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'.