Christmas in Port Hueneme

We just relaxed, talked and skyped with family, watched a couple movies, fixed a nice dinner, spiffed up the place, and I even got caught up on my blog!  Merry Christmas to us! 

Sparkling cider from The Blues, hotpad and cookie dough from Castros,

gingerbread man hotpad from Elder Evans' parents, tile from kids,

Cold Stone gift cards from Brenda

Thanks, kids, for the bathroom tile!  We can't wait to see it in nine months!  This is a project we've talked of doing for years now -- and now it will be done.  Nice!

I meant to take a picture of dinner -- turkey breast, potatoes and gravy, corn, and salad.  We also enjoyed the sparkling cider The Blues gave us for Christmas!  Yum!

 

Thanks to friends and family for keeping in touch, even though we didn't do a very good job of that this year

Unfortunately Randy now has "the crud."  He has gotten some much needed extra rest today.  Surely hope he feels better tomorrow.  I am still recovering too.  ~~  We are excited for the arrival of Mauri, Gary, and kids tomorrow.  Can't wait to love on those kids!   Also unfortunately, Mauri is not well.  Hope she travels okay and feels better -- and that no one else gets this!!!  (Randy is sneezing and blowing nose as I type :(

Christmas Eve at The Hooke's

We were invited to our bishop's house on Christmas Eve.  Evidently every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve since the Hookes children have grown and gone (mostly), they invite those in the ward and neighborhood to come spend time with them.  They provide a meal.  And wonderful music.  I had no idea just how musical their family is.  Bishop plays violin, his son was on guitar.  I understand Sister Hooke also plays violin (or was is cello?) - she also plays the piano, and two of their daughters also play strings. 

They are wonderful people who share their friendship, time, talents, humble home, and food with many.  We enjoyed our evening there!  They welcomed us warmly into the ward, and then after a few short weeks, Brother Hooke became Bishop Hooke.  Lori is in the Relief Society presidency, and just very sweet. 

Sabina, Sister Wilcox, The Hooke's daughter and granddaughter,

Sister Vulloy

Elders Cary, Rapier, Brodie, VanTassell

 

Lori and Bishop

Michele Burkow, Bishop Hooke, Bishop's son

Beautiful Sabbath

We enjoyed a very nice Christmas program Sunday.  Our dear choir director, Dawn Neal, put together a great wonderful tribute to our Savior through word and song.  She recruited reinforcements -- her daughters play strings professionally, and three of them came Sunday to enhance our music, as well as in-laws and grandchildren who sang in the choir.  It turned out quite nice, actually.  Dawn's grandson sang "I Wonder as I Wander" - as beautifully as I've every heard it!  The narration and readings that went with the music were also the best I think I've ever heard. I asked if I could get a copy, and Sister Neal said she would get one to me.  The two violinists and the cellist added SO MUCH to the music, as did a "borrowed-from-another-ward" accompanist.  ~~  I learned that Sister Neal is 85 years young - she has a lot of enthusiasm, professionalism, class, humor, and optimism, all rolled into one.  The ward is lucky to have her! 

Then Sister Neal taught the lesson in Relief Society.  She is a natural teacher.  It was on Elder Oaks' conference talk, "Protect The Children," and she wove music throughout.  It was wonderful, meaningful, and portrayed beautifully with music (her daughters again sharing their talents).  I was honored to open the meeting by singing "Gesu Bambino," accompanied by the wonderful pianist and cellist.  Even with my cold, it turned out pretty good :) 

I wish I could have recorded this beautiful lesson.  It was so uplifting.  I came away Sunday filled with the Spirit, and the Spirit of Christmas!  What a wonderful day!

