Spiritual Feast

We are lucky to be having a spiritual feast here in the mission field.  Every week seems to bring some wonderful opportunities to feel the spirit and know that we are blessed to be serving this mission.  I just think back on the prior few days and we had some great experiences.  Last Friday we were scheduled with many things to do including an opportunity to get together with some of the senior missionaries for dinner.  Sister McGuire (I never know whether to call her Diana  or this, so I just go with whatever I'm thinking) got a call from Sister Moreno asking if she could play the piano for a baptism.  The baptism was set at 6 pm and our dinner was set for 5 pm, but we would need to get to the baptism by 5:45 to allow time for prelude.  We decided to send our dessert and some Christmas gifts with our neighbors to the dinner and allow us to go to the baptism.  It was such a great decision!  The person getting baptized was Dana Sanchez, the wife of a previously inactive member.  She had taken the lessons and during this time he had been re-activated and had received the Melchizedek Priesthood.  He was able to baptize her and then confirm her.  But the really spiritual moment was when Dana bore her testimony at the end of the meeting.  She humbly bore testimony to the truthfulness of the gospel and the Book of Mormon.  This young lady who works at the city library and is working on a masters degree in Library Science, loves to read and she had taken the challenge to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and her prayers had been answered.  Unfortunately at home we rarely get the opportunity to really see convert baptisms like this - and it is a wonderful experience.  Speaking with her husband after the service, he said that his re-activation was due to Dana and her search.  So we not only had a new convert, but one of the Savior's lost sheep came back to the fold.  Nowhere else would we have witnessed this and been so fed.

Then last Sunday we went to the YSA 1st Ward for their meetings and found out that Larry Chu had received his mission call and was going to open it after the meeting block.  Larry is one of our favorites.  He was baptized in April before we arrived.  His story is amazing.  He had done some work for some members while working with a construction company owned by another member.  He was given a Book of Mormon, but set it aside for a while.  Some months later he found the book and began to read it again.  He received the lessons from Elders Stecklein and McChesney and accepted everything.  They told us he was the only one they taught who did everything they asked and even read more than they had suggested.  He is a truly amazing young man!  When we arrived, we got to know him well and found him doing everything he could to learn more.  He started coming to our Pearl of Great Price class and I could see him taking copious notes.  He never missed a lesson once he started and went to the Wednesday night class as well.  We referred to him as a sponge.  About a month ago he told us that he was going to submit papers to go on a mission.  He is just under the age limit and he wanted to make sure he got them submitted on time.  The Stake President pushed the submission button on December 8 and by the 11th it was assigned.  A large crowd of people gathered as he opened his call - Washington DC South Mission with a date of May 11 to arrive at the MTC.  This young man is going on a mission just a year after he was baptized!  He will be a phenomenal missionary - so intelligent and yet so spiritual.  We will have the privilege of teaching him the Temple Preparation lessons and can't wait.  We are blessed to know him.




Then just this past Monday we had the Mission Christmas Devotional.  Sister McGuire was asked to play the organ for it and accompany a couple of the musical selections.  Boy was she nervous!  Too long away from playing it and the nerves were certainly there.  All the missionaries in the mission came together for this meeting and what a wonderful thing it was to see these fine men and women who are devoting themselves to the teaching of the gospel.  The music was great as were the spirit and the messages of President and Sister Schmitt.  It can't replace being with our wonderful family, but it is a good substitute.

Having told these three experiences, it is clear that had we not come on this mission we would have missed many opportunities to feel the spirit in such magnitude.  These experiences build our testimonies and we are better for having witnessed them.  It reminds us how important it is for couples to take the opportunity to serve a mission.  That feeling is not presented in a singular event, but multiple times as we serve.  So as we will miss our wonderful family at this Christmas season, we are grateful and blessed to be here in San Diego serving others.

Almost Christmas!

So how is Christmas in the Mission Field?  It's very different, much more of a focus on the Savior and His birth and atonement.  We have more opportunities to share and feel that message.  As hard as it is to be away from family, I would not trade this for anything.

