McGuire Mission: Missionary Work (and Play)

Since I last posted, missionary life has just proceeded as usual. We had a busy Sunday, attending the YSA 1st Ward Meetings, the Linger Longer, the CES Fireside Broadcast, and a dessert afterwards. On Monday, after spending time at the Institute prepping for Tuesday's class, we both had doctor's checkups, then fixed dinner for the missionaries. After dinner, we attended the YSA 2nd Ward's FHE - a movie and ice cream sundae night here at the Institute building. This is actually the YSA 2nd Ward's church building, with a chapel, library, and offices upstairs. So, many of their ward activities are held here. We always feel needed and appreciated, because we often end up providing the "adult supervision", setting things up, finding the supplies, etc. (Yes, I know they're technically adults - but all of you reading this know how 18-31 year olds are!)

Tuesday night we had class. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we usually come over to the Institute Building early, then take an afternoon break and come back at 4:00 so the Institute Director and the secretary can leave. Class is always fun. We've learned so much by teaching the Pearl of Great Price.

Wednesday mornings we shop for the food for the Forum Luncheon the next day. We also do some food prep and baking so the next day isn't quite so crazy. Wednesday is the day we meet with our LDSSA Officers to plan our future activities. Thursday is our Luncheon Day, so we are busy cooking and cleaning until that is over. We've had great attendance, though, and some of the kids are bringing in friends so they can be introduced to the church and the Institute.

Friday morning, we took some time off (since the temple was closed), and took a harbor cruise. It was beautiful!

Just Chillin'

The Happy Couple!

Yikes! A day at sea certainly does wonders for my hair!

That night, we set up a tailgate party for the Institute prior to the Soccer game. It was fun - grilled hotdogs, made nachos and homemade lemonade, then walked a few blocks to the Soccer Stadium. We have 2 LDS players on the team, so it made a big cheering squad for them! Next month, we plan to do the same thing for a Football game.

Quite a Souz Chef!

Just Mingling!

Sunday was another baptism. Wow, I have never seen or experienced anything like this! Watching the conversion process and the excitement that comes from baptism is just amazing. And the enthusiasm that makes them want to bring in others keeps the work going. We have another baptism scheduled for this Saturday, and that investigator is bringing in more friends. They have needed me to play the piano for the baptisms, so that is one way I serve. Saturday I also practiced a song with Elder McCloy to sing at Sacrament Meeting on Sunday. I play the piano for the YSA 1st Ward Sacrament Meeting and Relief Society. That is something I had no idea I would be doing, but it's something they need, and I'm happy I can do that to serve them.

Monday was a really fun FHE. One of the young men attending the YSA 2nd Ward is stationed on a submarine here. So, we were able to have a tour of the sub. That's something I would never have been able to see or do were we not here, and it was fascinating.