Christmas Devotionals

The Christmas Devotionals were special days.  The missionaries love it.  It is one of the very few days they get to relax, visit, enjoy the spirit, and get mail :)  Each devotional was wonderful.  We watched Bible video clips as well as other special church-produced Christmas music/video clips.  Each zone sang a Christmas carol for the rest, then special musical numbers from the missionaries was presented.  It was so fun to see the talent among the missionaries!  Some was very good -- all was enjoyable.  The morning was spent like that, and the Spirit of Christmas was very tangible.  Then we had pizza brought in each day and served it with veggies and dip, cookies, and ice water.  The afternoon began with testimonies from Elder and Sister Blue, who will soon end their mission.  Missionaries serving from foreign countries were invited to share Christmas traditions from their countries.  A competitive game of "Name That Tune" came next.  The missionaries had a lot of fun with this!  (I got to play the first few notes of each song :)  Two times, a very lucky team got the song in only one note!  Very lucky guesses indeed!  Elder Brodie, our AP wearing an Emcee hat, made this so fun.  A few missionaries were then invited to share with everyone what they thought was the most meaningful gift they ever gave.  We heard some touching stories.  President Castro ended by giving each a gift of a writing tablet, three envelopes, a pen (and a couple pieces of candy).  We were invited to write three letters -- really put some thought into it and give of ourselves to three individuals, make it a matter of prayer -- letters of testimony or gratitude or encouragement.  Then the missionaries gathered their mail -- lingered and visited and took pictures and just enjoyed.  We made sure things were cleaned up, then headed back to the office to take care of that day's mail. 

Following are a bunch of random pictures. 

Lunch with three Bakersfield zones

Elder Foy, Elder Harmer, President Castro

 

NOT a good picture of the Blues, but I wanted to show the

pizza boxes - 35+ pizzas

Elder and Sister Harmer, Sister and Elder Blue

The Harmers are leadership and member support missionaries.

They live/serve in Bakersfield, are from Meridian, Idaho, and are

a very lovely couple.

With Sister Tagaloa (Samoa) and Sister Wilkinson

 

Elder Gigena and Elder Thomas

Elder Walker (new) with Elder Henshaw

Elder Henshaw is our bike repairman.

He is being trained to install Tiwis into our new cars.

Sister Romero and Sister Baker

Sister Lillywhite, Sister Lupashko (Ukraine)

Sister Cooper and Sister Kiyotani (Japan)

Sister Foster and Sister Romero

 

Sister Wright and Sister Anderson

Name That Tune Competition

Sister Bartschi and I are both graduates of Bear Lake High School

Sisters Hunter, Bartschi, Baliar (Philippines), Putnam,

Sister Castro and Hannah

Christmas Mail

Each day of Zone Conferences (December 10-14) we took the FedEx, UPS, and Parcel Post packages to the conference.  At the completion of the car inspections, we would place the packages in the trunks of the missionaries' cars. From that point on, we did not forward packages, because on December 20, 21 and 22, we held Christmas Devotionals. On those days, we loaded the truck with packages, put them in rooms (one room for each zone), and they collected them at the close of the devotional.

 

These were long days for us, because each day we went back to the office to sort through the mail delivery of that particular day.  We'd mail out the cards and letters and sort the packages by zone for next day or future delivery. 

 

Here was our mail delivery on Monday, December 17th.

There were over 60 packages.

 

Our hallway, December 19, the day before Christmas Devotionals.

All of these packages were taken to the missionaries at the devoationals on December 20, 21, and 22.

Of course, each day, more were delivered by our postal carrier.

Also December 19.

December 24th mail delivery.  I didn't get another hallway picture this day, but it was filled up again.  All the packages as well as cards and letters were taken to the zone leaders, who saw to it that each missionary got his/her mail.  Merry Christmas, Elders and Sisters!

I wish I'd gotten a picture of us sorting the cards and letters.  We made 11 piles on the floor (one for each zone), read off the name of the missionary, checked our list, and put the card or letter in the proper pile. 

Zone Conferences

December 10-14 we zone conferences throughout the mission.  These are the only pictures I took.  We were at the stake center in Newbury Park.  It was such a pretty fall day. 

 

 

It's Christmas Time

What a crazy whirlwind week!  It has been fun, spiritually uplifting, touching, and exhausting!  The Blues had told us how great the Christmas Devotionals were, and now we know for ourselves. We travelled to Bakersfield Thursday, Camarillo Friday, and Santa Barbara Saturday for the devotionals.  I have pictures and will post them and write more about this later - perhaps on Christmas Day, when I may have a little spare time :)

Kim got her car back.  The Belisles have helped her again by providing a place to stay, fixing a flat tire, and filling her car with gas.  She has gone to spend some time with an older daughter, but will be returning on Christmas Eve.  Not sure where she will spend Christmas.  The Blues gave us gifts to give to the children. 