We have been busy.  When I last wrote, I included a picture of myself practicing the organ,  That took up a bit of my time.  We tried to get over to the church about 3 times a week for practice.  I have been so grateful for the opportunity to include music in my missionary Christmas experience.  For me, Christmas is music!

We have things every day that we are doing.  I'm so grateful for the variety of things - we feel needed and valuable here.  When I last wrote, it was the last day of class on campus, so we had our last Forum luncheon that day.  That evening, we went to dinner with our group of CES/YSA senior missionaries - Barlows, Scotts, Monks, Perry's, and Reilly's.  What great people - they have so much to offer the Young Single Adults here, and give so much of themselves in the process.

On Friday, we attended the Ward Party for the YSA 1st Ward.  Had to have our picture taken in the photo booth.  Great ward, and great company!

Silly!

Saturday, we were able to do something that Christmas wouldn't be complete without.  Shopping!

This is Flat Stanley's and Elder McGuire's reaction to that!

How much did that cost?

Sunday night, after our meetings, we were able to do tree decorating with all of the beautiful decorations that my children sent us!  So fun, such a perfect tree!

Nothing prettier than children's decorations!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 14-16, we offered breakfast at the Institute from 7:00 am to 11:00 am.  Monday was waffles, Tuesday was omelets made to order, and Wednesday was cinnamon rolls.  It meant an EARLY morning, but it was lots of fun!  I've included a picture of Bro. Mackay and his omelet station. Also me cooking waffles, along with Flat Stanleys,

Waffles!

Place your order!

Wednesday, Dec. 16 was Transfer Meeting.  We love to go to those - any chance to listen to President Schmitt is wonderful.  He's a tremendous man! We lost one of our favorite Elders, Elder Baloaloa.  He was transferred back to a Filipino area where he will be speaking Tagalog.  Elder Kunz is our new Elder in the 2nd Ward.  He seems very enthusiastic and will do a great job!

Elders McCloy and Baloaloa

Thursday was spent in the Institute kitchen, making Christmas treats.  I feel so fortunate to have access to such a large and well equipped kitchen.  My apartment is so tiny, and the gas stove makes it feel like I have a bonfire in it.  Elder McGuire is always right by my side, doing the dishes, chopping up nuts, etc. What a blessing!

Pecan Bars, Christmas Popcorn, Rolo Pretzel Treats

On Friday, we had Zone Meeting.  Elder McCloy and Kunz conducted it.  As usual, we love associating with the young missionaries and feeling of their spirit.  Saturday, December 19, the Senior Missionaries who live in our little complex (RV Resort) held a cookie decorating event for the children who live there.  It was VERY successful!  Many kids came, and acted like this was the most exciting thing they had done in a long time!  Some had parents with them, some did not.  Elder McGuire set up our TV and had church Christmas videos playing.  We were so pleased to be able to bring some Christmas joy into the lives of these kids who may be living a "marginal" life in an RV.  I think we will try repeating it for other holidays, maybe next time inviting the missionaries who work with the family ward in our area to come.

Christmas cookies!

I've learned one thing about missionary work.  It is what you make it to be!  .There are opportunities all around to serve, you have to just dive in.  We enjoy volunteering to do things, coming up with ways to support, fellowship, and share our talents. One thing we've enjoyed is the Church's Christmas campaign with the pass along cards.  I even gave one to the girl who waits on us at the nearby McDonald's.  So many of the new converts are people that were contacted while waiting for the bus, etc.  We just never know whose heart has been prepared by the Lord.  Elder McGuire is posting the story of Larry Chu, who was baptized last April and now has a mission call.  We had the opportunity last night to invite the AP's and one of their investigators to dinner.  What a wonderful young man, newly arrived from India but searching for a church when the Elders found him.  Nothing is as fun as seeing and associating with the new converts and feeling the fire of the gospel light in them. Because I play the piano, we often get asked to help with the music at baptisms.  Friday night we had that opportunity, and watched a newly reactivated young man baptize and confirm his wife.  So much joy!

Monday was one of the best days we've had here.  It was our Missionary Christmas Devotional - the only day in the year when all of the missionaries get together.  I played the organ for prelude, postlude, and several musical numbers.  We heard messages from the Mission President and his wife. Brunch followed.  It was a very spiritual and fulfilling day.  We were able to deliver Christmas gifts to so many of the people we have learned to love.  

