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News and Notes from around |
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| the World of Job's Daughters |
MIJD ACTIVITIES FOR APRIL |
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News and Notes from around |
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| the World of Job's Daughters |
MIJD ACTIVITIES FOR APRIL |
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Nebraska
High Plains HIKE, Ft. Robinson The High Plains HIKE in Nebraska was the very first fun
trip I went on as a brand new Jobie about eight years ago, and this trip was
just as memorable. The High Plains
HIKE this year was shared with three other states: Wyoming, Colorado and
Missouri. It was held at Fort
Robinson, Nebraska which is an old military fort that is still in remarkable
working condition. The facility was
more than large enough to accommodate our group and I enjoyed sharing a
dorm-style room with Eden, MNJD, Tori, MNC, Michelle, GBHQ and other Nebraska
girls. I arrived on Saturday with just enough time to register and
check into my room. Originally the
entire hike was to be about two miles-- little did we know that was two miles
one way! There were several
stations on the trail that offered cold water, trail mix and words of
encouragement to the strong hikers. I
was supposed to be at the final station to hand out prizes but I opted to walk
part of the course. The Grand
Guardian, Trudy Else, drove a few of us out to the trail and offered to pick up
anyone that might need a ride back. I
hopped on the trail with my Wyoming friends and enjoyed catching up with them in
the beautiful weather. Following the hike there was some down time to either rest,
check out the museum or finish preparing a talent for the show that evening.
I took advantage of the free museum and admired the intricate beadwork of
Native American clothing, moccasins, and old military paraphernalia before the
awards ceremony and reception began.
Supper was an awesome meal of fried chicken,
potatoes, green beans and a peach spice cake.
Everyone moved downstairs for the talent show that turned out being
almost an even spilt of serious and entertaining talents.
The Colorado HIKE choir kicked off with a moving signing of the songs,
“You Raise Me Up” and a cute baseball song about a boy who discovers his
amazing pitching talent. Next I
told the only joke I know (the golf one for those of you who have heard it
before!). John Brooks, AGG of
Wyoming, played his guitar next- finger pickin’ good!
He sang as well as just picked a few of his favorite tunes.
Another HIKE choir from Missouri performed next, signing one of my
favorite songs, “I Can Only Imagine.” I
have to admit that Nebraska had the most entertaining skits.
One large Bethel did a tribute to the Ron Nelson, AGG with a George of
the Jungle song and another group performed a rendition of “This is the Song
That Never Ends” to include the words, “This is the guy who always talks.”
Very cute. One skit was
about why ninjas hate pirates and one Bethel did “Star Trekking” and got
everyone on their feet. We took a
short break and met again for songs with Susie that included songs with Jobie
lyrics. It was a blast and the
perfect way to wrap up the evening. Breakfast and a church service were held in the cafeteria Sunday morning. The church service included scripture readings and history of deaf awareness, Helen Keller, deaf education, sign language and HIKE. It was a meaningful service that was properly concluded by everyone singing and some signing, “Nearer My God to Thee.” The Daughters from each jurisdiction certainly enjoyed a bonding experience with other Jobies from around the area. I loved the opportunity to make new friends and be with ones that I have already met on my travels this year.
On the way home, many of the people in attendance at the High Plains HIKE went to the reception of Miss Nebraska Job’s Daughter, Eden Clausen. The decorations were elegant and Eden looked smashing! I enjoyed looking through pictures, scrapbooks and the like on a long banquet table. There was plenty of food to go around and Eden made sure everyone felt welcome. We became good friends at Supreme Session and I know that she has done a fantastic job representing Job’s Daughters International. I was glad that we were able to make it to her reception in Alliance. A special thank you goes to Marilyn Olson for driving me to the event- I promise I won’t mention what happened in the Subway parking lot. Also to the GGC of Nebraska for covering my registration fee and for the gift- I had a ball and can’t wait to see you at another High Plains HIKE. Prior to the pageant weekend, I was able to spend some time
with the Brinkmann family. I
arrived in Springfield Thursday and Aunt Janet, Christie and Courtney graciously
took me back to their house until the pageant weekend started on Friday evening.
We made plans to go to the zoo and out to an amazing
Italian restaurant and started out Friday morning.
I enjoyed their beagle dogs, Buddy and Holly and they certainly seemed
happy to meet me. Uncle Jeff, AGG,
Aunt Janet and I stopped at the mall briefly before meeting Christie for lunch.