Have I recently said how much we love The Blues?  They are sweet, Christ-like people who quietly and thoughtfully serve others. 

It's Sunday morning.  Much singing to be done today.  I managed to get a nasty cold and have been trying to sing through it this week. 

Tomorrow we will deliver all remaining packages and mail to the missionaries -- we'll split up and deliver to the zone leaders who will dispense to the missionaries. 

Good News

A little over a week ago we attended the baptism of Billy.  It was a sweet meeting!  Billy is a big man who looks a little rough (tattoos on the back of his shaved head, neck, arms), but is really so soft spoken and sweet.  He and Shannon, a less active member now returning to activity, were married a week or so before his baptism - a necessary requirement as they had been living together.  Liam is their sweet little baby boy.  They both have older children.  Billy received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday.  And Thursday night he is going to baptize two of his (or maybe her) older kids.  (I am still putting their family together.)  But they have been solid in their church attendance.  And one of Billy's best friends is also now attending church and taking the discussions.

I love our missionaries!

I also love the diverse and caring ward we attend! It is filled with many lovely and interesting people.

This evening we are taking Mike Espinoza out for dinner.  It is his birthday.  Mike is a convert of about two years.  He is in his 40s -- a very quiet man who has struggled with mental health issues most of his life.  He lives in a world where reality, fantasy, science fiction, and theology are all mixed together.  He lives in a home for disabled people and shares a tiny room with someone.  Meals are provided.  He never misses church and passes the sacrament every week.  He blessed the sacrament a couple of weeks in a row and then expressed that he was not comfortable doing that, so he is back to passing.  Yesterday in Gospel Essentials class, we learned that Mike just finished reading the Bible.  Next he says he will again read the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.  Elder Mecham has really befriended Mike and Mike is pleased with the attention.  He is happy and sweet. 

Update on Kim

Kim did not move into the Belisle's after all.  She is being allowed to stay where she is for another week, until school lets out for Christmas vacation.  Evidently the thing that precipitated the trouble there was the Christmas card we gave her Saturday containing a little cash we gave her to help her get Christmas for her kids. Someone saw the cash and demanded to know what we had given her.  Her reply was the food I had brought.  They ended up getting very hostile, calling her a liar, and telling her she had to be out in the morning.  Sunday morning she was told she could stay for another week.

We took her, Damian and Audrina to church.  Ashlyn was sick.  Actually, Kim is sick and probably should not have gone.  She is planning to go to the ER today after the kids are in school and get some treatment for her bronchitis.

Also on Saturday, Sister Beem, the Relief Society president, took Kim some milk and a little cash.  She learned that Kim had been walking the kids to the bus stop (quite a distance) and even right to school one day (a very long walk) -- this in her flip flops -- so Sunday she brought a pair of tennis shoes and some socks for Kim. 

Church was so good. Hard to focus with a one-year-old, though :)  And I know it was difficult for Kim not feeling well - and Audrina is a mama's girl.  Sigh. One cute thing - Audrina decided during Relief Society that she could walk -- hadn't done it yet at all -- stood up not holding on to anything and started toddling.  She is a doll!  One day I will get pictures of this family  -  would have today, but Ashlyn wasn't with them. 

On the way home from church Kim asked us to stop at the grocery store.  She bought a roasted chicken and some mashed potatoes and gravy to take home for dinner.  Seems they are eking out an existence meal to meal, day to day, even hour to hour.

What a Week!

Our wonderful AP, Elder Prete, went home yesterday!  He has been an AP since we arrived in April (he received that assignment in March).  It will be strange to not have him greet us Monday morning when we go to the office and the APs are there emailing their families.  We love him and know he will be a great asset wherever he goes.  He is such a good leader!  So hard-working, selfless, respectful, and sweet.  When we visited with him Friday, he said it certainly didn't seem real - and - he was scared to death. 