That evening was the Ward Party for the YSA 2nd Ward.  We had a lot of fun watching the kids perform Christmas Karaoke, visiting with investigators, and watching the Nativity Video.

So for Christmas this year, we will do a Christmas Eve dinner here at the Institute for the missionaries we work with and any investigators they wish to invite.  Christmas morning we will take the Missionary Devotional Program to the Marine Base for the new recruits (early morning - we'll do it at 8:00 am).  (Everyone says it's a great experience.) Then we'll have brunch with members of the YSA 1st Ward (at a bishopric members home), and dinner with members of the YSA 2nd Ward (at the bishop's home).  We are so grateful for our relationship with these great men who care so much for the Youth here.

At this time, I want to bear my testimony that we have a Savior that lives.  He was born in humble circumstances, devoted His life to serving the will of the Father, and through His atoning sacrifice, we may all return once again to live with Him and our Father.  I want nothing more in this world for myself and those I love.  But I have learned while on this mission that there are many more in this world that need this message and have hearts that are being prepared for it.  We need to proclaim it from the rooftops!  I love my Savior!

 

Thanksgiving, etc.

What a great Thanksgiving we had!! Kristina and her family came on Wednesday and stayed through the following Monday.  We had so much fun together.  Kristina helped me prepared a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the Institute building.  We invited missionaries that had nowhere to go, and told the Ward Mission leaders and Bishops to invite anyone in their wards that didn't have a dinner place.  We ended up with around 20 people.  My sweet grandchildren back home had made decorations for me, so we were able to have home-colored pictures for our tables.  Of course the Institute has lots of things to do, so we were able to spend time playing and visiting.  Kris' kids made friends with the missionaries, and had fun talking and playing with them.

Jacob, Emma, Peter, Elders McCloy and Baloaloa

The following day we went to Legoland.  Of course Peter is Lego-crazy (even makes his own lego-building videos), so it was lots of fun.  Here's a selfie picture of me, Kris, and Emma. (And I'm not getting any better at taking selfies!)  We went to the zoo on Saturday - always a favorite with the kids.  I had to post the Panda picture I took.

Can you tell we're related? 

Just chillin'

My favorite day was Sunday.  Kris and family went to the YSA 2nd Ward with us, and then stayed for their Linger Longer.  Pete worked right by the side of the missionaries, helping them set up tables, etc.  He LOVED it!  Says he wants to "FaceTime" them.  (Unfortunately, that's not allowed!)

Later that day, we visited the Mormon Battalion.  It's such a great place and so much fun for the kids!

Monday Nov. 30, Elder McGuire and I drove to Disneyland and spent the day with his brother, Jim, and their family.  It was really nice to see everyone.  The family is growing!  We stayed the night, then had to be back to the Institute by 9:30 for a music practice.  Class was Tuesday night, as usual.

We attended an Indoor Soccer Game with the YSA 2nd Ward on Thursday, Dec. 3.  Elder McGuire and I were really into it, as you can see by the picture!  Boy, they have some serious soccer players here!

Friday, Dec. 4, we attended the temple again (such a privilege to have that opportunity here!)  Sunday, we attended church at the YSA 1st Ward, then watched the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional at the Institute Building with the YSA 2nd Ward.

Monday night was our Senior Missionary FHE Christmas Dinner.  Good food and great people!  

On Monday, we received 3 Flat Stanley's in the mail from Julianne's triplets.  So, Flat Stanley's have been accompanying us with our various activities.  They've been to music practices, teaching class, and even hitching piggy back rides back to our apartment.

Helping teach class Tuesday Night

Hunter's Flat Stanley

We've been busy this week with apartment inspections for the Elders.  I made some homemade raspberry jam to take to each of the apartments with me - they love it!  On Wednesday, I had to practice the organ - they asked me to play it for the music/musical numbers at our Missionary Devotional on Dec. 21 (and it's been about 5 years since I even touched it!)

