People ask us what Indiana is like. It is pretty flat compared to Washington. Hoosier Hill is the highest natural point in the state of Indiana with a claimed elevation of 1,257 feet (383 meters) above sea level but like we have said before the fall colors were amazing!
Where we are there are lots of rural roads and very seldom have we been on a freeway to get where we need to go unless we are traveling a distance. One thing they definitely have here are roundabouts.!
Carmel is the town next to us and where the mission home is located. It is internationally known for its roundabout network and known as America’s roundabout capital city. Since the late 1990’s Carmel has been building and replacing signalized intersections with roundabouts. Carmel now has more than 150 roundabouts, more than any other city in the United States.
Why so many Roundabouts you might ask? Well the internet says “they move traffic more efficiently and reduce the number of fatalities and serious-injury accidents.
Since implementing roundabouts, the number of accidents has reduced by 40% and accidents that result in injuries have gone down by 80%.”
So anywhere you drive you don’t go very fast speed wise because a roundabout is just around the corner!😉
President Matheson asked us if we were ready for zone conference with a chuckle in staff meeting and then there was a flurry of comments from others about the crazy schedules and busy upcoming 3 days. Having never done one we said “we think so.”
We’ll let me tell you even when we thought we were ready we had no idea how intense the next 3 days were going to be! You could say it was a 3 day roundabout.
My assignment was to plan, shop and prepare meals for all 3 conferences.
One potato 2 potatoes 240 more!
I decided to do a bake potato bar for my first meal. Trying to think of the easiest dinner for the masses! Costcos 10lb bags of potatoes held 11 LARGE russet potatoes, that became the perfect base. 7lbs of butter, 10 gallons of Hormel chili ordered on line came next followed by 3 gallons of cream corn, 24lbs of steamed broccoli (yes they like broccoli it was all gone at the end) 20lbs of shredded cheese, 16lbs of sour cream, 5lbs bacon bits and 5lbs chopped green onions. Served with 10lbs of green salad, 3lbs celery and carrots and 4lbs cherry tomatoes. Dessert Costco pies 8 apple and 15 pumpkin with very little leftovers.
Our first day took us an hour south to Martinsville we served about 85.
The missionaries were great helping set up tables, putting cloths napkins and utensils on.
Next day we were back to Fishers at the stake center where the mission office is. This was the biggest group 98. Sweet sisters popped in before conference to see where they could help.
These cute Sisters who are sisters worked on the broccoli.
They let the Sisters go first each time.
Thursday Last day of zone conferences. We traveled north an hour to Kokomo. We served 76. By then we had learned how to speed things up!
We took foil wrappings off before serving and Elder Davis became the ninja of cutting and buttered potatoes faster than the speed of light.😂
GRATEFUL for our Senior missionaries who stepped in to help serve!
All were well fed with food a plenty❣️What was Elder Davis doing before cutting potatoes you ask?
He and his crew Elder Nelson over housing and Elder Bigalow the medical Dr were inspecting cars!
Elder Davis….During these conferences I inspect the missionary vehicles for any body damage, and cleanliness. I had about 25 cars to inspect each of the days. I also made sure to top off all of the fluids. Of the 75 cars I inspected about 6 were pretty dirty.
I am working on a system to motivate the Elders and Sisters to keep the vehicles clean. I could reprimand them but I do not think that is the Saviors way. I want to inspire them to want to keep the cars clean as it is a reflection of where they are in their dedication as a missionary.
I find that we all need to improve. And we can as we dedicate our lives to Him. Watching after the vehicles is time consuming but I enjoy the process.
The previous Vehicle Coordinator was so organized and structured, he was a great teacher, and I am working on streamlining the processes he developed using the computer. I don’ t need to reinvent anything as Elder Rowley had the whole process running efficiently. So I am taking his processes and automating them. Between the phone calls and questions all day long it is a busy but fun time serving in this capacity.
I do miss my family and friends back home but I trust the Lord to look after each of you while Sister Davis and I serve in the great state of Indiana.
Skittles❣️ Elder & Sister Davis 