My favorite part of the day was going to the St. Louis Zoo.
All of the animals had spring fever and were very active, taking
advantage of the beautiful weather. I
was really impressed with the elephants, penguin exhibit, the crazy gorillas,
and brown bears who were trained and performing when we walked by. I’ll never forget the memories we made with the tiger
letting out a ferocious growl. I
love the zoo! In Springfield that night we met the Newton family for
Mexican food and a lot of laughter. I
opted for the “Burrito on Fire” and was glad I didn’t try the habenero
pepper- it was hot enough without it! I
had the opportunity to meet the seventeen Miss and Jr. Miss contestants that
evening in a casual get-to-know-you setting.
With the written test out of the way everyone was relaxed and
entertained, learning about the other contestants and playing a creatively
graphic game of mafia- thanks to the narrator Beth Hall, MILJD.
We all went to bed early to prepare for a full day of testing the next
day. I was an interview judge for the pageant and met the rest
of the panel during the luncheon. We
prepared questions and were anxious to meet the contestants in a formal setting.
I was floored by the interviews! It
was so different to be on the other side of the interviewing table and I now
have a better appreciation of how difficult it is to judge so many talented
Daughters. Dinner that evening was catered by the hotel and I shared the company of the Brinkmanns, Aunt Rhena, GG, and a couple from Missouri. I was impressed with the backdrop on the stage and excited for the pageant to begin. Beth Hall, MILJD and Allison Newton, JMILJD, did a superb job of running the pageant and filled the stall time with jokes and surprising contestant information. One ten year old contestant brought the average shoe size down to a four because she only wore a size two! Too cute. I consider Beth a dear friend and know that she did an excellent job representing the Order with her caring nature and beautiful smile- you better keep in touch Beth! The winner of the Jr. Miss competition was Shannon Kinworthy and the winner of the Miss competition was Lauren Bianchi, I look forward to seeing them at Supreme this year. Following the pageant we got our groove on for a casual dance with DeMolay in attendance.
Since my flight did not leave until Monday, Aunt Rhena allowed me to stay with her and took me sight seeing in Springfield on Sunday. We had breakfast at the Cracker Barrel and I experienced the hug circle for the first time. I decided it was like leap frog only with hugs! I wasn’t sure what to expect of the Lincoln Museum and was surprised at its vastness and the interactive information available. We took pictures with the statues of the Lincoln family and walked through the exhibits. I went away with a better since of who President Lincoln was and how our country, economy and culture changed as a result of his presidency. Both of us were exhausted from the weekend’s activities so we took a nap after watching the Cubs lose to the Cardinals (ouch!). Mrs. Osborne met us for a leisurely seafood dinner at a place called the Chesapeake. Aunt Rhena taught me how to eat crab legs, something that is not a high commodity in Wyoming. “Now, this is the most important part,” she said slowly, “You must savor… savor.” I would like to thank Aunt Caryn for allowing me to be a judge for the pageant. It was my first judging experience and I really enjoyed being a part of the pageant and getting to know the contestants. A huge thank you also goes to the Brinkmann family for making sure I had a good time while I was under your care. I appreciate you covering my meals, for taking me to the fantastic zoo and for all of the laughter! Your family is very dear to me. To Aunt Rhena, thank you for accommodating me on Sunday night and for taking me on a tour of Springfield. I hope I can some back and I’ll think of you every time I eat crab legs! Viva Las Vegas! This was unique experience for a girl from a town of a mere 500 people. I was glad that I wasn’t the one driving on the strip at night because I surely would have caused an accident looking at all of the flashing lights and casinos. Dr. and Mrs. Holmes opened up their home to me while I was in Vegas and it was nice to see a familiar face when I arrived at the airport. Mrs. Holmes took me on a walking tour of the Bellagio- wow! There was an entire room filled with giant floral frogs, watering cans and snails. I was amazed at the exquisite hotel and casino. Erin Nicole came in the next morning; we picked her
up and met with the girls from Carson City, Nevada.
I wish I could afford to shop in the in the Forum Shops at Caesars,
however the sights inside the hotel were numerous to see. We enjoyed an animated statue show and some interactive games
at FAO Schwartz. I was hoping that
all the practice I’ve had at DDR would pay off, but Erin Nicole, Cassie, Annie
and Andy took me to school. Next we
checked out the Mirage and saw the dolphins and large cat exhibits.
