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.