Neil Waite

In 1994, I was hired to teach mathematics at Northwest College. My wife Sarah, our 2-year-old daughter Rebecca and I began a new adventure in the community of Powell. We came here, not knowing much about this area or the people who call the Big Horn Basin home.

In the almost 30 years since coming to Powell, other children have joined our family and Powell has become our home. It has been a wonderful place to raise our family. I have met so many good people in this community. One thing that I have observed, over and over again, is that one group, school or church does not have a monopoly on the good people in this community. I have had the privilege of associating with so many good people here in Powell. These good people have belonged to many different churches or no church at all. I am so grateful for the many kind people who live in this community. I have learned much from many of you.

I constantly see examples of folks doing good things. Here are just of few of the many examples:

People who use their time and talents to promote and support fundraisers for people with health or other challenges. The Powell Tribune is constantly carrying stories about the heroic efforts of these folks.

Wonderful and dedicated teachers and youth leaders who have blessed the lives of our children in school and in church.

Coaches, advisers, scoutmasters and instructors, many of whom are volunteers, have blessed the lives of our family working with our children in athletics, scouting, robotics, music, drama, clogging, etc… 

Wonderful community activities such as the Thanksgiving Dinner at the fairgrounds and collecting food for Loaves and Fishes. Who can forget Sally Montoya and her angels who performed so many heroic efforts in our community?

It can be easy to get discouraged when we focus on the problems in our world. When this happens, I encourage you to take a few minutes to look around you and “count your blessings.” When we recognize the efforts of the many good people who live around us, we can’t help but have our spirits buoyed.

Better yet, if you are feeling down, go out and serve someone yourself. There is no better medicine when you are feeling down. You don’t have to wait for someone to ask you. Look around you, find someone who is in need or having a hard day, and do something about it!

In conclusion, two scriptures from our savior Jesus Christ summarize what I am trying to say,

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

“Behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things … Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.” (Doctrine & Covenants 58:26-27)

I am grateful for the good people who live in this community. I take off my hat to those who do so many good things in our community, and I say thank you! I have been encouraged and taught by the kind and wise words and service of so many of you. This is a wonderful community! It indeed takes a village to raise a family.

(Neil Waite is 2nd Ward Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Powell.)