The large cats were very playful and I wondered at their enormous teeth
and sharp claws.
The next day was busy! Breakfast was at 8:00 and shortly after we were briefed for judging. For the first time I was a Ritual judge for the Miss and Jr. Miss Contestants and the regular Ritual competitions. The Miss and Jr. Miss had to select one of two Messenger parts immediately before walking in to compete. The second type of Ritual comp. was Story of Job. I was interested to learn that the regular Ritual competitions included reciting initiation and majority parts for one of the individual Messenger parts or Chaplain. The winners of those competitions held those stations for the Rally meeting that night which included the Majority Ceremony. While I was judging there were several workshops and games geared towards different age groups being led by Laurel Thomas. Soon everyone broke for a barbeque lunch and changed for the talent show. Bethel #2 Reno did a Grease song, complete with poodle skirts and 50’s costumes. Bethel #5 Las Vegas did sign language to “I Will Remember You” which was beautifully performed. Finally Bethel #4 Carson City did a cute song, “I Love You a Bushel and a Peck,” it was darling! Two individual talents included Miranda singing, “One Tin Solider” and Jasmine doing an energetic hip hop dance. I was impressed with the thought and practice that went into each talent- way to go! Prior to dinner we pitched in to get the cafeteria cleaned up and had a ball getting ready for the formal occasion in the small lodge room, where plenty of large mirrors and dressing space was available. It looked like a beauty salon in there! Jeannine Hinman, PSG read bios of each one of the Daughters of Nevada before dinner was served. It was quite entertaining and the Daughters were excited to be escorted in. Dinner was excellent (the kitchen staff was superb really!) and I was excited for the pageant to begin. Each of the contestants were escorted in and had to choose between a fun question and a Jobie question. The fun question selected was, “If you could go back in time to meet any person, who would it be and what would you ask them?” and the Job’s Daughter question was, “How does Job’s Daughters relate to your everyday life?” Desiree Hardin was named Miss Congeniality. The winner of the Jr. Miss competition was Cayla Rebideaux and the new Miss Nevada Job’s Daughter is Heather Stonebarger.
The meeting was next and I was thrilled to watch the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Nevada Job’s Daughters. Two Wyoming Job’s Daughters received their Majority Degree so that was extra special for me to watch. It was a pleasure to see Tori Capper, Supreme Bethel Rep to Nevada from Calgary, Alberta, Canada and to meet her family. I also was able to spend time with Meghan Garibay, PSBHQ and Gene and Jeannine Hinman, PSG throughout the weekend. The meeting ran smoothly as the officers who competed and those who were appointed knew their work well. I was presented with a generous donation to my travel fund from Bethel #5 Las Vegas. It was a beautiful meeting and a fitting celebration for the life of Job’s Daughters in Nevada. We found ourselves back at the temple the next morning for yet another fantastic meal and a church service. Church was first and included a worship song and the story of the sand dollar which has several parallels to the Christian faith. Everyone pitched in to clean up and we said our sleepy good-byes as soon as the planning meeting was over. Mrs. Holmes took me out to Del Taco, a first for me. It was a fund raiser for Bethel #5 as they got a percentage of what we spent to eat there as long as we brought in a flyer. I was excited to see Red Rocks, a National Park outside of Las Vegas. The rock was stunning, although my pictures don’t quite do it justice. I enjoyed the drive and we got out to take pictures of the rich red rock and peaked mountain tops. There were quite a few hikers, bikers and climbers on the trails, but we thankfully stuck to the air conditioned car! I had a little time to sit by their pool before dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Holmes and Graham, PASG and Alison Davey. What a delight! I met Daveys while in Arizona and spent quite a bit of time with them during my stay in Las Vegas. We had a very enjoyable time together and I hope it isn’t the last time our paths cross. First and foremost I would like to thank the Holmes family for making all of my arrangements when I was in town. You have a beautiful home and I thank you for making me feel like a part of your family. I also appreciate Marilyn Kolk as well as Bethel #5 for their donations to my travel fund. Thank you to the Carson City Bethel for taking me sight seeing in Vegas, it was good to be with you again. I will miss the Nevada Job’s Daughters and hope to see all of them at Supreme this year! Jobie Love, Published as received
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