Flat Stanley's and me at the organ

The big news is that Elder Whitney L. Clayton is visiting our mission this week.  He's here today, Friday morning, and Saturday afternoon.  We couldn't take today off to attend meetings since we had the Forum Luncheon, but will be going Friday and Saturday.  It should be great! (And yes, I've been asked to play the prelude music for it!)  Again, keep up your piano practice!

It's been busy.  We're going to head back to our apartment now so we can go to the laundromat before dinner.  Dinner is at Marie Callendar's with the CES Senior Missionaries.  We are a wild and crazy bunch here!

Christmas is Coming!

Here we are just about two weeks away from Christmas.  It will be very different to be away from family - and you know how big family is with us.  But sometimes it is good to change things up; it makes you appreciate what you already have.
The semester is over here as of today.  It is our last forum lunch today and all that is left is to prepare breakfast next Monday-Wednesday.  Then we are basically off until late January.  That should give us a good amount of time to get ahead on lesson preparation.  It may even allow us to focus a little more on the Christmas season.  That would be nice.
We have Elder Clayton coming to the mission today through Saturday and it will be nice to listen and learn.  We will be present on Friday morning and Saturday afternoon, as he has to go to Tijuana Friday afternoon and Saturday morning to participate in the dedication of their temple.
The last few weeks have included a visit by Kristina and family for Thanksgiving.  It was nice to have family for that holiday.  We had a great time with them.  Pete had a wonderful time with our missionaries - he impressed them as much as they impressed him!  He wants to Facetime them, but we had to break it to him that it won't happen because of mission rules.  One thing is sure, Pete will be a great missionary - the kid has no fear.  Then again, I wonder if fear comes to us more as we age when we become concerned with our status with others.  Whatever is the case, we must overcome that fear as we participate in missionary work.  Faith overcomes fear.
Speaking of family visiting, we are finally through with Legoland for the time being.  It is great to watch our young grandchildren enjoy the things there, but for us old folks it can get old.  It will be good to have a break. The zoo was fun again - I don't know that I can become tired of going there, it is always entertaining.

Even Jacob enjoyed Legoland!

We were also able to run up to Disneyland for a day and have some time with my brother Jim and his family.  It was fun to talk with all of them and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Disneyland.

It was a quick trip though as we had to get back to San Diego by 9:30 the next morning - and you know Southern California traffic.  Well, maybe you don't but it is crazy busy sometimes. 
On the mission front, we continue to totally enjoy the YSAs and their many activities.  From Hungry, Hungry Hippo to indoor soccer they are an active bunch.

While the young missionaries get right into it, we seniors understand our limitations.  The body doesn't work like it used to.  We are still helping in fellowshipping efforts with investigators as well as recent converts.  That is a joy in and of itself.
Even though we will have about a month break there will be a lot to do around the Institute.  We need to give it somewhat of a facelift and organize things a bit better.  We hope to spend the time making sure that we are ready to roll as school resumes. 
As I think about Christmas and this blessed season, I am grateful for our Savior.  He truly did what we could not do for ourselves.  Without Him life would be worthless, but with Him it is priceless.  As a father I can sense the desire of having your children progress and be a part of your life.  Our Heavenly Father's greatest desire is for our salvation and exaltation.  Without the sinless sacrifice of His eldest son it would not be available to us.  What a wonderful blessing to be members of His church and have the ordinances necessary for exaltation.  At this season we wish you all the happiest and merriest of Christmas'.

Is it only a month from Christmas Eve?

I can always tell when we've been busy - the blog writing gets pushed down the list of "to do's".  So here we are, needing to catch up.

I last posted on Nov. 8.  The risk of that is forgetting everything we've been busy doing, and needing to rely on my calendar, which isn't very complete!  Monday, Nov. 9, we had Zone Meeting again, which is always a great experience.  The true "missionary experiences" regarding teaching the gospel and working with the new converts are my favorite thing here.  My dear, dear friend, Jeannine Leeman, came to see me that day, too. We were able to show her and Earl around the Institute, then have lunch in a little taco shop near here.  SO NICE!  Good friends feel so valuable here, I miss them tremendously and appreciate being remembered and visited!

One of my favorite friends - Jeannine Leeman!!

