P-day at the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair

Our mission P-day is now on Wednesday for a couple of different reasons, and despite the fact that our time is more under our control and we can take p-day when we want, it still has been a bit of an adjustment to having it on Wednesdays now instead of Mondays.  We don't always do things with the missionaries on P-days because I think they can use time without "seasoned missionaries" but we do try to do fun things with them a couple of times a month and to stop in at the Church with treats or whatever.  When we do, I see the value of one on one conversations that happen when they are relaxed and know that it is good for us to be with them in a variety of settings.  I hope that we are doing good for them.

And fun at the fair on $1 a day seemed like the right thing to do!  I am actually not a "fair" person, but it was a fun time seeing the animals, watching the people and hanging with the missionaries.  And Jena loved doing the bumper cars with the young missionaries.

Carnival rides and games.....

The animals

Jena is so blessed by her friendships with these sweet young missionaries.

Sister Wassmer and Sister Burnside
Jena, Sister Madden and Sister Moesinger

A Python picture for James (and Scott)

Bumper cars with the missionaries

We were happy to go inside to watch the dog show.  Pirate themed in case you couldn't tell.

Here is most of the zone....at the fake campground photo spot...

It was HOT so we headed home about 2:30....

but they kept playing......

They all were a bit red and sunburned after spending the day in the sun without a break. but they were rested and happy and learned a bit more about the farm animals of Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Final shot going out of the fair was the "Cow Wash"  getting ready for the show later on.

And that is a quick look at the fair in Ft. Smith, much like you would see anywhere else in the western United States.  I talked to a few of the volunteers and you can tell their love for the animals and their knowledge about them as well.  It is a different lifestyle than I have lived, but it is nice to have a glimpse at it from time to time.  I certainly appreciate those workers who bring food to our stores for us to eat!