And what a way to "bow out" - the day after a week of Zone Conferences.  Zone conferences in December - whew!  We survived it :)  However, we are still in the recovery process.  Knowing we would be gone all week and that the mail would be heavy, we arranged to have Elder Edwards (our senior volunteer who does our baptism entries) or the zone leaders in the office in the mornings to receive the mail delivery.  However, no one could be there on into the afternoon - FedEx and UPS deliver off and on all day. So it has been, well, interesting getting packages from them. And yet, all four of us (The Blues and us) are needed at zone conferences.  And we love going!  We have quite the system in place to get the car inspections done and even have some fun doing it!  Elder Mecham and Elder Blue did workshops in the afternoon this go-around (we normally travel back to the office after lunch) --  three 20-minute sessions (each the same) with different groups of missionaries -- Elder Mecham covered information regarding phones, utilities, and apartments, and Elder Blue covered vehicles and bikes.  So we were later than normal getting back to the office.  Which meant we stayed late sorting and getting mail out. Randy and I even went in on Saturday for a while.  I'm really not complaining. I'd much rather be busy than not have anything to do, that's for sure! 

I love the spirit at zone conferences!  The President and APs work so hard preparing for it, and the spirit is palpable. The missionaries love seeing each other and being taught. 

One of my favorite moments is when, to say thanks to the sisters who prepare and serve the luncheons, the missionaries all stand, put on their suit jackets, and sing "Called to Serve."  It is special!  I have to concentrate on singing with the missionaries (I am one, after all) and disassociate somewhat from that event, or I would just stand there and weep.  It touches me deeply every time! 

Saturday I took a full meal to Kim.  When we went into the little apartment where she and the kids are staying, it was rather dark.  We counted at least five or six adults and at least five kids.  Not a great atmosphere - you could not only see that but feel it as well.  Late last night we got a call form Chase Belisle.  They had received a call from Kim and are going to take her family back in with them beginning this morning.  (He called to inform us, because we are picking Kim and fam up for church today.)  She cannot stay with the Belisles very long - not allowed, for one thing. Who knows what happened at "the room" where she was.  She told us yesterday that she had received their IDs and that she was on the list at a couple of transitional houses.  I hope she will be able to get in to one of those places very soon and establish some sense of stability and normality for those children.  What a huge mess!  My heart aches for them.  I love Kim and she has many great qualities, but unfortunately, on top of some very bad luck, she lacks some common sense and needed skills.  I know some of the transitional houses offer help in those areas too.  I still think if she can get settled temporally, she will readily receive the gospel.  I just think it's hard for her to focus on that when she is so unsettled in every other aspect of her life.  ~~  I gave Kim a copy of the article in December's Ensign, "Leaving Adversity Behind."  I know it's possible, and we pray that she will have the strength to do it and be blessed in the process! 

When it Rains it Pours

Zone Leader Council day - Tuesday, December 4

7:30 a.m. -  I get a call from Kim, who is sobbing. She asks if we can take her kids to school.  Which starts at 8.  Yes, we can, but we won't get there for a while, as we are not ready for the day yet.  Randy is making Grandpa Soup.  I am putting on make-up and clothes :) 

We pick up Kim and her three kids at 8:30 in Ventura and take the kids to school, which is across town.  Kim is pretty much a basket case.  We are wondering what is going on, as I had spoken with her late afternoon on Monday.  We learn (after she takes the kids into school) that after I had talked with her Monday, she went out to get some food (I believe) and ran into the daughter of Mike (the friend whose place she and the kids are currently staying with - not Mikey, the boyfriend).  The girl had been sleeping in her car and had just awakened.  She and Kim had a conversation -- Kim asked her if she was hungry.  Yes, she was.  Kim made a very bad choice -- she let this girl take her state card. This is different than her food-stamp card, I think.  She gets $600 month on this state card and gets it around the first of the month.  Well, Kim gave this girl her card to get some food.  The girl promised to bring it over to the apartment.  She never showed up.  The girl talked to Mike's roommate at some point that night and apologized for not bringing it over and promised to do so.  But she never did. When Kim called Monday morning to check on her balance, $500 of her $600 had been taken off at an ATM.  Mike was irate with Kim and told her she never should have given [his daughter] the card, and now he was screwed!  (Kim was planning on using some of the money to help out with bills at the apartment.)  She was beside herself -- how is she going to get through the month and get Christmas for the kids?

After we took the kids to school, we took Kim to Human Services, where they took the steps to issue her another card - with the remaining $100 - to last the rest of the month.  I took Randy to the mission office, then went back and picked up Kim at Human Services, then dropped her and the baby off at another friend's place.  Kim told me she'd call, but never did.  I was able to get the number of her friend from Mike and finally spoke to her on Saturday.  We had previously invited her to the ward Christmas party -- the kids could see Santa and they would get a good, decent meal.  She told me Saturday afternoon that there was no way she could go.  She and the kids had been sleeping on the floor at her friend's (who was in the process of moving).  She hadn't showered for four days - they were all dirty and didn't have clean clothes.  So they didn't go to the ward party. 