On Tuesday, we had class like normal.  Wednesday was Transfer Meeting - we all held our breath to see where the missionaries we work with would be next.  Elders McCloy and Baloaloa were left together and in the YSA 2nd Ward.  Elder Stecklein was transferred back into the field, and Elder Hansen got a new partner, Elder McNaughten, as the new AP.  So excited to get to know him better. We love these missionaries so much (probably more than we should!)  And of course, Thursday was our Forum Luncheon - made Hawaiian Haystacks.

Friday, Nov. 13, we went to the temple.  I had a family name that I was able to take - what a privilege!  We ordered a little Christmas tree for our apartment, and set it up on Saturday, Nov. 14.  As you can see, it's rather bare.  Of course, none of our decorations are here with us, so Christmas decor will be a little less flashy this year. I'm hoping some grandchildren will make ornaments for me!  Couldn't be a prettier Christmas tree than that!

Sunday was busy (as usual).  In the YSA 2nd Ward, the men sang at Sacrament Meeting. I played the piano for them, and Elder McGuire sang (even though you can't see him in the picture - he's standing behind some of the tall guys!)  Both wards had their Thanksgiving dinners after church, so we attended the one at the end of the day (YSA 1st Ward).  Made my famous Southern Pecan Sweet Potatoes.  Larry Chu (a recent convert) loved them so much, he took the pan back to his table and scraped it clean!  Ha!

What a handsome group - sounded good!

Lei being silly, and Larry enjoying the yams!

Sunday night, we were in charge of a fireside sponsored by the YSA 2nd Ward.  We invited other YSA wards in the area, and it was very well attended!  Brother Mackay spoke about "Why Family?" Very good insight for these youth who need to understand the doctrine better rather than be preached to about "dating".

Monday, Nov. 16, for FHE our ward had a barbecue, then attended the SDSU Women's Basketball Game so they could watch one of their ward members, Lexy Thorderson, play.  Yes, Winona Thorderson is her great-grandma - it's a small world!  We were able to meet and visit with her parents.

My selfie skills aren't improving any!

Tuesday, we had class again.  Love to teach.  We're excited because we've worked out the schedule for next semester with Bro. Mackay and we will be teaching during the day on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, along with a night class on Tuesday night.  We love studying the material, planning out the lesson together, and the actual teaching process.  Perfect mission for us! On Wednesday, we came home to a surprise delivery - a box from home with darling Thanksgiving pictures and decorations from Julianne and Nat's kids.  Made our day!

Thursday I made Ham and Cheese Sliders for Forum.  It keeps growing, served 36 that day.  That's exactly what we want - get the kids over to the Institute to feel the spirit of good friends and good food, along with the real Spirit.  The 19th was Leila's birthday, so we were able to FaceTime and watch her open her gift from us.  We're so grateful to be able to do that.  These kids are growing up so fast I can't believe it!

Friday, we both got haircuts.  Then, at 3:00 we headed up to the Ward Campout.  It was a 2 hour drive to the middle of the desert!  It was at a hot springs.  They had asked me if I would do the Fireside, so we stayed until after that, then drove home.  (Just not up to sleeping on the cold, hard ground!)  We loved spending time with the kids though.  Lupe rode up and home with us because she couldn't stay the night either.

Set to brave the cold!

Bishop Goff with Elder McGuire

 Saturday, we attended an Ultimate Frisbee tournament that Megan Blair was playing in (another ward member).  Looked like a lot of fun!  Then that night, we attended a baptism for Kevin Avina (a new convert in the YSA 1st Ward.)  They asked me to play the piano for it - a skill which I use ALL OF THE TIME!  Grandchildren - keep practicing!!  It's great to be able to contribute that skill on your mission!

Next week, I'll post about Thanksgiving!  So excited, Kristina and family are coming. We're having dinner here at the Institute, and inviting some of the missionaries and investigators to come.

Here Comes Thanksgiving!

