasting Relationships" aka, Marriage Prep. Any additional info is always appreciated.

AND we do want to give a BIG shout out to THREE soon-to-join the full-time ranks of the Lord's army:

Elder Josh Barton - Brazil Brasilia!!!

Elder Alec Matthews - Billings, Montana!!!

Sister Michelle Crosland - Managua, Nicaragua!!!

Congratulations to all!

Until next week,
Elder "Mike" & Sister "Jenny" Thornton,

Friday Harbor, Washingon

Smore Transfers to Sing about

As all missionaries know, an important event routinely occurs – that of Mission Transfers.

It usually happens via the telephone. Someone calling and announcing your efforts to publish glad tidings in that particular part of the Lord’s vineyard is now over. Announcing what little time you have left will now be devoted to a new area and with a new companion.

Before the phone call ends, your emotions usually drown out the person speaking. The spirit simply carries your mind and heart away to another place. Mostly away to those whom you have come to serve and love. By design, there is little time to exchange good-byes.

And so was the case for us. We knew our time was far spent. We knew our week of transfer at the Institute had arrived.

Yet, it didn’t come by telephone. Our companionship remained intact (despite my companion not getting me anything for Mother’s day – but that’s another story – which he has since made full restitution for.) And we are to remain at the U-dub Institute.

Despite all that, a transfer occurred. How you may ask?

Winter term ended. Though we remain, some of our students are leaving. Some are getting married. Some are graduating. Some are going on missions. And for some, it’s simply time to head home for summer.

All these transfers have been a little jarring. Somehow we had it fixed in our minds that since we were serving but a year - it would be us leaving the U-dub - not them.

Despite the jar, we had a splendid time with all the Institute students at the closing social. We held the social at a place called the Golden Gardens:

Golden Gardens is basically a very beautiful beach along the Puget Sound. And as luck would have it, we have been experiencing some very beautiful sunsets:


You might have thought that “Bond – James Bond” was the only person you can think of who would ever wear a suit and tie on a beach. But move over Bond, because can you believe it? Elder Thornton was the ONLY one on the entire beach dressed in a suit and tie that day, (However, note the orange/purple “party” tie he is sporting.) And I might have been the only person wearing a skirt.

But no matter. In fact, our attire ironically turned out to be a very good thing. You see, with a very large beach and thousands of people, it was a little hard, especially for the 30+ BYU interns who had just arrived in Seattle for the summer, to actually spot our “Institute” group on the beach. But have no fear, what other group would have a couple, dressed in missionary attire, besides the Institute? So, due to our dress (and maybe because no one was holding a beer bottle) our group was easy to spot. We roasted hot dogs, melted smores, threw a football and just had a swell time.

On Sunday, we held Institute Graduation. The Institute Choir sang:

And 12 Institute students graduated – 4 of which attended our classes. We were so very proud of them!

And so ends another term here at the Seattle Institute of Religion.

Summer now officially begins. We start our new classes in two weeks.

One of the classes we have been assigned to teach is entitled “Building Lasting Relationships.”
With a title like that, who can tell? This could be the summer of love at the Institute!

(But, help! We are in need of some good material for this class, so any suggestions are WELCOME!)

As always, you have our love and gratitude for all you do!

Elder “Mike” & Sister “Jenny” Thornton