I learned that boyfriend Mike is in jail -- picked up for car theft -- Kim's car!  Not sure exactly what the situation is there, but Kim has no car, no car seat, so getting the kids to school is so hard -- bus fare is expensive.  Mike has had the car since this whole mess began.  He claims he doesn't have it and doesn't know where it is (but trust me, he does).

Sunday

We were planning to pick Kim and the kids up for church today.  She called - again sobbing - she didn't have clean clothes, her children were being disobedient and causing problems, she was at her very wit's end.  I only understood half of what she was saying, she was so upset.  We had already borrowed a car seat for the baby and were on our way to get them, so we just went on over.  She is now in a room at an apartment with the friend who moved and her nine-year old son.  The woman who is renting will allow Kim to stay and pay the first of the month when she gets money again.  Kim is stressed to the max and falling apart.  I am worried about her.  We left some ham, potatoes, and rolls -- leftovers from the ward party. We took Ashlyn and Damien to church with us, but Kim and Audrina did not go.  When we took the kids back after Primary, Kim was not there but had gone shopping for some groceries (so said her friend.) This apartment is not in the most desirable part of town, but at least it's a step to . . .  somewhere. 

This all breaks my heart, and I wish there was more we could do to help.  The church has helped her quite a lot already. ~~  No wonder the kids are acting up -- they have no stability at all.  Kim says she feels like she is being punished.  She said, "My life isn't supposed to be like this."  and "I just want to walk out the door."  and "I can't take it any more."  Yes, I am worried about her.  With zone conferences this week, we will be so busy we won't be able to be in contact much.

Oh, and Mike - the so-called friend she stayed with for a couple of weeks, took her note pad where she had the kids SSNs, contact phone numbers, her car's license plate number, and other important stuff -- ripped out those pages.  She needs all that information and he isn't giving it.

I think it's pouring for Kim right now.

Office Seniors :)

Haha!  As if . . .

These two do tons for the missionaries!

Sunday

It's December - I LOVE this time of year!  We thoroughly enjoyed the First Presidency Christmas Devotional this evening - SO good!  Does anyone else think the Tabernacle Choir just keeps getting better?  Beautiful music!  Then we watched "Silent Night" online on BYUTV.  Then my beautiful mother and I skyped - LOVE her!  We always have such a nice visit.

Yes, tis the season for Christmas music.  I've been asked to sing next week in Oxnard 2nd Ward (where we used to attend), so I went to a practice for that this morning.  This week I'll go to an extra Ventura 1st Ward choir practice on Tuesday -- we are singing at the ward party on Saturday. 

The bishop read a letter from our stake president in sacrament meeting today.  We learned that we will have an apostle and a member of the seventy at our stake conference in January.  Maybe we are getting a new stake president - although that was not announced.  They didn't say who was coming, in case schedules get changed and that apostle may not be able to come after all.  Exciting! 

Shawntele stayed for Relief Society today!  Hurray!  And she liked it (I knew she would :)  Did I mention that she was promised that if she would attend all three of the Sunday meetings, she would be able to quit smoking?  She looked so pretty today - I posted her picture on my previous segment.  Love her!  She also committed to attend a baptism being held Thursday night.  This particular baptism is coming shortly after a wedding -- which had to take place first!  The wedding was rather small and private, but I think they will get a big turnout for the baptism.  I LOVE this ward and all the missionary work that goes on in it -- there are so many converts in this ward, and there are investigators at church every week. It is awesome! 

Oh, and the Los Angeles Temple president and his wife, President and Sister Huff, were at our meeting today.  They are a sweet couple. 