Well here we are two days from Thanksgiving and both Diana and I are wondering why it has been so long since we wrote on this blog.  I like to think that we are so busy that there is no time for blogging.  While we are busy, it doesn't take that much time to sit down and write something.
One of the highlights of our mission comes every six weeks when we go to the transfer meeting.  we get to see which missionaries have been moved around; feel bad for those in our area that move, but look forward to getting to know the new ones.  Elder Stecklein, an AP, was moved back to training a new missionary on the 11th.  We have enjoyed having him be a part of our area working with the YSA 1st Ward, but it is good for the APs to move back into the field before returning home.  He'll have until the first of February to close out his mission.  We were able to see him again on Sunday as he came back to see one of the people he had taught, Kevin Avina, get baptized.  It is nice that he was close enough to do that. 
It is great to watch these young missionaries take to heart the challenges their Mission President gives them.  I have gotten to appreciate President Schmitt and his wife over the few months we have been here.  He has a great missionary spirit and drive.  He challenged the missionaries to conquer their fear with the power of faith and then they fasted to increase their teaching pool.  Today he announced that the effort had increased investigators with baptismal dates from 121 to 210.  We are hearing wonderful stories about the increase that many missionaries are having.
Even here at the Institute we see some of the fruits of this push.  Last Thursday at our forum where we feed all who come lunch we had a young black women come with a friend.  She vowed to return and said she was looking for a church.  Hopefully it will be more than just lip service.  Then yesterday a young lady came into the Institute saying she wanted someone to "pray with".  She had been having some medical complications and her very good friend at home was a Mormon.  She had received a blessing some time ago for an accident she received at a Stake dance and so she came here looking for spiritual help.  Brother Mackay and I administered to her and invited her to come back for forum.  Again, the hope is that she will do so as she said she would. 
We just love working with the YSAs!  There is so much good there and so much progress to see in them.  However, one of the challenges is holding onto them and trying to bring many back.  We are focusing on identifying those who are active in the wards, but are not coming to Institute.  I firmly believe that if they are engaged in Institute it helps create a stronger member.  We have seen increased excitement about the Institute and hope that it will continue through next semester.  This semester is so close to being over; we only have three lessons to teach in our night class and then it is a month off of teaching.  It will give us time to prepare for next semester when our class load will be doubled. 
We had some fun times this last couple of weeks.  We went to support Lexy Thorderson (yes Winona's great-granddaughter) at her SDSU women's basketball game.  It was great to see about 20 of our youth from the ward go over to cheer her on.  Diana and I also went over to see Megan Blair compete with the SDSU ultimate frisby club team play.   That was fun to watch and Megan sent us a text thanking us for coming over.  It is important to support our students in their activities and what is more pleasing is that it is fun!

Lexy (22) showing her defense skills

Two of our YSAs enjoying themselves at Lexy's game

Megan catching a long pass

We also had a great fireside with Brother Mackay speaking to the YSAs about the importance of the doctrine of the family.  The purpose was to encourage them to get out and date, but they are tired of being hit over the head with that.  So Brother Mackay approached it from the doctrine that the family is the necessary eternal unit that enables us to progress to become like God.  It was very good.  We had a full house at the Institute of about 50 YSAs from all over the San Diego area.  The Bishop of the YSA 2nd Ward wants to continue to have firesides and has asked us to continue to arrange them, so we will be doing that. 
It's fun to watch these YSAs in their FHEs.  They have a great time together, whether it is playing hungry, hungry hippo, learning how to cook from Sister McGuire or just playing games, they enjoy being together.  Last Friday night we went on a campout with 2nd Ward to Agua Caliente camp ground.  It's not like going up in the mountains - it's going out into the dessert.  They had a great time, and Diana gave the fireside on her medical trials.  It was a great spiritual time.  And, no, we didn't stay overnight.  These old bones don't like sleeping on the hard ground (they have enough trouble in a soft bed). 
We love our assignment.  We miss our family and friends.  But we know that we are doing what the Lord wants us to do.  We will continue to work hard and will probably see you back home at the first of February when two grandchildren will be born.  (It's good to be a Sr. Missionary!).

Sunday Evening!