It was such a great meeting today, and I was wishing Kim was there to hear the special testimonies that were born.  We were planning to pick her and her kids up again this week, but she called to say that would not be necessary -- that her friend would bring them to the last two hours of the block.  However, that never happened.  I had a voicemail after church saying that her ride never showed up.  She said she would call me tonight, but I never heard from her.  I think tomorrow we need to drop by her friend's place, where she is staying, and see how things are going for her. She is in such a rough spot.  We pray for her every day.  She and the kids are living with a friend.  Not the Belisles - another friend.  Not a very big place.  Don't know how things are going - it surely can't last much longer, her staying there.  It is hard to keep in touch because she doesn't have a phone.  She called to leave me a message on another neighbor's phone.  I wish there was more we could do to help, but this is something she is going to have to work through.  Our loving bishop and relief society president have helped her a great deal -- the next "moves" are up to her.  Tough!

I may read this in the morning and wish I'd been a little more clear-minded while I was writing :) 

Good night!

Ramblings and Pictures

It seems that transfer week is the time when I ought to write the most in this journal, because there is so much that transpires and inspires; yet it is always so busy that I often don't get things recorded as I should. Nor do I take the pictures I should :( This week has been no exception. Well, I am awake early today (Friday), so thought I would take advantage of the time.  I could kick myself because I had the chance yesterday to get some good pictures of the missionaries I will talk about below, and didn't do it.  I hope I get a chance again -- when I do, I will add them.

Elder Prete goes home two weeks from tomorrow.  He has been an Assistant since we got here.  He is an exceptional young man and missionary!  We will miss him, but we know he will continue to be exceptional in all he does!

Elder Brodie has been an AP for one transfer now.  We have been impressed with him since we first met him.  He is a "natural"  :)

This transfer, Elder Van Tassell, one of our Traveling Trainers, was made the new AP.  He is awesome. 

It is fun to watch these elders in action.  They go, go, go - then go some more!  Always with a smile.

Elders VanTassell, Brodie, Prete

Elder Rapier is now the new Traveling Trainer. He was a zone leader in Camarillo (Oxnard area) when we first arrived, and we were so impressed with him and his companion, Elder Haws. They spoke in church our first Sunday here, and both were so humble and impressive.  As we get to know these missionaries, we take special interest in them and where they go and all they do.  Of course, we love ALL the missionaries, but, as with anyone, the more you know them, the more you love them!

Elder Rapier and Elder Cary

With each new transfer, we get excited to see all the changes.  We particularly like to see who has been transferred into "our" area -- the ones that we will regularly be seeing as they come through our office on their way to District meetings, planning meetings, or on P-Day to email in the family history center or play basketball in the gym.  I love to personally hand them their mail and "make their day!"

Elder Henshaw has been a real asset to the mission.  He has been in our area for quite a while now.  Elder Henshaw has a way with bikes :)  - We think he is actually a better bike mechanic than they have at the bike shop where we have taken bikes to be fixed.  Now we just take them to Elder Henshaw.  If he needs parts, we buy the parts and he fixes the bikes.  This transfer he is training one of the brand new elders, Elder Walker. 

Well, so much for my morning walk.  It is pouring outside!  And the forecast is for rain through the weekend.  So much for a bike ride, too, I'm afraid.  I'm certain that the rain is very needed, because the hillsides (unless watered) were extremely dry.  I don't know what the rain does to the strawberries, however.  We'll see if the pickers are out in the rain when we drive to the office later this morning.  Usually, when it rains here, it mostly just mists.  Pouring right now!   Granted, that can change quickly, but it appears to be socked in for a few days.

Elder Cary and Elder Rapier invited us to meet with them and Shawntele last evening.  It was good. They promised her (which they reminded her was a promise made previously by the "original" elders that taught her) that if she would commit to attend ALL of her Sunday meetings (she is late for Sacrament meeting, attends gospel essentials, has never stayed for Relief Society) that she will be given the strength to quit smoking -- that that weakness will become a strength for her.  I'm going to again send her daily texts to encourage her and help keep her pumped up.  She easily gets down on herself.  We love Shawntele and want to see her continue to progress.

Our hearts and prayers are going out to some good friends from Pocatello, the McKees.  Bill and RaNae are two of the most Christlike people we know.  They have a very large family (ten children, I think), plus countless (well almost) foster children and adults.  I could go on and on about them.  Suffice it to say, for now, that they are wonderful people.  Currently Bill is Mission President in the Tennessee Nashville Mission.  Last week RaNae had a heart attack.  Then they discovered that her brain was bleeding and she had suffered a stroke.  She is in a coma now, and everything is in the Lord's hands.  We love them and are praying for them and their family!  I am including a link to their blog.  Their faith is amazing and truly inspiring! 

http://presidentandsistermckee.blogspot.com/

 

Fourteen Incoming!