The last time I blogged was October 27, so I'll bring you up to date a little from my perspective. The day after my post, 6 Elders spent the afternoon helping us clean the Institute (for their service hours.) Our Institute building was built in the 60's, and looks like it was decorated in the 70's.  Our Institute Director gave us total control over de-junking the place.  So, all we tackled was the game room and the Elders cleaned top to bottom, throwing out a ton of old stuff, organizing the games, cleaning refrigerators, and even the pool table.  It was a lot of fun.

This is what happens when you leave your phone sitting around when Elders are present!  Elders Baloaloa and King

The next day was Forum Lunch.  I made spaghetti and bread sticks.  Two of the Elders were at the Institute, teaching one of their new converts, and when they asked if they could help, I put them to work rolling out, twisting, and baking bread sticks!  They made 72 for us (which were all eaten!) Lots of fun!

Elder McCloy, Baloaloa, Richard Lopez, and Elder McGuire

Working Hard!

The Senior Missionaries like to have fun together!  On Friday night, Oct. 30, we went to dinner with the Thompson's and Perry's.  Saturday, we went with 4 other couples out to Imperial Valley.  Fun day - very tiring and very interesting!  The Senior Missionaries who serve there do a wonderful job in rather difficult circumstances.  It's right next to the border, so very few speak English.  Plus, the lowest point in the US is there - about 180 feet below sea level - so it is about 115 degrees in the summer.  There are miles and miles and miles of fields, every vegetable you can imagine.  I can't imagine having to "work the fields" there, but many migrant workers do!

The Barlow's, Perry's, us, Reilly's and Monk's

Elder McGuire taking pictures of Mexico through the fence!

Monday was our Senior Missionary FHE.  The Temple President and wife spoke to us, President and Sister Jergenson.  Besides other activities, this week we did 5 apartment checks on Elder's apartments.  We love to do that, because we LOVE the Elders!  We made Salsa Chicken and Chocolate Chip Cookies for Forum Lunch (they ate every drop!)  Then, Friday night, we held a Tailgate Party before the Soccer Game.  We really enjoy going to those games and watching our LDS players.

Saturday night we went to our first wedding reception for two of the YSA's here.  THAT'S what it's all about!

Jacob and AnaKaren Clark

This coming week is Transfer Meeting.  We expect that some of the missionaries we have been privileged to work with will be transferred out of our area.  We will miss them!  We love those we work with.  We are strengthened by their dedication and love of the people they work with.  But I know we will love the new Elders, missionaries are such special people!

November Already?

Well we pass four months on our mission soon and the time seems to go by fast.  It was great having family over the past couple of weeks, but it requires some good organization to get all the work done.  Now we are back in the normal routine and there is still a lot to do. 
We sat down last week and planned out the next semester for teaching at the Institute.  This semester we are teaching one evening class and helping out when Brother Mackay needs it.  He has been teaching several courses in an attempt to get to know the YSAs, but he has realized that he can't do all of his duties and teach so much.  As a result he has asked us to teach an additional four classes a week next semester.  It will be fun to increase that teaching load, but will cause us to have a lot more preparation. 
This past Saturday we went with the other YSA/CES senior missionaries to the "Valley", which is the Imperial Valley where two of our senior missionaries are assigned.  We all climbed into a rented van and made the 100 minute journey to  the Valley and then spent the next five hours traveling around.  Let me tell you, an 8 passenger van with bench seats is not comfortable for that period of time.  I think we had more old, tired backs than you can imagine by the time we got home later that night.  But it was an interesting time visiting an area where it was the lowest spot in North America (183 feet below sea level) to a unique place called salvation mountain (more apt hill).  The creator seemed to think that creating an art piece on a mountain about Christ would bring more people to Him.  Right next to Salvation Mountain is Slab City, a place where people bring their trailers, motor  homes, etc., and park mainly for the winter.  They have no utilities and it doesn't cost to stay there, but the outskirts of the "city" looks like a dump.  The saddest part was seeing two children playing in the dirt next to an old school bus that was being used to "house" a family. 

Salvation Mountain

Slab City

183 below sea level

And then there was the border.  A wall exists and there are Border Patrol cars within sight of each other.  Nonetheless they apprehend 30 illegals climbing the fence on each shift. 