Our new missionaries!

President asked me to take their picture and make sure they look dignified.

They did a good job, right?

Elders - Back:  Dopp, Barnett, Coronado, Walker, Louth

Front:  Elders Mancuso, Payne, and Pace

Sisters, left to right: Spittler, Romero, Stoker, Bartschi, and Lupashko

 







Solvang Elders, Etc.

We took a little trip up to Solvang today and inspected the apartment there.  This is me chatting with Elder Bate (Ogden) and Elder Jorgenson (Boise). 

Elder Mecham takes picture of all the apartments when he visits them, for the records.  He was snapping pictures all over the apartment, and it was hard to stay out of the way :)  We took these elders to lunch at a Chinese restaurant -- their choice.  It was fun to visit with them and get to know them a little better.  Their area is quite large, but it sounds like they have some great investigators -- and they recently had a baptism.

We had an enjoyable trip and saw some fall colors.  Most of the trees, however, are either evergreens or they don't change colors.  The hillsides are very dry and brown, but Solvang is one of the prettiest areas around.  Of course, I always love driving up the coast and seeing the ocean.  I keep hoping to spot some dolphins; Elder Mecham has seen some on some of his many trips to the Santa Barbara Airport and other places up the coast.  I still have time :)

Last night (Friday) we took dinner to the Traveling Elders' apartment, since they cannot come to our place, due to the fact that it is out of their assigned proselyting area.  So we hauled up to their place a crockpot of Santa Fe chicken, rice, shredded cheese, sour cream, green salad, pretzel salad, and lime pie.  They appreciated it.  And we had a fun visit with them.  I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Elder Cary and Elder Van Tassell.  They are wonderful missionaries.  They are the ones teaching both Shawntele and Kim.

Speaking of which, I'm distraught about Kim and her situation.  She is currently staying with an acquaintance and his "roommate."  She and her three kids.  She has GOT to find a place to live.  Michael, the father of Audrena, ought to be strung up!  He has her van and car seat for Audrena, and who knows what all.  Of course, we don't know the whole situation, but she is really in a mess.  Since the elders are continuing to teach her, they had the address of where she is staying now.  On top of all the mess she's in, she is still taking missionary lessons and wants to be baptized.  I felt so helpless when we visited her -- she is at her wit's end and weeps easily.  She had made a list of what she needs to do, and it seems her hands are tied to make much progress.  The kids have got to be unsettled in their little minds, being drug from place to place.  Yet they are well behaved and she is good to them.  Audrena woke up from a nap while we were visiting today.  She wanted me to hold her, and of course I love her to pieces and held her and loved on her.  She snuggled her head on my shoulder and didn't want to go back to her mom.  It's been several days since we've seen Kim and her children, yet Audrena seems to remember and like me.  It melts my heart.  I asked Kim if she needed anything, and she admitted she needed milk.  We left her with a few dollars to get some groceries.  But she has no car.  She doesn't want to impose on people.  We were actually taking her a list of job possibilities that the counselor in the bishopric had put together. Who will take care of those little kids while she works, even if she finds a job?  What a mess she is in!  We keep her and her sweet children in our prayers!  I wish we could do more to help.  We will attend the ward leadership meeting tomorrow (not sure which one it is) and see if anything more can be done. I know the ward has helped her lots already. 

Thanksgiving with The Blues

We had a very lovely dinner with Elder and Sister Blue at their little apartment.  We enjoyed ourselves very much.  As Ryan put it, we are so glad we've "found somebody we can call family" here!  We love them and enjoy serving with them.  They are a choice couple!

Fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, homemade rolls, cranberry sauce, corn,

dressing, pretzel salad, veggies, and sparkling cider.  YUM!

Everything was scrumptious!

Dessert was Sister Blue's homemade pumpkin pie and I made Dad's lime pie, which for the first time ever did not turn out. Even after four hours in the freezer, it wasn't even lime pudding.  It was more like lime soup.  :(   I bought a can of sweetened condensed "creamer" at a Pacific Islands market, and evidently it is different than the regular sweetened condensed milk.  Sweeter and runnier.  Sigh.  We ate it anyway.