Along the wall with a Border Patrol vehicle 

Looking into Mexico

It was a fun time, but I am glad that I wasn't there during the summer months when temperatures reach 120 degrees.  It was only 90 the day we went there.
These YSAs have a lot of activities.  Church on Sunday, FHE on Monday, sports night on Thursday and then the weekends often have dances or other activities.  Where we are involved with two wards, it would be easy to overload with their activities.  We have to be selective and also realize that our calling is Institute centered and anything sponsored by that must take precedence.  So this Friday we have a tailgate for the soccer game.  That means that we prepare hot dogs and nachos for as many as come and then get to go watch two of our LDS students play for SDSU.  That is fun!  So missionary work is not always boring. 
Well I am sure that Diana will have better information to ad to the blog so I will end here.  I just close by saying that it is a privilege to serve a mission and to be dedicating this small portion of my life to the Lord. 

Time to Blog Again!

Wow!  I looked at when I last blogged, and it was Oct. 3!  So much has happened since then, and we have been incredibly busy.

We had a very pleasant Conference weekend.  Such a delight to be able to sit and listen, focusing on the messages with new eyes.  Sunday afternoon, we took a little drive down to Lake Murray and walked around, enjoying the view and the peace.

The next night, for the Senior Missionary Family Home Evening, we had a Halloween Bash.  For a bunch of old people, we had a lot of fun!!  

Feeling "Incredible"!

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday that week, we did our usual "stuff" - taught class, met with the LDSSA officers, fed missionaries, prepared the Forum Luncheon, and did a music practice with Elder McCloy to tryout for the Mission President's Fireside.

The following week, Billy and his family came to visit.  They were here for a week, so we tried to free up as much time as possible to do things with them.  San Diego has so much to do - they went to the beach, Sea World, the Zoo, and Legoland.  We went to Sea World and Legoland with them.  So fun to see all of those cute kids!

And guess who we ran into at Sea World!  So fun to see familiar faces!  We love you, Danny and Connie!

Danny and Connie Porter

Saturday, Julianne and her family came to visit.  So we had 4 days that the family overlapped and were able to do things together.  We continued to juggle our Missionary duties.  Monday we covered 3 different classes for the Institute Director since he was out of town.  (Boy, we both love teaching!)

The kids were able to spend some time together, even when we couldn't be with them.

Kids "panning for gold at the Mormon Battalion (notice Grandpa helping!) 

Kids together at the beach

Billy flew home on Tuesday, and Julianne stayed until Saturday.  So we had 10 days of fun with Grandkids while we did our best to keep up with our work.  One of the best things we did was take them all with us to church at the YSA 2nd Ward.  We filled 2 rows, and certainly made it noisier than usual!  I was so happy that they got a chance to meet some of these amazing kids that we work with.

How they celebrate Halloween here!

We were able to go to the Zoo, Sea World, and Legoland with Julianne and her kids.  Ellie called our apartment "Nana's Little House", and we spent time just hanging out there, too.  They even attended a Tailgate Party that we had at the Institute Friday night.

At the zoo

But now we're back to full-time work.  Attended 7 hours of church on Sunday.  Wow, I love these kids.  I had no idea how much my testimony would grow by seeing how the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes their lives.  We love serving them and relish our time here.  Last night, we did a cooking class for FHE for the YSA 2nd Ward - so much fun!  Taught them 3 ingredient cooking:  Apples with fruit dip, French Bread Pizza, and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies.

I've been thinking this past month about what in my life was the most important "skill set" that has prepared me for this mission.  Basically - everything!  Being a Mom (loving and nurturing these Young Adults), being a wife (working in conjunction with Priesthood authority), my job (teaching, quantity cooking, curriculum development, etc.), my church callings (reaching out to individuals, organizing activities, leadership).  My role here is so varied, but it feels like I have been preparing for it my whole life.  

I appreciate everyone's support.  Believe me, we feel the prayers.  I never knew I could work day and night like this, and still feel energized by bedtime.  Having family here has made me appreciate the sacrifice they are making to have us here.  I know they love their Grandparents, and miss them a lot. To remember why we are here, I bought a saying that I put up on our wall in our apartment:  Missionary - a person who leaves their family for a short time so that others can be with their families forever.